8 Great Guacamoles in Metro Phoenix

Some snooty conquistador way back when once noted that in Mexico, avocados and guacamole were “butter for the poor.” My, how times have changed! Guacamole — a literal and linguistic mash-up of the Nahuatl (Aztec) words ahuacatl (avocado) and mole (mixture) has gone so upscale, customers now routinely shell out…

CLOSED: Mike’s Kitchen & BBQ Food Truck

In the latest food truck news: Short Leash is moving into a brick-and-mortar location (and keeping its truck), you can buy the former Epic Hot Dogs mobile kitchen on eBay, and now, Mike’s Kitchen & BBQ is pulling into the parking lot — permanently. See also: – Six Phoenix Food…

A Trio of Easy-to-Make Summer Rolls

A few days ago, I came across a package of rice paper in my pantry and was inspired to make a trio of summer rolls. Any combination of ingredients that make a good chopped salad also will make a good summer roll. Rice paper starts out rigid and it easily…

Psst, Anybody Out There Wanna Buy the Fresh & Easy Chain?

On Wednesday, Tesco, the English-based company and owner of Fresh & Easy, announced it was getting the hell out of the U.S. and selling its money pit grocery store chain that wouldn’t let you touch the fruit, never had the brands you wanted, and made you check out your own…

Ahwatukee’s Wedge & Bottle: A Curd Nerd’s Paradise

To form an opinion of Ahwatukee’s Wedge & Bottle, you may want to first consider its heady melted cheese sandwiches. See also: – Taquitos Jalisco: Easy Familiarity and Robust Flavor in Mesa – A Formidable Cuban Sandwich and More on Phoenix’s West Side Densely packed with gourmet cheeses, meats, and…

Paleo Recipes for Brownies and Banana Bread

If you haven’t yet heard of the Paleo lifestyle, you’re in for a treat. The Paleo philosophy is really simple: eat only whole, unprocessed foods and cut out all grains, legumes, and refined sugars. I know that cutting out grains and legumes may sound like the opposite of what many…

Ted’s Hot Dogs: A (30-Year-Old!) Slice of Buffalo, New York, in Tempe

The Guilty Pleasure: White hot dog, onion rings, loganberry drink Where to Get It: Ted’s Hot Dogs, McClintock and Broadway Price: About $8-$10, depending on choice of dog and drink size What It Really Costs: Charring, fat, and sugar, respectively? It’s the bad-for-you trinity! Sometimes, I don’t understand my brain…

Gnocchi Knockout: Rancho Pinot vs. Crudo

Growing up, we loved everything potato-based. It was no chore for Mom to get us to chow down on French fries, mashed potatoes, and hash browns. It’s hard to remember exactly when we found out that our other favorite, pasta, also came in potato form, but we do remember falling…

What Is the Role of the Food Critic?

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. Writer, analyst, restaurant rater? To the reader, the job of a food critic may consist…

FlashFood Recovery Nominated for Coolest College Start-Up

Bothered by the large amount of food waste in the industry, whether it’s from a restaurant, grocery store, or catered event? The team at FlashFood Recovery has an innovative way to get extra food into hungry bellies, and you’re just one Facebook “like” away from showing your support. Homegrown at…

Chris Bianco to Open Pizzeria Bianco in Tucson This Fall

Tucson’s downtown restaurant scene is on fire, and it’s about to get even better. James Beard Award-winner Chris Bianco plans to open a second Pizzeria Bianco on East Congress Street, right next to HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery. See also: — Popular Flagstaff Restaurateurs Expand to Tucson (Not Phoenix) and…

Postino Owners to Open Joyride Taco House in Gilbert in June

Restaurateurs Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey are at it again. The duo behind Upward Projects, the restaurant group responsible for all three Postino locations, as well as Windsor, Churn, and Federal Pizza, have announced that their latest concept, Joyride Taco House, will open inside downtown Gilbert’s Historic Grainbelt Building on…