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 recently-launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Market Street Kitchen: Piggy Wings, lomi lomi, and big eye poke
Wednesday, July 20th. I've been a long-time fan of Market Street Kitchen (I chose to spotlight it in a 2014 issue of AZ Wine Lifestyle), but it had been a while since I've visited this North Scottsdale gem. Well, now I have an even bigger excuse to get here more regularly: Garrit's fantastic cocktails and Secret Treasure Island Tiki Menu, and Chef Hunn's dishes, especially those drawing on his Hawaiian roots such as teriyaki "piggy wings", sockeye salmon lomi lomi, and big eye tuna poke with mango and shiso leaves. Follow this link for a detailed recap.
Thursday, July 21st. It was with great anticipation that Phoenix fans awaited James Beard Award-nominated chef Silvana Salicido Esparza's new restaurant - Barrio Gran Cafe Reserva. I had made reservations the first day they were accepted, but then had to cancel, so I was really looking forward to a wonderful dinner catching up with our friend Kathy. I loved everything about it, including its intimate size (I think it seats about 25 people) and the beautiful art.
The wonderful food really speaks to Chef's philosophy and the tasting menu is different than anything she has done at her previous restaurants. It captures the true spirit of Mexico in a sophisticated yet unassuming way. You can see a lot of heart and dreams went into this little jewel.
Kathy and I chose the tasting menu, while my husband opted for a la carte items of tableside guacamole and mole du jour.
Oaxacan chocolate mousse with Ancho Reyes, mezcal berres, crema chantilly
Saturday, July 25. After celebrating the 6th anniversary of Phoenix Bites (congratulations Taryn!) we stopped on the way home at Crudo. I've been a fan since their original location (I wrote this in 2010 after a visit with current food critic Dom of the AZ Republic), and since then it's gone on to win awards and accolades for both food and cocktails. Another amazing dinner with our friends Margo and Norman just made us realize how overdue we were for a visit. They also have one of the best deals in town as dinner can be coursed with your own choices from the menu: 3 for $35, 4 for $45, 5 for $55. The four of us feasted on three courses each and some of our dishes at another perfect night at Crudo included:
Sunday, July 24. Doing errrands in our NW Valley neighborhood, we stopped at a favorite BBQ spot for a quick supper at Dillon's KC BBQ: Award-winning onion rings, smoked chicken taquitos, and the brisket platter with a side of BBQ beans and coleslaw
Check back next week as my plans include visits to Citizen Public House, a bar competition at Wasted Grain, Deseo at the Westin Kierland, Craft 64, The Mission, Eddie's House, and Bitter and Twisted.
To browse past Rubee Tuesday recaps, click this link.
A recently-launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
SumoMaya's Billionaire Roll with wagyu, snowcrab, asparagus, truffle aioli, and gold flake
Wednesday, July 13. I haven't been to Tanzy in a while, and we had a great reminder of how good it is when we took a Tanzygram Teach class, saw a movie at iPic, and returned for dinner. Click on the photo below for a detailed recap.
Thursday, July 14. What took me so long to get to SumoMaya? It's a beautiful restaurant with fantastic food (I especially love Chef Roberto Madrid's Peruvian accents) and excellent cocktails. For details and photos on our first visit, click on the picture below.
Sumo tiradito with hamachi, passionfruit sauce, lemon sorbet, dulce de leche and choclo
Saturday, July 16. Noah Momyer is the new head bartender at Blue Hound by way of Seattle and he's mixing and shaking things up with his creative libation list. Look for a recap and photos to post next week on some of his stellar cocktails, along with a sampling of Chef Sean Currid's recent menu additions.
Fried green tomatoes with spicy remoulade and jumbo lump crab
And since we were right across the street, we popped in to Bitter and Twisted for a Negroni nightcap and a bonus - Ross let me know that I could still get a HighSpirited cupcake! This week's special was theOld Fashioned cupcake with cherry vanilla velvet cake stuffed with Four Roses bourbon pastry cream and frosted with bourbon and orange buttercream.
Monday, July 18. I attended a media event at VomFASS in Scottsdale and felt like a kid in a candy store! It was full of treats to drink, eat, and cook with, including vinegars, oils, condiments, pastas, liqueurs, wine and spirits (be sure to check out their cask-aged selection). Click this link for a detailed recap and more photos.
Monday, July 18. I was also invited to a special Chef's Roll competition at The Camby Hotel. Chef Dushyant Singh of The Camby and Chef Jeremy McMillan of Bourbon Steak pulled out all the stops.
We started with Bee's Knees at a welcome reception before taking our seats to watch the chefs in action. Both a People's Choice and judges' scores were tallied. Congratulations to Chef Dushyant for the win! He will be traveling to San Diego for the Rock'n Chef Final. More information can be found at this link.
A recently-launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Squash blossom stuffed with mesquite-smoked lobster on roasted corn puree at Sel in Scottsdale
Tuesday, July 5. Proof at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort held a contest inviting Facebook fans to suggest a burger with creative toppings for a BYOB or Build Your Own Burger. The winning submission would be featured for a week in July. I was so excited to find out that my Spanish-inspired burger won, and also that it would be featured for the whole month! On Tuesday, we were invited for dinner to launch the burger and I even joined the chefs in the kitchen. Click the photo below for details of the delicious burger Chef Joey Cavaretta created. Thank you Chefs!
Chorizo burger with smoked paprika mayo, Manchego cheese, romesco, and arugula
Wednesday, July 6. My favorite neighborhood steakhouse, Arrowhead Grill in Glendale, had a Buy One, Get One special on their signature Delmonico. It's my favorite cut so I didn't hesitate when my husband suggested dinner out. And bonus! We timed it right for Wine Down Wednesday where they offer special bottles at 50% per off. Justin Vineyards Isosceles was a perfect pairing.
We also shared sides of baked stuffed potatoes and creamed spinach, and finished with the addictive butter cake. And a shout-out to Ronnie Buchanan for the great service.
Thursday, July 7. On assignment for the Scottsdale Visitors Bureau, we spent an evening at downtown Scottsdale's weekly Artwalk. What a fun event. It was my first time (what took me so long?), but not my last. The theme was International Artwalk and in addition to beautiful galleries like Casa des Artistas owned by one of my husband's high school friends, I admired Vietnamese artists at the Calvin Charles Gallery, and enjoyed entertainment such as Japanese Taiko Drummers and live Caribbean music and Japanese lanterns.
Cocktail and restaurant stops included a new gem I had never been to before: Sel. Located right in the middle of the artwalk (it was a former gallery), it's a wonderful find that has only been open three months. Chef Branden Levine welcomes guests to a fine dining experience with a four-course, prix fixe dinner menu. You can also order a la carte, as we did when we stopped in for excellent cocktails and fabulous appetizers before our stroll. Look for a future in-depth feature when we return for dinner.
We strolled on to more galleries and our next two stops: Offering 35+ wines by the glass and live music, 5th and Wine was a perfect oasis to cool down and take a break between the galleries. Bonus was live music on gallery nights.
Later, we ended our evening with cocktails at the bar of Citizen Public House. We also couldn't resist ordering another round of appetizers. Thanks to Elijah for the great recommendations and cocktails.
Crabcakes, yellowfin ceviche, and Bernie's mac 'n cheese
Sunday, July 10. We weren't out, but since it was National Piña Colada Day, we had to whip some up at home.
Monday, July 11. Uber announced the launch of its UberEats Phoenix program at DeSoto Central Market. Check out the current UberEats delivery area, which will be expanding in the near future. Invitees at the private event were treated to cocktails from Bitter and Twisted, an array of delicious food by The Larder + The Delta, Tacos Chiwas, The Vig, The Clever Koi, and, for dessert, High Spirited Cupcakes. Yes, you can now have dishes from Phoenix' best restaurants like these delivered right to your door. Aside from enjoying Lauren Klein's wonderful High Spirited Cupcakes at Bitter and Twisted, UberEats is now exclusively the only other way to get these delicious boozy cupcakes.
A recently-launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Chef Bob Tam's Momo Ramen Burger at Bitter and Twisted
Tuesday, June 28. I attended a Modern Luxury Scottsdale Magazine event to celebrate their Best of the City 2016 issue at the Omni Resort at the Montelucia, a beautiful venue and one of our favorite resorts. We were greeted with cocktails and guests feasted on delicious food from the team of Executive Chef Michael Cairns and Executive Sous Chef Marcos Seville, such as roasted New York strip loin with creamy cauliflower puree and crab cakes with mangio aioli. Afterwards, we joined writer friend Teresa Traverse and Jacob and Natalie, Homeboys Hot Sauce Best of the City winners, for a cocktail at Prado. Thanks for the excellent margarita Victor!
Wednesday, June 29. It's always a treat to get together with Melissa Larsen, editor of Arizona Foothills Magazine. Not only was I looking forward to a double date with her and her husband, but it would be their first visit to one of my top favorites - Bitter and Twisted. We made it for the last days of the June-only Daring Dining Menu, and Chef Bob Tam sent out a few surprises he's been working on. Wow!! Every time I come here I'm reminded of what a creative genius he is (homemade bagaoong - yes!). And, as always, so happy they still had a couple of High Spirited Cupcakes left.
"Grits & Eggs" with Chinese sausage, garlic chives, bean sprouts, soy, Homeboy's Hot Sauce, sesame shallot oil, homemade bagoong
Gin Soaked Summer" with Plymouth Gin velvet cake, blueberries, limoncello French buttercream
Thursday, July 30. I couldn't be more thrilled for my wonderful friend Kristy, co-founder of Where Should We Eat, as I celebrated her baby shower with friends and family at Drexyl. Congratulations to Kristy, Mike, and Baby W!
Friday, July 1. If you're active in the beverage industry, you've probably met my gregarious and sweet friend Kelli, who is currently the Disaronno Brand Ambassador West. That meant that as we caught up over Kir Violettes, I received beverage gifts (and education!) during our lunch at Christopher's - another favorite that I need to get to more often. Thank you Kelli!
Saturday, June 3. We joined our dear friends and most frequent dining partners, Bill and Lill of AZ Bitters Lab, at one of our favorite steakhouses - Phoenix' iconic Durant's (though I'm overdue to write a feature, here's a past Happy Hour article I wrote for AZ Wine Lifestyle). A special bonus was having Mari Howe join us for a cocktail before she moves to Hawaii next week (and an order of her beautiful handmade jewelry).
Of course, we made sure to bring our Free Dessert for Life chips!
Check back next week when I visit Proof at the Four Seasons for my Spanish burger launch, Arrowhead Grill, explore the Scottsdale Artwalk with visits to Sel, 5th and Wine, Citizen Public House, and head to DeSoto Market for a special event.
A recently launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Etch at L'Auberge de Sedona
Monday, June 21. After a night at the Sedona Rouge to attend Mariposa's celebratory first year anniversary wine dinner, we headed home, but not without a stop at one of my favorite Sedona destinations, L'Auberge de Sedona with its idyllic creekside setting. Check back next week for a detailed recap under the Travel section.
Friday, June 24. Dinner plans included the best favorite chicken fried steak in town - at TEXAZ Grill, a beloved Phoenix institution for over 30 years. Click the photo below for details and more pictures.
Since we didn't dine out as often this week, I had a chance to do some home cooking, including quesadillas with Sonoran tortillas from Anita's in Tucson, local Arizona Homeboy's Verde, and homemade chili verde with Hatch chiles and tomatillos from my garden.
Check back next week when my plans include the Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia, Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Drexyl, Christopher's and Durant's.
A recently launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Photo by Debby Wolvos and Jenelle Bonifield
Wednesday, June 15. I was invited to a media preview of Honor Amongst Thieves, the dark and cozy cocktail lounge above Stock and Stable. With a cocktail program directed by acclaimed libation expert Steph Teslar, I had high expectations and they were both met and surpassed. Cocktails are sophisticated versions rooted in classics, and there's also a bar menu serving dinner after 10 pm. Favorites for me included the complex Varnish with Olmeca Altos reposado tequila, Cynar 70, caramel-corn infused rancio, and dry cider, while my husband raved about the Remington with its smooth blend of shortbread-infused scotch, Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, white chocolate, and chamomile cordial, served with a side of dark chocolate treats. For more information, visit this link(edited: Steph Teslar is no longer with Honor Amongst Thieves).
Thursday, June 16. Any time I'm invited by Heidi Simpson Lee to be on her radio show Into the Soup, I answer with a resounding yes. This week I joined some of my favorite people - Michelle Jacoby of Bite Magazine, film producer Andrew Gooi, and Rick Philips, owner of Bootleggers. We talked food and travel as we recorded while sipping on Lonestar Mules and savoring Bootleggers menu favorites. You can listen in on our episode at this link.
Me, sound expert Steve, Heidi, Michelle, Andrew, and Rick
Smoked turkey, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork, brisket, coleslaw and Schreiner's hot links.
Friday-Saturday, June 17-18. I was invited to cover Tuscon's inaugural Mexican food festival called the Tucson 23, including a weekend stay at host hotel, the beautiful JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort, and activities ranging from a chefs dinner to seminars and the main event. For a detailed recap of the Friday night kick-off dinner, click on the photo below.
Find more information here, and click the photo below for the Saturday seminars and main event recap,
Photo by Debby Wolvos Photography
Sunday, June 19. Terri Worthington, Senior Marketing Manager for Marriott International, recommended a visit to Prep and Pastry on our way home, and I absolutely loved it. Look for a review under the Travel section, including this highlight:
Monday, June 20. This time, we headed north to Sedona for a media invitation to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Mariposa Latin Grill (one of my favorite Sedona restaurants) with a Justin wine dinner led by Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman. It was a fantastic evening from start to finish. You can find the menu here, and a detailed recap by clicking on the photo below.
Check back next week when I lunch at L'Auberge de Sedona (and try their wonderful barrel-aged Negroni!) and plan to visit TEXAZ Grill, home of my favorite chicken-fried steak.
Tuesday, June 7. I had lunch at St. Francis with one of my favorite Valley chefs , super-talented culinary star Samantha Sanz of The Four Seasons Scottsdale (look for a future feature on what she is doing at Onyx).
Tuesday-Wednesday, June 7-8. I joined Food & Lifestyles for a staycation at one of my favorite hotels - The Camby. It included interviews and photo shoots with Chef Dushyant Singh of Artizen and Libby Longlott of the Bee's Knees cocktail lounge. They are both amazing talents introducing all-new menus this month. Look for special features in the upcoming weeks. A preview of photos by Jenelle Bonifield of Food & Lifestyles:
Sunday, June 12. I've been wanting to get to Brickyard Downtown in Chandler and cocktails and appetizers before a Los Lonely Boys concert was the perfect excuse. Verdict? Worth the 45-minute drive for us. I loved everything about it - the warm, inviting space with reclaimed elements, excellent craft cocktails from bartenders Henry and Tyler with mixologist Bobby Kramer, a delicious menu designed for grazing by Executive Chef Aaron Rickel (formerly of Elements), and friendly owner Gavin Jacobs. Bonus? YES! A bar with comfortable cushioned bar seats with backs which Gavin told me were custom-designed.
Monday, June 13. I was invited to explore some of the gluten-free breakfast items at U.S. Egg, and my waffle, made with corn and rice flour, was a highlight. Click on the picture below for more details of our visit.
Check back next week when I attend a media preview of Honor Amongst Thieves, record another episode of Into the Soup with Michelle Jacoby of Bite Magazine and filmmaker Andrew Gooi, and head south to Tucson for the Tucson 23 and a staycation at JW Marriott Star Pass and then north to Sedona for an anniversary wine dinner at Mariposa and a stay at Sedona Rouge.
A recently launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.
Wednesday, June 1st. I was thrilled to find out I was Guest of the Week at one of my favorite spots (thanks Ross!), so of course a visit to Bitter and Twisted was in order. I worked my way through a trio of infused Negronis (rose, Earl Grey tea, and jasmine) and, as always, Chef Bob Tam's food was the perfect, delicious accompaniment.
Thursday, June 2nd. I also have a full-time job as a medical editor with a company called Integrity HD and my bosses and owners of the company were in Phoenix for their yearly trip. We had a great time catching up at La Bocca in North Scottsdale.
Thursday, June 2nd. One of my favorite PR industry professionals, Jan Brancamonte of J Lauren PR, celebrated five years with a rooftop party and cake and champagne at her office in Tempe.
Thursday, June 2nd. Afterwards, I attended a media preview for the opening of Stock and Stable, a fabulous new addition to midtown Phoenix. I loved the space, craft cocktails and the food, such as the double-cut pork chop with Noble bread, peaches and cipollini stuffing and the smoked corn manti with radishes, pepitas, feta cheese, and asparagus. In fact, I made plans to return next week for lunch with a friend. Photos below by Food & Lifestyles:
Saturday, June 4th. I spent a fun afternoon at The Gladly for the launch of Homeboy's Hot Sauce's new Verde, and a sneak peek at the The Gladly's Summer Cocktail list which debuts today (June 14). Click the picture below for a separate recap with details and photos by Chanelle Sinclair of iamchanelle photography.
Saturday, June 4. We FINALLY got to Tacos Chiwas, a place all my food-loving friends have been raving about. We got the namesake Tacos Chiwas (beef, ham and queso asadero), carne asada, and fried tripas tacos and rajas gorditas. Oh yes, we'll be back!
Sunday, June 5th. I joined friends (including Jenelle Bonifield of Food & Lifestyles and Sarah Mitchell of Eco Mama Green Clean) for dinner at a neighborhood favorite - Pomo. This time, I tried a new pasta and loved it. I'll be ordering it again - strozzapreti alla salsiccia with a creamy tomato sauce, ground sausage, rosemary, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
El Chiquito (Fernet Branca, Contratto Rosso vermouth, soda, lime
Cauliflower with currants and almonds
Pulpo/grilled octopus with potatoes and paprika
Beef milanesa sandwich topped with a fried egg
Wednesday, 5/4/2016 (Part I): I joined the fabulous team of VisitPhoenix along with some of my favorite travel writers for a media luncheon to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week at the new Herb Box at the Colony (look for an upcoming dinner recap when I return next week).
Wednesday, 5/4/2016 (Part II): After the Herb Box, I met up with some fellow USBG Phoenix members at Ocotillo for brainstorming on a Moscow Mule fundraiser while I enjoyed some cocktails. It's always nice to spend time with Kim, Lillian, Kirti, and Cristen and I think we came up with a great game plan. A special treat was to run into friends filmmaker Andrew Gooi, Stephanie Sanstead with the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass, and Chef de CuisineRyan Swansonof Kai. Be sure to check out the video below with Geoffrey Wilson's fabulous Write On Rubee cocktail (gin, chartreuse, Campari, egg white, and Serrano Spice) at Ocotillo.
Andrew Gooi, Stephanie Sanstead and Chef Ryan Swanson
Wednesday, 5/4/2016 (Part III): Due to car trouble, AAA and a car tow (with great service from Jesse!) we ended up with an impromptu Part III. We finished our day at The Capital Grille in North Scottsdale treating Ernie, Jr. to dinner as a thank-you for driving us home. One of our favorite steakhouses, it's always great to see manager Brian and bartender Matt (and order my favorite lobster mac 'n cheese in town).
Thursday, 5/5/2016: I had a fabulous time at the fun and festive Cinco de Mayo media preview of Counter Intuitive's 1929 Agua Caliente episode which debuted on May 6th to the public (click on photo for more pictures).
Friday, 5/6/2016: Write On Rubee celebrated a 2016 Favorite Local Food Website win at Arizona Foothills Magazine Best of Our Valley Bash at the SandBar (and nice to chat with Favorite Mixologist winner Jon Crone of Proof and Brian Leeds of Hopdoddy's!) We later retired to La Bocca to end the evening with our friends and fellow winners Tram Mai (Channel 12 winner of Favorite TV Personality) and her husband Steve Kraus (Favorite Valley Dad) and owner of Press Coffee Food and Wine (Best Sky Harbor Airport Dining).
Afterwards, photographer Jenelle Bonifeld and I lunched at Andreoli's, an Italian favorite in North Scottsdale which I've previously mentioned here and here.
