Tastemaker No. 1

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

AndyTalk: The Simple Pleasure of Chocolate Bruschetta

My Chocolate Bruschetta is like cinnamon toast on a hefty dose of steroids. How good is it? Sandy (AndyFood’s sous chef) is a vegetarian who aspires to veganism. This dessert trumps her vegan inclinations every time. She always has a slice.

Taking a Walk on the Royal Side at Hue Gourmet

For those who want to eat like a king, or in this case, an emperor, an imperial legacy of dishes can be found in one, rather strange place in the Valley. A counter-service stand in the Mekong Plaza food court in Mesa: Hue Gourmet. Distinctive to the rest of the…

Hue Gourmet: Vietnamese Cuisine Fit for Royalty

Oddly enough, a Mesa mall food court is the only place in the Valley where one can say they’ve truly eaten the cuisine of a king — or in this case, an emperor. Here, at a small counter-service eatery, under the glow of fluorescent lights that illuminate shoppers, texting teens,…

Tastemaker No. 2

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

CLOSED: Fusion Sushi China Bistro

Scratch one less Scottsdale restaurant off your list for sushi and Chinese food. Fusion Sushi China Bistro has shuttered. Opened in September of 2008 at Frank Lloyd Wright and Pima roads, Fusion Sushi China Bistro offered a classic selection of traditional Chinese fare (think walnut shrimp, sea bass with ginger-garlic…

What’s the Best Way to Send Food Back at a Restaurant?

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. We’ve all been there: hungrily taking the first bite of…

Citizen Public House: Happy Hour Report Card

The Spot: Citizen Public House, 7111 E. Fifth Avenue, Suite E, Scottsdale, 480-398-4208, www.citizenpublichouse.com. See also: Bernie Kantak Explains What’s Good About Food Network and How Josh Hebert Inadvertently Changed His LIfe Tastemaker #16: Bernie Kantak The Hours: Happy Hour is offered 3 to 6 p.m. daily…

Tastemaker No. 3

From now ’til we publish the 2012 edition of Best of Phoenix, New Times and Chow Bella present 100 Tastemakers — Valley residents who make the cut in our culinary scene. Some you’ll know; for others, it’ll be a first introduction (but likely not the last). While you’re here, check…

S.e.e.d. Cafe Opening This Week in Arcadia

A one-stop spot for fitness training and healthy eating is coming to Arcadia, specifically to the northeast corner of 38th Street and Indian School: the Madison Improvement Club (featuring yoga and spin) and its S.e.e.d Cafe (“Sustainable. Edible. Entirely. Delicious.”) See also: Sutra Midtown Builds Juice Bar, Finds Old House…

Go Get It NOW: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

The Guilty Pleasure: Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Where To Get It: Trader Joe’s, several locations Valleywide Price: $1.29 for an 8 ounce tub. What It Really Costs: As much sugar as an 8 ounce serving of soda. It’s closing in on the end of September, which means the season of pumpkin-flavored…