Over the past few years, I have dived into the culinary scene in Tempe, AZ. After discovering and experiencing several celebrated restaurants, I made up my mind on the best foodie spots. This is the ultimate foodie’s guide on where to eat in Tempe – whether you’re looking for brunch, dessert, quick lunch, romantic dinners,…
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What to Eat in Tucson: Carne Seca at El Charro Café
Read moreRecognized as the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, El Charro Café has been serving Tucson the recipes of Monica Flin for more than 100 years! Carlotta Flores, great grandniece of Monica, carries on the legacy with her family. One of those recipes that’s most famous today is the carne…
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A Love Story Told Through Food: Valentine’s Day at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar
Read moreValentine’s Day dinner at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar was an unforgettable journey, where each course unfolded like a love story. Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, this elevated dining experience was designed by CORE’s chef de cuisine Christian Dyson. Chef Dyson’s objective was to craft a menu that mirrored the romance and progression of…
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6 Romantic Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Read moreSome of my most memorable evenings have taken place at these six romantic Michelin-starred restaurants, where every fine dining detail—from the menu to the service to the ambiance—creates an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a dimly lit dinner with waves crashing in the background or a dinner service set in an opulent dining room against the…
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2025 Valentine’s Day Dinners in Tucson and Marana, AZ
Read moreFiguring out where to book the perfect romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day in Tucson and Marana can feel overwhelming, especially because it’s not always clear if the regular menu or prix-fixe menu will be offered. And if celebrating on Friday, February 14, 2025, doesn’t align with your schedule, you may be looking for options on…
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2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists in Arizona
Read moreEvery year, I eagerly await the announcement of the James Beard Award semifinalists. For those unfamiliar, the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One are among the most prestigious honors in the culinary world. These awards recognize excellence across a wide range of dining experiences—from fine dining to casual establishments—and celebrates everyone from bakers and…
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What to Eat at Omicho Market in Kanazawa, Japan
Read moreThis is your foodie guide on what to eat at Omicho Market in Kanazawa! Since its establishment in the Edo Period, Omicho Market has played an essential role in Kanazawa’s food and culture scene. For more than 300 years, the market has provided direct access to its freshly-caught seafood along the Hokuriku Coast. Today, it’s…
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New Luxury Hotel in Scottsdale: Caesars Republic Scottsdale
Read moreScottsdale’s newest luxury resort is now open– Caesars Republic Scottsdale! I had the chance to check out the glamorous grand opening event for Caesars Entertainment’s first non-gaming hotel in the United States. It was quite a spectacular experience, from fire dancing to a drone show. But my most favorite aspect was the food from Giada…
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Best of 2023: The Best Desserts in Tucson
Read moreNormally, I combine Tucson with my overall 2023 year, but this year, I felt my hometown needed its own designated category for the Best Desserts in Tucson. From this list, you will find everything from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall establishments. You can also expect to see a variety of cuisines that range from contemporary, Italian,…
