Travelers accustomed to chain eateries like Chili’s and Paradise Bakery now have a chance to experience local offerings such as Cowboy Ciao, La Grande Orange and Barrio Cafe at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Jerome; Willcox; Mormon Lake

Popular downtown Gilbert Postino East WineCafe is set to welcome a new neighbor with some south of the border flair. Joyride Taco House is set to open June 3 on the north side of Postino’s Grainbelt building, and it will share some outdoor space with the wine bar.

Local chefs featured on the Eight, Arizona PBS show “Check, Please! Arizona” gather at the inaugural Check, Please! Arizona Festival, where fans and foodies can sample some of the Valley’s best restaurant fare and audition for upcoming episodes of the show. Cuisine from at least 36 of the independent restaurants – from five-star dining establishments to tucked-away cafes – previously featured on the show will be offered.  Among event highlights are cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and the chance to audition in front of cameras.

Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” hasn’t just motivated viewers to indulge in the sweet treat. The TV show has inspired Mesa culinary instructor Amee Hoge to host a similar cupcake challenge of her own but with a twist — it’s just for kids.

Among the leading health issues, most people automatically think of breast cancer as the No. 1 killer for women.

On a chilly Thursday afternoon, Desert Vista High School junior Ava Posta worked contentedly at Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee Foothills, stamping pastry bags and coffee sleeves with the local cafe’s signature pink logo.

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

At this time of year, when the fervor of holiday shopping reaches a frenzy, local stores that benefit local nonprofits and our neighbors in need seem to be an especially logical choice. While it has been a tough year for many businesses, they still rally to raise money for those that need our help. It takes the whole “shop local” theme a step further to support a good cause. I know things are tough today for a lot of folks, and even $5 to $10 to any of our nonprofits does go a long way.

4740 E. Warner Road

10 Corporate Center, LLC

Bradley Carr knows the restaurant business.

With one successful citrus season under its belt, Citrus for Kids, a local nonprofit that hires kids to pick unwanted fruit, is getting ready for another year and making plans for expanding its operations.

When asked what piqued their interest about Pomegranate Cafe’s monthly movie nights, Patty Immekus was quick to tell an anecdote about her friend Karen DeDonato, sitting next to her at a small table painted magenta.

As the thousands of Sophias and Isabellas and Jacobs and Masons born this past year will learn when they go to pick up their backpacks off the soccer field or sort their duffels in college dorms, their names aren’t as unique as they are.

Shattered Kennys, an Ahwatukee Foothills-based band, has quickly climbed the charts to No. 1 for punk/rock/alternative music on reverbnation.com for the Phoenix area. Band members include: Jacob Paige, 14, bass player; Joshua Paige, 17, drummer; and Sarah Polenick, 14, singer. All three are currently attending Desert Vista High School. Their manager, Jay Zarecki, is the guitar player.

Shattered Kennys, an Ahwatukee Foothills-based band, has quickly climbed the charts to No. 1 for punk/rock/alternative music on reverbnation.com for the Phoenix area. Band members include: Jacob Paige, 14, bass player; Joshua Paige, 17, drummer; and Sarah Polenick, 14, singer. All three are currently attending Desert Vista High School. Their manager, Jay Zarecki, is the guitar player.

Pop-country band Firefly is comprised of three Gilbert sisters from a musically inclined family of nine.

What a little social butterfly Poppy is. She LOVES everyone. She is happy to greet every person or canine on her walks. Quickly flipping over for a belly rub — one of her favorite things. Actually, there’s not much that isn’t Poppy’s favorite thing. Poppy is a young gal with a lot of energy to burn. She will need a home with lots of daily activity to keep her mind and body busy. Walks, jogs, dog parks, hanging out at the local cafes all interest her. Signing up for a training class will be ideal for this youngster to learn a few more manners and to walk better on a leash.

Next time you see a concert or play at Mesa Arts Center, keep this in mind: You can get a deals or discounts at more than 20 nearby restaurants just by showing your ticket stub or printed online ticket.

Next time you see a concert or play at Mesa Arts Center, keep this in mind: You can get a deals or discounts at more than 20 nearby restaurants just by showing your ticket stub or printed online ticket.