I am a huge fan of Italian food. One of my culinary heroes (and heroes in general) was my Italian grandma would could whip up one amazing tomato sauce, pizza rolls like no other and a lasagna that no one is able to replicate. So, when it comes to Italian food, I have very high expectations, and [...]

A month ago, Asia de Cuba at Mondrian Scottsdale closed and made way for a new eatery, Cielo. While the stark white decor stays the same, the menu–and price points–are quite different. Though I was sad to know that my beloved calamari salad at Asia de Cuba was no more, I was excited to try [...]

When it comes to a sophisticated fine dining experience, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs in Phoenix is one of my favorites. This long, longtime Valley staple has always been a special occasion dining destination. And, now Different Pointe of View is offering a new Four Diamond Under $40 program which ensures that no [...]

Old Town Scottsdale has a brand new dining destination from four big names in Valley dining. Chef-owners Cullen Campbell (Fine’s Cellar) and Brandon Crouser (Atlas Bistro) have teamed with Lisa Giungo, formerly of Lisa G’s in Phoenix, and pastry chef extraordinaire Tracy Dempsey to create Crudo Café.
This tucked-away spot in housed inside Steven Paul Salon [...]

I might be one of the only Arizonans who actually doesn’t like gray skies and rain clouds, something we’ve seen a little too much of in the Valley lately for my taste. I like a bright days and clear skies, and am needing a dose of sunny persuasion, pronto. Luckily, after a lunch at Tommy Bahama Restaurant [...]

About 17 months ago, on my husband’s birthday, I decided to surprise him with reservations to his favorite restaurant: La Hacienda. Unfortunately, on that day, we were welcomed to the restaurant by being told that the restaurant had closed. Needless to say, it was a very sad day for both of us–and many Valley food lovers [...]

Yes, you might feel like you’re having a moment of deja vu.  Though it closed its doors a few months ago (after only being open for a few months), Regions Bistro and Bar is open once again under new ownership. After enjoying a delicious lunch at the Scottsdale location (there is also a Tempe location on [...]

As my colleague and I made the half-hour drive from our office to the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort in Fountain Hills, we had our fingers crossed that the fare at the resort’s Ahnala restaurant was well worth the trip. Luckily, it was. The AAA Four-Diamond resort has been a fixture in Fountain Hills for the [...]

The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix has long been one of the Valley’s most sophisticated spots. With the recent addition of the Frank & Albert’s restaurant, the Biltmore has combined this elegance with comforting Southwest-inspired eats that I can’t wait to dig into again–and soon!
Frank & Albert’s (named after architects Frank Lloyd Wright and his protege [...]