Like Linus awaiting the Great Pumpkin, we find ourselves plopped outside our local brew shops each October, anticipating the arrival of the season’s bounty of pumpkin ales. The selection is vast — this year there seem to be more gourd-based brews on shelves than ever. Some are mediocre; some are…
Yesterday we met Rich Heider, the wealth of knowledge working behind the bar at the new Casablance Lounge in Old Town Scottsdale. Today he shares with us the recipe for the Japanese Revival, a drink Heider says is a good jumping-off point for the different things he does there. “We…
The tender: Rich Heider IIThe bar: The Casablanca Lounge (7134 E. Stetson Dr., 480-970-7888) The pedigree: Heider was once a corporate bar trainer for Dave & Buster’s, opening locations in Maple Grove, Minn., Times Square and Tempe. He helped open J&G Steakhouse, then became GM at a few Scottsdale nightclubs, then…
Quick history lesson for your unknowing ass: Oktoberfest began way back in 1810 with the marriage of Bavarian royals Princess Theresa and Prince Ludwig. The nonstop party lasted for days and was such a success that it became an annual celebration in Munich as well as a popular excuse for…
While most folks are loath to admit it to their significant other, they’re likely skilled at the art faking sexual thrills. It can be downright deadly to a relationship, but those talents will prove most useful when competing in the Air Sex World Championships. Much like air guitar requires you…
Beer: Smashed PumpkinBrewery: Shipyard Brewing Co. Style: Pumpkin AleABV: 9 percent We at Chow Bella spent some time last week talking about pumpkin fatigue — how pumpkins and things flavored with pumpkin, much like premature Christmas decorations, have started sneaking into stores before they’re welcome. As noted, the world of…
This past weekend — as brewers and beer lovers got sauced during their yearly visit to Denver and the beer Mecca that is the Great American Beer Festival — four Arizona breweries took home medals. For those who don’t know, the Great American Beer Festival is one of the…
Yesterday we met Tammy Hartman, rancher, swimming instructor and longtime bartender at TEXAZ Grill. Today she shares with us the recipe for the Santa Ana Shake, a boozy dessert drink made with ice cream, Kahlua and tequila — ingredients you wouldn’t expect to play together as nicely as they do…
The tender: Tammy Hartman The bar: TEXAZ Grill (6003 N. 16th St., 602-248-7827) The pedigree: Hartman has been bartending in places throughout the Valley for 30 years. She got her start working alongside her sister at The Monastery, a venerable neighborhood bar that’s now closed, and jumped around several more…
Put your hands out in front of you, fingers spread wide, and then press each ringfinger and thumb together. There. Now you’re doing “The Pitchfork,” the official hand gesture of Sun Devil fans everywhere. If you can hold this position until Saturday, October 1, it might just generate some extra…
Beer: Black XantusBrewery: Nectar AlesStyle: American Imperial StoutABV: 13 percent The birdwatcher enters the bar, cautious yet optimistic — he’s heard the Black Xantus has been spotted nearby. Usually expert at landing the scarcest finds, the birdwatcher has until now been frustrated in his search for this particular animal. Suddenly,…
[jump] The ingredients:1 can Red Bull2 oz. cherry vodka How to make it:Find a pointy object and stab a nickel-sized hole in the side of your can of Red Bull. Drink about two ounces from the opened can, then pour in the vodka. Tilt the can skyward, crack open…
The tender: Lexi HuckabyThe bar: DiVerti Bar & Grill (4 E. University Dr., 480-284-5972)The pedigree: Huckaby’s father worked for an oil company, so the family moved a lot — she lived in Brazil, Dubai, Egypt, London, Bangkok and Turkey before turning 15. A “traveling bartender” for the past four years,…
If you’ve ever driven over Tempe Town Lake, you’ve probably entertained the thought of jumping in for a swim. But after eyeing the oddly colored manmade body of water, it’s possible you ditched the idea for fear of growing a third arm. As it turns out, the lake is totally…
Beer: Pumpkin PorterBrewery: Four Peaks Brewing Co. Style: American porterABV: 5.5 percent Here in Arizona, we don’t get much indication when the seasons change. The unbearably high temperatures might drop to slightly less unbearable range; the leaves might go from green straight to dead. Looking outside, you might not be able…
Yesterday we met Tammy Abney, bartender and serial hugger at Mastro’s City Hall. Today she shares with us the recipe for the Dream Berry, a martini she says has been very popular this summer. “It’s really good, very refreshing, Abney says. “It’s a little bit sweeter than most drinks, but not…
The tender: Tammy AbneyThe bar: Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse (6991 E. Camelback Rd., 480-941-4700)The pedigree: Abney never went to bartending school — she started her career as a cocktail waitress at DJ’s Bar & Grill and worked her way up. She joined up with the Mastro Group in 1994 at…
Under normal circumstances, downing a few beers inside the confines of a protected bird sanctuary isn’t a recommended activity. Given claims that our feathered friends can get ensnarled in plastic six-pack rings, it’s probably a wise avoid mixing mallards with microbrews. Unless of course you’re attending one of the monthly…
Beer: ClutchBrewery: New Belgium Brewing Co. Style: American stoutABV: 9 percent It’s well-known that most brewers are major fans of rock and roll. Walk into a brewhouse when brewers are hard at work crafting beer and you’re likely to some heavily distorted, high energy stuff coming through the speakers. Much…
Yesterday we met Jenna Cacciamani, bartender at Tempe pizza place/beer bar Mellow Mushroom. Today she shares with us the recipe for the Baked Pear Martini, a drink she created that’s on the restaurant’s menu. “The prickly pear vodka comes from a local place,” Cacciamani says. “We try to do that…
The tender: Jenna Cacciamani The bar: Mellow Mushroom (740 S. Mill Ave. 480-967-6355) The pedigree: When Cacciamani’s manager at Applebee’s needed a bartender about 8 years ago, she was originally opposed– she was working tables, was fine with the money she was earning and liked her regulars. But she eventually ended up…
If you detect a recent upsurge of flags waving, patriotism being espoused, or recordings of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless America” playing on the radio, it’s only natural. The tenth anniversary of September 11th is fast approaching, and Americans everywhere are getting nostalgic. None of us will ever forget where we…
