Opening Brekky Brunch A new breakfast spot featuring chicken fried steak and eggs and a build-your-own breakfast option has opened in the former Biscuits location. 2040 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-899-0758 BYOV The folks from Nana’s Kitchen have opened a sports bar with a plant-based menu and mocktails. 777 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, azbyov.com Caliente Mexican Grill Tacos, burritos and bowls, quesadillas and breakfast offerings abound at Caliente’s second location. 1855 W. Deer Valley...
Desert DigestSix Questions with Musical Instrument Museum Executive Chef Paul Steele
Marilyn HawkesMay 3, 2023
Texas native Paul Steele has worked in many of the Valley’s most celebrated kitchens, from Tarbell’s to the Royal Palms to the now shuttered Phoenix Market Café. In October 2022, he became executive chef at the Musical Instrument Museum in North Scottsdale, trading late nights for days, which allows him to spend more time with his family. We recently caught up with Steele to learn about what it’s like to run a museum kitchen. How...
Desert DigestLocal Foodie News
Sydnee WilsonApril 28, 2023
All the news that’s fit to nosh. Fiesta Time: Joyride Taco House is celebrating Cinco De Mayo all weekend long with an exclusive Agave Lounge extension filled with festive decor. The lounge will include extended seating and buckets of Huss Rio Salado Mexican Lager and a specialty tequila-based cocktail called Island Time. Chips and salsa can be enjoyed on the patio and a variety of taco favorites like carne asada, Baja fish, pork adobada, carnitas...
Desert DigestLocal ProductsScottsdale Overnight Oats Company Gives Back for National Autism Awareness Month
Jr De ChavezApril 24, 2023
Whether it’s through her products or philanthropic efforts, OMG Overnight Oats founder Alexis Brown is all about giving back to her community. Brown strives to provide healthy, balanced and ready-to-eat meals, snacks and desserts to consumers in the Valley and beyond while simultaneously raising funds and awareness for a cause she believes in. Health and wellness have always been important to the Scottsdale entrepreneur. During the pandemic, Brown often made her overnight oats with...
Desert DigestLocal Foodie News
Sydnee WilsonApril 19, 2023
All the news that’s fit to nosh. Crystals and Cocktails: Quartz, a new cocktail lounge, is opening in Downtown Phoenix on Thursday, April 20. Valley dwellers can stimulate their senses and quench their thirst with stunning visuals and unique cocktails. The bar’s menu and theme are inspired by the 12 birthstones of each calendar year. Cocktails are designed around each stone’s unique characteristics, driving the flavor profiles and look. Some of the cocktails include the...
Desert DigestLocal Foodie News
Sydnee WilsonApril 14, 2023
All the news that’s fit to nosh. Wine and Dine Festival-Style: The Verde Valley Wine Festival is returning to Cottonwood for its sixth year. Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, savor samples from a variety of the finest local wineries, restaurants and artisan vendors. The events will kick off with the First Crush VVWF Gala & Auction at the Old Town Cottonwood Clubhouse on Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. The festival will...
Desert DigestFirst Dish: sneakybird
Kristy DurkinApril 6, 2023
When I was invited to North Scottsdale to try out a new casual restaurant concept called sneakybird, I immediately jumped on social media to do a little research before my visit. I discovered that this new restaurant claims to specialize in “crispy, tender and flavorful chicken that tastes fried, but never is.” That seemed like a bold claim and I was eager to find out how good this faux fried chicken could really be. Located...
This Thursday, April 6, is National Burrito Day, and if you wanted to get wrapped up in the day’s festivities, here are four Valley-based establishments to check out. Salt & Lime Modern Mexican Grill Have you bean to Salt & Lime Modern Mexican Grill? To commemorate National Burrito Day, Salt & Lime is offering all-day, all-you-can-eat refried bean and Oaxaca cheese burritos for $25. The Scottsdale-based cantina also puts a modern spin on typical Mexican...
Opening Bagel Daddies Christopher Fregozo hand-rolls, boils and then bakes his bagels for a tidy menu of really good-looking bagel sandwiches. 1736 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, bageldaddiesaz.com b.bq Chicken This new-to-market Korean fried chicken joint features hand-brushed and hand-battered chicken that promises to be crispier and juicier than anything you’ve tasted to date. 1900 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, bbqchicken.com Big Chicken Lots of chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads and sides to choose from at Hall of...
Desert DigestFirst Dish: Over Easy
Sydnee WilsonApril 3, 2023
Over Easy isn’t just a way to cook eggs, it’s a local breakfast cafe serving up tasty dishes and good vibes. There are 10 locations of this local chain throughout the Valley with three new locations opening this year, but I recently visited the Surprise location to check out the seasonal menu. Upon entering, I was greeted by bright yellow and blue hues and a happy atmosphere that could help anyone start their day on...
Desert DigestFirst Dish: Zu & Pocha
Sydnee WilsonMarch 29, 2023
I’m a picky eater. I have the palate of a 5-year-old and I often opt for chicken tenders and fries no matter what kind of restaurant I go to. Because of my juvenile tastes, it’s hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and try new foods. Korean seafood restaurant Zu & Pocha, which opened in Tempe nearly a year ago, was definitely out of my comfort zone. While I was a little...