Moscow Mule — Simple Summer Cocktail, Rich History

Like the Pimm’s Cup featured on Chow Bella a few weeks ago, the Moscow Mule is another thirst-quenching summery cocktail, often served in bars in a cold copper mug. Where the Pimm’s Cup is a Brit invention, the Moscow Mule is purely American. Created in Los Angeles in the ’40s…

AndyTalk: The Small Extravagance of White Asparagus

White asparagus are to green asparagus as veal is to beef. They’re not always available, and when raised right, they’re tender and pale. Conveniently, I’m not aware of a single vegetable rights groups proclaiming that growing asparagus in light-deprived conditions (to keep them white) is morally wrong. Last night, I…

89: Christopher Gross

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

Distrito to Hold Smoking (Literally) Cooking Class This Weekend

Staying in town this Memorial Day weekend? You cannot be bored. Not yet. Get up off your lazy butt and do something productive — like attending a class on outdoor cooking. Let’s embrace the season, people! This Sunday afternoon, May 27, Distrito will bring back its popular “Cook Like an…

Mail Order Cookie Clash: Urban Cookies vs. Goosebumps

We absolutely love cookies (who doesn’t?) and we love cookies even more when they show up on our doorstep. Which is why we’re super happy that the business of cookies by mail exists. And we’re even more stoked that we have more than one bakery in town to deliver those…

Are Food Festivals Worth It?

Thousands of people, lots of restaurants, and the plastic cups — my god, the plastic cups! For many parts of the country, food festivals are in full swing this time of year. We’ve most likely had a taste or two at several, but what do those on the other side…

90: Christina Barrueta

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

Phoenix Food Nerds Unite on Dominic Armato’s Discussion Board

Local food blogger Dominic Armato is a gastro-geek on a mission. He wants to build a grassroots coalition of people who are passionate about food, and to that end, he has launched a discussion board called PHXfoodnerds.com His aim is to bring Phoenix food-lovers together for food-related events, impromptu restaurant…

Mofongo: The Fried Plaintain Dish of Puerto Rico

If you happen to find yourself around the food of Puerto Rico and the unmistakable smell of garlic has made your nose twitch with curiosity, you are most likely about to encounter mofongo. Satisfyingly flavorful and fill-you-up-fast, the classic dish from made from fried green plantains mashed together in a…

Lo-Lo Dishes About Jean-Georges, Kool-Aid and Muhammad Ali

Larry White, Jr. Lo-Lo’s Fried Chicken & Waffles 10 W. Yuma Street, Phoenix 602-340-1304 and 2765 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-945-1920 www,loloschickenandwaffles.com This is part two of my interview with Larry White, Jr. (Lo-Lo), the owner of Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. In case you missed it, you can read part…

91: Mike Pitt

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

Chow Bella Wins First Prize for Opinion Blog from Arizona Press Club

Chow Bella won first place in the opinion blog category at the Arizona Press Club’s annual awards event, held Saturday night at the Duce in Phoenix. The winning entry included New Times’ food critic Laura Hahnefeld’s First Taste review of Crescent Ballroom’s restaurant; Chow Bella intern Lauren Saria’s McRib battle;…

CLOSED: Bacchanal Greek Restaurant

At 3015 East Thomas Road, the sounds of smashing plates, rousing “opas!,” and festive music and belly dancing is no more. Bacchanal Greek Restaurant in Central Phoenix has shuttered. At the corner of a strip mall, the good-time Greek eatery was established in 1989 and operated by the Gicoudis family…