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Arizona Restaurant Week 2010

In Etc., Media, Personal Ramblings, Phoenix Food Blog, Restaurant News and Gossip on September 20, 2010 at 1:43 AM

Excited? Expected?

Foodly politics aside, events like the already in-progress Arizona Restaurant Week (Sept. 18th-26th) not only benefit local restaurants directly, injecting often sorely needed adrenaline into otherwise deserved-but-stagnate establishments, it also helps sell to a wider society our inherent dining offerings as a whole.

In a perpetually insecure state like Arizona, often plagued with the complacency of mediocrity⎯in seemingly everything⎯the truth is, Phoenix (and Arizona) truly does pull some credible tonnage in its dining arsenal that could spar with some of the best in the nation. We may not always hold the largest in sheer numbers, the breadth of diversity, and, we may not always rank highest in the hallways of Condé Nast, but sometimes we frankly deserve a little more respect.

This week is another opportunity to help connect the dots. Widely participated events like AZRW (and others) assist in encouraging everyday diners to break from their often staid, routine trade routes, allowing them to discover local eating in an updated light.

AZRW 2010

I’m happily participating in AZRW as much as I can. Everyone should sincerely do the same, particularly in regard to the independent, one-of-a-kind establishments we need thriving so achingly⎯not the sleazy, overtly corporate spots that weaseled their way onto the list of otherwise standout participants.

For the local food-obsessed community in particular, we should never be satisfied with marginal rankings or ignorant perceptions. If you love Phoenix, if you love Tucson, if you love Arizona, we need to do a better job at selling what we already have to be proud of. What am I most excited about, every year? Observing freshman diners trying new restaurants, eating new foods, all the while discovering there’s more to their respective communities and neighborhoods than initially assumed.

Dependent on the restaurant level, special AZRW, three-course prix fixe menus are set at either $29 or $39 price points⎯some of which even work a glass of wine into the price. A very reasonable negotiation if you ask me.

What restaurants look interesting to you? Make your reservations, now.

AZRW attack plans? Pundits I respect–
+ Chef, author, critic Gwen Walter’s organizing: HERE
+ PR wizard, “food nerd” Ty Largo’s pointers: HERE

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Now Open: Nobuo At Teeter

In Food: Japanese/Sushi, Food: Pan-Asian, Media, Phoenix Food Blog, Phoenix: Downtown, Restaurant News and Gossip, Reviews on August 9, 2010 at 7:17 PM

Lunch listings.

James Beard-rendered chef Nobuo Fukuda (“Best Chef Southwest,” 2007) returned to form last month, reengaging with a new Downtown eatery in historic Heritage Square, Nobuo at Teeter House. Concluding an anxious absence from the public’s regard since his previous gig at eulogized Scottsdale restaurant Sea Saw ended last June, Fukuda has been patiently amassing momentum in our shadows⎯dabbling in freelance cookery and related consulting at other restaurants around town (NOCA and Welcome Diner, come to mind)⎯waiting for an opportune moment. Well, fog cleared⎯such a fortuitous moment is upon us.

More relaxed than Sea Saw, Nobuo at Teeter House is not intended to be a straightforward copy of his former home. Still aiming for that surgical boundary between strict Japanese execution and the more limitless horizon of western sensibilities, expect a more relaxed roster of largely sharable menu items in this foodly vein⎯cross-Asian influences with near-obscure modern American undercurrents. Evocative of blue-collar taverns that also serve legit regional comfort food throughout Japan⎯izakaya⎯prepare for an atmosphere lacking vanity, pushing an understated, communal spirit.

Nobuo at Teeter House is now open for both lunch and dinner service, and in the coming weeks and months, Fukuda will re-introduce his once infamous omakase (chef’s choice) dining experience for select guests each night, by reservation only. A full menu of wine, beer and sake, also available. Full-throttle tea selection and pairings to come.

For a more in-depth feature on Nobuo at Teeter House by yours truly (including added details, menu highlights and photos) in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

Nobuo at Teeter House | nobuofukuda.com | 622 E. Adams St | 602-254-0600 | Downtown Phoenix

Nobuo at Teeter House on Urbanspoon

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Food Noise: Kathy Patalsky of The Lunchbox Bunch

In Cooking, Dole California Cook-Off, Etc., Food Noise, Food: Vegetarian/Vegan, Media, New York: New York City on July 8, 2010 at 3:55 PM

I recently had the gratifying honor of cooking with bright-eyed lifestyle personality Kathy Patalsky at the inaugural Dole Foods California Cook-Off this past June. As a team, I was sous chef to Patalsky’s recipe and direction. In the process however, I made a friend. An established blogger and entrepreneur, NYC-based Patalsky is the founding, creative spirit behind growing website and healthy living force The Lunchbox Bunch. Haven’t heard of it yet? You will.

With a blog streaming of vegan-friendly recipes, healthful living tips and gravitating photography⎯she can make tofu look like a porterhouse⎯Patalsky has managed to parlay her love of a satisfying, responsible and meat-free existence into a flourishing brand. From self-published books to themed merchandise available for sale on her website, she is clearly creating something impressive.

 

Kathy's Green Soy Burger.

 

 

Kathy's baked garden lasagna.

 

Loosely inspired by the popular last-page “Feedback” questionnaire inside every Bon Appetit issue, where simple food-related questions are posed to various tastemakers, Food Noise will be a new regular feature on my blog intended to shed extra light on the foodly inclinations of interesting people we all should know more about. Patalsky, you get inaugural dibs…

(click “Read More” below to continue…) Read the rest of this entry »

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Wrap-Up: Dole California Cook-Off 2010

In California: Los Angeles, Cooking, Dole California Cook-Off, Etc., Media, Personal Ramblings on July 7, 2010 at 7:57 AM

And the winner is? Though close, not us.

Not knowing what to expect of Dole Foods’ inaugural California Cook-Off event, I tried to prep myself mentally for anything slung my direction. What blindsided me? How much fun I had.

When I first opened the e-mail last April (first announced HERE), the one including an invite to be a participating food blogger at the freshman cooking event, I will be the first to admit I considered it spam. (I get a lot of PR spam.) It took a subsequent week of dedicated back-and-forth correspondence before finally accepting that not only the invite was legit, but, that the invite was for me. Four days, three nights in Los Angeles, paid-for? Transportation arrangements and discretionary income supplemented? Wow⎯why not.

The competition presented six recipe finalists (of 4,000 such submissions nationwide) who traveled to Los Angeles, CA, and prepared their respective recipes (utilizing at least one Dole Foods’ product) in a live cook-off that was judged by lovable, well-known chef Ben Ford. Each recipe contestant was also paired with a “sous chef,” in food blogger form⎯someone who not only assisted them in the actual cooking of their dishes, but also someone who helped cover the experience via our own blogs and social networks.

Chef Ben Ford and Kathy Patalsky.

Leading up to the event, all recipe finalists and bloggers were kept in the dark about possible pairing designations. Knowing only a list of names and some basic information, we were each left to ponder curiously about who might be our team member. There was a finalist with a chicken burger recipe; one with a recipe that included stuffed bell peppers; one with a quinoa and bacon-wrapped scallops recipe; another finalist with a tofu-anchored recipe, with candied cashews over a mandarin-ginger rice; and, a finalist with a Thai-inspired chicken recipe with a fruit and avocado salsa. Of all the selected recipes, I must be frank: I feared the dish utilizing tofu most. Having countless friends who adhere to vegetarian or vegan eating habits, I knew well that unless deftly prepared, tofu can swing abruptly from delicious to, well, something completely opposite. I didn’t want to screw anything up…

(click “Read More” below to continue…) Read the rest of this entry »

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Coming Up: Dole California Cook-Off

In California: Los Angeles, Cooking, Dole California Cook-Off, Etc., Media, Personal Ramblings on June 3, 2010 at 4:52 AM

Recently, yours truly was selected to be one of several guest bloggers invited to help cover the Dole California Cook-Off later this month in Los Angeles.

As a food blogger, requests for product reviews, kind offers of free meals and event invites of varying quality inevitably spill my direction. Most of the time however, I decline. Being that this silly website of mine is more ‘labor of love’ at this point, accepting such sponsored solicitations has never been my prerogative.

Despite Dole Foods not exactly being a mom-and-pop outfit (I lean less corporate, it’s true), I accepted this particular invitation because of its generous scope. Plainly, it promises to be a fun, diverting experience. Besides being graciously accommodated by Dole Foods, I will also have an opportunity to meet scores of talented, interesting and like-minded people along the way–fellow bloggers, chefs, home cooks, you name it.

The premise of Dole’s California Cook-Off is simple. Everyday home cooks submitted their tried-and-true recipes utilizing particular Dole products, and the chosen finalists will then be shuttled to Los Angeles for a competitive, live cook-off event at the Epicurean School of Culinary Arts. The ultimate winners will be ranked by a panel of local food industry notables, including chef Ben Ford (as in actor Harrison Ford’s offspring) of Ford’s Filing Station. The ultimate winner takes home, among other things, a $1,000 cash prize, and the printing of their recipe on selected Dole canned food labels.

Myself and the other selected bloggers come into play in the form of kitchen assistance. Each of us are being coupled with a recipe finalist, acting as de facto sous-chef, helping to prepare their submitted dishes for said judging. We will also be reporting about the event via our respective blogs.

Ironically, among the diverse list of guest bloggers chosen nationwide, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Erin Forney, the personality behind Food Tramp Diaries, will joining me as well. Always nice to share such an experience with a familiar face.

Stay tuned.

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Opening Soon: Verde

In Food: Mexican/Regional Mexican/New Mexican, Media, Phoenix Food Blog, Phoenix: Downtown, Restaurant News and Gossip on April 22, 2010 at 7:44 AM

Main dining area, circa two weeks prior.

Update 12/06/2010: Barely 7-months in, Verde is now officially closed for business.

Verde is coming.

Hostage to the city of Phoenix’s antiquated permitting process, Downtown’s newest dining gain is near-ready to serve. Verde is the eagerly expected, fast-casual Mexican eatery located on the southwestern corner of 1st and Garfield Streets. Sitting just south of Roosevelt Row among a growing collage of well-respected restaurants and watering holes⎯Matt’s Big Breakfast, Sens, PastaBAR, Royal at the Market, Roosevelt Tavern, etc.⎯Verde will easily benefit from certain geographic rewards.

Verde's tortilla room.

Driven by local industry veterans Joseph Aguayo (Tiburon) and Matt Avilla (Hillstone Group), Verde intends to a be a modern, serious snapshot of regional Mexican cooking. Think simple but sharp⎯tacos, slow-roasted meats, tortillas house-made daily in a custom wood-burning brick oven courtesy of Arizona-grown pecan wood, and an always rotating (and updating) roster of specials like tamales, menudo, moles, and so on. An eventual liquor license will allow for a modest selection of beers, wine and appropriate cocktails.

Takeaway window. Local food media wallpaper.

As of now, Verde will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Eventual late-night and breakfast menus soon to follow.

For a more in-depth feature on Verde by yours truly (including the restaurant’s sincere eco-friendly ethos) in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

Verde | verdeaz.com | 825 N. 1st St | Downtown Phoenix

Verde on Urbanspoon

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This Weekend: Devoured Phoenix

In Cooking, Etc., Food: Culinary/Food Festival, Media, Phoenix Food Blog, Phoenix: Midtown on March 9, 2010 at 9:34 PM

Update 03/16/2010: For a post weekend wrap-up of Devoured 2010 by yours truly in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.
Update 03/15/2011: For a recount of Devoured 2011, also in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.
Update 03/15/2012: For a post weekend wrap-up of Devoured 2012 in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

Despite the many internal controversies within our community’s food brethren as a result of its official shakeup last year, the once effortlessly respectable (and popular) West of Western culinary festival is simply no more. In its place however, a newly annual springtime food event is being prepped for its freshman debut, bringing with it a decidedly updated focus and intention.

Labeled Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic, the freshly minted food fest is being orchestrated indirectly by the amplifying homegrown lobbying/PR organization Local First AZ (community booster du jour and entrepreneur Kimber Lanning is a headlining force), and will remain hosted at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Though there are definite exceptions to the principals’ intentions, the affair will be a sharper, more agenda-driven celebration of all things locally and independently edible. In particular, it is (casually) intended as a weighted showcase of restaurants throughout central Phoenix specifically–Downtown, Midtown, etc.

Taking place this weekend, Saturday March 13th and Sunday March 14th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event is largely being held outdoors within the art museum’s courtyard. Devoured is currently listing over 70 local restaurants and 25 different wineries among its roster of participants. There will also be a variety of cooking demonstrations and food-related seminars.

Single day and two-day passes are $65 and $90, respectively. $75 for a single day pass day-of. Already a museum member? I’m not. However if you are, inquire about passes with the museum directly, as there is a discounted members-only rate.

For more information, to purchase said passes, as well as peruse the itemized listing of involved restaurants and wineries, go: HERE. (phxart.org/devoured)


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Justin’s Roundup: September 2009

In Justin's Roundup, Media, Personal Ramblings, Phoenix Food Blog, Restaurant News and Gossip on September 13, 2009 at 3:49 AM

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For lack of a more clever moniker, I’m branding recently accumulated bullet-points under “Justin’s Roundup.” This will be the first such post of many like it to come, as an efficient way to relay pressing tidbits constantly amassing with more brevity. Think of it as a routine newsletter. Sort of. Here goes:

• Details are flowing in about Hillside Spot, the new gourmet specialty market and casual eatery in Ahwatukee (NWC 48th St. and Warner) helmed by the ever-controlled Gallo Blanco chef Doug Robson and former Olive & Ivy alumn Patrick Fegan. Located in the space vacated by the Coffee Plantation a couple of years ago, Hillside Spot currently serves breakfast and lunch, with a dinner menu being added in 2010.

• Five Guys’ first of two introductory Arizona locations is currently under construction on Mill Avenue in Tempe, inside a renovated space vacated by former java institution the Coffee Plantation. Expect the subsequent second location also in development to debut in Mesa, at Dana Park. After that, an eventual 40-50 locations are planned statewide. Gulp. My original story, go HERE.

• Smashburger’s first Arizona location is also currently under construction in Tempe, near University Drive and College Avenue. Opening date has been confirmed: Friday, October 2nd. Original story, go HERE.

• Downtown’s Public Market is close to unveiling its latest growth spurt next month with the Urban Grocery and Wine Bar. Opening tentatively set for the second or third week in October. For more in-depth info and pics by yours truly in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

• Royal at the Market, a stylish, pocket-sized coffee shop brought to us by some of the same principals behind the noble (and slightly larger) Royal Coffee Bar on Jackson St., just south of Downtown. Owners are hoping for a quiet, individual opening sometime in the next two weeks. For more in-depth info and pics by yours truly in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE. Update 10/05/2009: Royal at the Market is now open!

• As previously mentioned, Hula’s Modern Tiki in Midtown is now open. For more in-depth info and pics by yours truly in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

• St. Francis quietly opened its doors to the public last week, and I was there opening night. For more in-depth info and pics by yours truly in the Downtown Phoenix Journal, go HERE.

• The annual Arizona Restaurant Week begins this Saturday, Sept. 19th. With even more worthy eateries throughout Phoenix (and Tucson) added to the list this year, make reservations now. Every participating restaurant offers a unique three-course tasting menu, priced $29 per person, or $58 per couple. Folks, that’s a deal.

• Nobuo Fukuda continues his confidential sorting of Midtown real estate for his much anticipated, still as-yet-untitled new Japanese eatery. As many already know, his previous restaurant, Scottsdale’s nationally acclaimed Sea Saw, shuttered this past June. Since that unfortunate hemorrhage fans in the interim are being blessed with the chef’s freelance work. Notably, the recent dining event he hosted at Downtown’s Welcome Diner, and an upcoming gig at NOCA later this month. Expect the location of his new Midtown eatery to be publicly announced soon.

• Need new reasons to support local, independent restaurants? Check out the latest statewide campaign Dine 4 AZ.

• Adventurous local chef Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro, The Misson) humbly opened his new Downtown venture last month, the upscale Asian restaurant Nine|05, in a completely re-imagined indoor-outdoor space. Let the misinformation and remaining confusion end now—this restaurant’s concept, menu, décor and atmosphere are all new, unique, and completely unrelated to the location’s previous occupant: Fate, chef Johnny Chu‘s once-loved Asian bistro which shuttered a month prior (those “fatefully” sentimental can find the venerable Chu down the street at his subsequent concept Sens).

• Remaining open during construction, Sanctuary Resort’s trophy restaurant Elements (Executive Chef Beau MacMillan) finally began its planned renovation and expansion last month. To be completed by this winter, highlights include: new kitchen almost entirely exposed to the main dining room, a new bar area for solo diners (and parties wanting front-row seating to the kitchen’s action), and, thanks to the added feature of new floor-to-ceiling, folding glass windows surrounding the main dining space, a reconfigured indoor-outdoor experience will exist for patrons during Phoenix’s more pleasurably-weathered months.

• Precious, quirky independent candy shop Smeeks finally opened in late July on Midtown’s northern fringe. Brought to us by the same owners of neighboring Frances clothing boutique, Smeeks is located along the same commerical strip facing Camelback Rd., barely west of Central Ave.

• Do you remember Justin’s Grub of the Week? Yeah, me either. My weekly designation of foods loved and adored will be revisited in brief time. Does somebody smell burnt popcorn?

• New reviews, previews and impressions coming soon of 25 Degrees, Metro Brasserie, St. Francis (more in-depth coverage) and Postino Central.

(Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more.)

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Sweet, Sweet Republic

In Food: Dessert/Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/Gelato, Media, Phoenix Food Blog, Restaurant News and Gossip, Scottsdale: North on May 16, 2009 at 2:43 AM
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Sweet Republic co-owner Helen Yung (Brandon Sullivan/Bon Appetit)

While parts of the country have been under an evil hex of gelato and frozen yogurt over the past several years, it’s refreshing to see good old-fashioned ice cream making a quiet comeback.

We are no longer relegated to the tortures of Tiffany lamps, grainy wood-paneled walls, brass accents, and ice cream served in tall ornate glass goblets. As our own president often says, it’s better to look forward, than backwards.

Hard to disagree with such philosophy.

Growing up in Phoenix, I was raised on the likes of Swensen’s and local favorites Mary Coyle’s and the Sugar Bowl. Though still tasty (and preferred over certain national chains), they have since all become near fossils of their former selves. Once the nostalgia and wisps of Americana fade, you’re left with something never quite as good as you remembered.

Profiled in the current issue of Bon Appétit, one of my new local favorites, Sweet Republic, was listed as one of the Hot 10 Ice Cream Shops in the nation. Though not the absolute best ice cream I’ve ever tasted, many of their selections are pretty darn close.

If anything, they earn extra points for breaking the stodgy ice cream parlor mold. They’re different, and in clever ways.

Sweet Republic is the perfect illustration of how ice cream can be just as “hip” as their fellow, frosty rivals, without ever losing any of that homespun feeling so many of us grew up remembering.

Besides the bright, clean and modern space, the Scottsdale ice cream shop overtly goes out of its way to use pure, locally-sourced organic ingredients whenever possible. Even if one or two of their frozen creations don’t blow you out of the ballpark, it’s hard to fault them for trying (or for originality).

I realize I’m a late echo to this, as the majority of local – and now national – food press have already gushed over Sweet Republic. However, I cannot help but join the chorus of accolades. It is definitely one of my favorite new spots for ice cream.

For you weirdos out there, Sweet Republic also offers a varied selection of sorbets, and yes, frozen yogurts.

I’m just saying.

Sweet Republic | sweetrepublic.com | 9160 E. Shea | North Central Scottsdale | 480-248-6979

Sweet Republic on Urbanspoon


Moment of Geek, Thanks to Julia Child

In Cooking, Media, Personal Ramblings on May 2, 2009 at 11:41 AM

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My own associations with Julia Child are, for lack of a better word, dicey. It seems like everyone heavily interested in food or cooking has their own story that can one-up the other person’s. Well, there will be no one-upping here.

I was taken by her from as far back as I can remember. Before even reaching proper manhood, and I was already obsessed – with her cooking, her demeanor and positive vibe, and her genuine love of all things food. I spent many childhood years trying, or pretending rather, to cook like Julia. I was too young to wield a proper kitchen knife, let alone even attempt to prepare one of her recipes. I merely loved to watch her.

My unhealthy early-childhood preoccupation with Julia Child even spilled over into my social life. When other children wanted to come over to my house and watch afternoon cartoons, instead of He-Man or Thundercats, I always insisted on watching Julia Child’s cooking shows on PBS. I was a total brat, and needless to say, this self-imposed social alienation didn’t go over so well with the superhero crowds. Many potential childhood friends were lost over the years, I’m sure.

As I grew older however, my once pronounced compulsion to be like Julia Child unfortunately eroded a bit. In fact, I’d say dormant until just in the past 5-10 years, when my no-boundary love for all things food re-emerged so strongly. Her affable and honest personality made her a magnet for both food snobs and philistines alike – she alienated no one. Though I am regretful that she isn’t still around to follow in real-time anymore, I know she lives on in my smelly, used collection of her famous cookbooks. And of course, thankfully PBS still plays re-runs.

Inspired by this real-life blog, Julie & Julia opens this August. I can’t wait–

Do you have a Julia story of your own? It’s not hard to one-up me.

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