Gertrude’s is the new restaurant (opened in January) at the Desert Botanical Garden and in addition to offering an expansive array of carefully chosen local ingredients, killer ambiance and a distinctive wine and spirits list, the restaurant also keeps it’s own garden to complete the farm-to-table experience. It’s safe to…
Approximately $75 will get you quite a bit of wine this spring in the Phoenix area. If you’re willing to plunk down the funds, there are three unique wine events coming just as warmer weather rolls in. Whether you’re looking for something large with a “scene” or a more intimate…
We love shopping locally, but let’s face it: There are times when you find yourself in a national chain shopping for wine. It’s overwhelming to take in aisles and aisles of choices and it seems there’s always a sale going on. Here are five tips to help you come home…
For $250 a person, you’re probably wondering what is in store at the First Press Wine Auction on February 16 at the Montelucia Resort. If the 5-course dinner and paired wines sound predictable you should know that you’ll also get to preview distinctive wines and live auction lots and silent…
We had an extended cold snap here in Phoenix and after that we got pummeled with rain. Chances are, your yard looks like a 5-day-old salad bar. Gary Brown from Sun Belt Landscaping has been a landscape designer in Arizona for 35 years and agreed to let us in on…
If the thought of dessert wine brings up memories of pre-legal hangovers or cooking sherry, it’s time to give dessert wines another chance. Dessert wines can be a sophisticated addition to any menu. We interviewed Matthew Weston, sommelier and beverage manager for the Royal Palms resort for some insight on…
Cowboy Ciao is spicing up your Wednesday, and possibly getting you tipsy, with a twist on their “sommelier showdown.” This time the showdown event is “Sadie Hawkins” style with ladies preparing the main course and pairing them with wines. And instead of waiting to be asked on a date to…
It’s always time for wine, but a new year means it’s time for something new. Restaurants around the Valley often update their wine lists to reflect menu changes, a new culinary influence or simply a change to what is available seasonally. Changes might go unnoticed, so we wanted to suggest…
Eric Flatt, co owner of Tonto Bar & Grill and Cartwright’s restaurants in Cave Creek, not only sources from ranchers, he’s also an avid and accomplished hunter himself. Flatt grew up on a small ranch in Colorado and started fishing and hunting as a child. “It’s knowing where your meal…
2013 brings a wide array of wine related feasts, but you’ve got to a love a wine dinner that features Frog’s Leap Winery, a special guest speaker, caviar and Twinkies, yep — Twinkies! (Well, a pastry chef’s approximation, anyway.) The Wigwam’s four-course wine dinner on January 25th is affordable and…
You might think running and fine food and wine don’t mix. You think “runners” typically survive on power bars and coconut water, right? Well, apparently the owners of FnB, Charleen Badman and Pavle Milic, are both active (if you follow Milic on social media you know all about his running…
It is a new year, and for many that means resolutions. Recommended resolution for this year: Grow your own food. Yes, it can be done. You don’t have to be a bicycle-riding, Prius-driving, urban goat owner to grow your own food. You too can grow food and Instagram great-looking garden…
It is a new year, and for many that means time for new resolutions. Recommended resolution for this year: Do some yoga. It’s a bit easier of a “workout” routine than joining something intense like cross fit or training for a marathon, and if you’re already into intense exercising, yoga…
We sent our own Vine Geek, Kate Crowley, over to Virginia Senior’s new wine bar last night, to check out the grand opening party — as well as the food, wine and cocktail scene. Here’s what she drank thought. Restaurant: Tertio, a wine bar inside Urban Beans Location: 3508 N…
Feel like popping some bubbly? (Hot tub not included.) There’s no better excuse than New Year’s eve to enjoy bubbles, but keep in mind not all Champagnes are created equal. In fact, some white bubbles are not even technically Champagne, they’re sparkling wine. You don’t have to be a sophisticated…
Feeling thrifty? Good, because this week we explore wines under $6-$7. You know, the ones no one really boasts about buying….but admit it, you do. These bottles cost less than an entire glass of wine a nice wine bar, so you pick one up at the grocer’s in hopes you’ll…
A winter garden is just one of the joys of living in Phoenix. We suffer through 110 degree summers in order to brag about our mild winters, if you can even call them winters. This also means we have a long season for things like carrots, lettuces and squash. But…
What? Not done with your holiday shopping? Yeah, neither are we. But we’ve been making lists — and checking them twice — and we’ve got some suggestions for the nice people on your list. Today, Chow Bella’s Gift Guide for the wine lover. See also: – Chow Bella’s Gift Guide…
Thinking of starting 2013 with a wine club membership for yourself or as a gift for a fellow wine lover? Afraid of commitment? Looking for special access to members only wines? Discounts? Today, we compare some online and local options, all of which have free membership. See also: – Shit…
What? Not done with your holiday shopping? Yeah, neither are we. But we’ve been making lists — and checking them twice — and we’ve got some suggestions for the nice people on your list. Today, Chow Bella’s Gift Guide for the home gardener. Raised bed garden kit, $159 and irrigation,…
It’s that time of year. The holidays. And though it’s tempting to wake up early the morning of a holiday party to bake, we recommend making these freezable recipes now, for easy baking later — and a chance to sleep in. These aren’t your typical sugar cookie recipes; these will…
If your resolution to eat healthier this year came early, or if you’re interested in supporting local farms, now is the time to join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture gives you a convenient, direct way to get food from farms, typically in the form of weekly “shares.” It allows you…
