There are times when the most satisfying part of a meal is the appetizer.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Red, White and Beautiful event on Thursday, May 9 will feature a fashion show, vendors and a chance to be pampered, all from local Ahwatukee businesses.

The owners of the new Ginban Modern Japanese Cuisine in Ahwatukee Foothills are combining traditional technique with a modern flare.

Finding the right swim suit can be miserable, but Tommy Bahama hopes to change that with its ‘Sip and Swim’ event May 4 in Scottsdale. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., swimsuit specialist Lissett Marquez will help women find the perfect suit while they sip on cool cocktails and nibble tasty appetizers. The event takes place at the Tommy Bahama restaurant at 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Suite 100, Scottsdale. This event is free but reservations are required at (480) 505-3668.

They may be so commonplace they’re unappreciated, so simple they fail to activate the saliva glands at first sight, but in our book it’s hard to go wrong with chips and salsa.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business is the proud host of Red, White and Beautiful and this year it is booming! Red, White and Beautiful is a unique girls’ night out of pampering and shopping just in time for Mother’s Day. Red, White and Beautiful began in June of 2010 as a fundraiser to support the community Red, White and Boom fireworks.

While shopping at your favorite grocery store, it can be hard at times to find 100 percent gluten-free items.

Victor Buono is the owner of Nicantoni’s New York Style Pizza, 1430 W. Warner Road, Gilbert

Calling all sushi lovers and competitive eaters: A Sushi Showdown sushi-eating contest will take place 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at RA Sushi restaurants in Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, North Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale.

The first time I saw the work of Mesa artist William Barnhart, I was smitten. When I learned he is also the man behind one of the most interesting buildings in the city — the eye-catching cinder-block and steel Quonset hut on Center Street just north of University Drive — I was over the moon.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College invites the community to enjoy an evening of indulgence at the Third Annual Champagne, Chocolate & All That Jazz event this Friday, Feb. 8.

The day of the big game calls for big, stick-to-your-ribs grub.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and other community leaders gather at the Mesa Arts Center Saturday, Feb. 2 for an evening of music, appetizers cocktails and a live auction to raise money for children’s art education in Mesa.

CK’s Tavern and Grill

My mouth is watering, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.

A new wine bar and bistro at the Club West golf course in Ahwatukee Foothills is hoping to offer Club West residents a new neighborhood hangout targeted specifically to them.

The holiday season is upon us. Over the next few weeks, schedules will be filled with shopping, holiday parties, relatives, plenty of food and spirits and obligations. Socializing during the holidays can be stressful and challenging for some people, especially if your friends and family are not as health-conscious as you. The abundance of holiday treats and homemade goodies can be hard to resist. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to avoid holiday weight gain.

With its robust blend of sweet, creamy, spicy and smoky flavors, this soup is perfect for a chilly fall afternoon. The beautiful orange color, the subtle smoky-spicy flavor of the chipotle, and the satisfying creamy texture make this recipe a perfectly seasonal lunch or appetizer. Consider topping the soup with seared shrimp or shredded pork for a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s not quite the Christmas season yet, but pilots and volunteers at United Fantasy Flight are hosting a fundraiser in Ahwatukee Foothills at the end of the month.

When Robin Miner heard about the potluck discussion of the book “50 Shades of Grey,” she knew Wild Boomer Women was for her.

The Valley must hold some kind of record for how many people vacate the city over Labor Day weekend. It has to, because with temperatures still bordering on insufferable, having three days to escape the heat sounds like a great idea. Consult our roundup of events across Arizona if you’re itching to hightail it to cooler climes for a day or the weekend. Just be sure to call ahead to check for any last-minute changes.

We are offering a new four course Prix Fixe Menu for two that will be available Sunday through Thursday through the end of September. Choose from our most popular appetizers, table side salad service, entrees and desserts. All of this for $39 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. This special menu cannot be used with any other promotions or special offers and there are no substitutions or special orders.