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Enjoy the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports Frosty mint juleps, fashion contests, lawn games and prime viewing for the 147th “Run for the Roses” highlight the Kentucky Derby Lawn Party May 1. It’s a great excuse to drink with friends, cheer for a sport you probably know nothing about and dress like early 20th-century Southern stereotypes. A brunch menu filled with fried chicken and biscuits, shrimp and grits and other Southern favorites is featured, along...

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Picazzo’s spread | Photo by Debby Wolvos   All the news that’s fit to nosh.   Bitter End?: AZ Bitters Lab is ceasing production of its lauded cocktail enhancers. Arizona’s premier bitters producers shared the news in an emotional announcement on social media on April 26. “We are heartbroken to share that we have stopped operations and are no longer producing our amazing bitters,” it begins. “Recently, we were notified by the AZ Department of Liquor Licensing and Control (DLLC), in conjunction with...

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Across the Pond, the snazzy sushi and cocktail spot at Clever Koi in Phoenix, recently launched a new and improved culinary experience. On April 13, Across the Pond started offering omakase, a traditional Japanese word that translates to “entrust.” During an omakase tasting, diners allow the chef to select each dish instead of ordering from a menu. Across the Pond’s omakase consists of 12 courses that are completely customized for each guest. The restaurant keeps...

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This Thursday, April 29 is National Shrimp Scampi Day and North Italia is celebrating by revealing its signature Wild Shrimp Scampi recipe. Inspired by a meal from North Italia’s corporate chef Chris Curtiss’ childhood, the hearty dish features plump prawns, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, butter, black pepper, dry vermouth, chopped parsley and breadcrumbs. “I’ll never forget the first time I tasted shrimp scampi while my parents had taken my sister and me out to dinner...

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A virtual fundraiser with live music, a theater performance, margarita demos, recipes, prize giveaways AND cats and dogs? Sounds like a fun way to spend a Wednesday evening to us. Lost Our Home (LOH) Pet Rescue calls this adorable beast bash Cinco de Meow-O Yappy Hour, and it’s streaming on Facebook Live from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 5. Local media celebrity Jan d’Atri hosts the event, the second annual fundraiser for LOH, a...

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Alleged defects, delays fuel spat with contractor. With 108 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is known as one of the world’s most illustrious hospitality brands. Evidently, “construction defects” are not part of its formula for success – and particularly not in Paradise Valley. Legal documents filed this week in Maricopa County Superior Court reveal behind-the-scenes rancor between the owner and former contractor of the long-delayed Ritz Carlton, Paradise Valley...

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Pay Tribute to an American Hero Lace up your shoes and join thousands of runners and walkers for Pat’s Run, April 24, an annual 4.2-mile run/walk honoring late football star Pat Tillman. The race takes place virtually this year as participants across the globe honor Tillman’s legacy. Proceeds support the Tillman Military Scholars program. 7:05 a.m. April 24, however, participants have a three-day window (April 23-25) to complete the miles. Visit website for race fees,...

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This week we are spotlighting three new murals in Downtown Phoenix.   Photo by Aimee Smith    By El Mac and Thomas “Breeze” Marcus  This multi-story mural is located in the alley south of Monroe Street and First Avenue. El Mac is responsible for the portrait while Thomas “Breeze” Marcus tackled the surrounding detailing. The mural is a nod to the Indigenous history of Phoenix. The girl depicted is a real teenager from the Salt...

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This weekend, Arizona Tiki Oasis will take over the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale with food and drink tastings, art and music for tiki enthusiasts across the state. The event is the companion event to the highly regarded Tiki Oasis Festival in San Diego. Kick off your weekend of island life in the desert with the official launch party at HULA’s Modern Tiki in Old Town Scottsdale on Thursday, April 22 from 3:30 to 6...

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All the news that’s fit to nosh.   In Vodka Veritas: One of the Valley’s preeminent wine pros is dipping his toe into the vodka still. Mark Tarbell, chef/owner of Tarbell’s restaurant and The Wine Store at Tarbell’s, is partnering with distiller Weston Holm of Old Town Scottsdale’s Blue Clover Distillery on a new citrus vodka. The lemon- and orange-infused spirit will be available just in time for summer sipping. Pick it up exclusively at The Wine Store starting this week. My Big Fat Greek Dinner: Downtown Phoenix’s arty FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel continues its...

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Dr. Todd Bostwick | Photo courtesy State of Arizona Research Library   Hohokam farmers built the largest system of canals in the New World between 500 CE and 1450, making a network of canals in Arizona’s Salt River Valley totaling more than 1,000 miles. It was a marvel of organic engineering in the pre-industrial era that helped the ancient people sustain their crops and civilization. Archeologist Todd Bostwick has studied the Hohokam and Arizona’s ancient...