Web ExtrasFitz Blitz
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
Go behind the scenes with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver (and Best of the Valley cover model) Larry Fitzgerald in this exclusive video.
Web ExtrasUp in Flames
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
See the hottest hot sauce in the state in all its flaming, flickering, animated-GIF glory.
Happy HourReverse Drive
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
Whether you’re gearing up for a night on the town or winding down after a difficult workday, these three late-night happy hours are worth a cruise.
HealthÀ La Carte Fitness
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
Commitment issues keeping you from a gym membership? Try these local one-off classes.
ArtsMan Verses Muse
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
READ IT: There’s an old saying that all poetry is about one of three things: sex, death or poetry.
Best Cheeseburger
The gourmet-grub revolution has drastically reshaped the Valley’s
burger playing field. See how your favorite haute hammies stack up against a couple of munchable standbys.
The Judge: 3TV sports anchor Tim Ring
When & Where: Wednesday, August 13, at at KTVK’s “big” studio. Judging began at 2:17 p.m.
The Rules: All burgers were cooked to “medium” and included standard toppings only. Cheeseburgers with bacon and/or other non-standard ingredients were not considered.
Best of the ValleyCelebrity Taste Test – Best Coffee
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
Best Coffee
These are heady days for Valley coffee lovers. Where once we had Starbucks and whatever sludge they pour at Waffle House, we now have multitudes of top-flight coffee houses with their own roasting programs. Which joe reigns supreme?
The Judges: 104.7 KISS FM morning team Johnjay and Rich... but mostly Rich
When & Where: Thursday, August 21, at Clear Channel studios in Phoenix. Judging began at 10:27 a.m.
The Rules: One cup of daily drip coffee. Black. No cream or sugar. From shops that roast their own beans.
Best of the ValleyCelebrity Taste Test – Best Pizza
Mike MeyerOctober 1, 2014
Best Pizza
Led by the legendary, Oprah-appoved Pizzeria Bianco, artisanal pizza is arguably the most overperforming sector of the Valley dining scene. Let’s see how these wood-fired masterpieces measure up.
The Judge: Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio
When & Where: Monday, August 25, at DiCiccio’s Downtown office. Judging began at 3:29 p.m.
The Rules: We initially wanted to taste-test pepperoni pizzas. Alas, several of the Valley’s most-distinguished pizza joints don’t work with pepperoni. So we went with the ubiquitous Margherita – mozzarella, basil, tomato sauce and crust. Classic.
Best Buffalo Wings
While not exactly known as the buffalo wing capital of the world (and where would that be, anyway?), Metro Phoenix boasts no shortage of places to pick up a tasty, saucy bird leg. Which one flies above the flock?
The Judge: Scandalesque dancer Pyrrha Sutra
When & Where: Monday, August 25, at Sutra’s midtown bungalow. Judging began at 12:47 p.m.
The Rules: All wings were ordered buffalo-style and “medium” on the spiciness index. “Ain't no thing but a chicken wing.” Truly.
Web ExtrasCocktail Camp at The Gladly
Mike MeyerSeptember 1, 2014
Mixologist Travis Nass of Last Drop at Hermosa Inn and PHOENIX editor Craig Outhier conduct class
Web ExtrasBallinger Round
Mike MeyerSeptember 1, 2014
Phoenix Art Museum director Jim Ballinger is retiring. Here’s what notable locals have to say about his 33-year tenure.
“If you had to name the pillars on which today’s Phoenix is built, Jim Ballinger would be a major one. With consummate skill, artistic acumen and irrepressible energy, he has built a first-class art museum, one that is uniquely ours. It was never easy. But, whether he was chiding the city for not watering the grass or impressing a major donor, Jim knew his target and hit the mark. Most important over an extraordinary career, he never stopped reaching for more and better, his vision exceeding even his most optimistic supporters. And nine times in ten he got what only he considered possible. If institutions were to look like their most important contributors, the Phoenix Art Museum would be long, lanky and dark haired, the shape of a never-satisfied Jim Ballinger.”
– Terry Goddard, former Arizona Attorney General
Web ExtrasMore McDonald
Mike MeyerSeptember 1, 2014
Q&A with the host of Beth & Friends on 99.9 KEZ-FM
This month marks your 30th year in radio.What have been some of the high points for you?
When I actually took over the [KEZ morning] show and was paired with Bill [Austin]. It was Beth & Bill for 20 years. We had some really fun guests along the way. I think really, just achieving success – what we felt was success, with people enjoying the show and having that show in the ratings. For me, that was the best – doing something I love and having it work, and people were obviously very supportive. And women are supportive of the show, and I appreciate that.
FeaturesArizona Wine Country
Mike MeyerSeptember 1, 2014
Your guide to the most quaffable wines, tantalizing tasting rooms, and beauteous B&Bs that Arizona has to offer..
Picking Your Poison
Arizona wine is rising up faster than a tangle of summer syrah vines. In 1990, there were five licensed wineries in the state. Today, there are 91, with roughly a dozen more due to open by the end of next year – each providing an additional tourism boon to the state’s three main growing regions. Similar but distinct, these high-country hotspots each present a dreamy fall drive.