Kevin Binkley Gets Closer to Opening New Spot in Central Phoenix

Permits, permits, permits. They’re the bane of every restaurateur’s existence in the pre-opening phase of a new restaurant. But Kevin Binkley — who opened Binkley’s Restaurant in 2004 and Café Bink in 2008 — is taking it all in stride, sprucing up the former Sophie’s Bistro space on Osborn in preparation…

Fez Owners Open New Restaurant at Camelview Optima in Scottsdale

The Optima Camelview condominiums, just north of Scottsdale’s Fashion Square, are known for their architecture and landscaping as well as their high-profile tenants (read: professional athletes). But last week, the luxury condo complex got itself an occupant of the food and cocktail ilk. See also: Scottsdale’s Montelucia Resort Opens New…

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: MF Tasty Back In Action on Jan. 27: Here to Rid You of the Munchies “Celebrate Green” March 16 with Dinner at Double Check Ranch — Buy Discounted…

Check Out Kick Ass Kake’s Larger-Than-Life Lady Gaga Cake

It’s safe to say that Kick Ass Kakes’ designer and owner, Jay Murphy, is a big Lady Gaga fan. How big? Big enough to lovingly render a slightly larger than life in cake, frosting and fondant. See Also: –Lady Gaga, US Airways Center –Do Your Cakes Look as Incredible as…

CLOSED: Bueno Burger in Scottsdale

Just a little over a year ago, owners Gary and Vanessa Shaw shuttered Bueno Burger Mex American Grill in Glendale. This month, they’ve shuttered their second concept, Bueno Burger, in Scottsdale. See also: CLOSED: Oaxaca Restaurant & Cantina in Downtown Phoenix and CLOSED: Ivy League Dogs in Goodyear Opened in…

A Ramen Bowl with a Built-In iPhone Holder. Really

Chin-up lonely college students, now you don’t have to endure your nightly bowl of bachelor chow alone, you can enjoy it basking in the light of your iPhone! MisoSoupDesign is a small company that recently unveiled a ramen bowl with a smartphone holder integrated into the rim of the bowl…

The Secret Is Out on New India Bazaar & Cuisine

New India is a grocery store with a secret. Past produce boxes filled with long, green loki and purple beetroot and shelves lined with bags of basmati rice, sweet corn flour, and enough spices to stock nearly every pantry in the neighborhood — as well as a small deli case…

Matthew Weston of the Royal Palms in Phoenix Talks Dessert Wines

If the thought of dessert wine brings up memories of pre-legal hangovers or cooking sherry, it’s time to give dessert wines another chance. Dessert wines can be a sophisticated addition to any menu. We interviewed Matthew Weston, sommelier and beverage manager for the Royal Palms resort for some insight on…

Downtown’s Co+Hoots Gets a Coffee Shop

Co+Hoots, the collaborative, co-working space for creative entrepreneurs in downtown Phoenix, is set to host a start-up shop of the caffeine kind right inside its walls. See also: A New Weekly Food Truck Event: Washington Wednesdays at Co+Hoots and Jobot Duo to Open Vegan/Vegetarian Diner in Bragg’s Pie Factory “This…

DIY Lemon & Pink Grapefruit Marmalade

Despite a year of experience blindly making things I’ve found on Pinterest, nothing could have prepared me for this marmalade. Now that I know a thing or two, I can see that I the recipe I chose was too large and complicated for a first attempt, but it was a…

Chefs, What Would It Take to Sell Yourselves to a Major Corporation?

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. Since James Beard likened himself to a “gastronomic whore” after signing an endorsement deal with…

Dick’s Hideaway: Happy Hour Report Card

The Spot: Dick’s Hideaway, 6008 North Sixteenth Street Phoenix, 602-265-5886, http://www.burningembersphoenix.com/. See Also: – Best Place to Eat at the Bar – 2011: Dick’s Hideaway – Richardson’s: Happy Hour Report Card The Hours: Happy Hour is offered daily from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m…