Pho-Sco: Smug factor

Okay, we’ll cop to this. The whole celebrity chef catwalk thing does get pretty obnoxious, and Phoenix-Scottsdale certainly has its fair share. Still, only the most devoted foodies know their Aaron Mays (Vitamin T, Iruna) from their Beau MacMillans (Elements). Mitigating factor: The most ubiquitous dining personality in the Valley—Sam Fox of True Food, The Arrogant Butcher, Modern Steak (pictured), et al.—actually started his career in Tucson. So there.

Score: –4