We are going on a voyage that begins in the belly of a pirate ship at the UnderTow bar and ends in the warm glow of an Italian oven at Nook Kitchen, a short walk across the street. It’s a food and drink adventure, and you’re invited. We begin at the UnderTow, and I’ll bet…
Fall is here, and the weather is finally starting to cool down. Neighbors are coming out, people are walking, running, strolling, and everyone seems to be more pleasant and happier these days. With the holidays right around the corner, we are preparing ourselves for families to come together once again. We will be feasting, laughing…
Fact: Italian food is the most popular ethnic food in America. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that for Jewish people that is also true, although, Chinese is a very close second. Why do we love Italian food so much? Because of garlic, and because of slow simmered sauces,…
This year, many of us, myself included, are experiencing a bar or bat mitzvah with one of our children. Our daughter Aviva has been preparing herself for this special day by studying weekly with her teacher (and cousin) Elianna, and going over party preparations! This past summer, we were fortunate enough to take Aviva and…
It is rare to come across a restaurant that feels right from the moment you arrive. It’s like a neighborhood, a village, with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces inviting you to explore. Around each corner, you’ll find a nook for sitting, dining, playing, relaxing, alone or with groups of friends. There’s an ice cream shop,…
Summer is here, and the thought of eating hot soup may not be as appealing when the temperatures soar to 110 degrees. My family is a big fan of cold soup and enjoys a chilled bowlful of fruit or vegetable goodness throughout the year. Consider making a big batch of soup and savoring it throughout…
Whether it was called Franco’s Trattoria, or Franco’s Italian Caffe, for 30 years (off and on), there has been a Chef Franco Fazzuoli restaurant serving hungry Arizonans. There have been four different locations over the years, with each incarnation having a special offering. Franco’s Italian Caffe, in the heart of Scottsdale, is an intimate dining…
May 1 is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Celebrate the occasion by making shakshuka, a dish that closely competes with hummus and falafel as an Israeli staple. Originally introduced to Israel by Libyan and Tunisian Jews in the 1950s, shakshuka has since become a favorite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Israel is truly a melting…
Atop the site of a former decrepit Circle K, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, sits the newest creation from Fox Restaurant Concepts, Doughbird. If you have followed me on my journey through Valley restaurants, you already know I’m no fan of the focus-grouped, corporate-structured dining experience. (Shiver!) However, these Fox Concept guys have…
I always wondered why I never saw a lamb dish at the seder table. A roasted lamb shank on the seder plate doesn’t qualify. I recently discovered that some Jews (depending on their level of observance) will not eat roasted poultry or meat – especially lamb – during the seder. It is appropriate to serve…
