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If they weren’t over already, the days of Arizona being remotely regarded as a culinary backwater are demonstrably in the past. Or should be, at least. Don’t believe me? Check out the semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards. There’s at least one Arizona nominee in every delicious category (not counting the regional categories, obviously). Check them out, then make reservations: Best New Restaurant: Vecina, Phoenix Outstanding Baker: Don Guerra; Barrio Bread, Tucson Outstanding Bar...

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Since we still have a few chilly nights left before the weather heats up, I’ve rustled up a cozy dish to make at home. Executive chef Trayton Hutchison of Salut Kitchen Bar in Tempe shares the restaurant’s Saltimbocca di Marsala recipe. When shopping for marsala, make sure you get the sweetened version, Hutchison says. “The sweetness really adds to the sauce.” Another tip: Veal can be a little tricky, so make sure you monitor the...

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It’s Spring Training season and in addition to catching a game, baseball fans can hit a home run at these local hot spots serving up food and drink deals. Simply present your game day ticket stub and take advantage of these smokin’ hot specials through March 24. Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse This trendy Scottsdale steakhouse is offering $2 off its signature cocktails like the Fig Fashioned and Strawberry Crush (usually $13). 7135 E. Camelback...

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Larry and Sandy Shore want to put an innovative spin on the traditional dining experience. That’s why their new concept, Twist Bistro & Gallery, is so aptly named. The restaurant and art gallery is set to open in northern Scottsdale in mid-March. Larry is a chef and Sandy is an artist, so Twist is an ode to their respective passions. “It’s something about the soul touching of creating that both me and Sandy really love,”...

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Crave pour-over coffee but not ready to take the Chemex plunge? Goodyear entrepreneur Ruben Trujillo sells sachets of freshly roasted and ground coffee that you drape over your mug and pour hot water over. Origami-like prongs keep the vessels in place, and minutes later, you have a hot cup of “hand-drip” coffee. Five packets for $10, 10-count bags start at $12. cafeemporos.com

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The Dressing Room at MonOrchid in Downtown Phoenix recently added weekend brunch to its repertoire. The restaurant features all-day breakfast, but chef Joe Rodger has added some new items, including shakshuka, a popular egg dish in Israel and other countries in the Middle East. Most shakshuka is made with red tomatoes, but Rodger puts a Southwestern spin on the dish by using tomatillos. When making this recipe, Rodger suggests wearing gloves while handling the tomatillos....

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Agave Del Scottsdale On February 22, the Mango, Spicy Cucumber and Tamarindo margaritas will be served at $8. Agave Del Scottsdale offers eight different types of tacos for lunch including pork tacos, seafood tacos, and a vegetarian taco option. Ghost Ranch From 1-6 p.m. on National Margarita Day, Ghost Ranch will have $5 margaritas including its classic Ghost Ranch Margarita, spicy Pina Picante or fruity Chilton. Choose one of their taco platters that is served...