The best part of traveling is indulging in food we’ve tried to imiitate at home. But let’s face it: How many of us really have the time or funds to get to our dream locations? Luckily, we don’t have to pull out those dusty passports to get a taste of…
Nothing beats a juicy burger, on a perfect bun with melted cheese, and the oils dripping off the burger. We put Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Paradise Valley Burger Co. in the ring to see who takes the prize in the battle of the burgers. In This Corner: Hopdoddy Burger Bar…
Surf City, USA. Sun, sand, and pretty awesome little restaurants: Huntington Beach draws tourists from all over the world, and many times, the big-name places, like BJ’s or Fred’s Mexican Food, will welcome you with a long wait for a table. But no need to worry. We made our way…
Pasta noodles layered with cheese and smothered in fresh tomato sauce: Nothing is more comforting than a plate of homemade lasagna. The classic Italian dish is easily found at restaurants in the Valley, and to be honest, there are some places that should just leave it to the chefs who…
This time of year, conversations at Chow Bella staff meetings tend to turn to who’s eaten what and where. With the summer travel season in full swing, we bring you Food Tours, our writers’ suggestions of what to eat and drink out of town. California is the land of the…
Menuderia Guanajuato has stood in the same location between auto shops for years on McDowell Road near 24th Street. It’s a humble building with no fancy artwork or signage outside. In fact, the only element that causes the building to stand out is the lime green paint and the iron…
Taco trucks serve up some of the best tacos we’ve had, and it’s always a thrill to pull up to a random truck and scope their menu to see what they have that the last truck didn’t have. Phoenix has a seemingly endless supply to choose from for those late-night…
Pan dulce, or sweet bread, is the poster child for Mexican sweet treats. It’s cheap, sweet, and easy to find in the Valley. Pan dulce is to Hispanics as biscotti is to Italians, and something many have come to enjoy because of the vast amount of panaderias throughout the Valley…
As far as we are concerned, it’s always the right time for some guacamole. There are so many ways to dress it up or down, and it can be given a savory flavor or be prepared with a sweet note. The Mission and Barrio Queen, both located in Scottsdale, make…
The BLT: bacon, lettuce, tomato. It is a classic American sandwich that is just as good plain as it is dressed up with sauces and extra toppings. According to the Big Apple, the BLT stemmed from the Bacon Mit Tomato sandwich, which was named for the New York City subway…
Prickly pear has made its way onto drink and dessert menus in a growing number of restaurants. And you should be glad they it has. Prickly pears are the fruits on what are commonly referred to as prickly pear cactus, or nopales in Spanish. Taco Guild and Gertrude’s at the…
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…
The heat is on, which means it’s time to look for those treats that will keep us cool. Smoothies? Been there, done that. Fro yo? Please. Raspados are a Mexican sweet treat that you’re going to wish you knew about sooner. Made with shaved ice and real fruit, think of…
The Twin Palms Hotel in Tempe will close its doors on Friday, May 16. The hotel is located across the street from ASU on Apache Boulevard, and has been a staple in Tempe since the 1970s, when it opened as a Howard Johnson’s…
Mexican sushi. That’s one fusion we never thought would exist and one we’re not too sure we want to stick around. Apparently it is a thing, since there are at least two spots in metro Phoenix that craft the rolls. Señor Sushi on Indian School and 43rd Avenue and Taco…
Devouring a “little fat one,” known as a gordita, is one of the joys of life. They resemble arepas or pupusas, and are filled with meat, cheese, onion, and sometimes cabbage, all stuffed in a thick tortilla. We did the dirty work and tried gorditas at Gorditas El Tio and…
You drive by prickly pear cactus everyday in the Valley. But chances are you didn’t know every part of the plant is edible, and chefs around the Valley are making use of the Arizona native in their restaurants. We’re not just talking about prickly pear margaritas, either. (Though there’s a…
Crispy fried tortilla strips smothered in sauce that makes the nose run, covered with cheese, a fried egg and chicken. We’re talking chilaquiles. The Mexican breakfast dish — which is perfect for any time of day — makes us want to rewind our meal just to savor the flavors once…
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…
Several members of the Chow Bella team noticed a now brightly painted Mexican restaurant, Corazon Mexican Cocina, and sent me to investigate. Before the facelift, the spot was known as Altamar Mexican Grill and still operates under the same owners. We approached with the question: Truly authentic Mexican food, or…
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…
We love family. But we also love competition among family members. It’s in our blood to want to be the best or have an edge over that one relative. Bring cooking into the equation and it becomes a battle. Casa Reynoso is a longtime staple in Tempe, cooking up Mexican…
