Caramelpalooza 2012: Call for Entries

Hold onto your dental work, Phoenix. It’s that time again. Caramelpalooza 2012 will take place Friday, March 2, at Smeeks candy shop in central Phoenix, from 7 p.m. til the caramel runs out. And we’re looking for chefs interested in participating in this year’s third-annual caramel tasting, co-sponsored by Smeeks…

Pastry Chef Linda Schneider of 21 Cakes

In this week’s Chef Chat we satisfy our sweet tooth by sitting down to chat with pastry chef Linda Schneider of 21 Cakes in Scottsdale. Schneider, a classically trained chef and cupcake master, grew up baking with her grandmother and mother. Today family recipes like her grandmother’s chocolate cake live…

New Gelato Shop to Open In Downtown Scottsdale

Cool Gelato Italiano, a new gelato shop set to open in early February at 7373 East Scottsdale Mall (behind the Scottsdale Center for the Arts) will feature twenty varieties of the cool treat (don’t call it ice cream) as well as sorbet made with fresh fruits, gelato sandwiches, and gelato…

Fresh Vegetarian Fare at 24 Carrot Juice

It’s not always easy to find a place that serves quick, healthy, and satisfying vegan and vegetarian options. Those in Chandler are lucky to have 24 Carrot Juice, conveniently located on Chandler Blvd. near the 202, I-10, and the 101.

Chocolate Torte with Sorrel Ice Cream at Quiessence

Located at the picturesque Farm at South Mountain, Quiessence has won countless awards for their fresh cuisine. While all of those awards come with a pretty hefty price tag, you can taste some of the best that Quiessence has to offer by sneaking in for dessert, priced at $9 each.

Shit Bartenders Say

We’ve interviewed plenty of bartenders, and while on the whole they’re an enjoyable bunch, they do have a tendency to say some peculiar shit. We think the video below captures it pretty perfectly.  What have you heard bartenders say that you think should be added to this video? Post it…

A Peek at the Homes of Your Favorite TV Chefs

Who doesn’t love peering into the lives of our favorite (and even our not so favorite) celebrities?Here at Chow Bella, we have food on the brain at all times and when we spotted this list of Top Ten Homes of Your Favorite Celebrity Chefs, we couldn’t help but click through…

Pita Jungle Opening New Location in Ahwatukee

It’s still only January and already the year’s starting out to be a busy one for Scottsdale-based Pita Jungle, the Mediterranean-inspired healthy eating chain. The Republic reports that a few weeks ago, Pita Jungle opened a new location in Newport, California, and plans to open a restaurant in San Diego…

Phoenix Celebrates Chinese New Year 2012: A Chow Bella Guide

Monday the 23rd of January kicks off an entire week of festivities for Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese lunar calender, this year is 4710 and the auspicious Year of the Dragon. How auspicious? According to Phoenix Chinese Week, Chinese wedding planners were booked up in 2011 with happy…

The Valley’s Dining Scene Has Plenty to Love

Have you seen the Phoenix New Times Resolution Guide 2012 yet? You might want to give a read. It’s packed with thoughts on resolving to love the Valley through the city’s art, architecture, nightlife, and more — all from my fellow scribes and friends Amy Silverman, Robrt L. Pela, Benjamin…

The Arrogant Butcher’s Ego Boost

The Arrogant Butcher created a bloody buzz when it opened early last year in downtown Phoenix, featuring the kind of high-concept restauranteur Sam Fox is now known for in these parts. Design never takes a backseat to the food in a Fox restaurant, so it’s no surprise that Arrogant Butcher’s…

AndyTalk: The Trouble with Balsamic Vinegar

What’s wrong with sundried tomatoes, truffle oil, pomegranates, and chipotles? Nothing. All of these items are in my pantry (at home and at AndyFood); they’re staples. They’re also as ubiquitous as white men on a golf course.

Chef Danielle Leoni’s Appleton Rum Scallops

Yesterday The Breadfruit’s Chef Danielle Leoni told us she’d be teaching how to make Appleton Rum Scallops at the Winter Chef Series later this month. Well we’ve got a sneak preview for those of you who just can wait. Appleton Rum Sea Scallops Serves 2 Ingredients: 4 Large Diver Scallops…

Chef Danielle Leoni of The Breadfruit, Part Two

Today we’ve got the second part of our chat with Chef Danielle Leoni of The Breadfruit. Although the restaurant’s been open for several years, The Breadfruit stays true to its roots and original mission to offer fresh, Jamaican cuisine in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Leoni prides herself in the taking…