We’re having lunch at Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House in Mesa, a Chinese restaurant that opened across the street from Mekong Plaza on Dobson Road about three years ago. Yee pages through the menu enthusiastically. He’s “down to try anything,” he tells me. Pretty soon the table is covered with dishes: a salad bowl of chile-specked chilled cucumber; a plate of big, sweaty half-moon pork dumplings; and steaming soup bowls filled with Nan Zhou’s signature hand-pulled lamian noodles. Yee offers thoughtful notes on the dishes: The pan-fried dumplings are bit better than the steamed dumplings. The broth could use more seasoning. The noodles have a nice chew. Yee is analytical by nature, but also by training. He earned a degree in food science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo a few years ago, and moved to Phoenix shortly after for work. Today, the boyish-looking scientist is a product developer at Isagenix, the Gilbert-based dietary supplement company, where he … [Read more...] about Regional Chinese Cooking Is on the Rise in Metro Phoenix
Phoenix
The Best Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week
Learn even more by watching performances from pro dancers from around the world. Bands and DJs also entertain. Start steppin’ at 7 p.m., and party until 3 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, at the Wigwam Resort, 300 East Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park. Tickets range from $31 to $199. Visit the Phoenix Bachata Festival website. Amy Young EXPAND Film meets sunset sky at Desert Botanical Garden. Desert Botanical Garden Desert Night CinemaGrease, crooning songs like “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want.” Now, you can see their faces light up the Sunset Plaza at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, where the film is part of the Desert Night Cinema series happening under the stars. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, for a JesterZ Improv Comedy performance, and the film rolls around 7:30 p.m. Bring your blanket, plus cash for food and beverage offerings, including Short Leash Hotdogs and Hummus Express. … [Read more...] about The Best Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This Week
The Best Desert Wildflower Hikes in Metro Phoenix
As British poet Leigh Hunt once said, “Colors are the smiles of nature.” Though we could say that the hues produced in autumn delightfully ease us into the winter months, the painted landscapes that come with spring often bring a boost to our sense of adventure. Lucky for us, Phoenix is surrounded by beautiful landscapes waiting to be explored. Here are 10 great Valley hikes where you'll find wildflowers in bloom.Telegraph Pass Trail to Kiwanis TrailNot only is South Mountain the largest regional park in the country, it's also a great way to escape the hustle of the city within minutes. Its Telegraph Trail is not one to miss — especially when it comes to wildflowers. This hike begins on the southern side of the mountain, and, in fact, it's the only trailhead on that side. This is an out-and-back hike, and it connects to Kiwanis Trail. Adding Kiwanis to your trip will take an extra 40 minutes to an hour, but it's worth the easy trek if you have the time. These two … [Read more...] about The Best Desert Wildflower Hikes in Metro Phoenix
Dog chase backs up traffic on Phoenix highway
PHOENIX, Arizona -- Drivers on Interstate 17 in Phoenix didn't experience the usual backup Wednesday.Department of Public Safety workers and Phoenix firefighters stopped and diverted traffic to catch two dogs running on the freeway. For the most part, the pups stayed together while they were dodging cars, which KPHO caught on video.Eventually, one was caught on the freeway, while the other ran into a mobile home park, where he was later captured. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control now have the dogs. They will be looking for the owners or trying to find them forever homes. … [Read more...] about Dog chase backs up traffic on Phoenix highway
Super Bowl 50 Countdown: 52 Weeks. The Phoenix Debrief From 49ers Stadium Ops, Santa Clara Police
We’ve got 52 weeks left until the Super Bowl visits the Bay Area. Sure, 52 weeks does seem like a long time. But someone has to start a countdown so it might as well be me. My intent is to post something here every week about something related to the Super Bowl 50 runup, except for weeks I’m on vacation. This first one is pretty easy. I returned from Phoenix last week with my notebook full of information, plus some interview transcripts of people from the Bay Area who were there to scout out this year’s event in preparation for Feb. 7, 2016. So this time, I am posting edited transcripts of two such interviews – with Jim Mercurio of the 49ers and Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers. They’ll be two very key behind-the-scenes people in the leadup to SB50. In their interviews with me, however, we also covered topics that apply to all events at Levi’s Stadium, including the thorny parking and traffic issues. I think 49ers fans will find Mercurio … [Read more...] about Super Bowl 50 Countdown: 52 Weeks. The Phoenix Debrief From 49ers Stadium Ops, Santa Clara Police