Sandwiches Like No Other

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 […]

A Cultural Dining Adventure

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. […]

A Family Legacy

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 […]

New in Town: Creative Cocktails and Shareable Plates at St. Urban

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 […]

New in Town: Earth Meets Art at Tía Carmen

In April, celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, known for his appearances on “Top Chef,” opened Tía Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in North Phoenix. ”Tía Carmen is named after my aunt, who instilled in me a passion and love for cooking, teaching me the impact and the power that food can have […]

Prost to Oktoberfest

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 […]

Restaurant Road Trip: Stagecoach Country Roadhouse Brings Food and Fun to Sedona

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 […]

New in Town: The Rose Garden Blooms in Downtown Phoenix

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 […]

Kitchen Doors: Carcara Celebrates Arizona

Photo courtesy of Carcara Opened in March 2022 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Carcara is influenced by the five Cs of Arizona: cattle, citrus, copper, cotton and climate. “Carcara’s menu changes seasonally and utilizes locally sourced ingredients influenced by the rich traditions of the Southwest, including Sonoran-inspired dishes,” said senior sous chef Angy Dykstra. “Carcara’s beverage program has […]

Restaurant Road Trip: History and Modern Dining Meet at The Clinkscale in Jerome

Photos courtesy of The Clinkscale In December 2020, The Clinkscale Hotel, Bar and Grill was opened by the Haunted Group, which operates restaurants in Cottonwood and Jerome, as well as the Tavern Hotel in Cottonwood. Built in 1899, the Clinkscale features historic charm with exposed brick and hardwood floors combined with modern amenities and elevated […]