Corianne Sizemore launched her vegan-friendly bakery business in 2010, but without a retail storefront, those in search of Sizemore’s “scrumptious vegan delights” — like organic, non-egg, and dairy-free vegan cupcakes, cookies, muffins, pies, and “uncheesecakes” — had to seek them out every second and fourth Saturday at the Downtown Public…

Joey’s of Chicago, the local chain of Chicago-style hot dogs and sandwiches whose stores are adorned with all things Windy City, has shuttered its Arcadia location at 4280 East Indian School Road. Citing poor parking and high rent in its strip mall location, the Arcadia Joey’s closed earlier this year…

Looks like the state of New Jersey, birthplace of Bon Jovi, the light bulb, and home of the world’s largest spoon collection, is in need of some (more) burgers and shakes — stat. And who better to continue to fill the densest system of highways in the United States with…

For those who can’t get enough of the urban-cool vibe at Crescent Ballroom, downtown’s mid-size live music venue that opened last October in the revamped 1917-era building formerly occupied by Bentley’s Nightclub, the venue is now open for lunch — at least its kitchen is anyway. Once open for dinner…

Looks like the increase in restaurant options in Downtown Phoenix was putting the hurt on Sens Asian Tapas after all. In February, Owner and Chef Johnny Chu, whose former restaurants included Lucky Dragon in Tempe and Fate in downtown’s Roosevelt Row district, told me that Sens, his chic Asian small-plate…

When it comes to well-known foods from around the country, Chicago has its hot dog, Philadelphia its cheesesteak, and Indiana its “Hoosier Pie” (Hoosier Pie?) — what does Arizona have? Nothing. Not a damn thing. At least not officially. And what happens when you have nothing? Someone gives you something…

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. It’s no secret that top-notch chefs and restaurants have their…

Care for a little wine with that wax? How about some fire-roasted Mexican corn with that fill up? For those who think they’ve seen it all, welcome to Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market. Like the love child spawned from an errand-running orgy involving a car wash, gas station, coffee shop, bistro,…

On the heels of opening Postino East in Gilbert, the team behind the three-restaurant mini-chain in addition to Windsor/Churn have announced plans for a new restaurant in North Central Phoenix. “The neighborhood and community that surrounds the area is so special,” Bailey tells me, “and we could not pass up…

Think the stretch of Indian School Road between 36th and 56th streets has finally run its course as one the Valley’s hottest addresses for restaurants? Think again. From current dining sites like Beckett’s Table, Cave & Ives, and Kitchen 56 to the recently opened bar called The Little Woody and…

“There’s a lot of ‘berto’s’ in Mexican restaurant names, and teddy bears are disarming,” says Yin Macatabas on how she arrived at the name for her first eatery. “Plus, vegans don’t eat animals.” Called Tediberto’s, Macatabas’ restaurant will focus on vegan Mexican food, something she says is difficult to find…

Heard of Made-Rite? If you’re from Iowa, you have. And if you’ve eaten at The Iowa Cafe in Mesa, you’d know its Maiden Rite sandwich is an homage to the 86-year-old fast casual restaurant’s famous loose meat sandwich. Wait, what’s the heck’s a loose meat sandwich? “Think of it like…

After 35 years, the Matador Restaurant, a downtown favorite of locals in search of Sonoran Mexican food, has shuttered. On March 12, a fire briefly closed the restaurant located at the southeast corner of First and Adams streets. Less than two weeks later, after re-opening for a few days last…

How to know when you’ve arrived? It’s not Snooki following you on Twitter, your mention in a rap song/your rap song, or your video making it on Tosh.0 — it’s a shout-out from the Big O herself, Oprah Winfrey. Julia Baker, chef and owner of Julia Baker Confections, should know…

Ah, there’s nothing like ammonia-treated meat. Lovingly called “pink slime,” it’s been the recent subject of celebu-chef Jamie Oliver, fast food, school lunches, and of course, our nightmares. Apparently consumer pressure on this meat monstrosity — specifically beef with the controversial filler — has gotten the better of Safeway, America’s…