Tracy Dempsey

What to Expect at the 2012 Cupcake Love-In: Sixteen Bakers, Hundreds of Cupcakes, and One Giant Sugar Rush, Natch

With the holidays right around the corner (seriously, Target's running Christmas commercials already), we can expect to consume our fair share of sugary goodies. And what better way to start than with the 2012 Cupcake Love-In. Established in 2010 by sugar mavens Kelly Garcia of Butter & Me and Trac ... More >>

Meet-and-Greet (and Booze with) Favorite Local Chefs at Dine Out with The Chefs This Weekend

The world of food doesn't get more boozy and schmoozy than Dine Out With the Chefs and if your social calendar is looking a little bare the good news is the once a year event is just around the corner. From 3 to 5 p.m. this Sunday, September 7, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will become a ... More >>

8: Bob McClendon

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

14: Josh Hebert

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

15: Jim Cerreta Sr.

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

16: Bernie Kantak

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

17: Bryan Dooley

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

21: Peter DeRuvo

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

24: Jeff Zimmerman

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

26: Korina Adkins

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

28: Clint Spotleson

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

31: Tim Wilson

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

33: Victoria Chavez

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

34: Pamela Hamilton

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Bernie Kantak Explains What's Good about Food Network and How Josh Hebert Inadvertently Changed His Life

See also: Lifting the Wine-List Veil at Citizen Public House This is part two of my interview with Bernie Kantak, chef and co-owner of Citizen Public House. If you missed part one, read it here. The great thing about being a chef is: I get to throw a party every night! The tough thing about bein ... More >>

41: Michael Perry

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

43: Wendell Crow

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

45: Marco Bianco

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

48: Lisa Reinhardt

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

54: Dave Andrea

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

55: Farah Khalid

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

63: Audrey Lasalle

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

68: Cindy Gentry

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Porkopolis Joins Two Other New Barbecue Spots in Chandler

When a new spot opens in town, we can't wait to check it out -- and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that have just opened, sampling a few item ... More >>

78: Eugenia Theodosopolous

Recently inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame as "Pastry Chef Extraordinaire," Eugenia Theodosopolous traces her culinary roots to her time studying and working at the Ecole Lenotre in Paris. At Essence Bakery Café in Tempe, Chef/owner Eugenia offers high-quality organic local food and P ... More >>

87: DJ Fernandes

From now 'til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers -- Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you'll know; for others, it'll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you're here, check out our 100 Creat ... More >>

Seven Don't-Miss Wine & Farm (& Tequila!) Dinners in Metro Phoenix

Whether you're looking for the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or just want an excuse to enjoy a decadent and delicious night out, there's a dinner this spring for everyone, including wine lovers, tequila aficionados, and fans of farm fresh ingredients. Some dinners are on weekdays, oth ... More >>

10 Favorite Desserts in Phoenix

Oftentimes, a meal out of the house isn't complete without dessert - not just any dessert, but one that's so good you'll never forget it, one that will make guest appearances in your dreams for the rest of your life. To help satisfy your sweet tooth, we're offering up our 10 of our favorite desserts ... More >>

Mark Tarbell, Tracy Dempsey, and Matt Taylor Help Kick Off Winter Chef Series at Phoenix Public Market

Welcoming in the winter season, a new line-up of Valley chefs and taste makers has been set to host Phoenix Public Market's Winter Chef Series, two-hour demonstrations and cooking classes featuring a variety of memorable meals and culinary personalities. Mark Tarbell, chef and owner of Tarbell's, t ... More >>

Crave Ice Cream's Shannon Dufresne Closes Up Shop, Will Launch Artisan Food Blog and Cooking Classes (Think Jamie Oliver)

The cardiovascular system of the Valley's locally-produced food world recently experienced an increase in heart rate when Shannon Dufresne, owner of Crave Artisan Ice Cream, announced she was calling it quits. "My decision is by choice, not circumstance," Dufresne tells me. "After three years of on ... More >>

Tracy Dempsey, Jen Anderson of Windsor, Aaron Chamberlain of St. Francis, and More to Hold Cooking Classes at Phoenix Public Market

​Learning how to prepare fresh ingredients with chef Aaron Chamberlain of St. Francis? Tastings with chef Jen Anderson of Windsor? Recipes from the Queen of Sweet, Tracy Dempsey? This summer is gonna be face-time fabulous thanks to the Summer Chef Series at the Phoenix Public Market. From 2 t ... More >>

"Dine Out with the Chefs" Event Adds Bernie Kantak, Charlene Badman, and Aaron May

Bernie Kantak of Citizen Public House will be on hand at this year's event.​The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is stepping up its game this year for its sixth annual, "Dine Out With the Chefs," one of the Valley's most exclusive culinary events where guests get to mingle with local ... More >>

Bernie Kantak's Citizen Public House Is Your New Favorite Restaurant

Summer Guide: Ice Cream

Tammie Coe, Fairytale Brownies and Goody Twos Toffee for Valentine's Day

If there's anything good about Valentine's Day, it's that it gives us an excuse to stuff our faces with chocolates, candies and other heart-shaped confections.     Whether you're looking for a sweet gift or plan on drowning your relationship sorrows in sugar, the following are some of ... More >>

Chef Bernie Kantak's Citizen Public House Opens in Old Town on Saturday

Chef Bernie Kantak is back in action with a new gastropub.​After keeping a low profile since he left his longtime chef position at Cowboy Ciao in 2009 -- with the exception of his solo appearance at last spring's Devoured Culinary Classic -- this weekend Bernie Kantak returns to Old Town Scot ... More >>

2010 Redux: Best Food Battles

All photos by Wynter Holden except #3 by Jonathan McNamara.​As we bid farewell to the year and look ahead to 2011, for the next two weeks Chow Bella contributors will bring you some greatest hits from 2010. We've already highlighted Carol Blonder's most memorable food-related books. Today, ... More >>

Pat Christofolo's The House at Secret Garden Makes You Feel at Home

The Cupcake Love-In Cupcake Eating Contest

​The average person's stomach can hold about a liter of food, or close to two pounds' worth. But who wants to be average? All over town, restaurants are offering up contests of confection, defying brave eaters to ingest more food than they should eat in a week -- daily recommended values be d ... More >>

Chow Bella Presents Caramelpalooza at Smeeks

​What's tastier than a sweet, chewy, stick-to-your-dental-work caramel? A big ol' pile of 'em! Thus (drumroll, please) Chow Bella is pleased to announce our inaugural live Battle of the Dishes event: Caramelpalooza at Smeeks candy store, Friday, March 26 at 7 pm. We're taking this seriousl ... More >>

Tracy Dempsey Desserts Debut in This Week's Meal Ticket

​What's pastry chef Tracy Dempsey been up to since she left Digestif? Find out what desserts she's whipping up at her new gig in Old Town Scottsdale in this week's Meal Ticket dining newsletter. We'll also have the scoop on two local Irish restaurants that offer more than just  ... More >>

New Stealthy Table Covert Dinners Roll Into Phoenix

The La Vida truck's hiding a secret...​At the Scottsdale Old Town Farmers' Market this weekend, we caught up with Joe Garcia of La Vida Locavore and got the inside scoop on a new "covert culinary dinner" project called Stealthy Table. Basically, it's like the food versio ... More >>

St. Francis, Crudo Cafe Expand Service

​Do you ever get a midday craving for a restaurant that's only open evenings? Or a nighttime urge to eat at a favorite lunch spot? Two new-ish local restaurants have just expanded their hours. For the past four months, chef-owner Aaron Chamberlin has been sticking to dinner-only service at ... More >>

Cold Comfort From Crave Artisan Ice Cream

​Yesterday I stopped by Lisa G for lunch and got a taste of some delicious ice cream made just a few doors down on 7th Street. Salted caramel with almonds, fresh mint with chocolate, and chocolate with cocoa nibs . . . all delish. Crave Artisan Ice Cream is now operating out of the space fo ... More >>

Lots of New Local Eateries in the Works

AZCentral's list of 20 new restaurants scheduled to open by the end of the year has suddenly been changed to 15 since the story was posted yesterday. Not hard to figure out which five are now missing -- it's the restaurants on Jackson that Bernie Kantak is planning. Should we rea ... More >>

May 28 In Blogs: Marcia Powell, The Offspring, Tracy Dempsey and More

In the 24-hour news cycle it can be difficult to keep up. We have the solution. Check back on Valley Fever every evening for highlights from each of New Times' blogs. Today's entries: Feathered Bastard: Medical Examiner Holds Marcia Powell's Remains as Fiduciary Seeks Next of Kin Up on the Sun: Th ... More >>

Next Week: Digestif Hosts Top Chef Stephanie Izard

The torturous thing about watching Bravo's Top Chef is that it tends to leave viewers with insatiable cravings for food that only exists in TV land. You watch the chefs hustle to create a dish, you cheer them on... and then, you go to bed very, very hungry. So here's your chance to actually eat ... More >>

Eye Candy from Eats3

Cowboy Ciao and Digestif host wine, beer, and absinthe dinners

West of Western Feeds Downtown