John “Dr. B” Badolato is the team dentist for the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, he’s amassed a museum-quality collection of memorabilia from his high-profile clients.
We don’t need an excuse to hit a local spot for our morning meal, but February is National Hot Breakfast Month, so...
THE SCENE Warm, glossy wood and industrial touches dominate the décor at this elevated brewpub. A North Phoenix outpost joined the original Scottsdale location in January 2019 under new ownership. Newer ownership held a grand re-opening in September 2020. Abundant TVs make it a destination for sports fans. THE FOOD Everything on the happy hour menu is $6, and since most dishes are carb-y, it’s easy to fill up quickly and inexpensively. The soft and chewy brewery pretzel is...
Gilbert entrepreneur Joe Johnston let us peek into his antique French armoire where he keeps part of his collection of more than 50 hats.
A stretch of East Bell Road just northeast of Moon Valley boasts a host of Eastern European gems and a nearby slew of other things to see, do and eat.
Fans of Christian fiction writers Susan May Warren and Karen Kingsbury will love Until I Met You (Revell, $14.99) by Phoenix author Tari Faris. This sweet, spiritual romance is the second installment in Michigan transplant Faris’ Restoring Heritage series, which centers on the fictional small town of Heritage, Michigan. Her debut, You Belong with Me, is nice background for this novel, but not required reading to enjoy the budding romance of librarian Libby Kingsley and...
Writer Denise Ganley hosts this literary lovefest, where fellow storytellers – writers, artists and other creatives – talk about the books that changed their lives. The works cited are diverse, from childhood classics like Anne of Green Gables to series of novels like Tales of the City, which inspired a 2019 Netflix show of the same name. Available on all major podcast portals. heartshapedbooks.com
The New York Times best-selling author and Scottsdale resident Robert Kiyosaki – of Rich Dad Poor Dad fame – has released refined versions of his financial literacy board games, CASHFLOW and CASHFLOW for Kids. “Kids learn lessons by playing games. It’s the best way for them to practice character and habits that they’ll use later in life,” Kiyosaki says. “CASHFLOW for Kids helps develop a strong foundation of financial intelligence and encourages kids to use...
Everything is bigger in… Mesa? In August, Arizona-based Legacy Cares Inc., Legacy Sports USA and national developer Oak View Group announced the construction of Legacy Sports Park, a 320-acre family sports and entertainment complex. More than an assemblage of athletic fields and courts (though there will be plenty of those), this gargantuan compound will be nearly a town itself, with an e-sports arena, sports bars, restaurants, athletic apparel shops, yoga studios, childcare centers and performance...
If Christmas in Mexico is in the cards for you this year, you’re in luck: Two aviation outfits have new flight opciones. Set Jet, a membership-based, private jet charter based in Scottsdale, launched its first international route in August – a weekly nonstop flight between Scottsdale and Cabo San Lucas (pictured). “It’s now more important than ever to offer our members a safe, reliable way to get to their favorite destinations in Mexico,” says Tom...
Veggie Campanelle Roasted peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, grape tomatoes and more add texture to Nook Kitchen’s pasta, which is boosted by Calabrian chiles and Chablis ($23). nookkitchen.com Chile Relleno Ladera Taverna y Cocina’s prized poblano is stuffed with hominy rice and cheesy calabacitas and topped with queso fresco, chipotle cream sauce and cilantro ($10). laderaphx.com Vegetarian Moussaka Layers of eggplant, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, feta and béchamel make for a lush alternative to traditional beef or...
When you grow up in the Valley, your experience of it is greatly dictated by which part you’re from. Phoenix and its sundry suburbs and surrounding cities are so spread out that if you grew up in Mesa, say, you’d have absolutely no reason to go to Avondale – at least not in the course of your daily life. We largely live in our own little community bubbles and only venture out to go to an event (pre-COVID) or try a new restaurant (and even then, it’s only people...
Wintertime in Wisconsin? You betcha – for travel deals, social distancing and snowy serenity.
More than ever before, it’s important to support local businesses. Luckily, the Valley is full of talented makers who can help you knock out your gift list in two shakes of a reindeer’s tail.
Wildflower The beloved local bakery chain offers comforting carbs, including pies ($17-$20), rolls ($4.75-$5.75/half-dozen), specialty breads ($6-$13) and stuffing loaves (starting at $12.99). wildflowerbread.com Southern Rail & Beckett’s Table Let chef Justin Beckett take care of the sides (bacon-cheddar biscuit stuffing!) and pie (fig-pecan!). New this year: six-packs of wine. Inquire for pricing. southernrailaz.com; beckettstable.com Miracle Mile Deli Pies ($16) and sides ($4-$15) are the order of the day at this family-owned delicatessen. We love...