A great new trend is the restaurant that focuses on only the mornings and early afternoons. All kinds of concepts are popping up. Here are some of the most fun. Morning Squeeze Eclectic and fun, this bright morning and lunch spot serves up many of the “old diner” plates with a bit of a gourmet twist. With a full coffee and liquor bar, this is the perfect weekend spot as … [More]
Grassroots: A Down-to-Earth Experience
From-the-ground-up is the best way to describe this family-owned eatery that is becoming a true standard for the lunch crowd. “Grassroots” is very much the mantra let alone the fare for this Southern-influenced American cuisine hot spot. All high-quality ingredients with from-scratch technique makes for an appetizing experience. Chef/owner Christopher Collins, a seasoned … [More]
Sandwich Shop-ing
The standard for a quick lunch has always been the sandwich, the art of which is ever changing. Here are some of our picks for the best choices to satisfy the sandwich lover in any group. Nocawich It’s all from scratch, using great ingredients to make bread and sweets and sauces, roasting meats in-house, and if they can’t do it themselves, then they seek the best elsewhere — … [More]
Buck &Rider: Aussie Beach House-Inspired
This newest eatery from the people at LGO, who brought us Le Grand Orange and Chelsea’s Kitchen, was built from the ground up with Phoenicians in mind, inspired by a beach house in a coastal town in Australia. A unique concept that brings the sea to the dining table, this fun-vibe space is at once open and cozy, fresh and simple in a comfortably causal atmosphere. There’s … [More]
Soup It Up
Cool weather calls for warm eats. The Valley is known for its refreshingly light and cool temptations in the summer, but when the temperature dips to jacket and coat weather, we have some great spots for the heartier and deliciously warm soups. Here are our picks. AJ’s Fine Foods Those who live and work around an AJ’s know that it offers everything from pizza and sushi to … [More]
Ocotillo: A Food & Drink Campus
The brainchild of food, drink and coffee enthusiasts Dave Johnson, Sacha Levine, Walt Sterling and Kelly Ehley, this culinary campus is all the rage in Phoenix. With a restaurant, coffee bar, actual bar and an entertainment complex, Ocotillo is bringing patrons all that they desire and thrilling them in the process. This metropolitan campus was built from the ground up in an … [More]
Speedy Lunches
Some days are just too busy to allow for a leisurely lunch. When what’s needed is a quick-and-to-the-point lunch, we suggest grabbing it at one of these hot spots that serve up some great grub. Flower Child The latest concept to be duplicated by Fox Restaurants is this healthy take on the fast and convenient meal. Multiple locations Valley-wide means it’s always easy to swing … [More]
FnB: Uniquely Arizona, Nationally Known
The creation of two truly passionate industry professionals, Chef Charleen Badman and Front of House Manager Pavle Milic, continues to impress and reinvent with their Old Town Scottsdale eatery, FnB. This well-known hot spot is a culmination of local growers, inventive and flavorful cuisine and beverages that inspire. FnB has long been an evening must for dinner, but for … [More]
Gone Fishing
At some of our local restaurants, fish is not only on the menu, it’s part of the décor. Bluewater Grill Extensive seafood menu includes an oyster bar and a sushi bar. And the seafood theme is carried out throughout the restaurant to create an atmosphere that celebrates seafaring traditions. 1720 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix (602) 277-3474 Hillstone From sushi to steak, the … [More]
Mexx32 Tacos & Taquileria
From famed restaurateur Lenny Rosenberg comes Mexx32. This urban taco joint is chic and evolves the taco craze to new heights. Born out of the revered Revo Burrito concept and taken to the limit with a bar and expanded menu, this newest hot spot has just added lunch hours to follow its successful launch as a dinner destination in May of this year. The menu is a fresh take on … [More]
Tossing Salad
This time of year, eating light is a must. A cool, healthy meal is what’s best for lunch. Here are our picks for the Valley’s best and freshest salads. The Original Chopped The only salad we know of with its own Facebook page, the Original Chopped is made of corn, couscous, smoked salmon, asiago, pepitas, tomatoes, arugula and currants, all dressed up in a sassy buttermilk … [More]
Taking the Southern Rail
Nostalgic in so many ways, Southern Rail Restaurant is quickly becoming a local tradition and certainly an adventure in dining. The American South is the inspiration for this rustic and upscale casual gem located amongst the Changing Hands Bookstore and First Draft Book Bar at The Newton in Central Phoenix. Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table is the master creator of the … [More]
Exclusively Dinner
The business lunch is a standard for meetings, but the business dinner is equally as important and sometimes warranted for an even more profitable business deal. Here are three of our favorites that don’t bother with lunch but do great things for dinner. Beckett’s Table Sister to Southern Rail (see story), this urban hot spot is one of our top picks for dinner. … [More]
The Montauk
Inspired by the town of Montauk at the tip of Long Island, this open and airy eatery is already a favored hot spot for lunch. The beach-y look and the coastal-inspired menu make this a unique addition to the weekday lunch scene. Sandwiches, salads and light traditional dishes will make any diner feel like he or she is having a quick lunch seaside. Start with the Clam Chowder … [More]
Noontime Breakfast
Making the first meal of the day the choice also for the second is becoming a very popular way to do lunch, and breakfast places are opening up all around the Valley. Here are some of our picks for great midday morning fare. Butterfield’s Pancake House Butterfield’s has created a variety of breakfast specialties that are served all day long. Choices span a multitude of … [More]
Night & Day: Dakota for Lunch
The scene after 9 p.m. in the Old Town Scottsdale entertainment district is reminiscent of the Vegas Strip. However, in the daytime, these few blocks just off of Camelback east of Scottsdale Road is a quaint community of restaurants, architecture, the latest in design and a great place for lunch. Topping the charts in the area is Dakota, which opened at the tail end of last … [More]
Tastes of India
For lunch, travel across the globe to enjoy a true experience in dining. We offer some of the best Indian cuisine establishments, from fast to sit-down and just enjoy. Here are our top picks. India Oven A variety of food is served and cooked fresh daily. The gourmet lunch buffet is a real deal at $8.95 per person. It includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, … [More]
North Italia
The northern Italian countryside is known for its small towns and quaint, farm-fresh cuisine that has recently inspired an incredible culinary movement. Sam Fox’s North Italia was a true pioneer in bringing this quality food and many of the traditional Italian dishes to the table years ago. With two local locations, this rustic Italian hot spot is truly becoming a must for … [More]
