I’ve gone on record as saying that it’s not hard to find good Middle Eastern food in the Valley. Choosing among all the great places has become the difficult part. Now, I’ll have to add Persian Garden is at 15th Avenue and Thomas Road in a busy little complex that…
Have you ever heard of the International Food Futurists? Me neither, but it sounds damn cool, like a space-age network of culinary spies. Can I join? Anyway, The Food Channel just released its predictions for the Top Ten Dessert Trends, based on research the website conducted with the International Food Futurists…
It’s going to hit 90 in the next couple of days; doesn’t some gelato sound good right about now? That’s what Yaron Cohen is hoping. The Israeli native and his Argentinian relative, Leo Faria, just opened their new shop, The Gelato Maker, last weekend. The two trained in a gelato…
Surely even the most casual of Phoenix foodies will begin to salivate at the mere mention of Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa. But did you know that Kai has achieved Mobil Travel Guide’s 5-Star Rating in addition to AAA’s 5-diamond rating? That’s right, Phoenix. We’ve…
Update on last week’s post about summer market closings: Next month, the market at the Trilogy Golf Course at Power Ranch in Gilbert will move indoors to the ballroom, switch to first and third Wednesdays, and hang in there through June (which means April 22 outside, and May 6 and…
From a quiet corner near McDonald Drive and Pima Road in Scottsdale, Voltaire Restaurant (8340 East McDonald Drive, 480- 948-1005) has been delighting fans of classical French Cuisine six nights a week for many years. From Coquille St Jacques to tableside flambes of Cherries Jubilee, the charm of owner Martin…
I’ve knocked back many a fine glass of Malbec at NOCA, and enjoyed some great cocktails there, too (like Hendrick’s gin with a spherical ice cube and a carafe of tonic). But it turns out that the restaurant’s food also goes really well with beer. To prove the point, they’ve done…
How often do you hear about sushi restaurants closing down? A lot less often than you hear of them opening up, I’d say. So here’s one of the rarities. Ten Sushi and Asian Fusion, a sleek spot in Cave Creek, is closing this weekend. Sunday is its last day in…
After a few weeks of palate put-offs, Food Critic Michele Laudig sinks her discerning fork into some beautiful cuisine crafted by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at J&G Steakhouse. Food Critic Michele Laudig on J&G Steakhouse: Why do I like J&G Steakhouse so much? For me, this stylish spot successfully navigates…
A friend just sent me a link to today’s dining post in Tasting Table, a sort of Daily Candy-style food newsletter with New York, Los Angeles, and “Everywhere” editions. Phoenix got the “Everywhere” love, except Tasting Table’s four dining picks for this city were so predictable. I wish they would’ve…
If cost were not part of the equation, I’d choose to eat organic everything. After all, who wants to eat toxic chemicals or feed it to our children? But money does matter and, like most of the people I know, I am always trying to find my way to a…
Good for The Phoenician. I doubt anyone would argue that this city needed yet another high-end steakhouse, but the resort’s partnership with celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten was a really smart move. Why do I like J&G Steakhouse so much? For me, this stylish spot successfully navigates the fine line between…
I sort of understand why today would be a good day for restaurants to promote themselves. After you’ve done your time under a pile of paperwork — and perhaps coughed up some dough to Uncle Sam — you could use a free taco from Taco del Mar (print out a…
A general drinking guideline: Any drink with a name suffixed by the term ‘bomb’ is sure to get you bombed. Here’s a deal you can take advantage of long after Happy Hour’s come and gone. From 8 to close, Sunday through Thursday at Kabuki, you can knock yourself out with…
When it comes to restaurant decor, good art is definitely the key to success. Sure, exotic hardwood tables and funky exposed brick walls go a long way, but if a cool place is decked in dime-a-dozen IKEA prints or fuzzy amateurish photos it can ruin the ambiance. And let’s be honest, unless you’re…
Just got the word from chef Matt Taylor at Metro Brasserie that the SouthBridge eatery has changed up its menu. A salad of green asparagus, morel cream, cured lemon, and fried corn; a pork pate banh mi (traditional Vietnamese sandwich on baguette); lardo-wrapped halibut; and duck breast with rhubarb, beluga…
Ever thought of pairing your spicy tuna roll with prickly pear ponzu, or creating a ceviche roll? If so, we’re impressed with your culinary adventurousness — and happy to introduce you to the new Banzai Cowboy Sushi Restaurant & Martini Bar at Scottsdale’s DC Ranch Market Street. This isn’t your…
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival sounds monolithic, but the granddaddy among the Valley’s culinary festivals is surprisingly multifaceted — a dozen different events at 16 different restaurants and venues around town, ranging from casual tastings to semi-formal sit-down occasions…
Got a craving for Pizzeria Bianco lately? Better get yourself down there asap — like, probably tonight — before too many people start cracking open their brand-new copies of Martha Stewart Living. The place is notorious for its wait, but I’m betting it will soon be even longer. Phoenix’s celebrated pizza…
It’s a pair like no other. Salt and pepper are so essential to cooking that one of the chefs even joked that culinary school is about paying big money to learn how to use them. I’ve always been pretty liberal with my use of salt and pepper, but I’ve said…
We’re pulling back the curtain today on Dutch Baby Pancakes. You may have had them before if you’ve ever gone to the Original Pancake House in Scottsdale. Dutch babies are towering, eggy creations served with lemons and powdered sugar. Truth be told, they’re easy to make and require few ingredients…
You know a coffee company’s out to serve up ass-whooping drinks when their menu includes beverages named things like the “Annihilator” and “Double Torture.” Dutch Bros. — an upstart company with drive-thru locations in Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, and other southwestern states — seems to have made it the company’s mission…
