Scottsdale Culinary Festival Burger Battle: The Results Are In!

Judging by the bustling crowd at Scottsdale Stadium on Thursday evening, it’s safe to say the second annual Burger Battle at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival was quite the success. I know I had a great time. But then, when you can smell the aroma of sizzling burgers from almost a…

Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out what’s on our plate. See also: – Astor House in Phoenix to Host “Mega-Authentic N’awlins Crawfish Boil” on Sunday, April 14 – Rough Draft’s Barrel-Aged Freudian Slip: Your Subconscious Will Love It (Free!) Feast…

Lip Chaser Delivers Mouth-to-Mouth Action at the Bar

Pucker up, Phoenix — a frisky new follow-up to the body shot is here, and it’s making its way to a liquor store near you. Lip Chaser, a patent-pending “kiss chaser,” is a product from a Tempe-based business aimed at targeting the promiscuous party scene with a line of candy…

The Secret to Perfect French Toast

See Also: AndyTalk: Four Riffs on Caprese Salad AndyTalk: Not All Bananas Are Created Equal . . . Take the Plantain French toast is not just bread, eggs, and milk. French toast is technically custard, at least when done right. When done wrong, it’s soggy bread and scrambled eggs or,…

Satisfying Street Eats and More at Taquitos Jalisco in Mesa

Looking for your next favorite spot of quick-service Mexican food in Mesa? Taquitos Jalisco might just be a place to pull over. See also: – A Formidable Cuban Sandwich and More on Phoenix’s West Side – Lamp’s Wood-Fired Pizzas Shine in North Scottsdale The small eatery has been quietly serving…

Caramelpalooza 2013: Judge’s Recap

The fourth annual Caramelpalooza is now but a memory. It was a grand time, with more sticky sweets on display than you can imagine. My time at the event was different from most, as I was invited to judge the competition. As the contestants were arriving and setting up their…

Texas Sports Bar Chain CEO and Founder Trademarks the Word “Breastaurant”

Breastaurants are a big deal. Just ask Nightline, which did a report about the increasing competition between classic breastaurants (Hooters) and up-and-comers (Twin Peaks, Tilted Kilt). Apparently with the economy in the dumps, these places are fighting tit tooth-and-nail for business. See also: – “Breastaurants” Are Bursting With Profitability -…

Taquitos Jalisco: Easy Familiarity and Robust Flavor in Mesa

If you’ve lived in the Valley long enough, you know your next great Mexican meal could come from just about anywhere. From numerous stands and food trucks dotting the city’s streets to hot-food counters inside supermercados to the countless fast-casual joints and restaurants in neighborhoods everywhere, the journey of finding…

Soup and Salad Skirmish: St. Francis vs. Carly’s

On the quest for a light and healthy lunch, there are many hurdles to overcome — the convenience of fast food, the breakroom doughnut box, and even the fatty richness of artisanal local joints. One of our go-to lunches is the soup and salad combo, which gives the energy you…

Is it Proper Etiquette to Call a Chef “Chef”?

Welcome to Chow Bella’s Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you’d like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. Many of us enjoy the fruits of a chef’s labor, but when it comes to…

La Condesa in Phoenix: Happy Hour Report Card

The Spot: La Condesa 1919 North 16th Street 602-254-6330 www.lacondesatacoshop.com See Also: – 10 Best Margaritas in Metro Phoenix – Dick’s Hideaway: Happy Hour Report Card – The Hunt for Fresh Mexican Coconut in Metro Phoenix Is Over The Hours: Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 3 until…

Lunch Under $10 at Desert Roots Kitchen in Tempe

You don’t have to be an über-hippie vegan nut to enjoy Desert Roots Kitchen. You don’t even really have to be on a health kick. Instead of using fake meats and faux cheese, Desert Roots simply uses real-deal grains, legumes, and veggies — along with a good amount of seasoning…