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Food trucks morphing into brick-and-mortar operations is becoming more and more popular. Just ask the team behind Aioli Gourmet Burgers, which started six years ago as a restaurant on wheels. Now, the award-winning burger joint has three stationary eateries across the Valley, including inside Fry’s Marketplace in Litchfield Park. Its sister company and fellow mobile culinarian, Modern Tortilla, is now following in its footsteps. The Aioli team’s second food truck concept is now setting up...

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Though many people don’t know that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, they are familiar with the parades, music, food and drinks that accompany this day of Hispanic heritage. Honor history by indulging in a few drinks and traditional dishes at these local haunts.   Los Sombreros pollo fundido | Photo courtesy Elaina V. Public Relations   Los Sombreros Though Cinco de Mayo falls...

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Locals in the national news cycle. Jake Angeli The self-proclaimed QAnon Shaman became synonymous with the January 6 U.S. Capitol raid after photos of the Viking-hat-clad conspiracy theorist went viral. After his arrest, the Donald Trump supporter (and Arizona resident) changed his tune, taking accountability and expressing disappointment in the former president. Arlando Teller In February, Arizona state representative and Navajo Nation member Arlando Teller resigned from the Legislature to join President Joe Biden’s administration....

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Liberty Market Strawberry Shortcake | Photo Courtesy Knife & Fork Media Group    Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9 and local restaurants are celebrating with multi-course meals, exclusive menu items and novelty cocktails. Here’s a running list of restaurants celebrating Mom this May with sustenance – and lots of Champagne, natch. Ember at We-Ko-Pa Raise a glass for moms everywhere with a complimentary Bellini, mimosa or glass of Champagne, plus an elaborate brunch including an...

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Fresh, customizable food for a good cause? Where do I sign up? The answer is Fresh Taste Meal Prep, a local meal delivery service that was recently launched by the team behind Valley foodie favorite Aioli Gourmet Burgers. Fresh Taste brings fully cooked and freshly prepared dishes directly to your door, and in turn supports local nonprofits focused on feeding the hungry. Here’s how it works: Order meals online for weekly delivery or pickup. For...

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Photo by Will Coles    Mellow evening temps are here for a brief visit in the Valley before the sweltering summer months, and with them come my favorite springtime activity – drinking on rooftops. I could always opt for a White Claw on the sundeck of my Midtown Phoenix apartment complex, but why do that when I can venture to Scottsdale and enjoy a craft cocktail, the sunset and sweeping views? Well, that is precisely...

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Thanks to a slew of new and established plant-based eateries, the Valley is quickly becoming a burgeoning hub for vegan and vegetarian fare. Whether you’re a veteran vegan or just looking for a meat-free meal, here are a few of our fave local dining establishments that avoid animal products. 24 Carrots Daily specials and a cozy, coffee shop vibe make this vegan café a regular destination on our rotating list of Valley eateries. Billed as...

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We’re forever on the hunt for food that looks as good as it tastes. These four delectable dishes from Valley dining destinations are picture perfect.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Gladly (@thegladly) The Original Chopped Salad from The Gladly You’ve likely seen pictures of this colorful dish on your Instagram feed. The famed #OGChoppedSalad features smoked salmon, couscous, arugula, pepitas, asiago cheese, currants, sweet corn, tomatoes and avocado...

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Photo courtesy Evolve PR and Marketing   No well vodka and V8 here. Everyone’s favorite boozy breakfast beverage gets a major makeover at these Valley eateries. We’re talking top-tier flavored vodka, gourmet garnishes, innovative ingredients and other twists on the traditional bloody mary. Hash Kitchen Haven’t you heard? Hash Kitchen is the place to get your boozy brunch on, thanks to its build-your-own bloody bar. Here’s the 411: For $13, start with vodka and house-made...

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Driving, hopping on the sober-curious trend or otherwise foregoing booze? You don’t have to belly up to the bar and bashfully request a soda. Sip in style with these six cocktails sans alcohol from celebrated Valley eating and drinking establishments.   Photo courtesy Hula’s Modern Tiki   Hula’s Modern Tiki Hula’s tropical mocktails feature traditional tiki flare minus the booze. Earlier this month, the posh Polynesian-inspired eatery introduced four new non-alcoholic cocktails including the citrusy...

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Indigenous communities are integral to Arizona. The Grand Canyon State has the highest percentage of Native lands in the U.S., the highest population of American Indians and the fifth highest number of federally recognized tribes. A comprehensive grant initiative is currently taking place to advance the Native narrative, promoting Indigenous literary arts and culture in Arizona and beyond. Programmed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the Virginia G. Piper Center...

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Mojave Records + Coffee | Photo by Madison Rutherford   We often opt for a quick coffee run, but sometimes we want to sit, sip and stay awhile. These dual-function java joints and cafés located inside local businesses are perfect for leisurely lounging – or browsing through records, scoring some killer vintage or getting your hair done while you get your caffeine fix. Gypsy Cup This cute coffee bar is located inside MELT by Melissa,...

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Photo by Madison Rutherford   “Plant-based food with a rock star attitude” is the mantra at this new modern Mexican restaurant in Tempe where you’ll find trendy, vegan fare and a lively-yet-lowkey vibe. At GuacStar Kitchen & Cantina, waiters are hired based on whether their disposition vibes with the concept instead of their serving credentials. Is the restaurant populating its space with unqualified servers? Not in the slightest. According to co-owner Jimmy Carlin, it’s easier...

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Photo courtesy Four Peaks Brewing    Hard seltzer is having a heyday and while we love the thought of sipping a White Claw or Truly by the pool this summer, we’re also all about supporting local. So skip the big-name cocktails in a can and opt for one of these locally made hard seltzers. Four Peaks Brewing Sun Day Solar Seltzer The name of the newly released hard seltzers from Four Peaks isn’t just a...