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After April’s dearth of new restaurant openings, May brings more than 20 new local eateries, featuring everything from upscale Asian to tacos to Indian pizza. May also marked the closing of six restaurants, including one that had been a Valley mainstay for 34 years.   OPENING   212° Shabu Shabu From the folks at Three Thirty Three, an elevated dining experience showcasing shabu shabu, a design-your-own combo of broth, meats, seafood, vegetables and noodles cooked...

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April was a slow month for new restaurant openings in the Valley, but unfortunately, a big month for dining closures. Heading into summer, this is a gentle reminder to patronize your favorite local restaurants and watering holes whenever possible. They will be very happy to see you.   Openings   Arizona Pizza Co. This Tucson-based pizzeria with several West Phoenix locations now has an outpost in Tempe. Look for pizza, wings, subs and salads in...

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Spring Arizona Restaurant Week is back for another run – Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 24 – giving diners an opportunity to discover new restaurants and different cuisines at reasonable price points. During the 10-day event, participating restaurants offer special three-course menus priced at $33, $44 or $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). This year’s crop of estaurants includes Roaring Fork, The Italiano, The Mick Brasserie, LON’S at The Hermosa Inn, Pasta Brioni, Phoenix...

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Along with unexpected 100-degree days, March also delivered more than two dozen local or new-to-Arizona restaurants, along with several notable closures. There’s something for everybody, from frozen yogurt and tacos to dumplings and high-end Italian fare.   OPENINGS   16 Handles This New York-based frozen yogurt shop has opened its first Arizona location with fun flavors, including salted butter, black matcha, cotton candy and Dubai chocolate, with plenty of gluten-free, fat-free, dairy-free and vegan options....

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In February, the Valley welcomed a slew of intriguing expansions (from out of town and from closer to home) and bid farewell to a few exciting new spots and old favorites.   Backyard Taco Family-run taco shop with six locations in the East Valley has opened an outpost in Laveen. 7730 S. 59th Ave., Laveen, backyardtaco.com   Bagelfeld’s This wildly popular bagel bakery has set up a second location in Tempe. Be sure to order...

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40 Love Chef Ryan Pitt oversees the kitchen of Old Town Scottsdale’s newest celebrity-endorsed, upscale lounge and restaurant in the former Kelly’s at Southbridge space. Look for modern American cuisine with French technique and Japanese ingredients. 7117 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale, 40lovegroup.com   Aristocrat Coffee Roasters Downtown Chandler now has a roastery that serves coffee drinks and pastries. The shop gained fame last summer (while under construction) when it hosted a pop-up wedding for newlyweds whose...