Obon Bisutoro, a Japanese bistro specializing in sushi and ramen, officially opened its doors in Phoenix’s Biltmore Fashion Park in late March. I was recently invited to the restaurant – the third Obon concept in the Valley – for its soft opening. Walking into the dimly lit restaurant with complimentary Champagne in hand, I was amazed by the flawless interior design. Wood paneling is a signature décor element present in Obon’s two sister restaurants in...
The Mosquito Squad of Greater Scottsdale recently partnered with AquaSafe Swim School to provide 10 swim school scholarships for children ages 1 to 4 years old as part of a communitywide effort to educate families about safe swimming. Parents will have the opportunity to submit a letter explaining their desire to participate for a chance to win two months of swimming lessons with an AquaSafe instructor at the school’s Scottsdale or Gilbert locations. “As a...
In the middle of a global pandemic, Dana Dumas, chef-owner of SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, took a leap of faith and moved her existing restaurant into a bigger space in the Scottsdale Airpark. The new 5,000-square-foot spot houses all aspects of her growing business: a full-service brunch restaurant, bar and bakery. The move proved to be a good one. “I‘m doing numbers that I had only dreamt about in my other location,” she says. As...
Meatball Ferris Wheel at The Sicilian Butcher | Photo courtesy The Maggiore Group Spring has sprung in the Valley, and local restaurants and bars are celebrating the season with new menu offerings. Here are nine new menus to check out this month. The Italian Daughter Expect traditional Italian delights with a modern twist on The Italian Daughter’s brand-new spring menu. We can’t wait to try the gnocchi fritto – fried stuffed gnocchi served with house-made...
Motherhood shouldn’t be an obstacle to exercising in comfort. That’s the philosophy behind Phoenix-based Senita Athletics, which is bringing its popular women’s athleticwear to mothers and mothers-to-be. “What we’re really hoping to accomplish is to just make women feel great… in what can be a very challenging and intense journey,” CEO Liz Pogue says. “Make them feel as comfortable as they possibly can when they’re working out, [from] when they’re 38 weeks pregnant to when...
If you’re a music lover, you’ve probably seen author Ryan Clark snapping pictures at local shows, which he posts on his blog, Keep the Greasy Side Down. When the pandemic put the scene on hold, he started Hookworm Records, which released Hookworm One, a vinyl-exclusive compilation of four songs from Valley bands curated by Clark and available on the label’s website (hookwormrecords.com). We spoke with Clark about what else Phoenix music lovers can expect this...
Hikers trekking along the banks of Oak Creek in the Crescent Moon Ranch and picnic site about 7 miles south of Sedona are treated to some of the most photographed scenes in the Southwest. The Coconino National Forest property is located near iconic Cathedral Rock and encompasses the historical ranch site with its famous water wheel. First established in the late 1800s, the ranch went through several owners and iterations before being purchased by the...
Carcara | Photo courtesy Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Opening Andy’s Frozen Custard You’ll find frozen custard, sundaes, shakes and more at the Valley’s fourth location of Andy’s. 686 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, eatandys.com BEG Bakery & Creamery This Scottsdale bakery features butter-free, egg-free and gluten-free treats, including muffins, cupcakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls. 3030 N. 68th St., Scottsdale, begbakery.com Black Rock Coffee Drive through or order inside at Black Rock’s newest location at Block 7000....
The Haymarket Squares | Photo by Rachael Smith Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week’s focus is on musical trailblazers. April 4 Billie Eilish The actions of a certain rapper have dominated the headlines surrounding the Academy Awards. But one overlooked item was that Billie Eilish became the first person born in the 21st century to win an Oscar for...
Jared Mattson | Photo courtesy Embry Rucker Jared Mattson, who is one half of jazz duo Mattson 2 and is best known for his work with chillwave virtuoso Toro Y Moi, is coming to Last Exit Live in Phoenix on April 3 in support of his new solo project. The catch? He hasn’t released an album yet. “In a very 1980s fashion, I will be touring and grinding shows as a power trio before any...
As curtains continue to rise on stages across the Valley after a longer-than-anticipated pandemic pause, it’s difficult to gage who is more eager for the return of in-person productions – audiences or actors. Perhaps no one is more excited than the cast and crew of Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of the iconic feel-good musical Singin’ in the Rain, which runs through April 3. The production team has made it possible for it to rain on...
Rachaad White | Photo by Troy Beckman – Team IFA Rachaad White is on a lot of people’s radars. The Arizona State University senior was one of the most prolific running backs in college football last year, with more than 1,500 total all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns. He made a splash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in March and is poised to be one of the most sought-after running backs in the NFL Draft...
Giselle Ruggeberg has always had a deep love of two things: plants and giving gifts. These penchants were the inspiration behind Jade & Clover, a plant and gift shop that features a wide range of lifestyle products. She opened her first location in the hip Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, in 2016. “It wasn’t just something that happened overnight,” Ruggeberg says. “I was just trying to make it super interactive, and it evolved and...
Need a hit of beautiful weather and clear blue ocean water? Head to Los Cabos, on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula (visitloscabos.travel). Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort This property just underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. The resort now has six new places to eat and drink and 14 private plunge pools. For family fun, try the new splash zone and kids club. For adults, a private infinity pool and top-shelf margaritas...
If you stay alert on this hike, it's easy to spot the Stegosaurus.
