Caffiend: Conspire’s Molotov Mocho

Indie coffee shop/hipster gathering place Conspire (also known as The Coffee Conspiracy) is one of those places you go when you’re not in a big hurry to get your coffee. Conspire tends to be frequented by regulars and people from the neighborhood, and its not unusual for the baristas here…

This Week In Chow Bella

Another week has come and gone leaving us to ponder the upcoming events that will shape our lives and, more importantly, our dinners out. But before we move on, let’s have one last look at the blog posts from this week: Caffiend: Giant Coffee’s Smoke Jumper Night Train Express Chik-a-Rib’s…

Where am I Eating?

After a grossly humid morning of packing and moving — highlighted by a few-too-many pivots with a queen-sized mattress up an outdoor staircase — we were on the hunt for anything cold and full of protein. Enter chicken lettuce wraps. Oh, but these aren’t your run-of-the-mill chicken wraps (if such…

Food Critic Nikki Buchanan Says Farewell to the Republic

“Food philosopher” Nikki Buchanan has been a pet subject on Chow Bella over the past few years, not only because I’ve enjoyed reading her work, but also because she’s had some interesting career twists. Earlier today, the news was leaked on EaterAZ that Buchanan just resigned from the Republic. Buchanan was the longtime…

Arizona Stronghold: Local Wines

Northern Arizona isn’t exactly synonymous with wine country, but Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan (yes, that lead singer of TOOL) would like to change this assumption. Both are co-owners of Arizona Stronghold Winery, and while Cottonwood and Cornville may not share the same name recognition as Sonoma or Napa Valley,…

Matt Duske’s BC Squirt

​Yesterday we met Matt Duske, the bespectacled former teacher slinging drinks at the trendy Vig Uptown. Today he shares with us a recipe crafted by Brandon Cooper, a fellow bartender who worked with Duske in Seattle. “A lot of times, girls would come in and ask Brandon to make them a…

Ask the Critic: Where Should I Take a Teenager for Dinner?

This latest question came in via text from a friend whose teenage brother was visiting, so the specific request was for an affordable, dude-friendly spot to go for dinner. My first thought was, how about Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles? Boys like soul food, especially since they likely haven’t gotten to…

52: Fish Tacos at Barrio Cafe

​ Hungry yet? We’re working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella’s 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley — in no particular order Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section. Visit our sister blog,…

Chef Aurore de Beauduy’s Summer Salad

This week’s Chef Chat was with Aurore de Beauduy of Vogue Bistro. Here’s Part One of our interview with her, and this is Part Two. Below is a recipe for her simple, fresh salad featuring heirloom tomatoes and purple basil. Bon Apetit!…

Matthew Duske at the Vig Uptown

​Young, bookish and personable, it’s not difficult to imagine Matt Duske at the front of a classroom. And it shouldn’t be, since the bespectacled bartender spent two years teaching math to disgruntled high school students. He recently made the change from enriching minds to enriching livers, and has been at…

Cafe: Zinburger

What’s the best thing about hamburgers? You can get them just about anywhere. Trust us, there’s nothing wrong with another burger joint; especially if it has something new to bring to the patty. That’s why we’re stoked about Zinburger. Food Critic Michele Laudig on Zinburger: The menu here is so…

Local Eateries Finally Hit the Airwaves This Weekend

What ever happened to that TLC show Best Food Ever? The six-episode series debuted back in May, and was slated to feature several Phoenix-based businesses. But the production mysteriously stalled. Now it’s back on the schedule. Tune in this weekend to see the remaining episodes, featuring The Lodge, Sweet Republic,…

Aurore de Beauduy of Vogue Bistro, Part Two

On expectations of women: Cooking is not hard. It’s what comes with it. It was dominated by men. And this was in the ’80s. It’s not like it was in the ’60s or anything like that. When I started cooking, the chefs were like, “What are you doing here? You…

Maui Dog and Loving Hut Open on Indian School

Two new restaurants just a few blocks apart, both opening the same week? Not bad for a particular stretch of Indian School Road that hasn’t see a lot of action lately. The brand-new dining options are cheap, cheerful, and casual. Maui Dog is a brightly painted joint that took over…

53: Reuben at Matt’s Big Breakfast

Hungry yet? We’re working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella’s 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley — in no particular order Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section. Visit our sister blog, Jackalope…

54: Short Ribs at J&G Steakhouse

Hungry yet? We’re working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella’s 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley — in no particular order Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section. Visit our sister blog, Jackalope…