By Jonathan McNamara They’ll put just about anything in beer these days. We’ve already seen red rice, juniper berries and pumpkin, but I never counted on popping open a cold bottle of chocolate beer. Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock comes in a bottled decorated with an ornate silver label. As I…
South by Southwest: Some good flavors going on in here. By Jay Bennett Looking for a cheap and quick breakfast that’s a couple steps in quality above McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, or Carl’s Jr.? The clean and inviting Acacia Cafe, on Indian School Road and 37th Street, likely will…
There are plenty of places to get a gorgeous piece of USDA Prime meat in this town, but BLT Steak at Camelback Inn satisfies more than just carnivorous cravings. And for that, it really raises the bar. I won’t name names, but at some of Phoenix’s other high-end steakhouses —…
By Benjamin Leatherman The Vegetarian House in east Phoenix: part restaurant, part temple. (Courtesy of VegGuide). Everybody deserves a second chance. Case in point: In 1999, my sister — who was at the time a hardcore vegetarian — treated me to dinner at the Vegetarian House (3239 East Indian School…
By Amy Silverman A bottle of Excedrin was improperly stored at Sluggo’s Sports Grill in Mesa — one of many things the restaurant inspectors noted after a recent visit. I’m guessing Sluggo had some headache when he read the inspection report. The raw eggs were stored above the watermelon. Dishwashing…
By Michele Laudig Admit it, you can’t get enough of Phoenix Ranch Market (you’re hooked on those aguas frescas, right?). Well, the people behind it are on to you. In fact, they’re opening their fifth Phoenix location tomorrow, November 12. The doors will open at 11 a.m. at 3223 W…
By Michele Laudig Yes, it really is a reflection of the tough times. I just got word that after six and a half years in business, Malee’s Thai Bistro offically closed its Desert Ridge location. Last Wednesday was its last day. According to owner Deirdre Pain, the Desert Ridge Malee’s…
By Eddie Matney Chicago Hamburger Co. on Indian School Road. I’m addicted. The upside: this place is delicious. The downside: they’re not cheap, and you might have to park on 38th street. I keep ordering the hot dog and french fries, and this place proves that just because a joint…
By Sloane Burwell It’s easy to see why Rancho Pinot has been wowing Valley diners for a decade and a half. Under the watchful eye of talented Chef Chrysa Robertson, they’ve nailed the restaurant trifecta – amazing food, impressive wine list, and impeccable service. Its quirky interior is the obvious…
By Jonathan McNamara There is one election day ritual that I’ve missed out on twice now thanks to my decision to be a member of the press instead of the sit at home and watch our country’s fate on CNN crowd: the post-election beer. So when I found myself with…
By Amy Silverman If you really want to quell your appetite, read “no award” inspection reports for meat markets. From the most recent report for Lam’s Market on West Indian School Road: THE DUNGESS KRABS OBSERVED STORED IN MURKY/TURBID WATER INSIDE TANK. Turbid water? Can’t be good…
Rib tips and mac and cheese: A lunch you can’t beat. By Jay Bennett Do you know what a “lazy pescatarian” is? It’s how my wife describes herself in regard to her eating habits. She aspires to be a vegetarian but knows she loves fish and other seafood too much…
At Plaza Grill in north Phoenix, the first-rate Mexican food totally speaks for itself. That’s a wonderful thing, considering that almost everything else about this restaurant is so low-key. Not only would you have a hard time discerning what kind of cuisine this place serves, you might not even notice…
By Benjamin Leatherman The four-inch version of the “Majik Mushroom.” I’m not a pothead. In fact, I’ve never tried grass in my life. Ever. Not even once. Now don’t go thinking I’m sort of stodgy, anti-drug fundamentalist. Some of my best friends in the world smoke the reefer (including one…
By Amy Silverman The Quilted Bear on Scottsdale Road has had its share of run-ins with Maricopa County restaurant inspectors lately. Several recent reports reflect a “No Award” rating, and the most recent was pretty bad. The worst of the litany of complaints: OBSERVED CHEF ENTER EMPLOYEE RESTROOM WITH GLOVES…
By Michele Laudig What else do you need to know? It’s free cheeseburgers, for cryin’ out loud! Every year, the folks at Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert give away some kind of free eats for their customer appreciation day, which serves the dual purpose of rewarding regulars and enticing newbies…
By Michele Laudig Intercontinental Montelucia and its signature eatery, Prado. (Check out the warm fingerling potato and grilled octopus salad, at left.) I’ve blogged some details about the resort already, but just to refresh your memory, this is the Spanish-inspired restaurant headed up by chef de cuisine Claudio Urciuoli. Although…
By Eddie Matney Visit me. Hit up Tom’s Tavern in downtown Phoenix (2 N. Central Ave.). Pop into Dick’s Hideaway. Or for kicks, watch the Scottsdale mayor’s race at Pink Taco. Where will I be? I’ve now received two invitations, from teams on the opposing side of the aisle. So…
By Michele Laudig I was going to wait until the next time NOCA had Fried Chicken Night to show you my photos from last Sunday, when they rolled out their secret-recipe fried chicken. Eliot Wexler’s gone so far as to create a special Simple Supper schedule for the month of…
By Michele Laudig It always feels like there’s a party going on at Tradiciones, but tomorrow (Nov.1) I’m sure it’ll be more festive than ever with the first annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration starting at 6 p.m. In honor of Day of the Dead, there will be a display…
By Sloane Burwell Scottsdale’s Digestif is a sassy charmer. Its Cal-ital-inspired menu, the bricked chic interior, the swoon-worthy wine list and inventive cocktails are more than enough to make me move my CenPho-centric self on over for some of their crave-inducing charcuterie. Charcuterie — that’s French for unctuous, buttery, salted…
By Michele Laudig Of course I don’t expect you to read Italian. “Festa di Maiale” means “Festival of the Pig,” which means that Sassi’s big shindig this Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m., will be a porcine party extraordinaire. In Italy, it’s a traditional celebration of butchering the family pig…
