When we think of delicious delicacies that are affordable and filling we reach for ethnic food. We’ve been known to toss down a few spring rolls. We’ve gorged on samosas. We’ve even been known to get down on a pate-laced Vietnamese sandwich. Leave it to Food Critic Michele Laudig to…
Emmy Ayafor, the Camaroon native and now former chef-owner of West African eatery Bantu Bistro, has left his CenPho restaurant and is searching for a new location in Phoenix to reopen his concept. Ayafor had opened Bantu in the former Johnny’s Uptown space in December, but after a recent dispute about taking…
It’s no surprise when a current sensation like Lady Gaga or Robert Pattinson (if only!) shows up to swarming mobs of fans. But the stars of yesterday can also draw packed houses — if they’ve got a cult following. And they put out this wacky infomercial. Over 500 fans flooded…
Congrats to Sweet Republic owners Jan Wichayanuparp and Helen Yung, whose year-old North Scottsdale shop gets a mention in Bon Appetit’s June Hot 10 list of the country’s “Best Ice Cream Shops.” Can’t say it really comes as a surprise — these hard-working ladies have earned the honors with homemade ice cream and…
From conversations with my friends to the pages of the New York Times, budget dining is as popular a topic as ever. Everyone’s on the lookout for a killer taco, a scrumptious hot dog, a bargain breakfast, or an irresistible happy hour special. I’m sure the economy is partly responsible,…
It’s a sure sign that summer’s here. Vincent’s Camelback Market, the charming mini-farmer’s market held in the parking lot at Vincent on Camelback, shuts down during the hottest months of the year. This Saturday, May 16, is the last day to indulge in pastries, tamales, fresh crepes, produce, cheeses, and more…
If you’re having a horrible day and you need something to turn it around, head to Scratch Pastries in Scottsdale and see if your first bite of a fresh salted caramel macaron doesn’t make you smile in spite of everything else. I stopped by for lunch today and was…
We’ve often wondered what it takes to get one’s art displayed at local restaurants. Money? Notoriety? Clearly, if you’re trying to bust into the likes of Malee’s or District American Kitchen, you’ll need representation via the galleries they’ve partnered up with. This (almost) guarantees the restaurant that the art they receive…
Some flowers make a cute and colorful edible garnish. Some, like roses and hibiscus, impart magical flavor through their essences. But the large and meaty squash blossom is practically an entree on its own and has enriched its local cuisines for centuries. The taste is much like young tender squash,…
So you’ve always wanted to try wild boar, elk or shark, but you aren’t willing to fork over the dough for a dish you’re not even sure you’ll like. We hear you. That’s why we’re profiling one East Valley restaurant where you can sample exotic meats minus the massive (and…
As a career bar and restaurant guy, I’ve had my professional eye trained on the state of social-sexual politics for the past twenty-five years. Even so, it’s hard to say whether we’ve evolved or devolved as an outgoing species. While the games remain basically the same, the rules have certainly…
Restaurant critic John Mariani, who contributes to national publications such as Esquire, just published the first installment of a feature called “Scottsdale and Beyond” on his website. He visited Digestif, Estate House, Prado, and The Mission, and had good things to say about all of them (I have to add,…
I love a good Southwestern-style breakfast. Huevos rancheros, Southwestern eggs benedict, and anything with chorizo — all that chile heat gets me revved up and ready to face the day. Coffee helps too, of course. So I was delighted to read Sierra Bonita Grill’s new brunch menu, which looks absolutely…
Some of the ways I cook at home were bound to change once I started culinary school. I expected that. I wanted it. What surprised me was how significantly a few small tweaks changed the quality of my food. I’ve already talked about using homemade stock, clarified butter, kosher salt…
Today is the first day in business for Lola Coffee, the hip hangout created by Daniel Wayne (formerly of Lux and Lola Tapas). House-roasted coffee is one good reason to go; homemade pastries by Danielle Librera of the recently closed Sweet Pea Bakery are another. And what about the location…
What’s up with those recipes that seem too intimidating to try on your own, and then you go visit a friend and they cook them from scratch without even blinking? This week’s dish is one of those. It comes from our pal Margret; she makes a mean cranberry sorbet. Now…
For the longest time, foodies scratched their heads in amazement that Phoenix didn’t have its own Restaurant Week, a popular annual event in other cities that entices people to explore local restaurants with special prix fixe menus offered just for the occasion. Then the long-awaited Arizona Restaurant Week debuted last fall,…
It’s a little piece of Pischke’s in Phoenix. Local Breeze, a new spot that quietly opened over the weekend in the former Palatte location (606 N. 4th Ave.; the official opening date is tomorrow), is run by an alumni of the popular but defunct Old Town Scottsdale institution. Owner Sid…
Cup O’Karma coffee shop in Mesa has always been a popular hangout for East Valley hipsters, and for good cause: portions of every coffee and tea sale go to the National Advocacy & Training Network, a human rights organization that works to end domestic violence and sexual assault. But while…
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: Wanna Go to BaconCamp? Tempe’s Three Roots Cafe Goes…
“Deathly pale” is not a phrase that appears in everyday conversation very often. In fact the only example I can think of occurred the last time I visited a beach. It was uttered from some nearby ladies as my physique built on my Irish heritage approached the surf. It stung…
We tried to be good. We really did. Go take a quick step outside. Did you feel it? That’s right. It’s pool weather and if there’s one reason we’ve been slogging it out at the gym day in and day out it’s to enjoy this weather with preferably only two…
