Digest: Arizona Food Media Round-Up

[molto e]

May 13, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Mary Elanie's Chef nabs award equivalent of an Oscar...Food Critic Howard Seftel details Chef Bradford Thompson winning the James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef" of the Southwest.

Dining news: May 10-16 ...This week's installment of Seftel's dining news outlines the opening of Méthode Bistro, Circa 1900, and the closing of Tucchetti.

Nick's 101 Bistro...Howard Seftel reviews the latest venture by Nick Ligidakis, "Nick's 101 Bistro".

From the Phoenix New Times:

Xtreme Cuisine...Food Critic Stephen Lemons does an impersonation of Anthony Bourdain by eating the "creative" cuisine of Chef Kaz Yamamoto. My only hope is that the tales of eating a human liver was a fable.

Sol y Sombra...Stephen Lemons review the new tapas restaurant in DC Ranch Sol y Sombra.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Montana Avenue...C.J. Karamargin details the opening of the new Fox Restaurant Concepts restaurant Montana Avenue.

Meet The Chef: Laura Borella - Caffé Milano...Jennifer Hunsperger interviews the Chef of Caffe Milano Laura Borella.

From Edible Phoenix:

The Summer issue of Edible Phoenix is now available. This issue's stories are:

A Rainbow Of Taste- Southwestern Native Corns

Urban Farm Confessions- Chicken And Worms

Cool Soups For Hot Days

Goat Love At Black Mesa Ranch- Arizona Goat Cheese

Cooking Fresh- Seasonal Items

Local Or Organic? A False Choice

From Farm To Chef To Fork- Story of Uber-Farmer Bob McClendon and Chef Nobuo Fukuda

Spinach Cookies

Will Play For Wine- Newton's Theorem Summer Adventures

The Roaming Gourmet- Carolina's and Phoenix Ranch Market

Arlecchino Gelateria- Phoenix's Best Gelato

Valley Bites- MJ Bread, Simply Bread, Butterlicious, Lisa G's. Sol y Sombra, Sweet Pea Bakery, Devlin's Market Place, Schnepf Farms and Mother Nature's Farm

Good Eating,

Molto E

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited May 13, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

May 21, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Culinary outposts ...Food Critic Howard Seftel hits the road and finds fine dining at; Torquoise Room in the La Posada Hotel-Winslow, Az., Piñon Bistro in Cottonwood, Az., and the Manzanita Inn in Cornville, Az.

Seftel's Blog...Seftel blogs about some changes at Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar and the opening of Tawook.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Sushi Eye Bar and Grill... Food Critic Stephen Lemons reviews Sushi Eye Bar and Grill in Tempe.

Last week's article on Extreme Cuisine was a hoax. This was the New Times belated April Fool's article.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Sidedish: Jersey Joe's moving on up to Samaniego House...The owner of Jersey Joe's, Joe Ascolese, is closing the 11 year old restaurant and moving in the historic Samaniego House on Church as Ascolese's Italiano Ristorante.

Best Burgers in Town...Staff picks the best burgers around town.

Going out: Say si to steaks at El Si Senor; they's sizzling good...C.J. Karamargin reviews the new steakhouse on First Ave.- El Si Senor Steakhouse.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

May 25, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Sala Thai ...Food Critic Howard Seftel rejoices in the new addition to his neighborhood, Sala Thai.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Line Thai...Food Critic Stephen Lemons reviews the Sun City area Thai restaurant- Line Thai

From the Tucson Citizen:

Exotic dining in Tucson...Teya Vitu chronicles the exotic eating of local couple Bob and Mary Beth Slivka.

Going out: East Side eatery aging to one's taste...C.J. Karamargin reviews the venerable Jonathan's Tucson Cork.

Side dish: Chefs help editor sharpen cooking skills - for charity...Citizen Publisher Michael Chihak apprenticed in the kitchen of Janos as a participant in the Primavera Foundation's 5th annual Primavera Cooks. Primavera Cooks is a fundraiser that people pay to apprentice in the kitchen of Tucson's finest restaurants.

[molto e]

June 2, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

2 Asian eateries boost E. Valley Eastern mix ...Food Critic Howard Seftel reviews the new Asian entrants to the Mesa scene; Asian Cafe Express (loves it) and Oasian Noodle Bar.

Seftel's Dining News...In this installment of Seftel's dining news:

The new Boulders Resort restaurant, Latilla, will be an all organic restaurant featuring the cuisine of Chefs Michel Pieton and Wendy Little.

Chef Gregory Casale's new menu items have arrived at Paradise Bakery and Cafe.

Tawook Mediterranean Cuisine has opened in the Villages at Hayden. The Middle Eastern restaurant features the cuisine of Chef/ Owner Ali Majed, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

Feeding Frenzy-Howard Seftel's Blog...The latest in the blog is the opening of Skye by Scott Thompkins and the changing of the restaurant at the Mondrian.

Forget the heat as some cool new restaurants open ...Carey Sweet details the opening of Trader Vic's, Ippei Japanese Bistro, The Restaurant at Mondrian and Star Spangled Tavern and Baroque Luxe Lounge at DC Ranch.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Circa 1900...Food Critic Stephen Lemons reviews the new restaurant in Heritage Square- Circa 1900.

From the Tucson Citizen:

A cool haven in summer...C.J. Karamargin details the options on Mount Lemmon to beat the heat.

Going out: We're hooked on Pescado Feliz...C.J. Karamargin says "fish lovers will be all smiles" at Pescado Feliz.

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited June 2, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

June 9, 2006

Dining news: June 7-13...In this week's installment of Howard Seftel's Dining News; Trader Vic's has opened at the Valley Ho; Ippei Japanese Bistro, the new restaurant that wants to be " to become America's favorite Japanese restaurant chain"; the summer schedule of Quiessence Restaurant at the Farm at South Mountain; the opening of the second branch of Pink Taco; and details of the Uptown Dine Around offered by the Ritz Carlton.

Trente- Cinq 35...Food Critic Howard Seftel wishes that the Belgian Bistro could deliver fully on the promise that it shows.

Hillson making a creative, tasty mark at Royal Palms...Carey Sweet reports on the state of affairs at T. Cooks with Executive Chef Lee Hillson at the helm.

From the Phoenix New Times:

McGrath's Fish House...Food Critic Stephen Lemons issues a WARNING that McGrath's Fish House is a half-step to a step above your average Red Lobster in quality.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Come On Downtown...C.J.Karamargin updates the current state of downtown dining in Tucson.

Raz: Modern Riviera Cuisine...C.J.Karamargin says that this 8 month old restaurant should be a secret no longer!

Cheap Eats: The Hungry Fox...C.J gives the thumbs up to the diner, The Hungry Fox.

Meet the Chef: Clint Woods...C.J. interviews the Fox Restaurant Concepts Chef Clint Woods.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

June 17, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Sol y Sombra ...Food Critic Howard Seftel reviews the new tapas restaurant at DC Ranch, Sol y Sombra,

Seftel Blog: "Our Daily Bread"...In this installment of Seftel's Blog: Lionel Geuskens, the chef and owner of Triente Cinq, gave his reason for using sub-par bread for a few weeks at his restaurant. He must not know the phone number of Simply Bread, the new bakery on 24th st.

Pampered porkers are part of 5-star promotional fete ...Carey Sweet previews the "Authenticity Found, a Heritage Foods Celebration" dinner held at Rancho Pinot on June 24. The 5 course dinner will be cooked by: Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro), Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco / Pane Bianco), Wade Moses (Sassi) and Chrysa Kaufman (Rancho Pinot).

From the Phoenix New Times:

Eden's Grill Inn...Food Critic Stephen Lemons rejoices in the Middle Eastern fare of Eden's Grill Inn.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Summer high life...C.J. Karamargin details the summer deals offered by the resorts in town.

Side Dish: Restaurant notebook...C.J. Karamargin details the opening of Antonio's Autentico Restaurante in the former DaVinci location on Fort Lowell.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

June 23, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

The prince of pizza ...Jaimee Rose writes a nice profile Chef Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco and Pane Bianco.

Cocono's Mexican Island Kitchen ...Food Critic Howard Seftel finds that Chef Moises Treves new partnership with the Salazar family of Manuel's does not hit the mark with Cocono's Island Kitchen.

Humble Pie will turn pizza into wine drinker's delight ...Carey Sweet previews the new boutique pizzeria that will open in the fall in the Hilton Village-Humble Pie.

From Phoenix New Times:

Udupie Cafe...Food Critic Stephen Lemons was surprised by his like of the Indian vegetarian cuisine of Udupie Cafe.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery ...C.J. Karamargin reviews the bento box concept at Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery.

Mr. K's no longer local secret...Dina L. Doolen gives a brief glimpse of Mr K's BBQ. The Tucson BBQ spot was featured in "Killer Ribs: Mouthwatering Recipes from North America's Best Rib Joints" by Nancy Davidson which identifies Mr. K's as one of the 10 best in the West.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

June 30, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Stoudemire's Downtown ...Food Critic Howard Seftel is not impressed by the downtown sportsbar, Stoudemire's Downtown.

Dining news: June 28-July 4...In this installment of Seftel's "Dining News", Howard covers the openings of Blu Burger Grille and Basilico

Craving a hearty sandwich? Check out Blu Burger Grille ...Carey Sweet covers the opening of Blu Burger Grille and Star Spangled Tavern.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Green, New American Vegetarian...Food Critic Stephen Lemons goes vegetarian again this week with Green, New American Vegetarian.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Café Pacific ...C.J. Karamargin positively reviews the Chinese restaurant, Cafe Pacific.

Meet the Chef: Steve Schultz...C.J. Karamargin interviews Red Sky Café and Catering's Chef Steve Schultz.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

July 8, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Dining news July 5-11...In this installment of Seftel's "Dining News", Star Spangled Tavern and Humble Pie are featured.

New chef will bring a different Vu to Hyatt Regency ...Carey Sweet previews the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale's restaurant Vu and the new Chef Brian Lewis formerly of Greene House. Sassi Chef Wade Moses features regional Italian menus Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through September. Carey also chronicle the various goings on at 33 Bistro and Lounge.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Mandala Tearoom...Food Critic Stephen Lemons goes healthy one more week with the review of Mandala Tearoom.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Why we love greasy spoons...C.J. Karamargin details some of the "greasy spoons" in town including my favorite-Robert's!

Neo of Melaka ...C.J. Karamargin reviews the Malaysian fusion cuisine of Neo Melaka.

Meet the Chef: Mitch Levy...C.J. Karamargin interviews Chef Mitch Levy of Cuvée World Bistro.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

July 15, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Deseo...Food Critic Howard Seftels rejoices in the revamped menu at Chef Douglas Rodriguez's resataurant, Deseo.

Howard gives a rundown on all of the Valley's frozen delights:

Cool gelato is dense, intense

Paletas offer fruity relief from heat

Step up to the good stuff

New garden will boost resort's all-organic food effort ...Dining columnist Carey Sweet details the Boulders Resort's new restaurant Latilla.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Pink Taco...Food Critic Stephen Lemons reviews Pink Taco at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

From the Tucson Citizen:

He's fired ... up...C.J. Karamargin profiles the new chef at the TCC, Edwin Scholly.

Review: Mina's Thai ...C.J. Karamargin enjoys the Thai restaurant, Mina's Thai.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

July 25, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

China King...Food Critic Howard Seftel reviews this Dim Sum delight in Chandler.

Seftel's "Feeding Frenzy" Blog...Howard heads east on I-10 and heads down to Tucson for some grubbing.

Carey Sweet's Scottsdale Dining Report...Dining columnist Carey Sweet reports the goings on at 7th Inning Stretch, Tapino Kitchen and Wine Bar and WineStyles.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Ippei Japanese Bistro...Food Critic Stephen Lemons has mixed feels about Ippei Japanese Bistro.

From the Tucson Citizen:

New Delhi Palace: You get drama along with flavorful cuisine...C.J. Karamargin checks in with one of her favorite Indian spots, New Delhi Palace.

Surf n' eat: Net brings in visitors...C.J. Karamargin details the worth of a good website to a restaurant.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

August 6, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Seftel's Dining News...In this installment of "Dining News", Howard highlights: The City, Layali, Chodang and the new chef of Vu at the Hyatt Regency, Brian Lewis.

Q and A with Howard Seftel...Howard answers some readers questions.

Lisa G...Howard gives the "Thumbs Up" to Lisa G on Seventh Street for simple good food.

Critic chews on our bond to chains ...Howard breaks down the Valley's affinity with chain restaurants.

What independents can learn from chains ...Howard gives his tips on how the independent restaurant can beat the "chains".

Uncork the palate at wine event / at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort...Carey Sweet details the wine event on August 29th held by Quail Distributing, which is their eighth annual portfolio showcase, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Stephen Lemons is taking a break from his restaurant duties to write on some other topics and his successor is Michele Laudig.

Michele's first two reviews are Trader Vic's and Lisa G.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Meet the chef: Maurice Cochard, Le-Delice...Food writer C.J. Karamargin interviews Chef Maurice Cochard of Le-Delice.

Zemam's Ethiopian Cuisine...C.J. and Mom went to Zemam's and Mom was delighted with the Ethiopian fare.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

August 21, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Howard Seftel's Blog...In this entry of Howard's Blog; The downtown restaurant scene is starting to attract the chains, Kevin Binkley's expansion plans derailed (which entitles Frances Fonti to get my vote for "I would not know a good thing if it hit me in the face or was a tennant in my strip mall", and delays in the opening of Skye and Baroque.

Dining News August 9-15...This installment of "Dining News" brings us details of: new valley burger joints, Grazie Pizzeria Winebar's new location and China Chili's rebuilding.

Howard's recent restaurant reviews include: Lisa G, Circa 1900, and the half price happy hour menu at Wildfish Seafood Grille.

Backstreet Wine Salon...Carey Sweet details the food and wine at Backstreet Wine Salon.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Michele Lauddig's recent restaurant reviews include Palazzo and Methode Bistro.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Meet The Chef: Joshua Mussman, Vero Amore...C.J. Karamargin interviews Joshua Mussman of Vero Amore.

Le Rendez-vous...C.J. Karamargin says that in the 25 years that Le Rendez-vous has been open that it is as good as ever.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

August 25, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Seftel's Dining News...In this installment of "Dining News": Phoenician's "Grand Experience" dining card, Pacific Bay Co. and Westgate City Center's dining options.

Methode Bistro...Howard reviews the "inconsistent" Methode Bistro.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Cary gives us the head's up on; Arizona Culinary Institute student dinners at Tapino Kitchen and Wine Bar, "Phoenix Cooks!" event at the Arizona Biltmore and changes brewing at Wright's.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Thai Basil...Michele Laudig feels that Thai Basil is a good reason to go back to Tempe even if you are not in school.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Candela Peruvian Restaurant ...C.J. Karamargin navigates the Peruvian fare at Candela Peruvian Restaurant with some unexpected pleasures.

Restaurant Notebook...The entries in the "Restaurant Notebook" this week include; changes at Cafe Paraiso, renovations at the Bum Steer, Gentle Ben's new downtown brewery and 58 Degrees expansion plans.

Meet the Chef: Jessica Kraus, Beyond Bread...C.J. Karamargin interviews Beyond Bread's Jessica Kraus

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

September 2, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Dragonfly Vietnamese Cafe...Food Critic Howard Seftel reveals that he would like to come back in his next life as Vietnamese villager so he can enjoy the cuisine. But until that happens he found the food at Dragonfly Vietnamese so tasty and cheap that it hardly pays to eat at home.

Seftel's Blog- "Feeding Frenzy"...Howard gives the outline of Fred Ungar's SouthBridge project.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey stalks the Valley chefs on their summer vacations.

Da Vang...Food Critic Michele Laudig reviews the Vietnamese spot on 19th avenue, Da Vang.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Crossroads...C.J. Karamargin reviews an oldy but a goodie-Crossroads on Fourth Avenue.

Meet The Chef: Larry Salinas of the Lodge on the Desert...C.J. Karamargin interviews Chef Larry Salinas of the Lodge on the Desert.

Restaurant Notebook...In this week's notebook; Auld Dubliner opens in the Geronimo Hotel, Ascolese's Italian Restaurant opens on Monday and Stogie & Vine, a new cigar and wine boutique in Plaza Palomino.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

September 8, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Pink Taco...Food Critic Howard Seftel says to stick to the chips, salsa, and margaritas and skip the rest of the meal at the Pink Taco.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column ...Carey Sweet details the birthdays of 4 local eateries.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Tradiciones...Michele Laudig reviews the new restaurant at the Phoenix Ranch Market...Tradiciones.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Paletas: Don't let them melt away...Sheryl Kornman reveals where you can get your fix of paletas in the Tucson area.

Going out: Around the world in ate days - OK, 84...C.J. Karamargin highlights the reviews of this summers ethnic restaurant tour.

Restaurant Notebook...The current local restaurant news can be found in the "Restaurant Notebook".

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

September 17, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Seftel's Blog "Feeding Frenzy"...Howard details the change in the focus of the cuisine at Wright's and the departure of Phoenix Magazine Food Critic Niki Buchanan. With Niki's retirement that makes two of the most prominent critics around town putting down the fork, knife and pen in the last couple months (Stephen Lemons of the New Times was the other).

Ippei Japanese Bistro...Food Critic Howard Seftel says the food at Ippei Japanese Bistro may be too good and authentic for them to achieve their goal to become "America's favorite Japanese restaurant chain".

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey Sweet chronicles her Shochu adventures in Scottsdale with her sister.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Wildfish Seafood Grille...Food Critic Michele Laudig finds the crab cakes are better than Mom used to make at Wildfish Seafood Grille.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Tucson BBQ...Larry Cox breaks down the BBQ scene in Tucson.

Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant...C.J.Karamargin says to go for the bar but "leave the rest(aurant) alone" at Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant.

Restaurant Notebook...In this installment of the "Restaurant Notebook"; Wine Spectator recognizes 19 local eateries and the St. Philip's Plaza Chili Festival.

Meet the Chef: Tom Mead, Cafe Terra Cotta...C.J. Karamargin conducts a Q&A with Cafe Terra Cotta Chef Tom Mead.

The fall issue of Edible Phoenix has hit the stands with articles on:

Mesquite- It's not just for Barbecue anymore.

The Constant Gardener

I Was A Junk Food Vegan

Janos Celebrates Native Seeds

Cooking Fresh

Dinner Parties On the Front Lines

Reality Check- High Maintenance Ordering

Over The Rainbow To Granite Creek- We're off to See the Winemaking Wizards

Local Books

This Rose Helps Others To Blossom

Lo-Lo's Fried Chicken & Waffles

Valley Bites

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

September 22, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Nee House...Food Critic Howard Seftels reveals one of his tricks to find good ethnic retaurants. He reads the local ethnic newspapers and feels that if a restaurant is going to advertise to it's own community that it must be good. This practise led him to a Chinese treat, Nee House.

Haifa Restaurant & Bar...Howard reviews Haifa Restaurant & Bar that serves Jewish Fare with a twist.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey tells us about the "Aussie Pies" by Mojo Pies and some rare "juice" at Armitage Wine Lounge and Store.

From the Phoenix New Times:

China King...Food Critic Michele Laudig finds the dim sum at China King to be Chinatown good.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Michelangelo Ristorante Italiano ...C.J. Karamargin says the spot to bring a supermodel to break her diet is Michelangelo Ristorante Italiano.

Restaurant Notebook...This installment of the "Restaurant Notebook" covers the new location of Chu's Mongolian Barbecue and Chile Verde Sonoran Grill.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

September 30, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Q & A with Food Critic Howard Seftel...Howard answers some questions sent in by his readers.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey details the expansion plans of Santa Fe restaurateurs Cliff Skoglund and Robert Hall in Phoenix.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Ticoz...Food Critic Michele Laudig is not satisfied with the food or service at this wanna-be"resto-bar".

From the Tucson Citizen:

Restaurant Notebook...This edition of the Restaurant Notebook details; the "Native Seeds/SEARCH Benefit" dinner held at Janos, the opening of Tucson's first Carvel and the "Tucson Meet Yourself" fundraiser at the Hotel Congress.

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited September 30, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

October 10., 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Trader Vic's...Food Critic Howard Seftel did not like the Trader Vic's of old but likes the new version at the Hotel Valley Ho.

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey gives us the head's up on some new happenings at Sol y Sombre and breaks down the offerings at The City.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Star Spangled Tavern...Food Critic Michele Laudig gives an up and down review of the new DC Ranch Marketplace, Star Spangled Tavern.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Al Fresco Dining...C.J. Karamargin lists some spots to enjoy dining outdoors.

Restaurant Notebook...This edition of the "Notebook" details; BBQ joint-Touch Of Class, Froth Coffee Bar, Starbucks, Mario's Pizza, Cafe Bama Pizzaria and the Melting Pot.

Meet The Chef: Odell Baskerville of Arizona Inn...C.J. Karamargin performs a Q&A with Chef Odell Baskervill of the Arizona Inn

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

October 19, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey gives us the lowdown on; Pumpkin-palooza at Tapino Kitchen and Wine Bar, and the Slow Food dinner that was held on October 15.

Renovated Wright's at Arizona Biltmore brings 'American Lodge cuisine' to Valley ...Carey runs down the offerings at the revamped Wrights at the Arizona Biltmore.

Beau-Bay...Food Critic Howard Seftel reviews the Caribbean restaurant Beau-Bay and loves the food, but is mystified by the price.

Anticipated Skye, Olive & Ivy set to go ...In this installment of 'Dining News'; Olive & Ivy has opened at the Scottsdale Waterfront and Skye sets to open on the westside.

Pacific Bay Co....Howard says the Mesa fish house Pacific Bay has some "small, irritating flaws that short-circuit the dining experience, keeping it from reach- ing its potential."

From the Phoenix New Times:

Gomo's Korean Restaurant...Food Critic Michele Laudig wants to go more to Gomo's Korean Restaurant. (could not help it)

Orange Table...Michele likes what she finds for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Orange Table. ( I ate there for lunch once and enjoyed the sandwich. Difficult to find though...a few doors south of AZ88 in the same plaza.)

From the Tucson Citizen:

Fuego...Food Critic C. J. Karamargin says the Tanque Verde restaurant row staple Fuego is still performing at a top level.

Restaurant Notebook...This chapter of the "Notebook" has news on Bowz, Luxor, restaurant closings, downtown progressive dinners and "Top Chef".

Meet The Chef: Justin Morrow...C.J. Karamargin performs a Q&A with Chef Justin Morrow of Canyon Ranch.

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited October 20, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

November 4, 2006

Carey Sweet's Dining Article...Carey has been seduced by the Indian aromas at Bollywood Brasserie.

Spotted Donkey Cantina, The Bad Donkey ...Carey updates us on the plans of Sante Fe restauranteurs Cliff Skoglund and Robert Hall and following in the Donkey theme, the Bad Donkey in Carefree.

Howard Seftel's Dining News...Howard gives us the details on: the new Wildflower Bread Co., Kai, Churchill's Pub and Grill, Kabuki Sushi and Grill and Spotted Donkey Cantina.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Best Bagels in the Valley...Food Critic Michele Laudig searches for New York Bagels and finds these Valley choices hit the spot: Chompies, New York Bagels N' Bialys, Karsh's Bakery, DJ's Bagel Cafe, and Back East Bagels.

Entrees Made Easy...Michele goes where no food critic has gone before (I think) and tries out the "take home meals" at Entrees Made Easy.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Shish Kebab House of Tucson ...Food Critic C.J. Karamargin sums up the Shish Kebab House of Tucson in one word...Yum!

RESTAURANT NOTEBOOK...This installment of the "Restaurant Notebook" details; the opening of Di Luca Fine Italian Foods, some Phoenix news and the "sexiest bartender of 2006" by Playboy.com.

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited November 5, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

11-11-2006

From the Arizona Republic:

We could learn from French joy of eating ...Food critic Howard Seftel returns from a vacation in France with an apreciation of the French culinary attitude.

When You Wish Upon (Three) Stars...In Howard's blog, he details a meal in Cancale, France at Michelin 3 star rated Olivier Roellinger's Maisons de Bricourt. Howard was so moved by his meal there that he wonders why the valley does not have a "Roellinger". I have been told by an American Michelin starred chef that he feels that Chef Olivier Roellinger may be the best chef in France and based on Howard's reaction, I have no doubt!!

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey gives details on; the wine program at Vino 100, Thanksgiving Menus at Vu and Cafe ZuZu, and a trivia answer.

From the Phoenix New Times:

Quiessence Restaurant and Wine Bar...Food Critic Michele Laudig is wowed by the seasonal fare of Quiessence Restaurant and Wine Bar.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Primo Restaurant...Food Critic C.J. Karamargin says the food lives up to the name at Primo Restaurant.

Meet the Chef: Tom Hollywood...C.J. Karamargin performs a Q&A with Soleil Chef Tom Hollywood.

Good Eating,

Molto E

[molto e]

November 17, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Carey Sweet's Dining Column...Carey details Tonto Bar and Grill's "Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator Magazine and the opening of an offshoot of Frank and Lupe's, Santos Lounge.

Tradiciones...Food Critic Howard Seftel gives a very positive review of Phoenix Ranch Market's restaurant Tradiciones.

Olive and Ivy...Food Critic Michele Laudig reviews the new Waterfront offering, Olive and Ivy.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Thanksgiving Recipes From Tucson Chefs...The Taste Plus section put together Thanksgiving recipes from Tucson Chefs.

Meet The Chef - Jan Osipowicz, Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort ...C.J. Karamargin performs a Q&A with Jan Osipowicz of the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort.

Good Eating,

Molto E

Edited November 17, 2006 by molto e (log)

[molto e]

December 1, 2006

From the Arizona Republic:

Rio Sabor...Food Critic Howard Seftel shows off his Brasilian side at Rio Sabor.

The Grill at the TPC...Howard hails the beef at the Grill at the TPC, but faults almost everything else starting at the hostess stand and some of the "bland side dishes".

From the Phoenix New Times:

Taneko Japanese Tavern...Food Critic Michele Laudig enjoys the new concept from PF Chang's, Tanenko Japanese Tavern.

Joe's Farm Grill...Michele makes the trek out to Gilbert and loves Joe Johnson's new offering Joe's Farm Grill. For those of you are familiar with Taylor's Automatic Refresher in Napa and SF then you will notice touches of Taylor's at the Farm Grill.

From the Tucson Citizen:

Find NW passage...Food Critic C.J. Karamargin writes about the new restaurant row forming on north Oracle Road.

Si! Grille Modern Mexican Cuisine...C.J. reviews the mixed results at Si! Grille Modern Mexican Cuisine.

From Tucson Weekly:

Bistro at Las Candelas ...Renee Downing finds the Bistro at Las Candelas to be "an almost willfully obscure, offbeat, lovable gem of a place".

Noshing Around...Karyn Zolden highlights El Ojito Springs Center for Creativity and Coffeehouse, Tucson recipients of the "AAA Diamond Award" and New Beginnings canned food drives.

From Edible Phoenix:

The Winter edition of Edible Phoenix contains articles on:

Chiltepines - Hot and Wild Native Chiles

Delicious Bounty Does Grow On Trees

Gruet Winery - Land of Enchanting Sparklers

The Twelve Tamales Of Christmas

Zinc Bistro

Fields of Plenty - A Farmer's Journey in Search of Real Food and the People Who Grow It

Keeping It Safe In The Kitchen

Feast In The Desert

Valley Bites

Good Eating,

Molto E