If you’re craving a little Hollywood glam, you don’t have to take a road trip to California. In this week’s Meal Ticket dining newsletter, we’ve got the scoop on a snazzy Peoria supper club that’s straight out of the Rat Pack era. Or, if your tastes run more towards European…
When she was 19, Silvana Salcido Esparza left her family’s Mexican bakery in Merced, California, and moved to downtown Miami to work in international banking. “Columbians would come into my office with paper bags full of $100,000 in each bag,” she says. It was a far cry from the life…
It’s 110 degrees here today. It’s 83 up in Jerome. Sounds like a good time for a road trip, no? Oh, if only there weren’t that four-letter word called WORK to deal with. Well, if you can play hooky — or hold out ’til the weekend — I already have something…
Today marks the start of a new lunch deal at Lisa G Cafe Wine Bar: Lunch Box Mondays. Through the end of July, the casual CenPho eatery will offer a Monday-only special, with any lunch item (sandwiches and salads) plus an iced tea for $8. It’s a nice perk for…
Digestif is downsizing. Later this month, chef Payton Curry will be working the display kitchen at the former Sea Saw location on Stetson Drive, pending the sale of restaurateur Peter Kasperski’s two SouthBridge restaurant spaces, the current Digestif and the half-finished space that would have become Mexican Standoff. (Plans for…
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: Caffiend: Jolta Java’s Mexican Joltachino Local Wine Wins at…
Despite the stereotype, we journalists live off of more than stale coffee and cigarettes; a lot more. We cook very well here at New Times. We’re willing to bet that even the bespectacled food God Alton Brown would dub our eats “good.” Yet there are times when we just don’t…
By Wynter Holden Independence Day is fast approaching, and no doubt you’re either looking forward to attending someone else’s barbecue party or planning a menu for your own grilled feast. If you’re in the latter category — or are kind enough to offer up your grilling skills for a friend…
Unbelievable. We made it almost all the way to July without going up in flames. But now the heat is on, and compared to the balmy, record-breaking low temperatures of May and June, it feels more hellish than ever. Who wants to slave in the kitchen over a hot stove?…
Ooh, I can almost feel the grease on my fingers at the thought of another Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. You heard me. Another Lo-Lo’s. In Scottsdale, if you’ll believe it. The expanded second location of Larry “Lo-Lo” White’s popular Phoenix soul food joint — frequented by sports celebs and nameless…
West of Western is no more at the Phoenix Art Museum, but the show must go on. The fifth annual installment of the popular culinary festival took place at the museum this past March. In March 2010, look for an all-new culinary fest at the museum called “Devoured,” sponsored by…
The Twilight Farmer’s Market in Glendale is the least farmer-y Farmer’s Market we’ve ever come across. When you may be expecting summer sun, gravel beneath your feet and cowboy hats abounding, Glendale has put together a chic outdoor gathering of vendors selling everything from your usual local veggies and fruits…
Talk about a sweet gig. Acclaimed pastry chef Tracy Dempsey has just signed on as “guest chef” at Udder Delights, a gourmet ice cream shop in Gilbert (1385 E. Warner Rd., 480-507-3859), in honor of National Ice Cream Month. Owners Sherene Robinson and Casey Stechnij enlisted Dempsey to create new…
Is Scottsdale so 2008? It’s a fair question, given all the Scottsdale-based restaurateurs who are eyeing central Phoenix for their newest ventures for 2010 and beyond. Chef Aaron May, Sam Fox, and Kyle Shivers are the latest to sign on at CityScape, the ambitious 1.8 million square foot downtown development that’s replaced Patriot’s Square…
It’s simple-made-elaborate for Chef de Cuisine Jacques Qualin, the man in the kitchen at celebrity chef Jean-George Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse, which sits atop The Phoenician. “It’s a steakhouse but we don’t want to do like a basic steakhouse,” he said. “[So] we’re trying to play on the side dishes, and…
What’s cooking this weekend? Considering that Saturday is July 4th, we’re guessing some rich, tangy barbecued meats — or at least hot dogs and burgers on the grill. In this week’s Meal Ticket dining newsletter, get grilling tips from the award-winning Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert and find out where…
In a world teeming with celebrity chefs, Jacques Qualin isn’t particularly well-known. The J in J&G Steakhouse — the newish, top-of-the-bill restaurant at The Phoenician — stands not for Jacques, but for Jean-George, as in J&G’s creator, namesake, head chef and owner – Jean-Georges Vongerichten. But if you’re lucky enough…
More to love, baby. It’s always fun to report on a new restaurant opening, but this tidbit is particularly delectable because it’s all about tortas. Tortas El Guero, that is. Last week, the Mexican sandwich shop just opened its fifth Valley location, at 4121 E. Thomas Road (602-840-2889). It’s no…
You want to see locally owned restaurants thrive? Put your money where your mouth is. The folks at Local First Arizona would be happy to help. Once again, they’ve organized dozens of local businesses for the annual Independents Week — going on now through July 5. Visit the website, and you…
Move over, Napa. Arizona’s young wine industry is currently undergoing a growth-spurt akin to a 12 year-old basketball player. For proof, see Michele Laudig’s cover story from last year, all about former Tool frontman and owner of Stronghold Vineyards in the Verde Valley. More evidence was available this past Saturday…
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: Caffiend: Cartel Coffee Lab’s Iced Toddy Open Casting in…
Who needs Restaurant Week to get a taste of some of the swankiest spots in town? Instead of waiting until September, lots of local restaurants are promoting special prix fixe deals right now — a great way to sample the offerings at a sweet discount. J&G Steakhouse just announced its…
