For those who have ever enjoyed a meal out so much they’ve been tempted to ask the chef to divulge the recipe, here are some cookbooks by chefs at some of our favorite local restaurants. ‘Salsas & Moles’ by Deborah Schneider Building on the success of The Mexican Slow Cooker, SOL Cocina’s Chef Deb’s newest cookbook (available April 14) presents authentic salsa and … [More]
In the Barrio Queen Scottsdale
With restaurants popping up everywhere, it is easy to forget about some of the local classics. Barrio Queen in Scottsdale (and soon in Gilbert) is one of those great local legends that cannot be missed for lunch. Although no longer under the direction of Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, who founded the original concept, Barrio Café, its menu still reflects the creativity of the … [More]
St. Paddy’s Month
March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day and includes some very serious lore — although most Americans know St. Patrick’s Day as the day of the year to drink at an Irish Pub. Here are our picks for eats, drinks and a St. Paddy’s Day celebration. Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant The local classic, hands down. Rosie’s is the place to go for anything authentically Irish … [More]
By The Yard
In a market of new concepts, the ones that are successful are expanding and Sam Fox’s The Yard at Farmers Arts District Tempe is the latest to truly make its mark. The new location that includes Culinary Dropout is the new hot spot for lunch, dinner and drinks. With its wharf-meets-warehouse look, this indoor/outdoor compound of food, drinks, yoga, workouts and fun is the … [More]
Drive Thru & Go
Most of us likely know curbside pick-up because of the signs that read, “Reserved parking for curb-side take-out orders only” at some local restaurants. But some local restaurants are offering drive-up as well. Here are some good eats with “pass thru” perks. 32 Shea Gourmet hot spot with a drive-through is a rarity. That makes 32 Shea a stand-out. This quaint and hip … [More]
Cuff: A Glendale Game Changer
This charming and American urban eatery in historic Downtown Glendale is a breath of fresh air and the creation of Chef Tom Harvey. Touted as an area leader to look to for transforming downtown, Cuff is a welcome twist on some great American dishes and drinks served up with savvy in a neighborhood setting in the Humphrey-Davidson Building, built in 1895. The room is quaint … [More]
A Super Place to Be
With Super Bowl coming to town and the televised experience almost as good as going to the game itself, we offer these dining establishments as super places to catch the game and have some great food as well. Arcadia Tavern Under new ownership, this neighborhood, Irish-style tavern is still the hot spot for sports. Equipped with the latest and largest HD TVs at every angle, … [More]
Gallo Blanco: Latin Contemporary Defined
Set in the lobby area of The Clarendon Hotel, a contemporary boutique hotel in Central Phoenix, Gallo Blanco is a hot spot that has received accolades for its guacamole as well as for its overall menu. The creation of chef and owner Doug Robson, who also owns Otro Café, Gallo Blanco’s menu offers dishes into which he has infused the foods he grew up on in Mexico and includes … [More]
Assembly Line: Food for Thought
Make it all about you for lunch at these “assembly-line” concept restaurants with locations throughout the Valley. Pick and choose as you please for the perfect customized meal. Pizza Studio It’s all about choice — crust, sauce, cheese and toppings. This latest of the hot spots is only at CityScape currently and is serving up custom pizzas with incredible flavor made from … [More]
A Mainstream Meal: Cornish Pasty Co.
Growing up in Saltash, Cornwall, the westernmost county in England, Dean Thomas, founder of Cornish Pasty Company, was introduced to this famed food — the pasty. Thomas’ first restaurant in Tempe was a local favorite, and he has expanded now to other parts of the Valley, including a bungalow-style location in Old Town Scottsdale. The scrumptious dish is a virtual “pastry … [More]
Getting Uber Hip for Lunch
Getting out of the office and into something hip and flavorful is something to look forward to. Whether with a client or colleagues, here are some hot spots that are architecturally savvy and focus on great foods. Clever Koi Chinese-American comfort food with a twist is how this place is described. From delicate dumplings to rice and noodle bowls, this casual-cool spot … [More]
Get Out!
Now is our time. Getting out from between walls and onto patios is what this season is all about. Here are our picks for some of the best patio lunch spots in the metropolitan area. Chelsea’s Kitchen Still a staple for anyone interested in dining al fresco, Chelsea’s Kitchen offers tree-covered comfort with delectable American gourmet classics. Selections range from … [More]
An Instant Classic: Paul Martin’s American Grill
Homemade dishes with the finest ingredients at a great price was the concept developed by Brian Bennett and Paul Fleming. Known for their successful restaurant concepts, they have now launched Paul Martin’s American Grill to be that great neighborhood joint to get some well-known dishes and fresh and flavorful creations made of locally sourced ingredients. Recently opened in … [More]
Get a Piece of the Pie
Pizza is beloved by all and has become a meal for many or a single, plate-sized delight. Being easy to eat and available in a vast variety make pizza (or flatbreads) a favorite of lunch-goers. Here are our picks: Federal Pizza Incredible crust is the foundation for this Central Phoenix hot spot housed in the old 1950s First Federal Bank building. Wood-fired and made of only … [More]
Cibo Pizzeria: An Urban Classic
Chic and urban may be the best way to describe Cibo (pronounced CHEE-boh), a Downtown Phoenix pizzeria, but it hardly embodies the appeal. That must be done by describing the food, which is truly authentic and creatively delicious. The old early-20th-century bungalow-style home has been transformed into a comfortable, urban hot spot with many rooms and a unique Old World charm … [More]
Quick Catering
Multiple people for lunch or an impromptu meeting may result in needing to find that perfect and quick catered lunch. Here are our picks for an easy, tasty, last-minute meal for many. Café Zupas New to this market, Café Zupas is a sandwich, soup and salad hot spot that is all about quality food made right. Catering consists of a quick call to the nearest location and speaking … [More]
Power Lunch: Relish the Moment
What has become a classic and a must for lunch (and dinner, for that matter) is Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician Resort. This golf-course-view, second-story casual spot serves up arguably one of the best burgers in town. With menu offerings that range from the classic American burger to the Kobe beef gourmet burger, Relish is aptly named. The pairings and the inventive … [More]
Power Lunch: It’s All in the Theme
Why not make the midday meal an adventure? Outside is out of the question this time of year, so take it inside to do that lunch meeting with ambience that will take you away. 5 and Diner These ’50s flashback diners take guests back to the diner-style soda bars and simple foods of the era. Burgers, shakes and classic American cuisine amid shiny chrome and Formica accents and … [More]
