That much antipated — and much dreaded — day has come again. No, not this year’s American Idol finale. We’re talking about April 15, aka Tax Day: the day that dictates whether you’ll be enjoying a fancy dinner out with your refund or eating bologna sandwiches and PB&J for the rest of the…
Johnny Earle, a.k.a. – Johnny Cupcakes, is living proof that you don’t need money, power, or amazing products to be a successful entrepreneur. A few years ago, Johnny was hawking t-shirts with cupcakes printed on them out of his beat-up ’80s Toyota. Now, he has three boutiques, a Young Entrepreneur…
Vincent van Gogh taught the world two things: That being batshit crazy isn’t necessarily detrimental for creative types, and that even if you’re a flop in life, you could be famous after death. Guess that’s good news for Gary Busey. Everyone knows about the storied earlobe-cutting incident, but what happened…
Ah… apple pie. It’s as American as mom and baseball, Botox and Internet porn. When I spotted a gargantuan version of this classic dessert in one local restaurant’s refrigerated case, I knew it was fodder for a brutal Battle of the Dishes. Will my original find nab top honors in this…
When’s the last time you were intentional about your food — noticing every bite, exploring the flavors of an appetizer with your tongue or resting in-between sips of a good cocktail? Blaming our lack of time, most of us end up scarfing down even the most gourmet meal in mere minutes. Either that or we’re…
Mayor Phil Gordon, Congressman Tom Simplot and a couple hundred other supporters of Aunt Rita’s Foundation (the folks behind AIDS Walk Phoenix) turned out for Sugar & Champagne: The SAVORlife Soiree at the Phoenix Art Museum this past Friday. The event capped off a round of benefit dinners for the foundation and…
One can never have enough Thin Mints. At least that’s what we thought until Managing Editor Amy Silverman brought in a dozen unsold boxes to a recent Chow Bella meeting. If one must make lemonade when life hands one lemons, we theorized one must make dessert when life hands one…
Can cooking a hot meal help an average guy bed smokin’ chicks? According to a new book hitting store shelves in May, absofrickinlutely! This amazing piece of culinary literature, Cook to Bang: The Lay Cook’s Guide to Getting Laid, is based on a website that features sexy recipes the average Joe can prepare at…
Mmmm…Tasty. Gooey. Delicious. From our headline, you might think Valley favorites Sprinkles and Tammie Coe are getting some stiffly whipped competition. Those who hail from Boston or keep up with fashion trends know better. Entrepreneur Johnny Earle, aka Johnny Cupcakes, has three boutiques — two in Massachusetts and one in California –…
Plan a solo desert hike and take your pick of potential disasters. You could stumble across a pissed off rattler, get lost and have to foot the bill for a rescue chopper, or sever your finger on a sharp plant like TV idiot, er, “explorer,” Bear Grylls. Avoid all that…
The Far East used to be known as a place of great wisdom, mystery, and beauty. Now, Asia’s only in the news when Angelina Jolie adopts a kid, Toyotas start driving themselves, or China gives the finger to Google for not censoring searches. Sigh. Forget that news and experience the…
A decade ago, just before I moved to Phoenix, I considered heading to New Orleans instead. My then-boyfriend and I called around checking on graduate schools and apartments but practically needed a Creole-to-English translator to figure out what the heck everyone was saying. Needless to say, it was Phoenix or bust. Ya tink? …
Gilbert isn’t exactly known as a foodie mecca (unless you’re talking Mickie D’s as purchased by a minivan-driving mom at a drive-thru). Perhaps that’s about to change. Score $2 food and drink samples at the Essence of the World Festival from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, April 16 at Gilbert Town…
When Chef Laurent Tourondel began his culinary training in France at the age of thirteen, he had no idea that he would one day be a household name in the culinary world — much less in America. “I don’t think I meant to be this way,” he says. “The goal was to provide…
Yet another storm is brewing on the ‘net, this one over an adults-only product with oh-so-cute packaging that will appeal to little girls everywhere: Hello Kitty Wine. Yes, Japan’s beloved animated feline is all grown up — as evidenced from the saucy Hello Kitty in a cocktail dress, champagne glass in hand,…
It’s not unusual for women to collect porcelain cats, chalkware, or china. Local artist Jessica Joslin’s collection of animal bones and antique brass hardware, on the other hand, seems more suited to The Addams Family mansion than a teahouse. “I find things anywhere that I find myself,” says Joslin. “In…
It’s not unusual for women to collect porcelain cats, chalkware, or china. Local artist Jessica Joslin’s collection of animal bones and antique brass hardware, on the other hand, seems more suited to The Addams Family mansion than a teahouse. “I find things anywhere that I find myself,” says Joslin. “In…
There was a time when “border issues” referred to Border Patrol confiscating the cheap produce and tequila you bought on vacation. Now, Americans are being kidnapped in Mexican border towns while northbound illegal immigrants are lucky to avoid a bullet. Artist Blane De St. Croix became interested in border issues…
There was a time when “border issues” referred to Border Patrol confiscating the cheap produce and tequila you bought on vacation. Now, Americans are being kidnapped in Mexican border towns while northbound illegal immigrants are lucky to avoid a bullet. Artist Blane De St. Croix became interested in border issues…
The white wrapper of Wicked Bakery’s entry opened to a slightly greasy caramel — not a good start. But once I bit in, the soft treat exploded with a sweet and slightly sour taste and a salty crunch that fooled our taste buds. Peanut? Toffee? The suggestions were endless, but no one…
Who doesn’t love getting chocolate rabbits for Easter? It’s naughty yet socially acceptable fun to cannibalize your bunny — first nibbling on the ears, then biting off the fluffy chocolate tail. Chocolate is one thing; actual bunnies is another. I blanched a little when Chef Payton Curry first advertised his Easter dining specials at Caffe Boa…
Every since Chef Payton Curry butchered a pig at the Devoured Culinary Classic, conversations have turned to what unusual meats one can expect to find at Caffe Boa and Boa Bistro (just wait until you peep tomorrow’s posting on his kid-unfriendly Easter specials). Turns out Boa isn’t the only place you can find unusual meat…
