After two decades in the mortgage industry, Amber Kovarik had become something of an expert on the Valley’s best spots to meet clients, whether for celebratory lunches, quick contract signings or a relaxed happy hour. But while she loved the buzz and warmth of all-day hangout spots like La Grande Orange, The Henry and Postino WineCafé, she noticed one thing missing: a true … [More]
SugerJam The Southern Kitchen – Culture & Spice & Everything Nice
Dana Dumas has brought all the elements together to make “Southern hospitality” a palpable presence. At SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, good vibes from the wait staff and the eclectic décor combine with good food. The restaurant owes its start to Dumas’s “jammies” — her jam-filled sugar-cookie sandwiches she sold first at farmers markets and street fairs. But the menu’s … [More]
Brody’s Italian Promotes a Neighborhood Welcome
A long-standing neighborhood favorite in north Phoenix with a devoted clientele, Brody’s Italian established its reputation long before Jason Brody put his own name above the door. But his culinary talents helped develop many of the menu items its patrons return for. And when he had the opportunity to take ownership from his mentor Nick, he was eager to keep those … [More]
Élephante Puts Its Own Stamp on Italian
Many restaurants create for their guests a comfortable respite within carefully planned décor. But few actually transport their guests out of the familiar to a new environment. This is part of what sets Élephante apart. Entering from the rotunda on the south side of Scottsdale Fashion Square, guests are enveloped in an arched entryway and the freshness of whitewashed, … [More]
The Phoenician Tavern: Up Course Choice
The Phoenician Tavern, located at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, is anything but your typical resort dining destination. Perched above the Golf Clubhouse, the restaurant offers a casual and lively atmosphere with stunning views of the emerald-green golf course. The perfect spot to grab a midday bite — whether it’s following a morning of networking on the Phil Smith-designed … [More]
Mochilero Kitchen: A Taste of Authentic Mexico with a Fresh Twist
In just a handful of years, Mochilero Kitchen has grown from a startup, new-concept restaurant to a two-location, much-talked-about favorite that spans the Valley, making it a convenient and tasty stop for a quick lunch to brainstorm, collaborate, impress or relax. This fresh, farm-to-table restaurant brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to life with a modern flair. Founded … [More]
Marino’s: Italian for Comfort
At Marino's, it’s all about the pasta. Well, it’s also all about the cheesy garlic bread, and the pizza, and the salads, and the … For a small restaurant, there’s a lot that it’s all about. Of course, it starts with the ambience — the comfortable welcome Marino’s offers guests as they walk through the courtyard patio and into the dining room. Open and airy, evoking al fresco … [More]
Rock Lobster: Business and Sushi Rolled into One
Rock Lobster’s the name, sushi’s the game; specifically, a widely diverse offering of rolls with equally diverse and unique names (chimichanga roll, anyone?) served in a vibrant atmosphere with energy to spare. The open, airy yet elegant environment provides the perfect backdrop for professionals to grab a quick, delicious lunch and let go of the stress of the day or get down … [More]
Yellowbell Reimagines Southwestern
The emphasis here is on local, starting with the name of the hotel: “Camby” was coined to celebrate the hotel’s location on Camelback Road. Those who are used to equating Phoenix flora with the iconic saguaro, take note: The yellow bell shrub, while not native to our region, is ubiquitous in landscape all around town – a local standout of our culture and … [More]
(Sneaky)bird Is the Word for Never Ever Fried Chicken
The best chicken is fried chicken. Or is it? sneakybird is out to prove the best chicken in Arizona need not be made with added oils or a greasy fryer. “While I am as guilty as anyone of indulging now and then, once I became a dad, I got really focused on our entire family eating cleanly together,” says Dan Chaon, a restaurant veteran who helped build such brands as … [More]
Kona Grill Brings East and West to the Table
Kona Grill welcomes the lunch crowd with its own “power lunch” — a prix fixe three-course meal offered every weekday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Designed to be easy and fast to fit within a traditional “lunch hour,” the dishes are a dine-in quality alternative to fast food. First course options are an Asian salad that draws on Kona Grill’s fusion cuisine with its cabbage, green … [More]
Eureka! – Innovative and Elevated
“Eureka, eureka” — Archimedes’ excitement when he exclaimed (in Greek), “I have found it” can be matched by guests visiting Eureka! the restaurant. It’s no coincidence it is located on the ASU campus; Eureka! owners aim to create a sense of discovery “like the innovation and uniqueness that college campuses offer,” explains Paul Frederick, founder of the Eureka! Restaurant … [More]
Ingo’s Tasty Food: All-Day Fresh Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ingo’s newest location in Scottsdale is a delightful study in opposites: small store with a feeling of wide-open spaces; short menu that’s big on variety. And an overriding sensation of freshness in the dishes and the ambience. “Today’s guest deserves today’s food,” HiNoon Hospitality’s vice president of operations Jaison Sokolow shares the mantra that defines Ingo’s … [More]
Breakfast Kitchen Bar: Where Business Meets Flavorful Dining
Picture this: The aroma of freshly brewed coffee intertwining with the hum of business discussions. That's the essence of Breakfast Kitchen Bar, a haven designed with the busy professional in mind. Step into the Desert Ridge or Scottsdale location and experience an ambiance that effortlessly combines sophistication with comfort, perfect for a healthy lunch or a swift business … [More]
Francine – Simple and Soulful French Mediterranean
While having been in its location four years, Francine has recently all but reinvented itself to be a much more authentic French Mediterranean restaurant with the new chef, Chef Remy, who brings more than 20 years of global culinary experience at Michelin Star restaurants and luxury hotels. "Chef Remy has an exceptional resume. He’s been named one of the top chefs in … [More]
El Patron: The Boss of New Mexican Cuisine
Opening El Patron early this year was a restaurateur’s dream: Customers from the Daskaloses’ Albuquerque location — who had either relocated to Phoenix or are Phoenicians who vacation in Albuquerque — were a built-in customer base, stampeding to the Scottsdale location as soon as El Patron’s Facebook page announced the opening. Long-time restaurateurs Jimmy and Nadine … [More]
Le Âme: Its Soul Is Comfort
Le Âme (pronounced LAY uhMAY, contrary to all rules of French grammar) exudes an open-arms welcome. In fact, everything about the interior design invites guests to relax and get comfortable, starting with its spaciousness — a characteristic built into every amenity of The Global Ambassador hotel. Real estate is valuable, especially at this prime Phoenix corner of 44th … [More]
The Rosticceria Puts Wood-Fired Meats in the Limelight
The glory that is Rome includes, for Chef Joey Maggiano, famed Italian dish porchetta. This dish, along with other traditional Italian dishes, has been sadly absent from Phoenix’s (yea, even Arizona’s) culinary scene. With this prolific restaurateur’s The Rosticceria, Chef Joey rectifies that oversight. “The inspiration for the new concept came from traveling through the … [More]
