If you want to see something scary, click on this transparency by awesome.good.is. It’s a representation of the percentages of people in certain countries who are overweight, and surprise, surprise, the U.S. represents with the highest percent at 66.3 percent. We have to be number one in everything else, right, so obesity may as…
We were actually hungry for soup. It was a Monday. My colleague and I were wracking our brains over where to find a decent bowl of soup, as if it would somehow magically thwart the swine flu (knock on wood, so far so good. . .). But then we remembered…
Whether it’s booze, music, film or food, Ted Grossman admits he’s a bit of a snob. In this case, however, knowing that he’d think your favorite films are garbage and that you couldn’t even smell his favorite drink without gagging doesn’t make Grossman unlikeable; it’s actually quite the opposite. His…
How far would you drive for great barbecue? Five miles? Fifteen miles? Even farther? When my carnivorous urges are in overdrive, I’m not even sure how I would answer that question, except to say I’d definitely rack up some miles for a pulled pork fix. There’s a certain kind of…
Let’s just get this out of the way: Ra Sushi is not Japanese cuisine. Not proper Japanese cuisine anyway. That being said, it can be delicious as I found out at a new menu tasting at Ra Sushi in North Scottsdale last night…
These days, satellite radio passes as live entertainment in many eating establishments. So it was refreshing to stumble recently on two musical dining experiences. By now it’s practically become cliche that the worst Chinese food in town can be found at the restaurants at the Chinese Cultural Center near the airport. And…
When head chef Matt Alleshouse of Tommy V’s Osteria Pizzeria created this recipe, he was looking to put a new twist on an old meal–the hunters-style dish. Typical hunters’ dishes are made in one pot, cooked with the meat the hunter caught. It’s a technique that’s been used hundreds of years, but…
Shakespeare’s vs. The Turf Restaurant & Pub When we’re feeling a little low, the first stop is usually Tempe’s Rula Bula for a pint and a plate of shepherd’s pie. With ground beef, veggies, whipped potatoes and cheese, this dish is a comfort classic and one of the first things that comes to…
Tired of the same boring traditional turkey dinner for Thanksgiving? Try something different this holiday. In this week’s Meal Ticket dining newsletter, we’ve got the scoop on unusual holiday feasts, from a meat-free faux turkey dinner to the infamous “Turducken,” a Cajun treat that’s three meats in one. We’ll also…
It’s rare to go to central Phoenix’s Athenian Express during the week and not see a packed house. The bustling eatery, which serves Greek and American breakfasts, lunches and early dinners, is busy for a reason–the cheap, quality food and friendly staff…
Sweet Tomatoes is hosting a fundraiser event that will benefit St. Vincent de Paul. On November 17, ten percent of all sales made at participating Sweet Tomatoes will go to the non-profit organization — good news in tough times. That same night, Sweet Tomatoes is taking over the dining room at…
A friend and I ventured over to Nine 05 recently for her birthday lunch. Once upon a time, this was a gal who used to eat at Fate about three times a week, so I told her she needed to check out the new Asian spot that’s taken its place…
Wine? Did somebody say wine? If your ears perk up at the sound of a cork popping out of a bottle, then this weekend’s First Press events are for you. Friday night kicks off with the First Press Grand Tasting at the Hotel Valley Ho, presented by National Bank of…
When most chefs were graduating culinary school, Tommy V’s Osteria Pizzeria’s Matt Alleshouse was already cooking up delicacies at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. The 29-year-old, currently the head chef at the newly opened Tommy V’s, has been in the Valley for more than 10 years. He got his start as an…
No, you’re not experiencing deja vu. The Tempe outpost of Regions Bistro — which originally opened at 6th Street and Mill a little over seven months ago, and then closed unexpectedly in early June — is back in business under new ownership. Regions’ Scottsdale location, on Shea Boulvard, reopened in August…
NYPD Pizza, with 10 Valley locations, is donating 20 percent of its profits today to the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona, an agency that serves to educate, support and adovcate for those with Down Syndrome. …
Free garage parking was even offered throughout the day. That alone might’ve been enough to get us there — and apparently, other Phoenicians agreed. White tents were pitched in the parking lot at Duck and Decanter and from the top of the parking garage we could see hundreds of locals milling around…
Just chatted with chef Johnny Chu of Sens, and he’s excited about a special event he’s hosting next week, on Monday the 16th. He says 100 percent of the proceeds from the night’s dinner service (5 to 10 p.m.) will be donated to Free Arts of Arizona, a non-profit organization that…
We love watching some earthy, crunchy, flower power-types shed some of their patchouli-wearing do-gooder status and make a living, as opposed to hitching up their bio-diesel wagon and following Phish around for the summer. Especially if these peaceniks’ said employment gives the finger to the man. On a curvy part…
There’s nothing we love more than food. Except maybe FREE food. While Outback Steakhouse isn’t the kind of small, indie business we usually pimp here on Chow Bella, we have to admit they make a pretty awesome Bloomin’ Onion appetizer. Sliced and fried till golden brown, the everyday onion ends up looking…
[jump] Favorite local restaurant: Can’t answer just one…for a quick bite I love Otto’s in Tempe. I get the calzone (no meat). If I’m grabbing a yuppie sandwich and dessert, then La Grande Orange in Arcadia. If I’m hungover then the protein pancakes at US Egg. For bar food, I hit…
How is it November and still so nice out? Recently, I used the balmy nights as an excuse to take two pals to Petite Maison in Scottsdale. Neither had been there yet, and I got them hungry for French nibbles and wine. We sat out on the patio by the fireplace,…
