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April was a slow month for new restaurant openings in the Valley, but unfortunately, a big month for dining closures. Heading into summer, this is a gentle reminder to patronize your favorite local restaurants and watering holes whenever possible. They will be very happy to see you.   Openings   Arizona Pizza Co. This Tucson-based pizzeria with several West Phoenix locations now has an outpost in Tempe. Look for pizza, wings, subs and salads in...

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Spring Arizona Restaurant Week is back for another run – Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 24 – giving diners an opportunity to discover new restaurants and different cuisines at reasonable price points. During the 10-day event, participating restaurants offer special three-course menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). This year’s crop of estaurants includes Roaring Fork, The Italiano, The Mick Brasserie, LON’S at The Hermosa Inn, Pasta Brioni, Phoenix...

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For Arizonans looking to add a new furry friend to their home, restaurant patios around the state will soon bark with adoptable pets for National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. Each event invites guests to mingle with adoptable pets, support local rescue groups and spend quality time with four-legged friends. The events will take place on Thursday, April 30, at locally owned POV Foods restaurants. “At the end of the day, we just want it...

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Along with unexpected 100-degree days, March also delivered more than two dozen local or new-to-Arizona restaurants, along with several notable closures. There’s something for everybody, from frozen yogurt and tacos to dumplings and high-end Italian fare.   OPENINGS   16 Handles This New York-based frozen yogurt shop has opened its first Arizona location with fun flavors, including salted butter, black matcha, cotton candy and Dubai chocolate, with plenty of gluten-free, fat-free, dairy-free and vegan options....

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When steak is the main attraction, side dishes sometimes pale in comparison. The chefs at Mastro’s offer a remedy: luxurious lobster mashed potatoes. Bathed in butter and topped with sweet hunks of lobster, these decadent spuds will elevate your dinner to a new level. Mastro’s City Hall executive chef Richard Rodriguez has a few tips for the home cook tackling this recipe. If you’re going to use fresh lobster, Rodriguez advises purchasing from a reputable...

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In February, the Valley welcomed a slew of intriguing expansions (from out of town and from closer to home) and bid farewell to a few exciting new spots and old favorites.   Backyard Taco Family-run taco shop with six locations in the East Valley has opened an outpost in Laveen. 7730 S. 59th Ave., Laveen, backyardtaco.com   Bagelfeld’s This wildly popular bagel bakery has set up a second location in Tempe. Be sure to order...