This week in Chef Chat we’ve been talking with Chef Mensur Duzic of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. A tenured veteran of fine dining spots from across the Valley to across the pond, Duzic has enjoyed his position at the hospital for nearly ten years. But does he miss his more high-class…
Yesterday we started the conversation with Chef Mensur Duzic of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Today, we continue. Duzic, a classically trained chef who worked for more than a decade in fine dining, is putting the “hospital” in hospitality by bringing his cuisine to an unexpected arena: a hospital cafeteria…
“Cafeteria” is to “lunch lady” as “restaurant” is to “chef.” Wrong. Enter: Chef Mezur Duzic of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Duzic, a German-trained chef originally from Yugoslavia, takes the hospital cafeteria to a whole new level with made-to-order salads and a wood-fired pizza oven. This week, we’re getting to know the…
This week in Chef Chat we’ve been chatting with Los Sombreros Chef and Owner Azucena Tovar. Tovar travels to Mexico multiple times a year to keep her finger on the pulse of the vibrant culinary scene in and around her hometown of Miguel Allende, Mexico. Using inspiration from her travels,…
You submitted nominations for awards given to the Valley’s emerging creatives and the results are in. Introducing our Big Brain 2012 Finalists. Leading up to the Big Brain Award awards announcement and celebration on April 7, Chow Bella and Jackalope Ranch will introduce the finalists. Up today: Farmer Woody When you consider the Garfield neighborhood near downtown…
Yesterday we began our talk with chef and owner of Los Sombreros in Scottsdale Azucena Tovar. An avid traveler who returns to her home country several times a year, Tovar strives to ensure her menu accurately reflects the ever-changing face of Mexican cuisine. Tovar, who grew up in central Mexico,…
Call her a chef if you want. Heck, she probably wouldn’t flinch if you called her whatever you like. But if you ask Los Sombreros owner Azucena Tovar what she’d call herself, she would likely say one of three things: a business woman, a restaurateur, or “a sommelier of food.”…
This week we talked with Lisa Even and Katie True of Our Lady of Cupcakes. Today they share their recipe for an easy-to-make peanut butter frosting. We decided we’d like to share our peanut butter frosting because it’s super versatile – small alterations can turn it into a filling or…
Yesterday we talked with Katie True and Lisa Even of Our Lady of Cupcakes. Today the conversation continues when we ask them about the cupcake market and what they see in their future. What advice would you give someone looking at becoming a small business owner? Lisa: If we would…
Cupcakes have been the golden child of the baking scene for years. They’re cute, they’re miniature, and they’re easy to love. Enter Lisa Even and Katie True of Our Lady of Cupcakes. They’re shaking up the typical cupcake facade with wicked awesome recipes such as the salted-caramel-frosted and pretzel-crusted “Pirate’s…
For the past two days we’ve been talking with Chef Christopher Wolf of Arizona Culinary Institute. He’s leading the ACI Food and Fitness Initiative in an effort to marry healthful living with the school’s culinary educational program. Wolf competes in marathons and triathlons, setting an inspiring example of what it…
What better use for an extra case of Girl Scout cookies than a Chow Bella Showdown? In years past we’ve challenged our contributors to make something delicious out of Thin Mints and Trefoils. This time: Savannah Smiles. Stay tuned for more recipes and a decision from our “judge,” web editor Eric Tsetsi. When I…
Yesterday we introduced you to Chef Christopher Wolf of Arizona Culinary Institute. For anyone who ever wished P.E. existed beyond the 8th grade, Wolf’s new idea is a dream come true. He’s started the ACI Food and Fitness Initiative, an effort to incorporate lessons on healthy living into traditional culinary…
Meet Chef Christopher Wolf, hybrid of outdoor adventurer and health-conscious culinarian. Wolf teaches at Arizona Culinary Institute and has worked in top-tier kitchens in Virginia and Las Vegas. When he’s not in either the kitchen or the classroom, you’ll probably find him outside. As an avid marathoner, tri-athlete, and cyclist,…
In preparation for this year’s Big Brain awards, we’re checking up with a few of last year’s winners. Our Big Brains today: Brian and Margita Webb Hey Joe! has certainly been keeping busy since winning Phoenix New Times’ Big Brain Award last year. With their “no roach, roach coach” turning…
This week we’ve been chatting with Chef Buzz and Bee from Buzznbeez Good Food Truck. Chef Christian Buze, grandson of Mrs. White of Mrs. White’s Golden Rule, takes soul food to the street and adds a global twist with dishes like Jamaican Jerk Chicken and the dish we’ve got today…
Yesterday, we introduced you to one of Phoenix’s newest food trucks: Buzznbeez Good Food Truck. As the latest apple to fall not-so-far from Mrs. White’s family tree, you can be sure to find down home Southern cookin’ and friendly service from this purple and yellow truck. Today, we’re back with…
If you believe culinary talent can be passed genetically, or that lineage counts for anything, you’ll be thrilled to meet the newest addition to the Mrs. White’s Golden Rule/Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles family of soul food restaurants. Along with Beatrice “Bee” Bullock, Mrs. White’s grandson Christian Buze has began his…
From now through Caramelpalooza — March 2 at Smeeks candy shop — Chow Bella will introduce you to the 17 chefs participating in the third annual caramel tasting. Today, meet Slade Grove of Slade Grove Creative Gourmet. With a commitment to “over-the-top indulgence,” Slade Grove has been making an impression…
If you thought Angelina’s right leg taking on a life – and social life, see Twitter account: @AngiesRightLeg – of its own at this year’s Oscars was bizarre enough, wait until you see what the world’s been cooking up about her better half. Let’s face it, you could put Brad…
From now through Caramelpalooza — March 2 at Smeeks candy shop — Chow Bella will introduce you to the 18 chefs participating in the third annual caramel tasting. Today, meet David Duarte of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. Duarte has been with the Hyatt for 3 ½ years where he quickly…
From now through Caramelpalooza — March 2 at Smeeks candy shop — Chow Bella will introduce you to the 17 chefs participating in the third annual caramel tasting. Today, meet Tammie Coe of Tammie Coe Cakes…
