Brunchies (17 E. Boston St., Chandler [480] 899-5036). Brought to you by the folks behind Serrano’s Mexican restaurants, this downtown spot serves brunch until 2 p.m. daily. The tasty spread includes all the usual suspects — pancakes, eggs, fruit, sausage and home fries — along with a variety of soups, desserts and Mexican breakfast favorites. $

C-Fu Gourmet (2051 W. Warner Road [480] 899-3888). This Chinese eatery is best known for its daily Dim Sum, a kind of snack lunch full of tasty dumplings and pastries, served between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. And with good reason — it’s the best in the East Valley, highlighted by the shumai (pork dumplings) and shrimp rice noodle roll. Their dinner service is also a winner, offering nearly 200 options and 13 “regional specialty sauces.” $$

BLD (1920 W. Germann Road, Chandler [480] 779-8646). Short for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, BLD serves up chef-crafted comfort foods in a casual neighborhood environment, with a healthy disregard for when you’re “supposed” to crave dishes like bacon-studded waffles paired with fried chicken. (Breakfast is available until 2 p.m. daily.) A drive-thru window serves barista-made coffees, specialty drinks and meals on-the-go when you’re in a hurry — but a couple of bites always convince us these are meals best lingered over with good friends, good drinks (also available) and good conversation. $$

Byblos (3332 South Mill Ave., Tempe [480] 894-1945). Middle Eastern cuisine doesn’t get much better in the Valley. The Mirza family’s signature tomato soup is a must-have item and their stuffed grape leaves are nearly as good. You can’t go wrong with the chicken Mediterranean or any of the kebabs. $$

Caketini (2270 E. Williams Field Road, No. 114, Gilbert [480] 786-3500). Scottsdale has its Sprinkles, Gilbert has Caketini — a cute shop run by a family that’s been baking for generations. Sweet lovers will find gourmet cakes, truffles and massive, prettily decorated cupcakes. $

Dutchman’s Hideout (6100 E. Mining Camp St., Apache Junction [480] 982-3181). Rustic wood-planked walls and brushed copper tabletops set the tone in this out-of-the-way place serving mesquite-grilled certified Angus prime rib of beef, steaks and seafood along with beer and wine. If you’re feeling more casual, the adjacent Mining Camp Restaurant offers all-you-can-eat family style dinners at long picnic tables. They’re seasonal, so call to make sure they’re open before you make the drive. $$$-$$$$