Food & Drink

Who says kids get to have all the fun? The best merry-go-round in Phoenix just happens to be a grown-up playground, a place where you can eat an upscale dinner while watching the world go by. It's the Compass Restaurant, a revolving eatery at the top of downtown's Hyatt Regency. There are 360-degree views to go along with executive chef Troy Knapp's Southwestern-tinged contemporary menu. Highlights include grilled bison and garden gazpacho with cornbread croutons; smoked salmon "enchiladas" with Vidalia crema, savory lemon curd, and micro basil; and baked chilaquiles with grilled nopales, roasted peppers, and smoked tomato butter. We promise the Compass spins so slowly that you won't experience vertigo. Go crazy with the award-winning wine list, however, and all bets are off.

Harold's Cave Creek Corral has long billed itself as "the original Wild West Saloon and Restaurant," but back in the day, the proprietors took the roaring good time in a whole different direction.

Harold and Ruth Gavagan, who'd bought Cave Creek Corral in 1950 and added "Harold's" to the name, held daily a cowboy show in front of the restaurant for years, but decided to switch things up when a guy named Carl Mulhauser started working for the restaurant in the late '60s. Turns out, Mulhauser was a former circus lion tamer with connections to obtain some animals.

The Gavagans' daughter, Janet, was a teenager at the time and recalls her late parents' decision to let Mulhauser buy two or three lions and do a circus-style performance every afternoon. The animals lived in a cage right behind the restaurant.

"Prior to that, there was no thought of having lions or tigers, but it was a way to stand out from the other steakhouses in the Valley at the time," she says. "My dad was very inventive when it came to hiring people."

Mulhauser took care of the animals and did the shows for a couple of years, but when he moved on, so did the lions. A few years later, in the mid-'70s, he came back, this time performing with tigers. It was all over by the end of the decade, and nobody's quite sure whether the lions and tigers ended up in a zoo or a flashy Las Vegas show. But for some locals, it made a lasting impression.

Michael Seitts, a Scottsdale native who's spent plenty of time at Harold's over the years, says he's still amazed that anybody pulled it off.

"It was crazy," he says. "Like something out of Monty Python."

The animals are gone, but the restaurant's still around.

A carnival ain't a carnival unless your dining options include some manner of foodstuff that's been placed on a stick. In fact, on our last visit to the midway, our repast consisted of individually skewered deep-fried Twinkies, tasty egg rolls, and the undisputed king of impaled edibles, the corn dog. And outside the carnival circuit, the best place we've found this deep-fried delight of a flavorful frank covered in cornmeal is at the Gilbert location of Al's Chicago Style. We've forgone the kind of middling corn dogs available at places like Sonic or am/pm in favor of a juicy, all-beef Chicago-style wiener covered in crispy and delicious batter that just melts in our mouth. If you're feeling daring, try adding a few helpings of jalapeño pepper hot sauce or Tabasco onto your dog instead of the usual ketchup and mustard, but keep a cool drink handy.

Besides corn dogs, funnel cakes, or any other foodstuff that's been cooked in an unhealthful amount of grease or lard, a longtime staple of local carnivals, fairs, or street festivals has been Indian fry bread. And much to our doctor's chagrin, we've eaten more than our fair share of this doughy, deep-fried Native American specialty, and it's usually been covered with such toppings as honey and powdered sugar or sumptuous meats and chilies. So whenever we've got a hankering for this debaucherous deliciousness (and a fair or carnival isn't readily available), we head for the Fry Bread House, where owner Cecelia Miller has been clogging our arteries for more than 15 years. Miller and company offer a variety of flavorful fillings atop their chewy and flaky fry bread (which is the size of a LP record), ranging from the standard "Indian taco" (homemade refried beans, lettuce, and cheese) to chorizo, chilies, and ground beef. We've noshed there twice this week alone, but we swear, doc, we'll atone for it with a few extra rounds of cardio this week at the gym. Promise.

You won't find any wacky mirrors in this funhouse, although House of Tricks does have a way of skewing one's perspective — in a good way. Once you set foot into the outdoor patio, sheltered by huge leafy trees and decked out with tiny white lights, all feels right with the world. Your mood is bound to improve even more once you find something on the interesting wine list. Inside, the charm of this 1920s cottage starts to work its magic on you, and expert service only heightens the feeling that life is grand, indeed. As for the New American menu — well, that will make you smile, too. Options run the gamut from black tea-spiced ahi tuna to pistachio-crusted rack of lamb to smoked chile-glazed hanger steak. Nope, House of Tricks isn't the typical funhouse. But, hey, it's a restaurant in an old house — and eating here sure is fun.

Thanks to an overzealous dentist and a few mishaps with broken fillings, we were reluctantly forced as children to swear off candy apples, as the sticky-yet-fruity confection murdered the inside of our mouth. And our promise stuck — up until last year, that is, after we started indulging our sweet tooth with the deliciousness of Candy's Apples. More than just dunking the fruit in a hard candy shell, this north Phoenix confectioner takes gigantic Granny Smith apples and covers them with nuts, dollops of caramel, or other sinful substances. There are 10 selections — each weighing 1.5 pounds — to choose from but our favorite, by far, is "The Kum Ba Yah," which features a heaping portion of marshmallows and graham cracker pieces drizzled over with streams of milk chocolate. Another tempting choice is "The Texan," in which the apple is doused in ample amounts of pecans, caramel, and chocolate. We've attempted giving a few of these beauties as gifts to our friends and family, but somehow they've never made it into the hands of our nearest and dearest. Oops.

How do we love Digestif? We'd count the ways, but there are just too many. For starters, there's executive chef Payton Curry, who puts his heart into handmade pasta and housemade charcuterie. There's pastry chef Tracy Dempsey, who had already impressed us at Digestif's sister restaurants (Cowboy Ciao, Kazimierz, and Sea Saw) but now gives us new confections to crave. And how could we forget Pavle Milic, the attentive general manager, who's got more charm in his pinky finger than most people could muster after going through etiquette boot camp? Milic's snazzy old-school absinthe presentation, complete with slotted spoon, sugar cube, and vintage-style water fountain, is worth a visit unto itself. Not that we'd ever dream of coming here and not indulging in the fantastic eats. The delectable "Farm to Table" vegetable plate, the crispy skin duck breast, the chorizo-topped crostata fresh out of the stone hearth oven — it's all good.

Sometimes we come to Digestif just to soak up the laid-back '60s living-room vibe and hip, 21st-century indie-rock soundtrack (courtesy of Stinkweeds' Kimber Lanning), and even then we can't resist noshing on top-notch snacks, from Pecorino cheese to housemade pancetta. And what about drinks? The restaurant is named after a type of European liqueur that's supposed to aid digestion, so thankfully the selection lives up to it. Digestif's craft cocktails rock, and naturally the wine list is mind-blowing. We wouldn't expect anything less from restaurateur/celebrity wino Peter Kasperski, who definitely deserves a toast for this tasty addition to our culinary scene.

These days, there aren't too many reminders that Scottsdale is "The West's Most Western Town," a slogan coined by the city's first mayor, Malcolm White, back in 1951. Heck, if it weren't for the lack of an ocean nearby, the glitzy scene in downtown Scottsdale might even pass as Miami or L.A. But there are still remnants of the Old West to be found here, if only in the form of tourist destinations. For proof, head north, young man — waaay north — to Pinnacle Peak Patio, where cowboy nostalgia has been in style since it opened in 1957. The place started out as a general store but has grown into a sprawling eatery where you can dig into a mesquite-smoked steak, knock back a pint of ice-cold Pinnacle Peak Amber Ale (one of the microbrews made on-site), and dance to live country music. Feel free to show up in a Stetson and a sturdy pair of boots, but leave your tie at home, lest it be snipped off and added to the collection hanging from the ceiling as a reminder of the restaurant's "no necktie policy." If you'd heard the desert was harsh, now you'll understand why.

You think it's a hike up to Cave Creek for dinner? Consider that foodies from around the country fly into town just to try chef-owner Kevin Binkley's inventive, French-influenced American cuisine, and then see how you feel about going the extra mile for a top-notch gourmet experience.

Of course, it'll all make sense once you're comfortably seated in the cozy, low-key dining room, sipping on a fantastic wine, enjoying attentive, doting service, and nibbling on a series of surprising amuses bouches between courses. Everything's beautifully presented and crafted from the best ingredients available, from the simplest salad to the most sophisticated seafood dish. Needless to say, it's worth the drive — and it sure beats trekking to New York or San Francisco to eat at other restaurants of this caliber.

What is it in the desert soil that's making Thai Basil flourish? We're not sure, but we suspect it has something to do with locals' taste for fiery food. (Surely you didn't think we limit ourselves to spicy Mexican cuisine, did you?) In just three years, Thai Basil has grown from one modest eatery (a dressed-up former sub shop near ASU) into a burgeoning chain with additional locations in Ahwatukee, Chandler, and central Phoenix. And if you count Thai Elephant, a popular downtown eatery run by the same folks, that makes five restaurants. Obviously, they're doing something right, from friendly service and a clean, cheerful atmosphere to craveable food that haunts you until you give in to another splurge (belly-wise, not budget-wise). We're hooked on the creamy, complex curries, the toothsome pad Thai, and the namesake Thai Basil, with fresh basil, plenty of vegetables, and a choice of meat in a fragrant garlic sauce. Strong, sweet Thai iced tea and sticky rice with ripe mango are essential, too, considering how well they soothe our taste buds after a "Thai hot" meal.

Matt and Erenia Pool, we love you guys. And, boy, we'd love to clone you — or at least your fantastic little, er, big breakfast joint. The buzz on Matt's Big Breakfast has been strong ever since it opened a few years ago, and indeed, there's always been a bit of a wait for a table. The growing popularity of the downtown farmers market, just a block away, has given more exposure to Matt's homey dishes, from perfect, fluffy pancakes to fresh-squeezed local orange juice to savory egg scrambles. And after a visit from the Food Network, which featured Matt's Big Breakfast on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives earlier this year, the restaurant's hungry customer base blew up into a daily mob. We know Matt's has become a success precisely because it isn't a chain — it's a friendly, family-run spot where food made from scratch, with top-notch ingredients, is always the priority. So perhaps we'll never see a Matt's empire across the Valley — but it's nice to dream, isn't it?

What happens when a food-obsessed restaurant fanatic teams up with an equally passionate young chef with an impressive résumé? You end up with Noca, one of the most highly anticipated restaurants of 2008. Without a doubt, Eliot Wexler is the city's most tireless gourmet, who not only became a regular at the best dining spots in town but worked a yearlong stint, unpaid, for acclaimed local chef Kevin Binkley — all to quench his thirst for culinary expertise. Wexler's plan to open a restaurant picked up speed when he recruited talented chef Chris Curtiss, who'd worked at some of San Francisco's top-rated restaurants with French Laundry alum Ron Siegel before coming to Phoenix and turning heads at downtown's now-defunct Circa 1900.

Together, Wexler and Curtiss have assembled a staff of seasoned professionals to give their fledgling operation the kind of polish that most newbie restaurateurs would kill for, and they've sourced the best ingredients available, from Bob McClendon's organic produce to fresh seafood from the same supplier that Sea Saw's Nobuo Fukuda uses.

That said, Noca's atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious, and the ingredient-driven cuisine is far from fussy. In fact, it's playful at times, from the "caviar" of organic eggplant, served out of a caviar tin with warm blinis, to the "milk and cookies" dessert, featuring fresh chocolate chip cookies and a frothy malted vanilla shake. Ultra-fresh crudo dishes and luscious handmade pastas are not to be missed, while the juicy pork chop, paired with crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, will make you smile from the first bite to the last. Even the Simple Supper, a wallet-friendly three-course tasting menu, is craveworthy. But really, it's no wonder Noca appeals to foodies — it's run by the biggest one of them all.

These days, it's not too hard to come by restaurants that feature some kind of local, seasonal produce, but Slow Food isn't just about an approach to cooking — it's a full-on worldview. So if you're looking for a place to show your favorite Slow Food fanatic a good time, head to Rancho Pinot Grill, where you'll be in like-minded company. After all, chef Chrysa Robertson helped launch the local convivium (in Slow Food-speak, that's the Phoenix chapter of the international organization) and has led the way in celebrating organic ingredients from local sources. Rancho Pinot's menu is both homey and effortlessly sophisticated, with favorites such as ricotta gnocchi with rustic meat sauce, heritage Berkshire pork short ribs braised with hominy, cotija cheese, and radish-cabbage slaw, and grilled lamb chops on flageolet beans with roasted garlic and preserved lemon. Dishes like that are easy to love, no matter what your philosophy.

We'd call this the best wine bar in town, except that Fine's Cellar is so much more than that — it's a casual breakfast and lunch spot, a laid-back espresso and gelato bar, a wine boutique, and a hip bistro all rolled into one. You don't need a single sip of syrah to appreciate chef Cullen Campbell's cooking, but it sure does taste good with a nice glass of vino. Housemade duck confit bratwurst with truffled sauerkraut; outstanding sweet potato fries with three kinds of dipping sauce; braised beef short ribs with polenta fries, bacon vinaigrette, and Nebbiolo reduction; and roasted butternut squash gnocchi are just a few of the options that friendly, knowledgeable servers can pair with interesting wines available by the bottle, glass, or taste. And whether you're a curious dabbler or a hardcore wine connoisseur, proprietor Mike Fine — former owner of the celebrated Sportsman's Fine Wines & Spirits — is always happy to chat about his favorite labels and latest finds.

Sometimes you just have to turn the tables. Got a New Yorker pal who's hard to impress? Yeah, we feel ya. It's not always easy coming up with something that outshines the allure of the Big Apple, but after years of racking our brains, we've come up with a bunch of ways to show off the joys of living in Arizona. Dinner at Kai is one of the highlights. We guarantee that in the City That Never Sleeps, there's no fine-dining spot with the kind of cuisine they serve at this high-end eatery, whose distinctive menu revolves around indigenous Arizonan ingredients done up with traditional techniques — a sort of haute Native American, if you will. Think grilled tenderloin of buffalo with smoked corn purée, barbecue scarlet runner beans, saguaro blossom syrup, cholla buds, and mushrooms.

There are enough intriguing, unusual things on the menu to spark the curiosity of even the most jaded gourmet, although even traditionalists will find something to love (like the juicy bone-in New York strip). The bonus at Kai is the view, if you can swing a table near the windows. It's the opposite of a cityscape, but just as breathtaking.

Don't be scared off by our brazen Best Of category name here; Roka Akor has plenty of options for folks who're just looking for accessible Japanese food, like edamame, California rolls, and skewers of grilled chicken. For us, that's all fine and good, but that's not really the true allure of Roka Akor. We're here for the more adventurous gourmet eats, like foie gras with umeshu plum and nama nori, or the rice hot pot with an unusual assortment of Japanese mushrooms. A sushi roll stuffed with Korean roast pork, shiso, and chile cabbage is yet another reason to skip the California roll. And for pure drama, we're fans of ebi no kushiyaki, a whole grilled wild Madagascar prawn that looks like a shrimp on steroids. Seasoned with spicy yuzu kosho chile paste, and plated with its giant head perched alongside a skewer of meat chunks, it's a dish that'll make you either drool or dive under the table.

For being the best seafood spot in town, it's a little bit surprising that Eddie V's doesn't really scream "ocean." Yeah, there's a giant fish sculpture over near the kitchen, but besides that, the place is pretty quiet about its top-rung status. Instead, this classy restaurant lets the seafood speak for itself: sweet, briny oysters on the half-shell, crab cakes full of tender lump crab meat, and expertly prepared fish dishes, like melt-in-your-mouth sautéed lemon sole in a Parmesan crust. Prime steaks and generous side dishes like truffled macaroni and cheese are worth a look as well, although if you're really craving the catch of the day, you'll be plenty occupied with the seafood selections. The atmosphere is suitably refined, with waiters in white jackets and black ties gliding through the serene dining room, which glows from smooth, cream-colored ceiling lamps. And if all of that doesn't make you float away in sheer bliss, then be sure to order the molten chocolate cake, just to be safe.

Since it opened earlier this year, celebrity chef Michael Mina's Scottsdale outpost has certainly raised the bar on luxury dining in the Valley. Located at the posh Fairmont Scottsdale resort, Bourbon Steak takes premium ingredients and serves them up in the most decadent way possible, whether it's crisp French fries sizzled in duck fat, Colorado rack of lamb poached in olive oil, or prime steak poached in butter before it hits the wood-fired grill. Rich, melt-on-your-tongue A5 Kobe beef — the real deal, imported from Japan — will run you nearly two hundred bucks, but it'll also blow your mind. Truffles, bacon, and foie gras round out the savory options, while molten chocolate cake and mascarpone cheesecake are a couple of sumptuous desserts that you shouldn't resist. If all that leaves you too stuffed to move, don't worry — the surroundings are so glamorous that you won't want to leave, anyway.

Just glancing at Sassi's dramatic entranceway, with its gurgling fountains, elegant lighting, and rustic courtyard leading to a heavy wooden door, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was an over-the-top private estate or, perhaps, even a resort.

Indeed, this restaurant takes "destination dining" quite literally, not only because it's located in the most scenic northern stretch of Scottsdale, with lovely views of Pinnacle Peak, but also because the property itself transports customers to the Mediterranean. Inside, luxurious furnishings in a series of rooms only add to the feeling that this might not be a restaurant at all, but perhaps a mansion belonging to some aristocratic gourmand who happens to enjoy 24-month gran reserve prosciutto, handmade orechiette with sausage, grilled free-range veal chops, and nice bottles of Italian wine whenever the mood strikes.

Yes, this place is pure fantasy fodder, but luckily folks with a taste for artisanal cheeses, fresh pasta, local produce, and premium meats can live the dream, too — as long as they're willing to spend real money for it.

This category doesn't literally have to mean an Italian restaurant that's on a corner, but in the case of Pizza A Metro, it's exactly that: nestled alongside a Circle K in a tiny corner strip. Really, it's an unlikely location for such a cool restaurant; walking through the door into this 20-seat spot is a revelation. One whole wall is painted with a mellow coastal scene, and you can see right into the kitchen, where meter-long pizzas (hence the name, which means "pizza by the meter") are baked in a wood-fired oven. Owner Maurizio Benforte, who often mans the dining room single-handedly, is as gracious as they come, while the homey Italian food is delicious. Besides pizzas, there are several notable starters (including tender grilled calamari), a handful of secondi, and a long list of pastas. We're partial to the homemade gnocchi with pink vodka sauce, and fresh ravioli with Bolognese. As if that weren't enough to make us smile, there's crisp, cream-filled cannoli and homemade tiramisu for dessert. Considering how reasonably priced this place is, we're always up for a splurge.

We're completely aware of the stuffy reputation that French restaurants have, and we're certain that the folks at Sophie's are, too. In fact, it seems like they're trying to completely defy that snooty stereotype. The service is warm and welcoming, and the setting — with wood floors, rustic wooden ceiling beams, colorful abstract art, and a little piano jazz in the background — is stylishly cozy. Meanwhile, the bistro-style menu is both sophisticated and comforting, a roundup of French greatest hits, from tender, garlicky escargots and velvety pâté du chef (made with Madeira, Cognac, and lavender honey), to crispy frites à la Parisienne. Pan-seared coquilles Saint-Jacques (scallops served with ricotta gnocchi) is hard to resist, while the magret de canard aux peches is one of this city's tastiest preparations of duck. Here, Maple Leaf Farm duck breast is perfectly seared, glazed with saba and cinnamon. Desserts are seductive as well, from lemon-honey crème brûlée to the decadent chocolate-hazelnut pyramid. You don't have to be a Francophile to visit Sophie's, but it's hard not to be one after eating here.

There aren't too many restaurants that put us into party mode, but we have to smile whenever we think of Black Forest Mill. No matter what month it is, it feels like Oktoberfest as soon as we set foot in this place. Crisp, golden wiener schnitzel, potato pancakes, grilled beer-soaked bratwurst, gulasch made with braised beef and veal, and toothsome homemade spaetzle are just of the few of the hearty dishes we like to feast on as we soak up the cheerful German atmosphere — and the ice-cold German beer. Friendly waitresses clad in traditional Alpine dirndls give us another reason to celebrate, and once the band starts playing the oom-pah-pah music, we're ready to roll out the barrel. At Black Forest Mill, it's the best of times and the wurst of times.

It's remarkable that the folks behind GreekTown Restaurant have managed to capture the pleasurable atmosphere of a Greek taverna, but they've really pulled it off. The music is distinctively Greek, and the service — as welcoming as if you were a member of the family — is true to the way they treat you back in the old country. Decorated in a crisp blue and white color scheme (the colors of the Greek flag, of course), it has that leisurely Mediterranean vibe that's perfect for nibbling on flaming cheese and dolmades, sinking your teeth into tender souvlaki, and maybe even knocking back a shot or two of ouzo.

The sprawling menu includes casual items, such as salads and pita sandwiches, as well as more upscale dishes, including rack of lamb, scallops piccata, and veal sautéed in white wine sauce. The next time you've spent too much time ogling travel magazines, come to GreekTown to soothe your wanderlust. It's the next best thing to a flight to Athens.

Wow, do they serve anything at Sabuddy that isn't completely scrumptious? Not that we can tell. It seems hard to go wrong at this friendly, casual north Scottsdale spot, where the menu is chock-full of made-from-scratch Middle Eastern treats. Smooth hummus, drizzled with tahini, is lightly garlicky, while grilled eggplant salad mingles smoky and lemony flavors. Sabuddy's falafel is top-notch, fried to a crisp but still light inside.

Ground beef kebabs come perfectly seasoned, and curry-flecked shawarma is delicious, too. There are also Israeli specialties that set this place apart, from deep-fried schnitzel, sprinkled with sesame seeds, to knockout Jerusalem meatballs that give Italian meatballs a run for their money. See, what did we tell you? At Sabuddy, it's all good.

Just because Kabab Palace happens to be the only Afghan restaurant in town doesn't mean it's any less worthy of "Best Afghan Restaurant." For one thing, after such a long dry spell with no Afghan cuisine to speak of in these parts (Chopandaz, the first and last Afghan restaurant in this area, closed in the early '90s), the food at Kabab Palace is a vivid reminder of the delicious flavors we've been missing all these years.

Owners Haroon Sherzai and Jalal Achakzai, who moved to the Valley from San Francisco, have dressed up an inconspicuous strip-mall space and rolled out a menu full of traditional specialties, from aushak (paper-thin ravioli filled with leeks and scallions, topped with ground beef, mint, and yogurt sauce) and kaddo (baked then pan-fried baby pumpkin served with garlic-yogurt sauce and savory ground beef sauce) to several kinds of juicy charbroiled kebabs.

Homemade mango ice cream and dense, silky rice pudding perfumed with cardamom are just a couple of reasons to keep eating when you think your stomach's ready to burst. Finish off with a strong Turkish coffee, and you'll bounce right back from that looming food coma.

What is it that makes Indian food so craveable? We're not sure whether it's the fragrance of raisin-studded biryani, the tenderness of marinated meats, the complex, exotic seasonings, or the mouthwatering yin-yang of spicy heat and creamy coolness. Whatever it is, it's something that no other cuisine can match — how else to explain our shameless pigging out whenever we set foot in an Indian restaurant? Usually, we head to The Dhaba, where we inevitably soothe our cravings but set ourselves up for even more hunger pangs when we see what our friends are eating. Anything from the tandoor (clay oven) is good here, from outstanding naan (especially the green chile version) to a plethora of meat dishes.

We're huge fans of gosh rogan josh, tender chunks of lamb in a buttery sauce of dried chiles and yogurt that makes us want to lick our platters clean. There's also great nawabi murgh tikka (chicken marinated in yogurt and spices), fresh sole in a golden curry sauce, and quite a few chaat (scrumptious street snacks smothered in chutneys, yogurt sauce, fresh cilantro, and chile powder).

If you want something sweet, there's milky rice pudding, Punjabi ice cream, and a sweet Indian confection nicknamed "carrot fudge." You might find yourself too stuffed for any of it, but if there happens to be a Bollywood-style dance performance during dinner, dessert is a good excuse to hang out and enjoy the show a little longer.

What's in a name? Well, not always what you might think. To the uninitiated, Asian Café Express might seem like a nondescript fast-food joint serving a mishmash of Asian food, but in truth, this unassuming eatery is pure Hong Kong, baby. Like so many good Chinese restaurants, Asian Café Express is efficient and no-frills, with specials written in Chinese and English tacked to pastel pink walls. Photos of special dishes are helpful, too, since the menu itself sprawls on and on.

Like noodles? This place has dozens of choices, from black mushroom chow fun and beef tripe lo mein to a slew of different soups. Stir-fry dishes round up a mind-boggling assortment of ingredients, such as bean sprouts and shredded pork, or scrambled egg with shrimp. You can get whole fish prepared several different ways, and there are so many hot-pot concoctions that it would take weeks of dedicated eating just to try them all. But hey, it's fun to try — nothing costs more than $7.99, so why not be adventurous?

Looks aren't everything, but here's a place that's as humbly adorable as it is delicious. Tucked into a narrow space that seems like it was intended for a bare-bones diner, Sala Thai serves up affordable, authentic Thai cuisine in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Thai wall hangings and elaborate wooden carvings provide simple decoration, but the real eye candy is what's on the plate — and once you get a look at the menu, you'll want a whole lot of plates. With more than a hundred items to choose from, it can be a challenge to narrow down the choices, but every bite is rewarding, from tangy shredded papaya salad, spiked with lime juice, to savory Thai barbecued sausages, served with spicy-sweet chile sauce. We're fond of the delightful shrimp pumpkin curry, with tender chunks of pumpkin, plump shrimp, bell peppers, and fresh basil in an aromatic red curry paste. Noodles are a big deal, too, and stir-fries run the gamut from pepper steak to spinach with sliced duck. Vegetarians will find several meatless specialties, and heat seekers will be happy to find out just how hot Sala's "Thai hot" really is. If you're not that brave, just take our word for it — your tongue will thank you.

There's something so nice about finding a great restaurant and sharing the news with your friends. And there's no better place to go with a hungry gang of your nearest and dearest than Takamatsu. Trust us: You'll need a lot of mouths to feed when you see how much food comes with a Korean barbecue feast at Takamatsu. From marinated bulgogi (thinly sliced beef) and boneless chicken to melt-in-your-mouth kalbi (marinated beef short ribs), it's a meat lover's fantasy come true. The best way to experience it is at a table with a built-in grill, where you can cook it all up yourself (with helpful waitstaff standing by, of course). While you're at it, try the crispy haemul pa jeon (seafood and scallion pancake), a pizza-size treat served with sesame-soy dip. There's an expansive sushi menu, too, as well as Japanese and Korean noodle dishes, soups, and other entrees to make your belly happy. At Takamatsu, the more, the merrier.

Casual but stylish, with sleek furnishings and moody lighting, Yasu Sushi Bistro reminds us of modern izakaya in Japan, where top-notch eats and premium sake are served with an extra helping of hipness. We love to snag a seat at the tiny sushi bar and let chef-owner Yasu Hashino guide us through plate after plate of delicacies, from plump, briny Kumamoto oysters to silky mackerel to rich, fatty toro. But beyond the stellar sushi and sashimi, the robatayaki offerings, grilled over aromatic binchotan oak charcoal, are just as craveworthy. Homemade chicken meatballs called tsukune and bacon-wrapped scallops are a couple of favorites; on days we feel like splurging, buttery wagyu beef is worth every expensive bite. There are plenty of sushi restaurants around town that get the job done when we're craving a quick fix, but none of them really satisfies our jones for an authentic Japanese dining experience like Yasu Sushi Bistro.

Consider us impressed. For such a tiny restaurant, Pho Avina sure has managed to bulk up its menu with a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties. There are more than a hundred items in all, from simple classics like bun (rice vermicelli noodles) and piping hot pho (noodle soup with a characteristically fragrant broth and fresh herbs), to more elaborate combinations like com tam dac biet, with grilled chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp served with fresh and pickled vegetables on broken rice. There are several do-it-yourself dishes that you wrap in fresh lettuce or moist rice paper, along with quite a few vegetarian options, which you don't find at most Vietnamese restaurants. Dessert is noteworthy, too, with sweet treats like rice pudding, creamy Vietnamese flan custard, and coconut ice cream. Pretty presentations and generous portions are an added bonus, but better yet are the prices — and you don't have to be a student across the street at ASU West to appreciate them.

Mom always got after us when we ditched the knife and fork to eat with our fingers, but we got our comeuppance when we discovered Ethiopian cuisine, traditionally scooped up by hand with moist, spongy bread called injera.

At Café Lalibela, the food's so tasty that we'd like to call it finger-lickin' good, but as it turns out, taking the expression literally is bad manners in Ethiopian culture. No worries, though — the sourdough flavor of injera is truly addicting, and we're happy to tear off big pieces of it to grab at yawaze yebeg tibs (spicy cubes of pan-fried lamb) and kye sega wat (tender beef simmered in spices). Café Lalibela's vegetarian specialties are amazing, too, from garlicky collard greens to flavorful lentils and peas. Turns out Mom was actually on to something when she made us eat our veggies.

Technically, Green serves vegan food — that is, it contains no milk, eggs, cheese, or any other animal product. That may sound intimidating, but trust us: It's the tastiest meatless cuisine in town. The beauty of this place is how even full-blown carnivores can appreciate it. While vegetarians get a bad rap for liking flavorless, healthful stuff, Green shows the naughty side of the veggie lifestyle with decadent treats like fried pita with spicy garlic poblano hummus, thyme fries with homemade vegan chili, and dairy-free Tsoynamis that give Dairy Queen Blizzards a run for their money. We also love Green's sauce-slathered po' boys and its famous spicy Buffalo wings, which have all the punch of real chicken hot wings — incredibly, they're made from mushroom stems. With dishes this craveable — along with a laid-back, café-style atmosphere and cheap prices — we find ourselves veggin' out quite a bit.

It's no secret that Asian restaurants are a vegetarian's best friend. When in doubt, you can always go for a veggie stir-fry with rice, or anything with tofu. That's fine with us, but we always did find it kind of strange that so few Asian joints actually cater to the veggie crowd. At Fresh Mint, though, there's no meat on the menu, period, which means that vegetarians can have a field day at this bright, lime-green cafe. The list of appetizers includes several kinds of fresh rolls as well as exotic salads, including green papaya salad and lotus salad. Among the soups, there's a meat-free take on pho, a Vietnamese classic.

And entrees include noodle dishes, curries, various combinations of veggies and tofu, and some intriguing faux meat specialties, such as kung pao soy chicken, and caramelized soy fish in a clay pot. There aren't many fried things here, and that's fine with us, though you don't have to be a vegetarian to appreciate the healthful stuff.

If you think New York has a monopoly on good Jewish delis, then you clearly haven't been to Scott's Generations yet. This casual, family-run joint is just like the best neighborhood spots in the Big Apple, from the walls covered in framed family photos to the big comfy booths, where you can nosh on outstanding knishes, bagels and lox, huge omelets, and overstuffed sandwiches. The corned beef at Scott's is so tasty we're drooling at the thought of it, the cheesecake is killer, and the flavorful chicken noodle soup always gives us a second wind. And where else can you find a chocolate egg cream this awesome, at least outside of New York's five boroughs? If you're a fan of comfort food, don't be surprised if Scott's becomes your home away from home.

Consider our world rocked. All these years, we thought we knew what an Italian deli was, but it turns out we were eating tortellini salad and meatball subs in vain. What about a panino with homemade sausage, peppers, and onions or, perhaps, bresaola with arugula and shaved Parmesan? When Giovanni Scorzo opened Andreoli Italian Grocer last year, it was a culinary (and cultural) revelation. This modest eatery really delivers a taste of the Old Country — just listen to the conversations of your fellow customers, who are probably native Italians. They're here for fresh bread and pastries, salami, mozzarella, and tiramisu, all made in-house. They're also coming in droves for Scorzo's daily specials, like Tuscan-style steak or homemade pasta. It's no surprise this guy cooks up such lip-smacking dishes; he's the former chef-owner of award-winning Leccabaffi. Nowadays, he's happy to work behind the counter, butchering meats and waiting on customers himself. We bet he's rocked a lot of people's worlds at Andreoli.

Whenever we need a little bit o' soul to put us right, we head straight to a little place called Lo-Lo's, where the star dish is (no surprise) the best fried chicken and waffles we've ever tasted. Owner Larry "Lo-Lo" White is the grandson of the legendary Mrs. White (of Mrs. White's Golden Rule Café), so he grew up eating the best soul food in Phoenix. Now, he's dishing it up himself. And let us tell you, it's so good you'll hate yourself if you don't show up with gluttonous motives. From catfish and chicken gizzards smothered with gravy to collard greens, cheese grits, and candy sweets, this is the kind of down-home cooking you'll want to keep eating well after you're full. Sure, we'll understand if you eventually say you don't have room for another bite — ever. Still, the Sunny Sand's red velvet cake is just as famous as the chicken and waffles, and definitely worth a try. It might be torture to stuff yourself so much, but c'mon — it hurts so good.

How nice to see a familiar face back on the local dining scene. Stacy Phipps, who owned the now-defunct Stacy's soul food restaurant on Jefferson, opened his new barbecue place earlier this year, and we were there just as soon as we could smell that mouthwatering almond and hickory smoke wafting from the meat smokers out back. The atmosphere is no-frills, but what the heck — it seems half the people in here are getting their goodies to go anyway. And once we finally get our feast in front of us, we're not paying attention to anything but the smoky pulled pork sandwich, the tender brisket, and the incredible beef ribs, which have a rich, caramelized taste that makes gnawing on the bone all the more pleasurable. As a bonus, there's plenty of soul food to go along with the meat, from savory greens to buttery candied yams. Wash it all down with a large cup of sweet tea, and see if you're not inspired to indulge in some sweet potato pie, too. Good barbecue will do that to you.

Cajun restaurants are few and far between in these parts, but thankfully there's one place we can count on when we're ready to let the good times roll: Baby Kay's Cajun Kitchen. It's the kind of place you have to seek out, since it's planted in the middle of the Town & Country Shopping Center, but trust us — once you get a taste of the killer Cajun cooking at this friendly, laid-back joint, you'll put it on your mental map (and you'll probably kick yourself for not going there sooner). Bring a big appetite, and bring some friends while you're at it, because the food is luscious and the portions are downright huge. Start off with Louisiana crabcakes, shrimp remoulade, or maybe a cup of duck and andouille sausage gumbo, then try some red beans and rice, crawfish etouffée, or jambalaya. There are several kinds of po' boys, all served with homemade chips, and daily specials like beer-battered shrimp and Cajun fried chicken are worth a look, too. If it sounds like an over-the-top way to blow your diet, it sure is. Don't worry, though — you'll be in good company.

It seemed there was a revolving door for restaurants at this vintage strip mall until Ranch House Grille came on the scene, tempting locals with cheap, old-fashioned eats at bargain prices. From huevos rancheros to Philly cheesesteaks, there are plenty of things to splurge on, but the hands-down star of this show is the chicken-fried steak. They call it "country fried steak," but nevertheless, it's an exemplary rendition of an American classic, with tender beef and golden, crunchy coating. Slathered in creamy, peppery country gravy or luscious pork chili verde, it goes down way too easily. And boy, what a portion — the thing takes up half the plate, but somehow we always manage to scarf it all down before we stop to think about the caloric repercussions.

Brothers Otis and Nick Lara only opened this second branch of their father's fry bread place a few months ago, but it's already becoming a neighborhood fast-food staple. Why? Because, seriously, who wants to eat a stale burger or a taco with questionable meat sources when you can watch the Laras hand-make a fresh fry bread Laguna and fill it with your favorite toppings? The basic recipe comes from their Native American roots, but the pair ventures outside tradition with innovative couplings like the Gourmet Laguna with grilled meats and peppers, or our personal favorite: the sweet variety with honey-butter or cherry topping. Fry bread purists might balk at the thought of the Native American foodstuff smothered in refried beans and salsa, but that's because they haven't tried it. Once you do, trust us when we say you'll be hooked.

The menu is modest: half a dozen pizzas and a handful of starters. The ingredients are humble, and mostly local, with a few standout imports like mortadella from Modena, Italy. The atmosphere's low-key, too, with a blazing wood-fired oven as the main focal point in a rustic, brick-walled dining room. But as much as Pizzeria Bianco tries to be down to earth, it remains a dining destination for pizza fanatics, Slow Foodies, and the generally curious, who might've heard about chef-owner Chris Bianco's fantastic pies from Martha or Oprah or some other national media source.

The hype has created constant crowds, no matter what night of the week it is, along with critics who contend that no pizza is worth waiting hours for. But this is no ordinary pizza, and contrary to urban legend, nobody else in town comes close to creating a crust with such character, all bubbly and blistered, crisp and a little chewy. Toppings are just as memorable, from the sublime marinara — a cheeseless pie that celebrates garlic, oregano, and sauce redolent with ripe tomatoes — to the legendary Wise Guy, topped with fennel sausage, roasted onions, and house-smoked mozzarella. Sure, waiting for a table at this downtown landmark takes patience that borders on religious devotion. But one thing's certain: The faithful eventually get a taste of heaven.

All right, we get it. Jimmy & Joe's calls its pizza slices "serious slices" for a very good reason. These things are seriously huge, and seriously delicious. Cut from what must be a three-foot pie, and served on a wide metal pizza pan, each piping hot piece is big enough to require two hands to hold it. Luckily, that's nothing to worry about, since they give each customer a handy pizza cutter to slice it into more manageable pieces. We're fond of the garlicky Hawaiian pizza, the meat-laden Carnivore, and the zesty Popeye, topped with spinach, basil, garlic, tomato, mozzarella, and feta. Even when we attempt a diet, there's the cheeseless Healthy Choice, smothered with veggies. And no matter what we choose, the New York-style crust — miraculously thin and crisp on the bottom, with fat, chewy edges — tastes great. Seriously.

Considering how many TVs are tuned to sports in this place, it's probably safe to say that it's always game day at Half Moon Sports Grill. But even if it weren't, we'd still come here just for the chicken wings. We get a hankering for a good batch of wings more often than we'd like to admit, and at Half Moon, there's no need to keep track of how many we're actually eating. These are sold by the pound instead of the dozen, so it's easier for us to gorge on these plump, juicy snacks (almost) guilt-free. Seven kinds of sauces keep us happy, from sambal (hot sauce) and barbecue to Thai peanut and honey chipotle.

And there's even a boneless version, all crispy, golden fried meat, no need to gnaw. Really, these scrumptious wings give us reason to cheer — and since it's always game day, no one will even mind if we do.

Simplicity is underrated, especially in the case of potatoes. You can do just about anything to a spud — purée it, bake it, dress it up with fancy toppings — but sometimes the best thing you can do is just revel in its delicious flavor. That's why we love the French fries at Welcome Diner, where they cook them up the old-fashioned way. There's no doubt these taters are fresh, since the tiny row of counter seats in this cozy vintage restaurant affords an unhindered view of the potato slicer. (And we can definitely attest to how much use the thing gets, partly thanks to our own French fry fixation.) Fried up to a mouthwatering golden brown and sprinkled with salt, these crispy, skin-on beauties are nothing short of potato perfection.

Lately, we've noticed that we hardly ever order burgers anymore — unless we're at Delux. Why settle for less? The signature burger at this sleek, stylish bar and grill is the only one we truly crave when our carnivorous instincts kick in, and apparently we're in good company, seeing how busy Delux always seems to be. Dripping with juices and cooked to order (we like ours medium-rare), the Delux burger is a huge patty of freshly ground Harris Ranch beef on a toasted demi-baguette, topped with Maytag and Gruyère cheeses, sweet caramelized onions, applewood-smoked bacon, and arugula. It's a heady combination of flavors that gets us moaning with delight from the first to the last bite. No wonder this burger gets so much buzz.

Some people think hot dogs are meant to be eaten only at a ballgame or a backyard barbecue — but those folks obviously haven't been to Ted's Hot Dogs. Too bad they don't know what they're missing.

These charcoal-broiled wienies are plump and smoky, tucked into fresh, soft buns that are just sturdy enough to hold up under whatever toppings we might be craving, from relish, onions, and mustard to chili and cheese. Whenever we're in the vicinity of Ted's, just the thought of sinking our teeth into one of these beauties is enough to make us stop by for a snack. Add some homemade onion rings and a chocolate shake, and we'll call it one of the best meal deals in town.

We love our guilty pleasures, and sometimes there's nothing more seductive than a kickass pastrami sandwich. Diet be damned, we say! And the best place to satisfy our serious jones for pastrami is at Miracle Mile Deli, where they make 'em as sloppy-good as they come, stuffed with tender, thinly sliced meat. Along with the standard hot pastrami — always a good bet — there's more. How about barbecue pastrami? Or the outrageous combo sandwich, with pastrami and corned beef?

We're longtime fans of the famous Straw sandwich, which combines hot pastrami with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, although we occasionally branch out and order the New Yorker, a lick-your-fingers kind of sammie with pastrami, cole slaw, and Miracle Mile dressing. And as if that's not enough proof that this place is definitely devoted to our favorite sandwich, there's even a triple-decker version. Over the top? Maybe, but that's what we love about Miracle Mile.

It's true, a stick-to-your-ribs meal of fish and chips serves a very practical purpose: to fortify us for a long night of beer drinking, to fuel us through long-winded bar conversations, and to give us the edge in countless rounds of pool and darts. But even if we weren't up for that — even if we were, say, sticking to Diet Coke and calling it an early night — fish and chips would still be one of our favorite dishes. Rose & Crown does it up especially well, with thick, juicy cod fillets dipped in Newcastle batter and fried until light, crisp, and golden. The thick, hand-cut chips are addicting, with crunchy edges and a fluffy, potato-y middle, while the tartar sauce, filled with big chunks of pickle, is uniquely good.

Do you have a certain dish that you can't help ordering every time you see it on a menu? We're that way with tom kha, the dreamy soup that's a menu staple at every Thai restaurant in town. Truly, we get giddy at the thought of eating this ambrosia, and we're constantly on the lookout for a tasty rendition. And we've recently found a new favorite place to slurp down this silky, aromatic soup of coconut milk, kaffir lime, galangal, lemongrass, and cilantro: Latitude Eight Thai Grill. The sleek, contemporary Thai eatery opened up earlier this year just off of Chandler's happening San Marcos Square, and it's been packed with hungry locals who can't get enough of the mouthwatering dishes. Count us among them, especially for the tom kha. Here, they bring you a bowl filled with tender chunks of chicken and fresh herbs, then ceremoniously pour the liquid over it. If it weren't so piping hot, we'd probably ask them to just pour it straight into our mouths; it's that good.

These guys really stepped it up. Four Peaks could've easily coasted on the reputation of its award-winning beer, but instead, the local brewpub serves up delectable dishes that are noteworthy in their own right. Rounding out a classic array of burgers, beer-battered fries, wings and nachos, there's a surprising assortment of internationally inspired eats, from Thai hummus to fresh-baked Bavarian pretzels to shrimp and goat cheese bruschetta. Other highlights include handmade pizzas, the Tap Room Tenderloin sandwich (topped with blue cheese and crispy onions), and slow-roasted carne adovada. You don't find food this good at just any neighborhood bar, that's for sure.

Here's a concept we wish we'd thought of: a BYOB restaurant with a wine shop right next door. The folks at Atlas Bistro really figured out a clever way to keep wine lovers happy. Who needs a wine list, anyway, when customers can browse the well-stocked aisles at AZ Wine Co.? The two businesses are actually connected by a doorway, so you can peruse the menu and check in with the hostess, shop for a bottle, and then settle in for a memorable dinner. True to the jet-setting connotation of the restaurant's name, Atlas chefs Brandon Crouser and Joshua Riesner create contemporary dishes with influences that are all over the culinary map, such as veal sweetbreads saltimbocca-style, or ginger duck breast with Grana Padana mushroom risotto and red wine hibiscus reduction. Sophisticated cuisine calls for stellar wines, and at Atlas Bistro, there's no shortage of those.

Chef-owner Erasmo "Razz" Kamnitzer is one of the best reasons to dine at his eponymous restaurant — that is, if you can get a coveted seat at the bar. If not, you're still in for a stellar meal, with polished service in a relaxed, classy setting. But snagging one of those bar seats, where you can get a full view into Kamnitzer's bustling open kitchen, is a total score. Watch the chef and his staff stir, slice, and sauté while you sit back, sip a nice glass of wine, and enjoy the show. Of course, when your meal comes, expect to be distracted by mouthwatering creations like crispy veal sweetbreads, alluring ceviche in a tangy tomato-lime-vegetable sauce, and splurge-worthy crespelles filled with chicken, cheese, mushrooms, and spinach.

If there's a momentary lull, don't be surprised when the charming chef comes over to chat — he'll make you feel like a million bucks. It's no wonder Razz's regulars are so fanatical about this place.

At certain restaurants, sometimes the scene is just as delicious as the cuisine. That's definitely the case at über-chic Canal, one of the fine-dining establishments at the upscale SouthBridge development. Nope, we won't set foot in this place on a bad hair day — not when the rest of the crowd's so dolled-up. The dimly lit bar area attracts a youthful, good-looking bunch dressed in slinky attire, while the main dining room seems to draw its share of sugar daddies and stiletto-shod cougars on the prowl for young meat.

If you can manage to take your eyes off the action, you'll notice that chef Justin Beckett turns out some fine dishes, such as grilled lamb chops with minted couscous, sweet corn cakes with avocado salad, and "ahi three-ways," which we think might be some kind of sexy subliminal message. High-fashion images projected on enormous screens and an illuminated catwalk in the middle of the room scream "style" at full blast, while throbbing beats coming from the DJ booth suggest something more primal. At Canal, we sense there's more to lust after than just the food.

We've been infatuated with this classy neighborhood Italian restaurant from our very first bite of gnocchi draped in pesto cream sauce. Food like that makes us fall in love, fast. But there's something else that's endearing about Aiello's — the personal service. This is a family operation, and it shows, especially when chef-owner Joe Aiello makes his rounds in the dining room.

We've never been here when he didn't step out of the kitchen to schmooze with regulars and dote on first-timers. He's a larger-than-life personality, and he likes to keep his customers fat and happy. His wife, Myrah, is an equally welcoming hostess, sometimes stopping by each table to let diners pick a chance to win a free dinner. Yep, these folks will do anything to keep you coming back — although in truth, the food alone is enough to get us in the door.

Loyal fans of Iron Chef America can call us out on this one: Technically, chef Mark Tarbell isn't an Iron Chef. That title is reserved for the handful of regulars who do battle against a constant onslaught of culinary challengers on the popular Food Network show.

Only a year ago, Tarbell himself made an appearance, going up against Iron Chef Cat Cora in a high-stakes cook-off where the key ingredient was apples. And guess what? He won. Since the show's airing, Tarbell hasn't ditched Phoenix to gallivant around the country and leave his kitchen in other hands. He's stayed put at his restaurant — right where he's always been, and right where regulars expect him to be. You see, Tarbell's way too sociable to step out of the limelight at his namesake restaurant, where locals flock to dine on upscale comfort food like double-cut pork chops with white cheddar polenta cakes, pan-roasted organic chicken with buttermilk mashed potatoes, and Mark's Famous Spaghetti & Meatballs.

The fact that Tarbell is Phoenix's own Iron Chef makes the dining experience that much tastier.

Ever heard the phrase "Think Globally, Act Locally"? Turns out it applies to eating, too. Somebody even coined a word for people who consume foods that were produced close to home — say, within a 50- or 100-mile radius: locavores. The motivations behind it run the gamut from environmental friendliness (less fuel used to transport the food) to culinary superiority (as in, this stuff tastes better and is more healthful because it's fresher and in season). Either way, who are we to argue? After all, "locavore" was the New Oxford Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2007. It also happens to be the name of the fantastic dinner series started up by chef James Porter of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar. Focusing on using only Arizona ingredients, Porter cooks up multi-course feasts paired with Arizona wines. As a special perk, guests get to actually mingle with the local farmers, ranchers, and producers whom Porter supports. Even better, extra-motivated types can visit a local farm a few days before the event to help pick out the veggies. Needless to say, these Locavore dinners have become quite popular with the sustainability-conscious gourmet crowd, which tells us there must be something to that whole notion of "local tastes better."

There's a reason Cibo feels so homey that we hardly want to leave — like so many of central Phoenix's neatest restaurants, it's situated in a renovated historic bungalow. From wood floors to a cozy layout, this place has a warmth and character that make it the perfect place to share an intimate meal with close friends. Owners Tony and Karen Martingiglio and their son Michael welcome guests as if they were family, and chef Guido Saccone's Italian cooking inspires good cheer, too. What's not to love about organic salads and rustic antipasti, flavorful pizzas from a wood-fired oven, and crepes for dessert? Try it for yourself, and you might wish you could move in, too.

If you're going to get your mojo working, it helps to have a sexy setting. At elements, the fine-dining spot at Sanctuary on Camelback, every aspect of the restaurant seems designed to conjure up romance, from sleek furnishings and an unforgettably gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains to chef Beau MacMillan's Asian-inflected, seasonal cuisine. Dishes like pan-seared wild salmon with udon noodles, shiitake mushrooms, snap peas, sesame, and ginger are sure to make your loved one's mouth water, while decadent desserts like chai-spiced honey cake and chocolate three-ways will help you leave subliminal messages about what's in store after dinner. And if the aphrodisiac effect of so much wining and dining kicks in too soon, don't worry — this is a resort, after all.

There are so many different reasons that restaurants can find success, but somehow La Piccola Cucina has achieved a trifecta of good food (homestyle Mediterranean dishes), adorable ambiance (it's in a beautifully restored 1924 house), and personal service. How personal, you ask? Well, chances are, you'll meet owners Andy and Debbie Pappas on your first visit, and they'll go out of their way to treat you right and make you feel like this is where you belong. Debbie, a retired flight attendant, will shower you with motherly attention, whether you're trying to pick a panino or just narrow down your gelato choices. And Andy, a restaurant industry veteran who's also a trained actor, will probably burst into song at some point. Seriously, the guy loves to schmooze, and if he's in a good mood, he might even serenade you. Of course, we crave the delicious, affordable menu here, and the location's close enough to downtown that we can swing a visit on our lunch break. But the Pappases really make La Piccola Cucina a place to love.

There aren't too many rain days in Phoenix, and the folks who run The Farm at South Mountain take full advantage of that. Except for the hottest stretch of the summer, when they close for three months, Morning Glory Café and The Farm Kitchen are all about dining al fresco and enjoying our abundant sunny days. The former is breakfast-only, with views of Maya's Farm (an on-site organic farm) just beyond the expanse of umbrella tables where customers dig in to French toast, homemade granola, and omelets stuffed with local vegetables. The latter, a shady picnic nook surrounded by lush pecan trees, specializes in gourmet sandwiches, salads, and a tempting display of baked goods, including cookies, cupcakes, and cobblers. Amazingly, this place is convenient to downtown Phoenix and Tempe alike, but it feels as though you're far away from the city. When we need to get away from it all, The Farm is our go-to spot for instant relaxation.

Whenever we need a reminder of just how good we have it here in the Valley of the Sun, we have to head to T. Cook's spectacular Sunday brunch to put ourselves in the right frame of mind. Just setting foot on the Royal Palms property is enough to lighten our hearts — certainly one doesn't need to be a guest at the resort to appreciate its lush landscaping, stunning views of Camelback Mountain, and romantic Mediterranean courtyards. And inside T. Cook's, the energy is soothing and sophisticated, with sunlight brightening the elegant dining room as a classical guitar player serenades guests.

The buffet is as gorgeous as it gets, a decadent, all-you-can-eat spread, with artfully arranged platters of smoked salmon, egg dishes, roasted and grilled vegetables, shrimp cocktail in martini glasses, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and several kinds of soft rolls and bread. Just as delightful (or maybe more so, if you have a sweet tooth) are pastry chef Pierino Jermonti's exquisite tarts, cakes, cookies, and bonbons, which take up a few tables of their own. Thanks to T. Cook's, Sunday's our favorite day of the week.

At Christopher's, the swanky new restaurant from James Beard award-winning chef Christopher Gross, we get the best of the old and the new. What's new is the streamlined name and chic, contemporary setting, a welcome change from Gross's previous eatery at Biltmore Fashion Park, Christopher's Fermier Brasserie. We liked the last place just fine, but the updated digs are stylish and comfortable, with convertible glass walls creating intimate dining nooks, and a cool open kitchen where you can sit at the counter and see what's sizzling. There's also Crush, a luxurious, inviting lounge run by sommelier Paola Embry. What's tried and true at Christopher's is Gross's top-notch French cooking. The menu's been freshened up with new items, such as pied de cochon garnished with sweetbreads, while old faves remain, from hanger steak with sautéed shallots to steamed mussels and chorizo in a white wine broth. And Embry's extensive wine list, winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 10 consecutive years, is as intriguing as ever.

Just how fresh is that sashimi you're about to gobble up? The quality of the seafood couldn't be more obvious than at Hana Japanese Eatery, where, if you're lucky, you just might witness sushi chef Rick "Koji" Hashimoto hauling in the catch of the day. The day we saw him hoist a giant piece of bluefin tuna onto the counter — tail and fins included — we couldn't believe our eyes. Neither could anyone else at the restaurant. Within seconds, everyone was snapping pictures with their cell phones, completely amazed. But after some expert slicing, the sleek silver creature from the deep was soon carved into elegant pieces of rose-colored sashimi, and all the customers were eager to sample the goods. It's not every day that Hana has a photo op quite as dramatic as that one, but even the huge wooden boat-shaped trays, bearing lavish arrangements of sushi and wasabi and even flaming sugar cubes, make it worthwhile to bring a camera to this fantastic sushi spot.

Admit it: You missed Eddie Matney. It's okay to 'fess up, because you're definitely not alone. And somehow we sense that the celebrated chef knew we were jonesing for his creative, Mediterranean-inspired cooking. After all, it had been awhile since he'd given us a taste of it. After closing his eponymous restaurant at 24th Street and Camelback a few years ago, he didn't interface with the public as much. His short-lived stint at Stoudemire's Downtown didn't turn any heads, and after that, he went to feed the elite at a private golf club. You'd see Matney's name on the roster at gala events, and you'd see his face on TV, but you'd be left with an insatiable craving if you were in the mood for some of his bacon-infused meatloaf. Well, now Matney's back with a place all his own, and the menu's got plenty of the dishes that made him famous in the first place. Even the meatloaf.

It's nerve-wracking enough, trying to figure out what to talk about on a first date — who needs to worry about where to go, too? Pick a chill destination like Coup des Tartes, where the candlelit vibe is cozy, the food is classy, and there's enough subtle romance about the place to help along whatever spontaneous chemistry you might have with your date. As an ice-breaker, start with an interactive appetizer — perhaps the plate of "interesting cheeses," or the gooey Brie brûlée, served with toasts and fresh fruit. Entrees are sure to impress; the house specialty, Moroccan-spiced lamb shank, is particularly mouthwatering, as is the filet mignon. No surprise, the dessert list is a roundup of half a dozen different tarts, from banana brûlée in a chocolate crust to apple pecan walnut tart. And we almost forgot to mention that Coup des Tartes is BYOB — a definite plus whether you're on a date or not.

We've gotta tell you, if we have to go to another American-themed restaurant simply because we've got the kids in tow, we're going to start looking for a flag to burn. Why does parenthood have to mean hot dogs, fries, and limp iceberg lettuce?

It doesn't, not since we've found Kabuki. This perfectly acceptable Japanese restaurant zooms over the top when it comes to the kids. Ours were happily greeted (we even tried a return visit with a large group of parents and tots, to see if the first time was an aberration — it wasn't) and ensconced in a comfy booth with crayons and kid-friendly cups with bendy straws.

The menu at this place is our favorite part: For a more-than-fair price, Junior will get a huge plate of food including a main dish like tempura or teriyaki (or both) and, best of all, a garden salad and fruit salad. The adult selections are wide, whether you choose from the sushi bar or the tamer cooked items.

The kids can't wait to return — and neither can we, a huge feat in family dining. We lift our chopsticks in salute!

No matter where you are in the Valley, late-night dining options are pretty slim pickings. The choices are even fewer downtown, where so many places are lunch-only (for the commuter crowd) or else they end their "dinner" service before some of us are even off work. It's a little bit of poetic justice, though, that Fate, our favorite place to get a meal in the wee hours, goes the extra mile to redeem downtown's nighttime dining scene. For goodness' sake, they're open 'til 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights — hardly any restaurant in the Valley can boast hours like that. Of course, we're happy to eat here no matter what time it is. From Thai spring rolls and Hong Kong flat rice to a variety of tasty stir-fry dishes (we're addicted to the Cantonese Black Dragon, with the best black bean sauce around), chef-owner Johnny Chu does Asian fusion with flair, much of it with a healthful or vegetarian spin. Fried tofu is one caloric exception, but it's too crispy and delightful to ignore. We could eat that at any hour of the day or night.

There's certainly something to be said for the hair of the dog, but the morning after a chug-a-thon, our favorite fix is a hearty breakfast. We're convinced that's the real reason breakfast is called the most important meal of the day — because if it weren't for the redeeming qualities of butter, starch, and strong coffee, we probably wouldn't make it through to the afternoon. That's why we're such fans of Over Easy, the hip little diner that chef Aaron May (Sol y Sombra) opened in a renovated Taco Bell at the beginning of the year.

Just walking in the door, seeing the lemon-yellow color scheme and watching the guys behind the counter sling corned beef hash makes us feel more peppy. On balmy mornings, the outside patio is relaxing, too. Once we snag a table (the wait is the only catch about this place), we're eager to sink our teeth into decadent French toast with caramelized bananas and pecans, a toasted brioche with a fried egg, spinach, and bacon sauce, or a mighty fine plate of chicken fried steak spooned with creamy country gravy. Whenever we need to soak up the booze and put our heads on straight, a meal at Over Easy does us right.

Whether it's light rail, the new ASU developments, or just business as usual, there's a lot going on in downtown Phoenix. We're glad to see so much happening, but sometimes we just need a break from it — a few moments of peace and quiet to recharge. Palatte is perfect for that, an oasis of leisure in the midst of our bustling city. Located in the Cavness House, a historic home with a cute front porch and a sprawling yard that functions as one big patio, the restaurant has a laid-back setting we can really appreciate, especially on a hectic day. We love the food here, too. Homemade pastries, a frittata of the day, roasted sweet potato pancakes with spiced mascarpone, and a variety of "mish-mashes" (egg scrambles) are just a few of the reasons we stop by Palatte when we're famished. The caramelized onion tart is another favorite. When we're ready to sip a cup of coffee, refuel on light, creative dishes, and reflect on a gorgeous Arizona day, Palatte is the place to be.

You can grab a bite to eat and get a taste of local culture, thanks to CityBakery tucked inside the Arizona Science Center. You're sure to fuel your way through a busy afternoon thanks to huge, fresh salads (curry chicken and Mediterranean tuna are a couple of our faves), mouthwatering sandwiches (pressed chicken with applewood-smoked bacon, Brie, and caramelized onions is a good choice), and an assortment of sweet splurges like double chocolate brownies and oatmeal cran-raisin cookies. The vibe is hip enough to take a friend, but still down to earth, for days when you're flying solo. (Just admit it, you'd rather keep that brownie for yourself, right?)

From the fragrant Summer Provence tea blend to the delicate chocolate cups holding the lemon curd and fresh whipped cream, it's all about attention to detail when it comes to afternoon tea at the Phoenix Ritz.

And all that attention is bestowed by none other than Jeffrey Hattrick, the Ritz's resident tea sommelier. There's more than a bit of showmanship to his presentation (read all about it in our Sideshow profile, page 210) but suffice it to say, this man takes his tea very seriously — he trained for years to create his own brews, and he lords over the tea lobby with his own special style. The Ritz knows it's got a good thing — there's a teatime Teddy Bear named for Jeffrey, and each July, when he leaves on vacation, they simply don't serve at all. This is tea worth lifting your little pinky for.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the most flattered place in town is Postino Wine Café, an action-packed neighborhood wine bar that's all about effortless cool. There's no attitude here, just a stylish vibe and craveable wine-friendly nibbles. The bruschetta, in particular, is outstanding, something many local wine bars have attempted to re-create (right down to the nearly identical toppings) but none has succeeded in matching. Ten delectable combinations, plus an ever-changing seasonal option, make it really hard to choose, but luckily each order comes with a choice of four. From simple smoked salmon or roasted artichoke hearts to more complex toppings like prosciutto with figs and mascarpone, and white Tuscan bean with pancetta, each one is memorable, served atop slices of fresh crusty bread. Folks can't get enough of this bruschetta, and now Postino's ready to meet the demand. Early in 2009, expect a second location in the renovated building that once housed Katz's Deli.

Chris Bianco and Susan Pool's downtown pizzeria gets all the glory, but it also gets all the crowds. Meanwhile, their midtown sandwich shop is still all about the locals, a casual spot where the lines are never too long for a quick lunchtime pit stop. It's counter service only, with everything wrapped to-go, although you're welcome to chill at picnic-style seating out front. The menu's minimalist (just a handful of sammies and salads), but every item is craveable, from housemade mozzarella, basil, and tomato to a distinctive take on tuna salad. The ever-changing market sandwich — perhaps with jamón serrano, or maybe roasted lamb and arugula — is worth a try as well. As you'd expect from Bianco, the James Beard Award-winning pizza guru, the bread is a highlight, served fresh from the wood-fired oven. Grab a loaf to take home, while you're at it.

It's really sad how often we go a little hungry when we're just not in the mood for a sandwich or a meat-and-potatoes entrée. Who says salads can't have substance? Thankfully, there's a restaurant where we can actually fill up when we're craving a good salad: Lisa G. This place is the bomb, whether for an uplifting workday lunch, a mellow dinner, or a late-evening glass of wine with friends. Indeed, we love everything here, from the killer homemade meatballs (that's "balls" on the menu) to scrumptious sandwiches on soft MJ Bread. But lately we find ourselves coming back again and again for the salads, as there's one for every mood. At lunch, we love the tuna salad, a luscious niçoise-inspired concoction with fresh greens, albacore tuna, white beans, roasted red peppers, capers, red onion, and Kalamata olives, tossed in the best Dijon vinaigrette we've ever had. Off the dinner menu, we love the frutti di mare, chock-full of seafood, and the surprisingly hearty vegetarian, laden with balsamic-tinged roasted vegetables and goat cheese. And then there's the steak salad, a filling spinach salad topped with blue cheese and juicy slices of strip steak. We're happy to make a meal out of that anytime.

From fine-dining spots all the way down to budget sandwich joints, the caesar salad is one menu item that spans cooking styles and price points. Obviously, the caesar has a devoted following. But why, then, do so many restaurants treat it like a token dish? Seriously, the caesar could be so simple and delicious, but the way most restaurants serve it, it's just plain boring. Not at radioMILANO, though. We could tell these folks appreciate a good caesar just by the way they've given it a creative spin. Here, it's not just a pile of romaine lettuce with some generic creamy dressing. It's ultra-fresh romaine tossed with crisp, thin slices of celery, Parmesan croutons, and a delectable dressing perked up with lemon juice. On top, there's plenty of shaved Parmesan, too. This is a caesar salad to crave — and ever since we've discovered it, we crave it all the time.

A lot of dishes are award-worthy at Cork, the south Chandler eatery opened by co-owners Robert Morris (sommelier), his wife Danielle Morris (pastry chef), and Brian Peterson (executive chef) earlier this year. But we think the banana cream pie says it all. What you might visualize when you order it is nothing like what you actually get. Instead of a simple slice of traditional pie, you get an edible work of art, with the chocolate-painted plate as a canvas. Brûléed banana slices and a roasted baby plantain accompany the "pie," whose tasty round Oreo crust supports a pale cylinder of delicate banana cream. On top, there's an ethereal cloud of brûléed homemade marshmallow. All together, this is one of the most memorable desserts we've had in a long time, and definitely a fitting way to wrap up a dinner that might include creative dishes such as seared foie gras with banana bread, or ostrich crudo with limoncello, heirloom tomato, and tortellini.

It's a pretty easy rule of thumb: Eat ethnic food at places frequented by people of that ethnicity. That's usually a good sign, no matter what kind of restaurant you're checking out. On weekends, Chandler's China King transforms into a culinary mecca for homesick Chinese, who show up in groups with three generations in tow. Squint hard enough, and you may almost convince yourself that this is Chinatown in San Francisco or New York. And besides, if this dim sum gets the approval of Chinese grannies, we think it deserves a try. Truly, the offerings here (more than 50 in all) are delicious. Flag down one of the waitresses pushing metal steam carts from table to table, and you never know what you'll find. It could be something for the hardcore dim sum fan — say, sweet steamed chicken feet — or something more accessible, like sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, or barbecued pork buns. There's no pressure, of course. Feel free to wait it out for the next cart, or to help yourself to as many plates as you can handle. You'll go from dim sum dabbler to devotee in no time.

A little sangria, a few plates of goodies to share with friends, and a dark, cozy nook to enjoy it all — ah, those Spanish really know how to live, don't they? We stressed-out Americans could definitely learn a thing or two from our laid-back European friends. Who knows, maybe a little more wine and a little more olive oil would help us live longer. At least, we'd probably live better. Thankfully, there's a place in Phoenix where we can let our cares melt away and settle in at one of the most intimate dinner spots in town: Lola Tapas. When we say intimate, we mean it — two long, dark-wood communal tables line the compact, saffron-hued dining room, meaning you'll dine with your dearest and your nearest, whether they're strangers or not. It's a very friendly place and, fittingly, they serve dishes that are perfect for sharing, including marinated olives, jamón serrano, and Mahón cheese; garlicky sautéed shrimp; and mouthwatering grilled pork skewers. And, yes, the fruit-filled sangria is awesome, both the red and the white versions. It might be only a tiny taste of Spain, but it goes a long way when we're ready to relax.

Order off the à la carte menu if you like, but if you really want to understand why chef Nobuo Fukuda earned his James Beard Award, give in to Sea Saw's seasonal omakase. That's the premium tasting menu at this jewel box of a restaurant, a series of exquisite creations that Fukuda and his team of chefs assemble right before your eyes (that is, if you reserve one of the counter seats that encircle Sea Saw's open kitchen). Although the cuisine here is decidedly Japanese, it's imaginative and cutting-edge, with some unique European flourishes. Every bite is an exhilarating flavor combination, from tuna tataki drizzled with pinot noir reduction and roasted beet purée to seared, miso-marinated foie gras so sweet and rich that it's almost more decadent than dessert itself. Expert sake and wine pairings are yet another reason to look forward to each course. If there's one place in town where it's worth letting go of your Type A tendencies, it's Sea Saw. You'll be in good hands.

Want to know why we just stifled a yawn? Well, the menus hardly change at some of the Valley's top fine-dining spots, while other places might tweak their offerings every few months. If it weren't for that, we might visit some of them more often. But there's no getting bored at delightful Quiessence, where chef Gregory LaPrad and sous chef Anthony Andiario are Phoenix's most dynamic kitchen duo. Every day brings something different, based on whatever's fresh, in season, and available from local purveyors, including Maya's at the Farm, the organic farm located right next door. But no matter what time of year it is, you can count on exquisite homemade pastas, succulent meats and ripe vegetables roasted in the brick oven, homey desserts, and the city's most intriguing selection of artisan cheeses. If there's any restaurant worthy of repeat visits, it's Quiessence.

Although the juicy, perfectly grilled lamb chops come in a close second, our first pick for favorite dish at Bombay Spice is the unforgettable chickpea ceviche, a dish that turns a humble ingredient into a dazzling one. This heap of tender chickpeas is tossed with diced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, with a tangy-sweet sauce of yogurt, tamarind, and mint. Served chilled, it's summery and refreshing, a satisfying way to fill up without feeling bogged down (you could say the same about a lot of the healthful dishes at Bombay Spice, where Indian food gets a lighter spin). You can share a plate of chickpea ceviche with friends, or scarf it down as an entree, but no matter what you do, you'll find yourself craving it long after you've left the restaurant, and you'll never think of chickpeas the same way again.

You know, we're not sure we've ever seen Grape-Nuts on a menu anywhere, and we're definitely certain we've never eaten them past breakfast time. Who'd have guessed they'd make such a splendid dessert? At The Breadfruit, a bright, cheery Jamaican restaurant that opened downtown earlier this year, a dessert called "Gret's Grapenut Ice Cream and Jell-O" sparked our curiosity, if only for its unusual ingredients. It's quite an ice cream novelty, with Grape-Nuts and raisins stirred into soft Häagen-Dazs vanilla, then scooped into a parfait glass with blobs of cherry Jell-O. Simultaneously creamy, crunchy, and chewy all at once, this sweet and refreshing treat also happens to be the perfect way to cool your taste buds after eating spicy jerk chicken or fiery escovitch fish.

El Chorro Lodge is a bastion of old-school cool, the kind of place where you can rely on stiff cocktails, a leisurely Arizona-glam atmosphere, and classic dishes like shrimp Louie, sautéed chicken livers with bacon, tableside chateaubriand, or a glorious mesquite-broiled prime steak. But there's something else worth going for, and it's not on the menu. It's El Chorro's homemade sticky buns, so decadently memorable that they have a cult following. Once you taste these babies — they give you a basket of them at the beginning of each meal, no matter if it's brunch or dinner — you'll understand. They're hot out of the oven, each soft swirl of dough soaked in a sweet, sticky glaze of butter and melted brown sugar. Every bite is ethereal, and it's really hard to not to spoil our appetite when they land on our table. Ultimately, when forced to choose between finishing our steak or polishing off another sticky bun, we inevitably give in to gooey bliss.

We love everything about Au Petit Four, from the strong coffee and the case full of colorful pastries to the outstanding omelets. Indeed, there are plenty of reasons to come to this tiny cafe, but even if there were just one — that is, their amazing croissants — we'd still make a special trip across town just to eat here. Au Petit Four's croissants are so rich and buttery, you'd think they put a whole stick of butter in each one. They're delicately crisp, baked to a perfect, deep shade of golden brown, but inside, they're still flaky and light. And, honestly, we find it incredibly difficult to eat only one, lest we look like total gluttons. How do the French themselves make self-restraint seem so easy? Well, we think we've figured them out: They get extra croissants to go.

Ooh-la-la, we can't tell you how delighted we were when we discovered this honest-to-goodness French patisserie. Open since January, Scratch Pastries is a labor of love run by two Parisian transplants, Duc and Noelle Liao, who left behind glamorous careers (fashion photographer and model, respectively) in the City of Light to raise their family here. And we're so glad they did. Now we can hang out in their stylish, low-key cafe, sip Mariages Frères tea, and nibble on buttery, freshly made croissants, chewy macarons, and exquisite creations like the cream-filled strawberry-rose gateau or the matcha­-flecked green tea fleur. They're all almost too pretty to eat. That's right, we said almost.

Leave it to Oprah Winfrey's pal Gayle to spill the beans on what we thought was a well-kept secret: the dreamy cupcakes at Wicked Bakery. The delicate crumb is moist but not too heavy, and the frosting is ultra-creamy, so fluffy we could eat it with a spoon. Wicked's flavors are wickedly delicious, too. The offerings vary from day to day (unless, of course, you place an order ahead of time), so it's always exciting to see what's in store. Will they be sold out of the "hot" chocolate, habanero-infused chocolate cupcakes topped with vanilla buttercream and a dash of spice? Will we get there in time to grab a few of the vanilla crème brûlée cupcakes, or some of those heavenly red velvet numbers, capped with a cloud of silky cream cheese frosting? It's kind of like playing the lottery — except that we come out a winner every time.

It would be easy enough to celebrate about Barb's Bakery just for the beautiful wedding cakes, done up in the same kind of elegant designs that Martha Stewart would approve of, in flavors from devil's food to pink champagne. After all, hearing your guests rave about how good the thing looks and tastes is a definite victory for even the most raging Bridezilla. But Barb's does more than just the Big Day. Barb's does holidays, with cute themed cupcakes for Christmas, Easter, and more. Birthdays, naturally, are a breeze for Barb's Bakery, whether your birthday boy or girl craves carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or classic yellow cake slathered with chocolate buttercream. And thanks to signature frosted cookies in whimsical shapes and colors, even ordinary days become a special occasion.

These days, you can find bagels and challah and maybe even a decent rye bread at plenty of neighborhood grocery stores, but Karsh's Bakery still makes the best, using all kosher ingredients, the way they've been doing since the '60s. This bakery's almost like a time capsule, an old school, no-bells-and-whistles storefront where the display cases are packed with mouthwatering breads, rolls, and pastries, including rugalach and black-and-white cookies that bring customers from miles around. Looking for a special occasion cake? Karsh's does those too, from traditional wedding and birthday cakes to specialty designs shaped like animals, toys, and even Louis Vuitton handbags.

It would be easy enough to say that Simply Bread is the best in town because it's featured at some of Phoenix's finest eateries. After all, top local chefs are proud to feature it on their menus, and if it's good enough for them, well, it's good enough for us. The endorsements are nice, to be sure, but have you tasted this bread? It's so mouthwatering, it sells itself. From his soft, scrumptious focaccias to his crisp, golden baguettes, award-winning head baker Jeffrey Yankellow makes top-notch artisan bread using the same techniques that have made French bakeries the envy of the world. The crumb is fragrant and moist, and the crust is always the perfect texture. And lucky us, we don't have to cross the pond to eat as much of it as we want.

Tammie Coe's the frontwoman with the famous zebra-striped wonderland cakes, but her hubby Michael, of MJ Bread, is the guy in the back, making bread. And his bread is fantastic — we've long loved his crispy loaves. Recently, we discovered MJ's pretzel — a pretzel made the way God (or, at least, the Germans) intended it to be: over-sized and doughy, with a crisp exterior and a salty finish. We fully intend to return for pretzels and cake and, to appease our guilt, Coe's newly expanded salad/sandwich options at lunch at the Roosevelt location.

A really good bagel is no mere alternative to toast — it's a meal unto itself. We're especially fond of NY Bagels 'N Bialys' hefty bad boys, whose thick crust and moist, dense crumb are just as satisfying (and filling!) as what you'd find in the best Big Apple bagel joints. That's because they make the dough from scratch, daily, and adhere to the old-fashioned boil-and-bake method that gives them their unique, crave­able texture. From Asiago to everything, there are more than two dozen flavors to choose from here, and if you're lucky, you'll stop by when a fresh batch comes out of the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make you drool, and the taste is one of life's simplest pleasures. Give us ours toasted, with a schmear, and we'll forget we ever missed Manhattan.

Spelt doesn't sound tasty. Not at all. Doesn't even sound like food, let alone an ancient substance that lost out to wheat and barley in history's great grain race. Say you've got a kid who's allergic to wheat (there are worse things). Make your PB&J on two slices of good old-fashioned spelt, and he'll never know the difference. For the record, it's high in fiber, low in fat, and surprisingly tasty. Bread Basket Bakery is not a fancy joint. What you see — right in front of you — is what you get. Many of the baked goods are cooling on racks in the open kitchen. Point, pay, and eat. And if the very idea of spelt turns you off, the chocolate-covered macaroons are sure to bring you back.

Proprietors Chatham and Jennie Kitz truly have taken chocolate connoisseurship to the next level with their cacao-centric boutique, which celebrates world-class chocolatiers like Chocolat Moderne, Ghyslain, and Lillie Belle Farms. Beside a wall full of chocolate bars from around the world, there are hundreds of exotic truffles available here, each one with its own tiny display shelf. Intrigued by the strawberry-balsamic truffles, the milk chocolate hazelnut pralines, or the lavender-infused caramel with fleur de sel? Try them all — it's easy to assemble your own custom box. Each truffle also comes with its own ID card, complete with color photo and description, so you know what you're about to bite into. That's never been a concern for us, though. After spending so much time drooling over the offerings at Chatham's, we usually eat our purchases right on the spot.

One Friday morning, after a few hellacious days of office drama, a dear co-worker showed up bearing tiny cardboard boxes adorned with Essence Bakery stickers. Passing one to us, she said, "I thought we all needed to end the work week on a sweet note."

We peeked inside and could barely contain our glee at the sight of five freshly baked miniature treats — and we promise you, it wasn't just because we'd just been staring at the computer and listening to the steady rumble of our empty stomach. But still, those desserts were quite a sight, and we couldn't resist nibbling on them immediately.

What was inside?

A Mexican wedding cookie, coated with confectioner's sugar; a chocolate cookie; a chewy white chocolate and macadamia nut cookie; a creamy little square of chocolate cake; and a Lilliputian pound cake sprinkled with sugar. Before we knew it, we'd gobbled them all up — and we couldn't think of any better way to usher in the weekend.

If Phoenix in the summertime is hell, then Sweet Republic is pure heaven. So don't be surprised to find us at this cool, tangerine-colored ice cream shop, blissfully Web surfing (hey, we can't pass up the free Wi-Fi!) and nibbling at fresh, made-from-scratch artisanal ice creams. Owners Jan Wichayanuparp and Helen Yung opened their doors this summer — not a day too soon, we say — and quickly made a name for themselves with unusual flavors and premium ingredients, such as rBST-free milk.

We're keen on the salted butter caramel ice cream, lime-basil sorbet (so refreshing), and the addicting blue cheese ice cream. No, it's not as weird as it sounds; think sweet and seductive, like really good cheesecake.

Why is there often a line out the door of this pint-size gelato shop? Well, if you have to ask the question, you probably haven't stopped by yet. That's okay, though — it usually only takes a bite of this creamy, heavenly stuff to join the initiated. Owners Moreno and Marina Spangaro are natives of Trieste, Italy, and their homemade gelato is an authentic taste of the Old Country. Most places hawking gelato these days can whip up any flavor imaginable (bubblegum, anyone?) with the help of canned flavor pastes, but at Arlecchino, everything is made from scratch. That means melon and blood orange come and go with the seasons because they're made with organic, locally grown fruit. The dense, heady chocolate gelato is made from a secret blend of top-shelf cocoa, and the intense pistachio is flavored with pure Sicilian pistachios. Are you hungry yet? We thought so. Go ahead; get in line.

Who cares if the über-popular Pinkberry — a trend-setting frozen yogurt empire in Southern California and beyond — still hasn't opened a shop in these parts? Certainly not us, now that Ice Tango's on the scene. This homegrown enterprise is hip in its own right, a brightly colored, retro-modern hangout hawking the fro-yo that makes our toes curl. They call their plain yogurt flavor "twangy," and it's surprisingly good — light, tangy, and just sweet enough to make you eat more than you think you will. Ice Tango also offers frozen yogurt in half a dozen fruit flavors, from luscious mango to tart, refreshing pomegranate. They're all delish, and did we mention they're fat-free? Of course they are — how else could we justify topping our yogurt with everything from bananas to mochi to chocolate sprinkles?

The ghost of Orville Redenbacher may haunt us the rest of our days for admitting this, but for a while, we got pretty damn bored with popcorn. Don't get us wrong, we've definitely eaten our fair share of freshly popped kernels over the years, whether relaxing at the cinema, hanging out at the state fair, or scarfing down a bag at our desk at work. But frankly, after a while, our tongue was weary of the usual butter-and-salt seasoning, which is why a visit to the Poppa Maize was in order.

Our tired taste buds needed reviving by way of the staggering selection of almost two dozen flavored-popcorn selections the shop cooks up, and we weren't disappointed. It's like popcorn porn in a way, with such zesty and wild signature recipes as chili y lime, cheesy chipotle, and pineapple jalapeño. Want something sweeter? The Poppa Maize peeps gladly serve you such tasty popcorn concoctions as strawberries-and-cream, white chocolate, and apple-cinnamon. If you aren't in the mood to make the drive to their north Phoenix location, tins and bags (including ginormous, three-foot party bags) of each of their 22 flavors is available for purchase on the store's Web site. Our tongue sends us love letters every time we log on and place orders for more and, we're sure, yours will, too.

TastyKake reps their Philly 'hood in baked goods. Utz is the salty-snack beast of the Northeast. Where do you turn if you want to throw your A'z up and want local munchies to rise up? Enter Poore Brothers. Since '86, the Goodyear-based company has kettle-cooked their potato chips full of crunchiness and amazing flavors. Their dill pickle and guacamole varieties are gone, but they still rock with salt and cracked pepper, sweet Maui onion, and triple cheese jalapeño. It's easy to proclaim, "We the best!" on behalf of the home team when it's actually true.

Carl's designer vegetables are pure art. Heirloom seed stock, some near extinction, groomed and grown to produce some of the most tender and tasty tomatoes, greens, and herbs with an attention to detail that rivals Italian designer goods. With varietal names like Black Russian, Cherokee Purple, and Snowbell, these are no ordinary tomatoes, which show in a palette of colors that rival the spring collections in Milan. Even better, Carl's putting his design skills to use by cultivating a couple of signature tomatoes, which will include a Cherokee Orange. Ever seen purple haricots vert? They're our new favorite, thanks to Carl. His attention to gardening detail and creation of high-end and fragile foodstuffs has earned him the nickname "the Gucci gardener."

But unlike designer showrooms featuring evening gowns, these tasty bits won't cost an arm and a leg. Carl's got good taste, that's for sure, and so does his produce. (You can reach him directly at [email protected] or 623-846-4624.)

Be warned. These delicious delectables are delicate. And gone, baby, gone — faster than last season's Prada shoes. The market opens at 8 on Saturday mornings, and the best of the batch will be long gone by 9.

Perry Rea and his family planted a bunch of olive trees about a decade ago in what still passes for the sticks. They had a dream — make that a goal — of starting Arizona's first working olive farm and mill. And talk about hitting the jackpot. These days, some people taste the olive oil as if they're sipping a fine wine. They swear by this place in the far East Valley. At the company store, patrons can sample (and buy) several flavors of extra-virgin olive oil, dipping sauces, and some fine balsamic vinegar, all of them locally grown and produced. What an unexpected and delicious gift to send from the desert, one that won't break the bank, either.

Though Snowflake, the northern Arizona town nestled in the White Mountains, is outside our coverage area, we make an exception for this fabulous cheese that is available for purchase at boutique food stores around the Valley (Whole Foods is one) and at fine restaurants such as Quiessence. If you consider goat cheese to be an overpowering, overly pungent experience, think again. Black Mesa's cheeses are made exclusively from the milk of their own herd of Nubian goats, an African breed known for their adaptability to the hot summer temperatures.

The family-owned and operated company's Web site declares that Black Mesa never works on more than 14 gallons of milk at a time. That allows it to pay the closest detail to every step of the cheese-making process. The various cheeses — we especially like the goat's milk feta — are available online and at very reasonable prices. In a previous life, one of the owners was a pastry chef, and Black Mesa's commercial candy kitchen includes Goat's Milk Fudge and Butter Almond Toffees. Let's hear it for the goat!

Quel fromage! We had to do a double-take the first time we stumbled into Whole Foods' cheese department, where the variety of fine artisanal cheeses — cow's milk, goat's milk, sheep's milk, you name it — just boggles the mind. From soft, tiny rounds of fresh chèvre and wedges of aged Gouda to slabs of creamy, pungent Époisses de Bourgogne, there's almost anything we could conjure up in our wildest cheese fantasies (and it doesn't hurt that the lavish displays are so appealing that they verge on food porn). Sniff around (literally and figuratively) and you'll be surprised by the novelties you'll find. There are usually samples to nibble on as you peruse the offerings, and if you'd like a taste of something before you splurge on a pricey chunk of it, the genial staff will be eager to let you try it. Trust us, this is one place where you can feel proud to be cheesy.

You know an ethnic market's good when it becomes a destination for an entire community. In the case of Lee Lee, we're talking several communities, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Folks from all over drive here. It's no wonder. Where else can you stock up on so many kinds of exotic vegetables and hard-to-find greens, or peruse aisles full of noodles and seaweed? Lee Lee truly caters to homesick (and hungry) Asian immigrants and gourmet home cooks alike, offering just about anything you'll need to make an authentic feast. The seafood here is especially alluring because you can spot the catch of the day while it's still swimming around in the fish tank. And for immediate gratification, there's an aisle of ready-to-eat hot foods, from meats to dumplings. We think Lee Lee is the best, and we know we're not alone: Demand has been so high that Lee Lee just opened a West Valley location in the spring.

When we heard that one of our favorite bars, the legendary Chez Nous, was being knocked down to make room for a British grocery store, we were horrified. We loved Chez Nous! And who needs another market, particularly one from the culinarily challenged Brits? Well, we stand corrected. This tidily stripped-down chain now has five Phoenix locations and 14 in the 'burbs, and after hearing friends from Avondale to Scottsdale sings its praises, we went to see for ourselves and were instantly won over. Lazy cooks like us thrill to the market's "kits," which use fresh ingredients to replicate that whole Lean Cuisine meal-in-a-box experience.

And our aspiring chef friends adore the fresh fruits and veggies — bought from local growers whenever possible. So when fresh & easy finally opened its location at the site of the old Chez Nous, we came bearing ATM cards, rather than picket signs.

We'd always thought that enough aimless driving would lead us to the best shopping finds in Phoenix, but it took a good friend to clue us in to the city's finest destination for Middle Eastern food. Baiz Market is one spot we never would've stumbled upon, because it's tucked in a quiet neighborhood north of Van Buren Street. Now that we've found it, we don't know how we ever got by without this oasis of imported ingredients, from nuts and spices to more kinds of cooking oil than we knew existed. There's produce, a deli counter with olives, cheeses, and halal meats, as well as a mouthwatering display of housemade cookies and delicate Middle Eastern pastries. Besides comestibles, there's an aisle of splurge-worthy housewares, from dainty tea sets to utensils to elaborate hookahs. At the front, next to the cash registers, tiny Al-Hana Restaurant serves up just-baked pita from a wood-fired oven, grilled meats, hummus, and more. Whether we're in the mood to stock the whole pantry or just grab a quick bite, Baiz Market always hits the spot.