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BREAKFAST Best McMuffin Knock-Off (Or Knock-Up)VovomeenaIn our experience, nothing cures a hangover quite as well as an Egg McMuffin. But since we’re no longer in college, we’re upping our breakfast game by ordering the classic egg sandwich at Downtown brunch haven Vovomeena: fried egg, crispy bacon and zingy pepper jack on an eggy, buttery bun slathered in chipotle aioli. This is hangover food for adults. 1515 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-252-2541, vovomeena.com Best PancakesBanana...
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.
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.
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.
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.
SHOPPING Best Place to Buy American Indian Art: Heard Museum Best Antiques Store: Sweet Salvage Best Arts and Crafts Store: Scraps of Love Best Place to Buy Baby Gifts: Frances Best Bicycle Shop: Landis Cyclery Best Bookstore: Changing Hands Bookstore Best Boutique Clothing Store: Poor Little Rich Girl Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothing/Gifts: Hissyfits Best Farmers Market: Uptown Farmers Market Best Home Accessories/Furniture Store: Buffalo...
Best Artisan or Craftsperson: David Lee/Paparazzo Film Best Artist: Brandon McGill Best Band/Musician: Power Drive Best Fashion or Jewelry designer: Keri Mosier Best Food Blog: Arizona Foodie Best Morning Radio/DJ Team: The Morning Mess (101.5 LIVE) Best Political Blog: E.J. Montini Best Public Servant: Peoria mayor Cathy Carlat Best Radio Station: KWSS The Alternative 93.9 FM Best Talk Radio Show: Mac & Gaydos (92.3 KTAR) ...
Best Arizona Winery: Page Springs Cellars Best Bakery: My Gal Sal Bakery and Catering Best Barbecue: Bobby Q Best Breakfast/Brunch: Henhouse Cafe Best Brewery/Brew Pub: Four Peaks Brewing Co. Best Burger: Zinburger Best Burritos: Rito’s Best Classic Arizona Restaurant: Durant’s Best Cocktails: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour Best CoffeeHouse: Inner Circle Cafe Best CookieS/Cupcakes: Soda Rush Best Dive Bar: JT’s Bar and Grill ...
Best Arcade Bar: Cobra Arcade Bar Best Arts Festival: Tempe Festival of the Arts Best Bowling Alley: Let It Roll Bowl Best Casino: Talking Stick Resort and Casino Best City Park: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Best Dance Club: Valley Bar Best Dog Park: Cosmo Dog Park, Gilbert Best Escape Room: North Valley Escape Room Best Food Festival: Scottsdale Culinary Festival Best Gym/Workout Studio: Arrowhead Fit Body Boot...
It’s heeeere – our “phattest” and “most gnarly” celebration of Valley food, culture, shopping and people ever! Find 345 curated recs in every conceivable arena, from macarons to movie theater popcorn, plus lifestyle “scenarios” to help you dress and play like a local. Food & Drink The delectable best in beverages and bites, from breakfast spots and burgers to sandwiches and seafood. View the Picks Celebrity Taste Test Celebrity judges help us...
THE ARTS Best Original Latina ArtMucho Más Art StudioWhen your significant other all but worships Frida Kahlo and is otherwise notoriously hard to buy gifts for, spotting a handmade wall plaque featuring Frida’s portrait just before Valentine’s Day can feel miraculous. But it’s only one of the affordable, colorful and original pieces you’ll find at this cheery gallery of “Crafty Chica” Kathy Cano-Murillo and her cronies Patrick Murillo and Emily Costello. 1736A E. McDowell Rd.,...
PEOPLE & MEDIA Best ADOT Signage“Bringing Safety Back… Wear Your Seat Belt”The Arizona Department of Transportation highway signs are a much-needed salve to big-city traffic malaise. Their clever riffs on current events and pop culture include Star Wars themes and football references on Cardinals game days. But the twist on Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” – posted the day of his Talking Stick Resort Arena concert in May – wins top honors. TV Person We Most...
