Phoenix Food Blog

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.

​ ​ ​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.

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.

 

At last year's ThanksLIVING

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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.

Last week:

​Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles in Scottsdale

Jonathan McNamara

Where is my fork!?

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

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.

​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.