Chef Gordon Ramsay is known in many households as an ornery man with a sharp tongue and a quick temper, poking and prodding at every instance of dissatisfaction he can find in a kitchen. Ramsay is best known for his shows, Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. Hell's Kitchen places contestants in a team based competition in which the greatest chefs rise to the top while the cooks fall by the wayside. Kitchen Nightmares places Chef Ramsay, who has an astonishing fifteen Michelin Stars, in failing restaurants with the mission to turn the establishments around. Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares have been runaway successes in both The United States and The U.K.

 CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar will partner with The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain to offer a memorable Mother’s Day Brunch experience on Sunday, May 12. All moms attending this year’s Mother’s Day Brunch at CORE will be offered a luxurious aromatherapy hand massage while visiting the restaurant, compliments of the resort.

(BPT) - Home-based businesses are booming.

Best happy hour

(NAPSI)—If you’re looking for a quick meal or snack on the go, too often, your options have been limited to the drive-through or grabbing processed snacks. As consumers gravitate toward healthy choices, some retailers are focusing on providing fresh, tasty options. Here are a few tips to help you eat smarter on the run.

For several years, as our nation struggled through a downturned economy, the Town of Oro Valley also experienced a sharp decrease in development activity. Although we are still on the mend, a quick look back to fiscal year 2011-12 shows that development is on the rise, and there are some very exciting projects in the pipeline.

Coinciding with the retirement of former Parks and Recreation Director Ainsley Legner, the Town of Oro Valley has officially hired Kristy Diaz-Trahan to take over the position. The former Recreation Services Division Manager in the City of Albuquerque, Diaz-Trahan began work on Feb. 4.

New business startups in Oro Valley have continued to populate the town during the past year, opening a number of specialized services businesses despite a slow economy that’s blanketed the country.

The “Taste of Paradise” rewards program has recently been launched at all Tucson locations of Paradise Bakery and Cafe. Paradise “regulars” will now be rewarded for their loyalty in several delicious ways:

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Tucson’s sweet side will be revealed as the city’s best pastry chefs, bakers and restaurants compete in Southern Arizona’s largest dessert competition on Friday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.

It’s hard to imagine a community that thrives without the help of local businesses. One of the best ways to show that you value a community with unique local businesses is to shop at those establishments.

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  As I get older, I remember family traditions and how they are important to carry on.  When I was a child, we always went to Grandma Peggy’s the night before Thanksgiving.  She would make a feast with ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, green-bean casserole, stuffing, and lots of homemade pies. It was enough for 40 people because that is how many crammed into her two-bedroom home in Southwest Minnesota.   

Amber Lights Retirement Community

(BPT) - - For students, going to school isn’t just about understanding reading, writing and arithmetic; it’s also about learning the importance of good nutrition. Healthy eating takes center stage in the lunch room, so when your children open their lunch boxes, are they hitting a healthy home run, or striking out?  

With Father’s Day approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to let you know who and what led me to my career as a personal chef.  

Best Breakfast

The Best of the Northwest received nearly 400 votes

Village Bakehouse thrives in the Northwest

This week’s edition of The Explorer has the special section, “The Best of the Northwest,” which highlights some of Marana, Oro Valley and Tucson’s finest businesses on the Northwest side.

You don’t normally want someone to cry when they come into your bakery, but for Susan Fulton and Mary Gibson, they seem to enjoy the reaction.

The Marana Town Council voted unanimously last week to approve a rate increase for wastewater services. The rates were first established in September of 2008, when the battle with Pima County began over who should control the Luckett Road Wastewater Treatment Facility.

With children back in school, it is important to arm them with a nutritious diet. While the lure of fast food and quick meals can be enticing, fueling kids with healthy foods and a well-rounded diet can be easier than parents think.

Women’s chorus seeks new members