When it comes to hidden gems, Alzohour Market is about as good as it gets. Located just west of the I-17 off Northern, this Middle Eastern and Moroccan grocery/clothing store greets customers with a a few rows of shelves stocked rather haphazardly with chocolates, canned goods, and spices. And if…
When a new spot opens in town, we can’t wait to check it out — and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that…
Add another fast-casual burger chain to those already competing for your dinner dollars in Scottsdale because Burger 21, a franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., has plans to open two restaurants in the Valley this year. As we told you last August the first Burger…
Several members of the Chow Bella team noticed a now brightly painted Mexican restaurant, Corazon Mexican Cocina, and sent me to investigate. Before the facelift, the spot was known as Altamar Mexican Grill and still operates under the same owners. We approached with the question: Truly authentic Mexican food, or…
The Great Arizona Picnic Saturday, April 12 This Saturday and Sunday the Great Arizona Picnic will take over the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s signature two-day event will offer plenty for food and drink lovers of all types, including food samples from over 50…
For more than four decades Karsh’s Bakery was famous in this town, one of best and longest-lasting Jewish bakeries in a city where finding good rye bread and rugalach can pose a real challenge. So when news broke the bakery would be closing its doors, customers jumped at the chance…
The wait is finally over, folks. Later this afternoon Amy and Samy Bouzaglo of Amy’s Baking Company in Scottsdale will return to television, this time in an episode of the Dr. Phil show, which will air on KTVK 3 at 3 p.m. According to the Dr. Phil website, during the…
The Guilty Pleasure: Frozen kouign amann, caramelized buttery Breton pastries Where to Get It: Trader Joe’s, locations everywhere Price: $3.99 for a pack of four What it Really Costs: 340 calories each, 50 more than an Egg McMuffin. The Cronut is so last year. Yes, I know I haven’t had…
Chandler-ites will be welcoming a new Asian restaurant to the dining scene as of Thursday, April 10 when Silk True Asian opens its doors for business. The restaurant will be located at 4995 S. Alma School Road in Chandler, inside the Promenade at Fulton Ranch. Silk True Asian comes courtesy…
Jay and Christine Wisniewski Owners Caffe Boa on Mill www.cafeboa.com There are two Caffe Boas in this town and unless you’ve been here for a while, the history might be a little fuzzy. They both claim to be the “original” restaurant but if there’s one undeniable fact in their complicated…
Having traveled abroad recently for a series of cooking classes, it became apparent to me that there are some things to “know before you go.” Here it is, stuff you should keep in mind as you book a trip of a lifetime to learn how to cook native cuisine in…
When Citizen Public House opened in 2011, there wasn’t really a craft cocktail “scene” in this town to speak of. The restaurant’s bar program, led by mixologist Richie Moe, was really the only one around. Of course, that’s changed in the past three years — as have things at the…
A new neighborhood spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and drinks is coming to North Phoenix at 15530 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 160, on the northwest corner of Tatum Boulevard and Greenway Road. Modern Grove Neighborhood Eatery & Market, an eatery and market, will celebrate its grand opening Tuesday, April…
Everyone who plans on ever dining out should be forced to serve, at least for a month or two. Then maybe folks would have a little more compassion for the fine ladies and gentlemen who take care of them from the greasy spoon diners to the upscale steakhouses. While we…
When my meal arrives, whether I’m patronizing Waffle House or a restaurant with real tablecloths, that signals to me that it is time to eat. That’s the green light that lets this little cow know it’s time to feed. But in some people, that gene is apparently mutated and signals…
Casablanca Lounge Tuesday, April 8 The 2014 Scottsdale Culinary Festival will kick off with the Opening Night Affair at Casablanca Lounge in Old Town Scottsdale. The event will be “a stylish salute to classic Hollywood,” with red carpet, vintage cocktails from Campari, small bites, magic, music, and a cigar lounge…
People are wistful about endings. “It’s the end of an era,” people will say when someone they loved dies or when the movie house they visited for decades is razed. In the 21st century, even a middling network television show ends with a much-ballyhooed Final Episode. The usual references to…
Mixologist Richie Moe has parted ways with Citizen Public House partner and executive chef Bernie Kantak. According to spokesperson and public relations representative Ty Largo, Moe and Kantak parted ways amicably over a month ago after an “incident that could not be overlooked.” “The gang 100 percent wishes Richie the…
When a new spot opens in town, we can’t wait to check it out — and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that…
There’s no need to run all over town just to get your hands on fresh, local produce. Not when you can sign up for a CSA, or community-supported agriculture. Maya’s Farm, a small enterprise run by Maya Dailey within The Farm at South Mountain development, offers CSA members a weekly…
It seems this tiny restaurant has fallen off the radar for many food lovers. But not for the local Paradise Valley/North Phoenix crowd. They still fill every table in the entire cozy dining room, even on random Tuesday nights, filling up on sushi and other Japanese specialties…
Rent, insurance, student loans – adulthood isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes it’s nice to revisit an easier time, when happiness was a stack of Oreos and a glass of milk after school. OK, anyone who thinks childhood was that simple doesn’t really remember it. Still, it’s…
