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It’s her third day as proprietor of Hot Daisy Pizza, and Tammie Coe — the classically trained pastry chef famous for ooey-gooey cupcakes, big cookies and whimsical fondant-covered cakes — seems to be having fun in her new role as pie slinger. At 3:30 in the afternoon, her tiny Roosevelt Row shop (formerly known as Tammie Coe Cakes) enjoys a steady stream of curious neighborhood customers, eager to try a slice of pepperoni or margherita...

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THE SCENE The Peoria outpost of this local Mexican chain is situated in the Park West shopping complex off the 101 and Northern Avenue. It’s modern, bright and airy inside, with blue and yellow chairs and bench cushions popping against pale neutral wood, breeze blocks and dangling geometric light fixtures. A decent wraparound patio has twinkling lights, fans and space heaters. Jalapeño Inferno’s Scottsdale locations (Pinnacle Peak and DC Ranch) boast even more spacious and charming outdoor dining.  THE FOOD Owners Terry and Laura Craig are...

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Often touted as the national dish of Texas, various iterations of brisket also abound at barbecue joints throughout the Grand Canyon State. Whether you want the smoky protein in a sandwich, taco or piled high on a plate with a side of slaw, these Valley BBQ institutions boast some of the best beef around. Texas BBQ House Served “fatty” or “lean,” the popular chest cut presents a dilemma: aficionados prefer the more flavorful fatty, but...

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If the guys at AZ Wilderness stumbled onto a dried piece of bear poop while hiking in the forest, they’d probably throw it into their boil, the old joke goes. That’s how much owners Jonathan Buford and Patrick Ware love incorporating the tastes and aromas of Arizona into their award-winning beers. On that level, this toasty, deeply nuanced ale might be the most “Arizona” beer they’ve offered yet, made with cinnamon-roasted Medjool dates from Agritopia...

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Whether you’re smitten with Valentine’s Day or think it’s a corporate conspiracy, we’d wager you could benefit from a little chocolate in your life. Order some for yourself or share the love with friends, family or your paramour – or all of the above. Chocolate for everyone, we say!    Skip the chains and support an indie chocolatier this year. Here are some of our favorites.  Zak’s Chocolate Longtime loves Jim and Maureen Elitzak make “bean-to-bar” chocolate in their North Scottsdale shop. In addition to their regular retinue of chocolate bars (including vegan...

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Keep your eyes peeled and your palate poised for these eateries slated to open this year. Bourbon & Bones This contemporary steakhouse will debut a second location in Gilbert’s San Tan Village with a larger bar area, more private dining space and an outdoor patio lounge.  (January 2021) Broth & Bao The long-awaited Broth & Bao from Born & Raised Hospitality (Clever Koi, Fellow Osteria & Pizzeria and Across the Pond) will offer build-your-own ramen...

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Many spicy foods aren’t for the faint of heart, but luckily, it doesn’t all taste like biting into a ghost pepper. It ranges from tasting a slight tang to experiencing watery eyes after only a whiff. In Phoenix, there’s no shortage of spice. Here are five dishes for Valley heat freaks, from mellow to merciless. NO SPICE Although Korean food can really pack a punch, the Hawaiian Chicken at Gen Korean BBQ House is nothing...

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Recently, Jessica Dupuy, a contributor to forbes.com and Texas Monthly, was tapped by book publisher Infinite Ideas to contribute to its Classic Wine Library series, which profiles both benchmark and lesser-known regions, from Burgundy and Rioja to Greece and Georgia (the country). Dupuy’s entry is The Wines of Southwest U.S.A. and includes wine regions in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and – you guessed it – Arizona. Dupuy writes about each region’s history, climate and personalities...

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Opening Barrio Queen Barrio Queen expands to the West Valley, opening its sixth location in the shuttered Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. 7640 W. Bell Road, Glendale, 602-287-8226, barrioqueen.com Cold Beers & Pizza, Scottsdale The folks at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers are venturing into new territory with pizza in Old Town Scottsdale. 4222 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-758-4994, coldbeers.com/pizza Copper 48 Copper 48 takes over Nico Heirloom Kitchen in Gilbert featuring seasonal menus. 366 N....

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The Valley has lost one of its culinary luminaries. This past weekend, legendary Italian chef/restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore died after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 73 years old.  Maggiore immigrated to the United States from Sicily as a young man and worked his way up the restaurant ranks in New York City before moving west. He and his wife, Patricia, opened Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant in the Camelback Corridor in September 1977. Their children, Joey and Melissa, grew up in the industry and joined their parents in running a...

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“Luckys is not the new chic RoRo dive bar,” the man behind the bar says as he sets down a couple coasters and a bottle of hand sanitizer. He also tells me that mimosas and bloody Marys are “breakfast drinks” and should not be consumed at 6 p.m. on a Thursday, which happens to be when I pay my first visit to Lucky’s. He then proceeds to offer me a mimosa-flavored jello shot. Who am...

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UnderTow was one of Scottsdale’s premier bars before its closure in December due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, that didn’t mean its staff was done working. A new UnderTow pop-up recently opened at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. I took a visit to see how the Valley’s standout tiki bar has fared during the sea changes. Location 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale Opened: January 2021 The Scene: This tropical oasis feels like you’re taking...