As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories of ALL TIME aka last week, just in case you missed them.

The Cheesecake Factory, like other similar restaurants and many liquor companies, has jumped on the “skinny” bandwagon, touting healthier menus and dining options. We’ve seen it, you’ve seen it – low-cal, low-fat, skinny-licious – taking over menus and cocktails everywhere. And before you read on to what we thought of The Cheesecake Factory’s new Skinnylicious menu, understand this: There’s no skinnylicious cheesecake. Not a sliver. Not even one bite of the Original, Strawberry or Oreo Cheesecake from the cheesecake-licious bakery you are forced to ignore while walking to your table. But what you will find are skinny cocktails, appetizers, salads and entrees, nearly 50 items under 590 calories and six signature cocktails with 150 calories or less. Calorie-conscious, they may be. But taste-conscious, is a stretch.

Like I said, there’s been so many “skinny” menus popping up, I was willing to give one a try and TCF was willing to offer up their menu. As was my friend Adam Maielua, lead trainer at The Body Lab in Scottsdale which recently opened their second Valley location, who was willing to offer his time and tastebuds with me. Though there wasn’t anything on the menu that we absolutely loved, we agreed that overall, if a Weight Watchers diet or NutriSystem diet works for you, TCF is a viable option for eating out and keeping on track with your weighloss plan occasionally. Mostly, portions were cut to what we feel were more “normal” from their infamous platter-sized meals, so that helps save calories and fat right off the bat. Also, the Skinnylicious menu options are scaled and measured to the precise caloric content listed so you know the exact calories consumed, if you’re still into counting them. But overall, what was skinny, wasn’t necessarily “licious.” Here’s the skinny on what we tried:

»READ MORE

Alright, the rush of Super Wu Sunday is over. Now, we’re moving onto Super Bowl Sunday without a plan, but with an adorable new Jason Wu for Target dress. Here’s a quick roundup of what’s going on around town and from the internet to make this big game day Super despite a game plan:

1. Drop in to any of AZ Central’s “21 Places to Enjoy the Super Bowl in Greater Phoenix.”

2. Check Gawker’s “The Non-Sports Fan’s Guide to Maybe Enjoying the Super Bowl” for hilarious tips.

3. Review DLT’s guide to “Homegating” for the Super Bowl.

4. Luckily, there’s not enough time for any of theses ridiculous “Super Bowl Funny” recipes.

5. What would the Super Bowl be without chicken wings, guacamole and beer? Check the Food Network’s guide for Super Bowl Recipes.

6. Join the “Pabst It To Me” Party at the Crescent Ballroom. The party starts at 3:00 p.m. More info here.

7. Taste each team with Zinburger’s “Super Burger Bowl” specialty burger recipes through today.

8. Stay home, whip up a batch of this amazing Beer and Cheese Dip and watch the game at home in peace. Recipe courtesy of Chef Gregory Wiener from Top of the Rock at the Buttes Resort:

Ingredients:
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 small onion minced
Hot sauce (like Tabasco Chipotle) to taste
1 clove minced garlic
1 beer (preferably an IPA)
¼ cup diced canned green chilies

Method:
Combine all ingredients except the beer and stir or use food processor to get an even texture.
Add enough beer to get desired consistency (flat beer works best).
Chill and serve with crackers and vegetables.

Image via Fox News

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories of ALL TIME aka last week, just in cased you missed them.

Chef Charleen Badman and Pavle Milic of Valley favorite FnB will add three new food and wine hot spots to the Scottsdale dining scene this week. The trio of openings include Baratin Cafe – a small dining spot, AZ Wine Merchants – a boutique wine shop, and Bodega – a green grocer and market, converging at the palm tree-lined courtyard of the Kiva Center in Old Town Scottsdale.

Housed in a wonderful 50s-era building with mosiacs, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the three venues will be much like FnB – small, charming, light-filled and unique. Find Arizona Wine Merchants to the left, Baratin in the middle and Bodega to the right, each with its own entrance but each accessible to the other from the inside.

Baratin opens today and Arizona Wine Merchants and Bodega are set to open tomorrow.

Baratin, AZ Wine Merchants and Bodega | 7125 E. Fifth Avenue, Suite 29 | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Oh la la! Pucker up to The French Martini from the makers of Chambord Flavored Vodka. The pretty pink cocktail the perfect date night sipper. Lay one on your loved one with the following recipe:

INGREDIENTS:
1.5 oz of Chambord Flavored Vodka
.5 oz Chambord Liqueur
2 oz Pineapple Juice

PREPARATION:
Shake all ingredients with ice in cocktail shaker. Pour into a chilled martini glass and serve.

Chef Charleen Badman and Pavle Milic of Valley favorite FnB will add three new food and wine hot spots to the Scottsdale dining scene this week. The trio of openings include Baratin Cafe – a small dining spot, AZ Wine Merchants – a boutique wine shop, and Bodega – a green grocer and market, converging at the palm tree-lined courtyard of the Kiva Center in Old Town Scottsdale.

Housed in a wonderful 50s-era building with mosiacs, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the three venues will be much like FnB -  small, charming, light-filled and unique. Find Arizona Wine Merchants  to the left, Baratin in the middle and Bodega to the right, each with its own entrance but each accessible to the other from the inside.

Baratin opens today and Arizona Wine Merchants and Bodega are set to open tomorrow.

Baratin, AZ Wine Merchants and Bodega | 7125 E. Fifth Avenue, Suite 29 | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Your Valentine will love a spicy date at Bombay Spice Grill & Wine bar in Phoenix. And you’ll love the special price of just $50 per couple for one appetizer, two entrees, dessert and one bottle of wine from February 10-14. Vegan and plenty of gluten free options are available for that extra special Valentine. So spice it up for Valentine’s Day at Bombay Spice. For reservations, call 602-795-0020.

Bombay Spice Grill & Wine | 10810 North Tatum Boulevard | Phoenix, Arizona 85028

Before you order that Brazilian Butt Lift off late night TV, check out Arizona’s first licensed SPX Fitness studio, The Body Lab, in its newest location. The Body Lab now open in North Scottsdale was created by international trainer Sebastien Lagree. The SPX Fitness regime is the workout of choice by Hollywood’s elite and professional athletes, combining pilates, cardio and strength training. Now with two locations, you’ve run out of reasons to skip that workout.

The Body Lab – Scottsdale Studio | 20511 North Hayden Road | Scottsdale, AZ 85255 

Of course we’re looking forward to the match up between…we lie. We love the Super Bowl for the wacky Super Bowl food, the beer, Madonna’s halftime show this year and of course, for the following Super Bowl Commercials:

Jerry Seinfeld is so excited about the new Acura NSX that he will stop at nothing to acquire the very first one. Check out the extended version of Acura’s big game commercial. See what else Jerry would do for the first new NSX at www.acura.com. NSX projected debut in next three years.

Grand Canyon Universitywill host a spring edition of its successful Run to Fight Children’s Cancer benefiting Arizona’s Children’s Cancer Network. Getting ready to run for the cure Saturday, March 10 at 7:00 a.m., starting at the new Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix.

Last fall, the inaugural run raised over $30,000 for the Children’s Cancer Network and this spring’s run hopes to do the same. Participants in the 5K, 10K and Cancer Survivors’ Walk will receive an official race t-shirt and goodie bag, with the first 500 to register also receiving an aluminum water bottle. Cancer survivors participating will receive a special gift. Family-friendly activities will include jump houses, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts, a photo booth and appearances by mascots of Arizona’s professional sports teams.

To enter or to volunteer for the race, click here. Registration fees through March 2 are $20 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K. The Cancer Survivors’ Walk is free and family and friends of survivors are encouraged to participate.

The Cheesecake Factory, like other similar restaurants and many liquor companies, has jumped on the “skinny” bandwagon, touting healthier menus and dining options. We’ve seen it, you’ve seen it – low-cal, low-fat, skinny-licious – taking over menus and cocktails everywhere. And before you read on to what we thought of The Cheesecake Factory’s new Skinnylicious menu, understand this: There’s no skinnylicious cheesecake. Not a sliver. Not even one bite of the Original, Strawberry or Oreo Cheesecake from the cheesecake-licious bakery you are forced to ignore while walking to your table. But what you will find are skinny cocktails, appetizers, salads and entrees, nearly 50 items under 590 calories and six signature cocktails with 150 calories or less. Calorie-conscious, they may be. But taste-conscious, is a stretch.

Like I said, there’s been so many “skinny” menus popping up, I was willing to give one a try and TCF was willing to offer up their menu. As was my friend Adam Maielua, lead trainer at The Body Lab in Scottsdale which recently opened their second Valley location, who was willing to offer his time and tastebuds with me. Though there wasn’t anything on the menu that we absolutely loved, we agreed that overall, if a Weight Watchers diet or NutriSystem diet works for you, TCF is a viable option for eating out and keeping on track with your weighloss plan occasionally. Mostly, portions were cut to what we feel were more “normal” from their infamous platter-sized meals, so that helps save calories and fat right off the bat. Also, the Skinnylicious menu options are scaled and measured to the precise caloric content listed so you know the exact calories consumed, if you’re still into counting them. But overall, what was skinny, wasn’t necessarily “licious.” Here’s the skinny on what we tried:

»READ MORE

Local pasta sauce, herb and oil company Costantino’s Kitchen is bringing the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen, just like Grandma used to make! We love it on spaghetti squash and can’t wait to try the Angie’s Meatballs recipe below. Find the sauce at a local farmer’s market here and hopefully soon to Chow Locally. 

Angie’s Meatballs

Yield: 12 Meatballs

1 jar Costantino’s Kitchen Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
4 oz ground beef
4 oz ground pork
1/4  cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2.5 tbsp minced onion
2 tbsp milk
1 egg
1 clove minced garlic
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat sauce over medium-high heat.

Combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, milk, egg, garlic and pepper. Shape into 12, 1-inch meatballs. Cook in skillet over medium heat until brown on all sides. Move to oven and cook at 350 degrees for 10 minutes until cooked throughout. Serve over pasta with a generous portion of Costantino’s Kitchen Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce.

We just received anonymous pictures from a loyal reader of the Dallas-based restaurant Del Frisco’s renovating the space at the Esplanade where Houston’s bailed. Del Frisco’s is scraping the old interiors to the bone, just like you will be scraping a plate of their 24 oz Prime Porterhouse Steak with Cauliflower & Brie Au Gratin soon. No word on when they’ll be “frisking” Phoenix at the “Do Right & Fear No Man” steakhouse or why they call it that, but sounds exciting, right?!

Speaking of the Esplanade where the DLT office is, any takers for the McCormick & Schmick’s space yet? If you’ve got the inside Scoop, let us know by emailing editor@scoopfactory.com. Quality insider tips pay in virtual high-fives and your name as “Staff” on the byline.

We’re clapping furiously for the local foundation, Act One (part of the ON Media Publications family), for hosting 300 high school students January 25 for the Arizona Opera’s Community Night showing of Madama Butterfly. 300 kids sponsored by Act One joined over 2,000 high school students from Valley Title 1 schools, a Federal designation for underserved school populations, who would otherwise not be able to afford the student rate and travel expenses of such life-enriching events. ON Media’s publishers Russ and Linda ‘Mac’ Perlich started the Act One foundation to allow such students access to experiential arts learning. Foundation sponsorships underwrite the costs of school buses, performance tickets and distribution of study guides and other supplementary materials for pre- and post performance in-classroom instruction. The first year, Act One scheduled over 17 events for close to 7,000 K-12 students.

If you would like to participate or for more information, contact Colin Columna, Director of Act One at ccolumna@act1az.org.

It’s that time again for the greatest show on grass. Sure we’re excited about the 16th hole, but the Waste Management Phoenix Open offers much more than cheering for our hometown hero Phil Mickelson from Monday, January 30 – February 5. For a guide to all official daytime golf events, click here.

For those 21-and older swing into the Coors Light Birds Nest, just across from the Open’s grounds. This after-tournament tent party opens at 3:30 p.m. each day February 1 – 4 with multiple bars and a giant stage for acts that include The Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am this year. Admission is $25 – $35, and $120 for VIP. For tickets and more info, click here.

Here’s what’s rockin’ the Birds Nest:

Wednesday, February 1: Slightly Stoopid will kick off the four days of concerts, entertaining fans with their reggae rock fusion. Local band Elvis Before Noon and DJ Ronnie G will also perform. Show begins at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 2: The Goo Goo Dolls will slide into the Birds Nest to perform some of your favorites like it was 1998 again. DJ Ronnie G and Kelly James will also perform beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Friday, February 3: Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be spinning records. Check out his DJ skills before his electro-dance album drops later this year. Also performing, The Chadwicks, Kelly James and yep, DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 4: What PGA Tour wouldn’t be complete without an 80s cover band? Flashback Heart Attack, from southern California, performs with Champagne Tap, Smasht and DJ Ronnie G beginning at 6:00 p.m.

New to this year, with crowds reaching the thousands, cell phones are permitted. No more hiding that Droid in your sock! And speaking of socks, check out our Tee Time: A Gentlemen’s Guide To Dressing at The Open.

Image via WM Phoenix Open

We wish we could go “Here,” there and everywhere with the gorgeous Agyness Deyn in the new indie film “HERE,” directed by Lucas Guadagnino for The Luxury Collection hotels. The 15-minute flick features The Phoenician Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. Well, you’re here to win to go there!

One lucky random winner will win a pair of 80-minute spa treatments from the menu offered at The Centre for Well-Being at the Scottsdale resort, valid February 1, 2012 – February 1, 2013 (except holidays). Watch the video and answer the question, “What is the color of Agyness’s dress when she first enters The Phoenician in the film?” Email your answer to max@scoopfactory.com and one lucky, random winner will be selected for the pair of treatments. Your answer must be submitted by Monday, January 30th at 12:00 noon to win.

Scottsdale-based Remix Watches, the LED lighted watch that’s like a personal wrist disco, was a celebrity favorite this past week at the Sundance Film Festival 2012. Celebrities including Paris Hilton, LMFAO’s Red Foo, KayCee Stroh of “High School Musical” and Jason Mraz rocked the brightly colored watches in Park City. Remix founder, Ryan Town reports, “We outfitted the party rock crew with RemixWatches for their weekend at Sundance. Red Foo said he wanted to REMIX a ‘Batman-inspired’ watch and sport that yellow and black.” Oh wait, what about us? We’re sportin’ our bright pink watch everyday to the DLT office! Wanna join the A list, Remix fist pumping crowd with us? Click here to shop online.

Tangerine and shades of bright orange are popping up for Spring / Summer 2012. The Hermes Spring Summer 2012 runway show with new designer Christophe Lemaire featured a hot orange pocket-sized bag against copper and lighter shades of the primary color. We found this Crossbody Structured bag at Forever 21 for just $19.80. But if you’ve got it, flaunt it for the Hermes.

Hermes image via Trend Hunter

Prada Wicker Wedges at the Chandler My Sister's Closet

Set your alarms and grab your most comfortable shopping shoes for the spring styles unveiling at all 12 My Sister’s Closet locations and Well Suited locations Saturday, January 28 at 8:00 a.m. Both My Sister’s Closet and Well Suited will open their doors to more than 80,000 “Out with the Cold, In with the New“ consigned designer and premium clothing, shoes, accessories and more. Each store sell a unique blend of consigned items at 60 – 90 percent below retail value. Online shopping begins at 8:15 am. Founded 20 years ago,  Eco-Chic Consignments, Inc. has since grown into a $16+ million business with 12 locations in some of the nicest neighborhoods of Arizona and California. Lines form early so grab your cuppa and get there quick.

For locations, click here.

Ballet Arizona and Desert Botanical Garden present the Arizona premiere of MOMIX: Botanica, January 27 and January 28 at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix.

Botanica, like other MOMIX creations, creates a magical and ethereal world that is appropriate for the whole family. MOMIX dancer-illusionists conjure a world of surrealistic images using light, shadow, props, humor and the human body. Beautiful and enthralling, Botanica features an eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Vivaldi. It follows the rhythms of the seasons, the changing shape of life on Earth and the passing of a day. The performance is enhanced by spectacular costumes, projections and giant puppetry designed by Michael Curry, acclaimed production designer for Cirque du Soleil, Disney and the Metropolitan Opera.

Ticket info and more after the jump: »READ MORE

A hungry little North Scottsdale birdie telling us that the Old Town Group, the creators of Scottsdale favorites including Stingray Sushi, Geish-a-Go-Go, Jimmy Woo’s, Spanish Fly and more has a new concept coming to North Scottsdale in the Spring. Not sure what the concept is just yet, but wondering what you would like to see. Give our poll a go-go for what you think is missing in North Scottsdale. Or comment with your insider details on the new project.

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Put your thinking cap on…If I only had a brain…This swift Brain Hat found on LikeCool.com is sure to make you waaay smarter. Click here to get the pattern for just $5.

Sirrine Studio, a Gilbert-based private yoga and massage Studio by yogi Teresa Porter, is hosting a Partner’s Yoga Retreat on Saturday, February 4 at JAM in Scottsdale. Teresa will be teaching how together, you and your partner can help deepen each other’s yoga practice by working on areas of balance, flexibility, and strength together. Also, the class will demonstrate pressure and trigger points, helping your partner achieve deeper relaxation. Bring your partner, significant other, or just a friend! The class is $15 per person, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register for the class by calling JAM at 480-522-5410.

Though based in Gilbert, Sirrine Studio hosts special and affordable yoga retreats around the Valley, incorporating hiking, friendship and more to monthly retreats. Additionally, Teresa offers the amazing Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (AOBT), a barefoot massage technique using deep strokes from the therapists’ feet. It is a western version of an ancient form of bodywork, with roots dating back thousands of years from cultures across Asia, India, Africa and the Pacific Rim. If you’re looking for the deepest, most relaxing massage on the planet, try this specialized modality.

Like the Sirrine Studio Facebook page here to see more info on past retreats, classes and more services. To make an appointment for a private yoga, pilates or massage, call Teresa direct at 480-510-1203. The next specialty retreat for individuals is February 11 and I can personally say, it will be AWESOME! Contact Teresa here to sign up for the Sirrine Studio newsletter to get more info on the event and more.

JAM Scottsdale | 6938 E. 1st Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

This weekend’s mix tape. It’s for you, for you, it’s all for you from our resident mix master DJ William F-ing Reed. This is our idea of fun. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.
Apparat – Ash/Black Veil by Mute UK

Steve Aoki – Ladi Dadi feat Wynter Gordon (Part II) by steveaoki

The Maccabees – Pelican (Official Audio) by leonardalbert

Ana Tijoux – Shock by evolucionproducciones

Lana Del Rey – Video Games by Ella Corneea

Happy Friday! T.G.I.F. Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here’s our list of what’s up around town:

Listen Up: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presents red, blue, GREEN: a blues by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, mixing hip-hop, poetry and activism, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. Free pre-show chat with the artists Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Theaster Gates. Your show ticket gets you free access to neighboring SMoCA after the show at 9:00 p.m. More details and ticket info here.

Drink Up: Join the MBar at the Montelucia Resort & Spa for their daily happy hour, Monday – Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with $10 off wines by the bottle $5 off wines by the half bottle, mix drink specials and light bites. Stay late from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. for live music by Remedy tonight.

Up on Art: Join District American Kitchen & Wine Bar downtown Phoenix tonight from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. for an special local artist reception happy hour. Artist Robert Holman Charon will showcase artwork that evokes an all-embracing balance of converse yet connected imagery, while Kristine Kollaschshows her artwork that boasts rich layers of color and texture. Specials on snacks and drinks while you listen to sweet sounds of local DJ Jared Alan and admire newly installed artwork from two local artists.

Kristine Kollasch

Charge it Up: This week, El Chorro is unveiling its three new Blink electric vehicle chargers, which offer green drivers an easy and convenient place to charge their car while they enjoy a great meal.

Laugh It Up: Dennis Miller live at Celebrity Theatre Saturday, January 21 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to the funny man’s single show start at $40.00. For more info and ticketing click here.

Cook It Up: Savoring the Season: An Edible Education Series at the Scottsdale Farmer’s Market continues tomorrow with Stocks, Stews & Soups with Chef Payton Curry and McClendon’s Select. Class is from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and the cost is free, but limited to the first 25 participants. Check full schedule here.

Freshen Up: Celebrate beauty at the Neiman Marcus Scottsdale Beauty 2012 event  Friday and Saturday January 20 and 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Personal skincare, makeup and fragrance consultations available, makeup experts available for makeovers and introduction of spring cosmetic lines, Free Flow Yoga classes compliments of Sumits Yoga Biltmore Studio at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and more. Call for makeup and yoga reservations 480-990-2100.

Look Up: The Carefree-Cave Creek Balloon Festival takes off Saturday, January 21 at the Carefree Resort & Conference Center starting at 4:00 p.m. Vendors, kids zone and balloon glow from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. For more info, click here.

 Ballon image via Sun City Times

Towering tresses, Curly Q’s and Gaga-esque glamour take the stage at the 12th Annual Hair Wars Supreme Salon Tour competition on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at W Scottsdale.

Hosted by BRAVO’s Shear Genius finalist Ben Mollin, eight Valley salons and stylists will take it to the catwalk to showcase their creative talent in the ultimate hair competition. Salons include include Blu Sol Salon and Spa, HAIR by Luis A. Solis, J Salon, Michael Alexander Salon and Spa, Rochelle’s Salon & Spa, SalonXtian, Simply Ravishing The Salon and The Hair Gallery will compete for the coveted national title of Supreme Salon.  The top three tress-teams will advance to Las Vegas for the chance to win the Supreme Salon title and a cash prize.

Each team will feature its own theme, routines and distinctive hairstyles, which best represent their artistic abilities. Judges include stylist Ethan Murray, clothing designer Angela Johnson and national recording artist, Kelley James.

Hair by Luis Solis

Seating begins at 5:00 p.m. and tickets starting at $15 can be purchased here. The first 200 guests before 6:00 p.m. will have the opportunity to register for a runway show seat. This event is limited to guests 21 years of age or older.

W Scottsdale | 7277 East Camelback Road |  Scottsdale, AZ 85251