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.
I publish round-ups every Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Master sommelier Michael Jordan at Festivin at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix
Thursday-Saturday, January 11-13: Festivin at Wrigley Mansion (Phoenix). One of my favorite Arizona events is Festivin, a four-day event at the historic Wrigley Mansion celebrating wine, food, and education with special dinners, seminars, chef demos, and tastings. I’ll be posting a comprehensive recap of the events I attended, but, in the meantime, click the photo below to see my video reel.
The first course of Chef vs Chef with Rochelle Danielle and David Brito at Festivin at Wrigley Mansion
Sunday, January 14:Uchi Scottsdale pop-up preview. Uchi Scottsdale opens next month and we were invited to a pop-up at the beautiful home of our host, Chef Christopher Gross, for a special media preview.
Hai Hospitality founder and executive chef Tyson Cole of Uchi
Austin-based Hai Hospitality opens its acclaimed flagship concept in Old Town on February 1, and we had a chance to drink, dine and mingle with James Beard award-winning executive chef and founder Tyson Cole, Scottsdale chef de cuisine Blake Luecke, and other members of the talented team.
I already have my reservations for opening week, and I’ll also be returning at the end of the month with Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines.
To see more, click the photo below of chef de cuisine Blake Luecke for my video reel.
Uchi Scottsdale chef de cuisine Blake Luecke
Wednesday, January 17:Pyro (Phoenix). We enjoy meeting up with Meridith and Bill at least once a month, and this time we decided on Pyro. It was my second visit, and I was as equally impressed as I was during our first visit.
We ordered past favorites (Ibérico pork skewers, Pyro Caesar, Dungeness crab noodles), and new must-orders (beef tartare with tamarind aioli, short rib and kimchi fried rice with nori kizami, and roasted chicken with carrot-ginger puree and Tokyo turnips). Special thanks to GM Nisa for taking such good care of us with her excellent sake and wine suggestions!
Thursday, January 18:Pretty Penny (downtown Phoenix). The newest concept from Pour Bastards Hospitality (Disco Dragon, Killer Whale Sex Club, FYPM), Pretty Penny is a fantastic addition to the downtown culinary scene. We loved everything about it, from the welcoming glasses of prosecco and cozy vibe to the fantastic menu and craft cocktails. And did I mention the super-talented team that includes Hospitality Director Ivan Herrera and Executive Chef Marcellino Ramos? Click their photo for my video reel.
Cocktails: Charred Bloody Mary, Hot Topic, and Un-Pho-Gettable.
And we’ll be returning to work our way through the entire delicious-sounding menu (including caviar priced at cost!), but note down these three winners for your visit: Plum-infused duck breast carpaccio with umeboshi preserve and pickled myoga ginger; bluefin duo with akami toro, caramelized shallots, and guanciale; and steak tartare with Calabrian chili, cured duck egg yolk, and sangak (Persian flatbread).
Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). As I’ve mentioned in past Rubee Tuesdays, Anhelo is one of our favorites and after chatting with chef-owner Ivan earlier in the week, I made plans to stop by. My reward was this brand-new stunner of a dish that Ivan is working on - I hope it makes it on the menu!
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Bourbon and Bones Peoria, Otro, Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, and a Las Vegas assignment for Tasting Panel magazine.
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.
Foie gras torchon topped with papaya and pomegranate arils at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix
Michael Regan, Director of Operations of Elliott’s Steakhouse, The Hidden House, and Brickyard Downtown in Chandler
Thursday, August 31: Elliott’s Steakhouse (downtown Chandler). This swanky steakhouse set in a 1912 theater is the newest addition to the team who introduced The Brickyard Downtown and The Hidden House to Chandler. It’s all the buzz and I can see why - we had a fabulous first-time experience with Meridith May and her husband Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines.Look for my interview with Director of Operations Michael Regan in the February issue of SOMM Journal.
Friday, September 1: Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). As you can see from past recaps, Anhelo is a personal favorite. This time we joined WorldClass owner John Bergman and his team for another fantastic evening.
Lobster and tomato risotto at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix
Wednesday, September 6:Fat Ox (Scottsdale). We were overdue for a visit to this modern Italian steakhouse, and an interview with Beverage Director Christiaan Röllich was a perfect excuse. Look for my feature in the January issue of Tasting Panel magazine.
Friday, September 8:Famiglia (Scottsdale). When I saw Famiglia’s Arizona Restaurant Week menu on our last visit, I had to book a reservation.
My delicious feast included the Vesper Martini and wine pairings with Bangs Island mussels, slow-roasted porchetta, and pumpkin cannolo, while my husband opted for the prosciutto and melon appetizer with cacio pepe off the regular menu.
Saturday, September 9:Pa’La Downtown (downtown Phoenix). Our second stop for Arizona Restaurant Week was another favorite.
My husband ordered off the regular menu (hummus and WorldClass presa, a special cut of Iberico pork), while I chose the warm cabbage Caesar salad and the WorldClass Iberico ribs above with Japanese sweet potatoes (along with GM Gilles’ wine pairings). We were also spoiled with a dessert sampler. Thank you Pa’La!
Wood-grilled Worldclass Iberico presa with I'itoi onion salsa verde at Pa’La Downtown Phoenix
Tuesday, September 12: Atlas Wines (Scottsdale). We spent the afternoon hitting a few spots in Old Town Scottsdale. First up: A wine tasting featuring The Hilt Estate, Jonata, and The Paring.
Rounding out the day, assignments for Experience Scottsdale brought me next to Cala at The Senna House hotel and Sel.
Roasted Cauliflower with za’atar, romesco, lemon aioli, and feta at Cala in The Senna House Hotel in Scottsdale
Beet gazpacho with peach sorbet, tomato salad, Crow’s Dairy goat cheese and Kalamata olives at Sel in Old Town Scottsdale
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Canal Club, Sedona, Virtu, The Market by Jennifer’s, Persian Room, Rose Garden, Franco’s Italian Caffe, Over Easy, and Christopher’s at the Wrigley.
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.
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale
Friday, August 25: Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room (Old Town Scottsdale). A Scottsdale City Lifestyle assignment on dishes using local honey brought me to one of my favorite chefs - Steve Zimmerman.
Kofta (lamb meatballs with harissa-spiced honey, zhug, toum, and ezme) at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale
We were treated to an array of delicious dishes from this talented culinary star - some of which you can read about in the digital issue at this link (page 25), and others that were chalkboard specials.
And I was thrilled to be one of the first to try the new line of naturally-flavored Queen B sparkling meads (lavender, rose petal, jasmine, and bergamot)!
For dinner that night, we were off to Jade Palace (North Scottsdale). Locally-owned Tequila Corrido was the guest of honor at their first cocktail dinner featuring GM Roman Kettler’s excellent cocktails.
Sunday, August 27:Osteria Mia (North Phoenix). We had family visiting from Vegas, so we treated them to dinner at one of our neighborhood favorites.
Monday, August 28:Tia Carmen (JW Marriott Desert Ridge). The SOMM Journal gathered some of Arizona's finest wine and beverage professionals at Tia Carmen for a Gavi Masterclass. The first stop on the Gavi World Tour, it was a delicious deep dive into this Italian white varietal. Click on the photo below for a video, including the delicious spread that the chefs at Tia Carmen created.
Tuesday, August 29:The Rose Garden (Downtown Phoenix). We had a media sneak peek of the new Sur La Bar mixology class that officially launches September 20. For all the details, check out my video by clicking the photo of Trey Biven below:
Afterwards, we were off to celebrate Lauren Allen Culinary Events at their rebrand launch party at The Royal View House, a luxurious 8,600-square-foot home on a 1-acre estate. Coincidentally, I had been to this beautiful property before as it is the home of one of the co-founders of WorldClass, who now rents it out as a stunning venue.
Lauren Allen is known for her exceptional private dinners and events, and her launch party was another fabulous example. Congratulations Lauren!
Wednesday, August 30:Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). We’ve been back to Anhelo recently, but not for a full tasting menu experience. In fact, the last time we had made a reservation to do so, it was our anniversary last November and we had to cancel. We were blown away when we walked in and chef-owner Ivan had closed the restaurant just for us and created a special re-do Anniversary Dinner with this spectacular custom menu.
Needless to say, Anhelo, which has been a long-time favorite, now holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you to Ivan and his team for spoiling us with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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.
Beef Wellington (with WorldClass Devesa beef tenderloin) for two with whipped Parmesan potatoes and demi-glace at Wren &Wolf
Friday, August 4:Bobby-Q BBQ (Phoenix). I couldn't recall my most recent visit to this place (the last time I went to a Bobby-Q was at the Biltmore location), but it’s one of my dad's favorite spots, and I’ll be bringing my parents back pronto! (You can also watch my video reel here).
While the picturesque brick-walled patio with its corner fountain is as inviting as ever, the interior has almost doubled in size. The side bar has been converted to a second dining room, making it an ideal location for large parties and private events.
Of course, there’s award-winning BBQ, but I also discovered a great new cocktail list (like my Passion Fruit Mai Tai to wash down smoked chicken wings), daily specials like Fish Fry Friday, and creamy caramel pecan cheesecake.
I’m already planning to return on a Sunday afternoon with mom and dad.
Saturday, August 5:PHOENIX magazine Best Fest. This is the second year for this fun food festival hosted by PHOENIX magazineto celebrate the people and businesses in the magazine's annual Best of Valley issue. Click the photo below to watch my video reel.
Afterwards, we stopped by Anhelo (downtown Phoenix) for a cocktail. Loved the Diega Bonita with Mexican Diega Rosa gin, Belle de Brillet, lavender honey, and cava.
Chef-owner Ivan Jacobo also spoiled us with some new dishes from that night’s tasting menu (one of Arizona’s best dining experiences - I’ll be sharing photos from our upcoming dinner reservation): Spot prawn tart, pasta carbonara with mascarpone, crispy prosciutto, and egg yolks whipped with bacon fat, and his silky chawanmushi with lemon bubbles and caviar (which has since become a signature dish).
Wren & Wolf (downtown Phoenix). Earlier in the week, we had made reservations when WorldClass had let me know that they had flown in gorgeous Argentine truffles. Executive chef Ivan Gonzalez always creates something spectacular with their ingredients, and he hit it out of the park once again. We put our dinner choices in his hands and were spoiled with roasted bone marrow topped with A5 Wagyu and WorldClass caviar and black truffles, and Za’atar man’ouche stuffed with gouda and showered with more truffles.
For our main: His famous Beef Wellington (with WorldClass Devesa beef tenderloin) for two with whipped Parmesan potatoes and rich demi-glace. What a feast!
Sunday, August 6: Chilte (downtown Phoenix). I had been wanting to return to Chilte ever since this first visit, and the Compa Spirits dinner was the perfect excuse.
And what a dinner it was with a power team of three innovative talents - executive chef Lawrence Smith, guest mixologist Arlene Bean (MercBar, Highball), and Abel Arriaga, founder of Compa Spirits.
Guest mixologist Arlene Bean of Highball and MercBar
Compa Spirits seeks out boutique distillers and wineries throughout Mexico, and Arlene’s cocktail creations made with these artisanal spirits and paired with Lawrence’s creative dishes was an outstanding experience.
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Paradise Valley Burger Company, a truffle dinner in the wine cellar at Lon’s at The Hermosa, and Last Course at Andaz.
WorldClass grilled Spanish octopus with mole rojo at Vecina in Phoenix
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.
Tuesday, March 21:Vecina (Phoenix). If we lived closer, we would be regulars at Vecina. I’m always so impressed with the uniquely creative dishes here (not to mention the excellent craft cocktails). On Tuesday, we stopped in for drinks and a quick bite, but couldn’t say no to guacamole, chicken karaage with aji amarillo, citrus gastrique, and togarashi, and what is now one of my favorite octopus dishes in town - WorldClass grilled Spanish octopus and mole rojo with white beans and aji verde.
I was also treated to a preview of one of the best dishes I have ever had at Vecina! Tacos Árabes are now being served daily as a limited special, so get there while you can for this fantastic WorldClass Cinco Jotas acorn-fed Ibérico pork and chipotle crema on flatbread garnished with pickled onions, almond dukkah and micro cilantro.
Our next stop was ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale. I love introducing Meridith May (editor and owner of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines) to my favorite spots since her move from LA. After a feast that included potato pavé topped with Argentine steak tartare and WorldClass caviar, roasted garlic hummus, lobster mac and cheese, glazed Japanese eggplant, and Argentine steak (filet and ribeye), what was her verdict? “The best meal! Chef Lacasce is a genius.”
And speaking of Argentine beef, I have my reservations to a special Argentina Dinner at ZuZu on April 20. Get alll the details, including menu, at THIS LINK.
To learn more about executive chef Russell LaCasce, listen in on our A Taste of AZ podcast on Apple Podcasts, or watch it on YouTube by clicking the photo below.
Wednesday, March 22: I had another double-header the next day, first stopping at Pa’La Downtown for a great interview with chef-owner Jason Alford and general manager Gilles Kolakowski. Look for my column in the June issue of SOMM Journal.
Afterwards, I took advantage of the beautiful weather to finally check out Eden Bar, the rooftop lounge at Kimpton Hotel Palomar, and experience beverage director Clint Spotleson’s fantastic craft cocktails (like the Phoenix Rising below). Read all about it HERE, and see more on my video Reel.
Phoenix Rising at Eden Bar (hibiscus and orange infused Tito's vodka, lemon, pomegranate green tea syrup, and La Poema sparkling rose)
Dinner downstairs at Blue Hound Kitchen and Bar: I first met executive chef Alex Robinson at Royal Palms, and executive sous chef Michael Press at Tanzy, and I have been fans of both talents ever since.
Chefs Alex Robinson and Michael Press
Needless, to say, we enjoyed another stellar visit (here is my last one), with highlights including pao de queijo cheese rolls and espelette butter, crab and yellow tomato chowder, Wagyu with house chili crisp and WorldClass caviar, cilantro-crusted WorldClass sea bass with smoked tomato romesco, and Argentine ribeye. I also made a video Reel here.
Thursday, March 23: Anhelo Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner. Chef-owner Ivan Jacobo has always made giving back to the community a priority (look for a future website interview!). On Thursday, he launched the Anhelo Restaurant Scholarship Foundation by hosting a wine dinner to raise funds for scholarships to the Culinary Arts program at Estrella Mountain Community College. Check out my Reel here for a recap of our amazing seven-course dinner.
