Ex-Kai Chef Michael O’Dowd Leaving Downtown’s Sheraton Phoenix to Start Own Business; First Stop Is North Scottsdale’s Renegade Tap & Kitchen

Michael O’Dowd, the chef responsible for turning Kai into a culinary destination with national recognition, is setting his sights on another challenge: starting his own business. See also: – Short Leash Hot Dogs to Open Permanent Location in Downtown Phoenix – “Arizona’s Hottest New Patio” Opens in Tempe O’Dowd, who’s…

Caramelpalooza 2013: And the Winners Are….

Twenty chefs, hundreds of people, and thousands of caramels — Smeeks and Chow Bella’s Caramelpalooza 2013, held Friday night at Biltmore Fashion Park, was (if we say so ourselves) the biggest and best yet. Stay tuned this week for a complete caramel play-by-play by judge JK Grence, who writes Chow…

Here Are the Winners of the 2013 Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame

Hold on to your apron strings, folks. The Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame has announced its 2013 winners. See also: – Top 5 Favorite Events at the 2013 Scottsdale Culinary Festival – Crudo Chef Cullen Campbell Invited to Cook at the James Beard House Presented by the Scottsdale Culinary Festival…

“Arizona’s Hottest New Patio” Opens in Tempe Today

Heads up, outdoor lounge-y types; “Arizona’s Hottest New Patio” opens in Tempe today. See also: – Bink’s Midtown Is a Must (Especially When It Comes to Veggies) – New Restaurant Opens at Chase Field: Think Barbecue, Sandwiches Wrapped in Tape Measures, and the “Hottest Wings in Baseball” Featuring seating for…

Caramelpalooza 2013: An Illustrated Field Guide for April 5

Tomorrow night’s the night, people! Caramelpalooza 2013 is here: Friday, April 5, 7 p.m. (and don’t dawdle, the caramel’s gone fast in previous years). If you haven’t already bought tickets, no worries — there will be plenty for sale at the event: $10 for five tickets, with proceeds benefiting the…

A Formidable Cuban Sandwich and More on Phoenix’s West Side

For those who worship their hoagies at the altar of the sandwich press, there may not be a more perfect creation than the Cuban sandwich. A concoction of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard stuffed into crunchy, buttered bread, it’s toasted in a sandwich press until its filling…

Psst, Wanna Buy an (Epic) Food Truck?

On November 29, 2012, Epic Hot Dogs, a food truck serving weenies from all over the world (sorry), sputtered out after just over a year of being in the mobile-kitchen business. See also: – Six Phoenix Food Trucks, Rated – Hao Bao Food Truck Hitting the Brakes — For Now…

Three Ways to Wrap Asparagus

This week, it was suggested that I look for different ways to wrap asparagus. “Great!” I thought, as I love asparagus. Browsing recipes, though, I realized that in addition to loving asparagus, I’m quite the particular eater. I don’t eat pork and I can’t do gluten, which means I can’t…