9 Favorite Tortas in Metro Phoenix

When it comes to making a great sandwich, served on fresh bread and piled high with ingredients, the United States (famous for its subs, muffaletas and Philly cheese steaks) has got absolutely nothing on Mexico. Mexican tortas — sometimes made on a bolillo (a torpedo-shaped variation on the crusty French…

CLOSED: Sam Fox’s Modern Steak in Scottsdale

Just shy of two weeks following the opening of Little Cleo’s, his new fish house and oyster bar at The Yard in north Central Phoenix, restaurateur Sam Fox has shuttered Modern Steak, his contemporary steakhouse in the Scottsdale Fashion Square. See also: – CLOSED: Davanti Enoteca in North Scottsdale -…

Chompie’s Gluten-Free Bagels and Memories of Fifth Avenue

The search for a bagel that lives up to New York’s finest is universal for everyone outside The Big Apple. For those of us who eat gluten-free, it’s a lost cause. We’ve already gone through Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. But we have…

Five Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out what’s on our plate. See also: Memorial Day Weekend Canal Brews Cruise Chances are you don’t have to go to work on Monday, which is always cause to celebrate — and by celebrate we…

Otro Café’s Postre de Coco

In a brief description of the only dessert on the menu at Doug Robson’s newest venture, Otro Café, food critic Laura Hahnefeld said, “It’s pretty much the best Mounds bar you’ve had in a glass.” And — despite living in Brooklyn these days — I knew from those few words…

Don & Charlie’s: Eric Schaefer’s Comfort Food

Editor’s Note: Prompted by a few restaurant closings and the “ABC nonsense,” occasional Chow Bella contributor Eric Schaefer felt compelled to write about his “culinary happy place.” Enjoy. I’ve written about Don & Charlie’s before, and I’m sure to write about it again. But, in the midst of way too…

Amy’s Baking Company: Video of the Grand Re-Opening, 5/21/13

After all the drama since the Kitchen Nightmares season finale, Amy’s Baking Company had a strict no-press policy for last night’s grand re-opening event in Scottsdale. The only people who were allowed into the restaurant were guests who made reservations ahead of time. We were able to capture some video…

Has Service in Restaurants Become Too Casual?

Is the level of service at restaurants on the decline? Restaurant critic Alan Richman seems to think so and has accused several NYC restaurants of going too far out on the casual dining limb by providing careless service. See also: – Should the Food Industry Separate the Accomplishments of Female…