Ever notice how Ladies Night never seems to actually be about the ladies? Sure, women get killer drink specials and free cover, but that only seems to be designed to attract more single men to a restaurant or bar on a slow night — most of whom are secretly hoping one of the…
For a while now, we’ve heard rumors that both Eddie V’s and Fleming’s are pulling out of Scottsdale’s DC Ranch. Turns out the rumor mill actually yielded some accurate info this time — at least on one count. We spoke with the manager on duty at Eddie V’s yesterday and he confirmed the restaurant is…
For a starter that appears on practically every restaurant menu, from Olive Garden to Postino, bruschetta (broo-SKETTA) is a remarkably appealing — and mispronounced — dish. The concept is simple: toast a slice of crusty bread and top it with pretty much whatever sounds fresh or appealing. Yes, die-hard Italian style bruschetta fans, crostini does…
Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso created art inspired by their own personal tragedies. They took a risk, because personal pieces are often so intimate that audiences can’t relate. Local artist Jen Urso successfully overcame this challenge — and the demons of her past — in creating “White Space,” a multimedia…
Hopeful authors get rejection letters piled higher than a stack of Nicolas Cage’s unpaid bills, while wannabe singers are dissed on national TV. Artists have it easy — galleries that aren’t interested usually just ignore them. But when award-winning photographer Joel Meyerowitz juried Arizona State University’s latest student show, the…
Famed director Francis Ford Coppola did it. So did Sam Neill and Olivia Newton-John and Tool’s Maynard James Keenan. If they can get into the wine business, so can you! All you need is a large grape arbor, some vats, processing equipment, oak barrels, bottles, massive amounts of time and money…..
Another east side eatery bites the dust. The infamous Better Than Sex Cake Cafe in Historic Downtown Chandler went down last week, right on the heels of 98 South Wine Bar & Kitchen’s recent demise. When we heard the news, we were convinced the worried moms and religious fanatics who’d been complaining about the tiny…
Last night’s storm knocked out power in some sections of the Valley — and with more thunderstorms expected this weekend, some of you could be facing a few nights of candles and takeout. Oh, darn. We hate being without electricity, but really there’s no better excuse to try that new restaurant…
How many farmers’ markets does it take to make Phoenix healthy? Or screw in a light bulb? Seriously, we’re starting to feel like farmers’ markets are going the way of Starbucks. There’s one practically on every corner — or at least, it feels that way when you’re deciding between eight farmers’ markets all on…
Downing a donut is a great way to get that sugar rush that’ll get you through your morning at work. (At least until you crash and absolutely, undeniably need another donut an hour later. Oh. Darn.) This week in Battle of the Dishes, we blind taste-tested vegan and gluten/dairy-free donuts to see…
When I resolved to quit my “day job” last year so I could return to freelance writing full-time, a few of my closest friends were flabbergasted. I knew what they were thinking: I was crazy for leaving a decent, stable job with advancement potential in this economy. Actually, their thoughts…
The human face is one of the most recognizable images on the planet. It’s also one of the most difficult to capture. Perhaps that explains Picasso’s now-famous lopsided cubist faces, or the ridiculous amount of airbrushing Kelly Clarkson’s mug went through for a recent cover of Self. “There is no…
Many people believe that when faced with a tough decision – like whether to change careers or dump your boyfriend – the universe gives you signs. A medical school billboard, a giant exit arrow, or a love letter from your BFF in your guy’s underwear drawer can determine your future…
What’s pastry chef Tracy Dempsey been up to since she left Digestif? Find out what desserts she’s whipping up at her new gig in Old Town Scottsdale in this week’s Meal Ticket dining newsletter. We’ll also have the scoop on two local Irish restaurants that offer more than just a spirit of craic (Irish…
So you finally bought that fab set of Wusthof kitchen knives. Now what do you do? Lee Zierten not only makes beautiful decorative and functional knives; he also does professional sharpening and restoration. We caught up with Zierten at his most recent Knife Skills Workshop this past Sunday at Practical Art…
[jump] Chef Jay started by preparing the salad base, which had mandolin-sliced cucumber, cabbage, carrot and diced bell pepper in a sauce of Kewpie mayo (“After you try it, it’s the only mayo you’ll use,” said Carter), tahini, ginger and garlic. Soba noodles would be added later. …
Local knifemaker Lee Zierten has made a name for himself among home cooks who appreciate that his lovely, decorative blades are quite functional in the kitchen. Zierten also does knife sharpening on request through Practical Art in Phoenix, the lone store which carries his handmade knives. A chef is only as good as his…
At the Scottsdale Old Town Farmers’ Market this weekend, we caught up with Joe Garcia of La Vida Locavore and got the inside scoop on a new “covert culinary dinner” project called Stealthy Table. Basically, it’s like the food version of a rave — the location of the dinner’s a secret until one day…
Happy Olio Nuevo, everyone! This sounds like some crazy made-up holiday along the lines of National Bacon Day (seriously, isn’t that every day??) or National Tempura Day. But Olio Nuevo, aka Festival of the New Oil, is actually an annual event at Queen Creek Olive Mill which begins tomorrow, January 16. Weekly…
For the past two Sundays, we’ve been hooked on Food Network’s new show, Worst Cooks in America. Maybe it’s because this gem stars local celeb-chef Beau MacMillan. Or the fact there’s a contestant from Scottsdale. Or maybe it’s just that we all had an Aunt Mildred or Grandpa Joe or heck, Mom or…
A few days ago, we got word that J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician is hosting The Glenlivet Dinner on Thursday, January 21. The food sounds scrumptious: butternut squash soup, sweet and sour pork belly, New York steak and chocolate cake with caramel ice cream, each course paired with a different single-malt scotch. …
Last night, the new Oakville Grocery at the Scottsdale Quarter opened to a packed house of chefs, industry professionals and local food lovers for a VIP Grand Opening celebration. At 6 p.m., guests began to trickle in while the grocery’s in-house chefs and local vendors set up tables with samples…
