Kahley runs the show at Wayward in Old Town Scottsdale, guiding the gastropub’s lively global cuisine as it rebranded this summer from Liquor Pig due to an ownership shakeup.
2026 Summer Cocktail Camp Interview with a Mixologist(s): Zack Chatterton and Stevie Raeann from The Mission Kierland
Root Beer Float Feel like a kid again with this combination drink and dessert at Joe’s Real BBQ in Gilbert, where the root beer is made in-house ($4). joesrealbbq.com Vegan Pistachio Cherry Ice Cream No dairy? No problem. Downtown Glendale’s Papa Ed’s Ice Cream stocks vegan flavors from local ice cream maker Karen’s Kreamery ($3.50/single scoop; $4.75/double scoop). papaedsicecream.com Butterscotch Bread Pudding There’s a beautiful alchemy when vanilla gelato meets whiskey caramel atop this luscious...
Veggie Campanelle Roasted peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, grape tomatoes and more add texture to Nook Kitchen’s pasta, which is boosted by Calabrian chiles and Chablis ($23). nookkitchen.com Chile Relleno Ladera Taverna y Cocina’s prized poblano is stuffed with hominy rice and cheesy calabacitas and topped with queso fresco, chipotle cream sauce and cilantro ($10). laderaphx.com Vegetarian Moussaka Layers of eggplant, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, feta and béchamel make for a lush alternative to traditional beef or...
Anytime you meet a significant other’s parent(s), it’s bound to come with some anxiety. Should you tell them about the time you got an MIP your freshman year of college? Probably not. Should you tell them how lucky you feel to be dating their daughter/son? Probably. Should you suggest meeting at one of these restaurants? Absolutely. Windsor I suggest meeting here when the weather cools down slightly so you can enjoy their cute outdoor patio....
Earlier this month, 14 chefs gathered at The Camby hotel in Central Phoenix for the Rock the Guac competition in honor of National Guacamole Day and benefitting Free Arts of Arizona. Their challenge? Creating different guacamoles designed to stand out.
I know taste testing 14 different guacamoles may seem like a dream, but let me tell you that guac has the tendency to taste more or less the same after a few scoops. But in the name of journalism, I persevered.
The sweetest (perhaps weirdest) take was from Tarbell’s in Phoenix that whipped up a chocolate mousse dessert topped with an avocado mousse/puree. It was tasty but let’s face it, couldn’t pass as guacamole. I can’t say there were any competitors that I flat out didn’t like at all, but my favorite was The Market by Jennifer’s. I loved that the chef used focaccia instead of the hackneyed tortilla chip and how she managed to seamlessly blend many different flavors and textures together.
Below are four guacamoles that stood out, both to me and the official judges, plus a recipe for the first prize winner.
