The 10 Best Things I Ate in 2012

Escolar with salsa verde, tomatoes, and honey from Crudo: This year, Cullen Campbell moved his modern Italian restaurant to the back of a shopping center. Although it’s tricky to find, the payoff is worth a few go-arounds in the parking lot — especially when it comes to the grilled escolar…

Austin-Based Hopdoddy Burger Bar Coming to Scottsdale

Seasoned restaurateurs Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso, owners of Roaring Fork and founders of Eddie V’s and Wildfish restaurants (the two sold the properties to Darden Restaurants Inc. last year for $59 million), have been busy lately. In March, they plan to open a Paradise Valley location of Austin’s Salty…

Who’s the Most Unsung Hero in the Kitchen?

Welcome to Chow Bella’s Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you’d like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a top-notch kitchen…

NYPD Pizza Partners With Phoenix Ale Brewery for Exclusive Brew

What happens when a locally owned and operated New York pizza chain gets thirsty for more local? It partners with one of Arizona’s newest craft breweries. See also: Best Beer Bar 2012 – The Hungry Monk 8 Beer Cocktails in Metro Phoenix In December, New York Pizza Department (NYPD Pizza),…

There’s a New Marzipan Company in Phoenix and Tammie Coe’s a Fan

Danish-born Charlotte Wetche stayed in Arizona for love, but her family’s 103-year-old marzipan company remained in Denmark. Not a good thing for Wetche, who missed the flavors she remembered from home. So, in November, she obtained the rights to sell marzipan — the confection made from ground almonds and sugar…

Top 5 Food Predictions for Phoenix in 2013

As another culinary year approaches, it’s time to once again gaze into the crystal ball to predict the Valley’s food trends for 2013. See also: Chefs, What Will the Top Food Trends for Phoenix Be in 2013? It’s no secret that our food scene is slow to hop aboard the…

Pot of Gold: Manila Sunrise Gourmet

America is a melting pot of cuisines. But when it comes to Filipino food, not so much. Ironic considering the history of the archipelago with more than 7,000 islands reflects such a wide diversity of people itself — Chinese, Spanish, American, even Mexican influences — each weaving its respective cuisine…

Portillo’s to Open First Arizona Location in Scottsdale in February

Hang on to your cake shakes, Portillo’s fans. In just a couple of months, the Illinois restaurant chain beloved by Chicago transplants throughout the Valley will be bringing its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, hamburgers, and sandwiches to Arizona — specifically Scottsdale. See also: Best Hot Dog 2012 – Pittsburgh…

What Will the Top Food Trends for Phoenix Be in 2013?

Welcome to Chow Bella’s Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you’d like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. Miss a question? Go here. Soon, 2013 will be upon us and so will a…

The 10 Best Things I Ate in 2012

As 2012 comes to a close, it’s time to look back on some of the most all-around stellar meals I had the pleasure of consuming in the Valley. See also: – 9 Best New Restaurants of 2012 in Greater Phoenix – 10 (Okay, 11) Best First Tastes of 2012 in…

Tammie Coe Opens New Shop in Central Phoenix

For fans of sweet treats by notable pastry chef Tammie Coe, Christmas has come a few days early. See also: – Tammie Coe Cakes Ends Relationship With La Grande Orange – Tammie Coe Makes Eyeball Cupcakes Today, Coe announced the opening of her latest store, at 5210 North Central Avenue…