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.
Citrus and fennel-dusted tuna with WorldClass Caviarolichili pearls, pickled parsnips, blood orange reduction, and butternut squash vinaigrette at Mora Italian
Friday, November 3: Wrigley Mansion (Phoenix). The wonderful folks from Temecula Winegrowers Association were back in town (I first met Devin Parr and the team here), and this time they hosted our group of wine and travel writers at the beautiful Wrigley Mansion.
Our private event began with sabering a bottle of bubbly before a wine tasting led by Samantha Capaldi of Samantha Sommelier, passed hors d'oeuvres with wine and bubbly, and this incredible tasting menu.
Afterwards, I joined the team for a kitchen tour led by David Brito, executive chef of Geordie's at Wrigley Mansion, and chef Vinh Nguyen, before a nightcap in Jamie’s Wine Bar.
Temecula is just a short 90-minute flight from Phoenix, and I fell in love with its excellent wines, beautiful tasting rooms, and welcoming community when I visited this past summer. I'm currently working on a few stories to spotlight the wineries, winemakers, restaurants, and activities, but for now, you can get a glimpse through my video reel - just click the photo below.
Saturday, November 4: PYRO Phoenix (The Grove). We were invited for a special Friends & Family preview before its official grand opening and were so impressed with everything about this stylish new spot - from the sleek decor to the delicious menu and warm and friendly service on such a busy night. The first restaurant to open at The Grove, a $400 million mixed-use development at 44th Street and Camelback Road, PYRO was brought to Phoenix by the Flagship Restaurant Group (founded in Omaha with 30+ restaurants across the country). PYRO introduces a brand-new concept to their stable of eateries - a chic Japanese bistro experience with a focus on live-fire and wood-grilled dishes.
We started with excellent cocktails - an Old Fashioned with plum wine and lapsang souchong black tea for my husband, and a Negroni (naturally) with Japanese gin and UME plum liqueur for me.
I would order any of these PYRO Phoenix dishes again, with my top three favorites being Ibérico pork skewers with pickled daikon and yuzu aioli, Dungeness crab noodles with Meyer lemon, crème fraîche, and smoked trout roe, and Branzino with pickled ginger shoots, Tokyo turnip & herb salad, and lemon-chili vinaigrette.
And so nice to see sommelier and GM Nisa Paris! Click the photo below for my video reel.
Monday, November 6: Prime at Gila River Resort and Casino - Wild Horse Pass (Chandler). Once again, the culinary and beverage team knocked it out of the park. This time, we were invited to experience Chef Michael Dei Maggi’s exquisite culinary pairings with Seven Apart, a Sonoma wineryfounded by Scottsdale resident Don Dady. Count me in as a new fan!
And, as always, no visit to Prime is complete without retiring to the bar to experience Camille’s cocktail talents.
Wednesday, November 8:Mora Italian (Phoenix). On Wednesday, we were invited to attend Scott Conant’s special autumnal dining experience, a one-night-only event featuring a special menu that showcased the fall flavors of pumpkin and squash.
Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to The Mexicano, a DAOU wine dinner at the Arizona Biltmore, 36 Below with Compa Spirits founder Abel Arriaga, and Vecina.
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.
Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows resort
Tuesday, May 16:Epicenter at Agritopia (Gilbert - first visit is HERE). I’m working on a feature on founder Joe Johnston and some of the F&B offerings at Epicenter, including Source, Belly, and Undertow Gilbert, so returned with Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines. Special thanks to Joe and Cindy Johnston who kindly made time to join us at Source!
Joe and Cindy Johnston chat with Meridith May, editor-in-chief and owner of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines.
Pre-dinner drinks at Undertow Gilbert: We’re big fans of Undertow in Phoenix, but this was our first time visiting the Gilbert location. And congratulations! Undertow Gilbert was just announced as a Top 10 Nominee for “Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar” in the 17th annual Spirited Awards®
Fireside at Undertow Gilbert (Plantation O.F.T.D Overproof Rum, Germana Umburana cachaça, Jägermeister, pumpkin, pineapple, lemon, lime, condensed milk, and cinnamon).
Dinner at Belly: Grilled oysters with dashi butter & scallions, wok-fried green beans with bonito, orange chicken, chicken skewers, Vietnamese crab crepe (bánh xèo), and fried chicken.
Wednesday, May 17: The Mission Kierland(North Scottsdale). Christiaan Röllich was recently announced as the Bar Director for all of Chef Matt Carter’s restaurants (Fat Ox, The Mission and Zinc Bistro). To learn more about this superstar talent and author of Bar Chef – Handcrafted Cocktails, look out for our A Taste of AZ podcast.
A Taste of AZ podcast with Christiaan Röllich at the Mission Kierland (photo credit: Paige Irvin)
Later that night, we joined my parents for dinner at Tomaso’s in Phoenix. As I shared in this press release, The Maggiore Group closed Tomaso’s after 46 years with plans for a new restaurant honoring Tomaso Maggiore’s legacy.
During its last week of restaurant service, the Maggiores brought back 1977 menu items and prices. It was a special night and I’m so glad I was able to share one last meal here with my mom and dad.
Thursday, May 18:Wrigley Mansion (Phoenix). To kick off Festivin, their third annual wine festival, the Wrigley Mansion hosted a series of special dinners, including the Club Tresors Champagne dinner with Christine Mercnick of Grace Under Pressure. Click on the photo below for my separate Festivin Event Recap with more photos and videos.
Friday, May 19: Mountain Shadows resort (Paradise Valley). I joined a group of fellow writers for a Sneak Peek of Summer media staycation, and we were spoiled with an itinerary exploring all this beautiful property has to offer.
After checking in, we toured The Gallery with Curator Cece Cole. Be sure to check out the exhibits of local artists that rotate every two months.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious family-style lunch with a cocktail class with Beverage Director Jim Gallen, before spending the afternoon in our poolside private cabanas.
Soon it was time for sunset champagne sabering with Hearth ‘61 GM Jimmy (you can see him in action in my video Reel HERE).
Our dinner at Hearth ‘61 just happened to coincide with Arizona Restaurant Week. I loved my selections of sweet corn soup, striped bass, and berry layer cake. You’ll want to add this to your list the next Restaurant Week in the fall! My husband was just as happy with his appetizer of meatballs with artichokes and polenta, and THE BEST pork chop in the Valley - an incredibly juicy black pepper-glazed Duroc pork chop sliced and served with heirloom carrots and Jacob’s beans ragout.
Saturday, May 20. Before checking out, we headed back to Hearth ‘61 for brunch. My plans were for a healthy start to the day with a Green Machine smoothie with spinach, kale, parsley, pineapple, mango, and almond milk and maybe a yogurt parfait…until I saw Chef Carlos Rodriguez Rios’ fantastic specials. There were no regrets!
Then it was time to head back to Wrigley Mansion for more wine festival festivities, starting with a wine luncheon and cooking class with Geordie’s Executive Chef David Brito. Click David’s photo below to see more.
Monday, May 22: The Mick Brasserie (Scottsdale). I always love the wine dinners at the Mick, and this one celebrating Argentina with WorldClass ingredients like langoustines, octopus, Argentine beef, and dulce de leche paired with Siete Fincas wines from owner Edgardo Stallocca was my favorite one yet! Video:
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.
The Arizona Biltmore
Friday, May 5:Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix. At the Phoenix Open back in February, I ran into talented sous-chef Leo Kuang of Renata’s Hearth at the Arizona Biltmore, and had been trying to carve out time in my crazy schedule to see him ever since.
Serendipitously, we happened to book our reservation on Cinco de Mayo and enjoyed some Patron cocktails and chef bites in the courtyard before dinner.
We then headed to the dining room. Chef Leo and team guided us in our choices - what a spectacular meal! My last visit was over a year ago, and we had stayed away far too long. Our round of starters included tender-smoky WorldClass Octopus a la Veracruz with patatas bravas and Spanish chorizo.
And, of course, if I see luxurious WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota on a menu, I have to order it.
More winners: Guacamole; Basque Sandwich Bites with jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, and truffle plus polenta fries (we order this every time);yellowtail ceviche with avocado mousse, charred tomatillo broth, cucumber, and crispy shallots; and stonefruit salad with winter greens, smoked requesón cheese, and honey vinaigrette made with WorldClass Argentine honey.
Somehow we saved room for entrees and sides, all of which are now also on my must-order list like roasted WorldClass seabass with mole verde and Peruvian rice.
And smoked Wagyu brisket with warm tortillas and rojo, verde, and cashew salsas; Caledonian prawn & scallop rossejat; patatas a la Huancaina (fingerling potatoes with aji amarillo and queso fresco); and warm fava beans with serrano-oregano butter and hen-of-the-wood mushrooms.
We packed up leftovers to-go because we had to squeeze in these decadent desserts (coconut tres leches cake with Bavarian cream, coconut Anglaise, and Chocotorta with caramel cream, champurrado sauce, and whiskey vanilla ice cream) and a Mezcal Carreño flight.
You can also watch our memorable night with our fab server Dani and Chef Leo in my video Reel HERE.
Saturday, May 6: Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician resort for a Kentucky Derby Porch Party. We were invited to join the festivities at one of my favorite resorts and we are now going to make it a yearly tradition! Mowry & Cotton was a beautiful setting to sit indoors, or on the patio, to enjoy delicious food and excellent cocktails while watching the Derby. And it was so nice to run into Krista (aka @eatlovetravelplay).
And because we didn’t want the fun times to end, we headed upstairs with Krista and her husband Bill for a couple of rounds of cocktails at the Thirsty Camel bar.
Monday, May 8: Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix. Stay tuned for another A Taste of AZ podcast! This time I joined hosts Luke and Eric as we sat down with Executive Chef David Brito and Wine Director Jason Caballero of Wrigley Mansion.
And since it’s always a good time at The Wrigley, after the podcast, Jason took us on a tour of the wine cellar and we indulged in Montenegro shots, Fernet, and…a champagne gun.
Tuesday, May 9:Prime at Gila River Resorts & Casinos at Wild Horse Pass. As you’ve seen in past Rubee Tuesdays, we’re huge fans of the wine dinner series at Prime and have yet to miss one. On May 9, they invited guests to explore South America as the last in the spring series (but they’ll be back in the fall!).
Majdi Kayyali. Corporate Vice President of F&B for Gila River Resorts & Casinos, and Advanced Sommelier Troy Tranzow of Prime
We live about an hour away from the resort, so thank you to the team for hosting us for an overnight stay in one of their beautiful suites!
Linda welcoming us with Camille’s Maracuya con Mead with passionfruit and honey
As always, Prime Executive Chef Michael Dei Maggi had fun with the themed region, explaining his inspiration before serving each delicious dish.
And if you’re showcasing South America, it’s no surprise that WorldClass ingredients were on the menu - this night, it was their octopus, sea bass, Argentine beef ribeye and tenderloin, and dulce de leche (it was also a nice surprise to see WorldClass co-founder John Bergman, who joined his team for his first experience at one of Prime’s wine dinners).
Check out this incredible line-up curated by Advanced Sommelier Troy Tranzow, including the bonus addition of Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades rosé champagne!
And as always, we had to have a nightap at the bar with rockstar cocktail expert Camille, who created the welcome non-alcoholic refresher Maracuya con Mead and the Pisco cocktails for the dessert pairing. And we found out Camille has more hidden talents - such as the amazing boozy chocolates we were surprised with.
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Course, a Visit Phoenix tourism bureau Happy Hour, STK Scottsdale, Arboleda, Pa’La Downtown, The Cave at Quartz, and Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.
We had friends visiting from Seattle, Washington who are not only former owners of a wine shop, but worked in the historic preservation field. What better spot to bring them for Arizona Restaurant Week than Geordie's Steak (with its award-winning wine list) at the historical Wrigley Mansion and its stunning sunset vistas. You can't beat the gorgeous view and the RW menu had a nice selection of options. We started with cocktails on the patio before moving inside to dinner. My favorite of the choices was the rich lobster bisque to start and the crispy chicken Milanese for the entree.
