Nobody from Arizona made the cut for the James Beard Awards’ finalists lists earlier this week, but one local chef is getting an incredible chance for exposure to the culinary community at large. Quiessence chef-owner Greg LaPrad just confirmed he will be a guest chef at the James Beard House in…
There’s nothing like working up an appetite shopping for Summer wear. Of course with bikini season right around the corner, stopping for a bite to eat might not be the most flattering decision. Then again, that’s what crunches and lunges are for, right? This week’s “Cafe” column discusses the a…
salmon sashimi to match my environment on a recent lunch visit. edamame with sea salt were still slightly al dente, in a good way. …
The last time I received an Easter basket, I was listening to Flock of Seagulls and teasing my hair with Aqua Net. EEEk. Egg decorating and pre-made baskets may be geared towards kids, but that doesn’t mean adults have to miss out. Here are a few suggestions to make a sweet holiday basket…
For Helen Ori, bartender at C4 Martini and Wine Bar in Cave Creek, the mix of new and familiar faces from travelers and locals brings something new to her job every day and fuels her inspiration for cocktails. “I like Cave Creek because everybody knows everybody, it’s a close-knit community,…
Customers must’ve been hungry for more. Popular North Phoenix breakfast joint Scramble has made some tweaks to its a.m. offerings with goodies like a lox platter, steak & eggs, and a “Ginormous” combo plate that includes a ton of food — three eggs, three ham steaks, three dollar cakes, and…
In a rather repulsive example of how “That which does not kill you makes you stronger,” snake wine (made predominantly in Vietnam, Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia) is said to contain medicinal properties that can cure a variety of ailments as well as improve sexual performance (kind of…
He’s back and grinding with a vengence. After selling Methode Bistro, heading up Pointe in Tyme and BLT Steak, and working a few low-profile menu consulting stints, Chef Matt McLinn returned to the spotlight in February with his own burger concept, The Grind.Call it a jump on the burger bandwagon,…
Restaurateur Terry Craig (Jalapeno Inferno) just opened his new North Scottsdale spot, Rhythm & Wine, in the space that used to house Three Tomatoes and a Mozzarella. As you might guess from the musical name, the restaurant has a rock theme, which extends all the way to its menu categories:…
An early morning serving of food news, with no preservatives or additives. The North Scottsdale Salty Senorita location is now Salty’s Beach Bar. Head north and celebrate the grand opening today from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. All day long (or until you pass out) you can enjoy free samples…
Dining in a department store is nothing new, but it’s no wonder the concept has such staying power. Keep shoppers on the premises to refuel, and hopefully they’ll go right back to spending their dough. However, Fred’s — the restaurant at Scottsdale Fashion Square’s new Barneys New York — is…
The shameful bronze. The withering yellow ribbon. Third place sucks. What’s the number-three U.S. burger chain supposed to do, what with Burger King’s Steakhouse and McDonald’s Angus burgers all up in its freckle-faced grill? Dig the scene on Wall Street last May: Wall Street Analysts: Listen, you redheaded freak, you’re…
Can you feel it? The grill smoke burning your eyes? The grease stinging your fingers? The pound, pound, pounding of the patties? There’s a war going on out there, people. A burger war. And poor Wendy’s has been taking on some heavy fire lately what with Burger King’s Steakhouse and…
I love a good challenge. So when a friend recently declared that “only seafood restaurants have good crab cakes” I was determined to prove her wrong. Armed with only a camera and the pipe dream of finding fresh fish in the desert, I headed out to two neighborhood restaurants in search…
Caramelpalooza just got stickier. Urban Beans, Honey Moon Sweets Bakery & Dessert Bar and Wicked Kitchen Gourmet have joined Urban Cookies, Tammie Coe, Tracy Dempsey, Bourbon Steak, Sweet Republic and La-Dee-Dahs for our first-ever caramel tasting this Friday at 7 pm at Smeeks candy store. Check back soon for profiles of…
Who says you have to wait until the sun goes down to have a good time? “Whaddya makin’ for breakfast?” my day drinking pals Ronda and Tana and I ask Todd, the morning barkeep at My Ole Man’s in Glendale. “Anything you want,” he answers. “You’re the Italian-American Jersey boy,”…
[jump] Think smoky slices of brisket, messy-but-good coleslaw, and crispy, buttery telera that truly made it memorable. These chips and salsa were mighty fine, too, although they were just a distraction. When the torta showed up, I couldn’t think of anything else.Still thinking about it, actually…
An early morning serving of food news, with no preservatives or additives. Meritage Steakhouse at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge Resort has introduced their new $29 sunset menu and get this—you get choices! Diners are not limited a traditional prix fixe menu, you can take your pick of prime rib,…
Funny how there are so many sushi restaurants in the Valley, but so few places to get ramen. You’d think a quick, cheap, belly-warming bowl of soup would be readily available in every neighborhood, but it’s just not. You’ll have better luck finding pho. A new place is about to…
Chow Bella reader Valerie Paxton headed to this past Sunday’s MF Tasty secret supper with her camera in hand, and was kind enough to share her own personal food porn with us. Chef Eric Gitenstein’s food was “creative and tasty,” she said. Guess it lived up to its name. Stay…
The Spot: Santan Brewing Co. 8 South San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ 85225 480-917-8700 www.santanbrewing.com The Hours: Monday through Friday from 3 till 7pm and reverse happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. till closing time. The Details: $3.75 18oz pints, $4 house wines and $1 off everything else…
