If you’re having a horrible day and you need something to turn it around, head to Scratch Pastries in Scottsdale and see if your first bite of a fresh salted caramel macaron doesn’t make you smile in spite of everything else. I stopped by for lunch today and was…
Some flowers make a cute and colorful edible garnish. Some, like roses and hibiscus, impart magical flavor through their essences. But the large and meaty squash blossom is practically an entree on its own and has enriched its local cuisines for centuries. The taste is much like young tender squash,…
So you’ve always wanted to try wild boar, elk or shark, but you aren’t willing to fork over the dough for a dish you’re not even sure you’ll like. We hear you. That’s why we’re profiling one East Valley restaurant where you can sample exotic meats minus the massive (and…
Restaurant critic John Mariani, who contributes to national publications such as Esquire, just published the first installment of a feature called “Scottsdale and Beyond” on his website. He visited Digestif, Estate House, Prado, and The Mission, and had good things to say about all of them (I have to add,…
I love a good Southwestern-style breakfast. Huevos rancheros, Southwestern eggs benedict, and anything with chorizo — all that chile heat gets me revved up and ready to face the day. Coffee helps too, of course. So I was delighted to read Sierra Bonita Grill’s new brunch menu, which looks absolutely…
Today is the first day in business for Lola Coffee, the hip hangout created by Daniel Wayne (formerly of Lux and Lola Tapas). House-roasted coffee is one good reason to go; homemade pastries by Danielle Librera of the recently closed Sweet Pea Bakery are another. And what about the location…
For the longest time, foodies scratched their heads in amazement that Phoenix didn’t have its own Restaurant Week, a popular annual event in other cities that entices people to explore local restaurants with special prix fixe menus offered just for the occasion. Then the long-awaited Arizona Restaurant Week debuted last fall,…
It’s a little piece of Pischke’s in Phoenix. Local Breeze, a new spot that quietly opened over the weekend in the former Palatte location (606 N. 4th Ave.; the official opening date is tomorrow), is run by an alumni of the popular but defunct Old Town Scottsdale institution. Owner Sid…
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: Wanna Go to BaconCamp? Tempe’s Three Roots Cafe Goes…
We tried to be good. We really did. Go take a quick step outside. Did you feel it? That’s right. It’s pool weather and if there’s one reason we’ve been slogging it out at the gym day in and day out it’s to enjoy this weather with preferably only two…
Each of the Valley’s farmers’ markets has its own distinctive atmosphere. That’s fun to suss out, but we’re all about the produce, too. The Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market, just off the 51 on Cactus Road, is Phoenix’s oldest — it’ll celebrate its 20th birthday in October — and both the…
We love the spa treatment, but as Food Critic Michele Laudig points out in this week’s Cafe column, apples and cucumber water do not satisfy us to the same degree as an hour-long massage. Luckily there are a few Phoenix spas that cater to our tummies. Michele Laudig on feasting…
Tammie Coe employees say they have no idea which show it’s for, but word’s out that a crew from the Travel Channel just stopped by the Roosevelt Row pastry shop to shoot some footage and take pictures this afternoon. Apparently they’re making the rounds at different dessert-y spots in the…
We are so spoiled. With all the resort spas in the Valley, we have more opportunities to get scrubbed and balanced and massaged into a mellow state of mind than perhaps anywhere else in the country. People fly into town to make a luxury vacation of it, while those of…
In case you had any doubt that people are actually making pilgrimages to Phoenix for some Pizzeria Bianco action, get a load of the double-whammy of national media props for the restaurant — which comes on the heels of Martha Stewart’s six-page feature on Chris Bianco. This month, Gourmet features…
Tired of taking Mom to the same old Mother’s Day buffet? In this week’s Meal Ticket dining newsletter, we’ve got the scoop on a few unforgettable places to take your mama this Sunday, from classic champagne brunches to a runway show dinner for the trendy fashionista mom. Also look for…
With all the awards that Joe’s Real BBQ has stacked up, the place could easily coast on its own fine reputation. But that’s just not how owner Joe Johnston operates. Instead, he makes a point to host an annual Free Day, dishing up gratis plates of the barbecue that made…
It’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it. The food and beverage team at the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North is holing up for a few days to do a hardcore blind tasting of many, many different wines from around the world — as in, 3 or 400 wines…
What am I doing up blogging at this hour? I’m sharing this hysterical link with you. This is the kind of stuff my dear friends email to me in the middle of the night, when it’s really hard to laugh silently. Check out How to Use Bacon to Make Your…
Over the seven years that Robin Bundy owned Three Roots Cafe on Mill Avenue (1020 S. Mill), the hip little indie coffee shop earned a loyal following among ASU students and neighborhood locals alike for its relaxing, bohemian vibe and its well-crafted coffee drinks. How loyal, you ask? Thanks to some…
I swear this is for real — BaconCamp meetups for people who want to know more about bacon. You thought I was kidding about bacon takin’ over? Nuh uh. It’s only a matter of time before this happens in Phoenix, I bet. Look at the cool “crafts” the BaconCamp people have…
April wasn’t quite the harsh month for restaurant closures that March was, but I’m holding my breath now that summer’s coming. Surely any struggling restaurant would try to at least make it through the busiest part of the tourist season, so from here on out, it’ll be interesting to see which…
