DINING
GRIMALDI’S COAL BRICK-OVEN PIZZERIA
Domino’s
Pizzeria Bianco
Mijana
Locations Valleywide, dominos.com Tasty pies, including artisanal varieties, are served up hot and delivered to your hotel or home. Plus, is there anything more exciting than the dominos.com pizza tracker? Watch the progress of your pizza as it’s made, then delivered directly to you.
623 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.258.8300, pizzeriabianco.com. Visit the website for additional locations. Be ready for a wait—but it’s well worth it. With a seating capacity of 42, Pizzeria Bianco can have waits up to four hours. However, as proprietor Chris Bianco has said, “it is ridiculous that it’s four hours, but it’s 23 hours to fly to Australia.” Some good things take a long time. There is no delivery or takeout.
1290 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, 480.829.4959, mijanaonline.com Lebanese restaurant features falafel, shawarma, kebabs and mezza—they’re all delicious. Entertainment begins at 9 p.m. nightly. Belly dancing on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VaBene Italian Cuisine and Wine Bar
Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road, Suite 122, Phoenix, 602.429.8000, foxrc.com. See website for additional locations. Blanco Tacos + Tequila offers modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. Updated classics like tacos, enchiladas, and queso crisps are reinterpreted with fresh, flavorful and unique ingredients.
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria Locations Valleywide, grimaldispizzeria.com Known for its century’s worth of experience, its traditional coal-fired brick ovens and its crave-worthy pizza, Grimaldi’s has gained quite the following in the Valley over the years. With plenty of room, a fun atmosphere and a wide variety on their menu, Grimaldi’s is perfect for either a big group or a more intimate meal.
North Italia, Kierland Commons 15024 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.948.2055, northitaliarestaurant.com. See website for additional locations. Pizzas, calamari, sea scallops and desserts that are legendary. North Italia screams elegance.
4647 E. Chandler Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.706.4070, vabeneaz.com VaBene prides itself on using the freshest ingredients. Pass on the menu items and go with one of the daily specials.
MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EAST
Olive & Ivy Restaurant and Marketplace Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.751.2200, foxrc.com Get lost in a Mediterranean manner at Olive & Ivy. Patrons can dine under shady trees on the patio, in the signature dining room to indulge in private, or enjoy the outdoor lounge and bar in true nightlife fashion.
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro Locations Valleywide, oreganos.com Pizza’s the thing here, with thin crust and deep dish offerings. Opt for menu creation or build your own. oreganos.com
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2018 COLLEGE BOWL GUIDE 2018 COLLEGE BOWL GUIDE
PITA JUNGLE
Pita Jungle 4340 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.955.7482, pitajungle.com. See website for additional locations. If you’re looking for excellent and healthy food in a hip atmosphere, look no further. Most of the menu is vegetarian or can be modified to be made vegetarian, and Pita Jungle’s wraps and salads are second to none.
MEXICAN/SPANISH/ SOUTHWEST Blanco Tacos + Tequila
Old Town Tortilla Factory 6910 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.945.4567, oldtowntortillafactory.com Regional dishes and the best of the Southwest meet at this restaurant, like carne y camerones (filet of beef with grilled shrimp). The cozy cottage and romantic patio among a variety of trees give this restaurant an elegantly casual ambience, but a full bar and 120 premium tequilas for their award-winning margaritas keep this place lively.
TREATS
Cerreta Candy Co. 5345 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623.930.9000, cereta.com Cerreta is more than a candy store. It’s a family-owned chocolate and candy factory founded more than 40 years ago. Free guided tours are offered Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.