Peace and Tranquility Inspire Flower Child

by Mike Hunter

  Located in what has become one of the Valley’s culinary hot spots at the corner of 44th Street and Camelback Road, Flower Child is the latest concept by famed local restaurateur Sam Fox. The concept validates the theory that happy food and healthy food can come together in harmony — which they do at this peaceful, casual kitchen. Serving locally sourced foods, all natural … [More]

Smooth & Refreshing

by Mike Hunter

In an age of health-conscious foods, smoothies and juices have become popular enough to warrant their own shops. Panning the commercial drinks because they have too much sugar and not enough nutrients, these drink joints are all about what’s best for the individual’s body. Good for a snack; good for a meal. Juby True Get cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and boosters that are … [More]

Get Me Some SOL

by Mike Hunter

Simple, fresh and made with a modern interpretation is how to describe the exciting SOL Cocina. This vibrant Mexican eatery located in the Scottsdale Quarter is an energetic hub celebrating the Baja, Mexico, tradition with food, drink and even music. For lunch, enjoy this cultural hot spot that offers a great menu and terrific, speedy service in an atmosphere that denotes a … [More]

Let’s Meet for Coffee

by Mike Hunter

Doing the quick morning (or afternoon) meeting at a local coffee house has become a standard in doing business. With Wi-Fi, small food offerings and convenience to nearly every business hub in the Valley, these make our list of some top local “business-friendly” coffee spots. Copper Star Coffee Housed in an old gas station, this spot has been rigged to appeal to the small, … [More]

Courtyard Café at the Heard

by Mike Hunter

Full of local culture and Southwest-inspired food, this quaint hideaway café is the perfect lunch spot for a quick meeting for business or lunch with old friends, or to meet a member of the family and just enjoy. Nestled in the main courtyard at the Heard Museum on Central Avenue, the Courtyard Café serves up fresh salads, sandwiches and entrées made with all Native … [More]

Burger and a Bun

by Mike Hunter

Without notice, the gourmet hamburger craze has become a niche foodie favorite in the Valley, with multiple burger-themed restaurants popping up everywhere. Old and new, here are our favorites in both concept and all-around best burger. Hopdoddy Burger Bar Built from the ground up, this Texas-based urban burger bar is all about walkin’ in and eatin’ burgers. Cooked to … [More]

The Clever Koi: Urban Asian

by Mike Hunter

Opening in December of last year, The Clever Koi is quickly becoming the single most-talked-about restaurant in the Valley. Its unique style and unmatched concept only add to the incredible flavor and creative dishes. The brainchild of chef/owners Jared Porter and Joe Absolor and owners Joshua James and Nick Campisano, this modern take on Asian food is tempting palates with … [More]

Taco Temptations

by Mike Hunter

The taco is the thing these days. They come in few shapes and sizes, but many flavors. Enjoy the gourmet to the street taco. It may be the original “on-the-go” meal. For us, it is a great way to spend lunch. Tacos Atoyac This mom-and-pop is a true taste of what makes the taco special. All natural ingredients and a focus on flavor, these tacos are a not-to-be-missed event. … [More]

Don’t Forget Z’Tejas Valley-wide

by Mike Hunter

A Valley favorite for more than 20 years, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is known to many as an original that was developed right here in Scottsdale — but, actually, the first location was in Austin, Texas. The concept was to create a fresh and seasonal menu using Southwestern ingredients found in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas and even Louisiana. Born of the fiery and … [More]

Meet Me at The Henry

by Mike Hunter

The latest in a long line of restaurant concepts by Sam Fox, this one is touted as the greatest neighborhood restaurant — and it may very well be. Included in this fully remodeled office space located near 44th Street on Camelback in the Arcadia neighborhood is a coffee bar (named XV), full-service restaurant, full bar, extensive patio, demonstration kitchen and … [More]

Star Power Lunch

by Mike Hunter

Home to several celebrities, local and otherwise, the Valley offers some notable lunch joints that have more than just a name attached. Great food, sports and music themes make these hot spots a must. Alice Cooper’stown Perhaps the best-known celebrity in Phoenix today, Alice Cooper has given Phoenix a sports bar and grill that’s a memory in and of itself. The … [More]

Reinvent Lunch at Renegade

by Mike Hunter

Celebrated local chef Michael O’Dowd, known for achieving a five-diamond/five-star rating for his work at Kai, opened Renegade for dinner earlier this year in North Scottsdale. The restaurant’s unique menu and ambience can now also be enjoyed for lunch. The man with culinary attitude has designed a lunch that those who love food and adventure and don’t mind reinvented … [More]

Holiday Gatherings: Last-Minute Counts

by Mike Hunter

Busy times make for focusing on all business. This is the time of year to thank staff and clients. Here are our picks for the immediate holiday or year-end thank-you party (big or small). Olive & Ivy, Scottsdale Located on the Waterfront in Scottsdale, this has become a great holiday destination this time of year. With holiday décor inside and out, this whole area is … [More]

Morning Meeting of the Minds

by Mike Hunter

Doing that meeting to gain a client, shore up a deal or introduce one’s talents can easily happen over coffee and eggs. Here are some of the hot spots for that power breakfast. Bistro 24 For the full-service, full breakfast, Bistro 24 at the Ritz-Carlton is the place to hit. Easy parking, best service and an impressive setting; this is a morning hot spot for clients of … [More]

Bet on Bink’s Midtown

by Mike Hunter

Conveniently located in the heart of Phoenix, Kevin Binkley’s newest venture is Bink’s Midtown. One of the Valley’s most acclaimed chefs, Binkley is known for his namesake restaurant in Cave Creek, Binkley’s Restaurant, which is consistently named as a No. 1 pick among critics. His midtown establishment has quickly become just as acclaimed and is turning heads and tempting … [More]

The Gladly

by Mike Hunter

Self-proclaimed the new Camelback Corridor hot spot, The Gladly is a creation by the people behind the very successful Citizen Public House. This new concept is housed in the space once occupied by Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the newly renovated Anchor Center. The proclamations seem to be accurate. The powerful lunchers are spending their noon hour at The Gladly, and not … [More]

Celebrity Chefs Do Lunch, Too

by Mike Hunter

The Valley is known for many celebrity chefs — too many, in fact, to mention. Here are a few of their lunch hot spots that will tempt your palate and likely allow you to engage with the on-property celeb chef himself. (They are also all longtime community supporters who work with hundreds of local nonprofits to help raise money.) Christopher’s Crush Gourmet lunchtime fare … [More]

Lunch in the District — District American Kitchen & Wine Bar

by Mike Hunter

Be in the know; be in the moment; be in the District. The District American Kitchen and Wine Bar has been serving lunch just off the lobby of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown since the hotel’s opening in 2008. This lunch spot has been hopping with executives, deal makers, sports stars and independent small-business owners who see this location at Third and Van Buren streets as the … [More]

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