The Normal Diner vs. Essence Bakery: Clash of the Quiches

Like the holy trinity, the triple threat or the trifecta, all good things come in three. For the simple quiche, this rule holds true. When you mix together eggs, cream and cheese, nothing can go wrong. Here at Chow Bella, we fully support that breakfast for lunch life, and find…

Empanadas for Dessert at Republica Empanada in Mesa

This week we ventured to downtown Mesa to sample some sweet empanadas at Republica Empanada. We really liked the clean, open interior, but on a beautiful Arizona day it’s hard to resist the outdoors. The patio at Republica Empanada is small with just a couple picnic tables, but with a…

3 Best Things to Eat and Drink This Weekend in Metro Phoenix

Happy Hour at Little Cleo’s Today In honor of National Absinthe Day (which is today, by the way) Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend at The Yard in Phoenix is launching a new happy hour that features deals on shellfish, champagne, and, of course, absinthe. The restaurant’s new happy hour includes $1…

Centurion Restaurant in Downtown Phoenix Has Closed

Since June 2010, Centurion Restaurant, located at 214 W. Roosevelt Road, has been a cozy dining spot in the downtown Phoenix neighborhood. Opened by chef Eric Osburn, the restaurant offered beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a menu of European-inspired cuisine. Unfortunately for the restaurant’s fans, Centurion closed its…

Here Are the Results of the 2015 Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition

Nine Valley bartenders went head-to-head for the title of Best Cocktail in The Valley 2015 yesterday at Crescent Ballroom during the Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition. The event, the second high profile bartending competition held this spring, featured bartenders from local restaurants including Crudo, Citizen Public House, Hula’s Modern Tiki, and…

5 Best Things I Ate and Drank in February

This month’s best bites can be found all over town — literally so, in the case of the smoothie from one of my new favorite food trucks, which travels to Tempe, Phoenix, and Chandler in any given week. Many of the memorable bites come from places I just recently discovered,…

Waffle Love AZ vs. Waffle Crush: Waffle Truck Take Down

These aren’t your average waffles. No, these are mobile and more — gourmet food truck liege waffles with delicious toppings and homemade creams. We put two Valley waffle food trucks up against each other to answer the question, who has the better sweet treat?…

Dessert First at Pizzeria Bianco in Metro Phoenix

Decisions, decisions. The waitress stood there, smiling politely. It’s hard enough to choose an entree at the world-famous Pizzeria Bianco — but dessert? I pondered the decision way too long. The options: Flourless chocolate cake (waitress recommended), the seasonal dessert of mesquite cake, or grapefruit curd. I couldn’t make up…