On Sunday, the popular PBS restaurant review show, “Check, Please! Arizona,” hosts its first food festival at CityScape in Phoenix. While attendees enjoy a plethora of food and wine samples and live demonstrations from award-winning chefs like Robert McGrath and Chris Bianco, one humble festival booth — Pittsburgh Willy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs — takes the next step in its Cinderella story.

Local chefs featured on the Eight, Arizona PBS show “Check, Please! Arizona” gather at the inaugural Check, Please! Arizona Festival, where fans and foodies can sample some of the Valley’s best restaurant fare and audition for upcoming episodes of the show. Cuisine from at least 36 of the independent restaurants – from five-star dining establishments to tucked-away cafes – previously featured on the show will be offered.  Among event highlights are cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and the chance to audition in front of cameras.

My Mom & Dad were born in 1921, married in 1943. They grew up during the Great Depression and lived through WWII. Tonight on PBS I watched “Celebration: Stephanie Blythe Meets Kate Smith” where an opera singer sang songs made famous by Kate Smith during the 30s-40s and WWII era. I only vaguely remember Kate Smith, but apparently she was more successful than about any other star of the time, and I remember my Mom loved Kate Smith. One of her iconic songs was:

I recently moved to a home with acreage, but quickly realized that even large lots have small or quirky outdoor spaces that must be designed carefully and thoughtfully.

You may know him as one of the stars of the popular PBS series “History Detectives,” but Dr. Eduardo Pagán is also a Grand Canyon State native and history professor at Arizona State University.

When they’re not practicing their archery skills, engaging audiences with their impressive public speaking abilities, exploring Arizona or rescuing birds and reptiles, the state’s top 27 spellers, ranging in age from 9-14, are studying words like ‘vivisepulture’ and ‘ursprache’ in preparation for the 2013 AEF Arizona Spelling Bee. This year’s annual AEF Arizona Spelling Bee will be held Saturday in Phoenix.

Intrigued by the drama and inspired by the sophistication of British aristocrats in "Downton Abbey," some fans are plotting to bring the series' style into their own homes, from gilded finishes to opulent upholstery to portrait paintings.

The most popular locally produced TV show on Eight, Arizona PBS, will soon take over CityScape in downtown Phoenix.

Hang around the Valley long enough, and you’re bound to encounter the work of Mesa artist Zarco Guerrero. From public art installations to stage plays to performances at festivals, the longtime Mesa artist is prolific.

After stalling on "American Idol" twice in the Hollywood rounds, Janelle Arthur sized up her options before auditioning a third time.

Director Kief Davidson’s journey through Rwanda and Sudan was not only a filmmaking venture, but a life-or-death trek for eight Rwandan children afflicted with rheumatic heart disease. A firsthand look into their lives and the high-risk surgical procedures they must endure, “Open Heart” is a powerful documentary bringing much-needed attention to a disease that affects nearly 18 million people worldwide.

The most pivotal season ever of "Dallas" started when the cameras weren't rolling late last year.

After two seasons of playing a wandering ghost on "Being Human," actress Meaghan Rath thinks she's found her sweet spot.

Scrapbooking has become a popular hobby in recent years. Supplies are available almost everywhere, and the array is amazing. There are papers, stickers, embellishments, die cuts -- the list goes on and on.

The new season of PBS's "Downton Abbey" on PBS's "Masterpiece" (9 p.m. EST Sunday and continuing Sunday nights through Feb. 17; check local listings) introduces several new characters, but the highest-profile actor joining the cast, if only for the first two hours, is undoubtedly Shirley MacLaine.

My mouth is watering, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.

Actress Jane Seymour will be signing copies of her new book in the “Open Hearts” series and the traditional holiday book, “Good King Wenceslas.”

Eight of the Southwest’s most recognized and talented chefs — including one from Gilbert’s Joe’s Real BBQ — will show you how to make their favorite recipes on Eight’s Centennial Cooking Celebration.

Get out your hankies. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" -- canceled earlier this year -- is back for a four-week holiday-themed run.