Although I haven’t bought anything form Gilt Taste yet, I visit the site every day. You should too. Lust-worthy photos, carefully curated products and smart writing (overseen by Ruth herself), inspires my inner cook and foodnik soul. Read the stories, they may be the best part.

GILT TASTE: www.gilttaste.com

The iconic “M” emblem from her posts clutters my Facebook feed daily. But it’s a good kind of clutter, full of juicy local food news, thoughtful reflections on AZ culture and saucy spy secrets. After all, she’s the “Agent of Secrets.” Duh.

MICHELE LAUDIG: www.michelelaudig.com

The branding queens at See Saw Designs just plain rule. Their kingdom extends far beyond a typical, boring company website to a dreamy land of daily inspirations where a mishmash of fashion, interior design, graphic design, etcetera always bring a smile and a sigh.

SEE SAW DESIGNS BLOG: www.seesawdesigns.blogspot.com

I’m sharing my top picks plus menu highlights via the food blog. If you do check them out, write a comment below and let me know how much you loved ‘em. TIP: Make your reservations quick… before the broadcast media informs the general public!

Yes, I’ll be out and about. Catch me on twitter at @JuxtaPalate.

Citizen Public House
Chef Bernie Kantak simply isn’t capable of making a bad dish. He’s my current culinary crush. His eclectic fare helped put Cowboy Ciao on the map and now his own restaurant has caused quite a buzz in the foodnik community.

• 1^st: Original Chopped Salad
• 2^nd: Pork sirloin w/ sweet potato puree, chevre, braised figs, apple jus
• 3^rd: Anything really. They’re all terrific.

7111 E. 5th Ave., Suite # E
Scottsdale, AZ 85251, 480-398-4208
Menu | Website

Zinc Bistro
With the closing of Metro Brasserie, Zinc Bistro has reclaimed the top spot for French in the East Valley. Oui, the drive from Tempe is a pain, but necessary for great Frenchy eats.

• 1^st: Smoked Salmon Pissaladiere
• 2^nd: Porkloin, Cauliflower “Risotto”, Cherry Brussel Spouts
• 3^rd: Beignets, Blackberry Coulis, Milk jam, Vanilla whip Cream

15034 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254, 480.603.0922
Menu | Website

Beckett’s Table
Easily the most talked about restaurant in 2010/11, Beckett’s Table is a must-go if you haven’t been. This month, Phoenix Magazine called it “…one blockbuster of a restaurant.” Nuff said.

• 1^st: Super creamy grits n schreiner’s sausage trio: whole grain mustard, arugula, smoked onions
• 2^nd: Roasted red pepper “cannelloni”: ratatouille, almond puree
• 3^rd: Award winning fig and pecan pie: cream cheese citrus zest ice cream
• 4^th: (YES an addition!) Each SpringARW guest will leave with a signature bag of Beckett’s Table Pumpkin Seed Brittle and a voucher good for a free dessert on their next visit

3717 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018, 602-954-1700
Menu | Website

NOCA
Shame on me for not eating here more frequently. Shame on you if you’ve never been. They’re in the limited company of Valley restaurants with near flawless service and extraordinary fare.

• 1^st: Crispy Squid: Cannellini Bean Salad, Preserved Lemon, Parsley, Caper Berries, Chili Oil
• 2^nd: Rotin: White Wine Braised Pork Sugo, Fennel Pollen, Stagionato
• 3^rd: Passion Fruit & Coconut: Almond Dacquoise, Passion Fruit Anglaise, Coconut Sorbet, Meringue Sheets

3118 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016, 602.956.6622
Menu | Website

Atlas Bistro BYOB
Quite possible the best restaurant you’ve never been to. Hidden inside the AZ Wine shop on Scottsdale Road, Atlas rewards true foodniks with a daily changing menu. Yup, its OK to geek out here.

No menu available, but just make that rezzo. Trust me.

2515 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257, 480-990-2433
Menu | Website

–Moment of honestly: I work with Citizen Public House. Beckett’s Table and Arizona Restaurant Week. They rock, but you already knew that.

A little R&D and brainstorming session at Citizen Public House’s hidden upstairs bar. Work can be tough.

Travis Nass (Rancho Pinot), Jason Asher (Magnum), Bill DeGroot (Consultant), Richie Moe (Citizen Public House), Ross Simon (Consultant), Micah Olsen (Jade Bar)… these are local names you should know.

Say hello to our kings of cocktails. These guys know their shit. Don’t order off the menu, a little trust goes a long way with these master mixologists. Ask them to surprise you with something new and you’re guaranteed a fantastic drink… sometimes classic, sometimes original.  Expect perfection.

If you stalk me on Foursquare, Facebook or Twitter you’ve seen my extensive research, chronicling the surge of true cocktail culture hidden throughout the Valley. I thought I’d share some pics and comments here on the blog.

Dear Brand X Custom T-Shrits, I need an “Official Cocktail Taste Tester” t-shirt, size medium.

Looking for choco-tinis, mundane mojitos or Red Bull vodkas? Stick to the ridiculous champagne bars, trashy/trendy dance clubs or Applebee’s happy hours.

The purpose of these visits will be revealed soon. (once I figure that out myself). Til then, just enjoy some boozy pics. Salud.

What’s the sexiest thing in this picture? (taken at Modern Steak)

A perfect Pendennis Club at Jade Bar, a new (old) favorite drink.

Pisco Sour at Citizen Public House.

Fireside imbibe at Camelback Inn.

The legendary Yuzu Beet Gimlet at Jade Bar.

No boring margs at Jade Bar.

This pea appears to be sunning itself poolside.

Winding down at The Vig.

PS --- Craft beer culture is hot too, but that’s another story. (Taste of Tops)

–Moment of honestly, I work with Citizen Public House. They rock. Now you know.

It’s dangerous having an office located in downtown Scottsdale. The proximity to restaurants and watering holes can easily lead to lengthy lunches and copious amounts of cocktails. Now that Rancho Pinot has added a weekday lunch menu, I fear my productivity level just dropped.

Although it seems this place has fallen off the foodnik radar, the stellar Arizona-accented cooking is still earning the “5-STARS” awarded by the Republic. A delectable new lunch menu makes it even more accessible.

Heading inside, you’ll see that kitsch is king.

Imagine cowboys, comics, saguaro ribs, and white table cloths. It’s a dreamy culture clash of whimsy to match the eclecticism of the cuisine.

Brandishing his bola tie, bartender Travis Nass is on a mission to elevate the city’s cocktail scene. He makes his own… well… everything. His bar is stocked little vials and vessels (pictured) containing homemade concoctions and bartender essentials.

His perfect Manhattan provoked this tweet to @kkrader, “I had a cocktail today that made me quiver. That good, or I just had the alchy shakes. I’m ok w either.”

Add in lunch by Chef Chrysa and I’m still shaking.

On with the show!

Loving it:

Quiessence's barrel-aged cocktails.

Killer cocktails at Quiessence. Why do I love them so much? Maybe because helped put them together. Kick-ass cocktail consultant Bill Degroot made my dreams come true with his Farmhouse Cocktails and his 90-day aged Manhattans.

Yep. Barrel-aged cocktails are the shit. Huge thanks to Bill!

New restaurant openings: A few new spots that pique my interest: Jimmy Woo’s, Amaro Pizzeria & Vino Lounge and Vitamin T.

Nobuo-san, making my dreams come true with his omakase.

The return of adventurous dining: Thank god we’re getting over the “safety food” phase. Don’t get me wrong, “comfort food” will always have a place in our regular rotation (for obvious reasons), but dumbed down eats are just plain boring and over. Thanks to the food gods for bringing back spots like Nobuo At Teeter House and his omakase experience that made me quiver during my back-to-back visits within 7 days (reviewed here by local food blog god Dominic).

I’ve had the pork sweats before, but never the seafood sweats. ‘Nough said.

Luke warm about it:

Food trucks. Yep, I’m that asshole. Yet . . . I’m the biggest fan of the concept. So since I want to see this grow to greatness, I won’t name names. But event the ones I do like, I know you’ll keep getting better (I hope)!

My POV: Either do great food truck-y street eats, or do something chef driven and gourmet. No middle road. Drop the gimmicky menus and deliver, or simply feed me.

Let it die:

Bruschetta. I understand the market for it. You wanna feed the bottom feeders and hungry masses. (which often  includes me too!!!) Let’s all just own that truth and live with the shame. I sounded like Dr. Phil there for a moment.

Burger bonanza. Shut up with your crazy gourmet burgers made with wine, truffles and fired by coal, junk yard tires or cosmic nuclear energy. Quit it.

Annoying advertisers. Completely unrelated to this post, but god dammit quit calling me with every “hot new restaurant directory.”

Always end on a happy note:

Recent things/people I love: You make my life so awesome. I raise my glass of cheap wine (from Tops Liquor) to you! @olllllo, Luxardo, @TheWildLavender, “That waving-paper-thin-fish-pie thingy” (Okonomiyaki, as described by Lisa Polacheck), @StacyPearson, Carlyn Mumm, Rivers Cuomo Fancy Pants III, The Grits at @BeckettsTable, Crystal Light and of course . . .

Judge Judy. May your justice continue to lord over us all.

I pledge allegiance to the grits. And justice.

Moment of honesty: Quiessence and Nobuo are clients of mine, but c’mon . . . But you already know they rock and everything I say about them is totally blog worthy. That’s why I work with them.

Back to the food blog roots… just wanted to share a few observations from recent dining experiences. These are a little on the negative nancy side, but tomorrow I’ll share some things I really like!

But first, let’s rip the band-aid off and let the healing begin…

Fine Dining Staff That Wear Costumes.
Save the act for Walt Disney World. (that’s where I did my internship… long story). Folks already know they’re in a Spanish restaurant, no need for Flamenco dancers and matador costumes.

Taco Fever.
Hello 2007-08 (along with the burger). I swear I was only joking when I suggested an event around this food as commodity staple. Then *poof* it appeared! Don’t’ get me wrong, I love a good taco! Who doesn’t? The hype is about 2-3 years too late, kids.

Tasteless “Eye Candy” Cupcakes.
Or any bland sweet for that matter. You know who you are. People still love you cause you were the first to push the product with a cute name. Certainly not the best. Ah the sweet taste of mediocrity.

Expensive Frozen Yogurt.
Wait, what? Yeah, Mojo blows. Anyone have a good lead on great froyo that’s not a gouger?

$16 Cocktails
I’ve always despised this, but even more so after my NYC trip. Even $14 is really pushing it. If the top bars in the country can pull off the best cocktail I’ve had in my life for only $12, y’all have no business charging $16+ for vodka sugar bombs.

Nope, never made it to San Francisco this spring. The work schedule chained me to Arizona.

But… I’ll be in New York City in July for a James Beard Dinner. So lets hear ‘em… what are your picks for NYC dining.

Build my food itinerary for the Big Apple.

Ready…. GO!

A read a comment from a reader of Chow Bella that sums my feelings on the restaurant’s recognition and overly-hyped press.

Leslie writes…”It’s kind of like when it was announced that Obama would receive the Peace Prize. Everyone thought it was ridiculous, because while Obama most certainly should be able to win one in his lifetime, it shouldn’t have been this past year.”

Is it a good restaurant? Yes. And perhaps the most beautifully-designed dining space in Phoenix.

And you thought this was going to be a rake job on the place. Wait for it…

Perfection: An icy Almond Margarita ($9) in your hand while sitting on the shaded patio. This is easily one of my favorite cocktails in the city. Don’t worry, those nuts won’t smack you in the face. If you didn’t read the drink’s name or ingredients, the subtle almond flavor would have you guessing “Hmmm… what is that?” It’s a refreshing new take on a classic.

Also check out their Dark & Stormy. (Or make your own w/ my previous post, “Tornado Watch” my ass… Sip on this Mother Nature!)

Love the “Business Lunch” concept of in & out in 30 min. Too bad the dishes made me wish my stay was even shorter. Chicken Salad ($14) on flat bread was bland (needs acidic element?) and the French Onion Burger ($13) reminded me of the Sourdough Jack from Jack In The Box. (I know, vastly diff ingredients but similar taste, I swear!)

Things perk up at dinner time with a tasty Green Chile Stew ($12) that has everything you want in life, served in a skillet. Forbidden Rice is nice for the price ($15) starring fresh veggies and sweet dressing with spice.  (I could’ve been a rapper with dope rhymes like that).

Skip over the apps, including the flatbread everyone seems to be gaga about. A bad romance of what should be a simple yet winning combo of ingredients. My dining pals had no trouble reading my poker face on St. Francis’ starters.

Sadly, the Seafood Cioppino seems uninspired, especially for $25 bucks. Same goes for an under seasoned Pork Chop for $24.

Prime Hanger Steak ($23) saves the day with parsnip and braised greens. This was a favorite for the group. Get it soon, seasons are changing.

It’s tough to focus on the food when the atmosphere and architecture of St. Francis is such an attention whore (in a good way.) The space always makes me feel big-city chic with dramatic lighting, rhythmically spaced wood beams and a loft fit for foodnik birds who like to perch and eat.

Visit St. Francis for the views and drinks. Don’t let me my words steer you away from grazing. Figure out the food for yourself. *Putting away the unused rake*

If I’m in the area, I’ll gladly stop in for a cocktail and a nibble.

-Your food pal, JxP

St. Francis
http://www.stfrancisaz.com/
602-200-8111

For anyone doubting my waistline woes… here’s a new monthly list of restaurants that have made sure my digestive tract is… well, on track. For those counting, yes there are more listed than there are days in the month so far.

Sadly, this doesn’t even include any fast food slip ups. (probably not disclosed for fear of public shunning)

See any favorites? Share ‘em.

Did I forget any? Probably.

Questions on any? Ask!

5th & Wine
Caffe Boa
Chipotle
Classic Italian Pizza
Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
DelFalcos Deli
District American Kitchen
Don & Charlies
Essence Bakery Cafe
Estate House
FnB
Fred’s at Barney’s New York
Hana Japanese
Hanny’s
Honey Moon Sweets Bakery
Hot Pot Caribbean
House of Tricks
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
Metro Brasserie & Bar
Modern Steak
Morning Glory Cafe
NOCA
Quiessence Restaurant
Quik Wok
Rancho Pinot
Posh
Side Bar
St. Francis
The Mission
The Vig
Virgie’s Restaurant

UPDATE: Here are a few I forgot
The Lodge
Sweet Republic
Liberty Market
Cafe Lalibela

ADDITIONS: New to the list
Culinary Dropout
Daily Dose
Rula Bula
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Prado