In this edition of 120 Seconds, we had the pleasure of talking to Aaron Defeo, Phoenix’s Most Inspired Bartender. The resident bartender of Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Defeo has been chosen as as the Phoenix finalist in Bombay Sapphire’s Search for the Most Inspired Bartender. His outstanding cocktail, Eastern Promises, has garnered his success in the Valley and will bring him to Las Vegas in September.

Competing against 52 top mixologists from across the US, the winner will be featured in and on the cover of GQ magazine. We asked him about drinks, life, and how to win in Vegas. Let’s take a look. We’ll keep you posted on how Defeo does in Vegas.

DLT: What was your inspiration behind Eastern Promises?

I really think that gin–in general–benefits from England’s colonial exploits, much to the detriment of the rest of the world.  In particular, some of the eastern & middle-eastern flavor influences and notes stand out… cassia, licorice, cubeb (allspice flavor), and, of course, Coriander, from Morocco.  Thai basil, one of the key ingredients in Eastern Promises, is a distinctly Eastern ingredient.  It meshes very well with the rest of the notes, especially the licorice botanical, which lends a subtle, basil-like anise to the gin.  I also used Ramazzotti Amaro, which not only goes well with the pineapple in the drink, but also carries that anise note.  Of course, the pineapple syrup is also made from Chai tea, which evokes so many Eastern flavors (many of which are also found Bombay). »READ MORE

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Tyrone Wells is a successful singer and songwriter, and his songs have been featured on hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Rescue Me, and One Tree Hill. He currently holds the number 1 spot on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter chart with his fifth (and latest) studio album Where We Meet. In 2010 he held the same position for three weeks with his EP Metal & Wood. 

For this edition of 120 Seconds, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tyrone about life, music, food, and family. He’ll be in the Valley at the Crescent Ballroom on April 11. This is a show not to miss, for ticket info click here.

DLT:  How would you describe your music in less than five words?
Soulful, singer-songwriter, emotional, sometimes rocking, heart-felt, I just used way more than five words…

What are your two biggest inspirations?
That’s hard to answer because all of the songs are their own and inspired by different things. But if I was forced to answer, I keep circling around the themes of Love and God, which some would say are interchangeable, and some see as very separate.

Favorite part of the country/world to perform?
I always love performing for Southern California hometown crowds. NYC would be a close second – just because it’s New York.

Read more from Tyrone after the jump:

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Al Maag isn’t your typical corporate bigwig. Straight out of Chicago, it’s no wonder that Al loves Chicago style hot dogs, beers, and sports. Serving as Avnet’s Chief Communications Officer, Al finds time to have fun while helping out others organizes softball tournament for charity, and is even in the works of creating a softball museum in Chicago.

We had the opportunity to toss the ball around will Al (only figuratively unfortunately) and asked about his love for the sport and why people should check out the Big Softball Tournament in Tempe on April 21.

DLT: Could you briefly explain what big ball softball is? 
The game of softball started in 1887, 125 years ago when Yale and Harvard folks were waiting for the ticker tape scores of a football game…wrapped up a boxing glove and starting hitting with a broom stick. The 16 inch ball stayed large outdoors because the parks and schoolyards were so small and no money for gloves…every generation plays from grammar school to old timers.

What’s your favorite part of the sport? 
Memories and creating new ones. It’s Chicago, my home town and playing 16 inch, eating Chicago food, and having fun brings a smile to my face. »READ MORE

It is no surprise that we love desserts at DLT. And that’s why for this edition of 120 Seconds, we sat down with Jennifer and Karen, the lovely ladies making whoopie together at Whoopie Baking Co.

Some of you may be asking, what the heck is a whoopie? Let us enlighten you. A whoopie pie is a delicious baked good that is made of two, mound-shaped cake pieces with a cream center.

Jennifer and Karen have a love for their product that is unrivaled. They find inspiration from all walks of life and they are committed to only using the highest quality products, use only natural ingredients, and they live by and value the spirit of collaboration. The Whoopie Way of Life is an attitude that we all could learn from.

The big whoop on Whoopie Baking Co. commences after the jump: »READ MORE

On March 7, Devour Phoenix held its 3rd Annual Bartending Competition. Eleven bartenders from all over the Valley duked it out to claim the title of Top Bartender. With the help of Arroyo Vodka, these tenders of bar and mixologists concocted cocktails beyond our wildest imaginations. But of course there can be only one winner. Who claimed the prize? The Windsor’s own Matty Heland. Matty’s creation: Cocktail No. 9.

Finding inspiration from his Norwegian and Hispanic ancestry, Matty created a truly unique Southwest version of the classic White Russian (more on that later). Reflected in his responses from this 120 Seconds, Matty has an upbeat attitude, worthy of the Top Bartender title and plenty of tips.

Let’s get to know Matty and learn about his insight on bartending and bar etiquette. With everything he’s seen, we would totally read a book about his mishaps.

DLT: What was your inspiration for Cocktail No. 9?
My Norwegian/Hispanic heritage, growing up here in Arizona, and White Russians. Norwegians love their vodka, so I infused the spirit with some local ingredients, then paired it with a homemade, traditional Horchata.

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We’ll say it – and not because America’s Got Talent said it first – musician Lindsey Stirling is the queen of talent. The college-age musician has rocked, rolled and serenaded her way to our hearts through her hauntingly beautiful, electronic-wave-meets-classical ballads, which she mixes with dance. Dare we even say her work is life-changing? After checking out her video and reading our 2 minutes with Lindsey after the jump, you decide.

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Arizona’s longest-running TV personality Jan D’Atri is the new spokesperson for the Novo Solutions MD anti-aging skin care line (made with umbilical cord serum). D’Atri, who now swears by the product, sits down with us to chat all things beauty. Heads up: expert advice below.

In 5, 4, 3, 2, … action:

DLT: You’ve been in TV longer than any woman in the Valley. Any words of advice for people aspiring to work in the media?
I would say that even as the media is ever changing, some golden rules still apply: Be a standout. Be the hardest worker. Be a kind person. Be the one always willing to help make the people around you as successful as you want to be. Be a light!

What is your most memorable moment on TV or on the radio?
There have been many, but one memorable moment was, as the host of the March Of Dimes Telethon one year, I watched the final tally reach $350,000 and I knew how many children would be helped by that money!

Let’s talk about beauty. Describe to us your skincare routine:
I’ve always listened to my Momma’s advice: Do as little to your skin as possible, so I’ve always taken the minimalist approach to skin care. I am hooked on exfoliants, however!

How have products from NOVO Solutions MD changed your skin?
It’s a little embarrassing because now I just want people to feel my face—not always a comfortable thing for people to do! But my face feels so soft, has a really healthy glow and I do think some pesky fine lines have gone on permanent vacation. »READ MORE

Yes, the hilarious Emmy-nominated comedian, Rob Schneider, from some of our favorite big screen comedies including “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo,” “Benchwarmers” and “Grown Ups” with Adam Sandler, Schneider took two minutes to chat with us on his life, the glory of drinking wine and his thoughts on the sequel to “Deuce Bigalow.” See Schneider perform his most recent stand-up comedy act live February 25 at Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler. Can’t get enough of the funny man, good news: CBS will begin airing a family comedy based on Schneider’s real-life experiences in 2012.

So here’s how it works, we shoot off random questions, you make it funny and interesting. Ready?

DLT: What’s your favorite thing about Arizona?

Rob Schneider: I love how in February, Arizona mornings are around 70 degrees while most of America is digging out snow and trying to get vitamin D from fish oil!

What’s it like to have your own TV series? It’s a great to have your own show on television. I recommend it to everyone. The hours are good, you get your own dressing room and before taxes it’s a shit-load of money!

Could you sum up your new show in five or less words? Meet Mexican Food Burns Anus!

Do you prefer being on stage or being in front of the camera? I prefer either when it’s going well and neither when it’s going bad!

What’s in your glass at the moment? ( Favorite cocktail, drink?) I like wine because wine is transformative. You could be talking to someone and be bored to tears. But after a couple of glasses of wine you think, “Okay, I’m going to try to have sex with this person!” »READ MORE

You would think co-owning multiple premium restaurants (Stingray, Geisha A Go-Go, Jimmy Woo’s and Spanish Fly), dodging controversy with the “Suzi Stingray” ad campaign while being an executive chef would be too much for one person. But some how Chef Andrew Nam manages to do it all and do it well. It’s been almost exactly a year since we’ve checked in with Chef Nam so time to check back in and check out the new ad campaign that’s got the City of Phoenix in a huff. Again.

Managing four restaurants, he’s a busy guy, so let’s do this…

DLT: Where do you find the most inspiration for your cooking? 
Chef Andrew Nam: I love to try traditional ethnic food across all cultures. I find that by tasting the extremes of cultural cooking you can take lighter elements that translate well to the American pallet.

What is your favorite thing about cooking?
Watching someone enjoy one of my creations for the first time. No question.

What’s your favorite meal or snack after a long night of cooking for others?
Sugar, specifically Toffee from Goody Two’s.

How did you get into the culinary arts?
Honestly… I needed a job! »READ MORE

Mikey L’Heureux, photographer, graphic artist and a budding filmmaker from Mesa, Arizona now in Los Angeles is on the clock with us today. Mikey was one of eight winning photographers selected by Ron Howard and Canon as part of “Project Imagin8ion,” the first user-generated photo contest in history to inspire a Hollywood film. Over 100,000 submissions were reviewed, with Mikey winning in the MOOD category for his “City Lights,” shot inspiring the short film that became “when you find me.” Canon will be bringing the film to Phoenix Thursday, February 2nd at The Ahwatukee 24 Theatre at 6:30 p.m.

So what inspires the Mesa-native in his artistic quest? Want to know more about the photo and the competition? Are you ready Mikey? Roll ‘em…

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Bella Vasta of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting is like man’s best friend, taking care of man’s best friend and your home just like your best friend would when you’re away. The Scottsdale business owner and business coach, owning Bella’s and Jump Consulting, a small home-based business coaching firm, started Bella’s House & Pet Sitting in 2002 after her neighbor asked her to watch her dog. That little paid favor, launched Bella’s idea for her home service business. Check out Bella’s Pawshion Pet Fashion Show at Barrett-Jackson this Friday, January 20 at 12:30 to benefit Gabriel’s Angels with fashions by Barking Baby and accessories by Choice Pet Market. For ticket information, click here.

So here’s how this works, we fire off questions, you fire back. Ready? »READ MORE

This week, we’re sitting down with Susie Timm, founding mouth behind the popular Valley food blog Girl Meets Fork and this week’s Pancake Quest 2012, where 7 Valley chefs compete for the Pancake Quest crown. Find out who will take the hotcake on Wednesday, January 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Perk Eatery. This year’s competitors serving up their favorite flapjacks include: Perk Eatery, 24 Carrots Juice, Orange Table, Rico’s American Grill, Creative Butters, Elemental Sugar, Smart Kitchen and Gina’s Homemade. $20 gets you in the door for all you can eat silver dollar pancakes, bacon and more. For tickets to the event, click here.

So before we open our big mouths on Wednesday to heaping helping of buttery, syrupy hotcakes, let’s meet the girl of Girl Meets Fork… »READ MORE

On the clock this week, Justin Micatrotto owner of Raising Cane’s in Arcadia, the newest chicken chain giving AZ the finger. The new Valley location opens Friday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m., with a FREE chicken fingers combo box for the first 104 in line. Plus bring a toy for a tot and get your picture taken with Santa. The address and more details after the jump.

But first, let’s find out about Justin and just what exactly the ‘secret’ is to their secret sauce we crave nightly: »READ MORE

On the clock today, the most colorful chef in the Valley Chef Eddie Matney, fresh from cooking up more than 1,000 pounds of turkey for Thanksgiving, is giving us his tips on how the food lover dropped 40 pounds in a bit of a surprising way and how the upcoming 2012 “Cruise with Eddie” came about. Details on how you can cruise with the colorful Chef and more after the jump:

So you know how this works, we fire off questions and you fire back. Looks like your ready…

On the clock today, Jason Reeves, the midwestern singer/songwriter who regularly duets with Colbie Caillat. He’s our “songs about our feelings” go-to guy, when we’re in the mood to slow it down.

So here’s how it works, we fire off questions, you answer and we post it on the interwebs for all. Should I count you in… »READ MORE

On the clock today, Head Sushi Chef Shin Toyoda of Sushi Roku in Scottsdale. We find out what’s cooking up with the Chef of the local favorite sushi spot and what foodies are missing in Phoenix.

So here’s how it works, we fire off questions, you shoot back answers and we post on the interwebs for all to enjoy. Let’s roll:

When did you begin at Sushi Roku?
I began with Innovative Dining Group in 1998.  Over the years, the brand has expanded its concepts (BOA Steakhouse, Katana, Delphine) and when they announced the opening of Sushi Roku at the W Scottsdale, I was immediately onboard.

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On the clock today is Michael Monti, owner of the historic Tempe landmark Monti’s La Casa Vieja restaurant and a candidate to become the next mayor of Tempe in March 2012. We get the lowdown on his favorite Monti’s memories, his favorite things to do in the Valley, and find out what he’d bring to the City of Tempe as mayor.

So here’s how it works. We fire off questions, Michael answers and bam, we post them on the interwebs for the world to see. Let’s begin.

DLT: What is your favorite Monti’s restaurant memory?
Michael Monti: When I was a kid, before VCRs, having a big family dinner in the Zane Grey room and dragging in the TV with rabbit ears from my dad’s office to watch a network broadcast rerun of a Pink Panther movie together. For a kid growing up in the restaurant industry that’s a special treat. »READ MORE

On the clock today, Mr. Sam Fox, CEO of Fox Restaurant Concepts (you know, Culinary Dropout, Sauce, Bloom NoRTH, True Food Kitchen, the list goes on) chiming in on football in honor of the Valley’s 2015 Super Bowl victory as well as food.

Today, Sam Fox announcing his partnership with Ashly Young, owner of Chloe’s Corner at Kierland Commons, to open Chloe’s Corner at downtown’s CityScape, where Oakville Grocery is.

So here’s how this works, we start the clock and rapid fire some questions to you, you answer them and bam, we post them up on the interwebs for the world to see and share.  Let’s begin:

DLT: When did your first restaurant open? What was it?
SF: Gilligans Bar & Grill Tucson in 1993.

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On the clock today is David Tyda, co-founder of Affordable Food Festivals, ex editor-in-chief of Desert Living Magazine (that’s us), general bon vivant, fan of downtown Phoenix, taco and bbq expert, and video-clip-making machine. 

So David, you know how this works, we start the clock and rapid fire some questions to you, you answer them and bam, we post them up on the interwebs for the world to see and share.  Let’s begin.

You have an upcoming Taco Festival Oct 15th, have you already picked out your outfit?
Have you read about our scuffle with the Nordstrom people over that PUBLIC parking garage?? I’ll probably be wearing something from Neiman Marcus.

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Today is the first installment of 120 Seconds, a new regular post that you will see here on DLT. It’s quite simple, we grab one of our local tastemakers and fire a bunch of questions at them for two minutes.  What follows below is the result of just that with chef/restauranteur Mark Tarbell.

Are you ready? YES

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