Payday can’t come soon enough, right? Well, we’re looking out for you. Wednesday, April 29, happens to have two different free and nearly-free events where you can get your grub on. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., carry-out customers at any Phoenix-area Domino’s pizza will get a free order of…

Seems like the whole world is pigging out. Bacon is a must-have on burgers. Sonoran hot dogs are such a hit that even The Mission is serving them. And snout-to-tail pig dinners are all the rage at places like Noca and Digestif. Now there’s even a new breakfast restaurant called Bacon,…

This new video of the famous former food critic and current Gourmet editor just gave me a good laugh — like a mid-afternoon shot of espresso. On a related note, her new book, Not Becoming My Mother, just came out last week, and I’m anxious to devour it…

Just got a hold of the menu for a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that’s in the works. It’s called Calistro California Bistro, and it’s scheduled to open the first week of August at DC Ranch Crossing, 18221 N. Pima in Scottsdale. Seasonal, organic ingredients from local and regional farms will be a focal…

In case you didn’t catch the latest comment on my original post about Gallo Blanco Cafe at the Clarendon, here’s the word from chef Doug Robson that his new Mexican joint is finally open: Thanks For the Support!We are cooking now so I Hope you can join us. We are…

Matt and Erenia Pool plan to open a still-unnamed central Phoenix coffee shop, presumably to tide their fans over between a salami scramble at Matt’s Big Breakfast and a grilled cheese with tomato soup (and an Arrogant Bastard Ale) at The Roosevelt. Matt Pool says he’s putting the new hangout…

Just got the word from Giuseppe’s owner Richard Bock that his tiny Italian eatery on Indian School will be featured in the June 1 episode of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. The show’s host, Guy Fieri, was in town last October to film the segment. On a related…

Phoenix has taken a lot of heat for the transience of its populace, but look on the bright side: For all the wanderlust-stricken citizens who eventually ditch the ‘Nix for other places, there are many more who’re on their way in — maybe for the long haul. Ana Borrajo is…

Recently, I heard from chef Don Nason, who was the founding executive chef at Regions Bistro & Bar — and left shortly after the restaurant opened. There were rumors about the circumstances for Nason’s departure, so he wanted to tell me his side of things. In an email, Nason told…

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Man Vs. Food’s Adam Richman bite on this one: The Sasquatch Burger at The Lodge in Scottsdale. It’s a new mega-splurge brought to us by chef Aaron May, who’s added homey American pub grub to a repertoire that already includes Spanish tapas (Sol y Sombra), Italian (Autostrada), and…

Pearl Sushi, which opened in Old Town Scottsdale in early 2008, is all about the new these days — new management, new chef, and new menu items. Owner Tammy Carlin — former co-owner of Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar — came on board about six months ago to oversee the…

Generosity always goes well with some good food and wine to celebrate. This is the secret to success for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix, which is hosting its 35th annual Taste event this Sunday evening at Kierland Commons. It’s the organization’s main fundraiser of the year.   The semi-formal…

. . . and don’t let the door hit you on your way out. There was some recent buzz that the longstanding Vietnamese restaurant on Camelback Road was closing, and I just got word that they finally shut their doors (the phone number is disconnected). But I can’t say I’ll…

The folks behind Aiello’s are getting a head start on their next restaurant. In about three weeks, says Myrah Aiello, they’ll start serving fresh, hot New York-style pizzas baked in a clay-bottom oven — available only to go. (She and her chef husband Joe owned an Italian eatery in Manhattan before eventually…

The word on the streets is that Vinery 214, a new Mediterranean restaurant/wine bar on Roosevelt Row, finally opened its doors a few days ago. According to their website — a trainwreck if I’ve ever seen one — the menu includes a “Morocaan stuffed burger with spicey sweet potato fries,” “Fruite de Marie,” soups…

In the wake of the tens of thousands of people who flooded into the Scottsdale Civic Plaza this past weekend for the Scottsdale Culinary Festival (stay tuned for Jonathan McNamara and Wynter Holden’s coverage on Chow Bella today), it’s time to look to the other side of summer for the…

It’s been a while since I’ve strolled down Mill Avenue on a Saturday night. This past weekend, downtown Tempe’s main drag was nearly a mob scene, with people of all ages out on the town. No surprise, Mojo Yogurt seemed to be doing a brisk business. I’d never gotten a look…

Have you ever heard of the International Food Futurists? Me neither, but it sounds damn cool, like a space-age network of culinary spies. Can I join? Anyway, The Food Channel just released its predictions for the Top Ten Dessert Trends, based on research the website conducted with the International Food Futurists…

It’s going to hit 90 in the next couple of days; doesn’t some gelato sound good right about now? That’s what Yaron Cohen is hoping. The Israeli native and his Argentinian relative, Leo Faria, just opened their new shop, The Gelato Maker, last weekend. The two trained in a gelato…

I’ve knocked back many a fine glass of Malbec at NOCA, and enjoyed some great cocktails there, too (like Hendrick’s gin with a spherical ice cube and a carafe of tonic). But it turns out that the restaurant’s food also goes really well with beer. To prove the point, they’ve done…

How often do you hear about sushi restaurants closing down? A lot less often than you hear of them opening up, I’d say. So here’s one of the rarities. Ten Sushi and Asian Fusion, a sleek spot in Cave Creek, is closing this weekend. Sunday is its last day in…