While the calendar may not say so, summer has officially arrived in Phoenix. So what’s the best way to keep your cool? Aside from lounging in the pool and taking shelter in the frigid malls and movie theaters around town, going out to dinner after the sun goes down is a great way to enjoy what this city has to offer without melting in the process. That’s why Biltmore Fashion Park’s eclectic restaurants are teaming up to bring you the hottest deals for the coolest prices with Dining After Dark. Throughout June and July, participating Biltmore restaurants will be offering 1 appetizer, two entrees, two alcoholic beverages and one dessert for $35 or $50, depending on the place. Your favorite dining establishments like Black Chile Mexican Grill, Zinburger, Cheescake Factory, Christopher’s Crush Lounge, California Pizza Kitchen and The Captial Grille are all in on the action and because the deals run all summer long, you’ll have time to try them all.

Click here to take a peek at the menus offered and start planning your summer dining adventures at Biltmore Fashion Park today.

You don’t have to travel far to get a taste of California. Calistro California Bistro in Scottsdale is gearing up for summer with a new executive chef and new happy hour menu. The new chef, Gerald Allen, has some pretty cool tricks up his chef coat sleeves. Let’s take a look.

The Hilton Village Location will feature mouth watering entrees like slow-cooked Beef Pot Roast with warm potato salad for $26. Tilapia with ratatouille, salsa verde and green been salad for $24. Also included are the new “Chef Signatures,” a house-made featured starter that showcase local ingredients like roasted dates or warm goat cheese. Soups are handcrafted daily from scratch and will vary based on the Chef’s “whim,” all for $8 to $12.

Calistro kicks off its new daily happy hour from 2pm – 6pm at the Hayden Village location and 3pm-7pm at the the DC Ranch location. It will be featuring draft beer and well drinks for $3, premium cocktails for $5 and all wines by the glass for $7. Bar snacks like “Yuri’s Popcorn” will be served and Calistro boasts the best sangria on the planet.

Calistro | 6107 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85250

After a Memorial Day weekend that included the finale of Arizona Spring Restaurant Week as well as the end of Anthony Bourdain’s run with No Reservations, we’re nearly at a loss. Nonetheless, here’s the redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

In case you’re looking to replace your Travel Channel foodie, we recommend checking out Valley restaurants as they are featured in the Food Network’s series, Mystery Diners. The season premiered Friday and here is the schedule courtesy of Chow Bella.

Since nothing quenches the incessant summer thirst quite like a day at the pool, bar, pool/bar, Scottsdale’s new El Santo is perfect for getting the job done. This pool-cantina-patio-bar hybrid is the brainchild of Bryan Chittenden and is a seasonal and flavorful oasis for those looking for more than just a tan. As featured by Chow Bella.

If flip flops and fish tacos aren’t your idea of a good time inland, perhaps The Phoenix Ale Brewery’s First Friday mash up of art, fashion, beer and music is more your speed. For more info, click here.

Photo Courtesy of El Santo Cantina.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

via Yelp

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day early with El Santo Cantina + Patio Bar + Restaurant, which will open Friday, May 4 and 11 a.m. next to the Scottsdale Quarter. A fiery combination of cantina, patio bar and restaurant (obviously), El Santo is built around a Mexican resort style pool and is the hottest new concept by the Old Town Group that brought us Stingray Sushi, Jimmy Woo’s, Geisha A Go Go and Spanish Fly.

“We thought it was time to introduce a concept like this to the North Scottsdale area,” said Greg Donnally, owner of El Santo Cantina. “Fun music, food and drinks with a cantina vibe are exactly what the area needs. At El Santo it is Cinco de Mayo 365 days a year!”

El Santo Cantina features a Baja style menu prepared by Executive Chef Tim Fields, formerly of Chelsea’s Kitchen, and combines spicy Mexican flavors in both cuisine and cocktails. Outside, patrons can enjoy the resort style pool and patio with private villas, VIP casitas, Palapa Grande Bar, beautiful flowing waterfall and much more.

As a special treat just before the grand opening, El Santo Cantina + Patio Bar + Restaurant will host VIP parties May 2nd and 3rd to preview the venue and raise money for various Valley charities.

Celebrate all things (food) local as Josh Hebert, chef/owner of Posh Restaurant, and Chow Locally host a locavore dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 30 at Posh Restaurant in Scottsdale. Not only will all the ingredients for the dinner be sourced from local farmers, but many resident farmers from around the Valley will also be at the restaurant to discuss the ingredients and farming in Arizona. The cost for the four-course dinner is $49 per person. Reservations required.

For more information or to make reservations, click here or call 480.663.7674.

Posh Restaurant | 7167 East Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale, AZ | 85251

POSH Restaurant opened in the heart of Scottsdale in 2009 as the first and only “Improvisational Cuisine” concept in the Greater Phoenix area. Created by Chef Joshua Hebert, the modern multi-course “menu” is thoughtfully composed everyday based on seasonal offerings, inspiration and the palates of each guest. The fare is globally inspired French cuisine, and whether choosing 4 courses or 15, Chef Joshua and his innovative culinary staff focus on making the entire experience truly unparalleled.

Healthy on-the-go kitchen and coffeehouse D’LISH will celebrate the grand opening of their second location at 6 a.m. Monday, April 23 in Tempe.

Voted Best Fast-Food by Phoenix Magazine, D‘LISH provides a healthy alternative, made-to-order experience that can be enjoyed conveniently via eat-in or drive-thru dining.  Additionally, with an affordable and varietal menu, the ever popular kitchen and coffee house provides its guests with an opportunity to visit multiple times a week or even in one day. “We are over-the-top excited and grateful for this opportunity to conveniently serve tasty and healthy options to more valley residents,” says D’LISH Founder Chad Knudson. “The Tempe location will be a terrific addition.”

D’LISH provides organic and all natural fresh ingredients, including locally grown produce when available.  D‘LISH also chooses to reduce impact on the environment by recycling and using earth friendly products

The menu offers a wide selection of fresh tastes including breakfast, salads, ‘wiches, bowls and burgers. The protein packed quinoa black bean burger is vegetarian, but eats like a true burger; especially the TOP NOTCH style with grilled onions, crispy bacon, swiss and bbq sauce served on a soft artisan bun.

In addition, D’LISH offers a drink menu ranging from coffee, teas, smoothies and shakes including their signature, drink, the Breakfast Buzz.

D’LISH|1135 East Apache Boulevard, Tempe AZ|85281

It’s the perfect time of year to have a grand ol’ party – sit under the sun, sip on mojitos and lemonade – bask in the weather that’s still cool enough to stand for more than five minutes. What better way to do this (ok, besides the beach, which we don’t have) than with an old-fashioned Kentucky-derby style shindig? To celebrate their new specially-created Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey, the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn will have just such a southern-style affair from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 26 at BLT Steak. The resort’s Beverage Director, Trudy Thomas, visited her home state of Kentucky to work alongside Woodford Reserve’s Master Distiller Chris Morris and blend a personalized batch of the whiskey just for Camelback Inn. According to Morris, what makes this batch so unique is that the Camelback’s version is spicier than the original, creating a “less rounded flavor” that’s “much more focused on the palette in an exciting and dynamic way.”

Introduced by a horse-drawn carriage, this one-of-a-kind selection will debut at the party April 26, accompanied with BLT Steak appetizers and mint juleps.

For more information, click here.

Every month, Liberty Market serves a Community Dinner to showcase the famous eatery’s culinary talent and to bring the community together over great food, great wine and great conversation. This month’s feast, the “Perked Up Dinner,” will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 30 at the Market and is inspired by one of almost everyone’s favorite can’t-live-without beverages, coffee. As experienced with the Market’s E61 Bar and delectable coffee creations, this is something Liberty Market understands. To celebrate, each course of the dinner will contain coffee or will be a twist on coffee culture. Check out the menu after the jump:

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Now that our last cold weekend is over until like, December, it’s officially warm enough for a cool midday treat – though when it’s free, it could be fifty degrees outside. Blue Bell Creamery’s mobile ice cream parlor will be outside the Arizona Republic / News 12 building from 12:30 to 2 p.m. this Wednesday, April 18 serving free scoops of its newest flavor: Strawberry Banana Pound Cake, which features sweetened strawberries and fresh sliced bananas with flavorful pound cake pieces and a whipped topping swirl. The community is welcome to stop by anytime for a free sample of this flavor or, if that doesn’t catch your fancy, a sample of Coconut Fudge, Southern Blackberry Cobbler or Homemade Vanilla.

News Channel 12 Plaza |200 E. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ | 85004

Everyone’s got their pick for their favorite burgers in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley. What’s yours? Delux Burger, Bueno Burger?  The following scoured the Valley for the best beef pile up, so we scoured the internet to pile up the following list for you of burgers in Phoenix.

Top 20 Places for Unique Burgers via AZ Central

Unique Burger Joints in the Southeast Valley via AZ Central

The Valley’s Top 10 Burgers via AZ Central’s MetroMix

Top 10 Gourmet Burgers in the Valley via AZ Central

Where’s the Beef? Top 10 Burgers in the East Valley via Mouth by Southwest

Image via Mouth by Southwest

TEXAZ Grill want’s everyone to help celebrate Texas’ 176th year of independence. Now we know we just celebrated our great state’s centennial, but let’s show our neighbors two doors down a little love.

From 2 to 5 p.m.  Saturday, April 21, all visitors of TEXAZ Grill will receive a cup of free Blue Bell ice cream. Tito’s Vodka will be in house too to hand out free swag and souvenirs. To keep the spirit alive, Gail Starr will be playing some Texas inspired ballads all afternoon.

If free ice cream isn’t enough to entice you to join the festivities, check out these awesome drink specials they’re offering as well.

• The Santa Anna Shake

Kahlua and Republic Tequila, Blue Bell ice cream, topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

• The Longhorn

Tito’s Vodka, Kahlua and cream with a splash of Dr. Pepper.

• Cowboy Coffee

Republic Tequila, Kahlua, Bailey’s, and Coffee.

TEXAZ | 6003 North 16th Street | Phoenix, Arizona 85016

The nation’s fastest growing “better burger” chain, Smashburger, will be premiering its newest Valley location this week. The new restaurant will be located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace, close to the AMC Theatres. A a sneak peak luncheon for media and VIPs only took place yesterday. Last night,  aVIP party kicked  off with  ribbon cutting ceremony with the North Phoenix chamber of Commerce.

Each Phoenix Smashburger features a regional menu created with regional flavors and tastes. For us in the Valley, behold the Arizona Smashburger. One-hundred percent certified Angus beef topped with habanero cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, chipotle mayo and fresh jalapeños on a chipotle bun. To go along with the heat of the Valley, this burger has got a kick to it.

But get ready! The official opening of the new location is TODAY!  If they’re not near you, though, there are plenty of locations around town for you to enjoy.

Smashburger | 21001 North Tatum Blvd. | Phoenix, Arizona 85050

The Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale, known for its bright colors and contemporary vibe, is now offering you more than couple reasons to have a stay-cation this weekend, and every weekend after that. This popular Scottsdale hotel features two very cool restaurants, Distrito and Old Town Whiskey, both of which are introducing exciting, new specials.

Let us start with Distrito. They proudly present a new weekend brunch with bottomless cocktails (yes please). Spice your weekend up with new modern Mexican dishes ala Chef Jose Garces. Some of our new favorites include Distrito Eggs Benedict, chorizo, brioche, and a black truffle hollandaise. The Tres Leches French Toast is served with fresh berries and Chantilly Cream and Costillas, a Berkshire pork spare rib dish with a chipotle-cider mustard BBQ. To go along with the food, for $15 Distrito will offer bottomless Bloody Marias and Mimosas. It gets better when you realize these drinks are completely customizable with a list of 16 ingredients.

Old Town Whiskey is stepping up its game too with its Saturday Midnight Feast and Daily Happy Hour. When the clock strikes midnight every Saturday, the Whiskey will offer a complimentary Midnight Feast. We’re going to repeat that: a complimentary Midnight Feast. Enjoy Chef Garces famous fried chicken wings after a night of hitting the bars. Speaking of drinks, the Whiskey’s “Shoot ‘Em Up Early” happy hour is available 7 days a week, from 4 – 7 p.m. with cocktail, beer, and food specials starting at $4. Our favorites: BBQ Pork Sliders, Pickled Beet Crostini, and the Pony Express Old Fashioned.

We know what we’re doing this weekend, what about you?

The Saguaro | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd. | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Glendale’s Arrowhead Grill will have a new, monthly West-Side Wine Club series to explore the history and evolution of the food and wine of different regions around the world, including Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and the United States. “Each month we will explore the wines of each region and the food with which it is historically paired,” says Chef Charles Wade Schwerd. “It’s going to be the closest thing to going there, and it’s going to be great fun.”

The Wine Club’s first meeting was March 31 and explored the great tastes of the “Noble Six,” or varieties of grapes that create the highest quality wines without blending: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chef Schwerd celebrated this inaugural gathering by pairing these great wines with foods that bring out their distinct and complex flavors while exploring the basic concepts of wine grapes, the wine we get from them, and how to find and buy what you like.

The Club will meet at Arrowhead Grill the last Saturday of each month; cost is $20 per person and reservations are required. To RSVP, call (623) 566-2224 or click here.

Via PreGel

Cool Gelato Italiano is bringing Scottsdale even more of that Italian goodness with a traditional Gianduiotto-flavored gelato. The bon bon-style chocolate treat is an Italian favorite and will be available Easter Sunday.

The Italian chocolate is shaped like an upturned boat and is a flavorful mixture of cocoa, sugar and hazelnut, the flavor of which is the secret to its famous taste, as they are hazelnuts only grown in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Cool Gelato Italiano was opened in February by an Italian husband-and-wife duo, along with Italy’s champion gelato artisan. The shop, which is located behind the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, features twenty flavors that change every day.

Cool Gelato Italiano | 7373 E Scottsdale Mall #125 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Spring is in the air. The smell of flowers blooming and the perfect weather make for an ideal Easter celebration in April. Easter brunch is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s nothing like sitting around with friends and family, enjoying mimosas and eggs benedict. If you’re not exactly a culinary whiz, fear not because we are bringing you some of the Valley’s best Easter brunch options. Grab those colored eggs, it’s time for the Easter Brunch Roundup.

District American Kitchen & Wine Bar - From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. District American will serve a traditional brunch with a delicious menu and plenty of activities for the kids. The menu will feature a bottomless Bloody Mary bar and bottomless mimosas (yes please). The breakfast bar will include honey glazed ham, assorted pastries, oysters, seafood, sushi, and an omelet station.  320 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004  More Easter Stuff Not To Be Missed: »READ MORE

A stop at Scottsdale Fashion Square can leave your wallet and your stomach famished. Why not stop in Grand Lux Cafe for a sweet treat after treating yourself to those new shoes or Spring outfit?

Here’s a quick list of what’s on the menu to satisfy your sweet tooth while you rest your tired shopping feet:

Beignets – The best Beignets outside of New Orleans, served with three sauces

Sticky Bun Bread Pudding – Served with whiskey sauce, sugared pecans and whipped cream

Butterscotch Caramel Pudding - Topped with whipped cream, house-made caramel nut popcorn and a chocolate chip pecan cookie

Roasted Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Served with vanilla ice cream and pecans

Create Your Cupcakes – Four chocolate cupcakes served with an assortment of frostings and toppings

Grand Lux Cafe | 7014 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Gilbert’s The Spot restaurant will the be the spot (you better believe pun intended) on Saturday, March 31. The Spot want’s to say thank you to the residents of Gilbert for being fans of the upbeat restaurant by inviting you to the Pedal Party. On the 31st, guests are encouraged to bike to the restaurant to enjoy live entertainment from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and will be offering 5 favorite entrees for just $5 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The first 100 Pedal Party guests will also receive a rollback gift of $5 off a future visit and the day keeps getting better. The Spot will also be presenting its new beer and wine menu, offering canned craft beers and selections of wines by the glass or by the bottle, to enjoy.

The Spot | 1493 South Higley Road | Gilbert, Arizona 85296

Forgive us, but the only hunger games we’ve ever heard of come with tossing small, round foods into someone’s open mouth when bored. Or that one where we work out extra hard at the gym just to feel less guilty about the burrito we shove in after. To each his own, right? Play with us as we recap this week’s food blogs:

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