Though one could argue that picnics and grilling are year-round activities for Phoenicians, the urge to grill is strongest in spring and summer. I don’t know about you, but outdoor feasting isn’t complete for me without a big bowl of chips. I normally circumvent the chip aisle at the grocery…
Around the bar, it seems that this season’s official cocktail is the Moscow Mule. Over the past few weeks, its popularity has skyrocketed. I’m a little surprised that people often say I make a really good one. It’s such a simple drink, anyone should be able to put together a…
The Guilty Pleasure: White hot dog, onion rings, loganberry drink Where to Get It: Ted’s Hot Dogs, McClintock and Broadway Price: About $8-$10, depending on choice of dog and drink size What It Really Costs: Charring, fat, and sugar, respectively? It’s the bad-for-you trinity! Sometimes, I don’t understand my brain…
Certain times of the year call for certain beverages. You have your Christmas egg nog, margaritas aplenty for Cinco de Drinko, and countless other excuses through the year to knock back a drink. One day that needs no excuse is, of course, April 15. The mere mention strikes dread in…
Judging by the bustling crowd at Scottsdale Stadium on Thursday evening, it’s safe to say the second annual Burger Battle at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival was quite the success. I know I had a great time. But then, when you can smell the aroma of sizzling burgers from almost a…
The fourth annual Caramelpalooza is now but a memory. It was a grand time, with more sticky sweets on display than you can imagine. My time at the event was different from most, as I was invited to judge the competition. As the contestants were arriving and setting up their…
The Guilty Pleasure: Green Chili Combo Frybread Where To Get It: The Stand The Price: $4 What It Really Costs: Tell your boss you’re taking an extended lunch. I’ve lived in the Phoenix area for most of my life. I grew up on the edge of nowhere, back when that…
Ring the bell — it’s time for Last Call, where JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. Names are a funny thing. Names get even…
The Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate Cake Shake Where To Get It: Portillo’s, Shea just east of Loop 101 The Price:$3.19 small, $3.99 large (and they mean large) What It Really Costs: Hopeless addiction. When Portillo’s opened in Scottsdale, I had quite the reminder that a) There are a lot of expatriate…
Ring the bell, it’s time for Last Call, where JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. The folks who come in to the bar lately…
There are a number of things I love about my career as a bartender. One excellent part is that when I take my work home with me, that means it’s time to try some new cocktails. A favorite source of mine is the nice folks at the Phoenix Public Library…
Ring the bell, it’s time for Last Call, in which JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. Every now and again, a movie comes along…
Almost exactly one year ago, Taco Bell all but admitted that it targets the (ahem) herbal recreation market with Doritos Locos Tacos. In case you’ve been under a rock all this time, Doritos Locos Tacos are an unholy union of processed mass-market foodstuffs: Take a Taco Bell taco shell, and…
The Guilty Pleasure: Chicken Fried Steak Where To Get It: Texaz Grill, 6003 N. 16th St. (at Bethany Home Road) Price: $12.95 What It Really Costs: So big it’s two guilty pleasures for the price of one. In restaurants, the trend is take a humble comfort food and turn it…
This week for Last Call, I’m venturing into sacred ground. To be specific, I’m sharing my favorite cocktail that involves scotch. I know, I just sent a bunch of scotch purists running for the smelling salts. For those folks, the only adornment that scotch ever needs is a couple of…
The Guilty Pleasure: The entire store. But mostly the milkshakes. Where To Get It: Bertie’s Vintage, 4041 East Thomas Road (at 40th Street) The Price: $5.25 What It Really Costs: Just went up a size from all the decadence? You’re in luck: They have swell clothes for sale, too. I…
The Guilty Pleasure: Quiche Lorraine Where To Get It: Amuse Bouche, Bell Road and Cotton Lane, Surprise The Price: $9.99 What It Really Costs: Pick your favorite. A) This ain’t diet food. B) In case you missed it the first time (unless you live in Glendale or Peoria): Bell Road…
Ring the bell, it’s time for Last Call, where JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. With both Arizona Cocktail Week and Arizona Beer Week…
The Guilty Pleasure: Dessert and Coffee Where To Get It: Compass Arizona Grill, atop the Hyatt Regency Phoenix downtown Price: $8 for dessert, $3 for coffee What It Really Costs: The only regret is that you didn’t think of it sooner. On a recent dining excursion to downtown Phoenix, I…
Ring the bell, it’s time for Last Call, where JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. New Orleans is a town with a storied past…
The Guilty Pleasure: The Wall of Soda Where to Get It: Rocket Burger & Subs, 35th Ave and Cactus Price: $1.99 (or $9.95 for a six-pack) What It Really Costs: Go ahead and schedule that dentist visit now. Everyone has their preferred bad-for-you vice. Some people can’t live without a…
Ring the bell, it’s time for Last Call, where JK Grence, bartender at Shady’s, serves up booze advice and recipes. Got a burning question for your bartender? Leave it in the comments and it might be answered in a future column. Mardi Gras is coming up quick. The fuel of…
