Food and Restaurants

Any one of the 12 flavors of toffee from the dynamite mother-daughter duo behind GoodyTwo’s is a splurge, but there is just something extra special about the Sweet & Salty flavor that makes us go gaga. Maybe it’s the leaf-thin layer of 72 percent cacao Belgian chocolate studded with crystal flakes of sea salt, or the scent of Madagascar bourbon vanilla or the bits of almonds floating in the caramelized toffee. It all adds up to one sweet reward. ($7.95 for 1/4 pound; $14.95 for 1/2 pound; $24.95 for a pound) 10953 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-575-0737, goodytwos.com

 

In this era of elevated burger consciousness, declaring a “winner” between the likes of Zinburger and Delux is so un-Zen. Still, if one $10 haute hammy is too-often overlooked, it’s this deliciously self-explanatory number. After a juice-sealing, 1,000-degree wood-fired roasting, the burger is topped with candied jalapeños, fried ratatouille and watercress. It’ll send your burger-Zen into overdrive. 3961 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-954-7463, thegrindaz.com

 

Best known as a scene-y nightlife haunt, the Vig also does a superfine brunch spread, with resuscitative bites like The Hangover Helper (chilaquiles with carne asada, $10) and the BowlaGranola (a parfait glass heaped with fruit, yogurt and nut granola, $7). The liquid offerings are excellent, too, from the VigAzz Bloody Mary ($8) to the discounted Sunday mimosas ($5). If the dog that bit you has a hair, the Vig’ll put it into a glass. Two Valley locations, thevig.us

 

With an adjacent duck pond and lots of green spaces, this Saturdays-only market (8 a.m.-1 p.m., varies by season) is extremely dog-friendly. It’s also pho-friendly, in that the vendors will provide you with all the aromatic herbs – lemongrass, cilantro, Thai basil – that one needs to make a weepingly good Vietnamese soup. You’ll also find fresh artisan breads, farm-raised meats, exotic bulbs of garlic and other essentials to keep your kitchen happy. 3502 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, 602-280-5067, arizonafarmersmarkets.com

 

If you want a flight of Estonian ice wines, you go to Kazimierz and peruse their 2,000-odd selection of oenological curios. If you want blue-chippers, you go to BLT, the Laurent Tourondel-conceived fine dining aerie at Camelback Inn. Whereas most A-plus wine lists demonstrate extreme competency in one or two regions, BLT covers California, France and Italy with equal aplomb. That’s why BLT is a regular recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Best of” Award of Excellence. 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-905-7979, bltscottsdale.com

 

All diet bets are off when it comes to “drunk bread,” a hunk of crusty Italian bread soaked in white wine and topped with melted gruyère cheese ($12, dinner only). Heady herb and garlic aromas wafting from the sizzling cast-iron skillet make us swoon; one bite elicits moans. Who can resist bread this sensuous? 20581 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-302-6050, localbistroaz.com

 

You won’t have to sing for your supper at this quaint Coronado neighborhood gem, but you might get a song with your meal. Owner and chef Andy Pappas, a former actor and singer from the Big Apple, has been known to bust out the odd Italian aria while customers dine on his hearty and delicious Mediterranean staples. The restaurant is also a classroom of sorts – Pappas may talk a little European history as you gobble homemade gelato for dessert. 2241 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-358-7415, andyslpc.com

 

A stately palo verde tree holds court at this charming, sunken patio, awash in twinkling lights at night. During the day the tree provides muted shade for clusters of tables, and colorful pots of seasonal flowers add charm to the secluded courtyard. The tranquil setting makes for a lovely garden party for diners feasting from the menu of globally inspired American dishes and feel-good Mexican food. 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., Carefree, 480-488-8182, carefreestation.com

 

Ingredient-driven Noca offers plenty of enticing reasons to stop in any weekday, including Tuesday’s wagyu corned beef sandwich or Wednesday’s outrageous lobster roll, but Sundays are reserved for comfort food, Noca-style. Each Sunday features a three-course prix fixe menu ($35, or $27 after 8 p.m.) with a theme (Prime Rib, Bistro, Southern) with the last Sunday of the month reserved for out-of-this-world fried chicken. 3118 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-956-6622, restaurantnoca.com

 

You don’t have to spit-shine your boots to saddle up to Cartwright’s. Heck, you don’t have to own boots to dine in the rustic, chic ranch house, which serves mesquite-grilled steaks and seafood with a dose of history. As juicy as the steaks are, the stars are the flame-licked game meats: elk, buffalo and quail. Chiles, corn and beans provide hearty accents for a taste of the Wild West. 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, 480-488-8031, cartwrightssonoranranchhouse.com