If there’s one thing they don’t have enough of in Old Town Scottsdale, it’s restaurants. It’s just so hard to go down there and get a decent meal, are we right? Forgive our facetiousness as the area is just littered with amazing places to dine, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a few more to join the party. Ready or not, Kelly’s at SouthBridge has just opened up across from Cowboy Ciao on 6th Ave. and the pub and grill offers plenty of space and choice for its patrons in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Local Chef, Steve ‘Chops’ Smith (recently named one of the top five up-and-coming chefs in the Valley by the Arizona Republic), created a menu of pub classics with a modern twist and takes pride in the high quality ingredients as well as originality of the cuisine. They also offer a full bar and entertainment to satisfy the late night crowd. A new place to eat and hang? Sounds like something we’re just crazy enough to try.

Like Kelly’s on Facebook and visit at 7117 E. 6th Ave in Scottsdale

photo via Kelly’s at SouthBridge

With Memorial Day coming up next week, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for the long weekend. Whether you’re staying in town or traveling to a cooler climate, we can bank on there being an abundance of booze and food. It is an American holiday, after all. Rather than show up to your gathering of choice empty handed, we saw this awe inducing Strawberry Tart on Cupcakes and Cashmere and thought it selfish not to share. Bright, festive and drool worthy in appearance alone, this tart will have everyone thankful for a day dedicated to its enjoyment. C &C blogger, Emily, scored the recipe from Smitten Kitchen and recommends Seascape Strawberries for their sweetness, fragrance and vibrant color. Check out the recipe here and watch the process step-by-step to inspire your inner domestic goddess.

image via Cupcakes and Cashmere

It’s another addition to our catalog of the best places to have a drink in America. As always, the project is guided by David Wondrich: Esquire’s drinks correspondent, the world’s foremost cocktail historian, and the best drinking partner anyone has ever had. So, here’s the list.

We all know that Phoenix becomes an eerie ghost town in the summer. People travel from air conditioned home, to car, to office rarely letting their skin see the sunlight for fear it will burst spontaneously into flames. This means that local businesses suffer and restaurants must pull out all the stops to get people in the (air conditioned) door. It’s great news for us locals because it means we can hit up some of the best restaurants for very little cash. Here’s a few of our favorite Summer-time happy hours: »READ MORE

Part 1 by Tarbell’s, The Nolet’s Gin Hipster
Part 2 by The Mint, The Life Savings Martini
Part 3 by Citizen Public House, The Persian

Click here now to get your tickets or head on out to venue. BBQ!

The wait is almost over. May 19th marks the kick-off of Arizona Restaurant Week much to the cheers of Valley residents (and the subsequent jeers of our waistlines). This means now is the time to book your tables and gather your favorite dining partners. For nine glorious days, over 150 Arizona restaurants will be offering pre-fixe menus at killer prices (just $30-$40 a head not including beverages or tip) and there is still plenty of time to map out an appropriate game plan. Check out the list of participating restaurants here to find out which of your favorite restaurants are in on the action, or you can scope out the ones you’ve always wanted to try.  There is no better time to get out there and sample the best of the best so get out those stretchy pants and prepare yourself for some amazing meals.

Image from Binkley’s Restaurant, a participant in Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2012

5 tons. That’s how much meat the boys over at Affordable Food Festivals have arranged to be smoked this weekend at their 3rd Annual Arizona BBQ Fest. From that original party in the dirt three years ago, they’ve taken their event to greener pastures – literally.

Now at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the event is taking place on 8 acres of grass and 2 acres of pavement. Sprawled out across the grounds is a whiskey expo on Saturday, a SoCo Cherry party area on Sunday, Carrabba’s VIP tent all weekend, a SubZero/Wolf chef demo stage, huge kids zone, tchotchke expo, and main bar by Tilted Kilt. They’ve got over eight bands scheduled and tons of other fun stuff going on.

Free parking this year, too, and you don’t even have to bribe the Nordstrom parking guard or fight for a downtown Scottsdale space.  But most important to the expansion are those BBQ teams.

This year there’s over 80 of them, with over 50 prepared to serve more $2 BBQ samples than ever before, for both days, from 11a-7p. Sunday, the AZ Pork Council is apparently filling smokers with ribs from Farmer John. So if you love eating pig off the bone, Sunday’s your day! The festival producers (Affordable Food Festivals) are so confident that they have enough food this year, that they’ve even advertised “If we run out of food, your money back!”

Bold statement. But we’d expect nothing less from the two former magazine whores who’ve turned themselves into our town’s hottest festival planners.

Tickets are $12, $100 VIP.

More: www.azbbqfestival.com

What do you do when you’re depressed your team got beat down 4-0 at home in the playoffs? You eat through the pain. We’re not giving up on our Coyotes, but we will cope with the stress of such a devastating loss with some good eats around town. Here’s our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: »READ MORE

If you feel like piloting your very own food truck/shuttle, this is your opportunity.

Buy It Here

Surely you’ve noticed the increase in temperature recently and if you haven’t, please share your secret with us. For those of us who are attempting to escape the heat, Cask 63 is on our side. Though its only been open since January, Cask 63 is developing quite the reputation. As this new Scottsdale restaurant prepares itself for the Valley’s brutal summer, it’s got some cool tricks up its sleeve. Starting in June, Cask 63 introduces its ICE menu. This pre-fix menu features food and drinks designed to keep the heat in the kitchen and not on you. Twenty-five dollars a person (not including tax and gratuity) is an easy price to pay to beat the heat. Let’s take a look at the menu.

Appetizer

Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Tomato Granita

Entree

Sauteed Black Cod, with Israeli Couscous Salad, and Icewine Vinaigrette

Desserts

Pina Colada Sorbet

Cask 63 | 8877 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

It’s only Tuesday morning but fear not fellow nine-to-fivers, our next installment of the St-Germain Cocktail Challenge Part 3 is in full swing and will get you ready for the weekend (or tonight if you’re into that kind of thing). In this edition we go to Old Town Scottsdale’s contemporary, Citizen Public House. With a one of a kind atmosphere and menu, you can imagine their cocktails being of equal caliber.

The Cocktail: The Persian 

The Venue: Citizen Public House

The Recipe:

1.5 oz Absolut Wild Tea vodka

.5 oz St-Germain

.75 oz House-made sweet and sour

.75 oz Cucumber juice

Serve over rocks in an old fashioned glass and garnish with a lemon peel

7111 East 5th Avenue  Scottsdale, AZ 85251   (480) 398-4208

Compare with Part 2 from The Mint

Compare with Part 1 from Tarbell’s

It’s a slow Monday so let take a quick look back to EAZ Friday Table Talk.   And now the review:

If you’re asking yourself where to go for breakfast in Old Town, you’ve got two options: Breakfast Club and, well, Breakfast Club’s other half of the room – that is, unless you’ve heard about Dottie’s.

Dottie’s True Blue Café has been quietly open for about a little about two months and hasn’t really told anybody because the owners—Brent Abney and Joe Green—wanted to get their act together first.  Read full review after the break. »READ MORE

It’s Friday, the week is over and we’re ready to find some of the best cocktails this city has to offer. But where and what should we drink? Well, fortunately, the St-Germain Cocktail Challenge Part 2 is here. Today’s edition comes to you from Scottsdale’s, The Mint.

The Cocktail: Life Savings Martini

The Venue: The Mint

The Recipe:

2 oz Ultimat Vodka
.5 oz St-Germain
2 Basil leaves
2 Strawberries
.5 oz Agave Nectar
.25 oz Lemon juice
Ginger Soda Topper
Strawberry Half

The Mint 7373 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale AZ 85252  tel: 480 947 6468

Compare this cocktail to Part 1 from Tarbell’s HERE

Who would’ve thought a hockey team in Arizona would’ve made it this far this season? For those of you not in the Phoenix Coyote’s loop, you should know that the ‘Yotes have made to the NHL Western Conference Finals, a first in the their 15 year history. Lucky Break Billiards, Bar and Grill in Tempe, will be hosting a viewing party for Game 1 against the L.A. Kings, Saturday night. Two fans will have the opportunity to win tickets to game 2.  Here’s the catch: it’s a hockey puck eating contest.

Now we know that sounds a little dangerous but don’t worry, they’re aren’t actual hockey pucks, they’re frozen Hostess Ding-Dongs. Even so, it’s still quite the challenge. Lucky Break will take sign-ups to participate in which any fan can enter. However, they will only draw so many names of people who will actually try to eat the pucks. Any person who enters the contest must be present to have their name drawn-the eating contest will happen right on the spot.

Make sure to stop by Lucky Break this Sunday, May 13. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m., and the contest will take place directly after the game, which ends between 9:30-10:00. Go ‘Yotes!

Lucky Break Billiards | 1807 East Baseline Road | Tempe, Arizona 85283

Image via Paul Connors/AP

It’s no question that Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is one of our favorite destinations. This mid-century modern hotel has some great restaurants so it’s no wonder we’re excited for Cafe ZuZu’s Chef’s Table menu later this month. On May 21, ZuZu will team up with California’s Santa Ynez Valley Gainey Vineyard to bring you an exquisite four course menu. Each entree is paired with an elegant Gainey Wine. This family-owned-and-operated winery has been in operation for over 50 years now. The family pioneered sustainable farming techniques that continue today at their 1800-acre ranch. The menu is to die for, see for yourself.

Baked Deep-Water Snapper
coriander, coconut + spicy peanut sauce
Riesling, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2009

Braised Mushroom and Leek Salad
tepary beans + roasted bell peppers
Chardonnay, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop
goat cheese tortellini, Washington cherries
+ thyme scented summer squash
Pinot Noir, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009
Merlot, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2007

Peach Bread Pudding
blackberry sabayon

ZuZu | 6850 East Main Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

With only a few days until Mother’s Day, finding the right way to show her your appreciation can be difficult, especially if you’re on a budget. This Sunday is indeed Mother’s Day and Humble Pie wants to help you and your mom celebrate. On May 13, all Humble Pie locations will be offering all mothers a free pizza. Of course restrictions apply, for instance the deal only caters to dine-in patrons, but who would want to miss out on Humble’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere?

She brought you into this world, the least you can do is take her to a nice restaurant to dine on free, delicious pizza. With four Valley locations, there is definitely one close to you. So grab a bottle of wine, enjoy some pizza and don’t forget to tell your Mom you love her.

In the wise words of Aladdin,” you gotta eat to live.” This is a mantra we take pretty seriously here at DLT, but only when paired with the idea that you have to eat food that tastes good. Not exactly what the handsome cartoon had in mind when running for his life over a loaf of bread, but hey, it’s an example of how Disney helped shape our lives. Another important factor to life shaping? Mothers. This is why this week’s redux of the happenings in our favorite food blogs is dedicated entirely mostly to good ‘ol mom.  »READ MORE

The Greek life is on the rise. No, not Greece’s economy and no, we don’t mean Greek life as in frat parties and beer pong. We’re talking fro-yo and with summer almost in full swing, frozen yogurt sounds like a great way to cool off. TCBY is the first fro-yo brand to make a Greek frozen yogurt national commitment. Now what exactly is Greek Yogurt?

Greek-style yogurt is creamier in texture, offers twice the amount of protein, has fewer carbs, is nonfat, a great source of fiber and makes a convenient meal replacement. Basically it’s perfect for the health-conscious you with a sweet-tooth. Greek Yogurt is believed to be the fastest-growing food segment in history with two times the growth of energy drinks. What’s more, if you Like TCBY’s Facebook page, you could win a trip for two to Greece (like you needed another reason to enjoy some yogurt).

TCBY is the first to capitalize on this growing trend. You can try it now before anyone else at their Scottsdale location on Via de Ventura.

TCBY | 8120 North Hayden Road |  Scottsdale, Arizona

If you want to make your mom happy just hop on the phone now and book your table for this year’s Mother’s Day Brunch at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa inside the resort’s prestigious Trailblazer’s Ballroom.  

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to treat Mom to an elegant Champagne Brunch with the added benefits of an upscale resort location.  Enjoy sweeping views of Kierland Golf Course and the McDowell Mountain range from the ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows and live piano entertainment until 2 pm.  The Westin Kierland offers the perfect setting to take a stroll around the grounds before or after brunch, go shopping across the street at Kierland Commons and the Scottsdale Quarter (with a free “shopping shuttle”) or take advantage of the Resort’s amenities and treat mom to relaxation at Agave, the Arizona Spa or a round of golf at Kierland Golf Club.

While the flowing Champagne might be one of the reasons to make your reservations, the food should definitely be your first – be prepared to fill your plate with everything from made-to-order omelets and a selection of salads to delectable seafood, pastas and a carving station.  The menu is extensive, but save room for dessert including a white and dark chocolate fountain! It’s a Champagne Brunch experience sure to make any mom feel appreciated.

Sunday, May 13^th

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Trailblazer’s Ballroom
Two seatings – 10am and 12pm
$ 79+ per Adult, $ 25+ per Child 5 – 12
Children 4 and under eat free

Visit www.ilovekierlandresort.com to view the Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch menu.  Reservations required at 480-624-1202.

Renegade Canteen has undergone some recent renovations to both their staff and their menu. Newly appointed Executive Chef, Donald Fawcett, has brought a whole new element of “regional American comfort food” to the Scottsdale restaurant by creating a whole new menu including a light and affordable lunch menu and some classic dinner items with a twist. Everyone loves a good braised short rib, but how about one that’s Dr. Pepper braised with chili cheese grits? Sounds just rebellious enough to try. Check out the menu here and make some plans to walk a little on the wild side.

Mill Avenue, Tempe’s number one spot for drinks, dining, dancing, and all around good times, will be adding one more spot to quench your thirst this summer. Opening in early July, World of Beer will make Mill its first AZ location.

Actually this popular east coast bar will make Tempe its first west coast location and with over 50 craft and major beers on tap, we can barely hide our excitement. If any of you have been to Mill recently, then you surely remember the old bank/former American Apparel retailer on 6th street. That old bank will become the newest franchise of WOB. And they’re doing some pretty cool things to it. For instance, the bar is utilizing the bank’s vault and turning it into a safe room, complete with TVs and seating for up to 15 people. World of Beer is also working to restore the building’s old, red brick to its former glory.

Perfect for all of you ASU students on summer vacation, WOB will be looking for more than 30 new employees to work at the new Tempe location.  Information on a job fair in June will soon be available and interested candidates can sign-up online to be notified in advance.

We’ll see you at the Grand Opening in July!

World of Beer | 526 Mill Avenue | Tempe, Arizona 85281

Beet and Arugula Salad with La Tur Cheese, Squash Blossoms and Honey.   To get full recipe go to Tasting Table Sous Chef, and if your not already a member, be sure to sign up today, membership definitely has its privileges.

Welcome to the first installment of our St-Germain Cocktail Challenge.   In the coming few weeks we will bring you a collection of amazing cocktails created by some of the top bartenders using one of their favorite ingredients, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur.  Be sure to make a trip the bar and request these drinks starting today.  Now, to the cocktail:

The Cocktail:  The Nolet’s Gin Hipster

The Venue:  Tarbell’s

The Recipe

2 oz Nolets Silver Gin

1 oz St-Germain

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1.5 oz Creme de Violetter

Shake and serve straight up in martini glass.

Tarbell’s is located at 3213 East Camelback Road, for reservations call 602 955 8100. 

[Official website Tarbell's]

There are a million ways to make a margarita. We’ve counted down the 10 best Valley-made margs in honor of National Margarita 
Day, but with Cinco de Mayo happening tomorrow, we thought we’d share this interesting recipe for Magarita Popsicles from Emeril Lagasse and Food Network. Beat the heat and get a little buzz? Yes, please.

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
Kosher salt, for garnish
Special Equipment: 4 small cups (recommended: Dixie), 4 popsicle sticks

Preparation

Combine sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Once cool transfer to a blender with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime wedge and process until smooth.
Pour into the cups and cover the top of each cup with foil.
Place the popsicle stick in center of cup (down through foil, which will hold it in place).
Freeze until hard, preferably overnight. Remove from freezer and run cup under warm water to loosen popsicle. 
Garnish with kosher salt and serve.