Category: Food

Keen on a ten-day tasting tour of the region’s best chefs? Mark your calendars for Arizona Restaurant Week – dubbed “the most edible time of the year” – when eateries from Flagstaff to Tucson boast three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $33, $44 or $55 per person/couple as advertised.

Locals and visitors alike can channel their inner foodie by dining (or placing a to-go order) at one of more than 50 restaurants between Sept. 8-17.

From BISUTORO Sushi and Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails to Caracara and Indian Delhi Palace, there is literally something for every palate.

Reservations suggested but not required. Bon appétit!

– Hannah Van Sickle, The Arizona 100

The latest trend, “Girl Dinner,” is filling Instagram and TikTok feeds everywhere as women are taking to the internet to share this collective experience.

“Girl Dinner” refers to random concoctions women put together for evening meals. Some women may have a traditional meal, but for others, it may just be whatever snack that sounds good that evening. For example, some women may consider a charcuterie board their dinner while others consider ice cream and pickles suitable dinner fare.

The beauty of this trend is that there are no rules. So, take it from the ladies and enjoy the snack plates.

– Ashley Goodrich, 360 Media, Inc., The Atlanta 100

What better way to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July than some red white and blue cocktails? Here is an easy to follow Jell-O Independence Day Shots recipe:

• Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Prepare three mixes: blue Jell-O, unflavored gelatin and strawberry gelatin. 

• Add vodka into the blue Jell-O mix, stir and cool. Pour in the shot glass, then chill.

• Add sweetened condensed milk into the unflavored gelatin mix, stir and cool. Pour above the blue layer then chill.

• Add the vodka into the strawberry gelatin mix, stir and cool. Pour above the blue layer then chill. 

And voila!

– C2 Communications, The Southwest Florida 100

Your summer getaway is not complete without the perfect summer cocktail. Here are some sweet and sparkly drinks to help you keep cool:

• Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic cocktail that has been reinvented and offers a mix of citrus, bitter, sweet, herbal and bubbly goodness.

• Gin Basil Smash: A sip of summer packed in a light and herbaceous cocktail mix of gin and basil, which reminds you of fresh summer air.

• Strawberry Daiquiri: This drink gives you all that berry goodness, sweet and lush flavor with a hint of rum.

For more cocktail ideas this summer, check this link.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, The Southwest Florida 100

Are you hosting brunch to celebrate the special women in your life? Spice up your menu with one of these unique and refreshing cocktails:

• Mimosa Granita – Mix fresh orange juice, champagne, sugar, water and ice. If you swap the champagne with vodka, it becomes Frozen Screw Driver Granita.

• Sangria Dole Whip – Heat blackberries, water and sugar. Cool the mixture. Blend with red wine and juices until smooth. You can also use your ice cream maker!

• Fleur de Paradis – Mix gin, elderflower liqueur, juice, syrup, orange bitters and ice in a shaker until well-chilled. Top with champagne and garnish.

– Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, The Southwest Florida 100

Summertime is well on its way, which means it’s time to spice up the menu with a few delicious recipes using your air fryer.

The capabilities of an air fryer can be underestimated, but it’s debatably one of the most innovative kitchen appliances on the market. As a healthier alternative to deep-frying your food, air frying allows you to lower your fat intake, cut back on the calories and much more – all while creating dishes that are just as tasty.

If you have one (or if you’re on the fence about getting one), check out these recipes for some inspiration.

– Trey Adams, The Pittsburgh 100