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Phoenix is called the Valley of the Sun. Most of the time it is. For the past few days, however, the sun has been obscured by thick grey clouds and rain has been falling at record, if intermittent, rates. It's difficult to complain about wet weather in the middle of a decade-long drought. So I made the best of it by indulging in some good Irish food.

Shepherd's pie is always ...

Not everything is black and white at Lux Coffeebar in Phoenix. Most of the color, however, stems from the patrons. This is not to say the crowd is ethnically divided, or even diverse. Just that they are a colorful lot of creative types, work-a-holics, neighbors and more.

On the last Wednesday night in August, no one was dressed for the evening in ...

If you're looking for a classy place to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine and some quiet conversation, Dvine Wine Bar and Bistro in Chandler is not the place to go, at least, not on a Saturday night. On the other hand, if you're looking for a sophisticated alternative to the southeast Valley's usual bar scene, complete with live music, ...

What, and who, makes the best barbeque is often a hotly debated topic. In the Valley, two of the more popular names in the debate are Hap's Pit Barbeque and Joe's Real BBQ. People line up to lunch on their wonderfully tender meats served in cool, casual atmospheres. That's where the similarities end.

Hap's Pit Barbeque...

With temperatures still hitting triple digits, it's still a little hot for patio dining. Even after the sun goes down the urban heat effect keeps low temperatures hovering near 90 degrees making cocktails on the patio unappealing. Fortunately this type of weather, like winter in northern states, doesn't last forever.

By the time the weather breaks, the patio of Valle Luna Cantina will have a new roof. This popular mexican eatery ...

It takes something special to get resident gourmands out in the heat and monsoons of August in Phoenix. Something like Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain's Lunch and Learn Series, which feature culinary luminaries Bradford Thompson, Charles Wiley, Douglas Rodriguez, the resort's own Beau MacMilan and others.

The series, now in it's sixth year brings together these renowned chefs, with wine makers, mixologists and sometimes each other for a summer of epicurean delights. ...

Construction of the METRO Light Rail in Phoenix and Tempe is not scheduled for completion until late 2008. In what many hope is a sign that construction is progressing as planned and that the promised easing of traffic restrictions by the end of 2007, Valley METRO begun light rail vehicle testing was on Washington St. between 48th and 56th Sts. Testing is expected to continue for the next nine months. ...

As the weather heats up, many appetites turn green. Salads are a cool, tasty and common alternative to burgers, fries and other hot foods. All salads, however, are not created equal. Two of the best in the East Valley can be found at Italian restaurants.

If you like variety in your greens, visit La Stalla Cucina Rustica. Located across Buffalo Street from the historic Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort ...

Looking for a great shopping experience in Phoenix? Look no further, for there are many exciting options in the area for every kind of fashionista and every kind of budget.

Metro Center Mall www.metrocentermall.com

Located west of 1-17 in Phoenix on Dunlap and Peoria.

Anchor Stores: national chains including JC Penny’s, Dillards, Sears, Macy’s
Other Stores: New York and Co, Bath and Body Works, Guess, Yankee ...

The longest running culinary festival in the southwest is running amok again in Scottdale, from April 10-15 (http://www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org/). The tasty titilations tendered by top chefs around the world, draw thousands of visitors each year and I'm sure this year is no exception.

Enjoy cooking demonstrations from some of the Valley's and Nation's top chefs, sample food from Arizona's best restaurants, and wines from over 100 wineries ...