Arizona PBS
"I know that we're giving something to community that they really want." #explorearizona #foodie
- Title
- "I know that we're giving something to community that they really want." #explorearizona #foodie
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/3KDiukpIEN0
- Title
- Try the rich seafood and fresh tomatoes at Vic & Ola's | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This family tribute to the owner's grandparents utilizes Southern Italian cuisine with the presence of fresh tomatoes and rich seafood.
Vic and Ola's places an emphasis on a fine dining experience with approachable food, with owner Sheila Bryson recommending everyone try their traditional lasagna and Isabella pasta. "When I walk into Vic and Ola's, it's magical," Bryson said. "We're giving something to the community that they really want."
"Check, Please! Arizona" guest Susan Sharp samples a new dish every time she visits Vic and Ola's, but this time, she enjoyed the fragrance of the rosemary lamb chops and the fresh bruschetta.
Guest Aziel Koski sampled the whipped ricotta, a popular appetizer served with bread. "The whipped ricotta was incredible," Koski said. "It was a very creamy ricotta with honeycomb on top, blistered tomatoes and roasted garlic. We really liked the balance between the sweet and savory components."
The menu ...
- Title
- Volunteers provide help for homebound adults. Want to get involved?
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/VI4JHZzOAMI
- Title
- Are bird populations struggling in Arizona? (We bet you can guess the reason) #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/ElR4rwNhS1g
- Title
- Who's hosting Trail Mix'd Season 3? Meet Kristen! #explorearizona #hiking #trailmixd
- Runtime
- 0:50
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- We are thrilled to welcome @kgkeogh as the new face of Trail Mix'd Season 3! Get ready for new trails and new stories coming your way in early 2026.
- Title
- How are water levels in Arizona this summer? #explorearizona #monsoon2025
- Runtime
- 1:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/DE0KRHyBLCg
- Title
- Would you try chicken-fried bacon? We know where you can get some. #foodie
- Runtime
- 0:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/_hjmIj3iT_w
- Title
- Are you 'Seriously Nuts Over Brunch'? Go here. | Brunch SNOB | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 8:24
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This Ahwatukee spot serves up brunch with a bite through its homemade food and fun atmosphere presenting classic items with unique spins. Despite its name, Brunch Snob is not an unapproachable kind of place, with SNOB actually standing for "Seriously Nuts Over Brunch." The environment is fun and casual dining where all are welcome.
Celene Hillsbery owns the restaurant with her husband, and the family team has been crafting eclectic dishes that impress everyone who walks through their door. "The best compliment I can get is for somebody to say, 'We love the place, the service is great, the food is great and we want to come back,'" Hillsbery said.
"Check, Please! Arizona" guest Dennis Weaver highly recommends the Cajun Shrimp and Grit Cake Benedict, which he says has an extra bite of spice. Guests also sampled the chicken fried bacon, a Brunch Snob original, and guest Gloria Brancaccio tried it alongside the huevos rancheros. "Kind of speechless," Brancaccio s...
- Title
- What's in the expanded Arrowhead campus of Phoenix Children's Hospital?
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/DeUxcDUhRZI
- Title
- What's it like to see your own eyes on the side of an apartment building? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/vhhxLprHtPI
- Title
- Poetry as therapy for veterans: how does it work?
- Runtime
- 1:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/id3Iu60xwmI
- Title
- Looking for an old school Italian place in the Phoenix metro? Try this one. #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/aweH1CnV3gE
- Title
- 3 great restaurants that stay open late #explorearizona #foodie #nightowl
- Runtime
- 0:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Title
- We tried the creamy ricotta, and you should too | La Famiglia Pizza & Pasta | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This neighborhood family-owned Italian restaurant with a menu full of traditional Italian dishes has been a staple of the community for 25 years.
La Famiglia is known for its selection of pizza and pasta, made fresh in the kitchen every single day. Executive Chef Emilio Badalamenti cited the penne vodka pasta as their most popular dish but also says you "can't go wrong" with any of their thin-crust pizzas. "I've been making pizzas for over 35 years," Badalamenti said. "We try to have everything on the menu made in-house. You can taste the difference."
La Famiglia prides itself on expanding on old traditions and making new ones, and "Check, Please! Arizona" guests highly praised the traditional elements of the food and restaurant. Guest Gloria Brancaccio has used La Famiglia as a longstanding family spot where she has celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and more, and her favorite dish is the Pizza Bianco. "What makes it special is that ricotta is just so crea...
- Title
- Need a great restaurant with a solid kids' menu? Try these. #explorearizona #foodie #familyfun
- Runtime
- 0:33
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Title
- After the fire, what's the future for Grand Canyon Lodge? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/XIMA55azpsQ
- Title
- Where can you learn about women who helped build Chandler, Arizona? #explorearizona #arizonahistory
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/3olQMrd-_XU
- Title
- How do you find time to write a book? #writers #realtalk
- Runtime
- 0:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/dv9mdyR-eP0
- Title
- Looking for a 'Helluva' lot of beers on tap? | Helluva Brewing Company | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 8:52
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Helluva Brewing Company is a neighborhood staple that fosters a fun, welcoming environment while also serving up in-house brews and excellent food. The menu boasts a wide selection of shareable dishes, custom burgers and beer-infused foods highlighting the brewery's wide array of drinks.
Helluva offers 18 to 20 beers on tap, six of which are flagship beers with the rest being seasonal beers that change out regularly. You can even sign up to receive text alerts that they send out whenever they drop new drinks.
"I want to get my guests to experience a feeling of togetherness," Owner Shawn Shepard said. "And an experience of having good food and good beer."
"Check, Please! Arizona" guest Natalie Gentry's go-to order is the bourbon barbecue burger, served with a peach-ale infused sauce and handmade fries. "It's a classic barbecue burger," Gentry said. "I love to dip the fries in their garlic aioli sauce." The classic flavors are present in all of t...
- Title
- Why is the Phoenix Zoo releasing Chiricahua leopard frogs into the wild? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/mSY923RAiJA
- Title
- What's on the menu for Lom Wong chef who recently won a James Beard Award®? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/pOTBUIcluRM
See more about Lom Wong: https://youtu.be/4Hv5N-o5sJw
- Title
- How do they pick instruments for the Musical Instrument Museum? #explorearizona #visitphoenix
- Runtime
- 0:45
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/OswZsdfC_aU
- Title
- Pastor who advocated for MLK Day in Arizona retires after more than 50 years' service
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/1lH0hNS27f8
- Title
- What can you expect from Squidsoup's new installation at SMoCA? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/FqCOo76aMjE
- Title
- Does the summer movie season still exist? Is there anything you're excited to go see in theaters?
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/1Dd4dvWl0tE
- Title
- Who is Anna Sui, and what will you find at Phoenix Art Museum's new exhibit on her? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/HC2IMG4hnfo
- Title
- We tried this THREE-TIME James Beard Award nominated restaurant | Valentine | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:55
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This modern Central Phoenix restaurant offers an eclectic twist on Southwestern fare and is renowned for its high-quality, unique dishes. Valentine's menu is one that features dishes for every meal, from breakfast to dinner, giving you the chance to visit at any time of day.
"The vibe is a casual, fun, neighborhood restaurant," Chef Donald Hawk said. "Somewhere you can pop in and grab a coffee in the morning, come back and maybe have a bite to eat."
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests highly praised the different dishes they sampled, noting the unique spins on popular meals. Guest Andrew Kolikoff acclaimed the hiramasa crudo, a fresh dish composed of hiramasa served in a citrusy mixture he said was so delicious he "wanted to dive in."
Multiple guests sampled the brunch menu, from the tamale bowl filled with fresh produce to the gluten-free churro waffle guests couldn't even tell was gluten-free.
"It's an exciting menu," said guest Nat...
- Title
- You're a military spouse but you want to start a bookstore. Solution? Bookmobile. #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/0DJkTiUTKyg
- Title
- Ever considered Peru and Machu Picchu as a motorcycling destination? #exploretheworld
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation with Arizona Republic journalist Ray Stern: https://youtu.be/au6fShiQCJw
- Title
- Free Arizona program builds parenting skills, school readiness #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/LKzUpmYjmXc
- Title
- What surprises people about the Phoenix Public Library? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/Ub9ZrgPBZcA
- Title
- Looking for a sports bar that really hits it out of the park? #explorearizona #checkpleaseaz
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/utvoR-8oW1w
- Title
- Do people remember what the Korean War was fought over?
- Runtime
- 0:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/KybY06tLBqw
- Title
- With 78 TVs, this sports bar is on its game | K O'Donnell's | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 8:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A sports bar that hits a homerun every time, K O’Donnell’s prides itself on its elevated bar food with its menu that has a little something for everyone.
Owner Jennifer O’Donnell said they focus on being a restaurant first with their offerings of comfort food and Southwestern dishes, but the sports bar ambiance is fun and vibrant. “I really put a lot of effort into making it a great atmosphere that you’d want to come have dinner in,” O’Donnell said, and though 78 TVs might seem excessive, O’Donnell said, “Somehow it’s never enough.” But they make sure there’s not a bad seat in the house.
You might not expect a sports bar to have this much variety or high-quality food, but they have such a wide menu that even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy, though they are known for their wings.
With plenty of appetizer options, “Check, Please! Arizona” guest Charlotte Shaff recommended the sampler platter to try out...
- Title
- What should the Fourth of July taste like? Check out these 'Check, Please! Arizona' restaurants!
- Runtime
- 0:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Title
- "I serve the food the way I want to feed my family" #foodie #explorearizona #thaifood
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/MHNrlTOLFyA
- Title
- We tried the perfect location for spice fanatics | Thai E-San | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:52
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This Thai restaurant located in North Phoenix prioritizes good and fresh ingredients bought almost daily and is known for having dishes with a kick. Thai E-San serves traditional Thai dishes with an emphasis on cuisine from the northeast part of Thailand that are rich in flavor and culture.
The food is complemented by a welcoming environment. "When customers come through the door, I want this place to feel welcoming to them," owner Pui Pongtratic said.
Thai E-San is the perfect location for spice fanatics, but they offer a customizable spice level that can suit all in your party regardless of their spice tolerance. "Check, Please! Arizona" guest Angela Smith found Thai E-San because she wanted a little spice in her life, which she found in this family-owned gem. Smith's favorite dish is the yellow curry which is filled with fresh vegetables alongside a moist chicken that soaks up the flavors of the sauce. Smith also thoroughly enjoyed the chicken green beans...
- Title
- "We never freeze anything except ice cream" | Hillside Spot Cafe | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This Ahwatukee staple offers new American cuisine with regional influences and is known for its all-day breakfast.
"We wanted to be that place where people loved to congregate but also knew they would have really high-quality food," owner Carla Sulka said. To achieve this high-quality level of cuisine, Hillside Spot Cafe sources all of their food locally and boasts about freezing absolutely nothing. The fries are hand-cut, the meat hand-ground, and their menu features fresh salads.
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests especially praised the Tunisian salad, with guest Sarah Sanders raving about the Thai peanut dressing. "I could go back and drink that sauce all by myself," Sanders said. "I'd buy it by the bottle if they sold it." Sanders also loved the mac 'n cheese, saying she would order it "again and again."
Hillside prides itself on being a restaurant creating a community, with a crowd of committed regulars who have helped form a warm and welcomi...
- Title
- How does it feel to have your salad replicated all over the country? #foodie #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/ZTZk7LoxSOQ
- Title
- The famous chopped salad started with this chef | Citizen Public House | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:17
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- With an all-American style of cuisine, Citizen Public House strives to foster the connection food can bring, with an ambiance of a familial-style celebration of food and life.
"Creative takes on classics is what we shoot for," chef and owner Bernie Kantak said. "We have a little bit of everything. We try to make everyone happy."
This Scottsdale gem's menu features diverse offerings and a few different famous dishes, the most notable of which is their famous original chopped salad. The salad is a fragrant combination of smoked salmon, couscous, arugula and more fresh produce topped with a buttermilk herb dressing guest Sarah Sanders said she "couldn't get enough of."
Citizen Public House also offers scallops served on a bed of corn grits and a rich and moist meatloaf. "I didn't know I liked meatloaf until I tried that," Sanders said. Guest Sami also praised the macaroni and cheese, called "Bernie's Mac 'N Cheese," describing it as "one of the be...
- Title
- Did you know that Phoenix has a theater company for adults with disabilities? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/oNj7d580swM
More about Detour: https://www.detourcompanytheatre.org/
- Title
- Need a fancy date night spot with an amazing view? #foodie #phoenixmetro #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/6lceHtONTYI
- Title
- What is suiza sauce, and why are we obsessed?? #foodie #explorearizona #arizonarestaurants
- Runtime
- 0:54
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/QfS6ZEr2Tx8
- Title
- Our tips? You gotta try the carne asada and suiza sauce at Xolo | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 8:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Phoenix restaurant Xolo is fueled by family recipes, highlighting Central Mexican food with its rich sauces and perfectly cooked meats.
"Everything that we make is from scratch," co-owner Kirk Rens said. "We want our guests to feel like they were welcomed into our home and that they are welcome back any time."
The menu offers classic Mexican flavors with an ambiance that transports you to Mexico, letting you sample their tacos, burritos and entree offerings. "Check, Please! Arizona" guest Jennie Orr de Lopez praised the options the restaurant has to offer. "Xolo has some things that are very approachable to the American palette," Orr de Lopez said. "But the way that they cook it really brings the flavor of Mexico."
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests raved about the cheesy, ooey-gooey souiza dip served with fresh tortilla chips packed full of creaminess, as well as the carne asada fries burrito that guest Shelly Boshes said was "cooked perfectl...
- Title
- We tried the Italian margarita at Pietro's Fine Dining | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Pietro's Fine Dining brings together the rich flavors of homemade Italian with the sophistication of fine dining, with a menu known for its delectable seafood. Owner and Chef Adam Frost describes their cuisine as "home-cooked comfort food at a high level."
On top of the delicious food, the restaurant's location brings beautiful views to its diners, nestled in the heart of Fountain Hills. "We've got unparalleled views," Frost said, emphasizing the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurant that creates a fine dining experience for all who enter.
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests enjoyed a variety of dishes, with all of them sampling the different seafood dishes. "The menu has all your Italian-American favorites," guest Jennie Orr de Lopez said. "But they also do a seasonal menu, and that is where you have a little more variation and a little more artistry."
The crab and the stuffed shells were a favorite among the guests, with the combination of the c...
- Title
- Flagstaff goes tropical at Tiki Grill | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 6:53
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This tiki-inspired joint has chef-driven comfort food and a menu with so much variety that every member of your party will find something they'll enjoy. The Tiki Grill's menu draws from many different cuisines, from ahi poké tacos to high country poutine, and the various options pair well with the ambiance of the restaurant.
"The vibe is pretty laid-back, with a beachy atmosphere," chef and owner Scott McClelland said. The uniqueness of the atmosphere is what often draws in locals, and the intent of the owners to create a welcoming environment is evident.
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests praised the environment of the restaurant, and the owners' "if you're not satisfied, let us know" policy. Guest Evan Luthye praised the blackened fish bites, describing them as "perfectly prepared," and also enjoyed the crab cake and pork belly melt. "You can get a little bit of everything with that menu," guest John Pizzo said.
On top of the food, Tiki Grill o...
- Title
- How did an old lumberyard become Lumberyard Brewing Co.? #explorearizona #foodie
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A local staple, Lumberyard Brewing Company is family-owned, and located in a historic Flagstaff building. But what's the backstory?
- Title
- See what our guests liked best at Flagstaff staple Lumberyard Brewing Co. | Check, Please! Arizona
- Runtime
- 7:31
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- A local staple, Lumberyard Brewing Company is family-owned and is the longest-standing operating brewery in Arizona. With a central location in downtown Flagstaff, Lumberyard boasts a menu prioritizing rich flavors and a wide variety of beers. The ambiance is bright and fun, with owner Kelly Hanseth describing it as "lively and very casual."
"Check, Please! Arizona" guests enjoyed the wide variety of appetizers, burgers and desserts. Guests raved about the Irish egg rolls as the perfect starter, with a blending of Irish and Chinese flavors served with dipping sauces.
Guest Mark Murphy's go-to order is the Vietnamese burger. "It has a crisp slaw they put over the top of it. It's just wonderful," Murphy said. "It's a good lunchtime thing for me because it's not too heavy."
Guests also highly recommended the banana pudding, which is considered a fan favorite, served in a mason jar. Murphy praised the rich and creamy flavors, calling it "quintessen...
- Title
- My Favorite Teacher 2025
- Runtime
- 0:31
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- To these and all teachers, thank you from Arizona PBS and @SRPConnect
- Title
- Where can you find a Chicago-style deli in Scottsdale, AZ? #foodie #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- This Chicago-style deli offers all who walk through its doors a welcoming environment and delicious Italian food. With a menu full of family recipes, owner Joe Guido describes the restaurant's goal as simply "making people happy." See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/Cis8FF-hCRw
