Chow Bella breaks the news that Chef Chris Curtiss is out at Noca and we all now can wonder and wait for the replacement for this local favorite.   His last service was last night.   No comment from the chef.

An employee tells Chow Bella:

The employee told me that Curtiss has a few ideas of what he might do next, but nothing concrete, and that Noca has a couple of ideas as well, namely, of who might replace the man who was nominated this year for the Southwest category of Food and Wine magazine’s People’s New Chef of the Year and the AZ Culinary Hall of Fame, in addition to earning the restaurant a semifinalist spot for Best New Restaurant in the 2009 James Beard Awards.

[Chow Bella]

[Noca Site]

It’s no secret that the summer months in this fine state of ours are a little….slow? But as locals who endure the heat, giving back to the community is especially important during this time. That’s why Local First Arizona is proud to sponsor Independents Week (or Indie Week as it’s known on the street) through July 4. During this week, those who have the “Golden Coupon” will receive a 20% discount at all of the participating businesses, but don’t worry, there will be no need to hunt for this coupon furiously while eating excessive amounts of chocolate (unless you want to), all you need to do is head to Local First’s website and print it off for free!

There will be many festive events happening this week as well including an opportunity to win a fabulous staycation package. Take the pledge to buy local and visit the nearly 200 businesses participating in this awesome event. Try a new restaurant, shop at your nearest farmers market and rest easy knowing that as you save money, your money is staying in the state and supporting your local economy.

We have to admit we look forward to each week’s Table Talk because quite frankly,  they usually go against the grain of the other local critics.   Well, this here instance the boys just had to admit they loved it, just the same as the others.   Their highlights instead focused on the design with architect Wendell Burnette:

We asked him about the differences in creating a Soi 4 as opposed to, say, a St. Francis. He replied: “Because this was essentially a TI [tenant improvement] on a blank space, we could be more conceptual. St Francis was an intervention on a free-standing building that had good, historic bones. That was more a matter of bringing out that character. Here, we were essentially inserting an interior, and that was a new thing for us. But from that, comes an incredible opportunity to explore ideas.”

And:

Our opinion: it turned out really great. The details and construction, executed by one of The Construction Zone founding partners, Rich Fairbourn, is seamless. But if you want to know what the architect orders when he goes, then order this: “Definitely the Kua Kling Mu,” he says. “It’s stir-fried pork shoulder with asparagus and jasmine rice. Top it with a fried egg, and then ask for the good spices, which they only give you a little spoon of.”

[EaterAZ]
[Soy 4 Official Site]

If the first half of the Hawaiian Air music video looks like the flight from hell, that’s because it is. Screaming children, the middle seat, ugh, we’re getting anxiety just thinking about it. But there is reward for the lead singer of Friendly Fires, Ed Macfarlane upon his arrival. Enjoying all thats amazing about Hawaii, this video is a literal interpretation of the song. No shame in this game for a perfectly poppy summer song.

The best of the best mushrooms are coming to a restaurant near you! Proprietor Gary Lasko is bringing his freshly hunted Wild Black Morel mushrooms to Arizona’s original steakhouse, The Stockyards. Sautéed in butter and garlic to bring out their woodsy and smoky flavors, the mushrooms are the perfect addition to any steak or seafood entree. These high quality, scrumptious mushrooms straight out of Washington State will be served as a 2.5 ounce portion for $10 and as a 5 ounce portion for $20.

Looking for a place to rent in Maricopa County? Well, thanks to yet another Hollywood reality t.v. show, Bristol Palin’s five bedroom 2.5 bathroom, Arizona home is up for rent. The former Dancing With the Stars contestant is, for now, trading in college life at ASU for a life on the television screen. For only $1,400 a month you can be sitting in Bristol’s living room watching her on the small screen, and from the looks of it, there may be a swing included. Interested? Click here to make it yours.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

There is no need to venture far if your trying to relax, resort style. We all know Scottsdale is the ultimate party scene whether your looking for a night-life destination or a raging day-time pool party. We’ve got a list of this season’s hot spots that are sure to attract the most chiseled socialites out there and get this summer into full-swing. Find out where after the jump! »READ MORE

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Hosting a summer shindig and don’t know what to serve? Impress your guests with these fancy shmancy Jell-o shots that are sure to wow guests and spark conversation. If tequila is your alcohol of choice, we suggest the Strawberry Margarita Shooters (shown left). Made out of actual strawberries, just be careful to not poke a hole through the strawberry. For vodka lovers the Fancy Watermelon Jell-o Shooters are simple and adorable. Either way your guests will love these bite-sized  cocktails.

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Our love for Urban Turbans has hit the big time. These gorgeous decorative headbands are now available on the Free People website. Get them while they’re hot!

There are few things more capable of ruining a perfectly good mood than a bad hair day. But with summer seeping into the air and the festival circuit in full swing, dampened and distressed tresses are inevitable. Cue the rescue of the Urban Turban. This ultra trendy look has been spotted on It-girls like Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller and Whitney Port, and has made its way into the spring lines of major designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg. Chic, effortless and right on point with the retro revival that has fashionistas scouring vintage racks this season, we’re loving The Lucy (pictured). This hair wear offers a nice alternative to a coif-smooshing fedora, is far more versatile than a floppy hat and are available in dozens of fabrics and colors. Check out our favorite picks in the gallery after the jump. »READ MORE

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it.

Starting July 1st, Mexican Modernism art will fill the galleries of the Phoenix Art Museum. Straight from the Blaisten Collection, the exhibit will include works from some of Mexico’s well-known artists between 1910 and 1950. Of the 80 paintings that will be up for viewing, 45 artists including Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and Frida Kahlo will be showcased, as seven artistic themes will be addressed. Quite the show indeed, as it is sure to have a compelling variety of work, illustrating the cultural environment of Mexico during the first half of the 20th century.

With temperatures in the triple digits, it’s only logical that you’ll need to drink triple the alcohol to mentally cope. Thus, the Margarita Flight. With a passion fruit, classic and pomegranate marg this combo (recipes below) is so delicious it will almost make you forget your face is melting. Almost. Too lazy to mix up all three yourself? Head on over to Los Sombreros and for the mere price of $9.95, you can try all three. It’s just like drinking with the Three Amigos, but way, way better. All three recipes after the jump.  »READ MORE

Oh my! Tongue in cheek and extremely humorous, this Tea and A tea set by Luis Caicedo is an excellent use of potty mouth humor. Each piece is sold and numbered individually along with appropriately awesomely dirty names. The sugar bowl? Go ahead and call that “Sugar Tits.” Please pass the milk, aka “Milk Maid,” while the tea pot is “Big Jugs” and it’s glasses are “Little A” and “Big A.” This is one tea party we’re dying to attend.

The Contemporary Forum is hosting a Summer Film Festival and next up on the big screen is Wasteland Utopias by Bisbee-based filmmaker David Sherman. The 90 minute film shows the crossroads of two drastically different utopian thinkers: mega-developer Del Webb and outsider psychiatrist/naturalist Wilhelm Reich. The free July 13th showing at the Phoenix Art Museum–Whiteman Hall is open to the public and begins at 7pm following a Q&A session with Sherman himself.

Ballet Arizona just celebrated 25 fabulous years of entertainment and now they need your help to keep them on their toes. They are within $50,000 of reaching their goal of contributed revenue, so get your donations in now! And while your at it purchase your subscription for the upcoming 2011-12 Fairytale Season which will feature Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and everyone’s Christmas favorite, The Nutcracker. Heads up the the men out there: Your significant other will dig the season tickets…hint hint…

Not sure what to do this weekend?  Escape the triple digit temps and cool off in Flagstaff at the Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival. Over 50 breweries from all over the Southwest and West Coast will be at the Coconino County Fairgrounds this Saturday from 1-5pm. General admission ($50 at the door) includes a sweet souvenir tasting mug, 24 sampling tickets and live music. VIP guests ($90 at the door) get all that fun stuff plus private beer tastings, a large covered seating area, a free massage and free hor d’oeuvres. For more info click here.

As our attraction to Modern architecture is never ending, we can’t help but be amused by a Modern style doghouse. Or should we say “dog mansion.” This dogie dwelling cube comes complete with sleek lines, a free floating roof, a puristic color scheme and glass windows, barking Bauhaus architectural features. Amusing, entertaining, and slightly ridiculous, the appropriately titled Cubix, gives a pet friendly and durable home for you pooch. After all, a dog is a man’s best friend.

Spa-ching! Bliss is offering an exciting deal this summer! Buy the Summer Spa Pass for $300 and choose three spa services to use anytime this summer. From bikini waxes and pedicures to facials and massages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The pass will save you up to $140 so book now in-store (7277 E. Camelback Rd.) or call 1-877-862-5477. 

Lon’s At The Hermosa Inn is hosting two Beer Dinners this summer for all the beer enthusiasts out there who think just drinking it is just not enough. On June 30th Chef Jeremy Pacheco will prepare a beer inspired four course meal paired with beers from Sonoran Brewing Company. How about some beer battered squash with ricotta and tomato puree? We think yes. If that tickled your fancy then visit Lon’s on August 4th when Pacheco will prepare another four course meal including beer braised cockles paired with beers from SanTan Brewing Company. Each dinner is $49 per person and begins at 6:30. For reservations call 602-955-7878.

After violating her probation by testing positive for alcohol last week, house-arrested Lindsay Lohan may be jailbound again (she’s due in court today) which means interviewing her is the biggest coup an American journalist could get right now! Bigger than interviewing the president. Bigger than a sit-down with Osama bin Laden’s reanimated corpse. But Matt Lauer walked out of an interview with her, because she was too demanding. [Gawker]

From TMZ:

Also, Here’s what we know.  Lindsay was tested twice last week.  Sources tell TMZ … Lindsay tested positive for alcohol on one of the tests and negative on the other.  In both tests, she tested negative for drugs.  One of the tests was administered just after Lindsay had a rooftop barbecue party.

Sources tell TMZ … the L.A. County Probation Department will ask Judge Stephanie Sautner to yank her out of house arrest and throw her in L.A. County Jail. [TMZ]

The trumping of the kiss cam  has been solidified as the winners of the first ever MLB All-Star FanFest Wedding Giveaway, have been announced. Contest winners, and soon to be newlyweds, Joe Curiale and Dolly West are about to smell wedding victory with a bullpen of contest giveaways.

Texas natives, Joe and Dolly, met while working as flight attendants, and now arrange their layovers in the same cities to catch a ball game together, allowing the couple to visit more then 20 ballparks. The only thing this winning twosome can’t agree on however is who to cheer for, as Dolly roots for the Texas Rangers and Joe is a fan of the Cleveland Indians. But all is fair in love and baseball as the two will put their rooting differences aside to say those two magical words all at the center of America’s pastime, Tuesday, July 12.

Yes, we live in the desert and while it is a vastly diverse and unique desert it is currently way too hot to enjoy. However, thanks to Herberger Theater Center, we can all avoid heatstroke, heat induced delusions, and endless formidable cacti with a special summer exhibit, Living in Arizona.

Finally, our hot desert surroundings can be enjoyed in the comforts a nice air-conditioned building adorned with works from 79 local artists such as Leland Beaman, Diana Creighton, Kathleen Escobedo, A.E. Rieff and Beata Wehr. With over 500 pieces, this exhibit will be a great go to alternative for taking in all the local beauty around us. The desert depictions and how we crazy Arizonans deal with the heat, will kick off with a free opening reception Saturday, July 9 at 4:30-6:00 p.m. and will remain an art filled oasis until August 28th.

Wine and dine this Thursday, June 23rd at Frasher’s Steakhouse and help the people of Joplin, Missouri who recently lost their homes and businesses in a devastating tornado. For a $10 cover enjoy drink specials at 7pm and music at 8pm. All proceeds from Brews for Joplin will go to the United Way of Southwest Missouri to help victims rebuild. There is no better way to raise money than taking down a big juicy steak!

Hosting a summer shindig and don’t know what to serve? Impress your guests with these fancy shmancy Jell-o shots that are sure to wow guests and spark conversation. If tequila is your alcohol of choice, we suggest the Strawberry Margarita Shooters (shown left). Made out of actual strawberries, just be careful to not poke a hole through the strawberry. For vodka lovers the Fancy Watermelon Jell-o Shooters are simple and adorable. Either way your guests will love these bite-sized  cocktails.

If the current cantaloupe scare has frightened you away from summer’s sweet melons and if your mouth starts to water at the mere mention of “chile rellenos”, you’ve just stumbled upon the four leaf clover of food blog recaps. We’ll finish it off with a nice batch of deep-fried kool-aid ensuring you a real meal of champions. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

So cantaloupes may be on the “no” list for many restaurants this season, but there are melon alternatives not under scrutiny like the Charentais French Melon mentioned in Pen&Fork this week.  You can get these sweet, delicious melons at the Scottsdale Stadium Market this summer courtesy of Phoenix grower, Carl Seacat, of Seacat Gardens. Locally grown and right at your fingertips, this fruit opens up a world of salad and smoothie options. Get your creative juices flowing or follow this recipe for a nice frappe to cool you down in these miserable hot months.  »READ MORE