Zest for Life

Chow Bella took a bite out of the holidays earlier this month with our annual “Eating Christmas” event at Crescent Ballroom. No worries if you missed it — catch the essays here through the holiday season. Being a type-A psycho, I approach Christmas the same way a warlord might hope…

The Gladly v. The Mission: Bread Pudding Blow Out

They say the proof is in the pudding — and here at Chow Bella we say it’s in the bread pudding, a dessert that’s hard to pull off. We hit up two favorites, The Gladly in Phoenix and The Mission in Scottsdale, to see which local restaurant does it best…

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

Welcome Chicken + Donuts Saturday, December 20 Don’t freak out but this Saturday two of the Valley’s top chefs will be teaming up with Welcome Chicken + Donuts to create some Japanese-themed specials. Sweet Republic’s Helen Yung tells us that she’s working with the new Phoenix restaurant on some ideas…

7 Best Drinks in Metro Phoenix

In September, Phoenix New Times celebrated the cream of the crop with our 36th annual Best of Phoenix edition. Here are our top picks for cocktails, beer and even a sangria in metro Phoenix. Best Moonshine: Bootleggers If you think moonshine is a drink for hillbillies and country bumpkins, we’ve…

Glue Christmas

Chow Bella took a bite out of the holidays earlier this month with our annual “Eating Christmas” event at Crescent Ballroom. No worries if you missed it — catch the essays here through the holiday season. We’ve all seen them: Magazine photos of expertly iced Santa cookies, leaning jauntily against…

What’s Great Right Now at Singh Farms?

The answer is, in a word, everything. If you haven’t had the pleasure of making Singh Farms’ acquaintance, there’s no better time than the present. Despite the chilly weather, they’ve still got plenty of fresh-grown winter produce and some amazing vegetarian-friendly prepared foods…

5 Holiday Coffee Drinks in Metro Phoenix

Candy canes. Gingerbread. Nogs of all ilks. It’s winter in the rest of the world, but we Phoenicians have the luxury of enjoying all the delicious flavors of the season without any of the icky, snowy consequences. Let’s toast to that while we celebrate some of our fantastic Phoenix-area cafes…

5 Best Spots for Mexican Sweets in Metro Phoenix

In September, Phoenix New Times celebrated the cream of the crop with our 36th annual Best of Phoenix edition. Here are our top picks for places to buy Mexican sweets in metro Phoenix. Best Mexican Candy: Dulceria Pico Rico If you think Mexican candy begins and ends with Pelon, the…

5 Gifts for the Vegetarian: Chow Bella Gift Guides 2014

Stumped for what to buy those special someones on your list? Let Chow Bella do the shopping — or at least the browsing — with our 2014 gift guides. Today: gifts for the vegetarian. Whether or not you agree with their dietary decisions, the vegetarian in your life probably deserves…

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

Food City Tamale Festival Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 This weekend Food City’s annual Festival del Tamal will take over downtown Phoenix for a weekend of food, drink, and dancing. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday between 1st Avenue and 4th Avenue on Washington Street…

Barrelhouse American Kitchen & Cocktails in Chandler Names New Chef

Since opening last March Barrelhouse American Kitchen & Cocktails has been a bright light in the East Valley dining and drinking scene. With knock-out cocktails and mostly-satisfying food, the restaurant has brought a welcome new option to the neighborhood. Now the restaurant has welcomed a new chef to lead the…