We’re still working off those extra Devoured pounds — and mentally preparing for the six-day eating marathon that is the Scottsdale Culinary Festival — but sandwiched between those two events is another the Valley’s food festivals: AZ Wine & Dine, hosted by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. This year’s…
Last week we kicked off our Ultimate Battle of the Dishes ramen bracket that pits some of the Valley’s restaurants against each other in a tournament-style match up to find the city’s best ramen spots. In our first throw down we put Phoenix’s Hana Japanese Eatery against the Clever Koi…
To celebrate the reopening of the Denny’s on Scottsdale Road between Drinkwater and Goldwater boulevards, the diner chain will give away its most iconic menu item, the Grand Slam breakfast, for the first 100 guests through the door. This location’s remodel is part of a company-wide initiative to update 70…
The Spot: Derby Public House 4220 Saddle Bag Trail, Scottsdale 480-999-3311 www.derbypublichouse.com…
Welcome to “Schaefer,” in which Eric Schaefer — a local guy with a big (but discerning) appetite and a sense of humor to match — takes on the Phoenix food scene. Ask even the most educated New Yorker to identify the center of the universe and he’ll answer, “New York…
This morning in Chicago, the James Beard Foundation announced the list of final nominations for the 2014 James Beard Foundation Awards. Last month, the foundation announced the long list of semifinalists — a list that included six Arizona chefs, restaurants, and restaurateurs. Kevin Binkley of Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek…
Chris Collins Chef/owner Grassroots Kitchen and Tap (Phoenix, Scottsdale) www.grassrootsaz.com “I can’t paint you a picture. I can’t play the guitar. But I can run a really, really great restaurant.” For Grassroots Kitchen and Tap owner and chef Chris Collins, the restaurant industry is more than a business, it’s a…
Considering the sweet taste, fruit chunks, and social acceptance to drink wine through a straw, Sangria is essentially alcohol for our inner child. With so many ways for bartenders to make this sugary beverage their own — with selections of wine, fruit, sweeteners, liquor, and more — we hardly could…
While the hostess’ duties may not be as plentiful nor as stressful as the responsibilities laid upon the wait staff, the kitchen, or even management, that doesn’t mean that from time to time she doesn’t have to fight the urge to punch you in your stupid, dinner-eating face. The hostess…
Earlier this year we told you that J-Licious Food Truck was taking things brick-and-mortar with plans to open a restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Well, the time has finally come, and now owner and chef Jordan Keane and her mother, Lynne R. Kean (she goes by “MaMaJ”), are ready to open…
Former Food Network judge and journalist Nicole Cotroneo Jolly is on a mission to show the world how some of our pantry and fridge essentials are actually grown. Her Kickstarter-funded project, called “How Does It Grow”, aims to educate people (especially children) about the exciting world of healthful produce to…
After nearly two years of operation, Squash Blossom, the breakfast and lunch spot located at 705 North First Street, has closed its doors for good. According to a post on Facebook last Friday, the restaurant shuttered as of Saturday, March 15. The restaurant had been closed the week of March…
Beer: Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy Brewery: AleSmith Brewing Co. Style: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy ABV: 10 percent ‘Twas a time, dear readers, when getting your hands on one of AleSmith’s barrel-aged beers was a Very Big Deal. These bottles were among the rarest and most highly sought-after in all the land; those…
Longing for the “good old days?” If you happen to listen to country music these days, you’ve likely heard a song by Miranda Lambert with the lyrics “Whatever happened to… Doing it all by hand?…It’s only worth as much as the time put in…. it all just seemed so good…
Don’t worry Paradise Valley, the quick-service pizza gods didn’t forget about you. As of last week, Momenti Pizzeria has brought 12-inch personal pizzas to your North Phoenix/Paradise Valley neighborhood — specifically at 4740 East Shea Boulevard, Suite 109, on the northwest corner of Tatum and Shea. The restaurant is technically…
Dishcrawl: Old Town Scottsdale Tuesday, March 18 This Tuesday, Dishcrawl will lead a walking tour of three of Old Town Scottsdale’s dining and drinking destinations. And as much as we’d love to tell you where the tour will be going, the surprise is part of the fun. Starting at 7…
My husband thinks Pinterest is dumb. I honestly don’t think he even really knows what it is, considering Facebook and ESPN are the only apps on his phone. However, I believe his dislike comes from wondering where I am at midnight, only to find me in my office, aggressively “pinning”…
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This Saturday, March 22 the fifth annual Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival will hit the streets of downtown Chandler, bringing together pit masters and craft brewers from around the country for a celebration of all things grilled and meaty. And organizers HDE Agency promise this year’s event will be…
While University of California-Davis already has topped our list of coolest colleges by offering both beer-brewing and winemaking degrees, the university’s latest research center is kind of blowing our minds. According to NPR, the California school recently founded a Coffee Center dedicated to the research and study of our favorite…
On a clear night you can press your face against the cold airplane window at 35,000 feet, look into the distance, and, if you know what you’re looking for, spot airports as far as your eyes can see. Look for alternating bursts of green and white light, beacons at every…
It’s certainly busy season around the restaurant. It’s great to see endless streams of happy folks from out of town coming in to enjoy themselves. And the corresponding bump in my paycheck is pretty damn nice, too. But I can’t help but feel a little envious. I’ve found myself researching…
