Typically here at Chow Bella we love pitting similar dishes from two different restaurants against each other for a traditional Battle of the Dishes. But this time around, the stakes have risen. In this battle, it is not simply a fight for the best dish, but a fight for the…
It’s hard to not like a place when you are treated well. Showing up in t-shirts and flipflops to a white tablecloth establishment is a big no no, even in Phoenix, but we did it unknowingly. When Mark Tarbell, the owner/chef/mastermind of Tarbell’s, stops by your table to make sure…
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…
Don’t be surprised if Romanesco starts popping up on metro Phoenix menus. This crazy-looking vegetable is quickly becoming a farmers market favorite, and plenty of local growers would love to put it on your table. Here’s a brief introduction to what it is and how to use it in your…
Gilbert Food Court Friday, March 13 Tomorrow the Gilbert Food Truck Food Court will move to a new location and launch as the Gilbert Food Court and Market. After outgrowing its previous space, the weekly food truck roundup has relocated to the Gilbert Park and Ride parking lot at 119…
There’s nothing better than waking up to a hearty Mexican breakfast. Questions often arise as to what the traditional Mexican breakfast is. Some say it’s menudo, for some it’s chilaquiles, and still others will argue huevos rancheros. We’re fans of them all, but huevos rancheros seems to get drowned out…
So you’ve got a craving for Asian food, but you’re sick of the places that fill your usual rotation. Perhaps it’s so bad that your go-to spots know your takeout order by heart. Well, we’ve got the solution. Here are eight places for Asian eats that you might not have…
Cuisine has come to downtown Glendale. Cuff is a casual, locally owned New American restaurant featuring the culinary skills of chef Tom Harvey, late of Eddie V’s in Scottsdale. Harvey and restaurateur David Chang have partnered with chef Matteo Cataldo to launch a laid-back bar and diner that offers expertly…
Sam Jack, a former IT consultant turned restaurateur, is bringing Denver-based restaurant chain Teriyaki Madness to Mesa next week. The restaurant will be located at 229 South Power Road, on the southeast corner of Southern Avenue and Power Road, and will be the first Teriyaki Madness located in Arizona…
Like the holy trinity, the triple threat or the trifecta, all good things come in three. For the simple quiche, this rule holds true. When you mix together eggs, cream and cheese, nothing can go wrong. Here at Chow Bella, we fully support that breakfast for lunch life, and find…
We’re going behind the scenes and getting up close and personal with some of the Valley’s favorite chefs, learning what it takes to make one of their best-known dishes. Welcome to The Trail. According to Chinese folklore, geoducks are aphrodisiacs. And when you see one of the large and, let’s…
The Guilty Pleasure: The Churro Dog Where to Get It: Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks Price: $8.50 What it Really Costs: 1,100 calories — not counting that corn dog we know you’ll pair it with We’re not sure of the statistical accuracy behind this, but we’re willing to…
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This week we ventured to downtown Mesa to sample some sweet empanadas at Republica Empanada. We really liked the clean, open interior, but on a beautiful Arizona day it’s hard to resist the outdoors. The patio at Republica Empanada is small with just a couple picnic tables, but with a…
This spring, Tempe will welcome the first Arizona location of MAD Greens, a Colorado-based fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in salads, pressed juices, panini, wraps, and soups. The company already operates 12 restaurants throughout Colorado and plans to open at least one additional location in metro Phoenix by the summer…
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…
Happy Hour at Little Cleo’s Today In honor of National Absinthe Day (which is today, by the way) Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend at The Yard in Phoenix is launching a new happy hour that features deals on shellfish, champagne, and, of course, absinthe. The restaurant’s new happy hour includes $1…
Robert Nixon Executive Chef Geordie’s Steak at The Wrigley Mansion 2501 East Telawa Trail, Phoenix www.wrigleymansion.com The Wrigley Mansion has always been a destination for some of the very best views in town. Built by chewing gum mogul William Wrigley Jr. in 1932 as a gift for his wife, the…
It’s only been about a year since Zoya Vora-Shah, owner of My Wine Cellar in Ahwatukee, opened a second restaurant and wine bar called MWC Bistro in Gilbert. Both spots offered a neighborhood vibe and a hand-picked wine list, as well as craft beers and a menu of seasonal cuisine…
Chef Brian Webb and restaurateur Joseph Aguayo have made names for themselves as adventurous food pioneers. Aguayo brought bold, affordable Mexican fare to downtown in 2010 with his popular Verde, which closed after just seven months. Webb, who previously worked at Pointe South Mountain Resort in Phoenix, took the lead…
Since June 2010, Centurion Restaurant, located at 214 W. Roosevelt Road, has been a cozy dining spot in the downtown Phoenix neighborhood. Opened by chef Eric Osburn, the restaurant offered beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a menu of European-inspired cuisine. Unfortunately for the restaurant’s fans, Centurion closed its…
Maya’s Farm doesn’t just sell fantastic organic produce; for a limited time, they’ll also be selling plant starters for a ton of different heirloom tomatoes…
