Photo by Nikki Buchanan People had told me — if I’m remembering right, Rene Andrade was one of them — that I should check out Testal Mexican Kitchen a small Chihuahua-style restaurant on Grand Avenue, not far from Andrade’s own. And they were right. It’s been open a little over a year, and I’m sorry I didn’t find it sooner. It’s housed in a cool, angular building with huge windows (surely, there’s some architectural...
Federico Venturini and Viola Tagliaferri with their son When husband and wife Federico Venturini and Viola Tagliaferri moved from Gualdo Tadino, Italy to Cave Creek, Arizona in 2018, they didn’t speak English or know anyone in the community. What they did have was determination and a dream. The couple opened Pizzicata, the first authentic pinsa pizzeria in Carefree in 2019. Pinsa is a style of pizza that has 48 percent less sugar and 85 percent...
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. Conceived and delivered at The Gladly, chef Donald Hawk’s cult favorite brown butter hiramasa crudo now resides at his new Melrose all-day diner, Valentine. A uniquely harmonious mélange of ingredients – satiny slices of hiramasa (yellowtail) graced with artfully toasted butter, raisins, tomatillo-and-fish-sauce vinaigrette...
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. The name alone should tell you this is no ordinary destination to order street food in Phoenix. Random AF Taqueria creates the best quesabirrias (beef folded into a tortilla with melted cheese and served with a side of consommé for dipping) in the Valley,...
Lots of talented people represented here, lots of evidence that Phoenix has become a bona-fide food town.
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. Dining at Weft & Warp is an immersive experience, from its art-adorned environs to its seasonal bill of fare. Executive chef Dushyant Singh changes up the global menu several times a year, introducing new flavors and influences. Agnolotti del plin is one of his...
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. Tempura Takeover owner AhDana Dejarnette describes Tempura Takeover as a “pop-up street eatery,” where establishing genuine connections is just as important as the sustainable seafood she cooks. She’ll be bringing both to Dish Fest, during which she’ll be serving her signature dish – the...
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. Last year, St. Francis rebranded as Oak on Camelback and got a new chef – Robert Bogart, who revamped the menu to reflect seasonal, sustainable ingredients and traditional techniques with his own twist. Many of St. Francis’ staple menu items remained, while Bogart got...
In the days leading up to Dish Fest, we’re presenting our readers with exclusive chef interviews so they can learn the stories behind the Best Dishes being served at the inaugural festival. What makes an elite burger? For chef Tommy D’Ambrosio of Aioli Gourmet Burgers, it’s all about taste, texture and presentation. The Italiano burger is a riff on the classic caprese salad, with a bold balance of flavors including tomatoes, mozzarella, bacon and, of...
Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank in front of Brick Road Coffee in Tempe Cinnamon roll and honey vanilla lattes, croissant-crusted pizza, hand-squeezed lemonade and pomegranate green tea are all on the menu at Brick Road Coffee, a new java joint in Tempe. Customers can expect great food and drinks, but also an inviting community hub. Partners Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank opened the shop in Fairlanes Village Center in January. Hagen says their vision...
Tucson is often touted for its desert landscapes, rich history, historical landmarks and interactive experiences. But the southern Arizona city is also known for its melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Check out these must-try restaurants in the Old Pueblo. Photo by Tiffany Acosta Start Your Day at The Dutch Eatery & Refuge Tucson native Nicole Van Winden and Marcus Van Winden, who originally hails from Holland, discovered a cozy, convenient space next to...
The Garfield Phoenix exterior | Photo courtesy instagram.com/the_garfield_phx After some hard work and elbow grease, the historical Garfield Phoenix diner has reopened under new ownership. If you’ve passed by the small storefront on Roosevelt and 10th streets, you’ve probably read the offerings painted on the diner’s façade: “Coffee, Ice Cream and Tacos.” However, this little spot is crafting a lot more than meets the eye, with even bigger things to come. The soft glow of...
This week, we visit with Z’Tejas executive chef Diego Bolanos, who moved to Arizona in 2010 and has worked in many kitchens across the Valley and beyond. Highlights include opening his own restaurant in Sedona in 2013, and then selling the business and going to work with Sedona chef Lisa Dahl to help her create the award-winning Mariposa Latin-Inspired Grill. He did a stint at the Thirsty Lion as regional training chef for Arizona and...
We're hitting all 8 breweries in 2 days to kick off Beer Week.
Fire + Fury Brewing makes its festival debut this weekend at Strong Beer Fest.
