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We tried to one-up ourselves at Chow Bella when Girl Scout Cookie season kicked in this year.

A year ago, we experimented with Thin Mints and came up with some crazy-delicious dishes. This time around, we wondered what could be done with Trefoils, those classic shortbread cookies that have been in the Scouts' lineup for as long as we can remember.

Let me just say that this was a great choice for a challenge, because the delicate flavor made the humble Trefoil a very versatile ingredient. Our contributors created all kinds of interesting bites, and deciding on just one winner has been giving me fits.

Who gets the badge of honor this time around?

​Trader Vic's is taking pride in its decades-long history and throwing a throwback "Vintage Vic's" dinner party this Sunday -- and I don't know why they haven't done this sooner. Let's do the time warp!

Think about it -- how many restaurants have food and drink archives going back 77 years? Chef Justin Pfeilsticker and the folks at the Hotel Valley Ho are brilliant to capitalize on this. Expect a multi-course spread with classics from over the years.

Who knows? Maybe dinner guests will show up in suitable vintage duds -- wouldn't that be smashing? I have just the right '60s aloha dress I'd wear to this . . . 

The reception starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, and it's $50 per person. Call 480-421-7799 for a reservation.

Want a peek at the menu? Read on . . .

Last night marked the launch of a new South Scottsdale hangout called Smok'n Joe's Roadhouse, which took over the space that used to house Mardi Gras (8040 E. McDowell Rd.). The concept started in Canada and is just breaking into the Arizona market.

Although a menu isn't available yet, one of my food spies tells me the food is all-American and sized for huge appetites, such as a triple-decker BLT on Texas toast.

Along with eats and a full bar, there will also be live music starting tonight, with no cover charge.

Business hours are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Conspire is about to become a vegan restaurant.

Now, Conspire is undergoing yet another makeover, and this time it includes a relaunch with a full in-house vegan eatery.

At this point, chef Andres Yuhnke says the restaurant won't have a separate moniker from Conspire, although that may change as the details get hashed out.

Over the next few months, Yuhnke and his business partner, Yin Macatabas, plan to expand the menu to include more "hearty comfort foods," and the focus will be healthful fusion cuisine that uses as many local, organic ingredients as possible.

In addition, Yuhnke says his friend and former boss, Rick "Koji" Hashimoto of Hana, will be helping him develop some signature vegan sushi rolls.

Old Town Scottsdale is the latest place to bask in Dan Majerle's star power, with last week's opening of Majerle's Sports Grill in Old Town Scottsdale.

It's the fourth location for Majerle (assistant coack for the Phoenix Suns and a three-time NBA All-Star) and biz partners A.J. Sulka and Russell Youngs. They also have spots in Downtown Phoenix, Chandler, and Goodyear.

So what to expect from this new Majerle's?

Erica O'Neil

Honeymoon Sweets' decadent display was eye-catching.

The Phoenix Art Museum has been hosting a springtime culinary festival for years, but it was just last year that it debuted under the Devoured moniker, thanks to new leadership from the Local First/Devour Phoenix folks. This past weekend, Devoured's sophomore effort showed a bit of evolution, and demonstrated just why this is the Valley's most-talked-about celebration of all things food and drink.

(See Chow Bella contributors' reports from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.)

Restaurants seemed better prepared this time around, turning out small tastings at a steady clip that helped keep the lines in check. There's nothing worse than waiting for a two-bite dish as the sun beats down on your head, and thankfully things kept moving along -- for the most part.

But didn't it feel more crowded? Both Saturday and Sunday reached elbow-to-elbow density, the glass wine glasses gave way to plastic ones, and some folks wondered aloud whether there was actually any cap on attendance. It was great to see such an amazing turnout, but at some point, there can be too much of a good thing.

(Plus, some dudes showed up looking like slobs ready for some PBR at a backyard barbecue. At a $69-a-head event. At a classy venue like an art museum. Have some freaking self-respect! Jeez.)

Chefs Kazuto Kishino (left) and Koji Hashimoto from Hana won't be attending this weekend's culinary fest.

​Family emergency following the devastation in Japan from today's earthquakes and tsunamis has prompted the owners of Hana Japanese Eatery to drop out of the lineup for this weekend's Devoured culinary festival.

Lori Hashimoto, proprietor of the popular family-owned Central Phoenix spot, says, "Devoured was the highlight of last year for the Hana family, and we loved introducing Kaz and Koji's dishes to new people who've become loyal customers over the last year. We promise Hana will be back next year."

Fans of the restaurant are invited to bring their Devoured passes to the restaurant this weekend for a 15 percent discount.

Hashimoto adds, that "the extended Hana family encourages those who are concerned about the devastating Japan earthquake and resulting tsunamis from last night to please contribute to Red Cross (redcross.org) or another relief charity of your choosing."

Heard about any relief efforts? If so, please drop me a line at michele.laudig@newtimes.com and I'll be happy to help get the word out.