Power lunch moves to evening … One of the cornerstones of my career has been the belief that a table surrounded by good friends and a spread of soulful food makes for a great gathering. This, along with the desire to bring elevated Italian cuisine to the Valley, was one of the driving forces behind the creation of Mora Italian in Phoenix. Mora is a modern osteria with a … [More]
Ling’s Wok Shop: Different as Day and Night
What happens when outstanding Asian cuisine and a pandemic are combined in the brilliant brain behind foodie favorite Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill in Scottsdale: Ling’s Wok Shop, a flexible new dining concept. “The pandemic gave us an opportunity to capitalize on a changing marketplace,” says President and CEO John Banquil. “Even though we are not 100% sure how our … [More]
STK Steakhouse – Dishing in Style
The term “power lunch” implies grand impression. STK Steakhouse lives up to that. At the corner on a bridge overlooking the Scottsdale waterfront, the restaurant has a commanding presence and offers a wonderful view of the canal from seating on its wide-open patio (weather permitting). The almost Victorian-garden exterior décor transitions to an interior that is sleek and … [More]
Picazzo’s: Fusion Approach to Modern Italian
Restauranteurs are an adaptable bunch. But last year was a wild ride none of us could have predicted. At Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, we are fortunate to have a passionate and loyal customer base who continued to support us with takeout orders during the shut-down, and a seasoned staff who rolled with the unpredictability, solving each challenge that came along. I am … [More]
Renata’s Hearth: Latin America Meets the Southwest
No, it’s not open for lunch, so really Renata’s Hearth is not a “Power Lunch” location. But it is a powerful experience. The Biltmore’s storied Frank Lloyd Wright architecture provides a dramatic setting, with the dining room furnished in aged leather and woven textures and brightened by colorfully rendered portraits that punctuate a few of the dividing walls. Opened in May, … [More]
The Herb Box: Return to Roots with a Casual Concept
The Herb Box is ecstatic to announce the relocation of our North Scottsdale restaurant from DC Ranch to Shea Blvd. in a return to our roots just down the street from our very first restaurant location. Our beautiful, new, 6,000-square-foot space will open in June and will include a larger kitchen, an expansive patio, a gourmet marketplace, ample indoor and outdoor seating and … [More]
Ghost Ranch: Redefining Southwestern Cuisine
Navigating through the fire that 2020 imposed upon the hospitality industry was tough. As a restaurant that takes pride in the experience we provide for our customers, we knew being able to do so from a distance would be a difficult feat. Unwilling to sacrifice our identity, Ghost Ranch shut its doors from July to January to take the time to perfect our craft before reopening … [More]
The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen: Built on (of course) Craftsmanship
Roughly one year ago, The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen was in the works. With the COVID-19 crisis not yet in sight, business ventures were going as planned, and smoothly at that. When the pandemic took the world by storm, however, the owners and investors decided it was best to slow things down and push plans back. The Craftsman finally set an opening date for several months … [More]
Z’Tejas Continues to Sizzle
Operating and maintaining a lasting restaurant is a challenge. As new establishments open, food and dining trends come and go; how do you continue to stay exciting and popular, even during a pandemic? Z’Tejas Southwest Grill has been shaking up margaritas and sizzling Southwestern food for more than 30 years in the Valley. We believe our team members and the indulgen t … [More]
Superstition Downtown: Uniquely Pairing Mead and Food
Superstition Downtown is the world’s first mead-and-food-pairing restaurant, a collaboration forged between chefs and mead makers, and we are so excited to offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Opening a restaurant in 2020 was filled with challenges from the international pandemic and corresponding government shutdowns disproportionately targeting the service industry. In … [More]
