No Seconds: Henry Hargreaves Visualizes Death Row Final Meals

We’ve talked about Henry Hargreaves’ work before. In contrast to his radioactively colorful rainbow food, this gallery is darker by degrees. “No Seconds” features simply arranged death row meals. Serial killer John Wayne Gracy’s meal, seen above, might make you leery of making a late night trip to satisfy your…

Pisco Porton: The Other Grape Drink

It would seem from looking around the shelves of bars or liquor stores that Europe holds a monopoly on the production of spirits made with grapes. France gives us Cognac and Armagnac; Spain produces a fair amount of brandy; Italy has its grappa. But drinkers do themselves a disservice if…

Starbucks Jumps on the (Non-Existent) Pie Bandwagon

The other morning, we found ourselves at our local Starbucks (the horror!) staring at the “breakfast pasty” case. The usual suspects were there — cheese danish, blueberry scone, morning bun, iced lemon pound cake — but there were also four new little treats. Starbucks had pies. Super tiny, adorable pies…

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Messes With an American Classic

One thing you quickly learn to appreciate when traveling overseas is the beauty of a large, juicy cheeseburger on a soft, warm bun. It’s one of those staples that many people could, and do, eat once a week. And what better way to wash it down than with a cold…

Texas BBQ House Now Open in Old Town

For those in search of Texas barbecue — and nothin’ but Texas barbecue in Old Town Scottsdale, say hello to Texas BBQ House. From owner and Texas expat Mike Pitt, the restaurant’s second location (the first is in South Phoenix) is now open at 3748 North Scottsdale Road (Scottsdale Road…

Domino’s Says Eff You to Finicky Customers, Kinda.

“Hello, thanks for calling Domino’s.” “Oh hey, can I get your spinach and feta pizza?” “Sure.” “Without onions.” “Sure, uh, wait, what was that?” “I said no onions.” “Sorry, no.” “Excuse me?” “No.” “No? I DON’T WANT ONIONS! I HATE ONIONS! WHY CAN’T I TAKE ONIONS OFF MY PIZZA? WHAT’S…

Truckin’ Good Food’s Jeff Kraus To Open New Spot in Tempe

Oh my, this is exciting. Jeff Kraus, the man behind ++Experience++ and the currently-defunct Truckin’ Good Food truck (named one of the nation’s “Top 10 Most Influential Food Trucks” by the Huffington Post) tells me, after months of searching, he’s found a home for his new concept — in Tempe…

Iced Coffee All Day, Everyday – Thanks to Pinterest

I love me some coffee! I love me some iced coffee. What I don’t love is paying a ton of money for it, and if I do, it better be damn good. Now, there are many places where you can find a decent iced coffee in Central Phoenix, but that’s…

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers’ Classic Fare Goes Awry

Say the word “cheeseburger” and most meat-eating Americans drool at the thought of a juicy, seasoned beef patty blanketed in melted cheese, accompanied by any number of condiments, and resting on a dreamy bun. Say the words “cold beer,” and, well, now we’re really talking. The effect of these words…

Culinary Dropout Expanding to the Hard Rock in Vegas

It appears the tentacles of restaurateur Sam Fox are reaching out to expand his empire once again — this time in Vegas, baby. The 2012 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur has announced that Culinary Dropout, his trendy gastropub in Scottsdale, will open a location inside the Hard Rock…

Why Martinis Suck (And What to Do About It)

Why is it so hard to get a good Martini in this town? Hell, why is it so hard to find a good Martini anywhere? For such a simple drink, you’d think you could saunter into any bar short of a sleazy dive and get a Martini done right. The…

Six Unique Spice Racks (and One Wall Chart) on Etsy

Spices aren’t just a way to add flavor to your food; these spice-related accessories are a feast for the eyes as well. It’s not always easy to add a dash of personality to a kitchen, so we’ve found something for everyone’s style, from vintage and repurposed finds to the colorful…

Los Sombreros’ Hibiscus Enchiladas

This week in Chef Chat we’ve been chatting with Los Sombreros Chef and Owner Azucena Tovar. Tovar travels to Mexico multiple times a year to keep her finger on the pulse of the vibrant culinary scene in and around her hometown of Miguel Allende, Mexico. Using inspiration from her travels,…

Chick Rotisserie & Wine Bar Could Use More Pluck

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…

Vegan Cupcake Crusade: Nami vs. 24 Carrots

Do you guys know how hard it is to find a vegan cupcake on the fly in this town? And I’m not talking about special ordering a dozen or waiting till the second Saturday of the fourth month or going to Sprinkles — I’m talking about purchasing one cupcake of…

Food Trucks Back for Wednesday Night Mania

For those looking to lay down a base before a night of mid-week imbibing Downtown, your car mobile kitchen is waiting. With the weather starting to warm up and riding on the success of last month’s Food Truck Mania, the Phoenix Street Food Coalition has decided to park their collective…

Big Brain Finalist 2012: Esther Mbaikambey

You submitted nominations for awards given to the Valley’s emerging creatives and the results are in. Introducing our Big Brain 2012 Finalists. Leading up to the Big Brain Award awards announcement and celebration on April 7, Chow Bella and Jackalope Ranch will introduce the finalists. Up today: Esther Mbaikambey Whether chef Esther Mbaikambey is serving up creations…

Pei Wei Asian Market Is, in a Word, Inoffensive

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…