While the tradition of afternoon tea originated in England in the 1800s, it has become popular across the U.S., including in the Valley.  Jo Gemmill, who is from England, opened the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree in 2002. “I wanted to provide a beautiful space in the desert for a good cup of tea and homemade food,” […]

There are a lot of sandwich shops across the Valley, but Zookz offers sandwiches that are truly unique. That’s because owner Carole Meyer spent years creating her own custom sandwich maker inspired by her grandmother, resulting in round panini-style sandwiches with crimped edges that resemble flying saucers. Meyer grew up in North Africa, and food was an important […]

Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a dining experience unlike any other, as evidenced by its impressive accolades, including being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in the state. Two things that set Kai apart are the exceptional guest experience and the focus on indigenous and local ingredients. […]

Restaurants and hospitality run through the veins of the Keeler family, who own and operate three Valley restaurants. “My father, Paul Keeler, owned and ran restaurants in the Boston area, where my brother and I started working at a young age, washing dishes and bussing tables,” said Matt Keeler. In 2003, the Keelers opened a […]

One of the newest additions to the lively restaurant scene on Seventh Street in Uptown Phoenix is St. Urban, which offers light bites, handcrafted cocktails and elevated city and mountain views. Common Ground Culinary opened St. Urban in September, right above Neighborly Public House, which opened in November 2021. Founded in 2011, Common Ground Culinary has nine concepts throughout […]

From German fare and beer to games and entertainment, a variety of venues across the Valley celebrate Oktoberfest. Four Peaks Oktoberfest, Oct. 7-9, Tempe Town Lake: Four Peaks is celebrating its 49th Oktoberfest with a big bash featuring live music, family fun, games, contests and its Oktoberfest beer and German brews. Admission is $20 Friday and Saturday […]

You may know chef Brother Luck from his appearances on “Top Chef,” “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay,” but you can learn more about his background, including the role that Arizona played in his career path, in his new book, “No Lucks Given,” which will be available in early October. Luck will be signing copies at the Careers Through […]

Photo of Vegan & Vine by Debby Wolvos Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week returns for a second year September 11-18. The event supports local businesses while raising awareness about the Valley’s growing plant-based dining scene, including restaurants, bakeries, food trucks and pop-ups.   The event was founded by Jozh Watson of the Vegan Social market and PHX Vegan, […]

Photos courtesy of Stagecoach Country Roadhouse In April 2022, Wild Thyme Restaurant Group opened Stagecoach Country Roadhouse in West Sedona. “Stagecoach adds a fun destination to the Sedona dining scene where you can get a mouthwatering steak and creative cocktails,” said Heinrich Stasiuk, CEO of Wild Thyme Restaurant Group, which operates more than 30 restaurants in five states, including […]

Photo courtesy of Kevin Brost In July, Josh and Chiara Katz opened the Rose Garden in downtown Phoenix, offering creative cocktails and bar bites in a lush setting. From the décor to the menu, the Rose Garden lives up to its name. “The cocktail menu is inspired by a garden-influenced palette that offers a variety of flavors […]