Take it easy this Passover and let the “veggie whisperer,” Charleen Badman, and her crew over at FnB make your dinner this year unforgettable. Family-style appetizers that have classics and new favorites, kosher style entrees, and some fantastic desserts are all on the menu for the dinner on April 14…
If you haven’t figured it out by now, demystifying wine and making it more accessible to more people is my raison d’etre here in my weekly Vine Geeks blog. Whether it be celebrating a new Arizona wine or taking aim at the outright hubris of the “big boys,” I really…
If you’ve got a craving for chef Johnny Chu’s spicy, bubbling bowls of broth, we’ve got some bad news. You’re going to have to wait because the chef’s hot pot and ramen restaurant, T. Spot in Chandler, has closed its doors for good. Chu re-branded the restaurant as T. Spot…
Arizona Barbecue Festival Saturday, April 5 This Saturday the “Biggest Honky Tonk in Town,” the fifth annual Arizona Barbecue Festival will take over Scottsdale’s Salt River Fields. The event will bring together more than 25 top barbecue purveyors, local restaurants, and numerous bars for an event that expects to draw…
Whether it’s a humble meal of eggs and toast or an elaborate dish of eggs Benedict and handmade pastry, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and it’s the meal Snooze, and A.M. Eatery in Central Phoenix specializes in serving — every day until 2:30 p.m. The…
It’s hard to find fault with the unpretentious food writing of Mark Bittman and easy to follow recipes. But when his subject is corn tortillas, fault will be found, and not appreciated. Let’s point them out…
Spring is one of the best times in the desert and with it comes a fresh stock of great things for your garden. This warm weather is an inspiration to get growing and take on new projects. Whether you just like the practical stuff, or need fresh ideas, here’s what…
There’s a lot of great stuff from local and national talent to see at this year’s Phoenix Film Festival, and Chipotle is bringing some food for thought to the screen with its animated short The Scarecrow coupled with the documentary GMO OMG. The two-minute short, which has been available online…
Barrel aging can transform a cocktail from its typical flavor to a smoother, richer, and more cohesive final product. As the cocktail mixture sits in the barrel, it develops much like a bourbon does as it barrel ages. While cocktails typically spend much less time in barrels than the spirits…
March means the middle of festival season in the Valley. In fact, the month kicked off with the Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic and closed out with the Check, Please! Arizona Festival last Sunday. The events have been keeping me busy but it’s now time to look back on the very…
With all these awards flying around this week, it’s getting hard to keep it all straight. So here’s a refresher: The Arizona Restaurant Association created the Foodist Awards last year to celebrate “the most amazing tastes, faces and places in Arizona food and beverage.” Last year, the list of finalists…
Another month, another handful of painful goodbyes to Phoenix dining institutions have left us near heartbroken. However, with some exciting new restaurants hitting the scene this month as well, it almost makes up for having to let go of some favorites — almost…
In January we told you that Lola Coffee, the Roosevelt Row coffeeshop from one of the city’s best-known roasters Daniel Wayne, was headed for The Yard. And whether you love or hate Sam Fox’s giant dining and hangout space on Seventh Street, you’re going to want to come check out…
One of the most requested food bank items from families in need, according to Feeding America, is milk. The nonprofit gives only a gallon per person per year to the 37 million people it serves. Now through an online and mobile campaign, Feeding America, in conjunction with local dairy farmers,…
The Spot: Taco Guild 546 East Osborn Road, Phoenix 602-264-4143 www.tacoguild.com…
The Guilty Pleasure: The Waffle Taco, and other breakfast novelties. Where to Get It: Taco Bell, locations everywhere (participation may vary) Price: $1.99 for the Waffle Taco What it Really Costs: Greasy fingers and dismay. Those wacky kids at Taco Bell are at it again. After lots of testing and…
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…
Joe Absolor Chef, owner Clever Koi www.thecleverkoi.com You might already have heard the story behind the other half of Clever Koi’s culinary team. Chef Jared Porter, formerly executive chef of The Parlor, has been in the business since age 15. He won a full ride to culinary school at the…
You submitted nominations for awards given to the Valley’s emerging creatives, and the results are in. Introducing our 2014 Big Brain finalists. Leading up to the Big Brain Award announcement and Artopia on April 25, Jackalope Ranch and Chow Bella will introduce the finalists. Up today: Aisha Tedros. “Anyone can…
The Local has been a buzz topic in downtown’s dining scene in recent months, and now the wait to try it is finally over — kind of. Though its hours aren’t officially set and the restaurant was closed Monday, the restaurant plans to open for a “soft dinner” tonight at…
Just when you thought the land of fast food promotions couldn’t get any more convoluted, Panda Express is offering a free serving of Golden Szechuan fish with any purchase– you know, so you can have another meal with your meal. This April Fool’s Day deal, which they’re promoting as April…
The Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame has announced its 2014 winners. The list includes honorees in four categories: best chef, restaurateur, beverage master, and lifetime achievement…
