Apple, Leek and Butternut Squash Gratin

I don’t know about you, but for us Thanksgiving is all about the sides. Sure, the turkey is important but it’s the sides that make it all sing. Which is why for this week’s Monday Night Martha we thought we would try out a potential new Thanksgiving side dish: Apple,…

Secret Supper Club Finally Hits Phoenix

By-invite-only, underground dinner parties have been all the rage in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, you name it. It’s been one of the biggest trends of the year, but strangely hasn’t hit the Valley until now. Better late than never, I say. A few different people in town have talked to…

Chili Brule Martini at Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn

If you’re looking for a tasty sip for those outdoor fire pits that will be lit up this holiday season, try the Chili Brule Martini, served year-round at Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn. It’s a rich cocktail, sweet from the Gran Marnier and brown sugar simple syrup, but it packs some…

Stuffing Showdown: Quick & Easy Sweet Apple-Date Stuffing

From now ’til Thanksgiving, we’ll be sharing various stuffing recipes — all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our “celebrity judge,” New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will weigh in with her favorite of the lot. So far, we’ve seen recipes for Vegan Stuffing and Hot…

Macayo’s Depot Cantina Tequila Tasting in Tempe Quite Tasty

  ​The tequila tasting, pairing five courses with three tequila tastes, was hosted by Tequila Cazadores Ambassador Diana Jimenez. Like a wine tasting, Jimenez introduced each of the selections, describing the taste, color and aging process.  Jimenez hails from the region of Mexico where tequila is produced which made her the…

Caffiend: Carly’s Jamaican Coffee

I was tired from moving and hauling furniture all day Sunday, and I desperately needed a caffeine kick, so I checked out the menu at a place close to my new home downtown — Carly’s on Roosevelt Street. This artsy cafe has always been one of my favorite places to…

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: Tofurky & Gravy Soda Makes for a Bizarre Thanksgiving…

Sunday: Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm

Sunday, November 22, is the day to get out and drink some delicious homegrown wines at the Arizona Wine Growers Festival at the Farm. First of all, do you really need any excuse to go to the Farm at South Mountain? It’s one of the prettiest places in the Valley, and…

Sweet Read: Field Guide to Candy

What to say about pastry chef/blogger/cookbood author Anita Chu’s new book except that you have to have it? Her Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable is just as mouthwatering as it sounds, with more than 100 essential recipes packed into one thick, tiny…

Flavored Liquors Make Holidays Bearable

Here’s a free association quiz for you. We say the word “holiday” and you say what pops into mind. Plump, juicy turkey? Gifts? Candy canes and stockings? Family? How about liquor? Well, we suppose that depends on just how stressful your family’s holiday gatherings can get. ​ ​Three Olives Vodka is offering two funky flavors for…

Say Yes to Sustainability at ThanksLIVING at Green

[jump] To create more a family-friendly atmosphere, the restaurant is hosting face painting, craft sales, live music and a lecture by Gene Baur of Farm Sanctuary. Green is also holding a blanket and towel drive for caged animals. Tickets are $24.95 for adults in advance, $28.95 for adults the day…

Brew Review: Hop Back Amber Ale

Times are tough and sacrifices must be made. What do we mean? Take the simple birthday gift. For our upcoming birthday, our roommate opted not to buy us a present. Truth be told, his funds are tight and so are ours (so he won’t be getting much either for his…

Alchemy Restaurant Set to Reopen Next Week at CopperWynd Resort

CopperWynd, the AAA Four Diamond resort in Fountain Hills, took such a beating in the recession that it suspended operations earlier this year. That included a shuttering of its restaurant, Alchemy. But there’s a new chapter in the story. On Tuesday, November 24, Alchemy will reopen with a new chef/co-owner, Paul O’Connor…

New in Tempe: Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery

Just in time for the weekend, there’s a brand-new microbrewery to quench your thirst in Tempe.Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery, located at 1920 E. University, is set to open Saturday, November 21. Owner Rob Sizemore’s original brews include Puppy Pale (pale ale), Irish Setter (Irish red), Hound (hefeweizen), and Scottie (Scottish…

Stuffing Showdown: Hot Italian Sausage Stuffing With Thyme

From now ’til Thanksgiving, we’ll be sharing various stuffing recipes — all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our “celebrity judge,” New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will weigh in with her favorite of the lot. Yesterday we checked out Nicki Escudero’s vegan “sausage” stuffing…

The Red Death at Palazzo

But if you’re looking for a suitable nightcap after watching The Twilight Saga: New Moon for the umpteenth time, soar on over to Palazzo in downtown Phoenix later tonight where bartender Belle Alvarez will be happy to prepare The Red Death for you and the rest of the clan during…

Top Five Foods for a Single Person’s Kitchen

Welcome to the world of singlehood! Whether you’re an old pro at goin’ it alone or if you’re new to the single life, I’ve got a couple tips for you in regards to your kitchen. Now, because I’m a chick, this list may seem geared towards the ladies. In other…

Cafe: Tommy V’s Osteria Pizzeria

When out-of-state friends come to visit, they’re surprised and amazed when we take them out for Pizza. “Pizza?” they say, “In the desert?” Absolutely. Everyone knows Bianco’s has great pizza, but this week’s cafe column has us jonesin’ for a new spin on pizza pie. Food Critic Michele Laudig on…

Let Us Do Thanksgiving For You

Ok, the title may be a little deceiving. We here at New Times will not be cooking your Thanksgiving feast for you. (Trust us, that’s a good thing.) We are, however, ready to point you in the direction of some traditional — and not so traditional — Thanksgiving sit-down meals around town. Reservations are generally…

Stuffing Showdown: Vegan “Sausage” Stuffing

Welcome to the Stuffing Showdown of 2009. From now ’til Thanksgiving, we’ll be sharing various stuffing recipes — all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our “celebrity judge,” New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will weigh in with her favorite of the lot. First up:…