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Openings Alibi at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown This full-service rooftop bar, open to the public Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, offers craft cocktails, global street food by chef Ken Arneson and a 180-degree panoramic view from the 14th floor. 108 E. University Dr., Tempe,480-968-6800, tempedowntown.canopybyhilton.com Benjamin’s Upstairs The creative team behind Citizen Public House and The Gladly has opened Benjamin’s Upstairs (located upstairs from Citizen Public House in Scottsdale), with a menu by chef Benjamin Graham...

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If you’re a fan of poke, but haven’t tackled raw fish at home, we’ve got a recipe from the folks at Ahipoki Bowl to share. According to managing partner Jason Jantzen, this tuna poke appetizer is a light, fresh-tasting dish that will “delight your guests.” When shopping for the tuna, look for a filet that’s firm to the touch, Jantzen says. “And don’t be afraid to give it the smell test. Fresh tuna should have...

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In early August, my fledgling winery, Los Milics, harvested our first pick of Tempranillo. It could have gone horribly wrong, because just two days prior we had a hailstorm in Sonoita. Thankfully we lived to pick our fruit and avoid disaster. A helluva start to our 2020 vintage, and par for the course for a challenging and emotionally straining year. Before we could harvest, we had to prepare the winery for the incoming fruit. Though...

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India Pale Ale/10% ABV/100 IBU Have hops achieved celebrity status in the beer world, or what? The leafy bittering agents get title billing in this muscular yet well-proportioned hazy IPA from Tombstone’s beloved craft brewing mainstay, and yes, it’s like a hop clinic in your mouth. The lush piney-ness from the Idaho 7, the refreshing lime-grapefruit interplay from the Citra, the tropical funk of the Stratta, it’s all here – in “ludicrous” amounts, brags the...

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Call me extra, but I believe that dining out should be an experience. Sure, the food could be fantastic, but if it’s not paired with a personable server, a fun atmosphere, eclectic environs or other fanciful flourishes, I personally feel that it’s not worth it. That’s why I’m so intrigued with the concept of “dinnertainment” a la Medieval Times. It’s also why I was over the moon when I got an invite for a hosted...

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With five Valley locations, Upward Projects’ Postino WineCafe is a staple in the Phoenix dining scene. Its sixth location will open in the burgeoning neighborhood of South Tempe on September 16. It will feature the same delicious menu for dine-in, pickup or delivery and a unique display of local art and décor. Here are four things to look out for when the restaurant opens to the public. Ample space for socially distanced dining Located in...

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A flight abroad may be out of the question due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but epicurean escapism in the form of fanciful food and drink flights is alive and well in the Valley. From a boozy cereal sampler to a smorgasbord of bloody marys, here are 12 local spots to try a twist on the traditional flight.   U.S. Egg This locally owned and operated breakfast and lunch joint recently ramped up its cocktail menu...

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For those of you who are still hesitant to dine in (no judgment here), we have enlisted Chef Michael O’Dowd from Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club to give us a few pointers on how to spice up a date night at home. O’Dowd, also known as Chef MOD, says it’s important “exploit your senses.”  Make sure your lighting is appropriate, display flowers with a scent and pick music that will complement the mood. “It’s...

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Postino Food for the Crew takeout platters serve four to six ($22-$40). Our favorites: antipasti, panini and chicken and petite filet skewers with Sicilian garlic yogurt. postinowinecafe.com Phoenix City Grille Save on macaroni and cheese ($22) or splurge on 16th Street beef short rib with mashed potatoes, broccolini and red wine reduction ($55). Both serve four. phoenixcitygrille.com Chompie’s Indulge in brunch for four ($59.99) or eight ($109), with options including scrambled eggs, bacon, ham steak,...

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I haven’t sat down in a restaurant or bar since my birthday dinner at Angry Crab Shack on March 10. Who knew my seafood boil and hurricanes would be my last tastes of restaurant life for five months and counting? To me, it still doesn’t feel safe – for me or the employees of restaurants – and I’m listening to my intuition and not feeling bad about that. I’ve still been spending a ton on takeout to support local throughout this mess, but we all know it’s...

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Bar owners across Arizona have joined a lawsuit to sue the governor’s office after an executive order was issued June 29 to shut them down in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. In late July, Governor Doug Ducey extended the closure order, which will be reevaluated every two weeks. The lawsuit, filed by Ilan Wurman, an attorney and associate professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, originally represented 26...