In about a week basketball fans will begin obsessing over their March Madness brackets, trying to predict which college teams have the talent and luck to take the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship. And here at Chow Bella we’re kicking off a tournament of our own: an Ultimate Battle…
If you’re visiting local nurseries in hopes of picking up new starter plants for your garden, you’re typically confronted with an array of tomatoes, peppers, and basil. But this spring, follow our lead and try planting something new and different. We love rosemary, lavender, and zucchini as much as the…
For years, Kitchen Switchin’ in north Central Phoenix was a go-to place to discover gently used kitchenware treasures at deep discounts. And that’s still the case — sort of. The shop closed recently, but as of this month, it’s back under a new name and new owners, Terri Mainwaring and…
It’s hard to see the logic in the name Pallets Food and Bar until you go there. By name alone, it would seem to make more sense that the name be “Palates,” a reference to the sense of taste. Or even “Palettes,” a potential reference to the fact that the…
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Saturday, March 15 Phoenix’s 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire will kick off this Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade and faire at the Irish Cultural Center on the west side of Hance Park. The faire will include three stages with…
Just months after opening Ingo’s Tasty Food across from La Grande Orange Grocery, LGO Hospitality has announced plans to open another restaurant in the Arcadia neighborhood. The new restaurant will be located at 4225 East Camelback Road, currently the home of a small complex called Camelback Court. That building –…
This is part two of our interview with Perry Rea, owner of Queen Creek Olive Mill. Today, the certified olive oil sommelier explains the differences between good and bad extra virgin olive oil and gives us advice on how pick good oil. If you missed part one, in which we…
Like burgers? So do we — particularly when they feature ingredients like white truffle aioli, homemade falafel, and applewood bacon onion jam. And the best part is that you don’t have to head to a sit-down restaurant to get these kinds of gourmet burgers anymore. A new food truck, Aioli…
Perry Rea Owner, Master Mixer Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek 480-888-9290 www.queencreekolivemill.com This week in Chef and Tell we headed out to Queen Creek to find out how to make extra virgin olive oil. Since 1998, Queek Creek Olive Mill has been making EVOO right…
Oatmeal lovers and the health-conscious breakfast crowd soon will have a new spot to get local tea and quick morning treats in Mesa. Melissa Webb, often found at local farmers markets selling her Iss’ Magic Mixes oatmeals, will be opening The Oatmeal Cafe in the next few weeks at the…
The beauty and taste of food may be half in how you describe it and what you name it. In that case, the simple Mexican snack called alegría (happiness or joy), may be one of the most beautiful foods available. Learn how to make your own happiness…
This weekend Tempe Beach Park is filled with food, music, dancing and jewelry celebrating the cultures of the Pacific Islands at the Arizona Aloha Festival. Marking its 20th anniversary, there was no shortage of good food, refreshing sweets and long lines at the event Saturday. It continues today, Sunday, March…
When I first heard about Pallets Food and Bar, a pan-Asian eatery/watering hole located in a renovated mini-strip mall at the corner of Third Street and Roosevelt, I mistakenly thought it was actually named “Palates,” as in sense of taste. Or maybe even “Palettes,” as in an artist’s painting palettes,…
The fourth TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat took place in New York City on March 1, and was webcast live online. More than a dozen food experts came together to talk about changing the way we eat — more specifically, ways we can each help fix our broken food…
There are quite a few good places to grab a cup of coffee in central Phoenix but none quite like A.T. Oasis Coffee and Tea Shop, located just east of 46th Street and Thomas. The 10-month old shop is owned by Aisha Tedros — originally from Eritrea, just north of…
There’s now hope at the end of the security check line for folks flying out of Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor. Beginning at 8 a.m. today, Sweet Republic airport outpost will be slinging scoops, cups, cones, and shakes for weary travelers. If you’re anywhere near Gate B5, you’re going…
Chef Gio Osso is getting a lot of acclaim from his new restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale and it’s pretty easy to see why once you get a taste. From his artful presentation to his subtle hand at seasoning, his dishes showcase each component with confidence and finesse. Seared ahi…
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…
The place to get your torta fix undoubtedly is Tortas Paquime — near 24th Street and McDowell. The restaurant’s inexpensive Mexican sandwiches fill every need when hunger strikes. But did you know that there are other gems on the menu besides tortas? Just when you thought this place couldn’t get…
Arizona Aloha Festival Saturday, March 8 This weekend, the 20th annual Arizona Aloha Festival will go down at Tempe Town Lake, bringing Hawaiian and Polynesian culture to the Valley. In addition to live performances and tons of vendors (you know you want one of those dashboard hula girls), you’ll be…
It’s been nearly a year since we told you that Arcadia’s well-loved chophouse Cork ‘N Cleaver, which was damaged by a fire in 2010, would become a new restaurant under the operation of the well-known Mastro family. Jeffrey Mastro, Michael Mastro, Dennis Mastro, and Scott Troilo — who also own…
This spring, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the Scottsdale League for the Arts will honor outstanding members of the food and beverage community with induction into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. Chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists, and other members of the culinary industry have been nominated for the awards, which are…
