If you haven't been by the patio at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe for a while, it's changed.

Twice a year, two distinct cultural groups — foodies and penny pinchers — meet on common ground, or more accurately, at local restaurants.

Two dining areas were set up in the spacious home, where tables were decorated in a black and white damask design, contrasted by red roses.

E-Books and Amazon.com may spell the demise of the publishing industry, but Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, named “Best Bookstore” yet again by “2013 Best of East Valley Voters, continues to thrive.

Here it is: The “Best of East Valley,” celebrating everything there is to love about living, working, and playing on our side of the Valley.

Finding good Mexican grub in this town is no problem; we could celebrate Cinco de Mayo once a week if pressed. But if you’re looking to do justice to this weekend’s other big almost-holiday, the Kentucky Derby, that’s a little more of a head scratcher. Here are three ways to indulge in the Southern spirit of the Run for the Roses, no big fancy hats required.

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.

Before the weather gets any hotter, take your pooch out for a stroll at some of Ahwatukee’s dog-friendly restaurants.

While summer temperatures can be a scorcher, there’s one activity that helps Arizonans beat the heat: lounging in the pool. And what better way to cool off than relax in someone else’s pool — especially at one of our state’s sparkling AAA Four or Five Diamond properties?

While Arizona is home to several upscale dining establishments that meet the most discriminating palates, the state is also home to several fun and kitschy places to nosh at as well. Whether diners are on a road trip or just seeking out the unusual, below are some suggestions for AAA One and Two Diamond restaurants known for their quirkiness as much as their food.

An evening of snazzy clothes, cocktails, art, music and fine dining could be fun for you — but crucial for some of Arizona’s struggling men, women and children.

Does your outfit blend into the woodwork?

Don't be surprised if you find yourself sitting near a horse the next time you dine out.

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

Monti’s La Casa Vieja will host Dining in the Dark 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. April 11 to benefit Foundation for Blind Children, a Valley resource for families and children dealing with blindness or low vision.

Step one of 74 to prepare for the 37th Annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade began the week after Christmas when parade boss Mike Schmitt asked the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee if they wanted once more to sponsor the parade.

If the number of failed New Year’s resolutions are any indication, eating healthy in a fast-paced world still isn’t all that easy.

On its 20th anniversary of being in business, the owners of Zipps Sports Grill are bringing their fresh family friendly restaurant to a new 10th Valley location in Ahwatukee Foothills.

Boy, do I feel sorry for smokers these days. Smoking used to be so fashionable and hip in the James Dean and Steve McQueen days.

It’ll be good food for a good cause at 6 p.m., March 7, when Mesa’s East Valley Institute of Technology hosts the 21st annual Mystery Chef Dinner benefitting EVIT’s Culinary Arts program.

The head of the House Judiciary Committee wants to update Arizona's dated and sometimes anachronistic bankruptcy laws.

Alyssa Ragan