Author: Jess Harter

🌮 La Cocina, a refined Mexican restaurant inspired by ‘‘the iconic dining experiences of Southern California,’’ has opened in far north Scottsdale. It takes over the former Hacienda’s Mexican Grill space (a few spaces south of the new Patricia’s Pizza)

🐓 Is Peruvian rotisserie chicken finally becoming a thing in the Valley? Mi Corralito Charbroiled Peruvian Chicken has opened in the old Tacos Chiwas space in the Pep Boys Plaza near the northwest corner of Alma School and Warner in

🌯 Carolina’s Mexican Food, one of my favorite Valley restaurants, has opened its seventh Valley location on the southwest corner of Alma School and Warner in Chandler. It’s great news for East Valley residents, whose only other Carolina’s opened in

🍸 Kill Club, a new lounge and restaurant from Jocque Concepts (The Montauk, Diego Pops, The Hot Chick, and Eat Up!) has opened in Old Town Scottsdale. It takes over the former Philadelphia Sandwich Company space next to DJ’s (across

🌮 Casa de Julia, a polished Mexican restaurant and bar named in honor of the owner’s grandmother, has opened in downtown Phoenix. It takes over the space formerly home to French bakery and cafe La Madeleine at the Luhrs Tower on the

🇪🇹 Authentic EthioAfrican, a well-regarded Ethiopian restaurant and bar that’s been serving Phoenix diners since 2013, has opened a second location on the southeast corner of Hayden and Indian Bend in central Scottsdale. The menu offers individual and communal meals,

🍛 iThai Bistro has opened in the strip-mall space formerly home to Ah-Wok-Tukee Asian Cuisine on the northeast corner of Chandler and Desert Foothills Parkway in Ahwatukee. The menu features curries, wok dishes, noodle dishes, rice dishes, barbecue chicken and

🍔 Tired of paying nearly $20 for a burger and fries? Head over to El Camino, a new bar and grill in Old Town Scottsdale (of all places!) where you can get a double cheeseburger and fries for just $9.45.

🥒 Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop, a Scottsdale-based sandwich chain, has opened its seventh Valley location in the Safeway center on the southeast corner of Chandler and 40th Street in Ahwatukee. Founded by Frank and Michele Fagundes in San Mateo, Calif.,

🥢 Edo Japanese Grill, a Canadian chain of Japanese fast-casual restaurants, has made its Arizona debut in Chandler. It’s opened in the former Pasta 78 space on the northeast corner of the Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard. Edo’s core menu