Caffiend: Lola Coffee’s Matador

The last time I visited Lola Coffee, it was the location on Central Avenue, and I gulped down a quadruple-shot espresso that kept me buzzing throughout the day. I always enjoyed the quaint, social atmosphere of the coffee shop, but since it was a bit of a drive for me,…

This Week In Chow Bella

Another week has come and gone leaving us to ponder the upcoming events that will shape our lives and, more importantly, our dinners out. But before we move on, let’s have one last look at the blog posts from this week: Monday Night Martha: Big House Fantasy Soup Day Drinker:…

Pie Snob, Bertha’s and Iowa Cafe Say Let Them Eat Pie!

​According to the National Pie Council, – yes there is such an organization and you can even become a card carrying member – Saturday January 23rd is National Pie Day.  We’ve already heard whispers that pie is all the rage, and this is a trend we can sink our fork into.   Not interested…

NFL Playoffs: Home Is Where The Bar Is

There may not be enough beer in the Valley for Cardinals fans to drown their sorrows. But if you happen to be rooting for one of the better luckier teams still in the playoffs, here are four local bars fans of these teams can call home. Tempe’s Four Peaks Brewing…

A Guide to Groceries on the Cheap

Nothing’s better than finding an amazing deal on frequently purchased foodstuffs at the grocery store. But that thrifty thrill can be cheapened when you return the next week and notice that sale is no more. Luckily, there are several great discount food stores that have those so good you should…

Power Out? Save Your Food While Enjoying Takeout

Last night’s storm knocked out power in some sections of the Valley — and with more thunderstorms expected this weekend, some of you could be facing a few nights of candles and takeout. Oh, darn. We hate being without electricity, but really there’s no better excuse to try that new restaurant…

Gorgeous Sashimi at Sushi Roku

​If I could afford it, I’d eat sushi and sashimi about every other day, interspersed with Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. But the problem is, I’ve become such a Japanese food geek that I won’t eat just any raw fish, lest I get mad for wasting my hard-earned paycheck on…

Read This: Happy Lady Eats

Maybe the name has something to do with it, but the Happy Lady Eats blog is so darn charming that it can’t help but lift your mood to read it.Editor Joy Deangdeelert Cho, a visually creative foodie who applies her graphic design skills to making her blog into pure eye…

Behind the Bar: Steve Howard’s Papa Smurf

When Steve Howard (whom we profiled yesterday) of downtown Chandler’s Murphy’s Law creates drinks for customers, he lets the drinker name the cocktail. This one has a blue tinge from the Blue Curacao that’s sunk into liquid, which inspired his patron to call this drink Papa Smurf. It looks pretty,…

A Smoothie to Exorcise Your Demons

​Today is actress Linda Blair’s birthday.   Though she has gone on to perform in other films, Blair is best known for her role as possessed child Regan in the 1973 classic horror flick, The Exorcist.  No scene has grossed us more than that of Blair’s devilish character spewing a green…

The Provisional Poet: Battle of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Battle of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Fight, fight cups down the field, Fight with your peanut butter and cacao seeds and don’t ever yield. Original has milk chocolate, newcomer dark, One will be victorious, the other, a lark. Cheer, cheer for the orange and brown, Milk chocolate with peanut…

“I Will Not Exercise!” One Writer Resolves

​Tell the truth: How long did your New Year’s diet last? Yeah, ours too. Here at Phoenix New Times, we take a while to contemplate our resolutions — so just this week, we published our annual Resolution Guide. If you’re feeling guilty about those fries you just scarfed, sidle up…

Cafe: D’Vine Bistro and Wine Bar

We’ll admit it. As much as we’d like to think we’re culinary adventurers constantly in hot pursuit of the next, undiscovered eatery, we tend to hang about the same ten or twelve joints. But given this week’s Cafe column is about a far-flung eatery not worth the drive, perhaps we’re…

Now Open in Arrowhead: The Melting Pot

Are you fond of fondue? Now you can get your dip-and-swish fix at the Valley’s third location of popular fondue house The Melting Pot, located in the Citadelle Shopping Center at 19420 N. 59th Avenue (at Utopia). At nearly 6,200 square feet, with seating for almost 200 people, it’s the largest…

It’s Raining, Cadillac Ranch is Pouring . . . Cheap Drinks

​Who can resist a weather-centric special? Especially when it involves booze?Not me. I talk a good game about wanting a cup of hot tea, but I would not refuse a Jameson’s Irish Coffee if one mysteriously appeared in front of me.This week’s crappy weather is reason to celebrate at Cadillac…

Behind the Bar: Steve Howard of Murphy’s Law

It’s easy to see why Steve Howard of Murphy’s Law in Chandler is a popular bartender. The handsome 25-year-old is extremely charming, doing tricks behind the bar and letting customers name drinks he makes for them. And he’s had plenty of time to build up a steady clientele–he’s been in…

New Farmers’ Market Opens at Roka Akor

​How many farmers’ markets does it take to make Phoenix healthy? Or screw in a light bulb? Seriously, we’re starting to feel like farmers’ markets are going the way of Starbucks. There’s one practically on every corner — or at least, it feels that way when you’re deciding between eight farmers’ markets all on…

Submit Pie Recipes for New Channel Eight Cookbook

​Got a mouthwatering pie recipe that you’re dying to share with fellow cooks?KAET Eight, the local PBS station, is accepting recipe submissions for a new cookbook, called Eight Cooks: P is for Pie. From savory meat pies and pot pies to the whole spectrum of dessert pies, they’re including every recipe…

Battle of the Donuts… Or Rather, Fauxnuts

Downing a donut is a great way to get that sugar rush that’ll get you through your morning at work. (At least until you crash and absolutely, undeniably need another donut an hour later. Oh. Darn.)    This week in Battle of the Dishes, we blind taste-tested vegan and gluten/dairy-free donuts to see…