Giant Coffee isn't open just yet, but Matt and Ernie Pool of Matt's Big Breakfast (get it?) opened up their new coffee shop for a special public preview, and it's a lovely space.

I can just see it now -- this will be the new downtown hangout during those inbetween hours, when it's too late to go to Matt's Big Breakfast but too early to head to the Pools' tavern, The Roosevelt. On a beautiful day, they'll have the front doors open to let the breeze and the sunshine in, and the seats will be packed with coffee-sipping, web-surfing urbanites.

Okay, so let's say you've picked a signature drink like I mentioned last week. And you've agreed to scratch the goofy centerpieces in lieu of an upgrade to the food. Here are important three things to know about catering an event. You need finger foods, some hot items people can sit down and eat (to sop up those pecan pie martinis), and a flavorful finish.

For the finger foods, think simple -- something people can munch on as soon as they walk in the door, like bruschetta, crab wontons, single-bite stuff. Next, start serving the supper. People will flock to the belly-fillers. The starches, pastas and potatoes. And then, finish the night with something sweet and small. Remember that nobody wants to sit down with an oversized piece of chocolate cake in front of 200 of their not-so-closest friends. Go for chocolate truffles or miniature cheesecake -- something that explodes with flavor.

The last bite of the menu is actually more important than the first. -- Eddie Matney

Chef Eddie Matney is the owner of Eddie's House in Scottsdale.

By Eddie Matney

For all of us chefs, this is the time of year when our catering schedules fill up. People start planning holiday parties, full-blown charity season sets in, and of course, there’s the occasional nuptial celebration.

But here’s what I have to say about party planning. Regardless of your centerpieces, your décor or your parting gifts, people are only going to remember three things. Entertainment, food and booze.

Trinkets, party favors, all of that crap is irrelevant. People don’t really give a shit. The best parties I’ve attended have kept these three things in focus. And if your budget can’t support a full bar, pick a few fantastic items and create a signature drink. Take this tasty concoction as an example: Pecan Pie Martini

By Eddie Matney

The holidays are right around the corner. The chill is definitely in the air. So put a pot of apple cider on the stove with some cloves and cinnamon sticks to make your house smell holiday-ish and cozy. The real deal smells so much better than any candle could create.

Also with the cooler weather, the patio returns as the house hangout. And although this seems a bit obvious, please remember to check your propane before your guests arrive. There's nothing more irritating than running up to Home Depot in the middle of your party because your heaters are empty.

And my final word of wisdom is this: order appetizers and salads from a local restaurant and spend more time entertaining your guests. Order the Stetson Chopped Salad from Cowboy Ciao. Grab little burgers from Stax (4400 N. Scottsdale Rd.) or Canal. Check out the bottle rockets from Drift - they pair quite nicely with cold beer. Or grab a few rolls from Ra or Stingray. Your guests (and your local restaurants) will appreciate it.

Chef Eddie Matney is the owner of Eddie's House in Scottsdale.

By Eddie Matney

We’re finally into the season. The air is cool enough outside that you don’t mind turning on an oven inside. And since I spent a recent weekend at Schnepf Farms picking out pumpkins with my kids, I thought I’d share a quick pumpkin-inspired recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake.

By Eddie Matney

Here’s the latest place where you’re going to find me: Chicago Hamburger Co. on Indian School Road. I’m addicted.

The upside: this place is delicious. The downside: they’re not cheap, and you might have to park on 38th street. I keep ordering the hot dog and french fries, and this place proves that just because a joint smells like a dirty fryer doesn’t mean it isn’t awesome. The fries are perfectly greasy, and the natural-casing hot dog is divine with mustard and onions. And the sliders? The sliders are always hot and would knock the crown off of White Castles. Turns out Chicago Hamburger Co. is home of the Original Windy City Slider.

And I bring my kids for one simple reason (and no, it’s not the pinball machines, though those are fun, too). They serve old-fashioned handmade milkshakes. Last time I was in there, I grabbed my food when it came up at the window, sat down, and watched some of the game in perfect peace. (Luckily for me, they usually keep a couple of TV's tuned to news or sports.)

Chef Eddie Matney is the owner of Eddie's House in Scottsdale.

By Eddie Matney

If you looked in a political dictionary and it said “stupid,” my picture would be next to the entry. But as it turns out, I’ve learned a few things during this election cycle. First, it’s certain that things aren’t what they’re cracked up to be. Gay marriage, no gay marriage, honestly it doesn’t make a bit difference to me. But the racist and sexist stuff has to stop.

Anywho, now that I’m back off my soapbox, know that if you’re going to watch election results from a bar, I suggest you go all-in. Support your local restaurateur, run by Joe Chef, and who epitomizes the American Dream. Visit me. Hit up Tom’s Tavern in downtown Phoenix (2 N. Central Ave.). Pop into Dick’s Hideaway. Or for kicks, watch the Scottsdale mayor’s race at Pink Taco.

Where will I be? I’ve now received two invitations, from teams on the opposing side of the aisle. So this should be fun for me!

Chef Eddie Matney is the owner of Eddie's House in Scottsdale.

By Eddie Matney

So we’re approaching Halloween, and I remember the days before kids, when the party was definitely more adult – great costumes, great bars and great food. And with Halloween on a Friday this year, I have a feeling it’s going to be crazy. But the key to having a good night is getting some food in your belly before the binge begins. So here are my suggestions for you to eat, drink and be scary.

By Eddie Matney

At home, one of my favorite things to do is fire up the barbecue grill this time of year.

Dining al fresco and watching the kids play outside is paradise. These cool evenings, just before jacket weather kicks in, are the very reason people come to Arizona. So I thought I’d share a reason you should flock to your barbecue grill while you still have time: Grilled Shrimp, Asparagus and Tomatoes with Lemon-Caper Vinaigrette.

By Eddie Matney

People always assume cinnamon is used strictly for dessert and the holiday season. NO! It’s a huge misconception! There are plenty of other great-tasting dishes that use cinnamon, like cinnamon chicken soup and cinnamon chicken gravy. For dessert, we use it for our apple cider, ice cream, and cobblers.

Cinnamon is something you can use year round -- so do it! Check out this recipe: