6 Nov 9th–Nov 15th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Feature ▼ Pa’La’s New Groove From quaint lunch counter to fine dining destination, the restaurant has undergone an evolution. BY DOMINIC ARMATO | PAGE 13 Chow ▼ Nerdy November 8 geeky things to do this month in Phoenix. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN | PAGE 24 E D I T O R I A L EDITOR Matt Hennie NEWS EDITOR O’Hara Shipe CULTURE EDITOR Jennifer Goldberg FOOD EDITOR Tirion Boan STAFF WRITERS Sara Crocker, Benjamin Leatherman, TJ L’Heureux, Serena O’Sullivan SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Itzia Crespo COPY EDITOR Rebecca Rhoades INTERNS Sophia Biazus, Grace Mack CONTRIBUTORS David Abbott, Asonta Benetti, Cassie Brucci, Nikki Michelle Charnstrom, Chris Coplan, Cassie Hepler, Mark C. 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No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means including electronic retrieval systems without the express written permission of the publisher, New Times, 1201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Our paper is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled product. ▼ Contents 9 News 13 Feature 19 Chow 24 Culture 28 Music Concerts .................................30 33 Cannabis On the cover: Chef Nick Bennett at Pa’La on 24th Street. Photographed by Mary Berkstresser. Photo by Mary Berkstresser VOL. 54 | NO. 45 | NOVEMBER 9-15, 2023 Chef Nick Bennett adds the final touches to the Duck Confit at Pa’La on 24th Street.