When it comes to hidden gems, Alzohour Market is about as good as it gets. Located just west of the I-17 off Northern, this Middle Eastern and Moroccan grocery/clothing store greets customers with a a few rows of shelves stocked rather haphazardly with chocolates, canned goods, and spices. And if…
Head west of the Loop 101, hit the US 60, and you’re in the north West Valley. And while it’s not the hottest or hippest part of greater Phoenix, the cities in this neck of the woods — which include Peoria, Surprise, and El Mirage — have more than a…
Though The Local has been “soft open” for a few weeks now, and the restaurant has announced it will be officially open to the public as of tomorrow, Saturday, April 12. That means chef Chris McKinley and bar master Adam Hargett have finally settled on a menu of upscale, innovative…
Hearing the words coffee flour might immediately make you think of some caffeinated food gimmick, but the new product is about sustainability and health more than providing a java jolt to your favorite pastry recipes. According to BusinessWeek, the flour has a relatively negligible amount of caffeine in it and…
Going out to eat, particularly at an upscale spot, is fraught with landmines of personal interactions with various restaurant staff in an atmosphere charged with one-upmanship and general social posturing. Nothing demonstrates this more than navigating the wine list with a sommelier. For whatever reason, the subject of wine brings…
Whether you want to hone your cooking skills or learn how to arrange a perfect floral centerpiece, The Classy Kitchen in Scottsdale has a class that can help. The kitchen consignment store, which took over the space once occupied by Switchin’ Kitchen earlier this year, has launched a Classy Classes…
When a new spot opens in town, we can’t wait to check it out — and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that…
Add another fast-casual burger chain to those already competing for your dinner dollars in Scottsdale because Burger 21, a franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., has plans to open two restaurants in the Valley this year. As we told you last August the first Burger…
Several members of the Chow Bella team noticed a now brightly painted Mexican restaurant, Corazon Mexican Cocina, and sent me to investigate. Before the facelift, the spot was known as Altamar Mexican Grill and still operates under the same owners. We approached with the question: Truly authentic Mexican food, or…
The Great Arizona Picnic Saturday, April 12 This Saturday and Sunday the Great Arizona Picnic will take over the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s signature two-day event will offer plenty for food and drink lovers of all types, including food samples from over 50…
For more than four decades Karsh’s Bakery was famous in this town, one of best and longest-lasting Jewish bakeries in a city where finding good rye bread and rugalach can pose a real challenge. So when news broke the bakery would be closing its doors, customers jumped at the chance…
Leave it to Wal-Mart to find a way to make charitable giving and supporting necessary welfare assistance look absolutely disgusting. If you still need proof that being a Wal-Mart shopper and supporting their antics is bad business, the company released a statement enumerating the reasons they’re supporting an increase in…
The wait is finally over, folks. Later this afternoon Amy and Samy Bouzaglo of Amy’s Baking Company in Scottsdale will return to television, this time in an episode of the Dr. Phil show, which will air on KTVK 3 at 3 p.m. According to the Dr. Phil website, during the…
It’s pretty sad what people think is punch nowadays. What once was a delightfully strong alcoholic blend of juices, spices, tea, sugar, and liquor is now pretty much thought of as an artificially flavored fruit drink for children. Well, John Christie over at Second Story Liquor Bar in Scottsdale is…
The Guilty Pleasure: Frozen kouign amann, caramelized buttery Breton pastries Where to Get It: Trader Joe’s, locations everywhere Price: $3.99 for a pack of four What it Really Costs: 340 calories each, 50 more than an Egg McMuffin. The Cronut is so last year. Yes, I know I haven’t had…
Chandler-ites will be welcoming a new Asian restaurant to the dining scene as of Thursday, April 10 when Silk True Asian opens its doors for business. The restaurant will be located at 4995 S. Alma School Road in Chandler, inside the Promenade at Fulton Ranch. Silk True Asian comes courtesy…
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival officially began all 2014 festivities last night at Casablanca Lounge. As you walked up the stairs, you were met with a group of faux paparazzi blinding you with flash photos and screaming compliments at you in 40s accents. Some people would smile when they realized what…
My husband arrived home with some crumpled printed pages from a website. Bold orange highlighter illuminated some of the words. He handed them to me. Just a few pastry ideas for me from his South African friend at work, Elwin. After seeing my article on Lamingtons, Elwin wanted to pass…
Jay and Christine Wisniewski Owners Caffe Boa on Mill www.cafeboa.com There are two Caffe Boas in this town and unless you’ve been here for a while, the history might be a little fuzzy. They both claim to be the “original” restaurant but if there’s one undeniable fact in their complicated…
Having traveled abroad recently for a series of cooking classes, it became apparent to me that there are some things to “know before you go.” Here it is, stuff you should keep in mind as you book a trip of a lifetime to learn how to cook native cuisine in…
You read that right, folks. There’s now a diet and exercise regiment originating out of California to prep gals for a weekend of bikini tops and cut-off shorts. We’re all for getting in shape and eating right, but focusing on dropping poundage so you can slip into revealing outfits for…
The Spot: Jade Bar 5700 East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley 480-948-2100 www.sanctaryoncamelback.com…
