Because not everyone wants to be surrounded by laptops when they’re enjoying their coffee, the newly-opened Toast in central Phoenix has a strict no-computers policy. The “breakfast boutique,” owned by Gina Madrid and Vine Saccento, is right next door to the recently closed Drip Coffee Lounge at 2327 N. 7th…
Desserts can be tricky, but Joe Aiello (whom we profiled in yesterday’s Chef Chat) of Aiello’s in Phoenix insists this Chilled Zabaglione is simple to attempt at home. Besides the scrumptious ingredients, this dessert is an ultra-classy serving, especially if you put it in a pretty wine glass. And, if you like wine,…
In case you love the Black Eyed Peas but didn’t care to see them open for U2 the last time they were in the Valley, get Pea-licious when the hip-hop dance group invades Jobing.com Arena March 31. Seriously, they’re big enough to headline an arena?…
When Valley diners want New York Italian food but don’t want to leave Phoenix, Aiello’s provides a slice of Manhattan here in town. Brooklyn-born Joe Aiello owns the 2-year-old restaurant, where he whips up East Coast Italian-style food, just like he grew up with in his Italian family. “We weren’t…
Here’s an easy way to give this holiday season, and it even includes a perk for you, too. Bring in a non-perishable food item to Pei Wei Asian Diner tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2, and get 25 percent off your entree–it’s almost as if you’re earning money while helping the needy. The casual,…
Here’s a sampling of today’s new album releases:Il Divo- An Evening with Il Divo- Live in BarcelonaJuvenile- Cocky and ConfidentPrimal Fear- Eye of an EagleAllison Iraheta- Just Like YouR. Kelly- UntitledMartha Wainwright- Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers, A ParisNow it’s time to see whether Allison Iraheta can hold her own against…
Steph Carrico The co-owner of The Trunk Space hosts artist Jon Sumner Borrette this First Friday, December 4. What’d you eat for dinner last night? I went to Green last night for dinner and had their Ranchero Salad but substituted the spicy buffalo wings for the barbecue wings. It was delish!…
After 8 years of being one of Old Town Scottsdale’s hippest Italian restaurants, Furio is closing its doors Thursday night. The space, which featured live music and manicure nights, has suffered financially over the past 18 months. Business this past summer was only half of what it was last year, says general manager…
Joy SterlingIf you’ve ever loved a wine so much that you wanted to meet the crafter of the spirit, now’s your chance to get a little closer to the people who make tasty vino. Rita’s Kitchen at the Camelback Inn is hosting a montly series of “Meet the Winemaker” events,…
Bickford, a 44-year-old guy who says he’s in a “managerial position at a local institution of higher learning.” He says he started the blog because he loves to eat and is also interested in mass transportation in the Phoenix area. The blog only features restaurants that may be found along…
This martini is one of Furio’s most popular, and it’s served every Monday night for the Martinis and Manicures night the chic eatery hosts. On Monday nights, enjoy a happy hour menu with specially priced meals, and for $12, score a signature martini along with a manicure done in the…
Everyone knows about the crazy side of Lady Gaga. There’s the bubble outfit, the time she smeared (fake?) blood on herself at the MTV Video Music Awards and her affinity for not wearing pants. But on her new eight-song EP, The Fame Monster (the songs are also available on a deluxe re-issue…
Last week:…
It’d be a great way to cut labor costs, that’s for sure. This cnngo.com link contains several videos of robots developed in Asia that may help out in the kitchen, including this one: The robots serve up several dishes and cut cucumbers way faster than we ever could. But we’re…
If you’re craving a fourth meal after partying in Old Town Scottsdale, greasy fast food isn’t your only option. The Subway at Thomas and Scottsdale Roads recently extended their hours until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, giving healthier dining options to night owls. Subway is a franchise in Arizona, so…
We’ve seen lots of performance art downtown, but nothing like a non-striptease striptease. It’s all part of the “Unpolished” exhibit, a new feminist-art installation that opens Tuesday, December 1, at the Chocolate Factory. The show, organized by ASU art alumni Victoria Latunski and Katie Hovencamp, strives to bring women’s issues…
Katy Perry proves she doesn’t need Auto-Tune on her new MTV Unplugged EP and DVD. The 25-year-old singer/songwriter belts it with a small band for the intimate concert and picks up an acoustic guitar, on which she wrote music for her debut album, One of the Boys. The short, seven-song…
For such a little spot in central Phoenix, Ladybug House of Sandwiches sure has a huge selection of sandwiches. These basic meals, with about 30 to choose from, range from the Charlie Brown, with roast beef, provolone and sprouts, to the T.J., with honey cured ham and jalapeños. Each sandwich…
The coastal spirit of Italy is alive at Phoenix restaurant Michelina’s Ristorante Costa Compagnia, where the menu is full of seafood-centric dishes. One classic meal is Linguine con Vongole, a dish that may seem simple but is easy to taint with wine or cream sauce, says chef/owner Michelina DiSibio (whom…
In lieu of the whole, “I’m gay and open and will fondle whomever I darn well please on-stage” performance by Adam Lambert at the American Music Awards this past Sunday, ABC’s Good Morning America has canceled an appearance by the fabulously glam singer on tomorrow’s show. Because, you know, PDA…
Back when Michelina DiSibio was 11 years old and living in Gesualdo, Italy, she wasn’t too happy when her father pulled her out of school and had her work at home. She wanted to be a doctor, but thankfully for local diners, that was the start of her life as…
It was heartbreaking enough Lady Gaga decided to skip Phoenix on her Monster Ball Tour, but now another big name has said, “No, thanks” to P-Town–John Mayer’s not coming here, either, on his new tour. What gives? Sometimes it’s outside of the artists’ contol — they can’t fit in…
