They may be so commonplace they’re unappreciated, so simple they fail to activate the saliva glands at first sight, but in our book it’s hard to go wrong with chips and salsa.

Barrett-Jackson is home to the world’s most profitable car auction. Its main event, held every January in Scottsdale, kicked off its 2013 season by tying its 2007 record sales of close to $100 million.

If you remember when kosher wine meant mostly cheap and sweet, you probably also know that the second part is no longer true. Today, there are plenty of quality kosher wines being made around the world.

This week's "Jack the Giant Slayer," a 3-D retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk legend, contains all the elements of the classic tale: farm boy, beans, giants, etc. But along for the ride is a new character, Princess Isabelle, played by Eleanor Tomlinson.

SAN FRANCISCO — What happens when you ask a group of food world luminaries to come up with their picks for Best Food Scene in a movie?

Savor la dolce vita at Encanterra Country Club, where a bouquet of celebrity chefs, including Food Network stars Duff Goldman and Tyler Florence, host tastings and cooking demos, and the Valley’s best restaurants offer food truck favorites along with a variety of wine and champagne.

An Ahwatukee Foothills man scored the original 19-foot-long black, bubble-topped car used in the 1960s “Batman” TV show for $4.2 million Saturday night at the Barrett-Jackson car auction at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Christmas wreaths and holiday parties gave way to king cakes and street parades as the Carnival season kicked off this weekend along the Gulf Coast.

At Downtown Mesa’s first Wedding walk, seven wedding venues and dozens of venders will showcase the best of the area’s wedding amenities Jan. 20.

Several Mesa residents hit the road to ring in the new year. But they weren’t looking to take part in normal New Year’s festivities like watching television as a glass ball descended a pole in Times Square, watching fireworks or clinking champagne glasses.

Enjoy a romantic evening watching this musical rendition of Jane Austen’s novel, telling the story of a young woman who assumes the role of matchmaker but learns valuable lessons of the heart instead. The show features music by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon and stars Anneliese van der Pol in the title role. Monday’s performance includes a pre-show champagne and sparkling cider reception.

Tickets are now on sale for Fast Times at Casino Arizona, a 1980s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration happening in the Showroom on Monday, Dec. 31.

Revisit the 1970s in Studio 54 style when Talking Stick Resort hosts its “Studio TSR” New Year’s Eve celebration with disco-revival group, Boogie Knights and singing diva Evelyn “Champagne” King.

Relax with the family over a weekend Champagne brunch at the family-owned Il Vinaio Wine Bistro, where you’ll find everything from Mascarpone Crepes to Crabcakes Eggs Benedict and lots in between.

Something new is bubbling up in the world of cocktails as canny mixologists skip the soda and turn to sparkling wine as their new go-to mixer.

It’s no secret that liquor is a simple solution to holiday gift-giving. You don’t see a lot of people lining up Dec. 26 to return bottles of 12-year-old Scotch. And what better way to embrace the spirit of giving than by giving a spirit?

Glasses are lined neatly one after the other, grouped together by pattern. Wine glasses, champagne flutes, goblets, tumblers — some colored, cut or etched — fill the cabinets that line all of the walls of The Glass Urn in Mesa.