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.
Seafood bowl at Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge
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.
Saturday, October 22:The Blind Pig (Scottsdale). A casual neighborhood brunch spot by day, by night it transforms into a restaurant where owners (and native New Yorkers) Brandon and Michele Gioffre share their favorite East Coast Italian-style dishes. Tip: One such crowd-pleaser, Clams Oreganata, is so popular that regulars know to call ahead to lock in theirorder before it inevitably runs out.Click the photo below to watch my video reel for fantastic fare such as Bocconcini al Forno with bubbling prosciutto-wrapped hand-pulled mozzarella, linguine and clams, 10-layer lasagna, amaretto cheesecake, and more.
Monday, October 23: JW Marriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). I attended a media unveiling of Sedona Springs and Sky island, two luxurious additions to the resort’s stunning AquaRidge WaterPark. (Click the photo below to read the detailed Press Release).
Part of the property's $18 million AquaRidge renovation, Sedona Springs offers personalized concierge services like spa services along with poolside cabanas, daybeds, and a hot tub, while Sky Island is an adults-only destination which offers similar amenities plus an infinity edge plunge and fire pits.
For a video reel of the night’s festivities (including WorldClass caviar and fireworks!) click on the photo below.
Executive Chef Angelo Sosa and Destination Restaurant Chef, Dejan Djukic of Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Wednesday, October 25: Ember (We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort). As I mentioned here, we never miss an opportunity to attend a wine dinner at this special spot —a sophisticated steakhouse situated within We-Ko-Pa Casino and Resort. During our latest visit, we traveled to Australia with Chef Richard Peltz’s deliciously creative menu paired with wines from the McLaren Vale wine region.
Thursday, October 26:The Genuine (Phoenix).In collaborating with the WorldClass team, I’m spoiled by the diversity of the luxury ingredients they source from around the world, and this dinner, led by Chef Jeremy Pacheco and guest chef Alejandro Martinez, was an amazing showcase.
Paired with wines from the same regions, the menu highlighted WorldClass’s broad portfolio—from Spanish gin and Ibérico pork to Portuguese octopus and Uruguayan caviar.
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.
The Honey-Do List cocktal at Poppy's Office in Scottsdale
Wednesday, October 11:The Mick Brasserie. The Mick is known for its fun and lively wine events, and a Taste of Argentina dinner sponsored by WorldClass was no exception.
This time, we traveled to South America with Catena Zapata wines and Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker, who included award-winning WorldClass partners such as Devesa Argentine beef and FermínIberico pork. You can see more on my video reel by clicking the menu photo above.
The Mick Brasserie Chef de Cuisine Michael Winneker and chef-owner Brent Menke
Friday, October 13: Poppy’s Office (North Scottsdale). We were invited to a Friends & Family preview of Poppy's Office, a speakeasy ode to late hospitality entrepreneur Paul Keeler. What a loving tribute to this special man - concealed behind a bookcase, this cozy bar pays homage to Paul's private office, displaying personal mementos and his quotable "Poppyisms.” Click the photo below for my video Reel.
Saturday, October 14: Feeney’s (Phoenix). A family favorite with mom and dad for some of the best prime rib in town, old-school classics including Beef Wellington, and owner Maria’s Greek touches like flaming saganaki.
Monday, October 16: Back to Poppy’s Office to try more cocktails, this time for media night. For all the details of this hidden cocktail lounge next to Liberty Station Terravita, check out this press release.
Tuesday, October 17: JT Prime (Old Town Scottsdale). When our friend Chef Fidencio Alatriste of The Mexicano told me to pick a restaurant for our double date with his girlfriend Paulina, I knew just the spot. I’ve mentioned this hidden gem in previous Rubee Tuesdays, and it never disappoints.
In fact, we had such a fun time that we made plans to visit Fidencio at The Mexicano on Friday with Paulina and JT Prime GM Marcos and his wife.
Wednesday, October 18:Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). Anhelo is a favorite that I’ve written about in SOMM Journal, and featured as a guest host on A Taste of AZ podcast. On this visit, we were joined by Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners and publishers of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines, who were just as impressed as we always are.
Mushroom risotto with white truffles at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix
Thursday, October 19:CALA Alliance at Heritage Park in dowtown Phoenix. Thank you to our friend Gonzalo for inviting us to join him and his lovely wife for Sabor, CALA Alliance's annual benefit dinner and culinary event. It was a wonderful evening enjoying a Peruvian-inspired dining experience by Cloth & Flame.
Friday, October 20: The Mexicano (North Phoenix). As mentioned above, while at JT Prime, we made plans to gather once more, this time at The Mexicano where Fidencio chose some of his favorites, including killer new dishes:
Short rib con mole at The Mexicano in Phoenix
Guacamole with crabmeat, crispy honey-chipotle chicken wings, chicken tinga and street corn empanadas, Sonoran Dog, chicken a la brasa, carnitas “osso buco style” and short rib con mole.
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.
Heritage at Sportsman’s Park
Thursday, October 5: Heritage at Sportsman’s Park (Glendale). We were invited to the Heritage Showcase as an introduction to this three-floor event venue next to State Farm Stadium. The first floor offers a beer garden, patio and adjacent Great Lawn, while the third floor is perfect for rooftop events.
The second floor at Heritage at Sportsman’s Park event venue in Glendale, Arizona
Our gathering on the second floor treated us to an al fresco affair featuring cocktails and bites by local producers and chefs, curated by Insignia Event Services.
The Great Lawn is also home to Heritage Night Market, which takes place on the first and third Thursdays of the month. I checked it out on my way out and fell in love with Hoyo’s East African Cuisine, with a fantastic beef sambosa, chicken curry and rice, and Somalian hot sauce.
Friday, October 6: Bourbon & Bones Chophouse (Peoria). We were thrilled when this location of Bourbon & Bones opened in July less than 10 minutes from our house.
Bone-in ribeye Oscar-style with WorldClass king crab at Bourbon & Bones Chophouse in Peoria, Arizona
Our first experience was just as stellar as our visits to the original in Scottsdale, and before we left, we had made another reservation for next month.
Sunday, October 8:JW Marriott Camelback Inn (Paradise Valley). We were invited to the inaugural Cocktail Confidential class at Lincoln Steakhouse - what a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Click on the photo below for my video Reel of mixologist Ricky and his cocktails, and check out my Event Calendar for November and December dates.
Monday, October 9: Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey (Melrose District). For my latest A Taste of AZ podcast as guest host with co-host Luke Irvin, we joined executive chef Chris Wolfe and beverage manager Joshua Martinez of Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey.
Stay tuned for for its airing, along with my A Taste of AZ magazine interview with chef-owner Engin Onural.
Executive chef Chris Wolfe of Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey in Phoenix
Afterwards. we headed to Gallo Blanco Cafe in downtown Phoenix for two dishes that we order every time - Envuelto (al pastor folded inside of melted asadero with fresh pineapple) for me and Huevos Rancheros for my husband Ernesto.
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.
IZO Spirits pairing dinner at Gallo Blanco in Phoenix (IZO Bacanora, passionfruit, orgeat, and cardamom)
September 22-24: Nogales and Tucson. Stay tuned for a recap of my press trip to Nogales, Arizona (and a stop at Charro Steakhouse in Tucson) on the Travel section. What a great introduction to this city and the warm, friendly people.
Monday, September 25:Gallo Blanco (downtown Phoenix). We were invited to attend an exclusive IZO Spirits pairing dinner at one of our favorite Mexican spots. Our night began with an IZO tasting in the bar, before joining Luke and Paige Irvin of A Taste of AZ for this wonderful dinner:
WorldClass Patagonian lamb chops with prezzomolo chimichurri at Mora Italian in Phoenix
And: Glazed glazed pork belly with cannellini beans and escarole Pasta al pomodoro Meatballs with fregola, pesto, and ricotta salata WorldClass Argentine NY strip steak Crispy eggplant with Calabrian chile marmalade Asparagus with confit garlic aioli
Thursday, September 28: Federal American Grille (North Scottsdale). We were invited to attend this fun (and delicious) Basil-Hayden cocktail dinner, a perfect excuse to check out the first location of Houston’s Federal American Grill outside of Texas.
As Basil-Hayden has been named the official American whiskey of the U.S. Michelin Guide, we were treated to excellent cocktails paired with exclusive Michelin chef recipes.
It was also a pleasure to meet our friendly host, Federal American Grill Operating Partner Steve Parker. We’ll be back to explore the menu!
Friday, September 29:Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria (Cottonwood). We joined fellow guests for a private ribbon-cutting and after-party to celebrate the opening of Maynard James Keenan’s newest, and most beautiful, tasting room. I’ll be sharing more on my weekend in Cottonwood in a future Travel feature, but for now, click the photo below to watch my video reel.
Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards cuts the ribbon for Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria, his new winery and restaurant in Cottonwood, Arizona
Monday, October 2: J.T. Prime (Old Town Scottsdale). We were overdue for a visit to this Old Town gem, so when GM Marcos told me we had to check out the secret Happy Hour menu, we made plans for a visit. We happened to be the first to order off of the October menu (Black Widow for me and Nightmare on Bourbon Street for my husband). The menu changes monthly but you’ll have to visit between 3-5 pm and ask for the secret menu.
Of course, we also stayed for dinner for some of our favorites dishes including beef carpaccio, Del Mar Duo with octopus and jumbo tiger shrimp, short rib ravioli with gorgonzola cream sauce, Prime New York strip, and sea bass.
Tuesday, October 3:The Herb Box (North Scottsdale). We were invited to the Herb Box and chose this location as I had never been. What a great spot to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. And bonus! I had a chance to check out two brand-new fall cocktails - Pumpkin Pie Martini and Apple Crisp Cider.
Wednesday, October 4:Omni Tempe at ASU (downtown Tempe). It was our first time at this beautiful Tempe hotel and it was impressive! We had been invited to stay and experience its amenities, including the lobby Neighborhood Services Bar + Restaurant and rooftop Lucero, along with a hotel tour. This will be another special spot I will feature in my Travel section, but for now, you can watch my video reel by clicking the rooftop photo below:
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Heritage at Sportsman’s Park, Bourbon & Bones, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, a podcast at Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, and Gallo Blanco Cafe.
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.
WorldClass Iberico ribs with chipotle-mango glaze, shaved Brussels sprouts salad, and elote puree at The Canal Club atThe Scott Resort
Tuesday, September 12:The Canal Club (The Scott Resort). Our second dinner for Arizona Restaurant Week was the Cuban-inspired restaurant at The Scott. Three highlights from our delicious visit - ropa vieja tostones, chipotle-mango WorldClass Ibérico pork ribs with shaved Brussels sprouts and elote puree, and black bean dip with tostones (off the regular menu - you can find the recipe in my Phoenix Cooks book).
Thursday, September 14: Che Ah Chi at Enchantment Resort (Sedona). We were invited for a overnight stay and a special ZD wine dinner at Enchantment, a gorgeous resort with stunning red rock views. Stay tuned for my recap in the Travel section.
ZD wine dinner at Enchantment Resort in Sedona
Saturday, September 16:The Market Restaurant + Bar (Phoenix). We closed out Arizona Restaurant Week out with a long overdue visit to this Phoenix gem. Not only does Jennifer Russo’s restaurant consistently offer one of the BEST Restaurant Week menus in town, but we were also spoiled with a tasting of the entire menu!
Monday, September 18: Virtù Honest Craft (Old Town Scottsdale). It was a perfect way to kick off the week when the Italian Association of Arizona gathered us together for a beautiful night of wine and food. Click the photo below to watch my video reel.
Tuesday, September 19:Persian Room (North Scottsdale). When I was assigned a “Travel the World” feature for Experience Scottsdale, I knew right away that one of the restaurants I would feature is Persian Room. Click the link to read about my favorite dishes like lamb koobideh and kash o'bademjan.
Lamb koobideh, adas polo, and Shirazi Salad at the Persian Room in Scottsdale
Wednesday, September 20:Rose Garden (downtown Phoenix). Back for another fun cocktail class led by Trey, this time paired with Chef Kam’s delicious bites of Khmer beef jerky, papaya salad, and shrimp rolls.
I had promised my husband that I would squeeze in a visit to Franco’s Italian Caffe this week, so after our class, it was off to one of our favorite Italian restaurants!
Vitello al Tartufo special (veal with truffle cream sauce) at Franco’s Italian Caffe in Old Town Scottsdale
Thursday, September 21:Over Easy (Glendale). The Glendale location at 67th Avenue and Deer Valley celebrated their Grand Opening, and we have a new favorite neighborhood breakfast spot! You can read all the details of their 12th location HERE.
Banana Nut French Toast at Over Easy in Glendale
Three of our favorites on our first visit: Mimosa flight, Banana Nut French Toast, and Chicken Fried Steak with Potatoes O’Brien.
That night, we were invited by Rancho de los Caballeros resort in Wickenburg for a special night at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion with guest Chef Jacob Ellis to kick off of their Celebrity Chef Ranch Weekends dinner series. The series kicks off on Nov 11 with Chef Beau MacMillan. Get all the details, including dates for Chefs James Porter, Lisa Dahl, and Christopher Gross HERE.
Jacob Ellis, executive chef of Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg
Check back on the next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Nogales and Tucson, Mora, Federal Grill, JT Prime, Cottonwood, Herb Box, an Omni Tempe staycation, and a CALA Alliance Peruvian dinner.
