Scottsdale Culinary Institue Grad Wins "Top Chefs"

The Bravo network's most recent winner from the the hit TV-show "Top Chefs" is Stephanie Izard, a chef who graduated from Scottsdale's very own Culinary Institute, one of the most respected in the country. Congratulations to Stephanie and hats off to the top-quality program at SCI.

The New York Times Visits Scottsdale

Scottsdale is featured in the Sunday paper. The travel article visits some great Scottsdale restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts and attractions. The author doesn't miss a beat and correctly concludes that Scottsdale sizzles, regardless of the temperature outside.

Scottsdale Restaurant Review: Olive & Ivy

This is not actually a restaurant review. My experience at Olive & Ivy has been confined exclusively to the bar area. So with that in mind:

Olive & Ivy is a wonderfully charming marketplace/bar/restaurant. You can go there to grab and soda and sandwich, a martini or a full dinner. It's located at Scottsdale's somewhat infamous Waterfront. As you walk in to Olive & Ivy, a deli-style counter greets you with a casual, informal feeling. Wander past the large chalkboard-style menu with a great list of hearty sandwiches and you'll find the bar area. My friend and I sat a small bar table and relaxed in a couple very large, overstuffed chairs. The bar menu was perfect with a blend of refreshing summertime cocktails and delicious appetizers. Mt friend opted for a mojito and I chose a "Grape Crush" - grape vodka with grape juice. Simple, but oh so good.

Next up was the food. Our small sampling featured average hummus with warm pita bread, and above average flat bread with basil, garlic and tomatoes. The generous portion was absolutely delicious. The bread was perfectly cooked and the cherry tomatoes were big and sweet. This is a great dish to enjoy over a few drinks.

Olive & Ivy had a great, festive dynamic vibe all night. We arrived at 5pm; by 7pm the place was packed. It's roomy and can meet almost any need with the options of a deli, bar or restaurant. Next time you're hungry think of Olive & Ivy. You will not be disappointed.

Sultry Dogs Hits Scottsdale

Following on the heals of Pink Taco, another dripping-with-sexual-innuendo restaurant has opened in Scottsdale. Sultry Dogs is a late night hot dog shack with sexy women dishing out the wieners with names such as "The Threesome" and "Bareback." Be sure to hit up the Sultry Dogs next time you're in the mood for some a late-night hot dog action in downtown Scottsdale. Check out the restaurant's promo video below.

New Times Not Impressed By Pink Taco

It's easy to dislike Pink Taco, especially when their food is so boring.

Pink Taco's Been Open One Year

The controversial Scottsdale restaurant known as Pink Taco is celebrating one year at their Waterfront digs. Henry Morton, Pink Taco's head pimp, admits it has been a difficult year, yet he clearly sees opportunities and substantial profits on the horizon. The Insider is not a huge Taco fan, but Morton is an interesting character who has at least managed to keep Scottsdale's name in the spotlight.

Best of Scottsdale 2007

AZCentral brings us the Best of Scottsdale 2007. This is the first year of the new distinction and the voters found a bunch of great Scottsdale hang-outs, people and businesses.

Sushi in Scottsdale - Sakana Sushi & Grill

Speaking of good places to eat, Sakana Sushi & Grill in Scottsdale should not be looked over. If you like real sushi, you'll love Sakana. Don't believe the Insider? Check it out for yourself - Feasting in Phoenix offers a great review.

Scottsdale Culinary Fest Comes to a Close

The New Times has a post-mortem on last weekend's Culinary Festival. Great weather and great wine undoubtedly led to a great time!