The June issue of Phoenix Magazine is out and Ellen Jeffords files a thorough review of her dining experience. Did she like it?

Its name alone, lacking a tagline that explains its cuisine, makes it sound as if it could be a children’s clothing boutique

In the evening, lights are so dim it’s difficult to read the menu or see the food

Starters include a well-crusted, creamy polenta cake ($9) sparked up and enriched with tarragon butter and glazed with melted cheese. It’s the best cornmeal you’ll ever taste. Beautifully presented, classic carpaccio ($12) could have used a side of crostini.

Some things are simply inexplicable. Arancini ($9), fried rice balls, were completely missing the essential cheese stuffing and, thus, were dry and dull.

Seafood is beautifully handled. Firm yet moist black cod ($26) holds up well to a textural polenta cake and vibrant ratatouille, and flaky, mild salmon ($25) is paired with an imaginative veggie-laden couscous singing with flavor.

Concluding:

somewhere inside this overblown mishmash of styles and intentions, a good Mediterranean-inspired eatery is struggling mightily to get out.

See complete review page 167 Phoenix Magazine’s June Issue.   Ph. Richard Maack

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, one of the stars of MTV’s reality series “Jersey Shore,” crashed into a police car Monday in Italy, according to reports.

Polizzi, in Florence to tape the fourth season of “Jersey Shore,” was driving when she rear-ended the patrol car, which was acting as an escort for her vehicle. The crash wedged Polizzi’s car between the police vehicle and a highway wall. [NYPost]

Thanks to our avid reading of Pitchfork, we are on top of hipster happenings in the music world and are able to share with you some pretty exciting news. Coachella, one of the world’s most famous music festivals, will be expanding to two whole weekends in April (13-15, 20-22) with an attempt to create an identical line-up so you won’t miss out on any of the fun. This past April, the festival sold-out within days of releasing the musical acts to grace the multiple stage much to the disappointment of thousands (including those who work here at DLT). To avoid weeping audiophiles the world over, we applaud Coachella for making their festival more accessible, but will this be a hinderance to the Hipster Mermaid types in the world who praise exclusivity? And how will they avoid scheduling conflicts with the hundreds of bands now booking for two weekends instead of just one? It all remains to be seen, but you can buy your pre-sale tickets starting June 2 on Coachella’s website to avoid missing out yet again.

The expression “red handed” certainly applies to this story.  Check out the website HERE, which was created by a guy who installed a special security feature for theft, and guess what, it paid off.   He has captured many images of the thief and is asking for help to find the culprit.   Classic.

What does 180 million get you in Las Vegas these days? Well, if you ask the fine folks at the formerly famous (and now hopefully trendy) Tropicana Hotel, it will give you a complete hotel remodel and a monstrous new beach club from the world-renowned night club brand, Nikki Beach which opened over Memorial Day Weekend with a blowout “White Party”. In an effort to live up to the ever rising resort expectations of Sin City, the hotel, which opened opened in 1957, was a Vegas destination featured in films like Viva Las Vegas and Diamonds are Forever. It was even mentioned in the Godfather Part II which solidified its place in history, but not necessarily among the hot, new resorts that kept popping up on the strip like multimillion dollar weeds on a very adult playground.

Cue the transformation.

Now, the Tropicana Hotel is hard to miss when driving down the strip. With an entirely new (and bright white) exterior, new rooms, a new spa and updated fitness center, new retail, new restaurants and the opening of the world’s largest Nikki Beach Club, it seems the Tropicana adopted the American mantra, “newer is better” and left no detail in the dust. With the goal to “bring the best of South Beach to the heart of Las Vegas”, this is not your mother’s Tropicana Hotel. Bring your bathing suit, some sun block and drink something out of a coconut because Miami just met Vegas and it’s now only a 30 minute plane-ride away. Check out photos of the “Hot” new joint after the jump. 

Summer nails are fun, bright and scream summer, but which color to put on our pointers? It’s right at your fingertips with Refinery 29‘s Super Summer Nail Polish Guide. A few of our favs are China Glaze Electric Pineapple for a refreshingly yellow pop of color as well as Dior’s Paradise for it’s blinding pink. Want more? Here’s the full slideshow.

Thanks to a little detective work by our readers (high fives all around) we’ve discovered the name of the nightclub at 4405 Saddlebag (click here for our original story). Joining the newly revitalized strip in Old Town Scottsdale that houses El Jefe, Majerle’s and The Mint will be Wild Knight, a medieval themed members only night club that will be opening in the next few weeks. We’ve heard there will be no list, no menus and no cameras, so debauchery is sure to ensue. Given that every citizen of Scottsdale assumes they’re royalty, may we be the first to say the name is extremely fitting. So, now you know.

So the long weekend is over and in our Memorial Day haze we missed the recent review posted over at EAZ on
Black Chile Mexican Grill, the spot just across the street from our offices. So we are hoping for nothing but good because lord knows we need some food around these parts. To the scratch pad:

Strangely, though, what turned out to be great, no one (including the server) saw coming—the burger! The Rojo burger at Black Chile is now firmly set in our personal Top 5 Burgers List.

And to the Tacos we go.

Chicken—Not bad. Not great.  Fish—The best of the bunch. Of all the tacos we tried, this is the one to return for.  Carnitas—The second best of the bunch. This one had the most interesting flavors and the one we kept going back to. Why was it not the best? Take a look at the pork mention below. Vegetarian—Piled with roasted corn, sweet potatoes, squash, onions, black beans, Cotija cheese, and roasted corn aioli. We thought this taco needed more oomph. There was no sauce, leaving it dry. It felt like the chefs put it on the menu out of necessity, rather than because they want to nail a great veggie taco. Worst of the bunch. Ground Beef—The weakest of the meat bunch. Really, the flavors just seemed out of balance, but the meat itself was juicy and not too saucy. Carne Asada—Solid. Definitely won’t disappoint if carne is what you’re in the mood for. Meat had a tinge of lime and all the flavors worked.

And what about the physical space.

The restaurant space itself looks great, with a huge wrap-around patio, open kitchen, and open-air bar. The tequila list, which was due to offer about 75 bottles, debuted with over 125, with some great ones that would pair nicely with a burger, and okay ones that make for a nice base to lime juice and simple syrup.

For full report go to EAZ.

Black Chile Mexican Grill
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-5593
blackchile.com

If your home furnishing tastes haven’t quite caught up yet with your sartorial genius, check out these fabulously printed plates from Italy-based home decor company Fornasetti.

Like a finely tuned Ferrari or impeccably-tailored Prada suit, these glossy dining ware fixtures featuring a doughy eyed girl will make even the most lowly of foods look like a million bucks. Look for Fornasetti plates and their entire line of kitschy homewares at Barneys New York and if you just happen to be in Italy, their Milan flagship.

Ladies and genetleman, it’s Memorial Day weekend. These fresh tunes from DJ William Reed are guaranteed to kick your beer cracking, pool hopping weekend into high gear (as if it wasn’t already).

Art Brut- Lost Weekend
She Wants Revenge- Must Be the One
Friendly Fires- Live Those Days Tonight
Foster the People- Helena Beat [The Strobes Remix]
My Morning Jacket- Cicuital

A true legend has passed, give this a little listen/watch and toast GSH.

The folks at Hotel Chatter put together a funny post about the ugliest hotels alive.   Luckily Arizona properties escaped being included, but check out their picks.

[Hotel Chatter]

A quick summary for all the new movies opening up this weekend. [Gawker]

Come summertime, nothing’s more refreshing than a crisp citrus-based cocktail. Made with the famed Italian liquor, this modern twist on a Mediterranean classic is the signature cocktail at the Tuscany restaurant at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

Limoncello Martini

Ingredients
1 oz Limoncello
2 oz Citrus vodka
1/4 oz Simple syrup
3 Lemon wedges
1 Verbena sprig
Prep
Fill shaker with ice, squeeze lemon juice and add the Limoncello and the citrus vodka. Shake, strain and serve in a martini glass with an herbed-sugar rim.

With Memorial Day around the corner, dads nationwide are dusting off their grills and busting out their aprons. What about those that don’t know how to grill, but are entirely delusional and think they can? Let’s all give Eater a collective ‘thank you’ for posting the Ten Best Barbecue Disaster Videos. Quick, get the fire extinguisher!

Still trying to figure out what to serve at your Memorial Day barbecue? Look no further because you’re having waffles! Mini chicken n’ waffles that is. Thanks to Apples and Onions for posting this because seriously, so amazing. Can’t…stop…eating…Full recipe after the jump.  »READ MORE

With so much going on this weekend we decided to “rev” it up and throw caution to the wind. So whether you’re planning on escaping town for this most glorious of three day weekends or sneaking into hotel pools (come on, we all do it), Scoop Factory’s got the need for speed.

Starting their engines this Saturday are the fine drivers at the Mountain Motor Madness Auto & Motorcycles Show. A little known show in Prescott, it’ll be a great way to get out of town for the day and check out some sweet rides. It’s free, there’s music, food and more likely than not, some hot bods.

Next up is an event with the longest name in event history: the 2011 CoolTrade Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series MayFest at Firebird International Raceway (pictured). No seriously, that’s the name. Now imagine Fast and the Furious and then instead of cars, they’re in boats. And instead of roads, it’s water. Apparently the density of the water here is really great (science…) and allows the teams to reach record breaking speeds of up to 250 mph. That sounds pretty awesome. Running Saturday with grudge and gamblers matches (?) on Sunday, individual tickets and family packs are available. And luckily, there are still RV spaces up for grabs. Ya’ know, just in case you were wondering. Now who wants to drive one of these bad boys? Ma’ look, no hands!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend Scoopers, and whatever you choose to do (looking at you illegal hotel pool crashers), be safe and most importantly, have fun! See you Tuesday.

In the true spirit of neighborly love, the superbly snarky EricEatsOut has invited Sarah Palin over for…whatever it is EricEatsOut does in his spare time. We’ll guess barbecue. Only problem? She won’t respond. Nope, not a peep from the Palin camp. With the publication of this article, we’re sure Sarah is extremely happy that Scottsdale residents have informed her that “the sun burns” (no shit, Sherlock), but honestly, we think she’s better off getting to know her new neighbor: the feared food blogger EricEatsOut.

And in a hilarious twist, Curt Smith, a co-founder of Tears For Fears (love them) has offered to bring cake. Seriously. So, citizens of Scottsdale, let’s make this happen. Some screenshots of their tweets after the jump, just for fun.

»READ MORE

Neighborly Advice to the Palins: In Arizona, the Sun Burns [NY Times]

Meghan McCain Dates the Old Fashioned Way [Gawker]

Arizona To Sue Feds Over Medical Marijuana Law [AZ Central]

Be honest, when was the last time you purchased a CD? Exactly. For artists in search of a tangible way to distribute music (because as much as you love it, you can’t hold your iTunes) introducing the Playbutton. The album comes pre loaded and the accompanying art is printed on the front. And with play, pause, skip and volume buttons this is possibly the most high-tech pin in existence, although song order cannot be changed. It’s like wearing your heart on your sleeve, but better.

Calling all Valley illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, architects (and other hipster-creatives)! Looking for a fun, relevant read?

»READ MORE

EAZ pops into their local Fleming’s Steakhouse to grab a bite. And this time they skipped the steak and burgers and opted for something a bit lighter, Cobb Salads:

These $28 masterpieces come with either Maine lobster and tarragon ranch or sliced filet mignon with red onion balsamic. In both cases, you get chopped romaine, bleu cheese crumbles, crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocadoes, white mushrooms, and asparagus – all mixed tableside and served as a full meal portion. But to accompany, we ordered Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes which come with roasted red pepper and lime butter sauce.

A little let down gets rescued by a sharp server:

The crab cakes, for whatever reason, weren’t swimming in perfection, like things that come out of any Fleming’s kitchen usually are. We couldn’t put our finger on it, but they were just eh (yep, just used eh as an adjective). Our server picked up on our lack of enthusiasm and offered to send something else out. We put the onus on her and the chef to pick something. What came out was incredible, an A++ appetizer that’s not only reason to return to Fleming’s, but something we would have never ever ordered: lettuce wraps filled with lump crab and served Louis-style. We could’ve eaten platter after platter of these clean, refreshing beauties.

[EaterAZ]

The Welcome Diner, the on-again off-again hipster hangout located on the outskirts of Downtown Phoenix has opened its doors once again. This time, the man working the griddle inside this 9-seat micro-restaurant is noted local chef, Payton Curry (most recently of Caffe Boa in Tempe). Now open 5 – 10 pm Sunday through Tuesday (open ‘til midnight Tuesdays) and First Fridays until the 4th of July, chef Curry and crew will be whipping up something different every night, using only local and organic products.

Arguably one of the Valley’s most talented (Editor’s note: and pretentious) chefs, Curry left Caffé Boa to eventually open his own restaurant. But in the meantime, he’s signed up for what he’s calling a three month ‘Therapy Project” to bring his talents to the Welcome Diner. After the diner’s fair share of ups and downs we’re hoping Payton can bring it an ‘up.’

Learn more after the jump.
»READ MORE