100 Favorite Dishes 2015: Banh Thit Nguoi at Da Vang

This year we’re marking the hundred-day countdown to Best of Phoenix 2015 by sharing some of our favorite dishes at restaurants all over the Valley. Have a suggestion for a dish you’d like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email lauren.saria@newtimes.com. 84. Banh Thit Nguoi at Da…

Mucho Macho Tacos v. Restaurant Atoyac: Taco Takedown

Pablo Lopez and Dan Maldonado broke some hearts in this town when they closed the doors at Tacos Atoyac back in February 2014. The restaurant’s abrupt clpsure left the Valley’s taco enthusiasts lost and wondering where they would find such affordable and authentic Mexican fare. Much to everyone’s delight, Lopez…

May Restaurant Openings and Closings in Metro Phoenix

We’re still wiping away the tears from losing some classic Valley restaurants last month. From a well-loved downtown lunch spot to the last remaining location of the Bill Johnson’s Big Apple restaurant mini-chain, May certainly was a tough month of restaurant loses. On the upside, we welcomed a handful of…

Flower Child vs. Original Chop Shop: Kale Salad Knockout

Kale is rumored to have been discovered by the ancient Greeks, but in recent years, the green veggie has transformed into the trendiest pick in the produce aisle. It’s transcended food geek culture to become a cultural icon in its own right. Don’t believe us? Check out these “Hail Kale!” bumper…

Mel’s Diner in Phoenix Serves Surprisingly Excellent Food

“I can’t believe you’ve never eaten here.” This, from my spouse. “You grew up here, too,” I remind him, as we dig into piles of eggs — his an omelet, mine over-easy and piled atop hash browns. We are at Mel’s Diner, a longtime Grand Avenue tradition and the setting…

Chef Peter DeRuvo Is Back at EVO in Old Town Scottsdale

The Crazy Cook has returned to the Valley. And by “Crazy Cook,” we mean Peter DeRuvo, the talented chef who’s been associated with most of the top Italian restaurants in this town at one time or another. For the past year or so, he’s been working as corporate executive chef…

100 Favorite Dishes 2015: Date Shake at Couscous Express

This year we’re marking the hundred-day countdown to Best of Phoenix 2015 by sharing some of our favorite dishes at restaurants all over the Valley. Have a suggestion for a dish you’d like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email lauren.saria@newtimes.com. 86. Date Shake at Couscous Express…

100 Favorite Dishes 2015: Ceviche at El Chullo

This year we’re marking the hundred-day countdown to Best of Phoenix 2015 by sharing some of our favorite dishes at restaurants all over the Valley. Have a suggestion for a dish you’d like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email lauren.saria@newtimes.com. 87. Ceviche at El Chullo…

Oatmeal Pies and Excellent Lemon Bars at Ollie Vaughn’s in Central Phoenix

Remember the days of Little Debbies, those little snack treats put in lunches or consumed after school? Well, Ollie Vaughn’s in Phoenix has recreated this oatmeal cookie with cream filling — and it’s so much better than we remembered.  This unassuming store front with the marquee sign out front stating simply “Eat”…

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant in Phoenix Is Affordable and Authentic

If you’re looking for an authentic Ethiopian meal, you no doubt will be directed to Café Lalibela in Tempe. After all, the restaurant threw Ethiopian food into the Arizona spotlight after being featured on PBS’ Check, Please! Arizona. And though Café Lalibela has been a go-to restaurant  for many years,…

3 Best Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

Traditional Crawfish Boil at Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend Saturday, May 30 This weekend, kick off summer with a Louisiana tradition that’s almost as American an apple pie. On Saturday, Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend, located at The Yard in Central Phoenix, will host a classic Southern-style crawfish boil. For $36 per…

100 Favorite Dishes 2015: The Tyler at Cheese ‘N Stuff

This year we’re marking the hundred-day countdown to Best of Phoenix 2015 by sharing some of our favorite dishes at restaurants all over the Valley. Have a suggestion for a dish you’d like us to try? Leave it in the comments section or email lauren.saria@newtimes.com. 89. The Tyler from Cheese ‘N…

USDA Busts Lee’s Sandwiches for Uninspected Meat

California-based Banh Mi chain Lee’s Sandwiches is recalling about 213,000 pounds of meat, the USDA said in a press release last week. The recalls come after the discovery that the company labeled chicken, beef, and pork products with an “unauthorized” USDA inspection mark. The Department’s Food and Safety Inspection Service writes…