Flavored Liquors Make Holidays Bearable

Here's a free association quiz for you. We say the word "holiday" and you say what pops into mind. Plump, juicy turkey? Gifts? Candy canes and stockings? Family? How about liquor? Well, we suppose that depends on just how stressful your family's holiday gatherings can get.

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Three Olives Vodka
is offering two funky flavors for the holidays: Triple Shot Espresso Vodka and Tomato Vodka. By itself, tomato-flavored vodka sounds pretty unappealing. But toss it together with Bloody Mary mix and you've got an instant brunch cocktail. That's one less ingredient to buy. Not sure about you, but we'll take any time-savers we can get around the holidays.

On the other hand, coffee + liquor is always a good combo. (One of our local favorites is Joyce's Irish Coffee at Tim Finnegan's in Phoenix.) While whiskey is a more traditional pairing, the purity of vodka should be a good base for a coupla three shots of Italian espresso. We're thinking this would pair well with a red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles. Delish!  

Click through for two holiday cocktail recipes from Three-O.

Say Yes to Sustainability at ThanksLIVING at Green

While many Valley restaurants are serving up traditional, meat-filled Thanksgiving meals, vegans and vegetarians may rejoice as Green offers all-vegan, full-course meals at its Second Annual ThanksLIVING event, on Thursday, November 26 from noon-4 p.m.

Diners can enjoy versions of all the Thanksgiving favorites, from turkey and mashed potatoes to organic walnut cranberry stuffing and paprika-smoked corn. Plus, there's pecan pie for dessert.

"The idea of this thing was to have an alternative for vegans and vegetarians but also people who are looking to do something a little different that's traditionally spent with friends and families," says Damon Brasch, owner and chef of Green.

 
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At last year's ThanksLIVING

Brew Review: Hop Back Amber Ale

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Times are tough and sacrifices must be made. What do we mean? Take the simple birthday gift. For our upcoming birthday, our roommate opted not to buy us a present. Truth be told, his funds are tight and so are ours (so he won't be getting much either for his early December birthday).

Instead, the nice guy gave up one of his precious treasures: bottle of Hop Back Amber Ale from Troegs Independent Craft Brewery. That the Hop Back comes from Harrisburg, PA and can not be found here (other than our house) makes it special enough, but the pure hop goodness infused in every sip makes it one of the best birthday gifts ever.

Where Am I Eating?

Alchemy Restaurant Set to Reopen Next Week at CopperWynd Resort

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CopperWynd
, the AAA Four Diamond resort in Fountain Hills, took such a beating in the recession that it suspended operations earlier this year. That included a shuttering of its restaurant, Alchemy

But there's a new chapter in the story. 

On Tuesday, November 24, Alchemy will reopen with a new chef/co-owner, Paul O'Connor. Menu details aren't available yet, but I'm told it will be a new concept. 
 
The restaurant itself has not been remodeled, although the lobby bar will now be a winebar. Alchemy will be open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. There will also be brunch service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and reservations are being taken.

New in Tempe: Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery

Just in time for the weekend, there's a brand-new microbrewery to quench your thirst in Tempe.

Sleepy Dog Saloon & Brewery, located at 1920 E. University, is set to open Saturday, November 21. 

Owner Rob Sizemore's original brews include Puppy Pale (pale ale), Irish Setter (Irish red), Hound (hefeweizen), and Scottie (Scottish strong ale), with other varieties in the making. Sizemore started out as a home brewer, and now brings nine years of experience to his new business.

Business hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Stuffing Showdown: Hot Italian Sausage Stuffing With Thyme

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Jonathan McNamara
Where is my fork!?
From now 'til Thanksgiving, we'll be sharing various stuffing recipes -- all tested and taste-tested first-hand by Chow Bella contributors. On Thanksgiving Day, our "celebrity judge," New Times food critic Michele Laudig, will weigh in with her favorite of the lot.

Yesterday we checked out Nicki Escudero's vegan "sausage" stuffing. Today's recipe is anything but vegan.

The Red Death at Palazzo

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Benjamin Leatherman
Palazzo's Belle Alvarez prepares to unleash the Red Death.
​Consider yourself to be twihard or a twerd? Then there's absolutely no doubt you're gonna be haunting the local cineplexes this weekend watching the unfolding melodrama of Edward and Bella again and again this weekend.

But if you're looking for a suitable nightcap after watching The Twilight Saga: New Moon for the umpteenth time, soar on over to Palazzo in downtown Phoenix later tonight where bartender Belle Alvarez will be happy to prepare The Red Death for you and the rest of the clan during the club's weekly Transylvania goth night.

Top Five Foods for a Single Person's Kitchen

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Welcome to the world of singlehood!

Whether you're an old pro at goin' it alone or if you're new to the single life, I've got a couple tips for you in regards to your kitchen.

Now, because I'm a chick, this list may seem geared towards the ladies. In other words, staying slim (more like, bordering on anorexia) is a huge factor here.

But I encourage men to read it, too. Following my advice may help you drop that extra weight you gained in your previous relationship. You know how you thought she'd love you no matter what you looked like? Well, she didn't and neither will the women at the bar.

Now, I'm also going to assume that you're the kind of single person who wants to eventually land a partner. This means you're out all the time and you don't necessarily prepare meals at home.

Although if you happen to be one of those single people who loves to cook at home FOR YOURSELF and you're addicted to your TiVo and you claim that sprawling out on your queen-sized bed is the best feeling in the world, this list won't help you. In fact, not much will. Keep that crap up and you will be single forever.

Ok, so caveats aside, these are a few foods that have a long shelf life, keep you thin and are useful in emergency hunger situations.

Grilled Pork and Noodles at Tea Light Cafe


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A late lunch at Tea Light Cafe in North Scottsdale was like visiting my own private oasis -- it was just me and Buddha hanging out.

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