https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Angies-Lobster-Fried-Lobster-Finger-Meal.jpg

Seafood in the desert?! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, and we recommend giving it a go at Angie’s Lobster, a new drive-through concept from the folks who founded local healthy fast-food chain Salad and Go. Tony and Roushan Christofellis sold the salad biz this summer to focus on their new endeavor, a fast and efficient seafood restaurant boasting lobster meals with fries and a drink for under $10. The first location opened in...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TW-0001-NW_High-res-JPEG-_not-resized_-1280x720.jpg

If you’re curious about what’s going on in the local arts community, we curate a monthly list of what’s new and noteworthy, from new exhibits to upcoming shows. Scottsdale Exhibition Highlights History of Spanish Dance in Arizona The art of Spanish dance is a staple of annual programming at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. This year, an exhibition that traces the history of the art form in Arizona will be on display through January...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unknown-7-1122x720.jpeg

In 2008, Sadhana Raj founded a small vegan eatery in Chandler with little more than a rice cooker and a $20 plug-in griddle. In 2014, she moved to a larger space on Guadalupe Road in Tempe, substantially scaling her “botanically inspired” fare and fresh-squeezed juice. She quickly garnered a group of devoted fans, who came for her healthy food and stayed for the strong sense of community. Last week, the Valley bid a reluctant farewell...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Dionne_Warwick_Raph_PH-1280x720.jpg

Dionne Warwick | Photo by Raph PH   Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week’s offerings are infused with lots of jazz and Latin flavors. Fayuca Thursday, December 16 at Crescent Ballroom Local Latino rock and reggae band Fayuca jams with Dubbest and Rilen Out. 8 p.m. Thursday, December 16 at Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd St., Phoenix, crescentphx.com. Tickets...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_4138-1200x720.jpg

Kim Thao interior | Photo by Nikki Buchanan   Kim Thao is not one person but two: Kim Tran and Thao Nguyen, who met in a doctor’s office, became friends and decided to launch a Vietnamese bakery, market and take-out operation together. Kim is the cook; Thao runs the front of the house, and from the looks of things, they’ve already been embraced by the community since their mid-October opening. It’s easy to see why....

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Santa-1-1280x720.jpg

‘Tis the season for holiday imbibing! Eat, drink and be merry at these four festive pop-up concepts at local bars and restaurants. Feliz Navidad Cantina at Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill This over-the-top pop-up concept was first introduced last year. It’s even bigger and better in 2021, complete with floor-to-ceiling Christmas decorations, festive food and drinks, servers decked out in holiday garb and weekly visits from Santa and the Grinch. The pop-up will run...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_1512-1280x720.jpg

Roasted Chilean Seabass | Photo by Madison Rutherford   The iconic Arizona Biltmore resort recently reopened, revealing a $70 million renovation that included Renata’s Hearth, an upscale, Latin-influenced eatery that debuted on May 18. Combining Old World mystique with a distinctly modern identity, Renata’s Hearth (née Wright’s) presents a full sensory experience – from enticing aromas and bold flavors to ornate décor and pleasant sounds. During my visit, a live flutist and guitarist serve as...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Outlets-at-Anthem-Tree-at-Night-1280x720.jpg

Throngs of people pass through the Outlets at Anthem during the holiday season, hurrying from store to store and stopping to marvel at the giant Christmas tree in the courtyard. It’s a stunning sight: a towering, 70-foot fresh-cut evergreen adorned with miles of string lights and thousands of ornaments. At 70 feet tall and 20 feet wide, it is the biggest Christmas tree in Arizona – and has held that title for the past two...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_1280-1280x720.jpg

Commuter Egg Sandwich and Espresso Tonic | Photo by Madison Rutherford I have never traveled to Tulum or Scandinavia, the two locales that inspired Kähvi Coffee + Café in Downtown Phoenix. I have, however, gleaned some ideas on a recent visit to the new coffee bar. The concept, which opened in July, is the brainchild of prolific restaurateur Julian Wright of Fork & Dagger Hospitality and is spearheaded by operating partner and industry vet Samia...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Pedal-Haus-1280x720.jpeg

On Nov. 18, Pedal Haus Brewery opened a new location in the MonOrchid building in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The new restaurant (Pedal Haus number three for owner Julian Wright) covers 6,000 square feet and includes indoor and outdoor seating, live music and happy hour specials. Since Pedal Haus is known for its award-winning beers, we recently caught up with head brewer Derek “Doc” Osborne to learn more about Pedal Haus beer. How did...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_4112-1200x720.jpg

Photo by Nikki Buchanan    Vegetarian Chili at Welcome Diner Usually, my chili craving kicks in around the time I break out the first sweater, but this fall has been so balmy that I just couldn’t wait — especially when I saw the descriptor on WD’s menu: house veggie chili topped with pimiento cheese and diced onion. It was the addition of pimiento cheese that sold me on this dish, but as it turned out,...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Unknown-2-1280x720.jpeg

Opening Aftermath Bar + Kitchen You’ll find modern American cuisine at this new eatery, including shareable plates and entrees and a nice selection of cocktails, beer and wine. 1534 E. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, aftermathphoenix.com Babbo Italian Eatery An eighth Valley location of this family-owned restaurant has opened in Goodyear. 15705 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, 623-440-2117, babboitalian.com Bap and Chicken Korean fried chicken and bibimbap headline this west Chandler restaurant’s menu. On Thursdays they feature...

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PHM1221CU20.jpg

Tis the season for winter decorations, hot chocolate (or warm bourbon) and merry musicmaking. Rock out with your stocking out at these shows. The Bounce 101.1 Holiday Jam Ice Cube headlines an old-school hip-hop lineup including Too Short, Warren G, Baby Bash, Luniz and J.J. Fad. 8 p.m. Friday, December 3, at Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Tickets cost $45-$100. Trans-Siberian Orchestra The international rock ensemble performs “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” 3...