The clouds are still on the horizon, but it feels like a monsoon of restaurant closures is suddenly raining down on the Valley.

In Scottsdale, Pink Pony (Old Town's baseball memorabilia-laden institution) and Quilted Bear (the old-school American eatery founded by the late restaurateur Dale Anderson) have closed, as have Mesa's Pizza Fusion (which was sadly burglarized after a fundraising event held in conjunction with its January grand opening) and EJ's Steakhouse, reports The Tribune.

I've also gotten word that Ahwatukee's Tanked Fish Sushi Bar  and its next door neighbor Madi G's Neighborhood Grill have recently closed their doors, along with Glendale's Sweet O Wine & Chocolate Lounge.

• Chow Bella