By Jess Harter
By Jess Harter
By Jess Harter
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🏅 Six Valley chefs have been named semifinalists for Best Chef Southwest in the 2026 James Beard Awards, the culinary world’s version of the Oscars: Roberto Centeno from Espiritu in Mesa; TJ Culp from Progress in Phoenix; Armando Hernandez and
🍩 For years, doughnuts have politely stayed in their lane: sweet, sugary, and unapologetically breakfast-adjacent. But 2026 may be the year they finally rebel. Parlor Doughnuts, a fast-growing chain known for its laminated, flaky “Famous Layered Doughnuts,” launches its first-ever
In a nostalgic comeback, Midwest favorite Godfather’s Pizza has returned to the East Valley after a nearly two-decade absence with a new location in Queen Creek. It’s located on the southeast corner of Queen Creek and Signal Butte along with
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🔥 Panda Express at San Tan Village in Gilbert has closed indefinitely after a weekend fire. Officials say the fire, which occurred Saturday morning before the restaurant opened, appeared to have started in the kitchen before spreading to the roof.
❤️ The Valley’s food and drink scene has started 2026 fairly gloomily – from the death of legendary restaurateur Lee Cohn to the closings of several longtime restaurants and breweries – so let’s enjoy an upbeat story today. An outpouring
🍮 Michael and Priscilla Sweet, the talented couple behind Phoenix’s Silver Rose Bakery, have launched a smaller sibling concept, Four Desserts, near the northeast corner of the Loop 101 and 90th Street in central Scottsdale. The fast-casual-style shop focuses on
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🥟 Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House, which soft-opened over the holidays, holds its public grand opening Friday at Mercado del Rancho on the southeast corner of Shea Boulevard and 92nd Street in central Scottsdale. Founded by Arizona natives and longtime
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🍽️ After a 10-year hiatus, the “Check, Please! Arizona” Food Festival will return 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort at Fort McDowell. The event, which will showcase more than 20 independent Valley restaurants, will be hosted
🌮 Grab a free taco this Saturday at Mesquite Fresh Street Mex on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Williams Field in Gilbert. The restaurant underwent a few changes over the holidays and is re-opening this weekend. The taco giveaway
🚫 S&V Urban Italian, formerly known as Stone & Vine Urban Italian, has closed after a combined 14 years on the southeast corner of Shea and 92nd Street in central Scottsdale. The restaurant’s name was changed in 2017 when it
🍜 Desert Ridge Marketplace in northeast Phoenix has added a new international flavor to its dining lineup with the opening of Kajiken, a Japan-based ramen concept making its Arizona debut. Founded in Nagoya, Kajiken is best known for abura soba
🚫 Smokin Fins has closed its west Chandler restaurant, ending a nearly decade-long run in the East Valley. The Idaho-based seafood, sushi, and grill concept opened its only Arizona location in February 2017 inside the former Stingray Sushi space on
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🍺 After building some of the Valley’s most recognizable Mexican-inspired restaurants, Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin are turning their attention to what’s in the glass. The Tacos Chiwas founders will open Mesa Brewing Company in downtown Mesa, transforming the soon-to-close
Soup season in the Valley may be short, but it’s real. When you want something warming, restorative, or just deeply flavorful, here are seven of my favorites: Pozole Rojo at Gallo Blanco 928 E Pierce St, Phoenix A cold-weather comfort
☕️ La La Land Kind Cafe, a Dallas-based coffee concept with a kindness-driven mission, has opened its first Arizona location at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. Founded in 2019, La La Land has built a national following by pairing coffeehouse staples
Sorry! While most of MouthBySouthwest.com is free to read, MXSW Insider articles are for paid subscribers only. Learn how to become an MXSW Insider.
