An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.
A weekly feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Wednesday, November 15:Arboleda (Scottsdale Quarter). Arboleda is one of our favorites, so when we were invited to attend their first wine dinner, there was no hesitation. The evening featured Emilio Moro winery from Ribera Del Duero in Spain with special guest Mario Moro.
Our main course was WorldClass Argentine ribeye with Calabrian chile butter, duck fat roasted potatoes and charred scallion - click the photo below to watch my video reel for a recap of our wonderful night.
Thursday, November 16: Hermosa Inn (Paradise Valley). We were invited to a party commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Lon Megarees' "The Last Drop from His Stetson" painting. The celebration included branded Stetson leather luggage tags, unveiling of the Inn’s gorgeous @pendletonwm blankets, a 56-year-old Last Drop whisky, and delicious bites from the new executive chef, Brian Peterson, whom I first met at the Arizona Biltmore,
Afterwards, we joined our friends Sean and Nicole Minor of Sean Minor Wines, who just happened to be in town and staying at the Hermosa Inn, for dinner at Lon’s.
Click on the photo below to see a video reel of the night’s festivities.
Friday, November 17: Urban Agave (Glendale). Another new spot comes to our neighborhood! We swung by the launch party for Urban Agave, owned by Sky Restaurant Concepts, owners of Squid Ink Sushi in Peoria and Highball Cocktail Bar in downtown Phoenix. We’ll be back to check it out for lunch or Happy Hour.
Afterwards, we hit our favorite West Valley Chinese restaurant, D&Y Chinese in Glendale, where I ordered favorites like qing chao dou miao, or stir-fried pea tendrils with garlic,and salt and pepper pork chop (and my husband’s usual order of Westlake soup, pork fried rice, and shrimp in lobster sauce).
Sunday, November 19:The Stetson Social (Peoria). We’d been looking forward to the opening of this new spot by our friend, restaurateur Mario Rana of Osteria Mia, and then it took us four months to finally carve out time for a visit. We love having a neighborhood wine bar serving global small plates so close to our house, and already have plans to return with mom and dad.
Highlights included muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip), Spanish croquettes with jamón Serrano, and the double cheese burger.
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for an anniversary staycation at Andaz and visits to CRUjiente Tacos, Grey Hen at Century Grand, Avanti, Sunny’s Lounge/Say Less, Restaurant Progress, and Turquoise Wine Bar.
A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Abel Arriaga of Compa Spirits at Arizona Biltmore
Thursday, July 6: D&Y Chinese (Glendale). For our final dinner with family visiting from New Hampshire, we headed to our favorite neighborhood Chinese spot (you can see more in past Rubee Tuesdays here). Another delicious feast, including a new favorite - tamarind crab with fresh crab from their seafood tanks.
Sunday, July 9:Compa Spirits cocktail dinner at the Arizona Biltmore (Phoenix). Another fun educational experience with guest host Abel Arriaga, founder of Compa Spirits, this time at Renata’s Hearth! He’s been introducing Arizona to some fantastic artisanal spirits. Check out this fantastic menu by Chef Daniel Weber and cocktail pairings by lead bartender Tara.
You can see more on my video reel by clicking the photo below:
Chef Carlos Rodriguez Rios of ‘Hearth 61 and Course, Abel Arriaga of Compa Spirits, and Lisa Carrington of The Cocktail Maven
Abel will be hosting his next Compa Spirits’ cocktail dinner at Chilte on Sunday, August 6th, and I’ll be back for more! Details at THIS LINK.
Monday, July 10: Course (Scottsdale). I was thrilled to be invited to Course’s inaugural wine dinner. In celebration of the new summer tasting menu and the Sassicaia summer release, chef-owner Cory Oppold and GM Nick Padua paired dishes with wines from the Kobrand Imports European portfolio.
Nick and Cory introduced each course, and special guest Steve Schwartz of Kobrand shared the story behind the wines. What a spectacular dinner!
This is also the five-course dinner being served Tuesday and Wednesday nights (with different wine pairings), so make a reservation to experience it for yourself.
Thursday, July 13:Chantico (Phoenix). I had a great time joining fellow writers for a special evening with Sandra Felix, Director of the Baja California Sur Tourism Board, to learn more about this beautiful destination. Can’t wait to visit!
Four of my favorite Chantico dishes: Shrimp aguachile, halibut ceviche, grilled tiger shrimp with coconut rice, and cochinita pibil.
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to The Americano, Toror at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, Arboleda, Bourbon and Bones Peoria, and Proof at the Four Seasons.
Thursday, May 25: JW Marriott Desert Ridge. We had family visiting from Texas and one of our traditions (see last year) has been to spend a day poolside in a Canyon Creek Lazy River Day Suite. These luxurious cabanas offer a private half bathroom, air conditioning, misting system, indoor and outdoor seating, and more, and the kids love being steps from the lazy river (this year’s video HERE).
And the JW Marriott Desert Ridge pool amenities are actually going to get bigger and better with a current expansion into AquaRidge WaterPark. This $18 million pool transformation will include an enhanced lazy river, Havasu Playground with three new water slides, and an exclusive adults-only Sky Island. Click the photo below to get all the details.
Saturday, May 27: The Mexicano (North Scottsdale). This is one of our favorite spots with one of our favorite chefs - Fidencio Alatriste - and I knew the kids would love the fun menu and colorful vibe.
Chef Fidencio Alatriste of the Mexicano
And good timing! Our visit happened to be three days after the launch of new cocktails and menu items, and you’ll want to add these to your new favorites list:
Amor Amago with tequila repo, lime, agave, and chocolate bitters; Summer Fling Margarita with strawberry and kiwi
Ahi tacos with chipotle mayo and serrano ponzu
Watermelon ensalada fresca
Chicken tinga empanadas
The BEST chicharrones (my Mexican husband said he hasn't had chicharrones this good since he was a kid)
Conchas stuffed with vanilla cream, flan with roasted pineapple and vanilla whipped cream, pineapple empanadas with caramel sauce, and a churro cart with chocolate, caramel, and tres leches dipping sauces. Gracias, Fidencio!
Thursday. June 1: D&Y Chinese (Glendale). A family dinner at our favorite neighborhood Chinese spot included trying three new-to-us dishes from the menu - roast duck carved Peking style with steamed buns, beef chow fun, and honey walnut shrimp.
Friday, June 2: Francine (Scottsdale Fashion Square). Though we’ve been long-time fans of Francine and have been many times, our last visit was more than a year ago so we were long overdue. When we were invited to check out the spring menu, I was excited to meet new Executive Chef Connor Harmon and try his dishes. What a talent! We loved both the savory dishes, and his dessert creations. Here’s our fabulous feast (and you can watch a video Reel HERE):
Grilled WorldClass Portuguese octopus with piperade, Niçoise olives and fennel.
Grilled WorldClass octopus at Francine
Pure Bliss (gin, Chartreuse, Lillet, Chareau) and vodka Martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives; frito mixto; pea soup en croute with crab; spinach risotto with pistachios and lobster add-on (now my favorite risotto in town!); chicken Milanese; Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils Clos des Ormes Premier Cru.
Herb-crusted WorldClass Patagonian lamb chops with baby vegetable sauté and rosemary olive oil, paired with 2017 Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils Clos des Ormes Premier Cru Burgundy.
WorldClass lamb chops at Francine
Chocolate pot de crème with hazelnut crumble and Grand Marnier chantilly; Espresso Martini; lemon curd tart with torched meringue; Scholar’s Folly (Whistlepig 10-year rye, Averna, Manzanilla sherry).
Olive oil cake with local Steadfast Farm honey, salted caramel sauce, lemon and honey mascarpone, olive oil powder and honeycomb tuile.
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Trevor’s for a Tasting Panel magazine feature, Chilte at The Egyptian Motor Lodge, a Mother Road Beer Dinner at Arizona Biltmore, Course for a SOMM Journal interview, Rice Paper, and Il Capo Pizzeria.
A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can readpast Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Restaurateur Mark Stone and Executive Chef Angelo Sosa, co-owners of Tia Carmen at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Saturday, April 29: Tia Carmen, Scottsdale. We were invited to join the one-year celebration of Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. As I’ve gotten to know co-owners Mark Stone and Chef Angelo Sosa in my interviews (for So Scottsdale magazine, SOMM Journal, and A Taste of AZ), I loved having the opportunity to celebrate their success with them!
I started with a Yuzu and Bergamot Paloma, before commemorating the occasion with a fantastic wine-paired tasting menu of Tia Carmen’s signature dishes (above), all of which have become personal favorites over the past year.
And thank you to Mark for introducing us to - and joining us in - a Don Abraham Extra Anejo Tequila nightcap. It was the perfect ending to a special night at Tia Carmen. For a video Reel of the Grand Opening in 2022, click HERE.
Monday, May 1: Arizona Restaurant Week Dine-Around Preview. The Spring Arizona Restaurant Week takes place May 19-28 this year and I joined a lively media group as we toured three of the 160 restaurants offering special menus: Arboleda for appetizers, Thompson 101 for entrees, and cocktails and dessert at Chauncey Social. Reel:
And since we ended at Chauncey Social which was next door to The Americano, I had to stop by to check out the new cocktails. In addition to an excellent Espresso Martini, I loved the new Live and Let Thai with tea-infused vodka, Velvet Falernum, Chocolate Spice bitters, pandan, blood orange and Prosecco, and the Fiore di Vitae with Salvadoreno coffee rum, Bacardi, pomegranate, lavender, Primitivo and Flores Bitters.
Tuesday, May 2:D & Y Chinese, Glendale. Back to our favorite Chinese restaurant! My mom actually discovered this gem when she was looking for a spot in the NW Valley that had roast duck, but now we’ve been here more often than they have. Not only do they have roast duck (which we usually get to-go), but they also have tanks with fresh lobster, crab, and fish. We try something different every time (the menu is much larger than that on the website), but my current favorite dishes are Westlake soup, salt and pepper pork chop, green beans with XO sauce, sugar pea shoots with garlic, salted fish and eggplant pot, salt and pepper lobster, and roast duck. TIP: Call ahead to reserve your duck order as they sometimes run out.
Wednesday, May 3:Arboleda, Scottsdale Quarter. If you’ve read my past Rubee Tuesdays, you already know that this is a favorite of mine. This time, we introduced Meridith May and her husband Bill Brandel, owners of The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines, to this fantastic spot.
Worldclass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with sourdough tomato toast
I’ve already mentioned previous favorite dishes like hummus and WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with pan con tomate (above), but now I’m adding El Bulli olive spheres, foie gras cones, coffee and date-glazed duck breast, and Ibérico pluma to the list! Look for my Arboleda article in the next issue of A Taste of AZ magazine.
Baked Arizona with prickly pear sorbet and Chocolate Marshmallow Sundae paired with a Bonal divestivo at Arboleda
Thursday, May 4: Pomo Pizzeria, Biltmore. There’s a new location for your Neapolitan pizza fix! I’ve been a long time fan of Pomo and their fantastic pizza (and pasta) and featured them in my Phoenix Cooks cookbook. So of course we had to stop by for their Biltmore Grand Opening celebration and enjoy Aperol Spritzes, charcuterie, and a mini Neapolitan pizza.
We continued our ItalIan night with a first visit to Giuseppe's On 28th, a 20+ year Valley fixture. Cute, cozy neighborhood spot and friendly service, with my favorite dish being the lobster ravioli with sage butter special.
Check back next week for visits to Renata’s Hearth, The Phoenician Kentucky Derby Party, a Taste of AZ podcast at Wrigley Mansion, Prime at Gila River Resort & Casino at Wild Horse Pass
And you can follow along on my Instagram as I visit Course (new restaurant alert!), STK Steakhouse, Arboleda, Pa’La Downtown, and The Cave at Quartz Cocktail Bar.
