The London 2012 Olympics are in full swing and we’ve heard enough fish and chips puns to last us until the 2016 Summer games in Rio de Janeiro.

That said, the Olympic fervor that has overcome news outlets, advertising and social media is a welcomed (albeit competitive and patriotic) change of pace. And food is no exception, if anything it is yet another catalyst for heritage and pride. On that note, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

While we’re on the subject of the Olympics (and who isn’t, btw) we would like to take a moment and congratulate SanTan Brewing on their gold and bronze medals at the U.S. Beer Championships in Atlanta. According to Mouth By Southwest, more than 1,650 beers competed in 65 categories. Read about their victory here.

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Here it is, late July and the heat has nearly turned us off to food altogether. It’s certainly too hot to cook, too hot to grocery shop and yet too hot to go out. Although getting all your vitamins and nutrients from cocktails is a tempting suggestion, we’re here to with a hodgepodge (no, not the soup) of the most important news — some of which is guaranteed to make braving the heat oh so worth it. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Most importantly, EaterAZ has the dish on Pollo Campero’s free empanada Friday (THIS Friday).  In celebration of the tasty morsel’s menu debut this week, the location at 7745 W. Thomas Rd. will be serving free empanadas all day. Call the Thomas Road location for more info at (623) 247-1646.

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Great news, Phoenicians, everyone’s (and we really mean everyone’s) favorite breakfast spot is moving on up and it may cut your wait time down significantly. Chow Bella reports the famed CenPho restaurant will be relocating to a larger space that will seat significantly more people and have a bathroom you can use in the facility. Does it seem ridiculous that for eight years the place was pot-less and forced patrons to hold it for hours? No. The food is amazing and worth any minor bladder discomfort. But alas, come the end of August, all that waiting may be a thing of the past. Just head a few streets north and enjoy the benefits of a bigger and better Matt’s. According to the article by Laura Hanehfeld by way of The Arizona Republic, the old space will be used as a take-out only spot that will feature a limited menu. Hey, when it comes to Matt’s, we’ll take what we can get. Now you have no excuses not to check out the grub that everyone has been raving about in a space that won’t make the name seem so ironic.

In a week where instant mashed potato dispensers in Singapore 7-11s dominated food headlines (watch the now viral video here), let’s just say we sifted through the odd, marinated on the gross and poured over the monotonous to bring you the most worthy consumable news (not a zombie joke). Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Let’s start with an appetizer aka an unusual headline or two:

For the main course, a serving of more traditional foodie news local deals:

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“Season of change” might be a bit cliché (or cheesy since we’re talking food), but it rings true as the local summer restaurant scene is best summarized under two headings: 1) entrepreneurs making moves and taking chances and 2) seasonal deals and menu offerings for those brave enough to endure the desert temperatures this season. Sounds exciting, right? Well, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

1) entrepreneurs making moves and taking chances this season:

You know Johnny Chu from his past and present restaurant endeavors throughout the Valley. The latest of which involves relocating and reinventing his downtown restaurant, Sens Asian Tapas, to the corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Road under the new name SoChu House Neo Asian + Martini Bar. This new location and new concept is set for grand opening July 19. Chow Bella has the story.

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It might be the 4th of July today, but all anyone seems to be talking about is Mexican food. Not that we blame them – few things bring smiles to our faces like a fresh taco and a margarita on a hot summer day. So, once you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and decided to turn off your scorching hot grill, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

According to EaterAZ, Big Earl’s BBQ in Scottsdale is in the midst of a Mexican revolution, from a taquitos transition to a dabble in “tacotory” to full blown Mexico City cuisine. While you’re waiting for the online menu to become officially updated, have a read, or better yet, pay Big Earl’s a visit. Whatever you do, don’t order the barbecue.

Meanwhile in Old Town, America’s Taco Shop is opening a new location, as reported by Chow Bella. Known for being “the home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley, ” this location will bring the restaurant’s count up to five (including the location in Arizona Mills Mall). Are they being franchised? Find out here.

If downtown Phoenix is more your thing, you’ll find new Mexican food there too. Chow Bella has covered opening of Tediberto’s Mexican-inspired vegan restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Get the details here … or skip the vegan joint and dig right in to some Mexican barbecue. Phoenix Bites highlights the prix fixe barbacoa tasting dinner at Distrito in Scottsdale’s Saguaro Hotel. The three-course dinner (plus dessert) is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details.

If we still haven’t convinced you, feast your eyes on Mouth By Southwest’s Taco Tuesday roster. Not to mention how Barrio Cafe, Bianco’s Tacos & Tequila and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage will soon change the dining game for locals and tourists alike at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. Stay tuned for updates.

Photo courtesy of madgstavern.com.

Now that we’ve all dusted off the ol’ grill and eaten our fair share of barbecue (not to mention all of the seasonal sides, deserts and drinks) in a feeble attempt to enjoy the summertime like the rest of the country, here comes July. Not to worry, it’s all about grand openings and summer menus this go-round. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

First, the newly opened and soon to open:

Chow Bella has introduced us to Mad G’s Grill & Tavern in Tempe. Brought to you by Allen and Traci Thompson, owners of The Grind and Chick Rotisserie & Wine Bar, this new spot off of Broadway and Mill opened June 15.

This past week marked the opening of The Habit Burger Grill‘s fourth Phoenix location, which nearly rounds out the new assortment of eateries at the corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix.

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Photo courtesy of Haute Living.

We know summer means warmer blazing temperatures, but in the desert it’s easy to forget that with summer comes exciting seasonal offerings, lighter fare and brighter colors. So besides all the tropical drinks and excuses to grill (which we are huge fans of, by the way) here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Here in the Valley of the Sun, we can take year-round farmer’s markets for granted, so take some time this summer to support local farmers and enjoy their goods. Our friends at Chow Bella profile a summer staple, the Farmer’s Market Salad at St. Francis. While you’re at it, take a peek at their piece on Binkley’s Heirloom Tomato Dinner, also courtesy of a local farmer. Just in case you’re now feeling inspired, here’s a list of local farmer’s markets, courtesy of Haute Living. »READ MORE

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

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

With Cinco de Mayo rearing its drunken head in a matter of days and Mother’s Day Brunch specials filling up every calendar, it seems like a foodie just can’t catch a break in this town. Don’t fight it, go with it and read our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

What’s another Americanized holiday dedicated entirely to debauchery (we’re looking at you St. Patty’s Day) without a fairly inclusive list of all the places to go to get good use of all those carefully painted fake mustaches? It’s useless essentially, so we’re looking to Chow Bella for their Cinco de Mayo Dining Roundup. And if stuffing your face with tacos while sucking back tequila doesn’t make you say aye, aye, aye, then you should probably just stay home this Saturday as you are clearly a big, wet Mexican blanket. You’re pretty much guaranteed a good time at any Mexican joint in the Valley, but be sure to keep your eye out for some of the joint parties hosted around town. Mill Ave’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party combines the back patios of Canteen Modern Tequila and Fat Tuesday while the Westside Sports Complex is hosting an all day Blues, Bruise and BBQs Festival. See you there in your sombrero. »READ MORE

Tune in, dish up and drop out (into a food coma) with all the news we have in the wonderful world of food blogs. We have got three reasons why drugs are not the answer and they all have to do with something delicious.  Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

After last week’s sushi scare (we are still wary of the spicy tuna) it’s fitting that the industry gets a little good press with the recent release of Jiro Dreams of Sushi. While this isn’t the first time the food industry has collided with the world of cinema, the unique documentary filmed by David Gelb is much more than you would ever expect from a film about dead fish, at least according to Chow Bella’s Ando Muneno. The story follows Jiro, a sushi chef who has work tirelessly for more than half his life on perfecting his craft and creating the most ideal dining experience for all those who enter into his restaurant (which is located in a subway station in Japan and seats just 10 people). The trailer caught our eye a few weeks back and this review confirms it, we must see this film. Catch Jiro Dreams of Sushi playing at Harkins Camelview in Scottsdale right now.  »READ MORE

From festivals and upcoming holidays to new restaurant openings, it seems that the weather is not the only thing heating up  right now. With the 34th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival so close you can smell it, it’s hard not to be thinking of food all the time (as if you don’t already). Time to get your fix with our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: »READ MORE

It’s that time again. It’s Wednesday and ahead lies a week to be “wined and dined”, a week  to look forward to culinary adventures and a week to get a little buzz off your morning coffee. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but hunger generally tends to kill the hungry so please, save us some drama and check out this week’s redux of our favorite Valley food blogs: »READ MORE

They say never to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you’ll end up with way more in your cart than you intended to buy. They should also tell you not to read food blogs on an empty stomach because you’ll end up scouring your pantry for anything that can pass for Fry Bread. It’s okay if this doesn’t make sense now. It will after you read our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Hot wings have long since been the go-to food for tailgates and other sport-related gatherings. Well, we have news for you. Turns out, wings exist when there isn’t a big game on. The proof is in the existence of Wingstock 2012 as restaurants all over the Valley will gather this Saturday at Mesa Amphitheater for a day of music and hot wings. Mouth by Southwest has all the details on the event including ticket prices and how to go about getting your belly full of chicken wings and your ears filled with sweet tunes.  Don’t miss what the others had to say: »READ MORE

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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Not to quote Winnie the Pooh or anything, but there’s a rumbly in our tummies and it can only be satisfied by some delicious cuisine. Brew food, barbecue and a good old fashioned slice of pizza are all included in the redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

When we heard that a place called Nimbus Bistro and Brewery had made its way to Scottsdale we immediately thought that it would be a great place for Harry, Ron and Hermione to hang out post grad from Hogwarts, but apparently the Tucson-based bistro has some street cred non-related to the world of J.K. Rowling and a pretty good menu to boot. Located on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Indian School in the spot that previously housed Taberna Mexican Grill, Nimbus boasts a large patio, 24 beers on tap and a killer happy hour according to Chow Bella. Read all about it here.

Beer and Barbecue are two of life’s greatest joys and Chandler is bringing them together in the form of The Great American Barbeque and Beer Festival this Saturday from 12-8 pm. EaterAZ rightfully titled the post “Cows and Pigs are Scared of Chandler” as there will be over 30 different vendors and live entertainment luring in the crowds to chow down on some delicious meat. Tickets are available online at chandlerbbq.com so round up the troops and get down with your bad bbq self this weekend.

You always hear that pizza is good even when it’s bad, but we beg to differ. Sometimes, pizza is really bad. Sometimes, the wait for a “really good” pizza is so long the starvation and build up makes you think you are eating the most amazing thing that has ever passed between your lips, which is why we always assumed people lined up outside Slices after a night out. Turns out, the pizza is good when you’re sober, too according to a recent review on AZ Central by Mouth by Southwest writer, Jess Harter. After reading the review (and eating there a few times), we concluded there is nothing complicated about the restaurant or the food. You have your basic pies and a few surprised (like the salad pizza) and then fountain drinks to wash it all down. It’s perfect for those late nights or a rushed lunch and it will bring a little bit of New York by way of Boston pizza pie to your day.

Until next week, keep it real, my friends.

Images via Chow Bella and Mouth by Southwest 

Gotta eat to live. These are words we….uh…live by here at DLT and we’ll take on just about anything. A Big Ass Burger? Bring it on. Curry so spicy you sweat? Sure! Mongolian BBQ Shrimp with lemongrass grits and kimchi? Yeah, if it’s there. You get the point. Thank goodness there are people who devote their lives to telling us about where to eat well. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Long time Phoenix favorite Chicago Hamburger Company has been the go-to slider and hot dog joint for Arcadia residents since 1975. We all know sliders are just an excuse to eat the equivalent of two burgers and not feel like you’re on the fast track to obesity (like chippers, anyone?), which is why Chow Bella‘s post on the introduction of Bob’s Big Ass Burger to the menu makes a chuckle a little. For just $8.25  you can indulge in two 1/3 pound broiled chuck patties, three kinds of cheeses, sautéed onions, bacon, onion rings and big ‘ol side of thousand island to make it the biggest big ass burger in the area. All the old favorites are there, too, in case you want to stick with the mini versions and feel like you’re eating less. And isn’t it all about how you feel?

Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic was this past weekend and Gwen Ashley Walters of Pen & Fork was there for both days to check out all of the action. The valley’s best and brightest chefs brought out their culinary big guns and, by the looks of it, it was all to die for. Pictured above is the Mongolian BBQ Shrimp with lemongrass grits and kimichi (mouthful….literally) from House of Tricks, but there are dozens more photographs and reviews to indulge on the blog. You have to check it out for yourself as a mini recap of the full two day extravaganza would not to it justice.

We love when restaurants get right to the point. If you serve curry and you are located on the corner of Terrace and Apache in Tempe, naturally you would call your restaurant Curry Corner, right? Well, PHX Rail Food seemed to think that the restaurant sure had it right with both the name and the food. Most items are priced under $10 and offer not only Indian, but also Afghan and Pakistani influenced cuisine. Ask for help when you’re there or take PHX Rail Food’s cues on what to order as you will be expanding your food horizons down the paths of naan, tandoori and kheer.

Until next week, stay adventurous, my friends.

Images via Pen & Fork and Chow Bella

If you’re going to eat something, you may as well enjoy it. This doesn’t mean over-indulgence in fried foods or sweets , nor does it say that guzzling coffee everyday is going to help you live a long and healthy life, but it does give a little leeway to the idea of having a strict diet, “not” eating certain foods or skipping meals. Whether your struggling to grab a quick cupcake when visiting our westernmost neighbor state (hey, it could happen) or escaping the city life in the White Mountains, we’ve got ways to help you get what you want wherever you are. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

Naturally, when one thinks of a Bloody Mary, beef is the next thing that comes to mind. Okay, maybe not, but the idea isn’t totally disgusting, right? EaterAZ sure thinks the two were a match made in hangover heaven thanks to Benny’s and the creation of Benny’s Bloody Mary Beef Straw (direct. to the point). These salty cylinders of beef only cost about a dollar each and you can order them here or try them out at Copper Blues and CJ Talley’s Pub where they are currently used, according to EaterAZ. Mmmm. Beef.

So this idea that machines are going to take over the world is still a legitimate fear for many people. We’re not saying us, but after running morning errands where an ATM deposited our checks and transferred funds at the click of a button and a car wash turned our vehicles from off-road to paved road acceptable for only five bucks and a quick drive through, it’s easy to see where the fear comes from. Now, thanks to a Sprinkles in Beverly HIlls, cupcakes can come to you without having to speak to a single person. That’s right, Chow Bella has reported on the earth shattering invention of the Cupcake ATM. A large, pink dispensary open 24 hours that will deliver those frosting laden tiny cakes with the swipe of a card and eliminate any human contact. It’s happening.

Finally, it’s been a while since we’ve heard from Justin Lee of Justin Eats, but the wait was worth it as he has delivered quite the list of where to dine when you find yourself in the White Mountains region. The list has taken years of escapes to White Mountain to curate  and doesn’t include the abundance of  ”mediocre BBQ” and “neon hued sauces that could incite diabetic shock” . The list includes eight restaurants in the area that range from Mexican (pictured above) to not-mediocre BBQ to Italian and pretty much everything you might crave when you find yourself two and a half hours away from the food mecca that is the Valley. Read the list here.

Until next week, eat well, my friends.

images via EaterAZ and JustinEats

All this sunshine means one thing for us lucky Arizonans: swimsuit season is fast approaching. For normal people, this means nothing but an almost unidentifiable feeling of guilt after having that second helping of animal fries, but for the rare few who care, this blog is not for you. Delicious Puerto Rican food, Brad Pitt shoveling it in over and over again and some quick bite highlights are all apart of this week’s food blog run down. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

If you like to try new things and love food from around the world, Pen & Fork recently dished on a place that might just be perfect. El New Yorican is a Puerto Rican restaurant located on Thomas owned by a real life New Yorican (New Yorker of Puerto Rican descent) who is serving up the traditional grub you never knew you loved. Totones (pictured) are twice-fried, mashed plantains served with garlic-heavy dipping sauces and enough grease to satisfy any fried food fanatic. There are healthier options too, but they don’t include the the pastelilio, which Walters describes as “a glorious fat delivery vehicle.” For just $2, you can enjoy ground beef, onions and peppers surrounded by a fried pie crust. The price is right, the food is different and Gwen Ashley Walters recommends it. So go.

Everyone on planet Earth knows that Brad Pitt is an exceptional male specimen. He may even be a good actor, but who would know? Because we spend most of the time drooling unapologetically at his perfectly symmetrical face, it seemed to escape our eyes that he spends most of his time on screen eating. From the junk food addicted Rusty Ryan in Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 to the junk food addicted Billy Beane in 2011′s Moneyball, it seems Brad is constantly chowing down in his films. Chow Bella came to the this conclusion with the help of Movie Mash up and posted a video montage of all his finest food moments. See Brad eat here. 

In need of some flash fried info on food happenings in the Valley. Mouth by Southwest does a “Quick Bites” segment that keeps you in the loop kind of like we do, but with less words (what can we say, we like words). They were kind enough to remind us of the free pizza offered at Thirsty Lion Pub this Thursday and that Pittsburgh Willy’s won Best Hotdog this weekend.This is great news because this Friday at 7:30, Chef Brandon Crouser of the famed dog will be hosting Pittsburgh After Dark, a five course meal you can get in on for just $45.

Until next week, think thin, my friends.

Image via Pen & Fork and IMDB

If you never want to see a tortilla chip smothered in guacamole again, then you are riding the Super Bowl food hangover wave. Step two to a full recovery includes drinking a lot of water, eating nice, simple salads and reading DLT’s weekly rundown of Valley food blogs to shake the omnipresent vision of buffalo wings dancing through your head. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:  »READ MORE

Drinking and eating, eating a drinking. Isn’t that what life is all about? For us, happiness is measured in pints and ounces. See joy in food form in our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

You know the feeling you have when you taste an amazing sauce for the first time? The sudden instinct to lick the plate or down the entire bottle in the presence of other human beings can be overwhelming when it’s just.that.good. The same thing goes for a good Pinot (or so Sideways had us all believe) so imagine our surprise when Pen & Fork dished on a bottled Pinot-based pepper sauces from CZAR that combine the two together like a match made in culinary heaven. Gluten free and low in sodium (compared to other bottled sauces) and range from tangy sweet to habanero hot. Walters used the Pinot and Pepper sauce to create a “Bloody Jack” cocktail that even looks like a kick in the pants. Get the recipe and the full scoop on these savory sauces right here.

No one likes the taste of humble pie, unless it is actually a big ‘ol slice from one of the valley’s favorite pizza joints, Humble Pie. Now the place on many a’ “best of Phoenix” list is set to open a fourth location in Kierland Commons to appease its growing fan base. Chow Bella reported it will be the largest of the locations and will open its doors mid-February to the cheers of North Scottsdale residents who are thinking not of pool season and focusing on delicious pie piled high.

In more local news, or local brews if you’re down with puns, Mouth x Southwest‘s Jess Harter just served up a nice glass of frothy awesomeness in relation to Sonoran Brewing Company’s seasonal beers. Beginning March 3rd, SBC will release a series of collaborative brews co-created by Phoenix-based chefs. Jeremy Pacheco from Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn had his hand in the first one (cleverly called 7 Wives Saison) using wheat from his own family farm, among other things. You can also look forward to beers from “Eddie Matney from Eddie’s House, Lee Hillson from T. Cooks at the Royal Palms and James Porter from Petite Mason and Big Earls BBQ,” according to Harter.  Count us in, these all sound like collectibles. We mean drinkables.

Until next week, stay happy, my friends.

Images via Chow Bella and Pen & Fork

So, last week we got a little preoccupied with Whale Milk and skimmed (get it?) over some of our favorite blogs. We missed giving you the heads up about EaterAZ’s Food Truck Festival and dropped the ball on introducing another amazing cookbook recommended by Pen & Fork. We won’t let you down this week. Grab a napkin and a cold brew because here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

We covered the coverage of Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue when it was on Pen & Fork last month, but now you can win a signed copy of one of these amazing cookin’ books from a local legend! Fo free! You have until January 20th at midnight to enter and win so visit this page right now and get on it.

We were beyond excited to read Chow Bella’s recent profile of Chef Danielle Leoni of The Breadfruit in downtown Phoenix as this is one of our favorite restaurants. Authentic and utterly delicious, Leoni cranks out Caribbean favorites thanks to owner and Jamaican native, Dwayne Allen. The interview is fun to read and great press for this place so read it, soak it all in like a delicious, hot dog shaped bread stick in tofu curry sauce, and then visit The Breadfruit to experience it all for yourself. Don’t forget to order a mojito. They’re life changing.

Soooooo the Street Eats Food Truck Festival was this past weekend and, from what we’ve heard, it was a vast improvement from the last one so air five for the EaterAZ crew and the hard working food truck chefs churning out meals on wheels for the masses. Oh and props to Tyler Florence for hosting because, as we all know, a Food Network star always makes everything so much more legit. Anywho, now EaterAZ is reporting about an alcohol infused ice cream bar that is popping up over poolside parties and huge drunken golf tournaments alike (we are of course referring to the WM Open). You can refresh and, you know, refresh all at once with the SnoBar and enjoy a margarita and dessert all in one.

Until next week, stay just a little bit buzzed, my friends.

images via Chow Bella and EaterAZ

By this time in January, we are confident in the fact that any diet-centered New Year’s resolutions have been shot to hell so we don’t feel so guilty about the amazing food we are about to digitally shove in your face. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

It’s been awhile, but our love for EricEatsOut will never die no matter how long it takes him to post something. Perhaps we love him even more because when he does decide to write, it’s downright side-cramping, share-with-your-friends-, LMFAO (or whatever is cool to say now), hilarious and worth the days weeks months of visiting his page in vain. His latest piece of comedic genius is centered around a prediction for 2012′s new food trend, whale milk. While some may see this as social commentary on ridiculous food trends and the lengths some are willing to go to hop on culinary bandwagons, we see this as a legit, profitable idea which we not only support, but seriously want a cut of. Seriously. Read it. Read it because summarizing it would be an injustice. Read it so you don’t miss out on the most ridiculous-yet-genius idea since bakeries catering specifically to cupcakes. But mostly, read it for a good, hearty laugh. »READ MORE

Another year, another you. Nope, we aren’t speaking metaphorically here, with all the amazing food in the Phoenix metro area and beyond, it’s hard not to look at 2012 as a year to literally add on another you. If you haven’t broken your dietary resolutions just yet, let us help you along with this week’s food blog happenings:

If you are a Trader Joe’s fan, you know that going in there is like stepping into a mecca of meals so easily prepared, it would make Rachel Ray jealous. You can even pick up a few pre-made lunches while doing your regular shopping like this Spicy Lentil Wrap brought to you by Chow Bella. The post, entitled “Vegan in a Hurry”, is an ode to what could only be considered a gourmet lunchable and is enough to make you screech your wheels over there. Healthy, delicious and just $3.99, it kind of makes us want to swim in the side of tahini sauce in celebration.

Tempe’s favorite coffee spot (that doesn’t sport a Mermaid) is now serving alcohol, according to EaterAZ. Cartel Coffee Lab is now making a whole lot more things Irish thanks to the implementation of their new liquor license. They’ve expanded their hours to 10 pm allowing Tempe’s hippest a place to grab a craft brew before it’s socially acceptable  to head over to Casey Moore’s for the long haul. The other locations should be following soon. Read the full article to get hilarious insight on Cartel and what 2012 has in store.

Finally, who doesn’t love a good year-end countdown? We sure do, especially when it’s carefully crafted by the man who should write food encyclopedias as a hobby, Dominic Armato of Skillet Doux. Despite some mild frustrations with the Phoenix food scene this past year (some we whole-heartedly agree with), Armato’s list has grown yet again to include no less than 30 dishes he enjoyed in 2011. Classics like Pizzeria Bianco’s ‘Sonny Boy’ Pizza (pictured top) made the cut, while several dishes from lands far and wide (Chicago and Las Vegas) smattered the list and made us care a little less. Anyway, it’s worth reading so you can head those restaurants and try what once made a food blogger smile.

Pen & Fork also had a great countdown on her blog last week. Ten Food Trends in 2011 is a well-thought out l look at what we would like to call “the floppy hats of food” or maybe “the colored denim of the culinary world”. Check it out.

Until next week, stay strong, my friends.