The Valley restaurant scene has changed dramatically over the past quarter-century, with an increase in nationally praised chefs and the eaters who appreciate them and their creations. 

One person who has seen those changes up close and anonymously is Arizona Republic restaurant critic Howard Seftel, who is retiring from the position at the end of this month.

We talked with Seftel about how the Valley’s dining scene has jumped from, in his opinion, a “fifth tier” level to a “second tier” level.