Tag: gluten free

Farm & Craft now uses 100% grass fed beef on new menu

Locally owned Farm & Craft introduced eight new dishes for those looking for a healthy holiday season. The new dishes can be found throughout the menu from starters to entrees.

Because what you put in your body is important the whole menu now includes 100% grass-fed beef. The health focused restaurant also added 25% more organic products and 4 more vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan.

The new menu now lists all Farm & Craft’s local and responsibly sourced vendors. The new dishes are available at the Scottsdale restaurant and will soon be introduced at the Phoenix restaurant.

Super Green Salad. All photos courtesy of Farm & Craft and Mack Media Relations

New menu of healthy dishes

The 8 new dishes are listed here.

  • Cashew Chicken Salad: shaved chicken breast, togarashi maple cashews, romaine, red pepper, fresh spiral zucchini, with a sesame lime vinaigrette
  • Super Green Salad: spinach, zucchini, edamame, snap peas, green apple and cucumber in an organic tandoori cider vinaigrette and finished with toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Burrata & Grilled Vegetables: grilled seasonal vegetables with garlic bread and fresh burrata finished with tomato basil vinaigrette. Great for sharing!
  • Vegan Banh Mi: house made pineapple BBQ tofu, pickled cucumber, shredded romaine, jalapeno and a chili Dijon dressing on toasted ciabatta. Also available with BBQ chicken.
  • Probiotic Bowl: warm garbanzos with olive and tomato, quinoa tabbouleh, red beet power kraut, shaved pickled cucumber, romaine hearts and cucumber herb yogurt sauce
  • Chicken Fried Rice: organic farro, shaved chicken, pineapple, jalapeño, egg and toasted cashews, mixed with fresh veggies and a tamari glaze
  • Roasted Half Chicken: half of a roasted chicken served with seasonal vegetables & lemon herb chicken jus
  • Build-Your-Own Veggie Tacos: seasonal vegetables, smashed avocado, pico de gallo & tomatillo salsa served with three warm corn tortillas. Can add shaved chicken or shaved steak.

    menu
    Probiotic Bowl

In addition to the new dishes there have been changes to existing dishes.

  • The nachos made with quinoa flax chips are now vegetarian and can be prepared vegan.
  • There is no more turkey being served to help reduce sodium heavy dishes.
  • The popular Farro Mac & Cheese is back!
  • Gluten free pasta made from corn and rice is now available.

Soon a new kids breakfast menu will be introduced along with a new seasonal menu with seasonal ingredients.

 

Weekend breakfast now on the menu at Arcadia Tavern

The Arcadia Tavern has started serving breakfast on Saturday & Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. In addition to breakfast the popular Arcadia restaurant is offering weekend specials at lunch and dinner. That’s not all going on at the corner of Indian School Rd. and 48th St., healthy and gluten-free options are now available.

Bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil soup. All photos courtesy of Lindsay Hansen

“Our customers have been asking for healthier and lighter options, as well as gluten free items,” said Scott Hilber, owner. “We listened and we’re really excited about the new menu”

Weekend breakfast, lunch & dinner

Start you day watching your favorite football team with Yogurt Parfait, Breakfast Burritio & Tacos, Pancakes and Chilaquiles. You can’t eat breakfast on the weekend with out a Bloody Mary and for $5 you can build your own.

Featured during lunch and dinner are a Veggie Burger($12.99), Chicken Salad sandwich or wrap($10.99) or a Lafayette Salad($12.99). I’d be ordering the Western Burger($13.99) with bacon & onion jam, Pepperjack cheese, onion ring, Applewood bacon and BBQ sauce on a Brioche bun.

Kale & Quinoa salad

Seasonal favorite soups such as French Onion, Creamy Tomato Basil & Corn Chowder are available by the cup or bowl. Kid friendly options are available at all three meals.

Gluten-Free and healthy menu options

Many popular dishes are still available but guests will have new salad options that include Kale & Quinoa, Caprese Salad and the previously mentioned Chicken Salad and Lafayette Salad. breakfast

Gluten-free options include the Arcadia Cobb and Steak salads, Tavern Wings, Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Camelback Mountain of Nachos.  Several other options are available from all the menus.

The Arcadia Tavern is open 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Mon.- Fri. and 9 a.m. Sat. & Sun. For more information check out their website.

 

 

Arizona Restaurant Week at Artizen and Hearth ’61

Arizona Restaurant Week makes its return September 21st-30th and it would be a full-time job to list all participating restaurants. I’ve decided to post about 2 restaurants that are of interest Artizen, American Crafted Kitchen & Bar at The Camby Hotel and Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort.

Artizen

Artizen, Crafted American Kitchen & Bar offers 4 courses for $44++ where guests will choose 1 dish from each course. Executive Chef Dushyant Singh’s menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian dishes on each course and is inspired by unique Arizona flavors.

First Course-
Griddled Halloumi gf/vegetarian
Grilled Shishitos, Black Garlic, Cilantro Pesto, Mint

Crispy Pork Cheeks gf
Popcorn Grits, Pickled Beets, Wood Sorrel

Pickled Rock Shrimp Tartine
Baby Peppers, Shallots, Tarragon, EVOO, Grilled Ciabatta

Second Course
Shaved Brussels Sprout salad gf/vegetarian

Sun Dried Apple, Shaft’s Blue, AZ Pomegranate, Ginger Serrano Vinaigrette

Third Course
Pan Seared Corvina
Glazed Turnips, Pea sprouts, Garlic Dashi, Beech Mushrooms

Braised Hudson Valley Duck
Duck Terrine, Crispy Leg, Charred Broccolini, Dried Blueberries, Hazelnuts, Smoked Duck Cream

Vegetable Sheppard’s Pie gf/vegetarian
Eggplant, Fava beans, Corn, Mirepoix, Thyme, Tomato Gravy, Whipped Potatoes

Fourth Course
Caramelized Banana Budino gf/vegetarian
Dulce de Leche, Peanut Meringue, Chocolate Twigs

Chocolate Panna Cotta vegetarian
Berry Compote, Vanilla Bean Gelato, Salt Shortbread Cookie

Artizen is inside The Camby Hotel at 2401 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85016 and reservations can be made by going to their website.

Hearth ’61

Hearth ’61 Roasted Beet Salad. Photos courtesy of Jack Busch at J Public Relations.

Guests at Hearth ’61 will enjoy 3 courses for $44++ from Chef Charles Wiley using the highest quality ingredients.

To Begin (choice of)
Roasted Beet Salad | celeriac | arugula | candied pecans | brown butter vinaigrette

Wood Roasted Hawaiian Prawns and Polenta | smoked cheddar | andouille sausage |mushroom broth | scallions

Berkshire Pork Croquette | watercress & fennel salad | arizona dates | farro | glazed carrots

Entrées (choice of)
Pan-Roasted Ora King Salmon* | mushroom gremolata | melted leeks | parsley salad

Sweet Corn Agnolotti | smoked red onion | charred kale | walnuts | basil beurre blanc

Niman Ranch Prime Tenderloin of Beef* | red wine demi-glace | horseradish cream |smoked sweet potato mash

Dessert (choice of)
Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake | java chip bavarian cream | raspberry gastrique

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bar | banana brulee | salted caramel ice cream

Peach & Sun-Dried Cranberry Bread Pudding | cinnamon ice cream | blackberry coulis

Reservations can be made by calling 855-485-1417 or by going to their website. Mountain Shadows Resort and Hearth ’61 is at 5445 Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.

Ramen Hood opens serving Build-Your-Own-ramen bowls

The fast casual Build-Your-Own restaurant concepts seem to be catching more steam as Ramen Hood opened in north Scottsdale recently. The strip mall shop off the loop 101 at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. already has a captive audience.

Ramen Hood
All photos courtesy of Ramen Hood

Guests enjoy ramen bowls made with authentic Japanese ingredients along with rice bowls and Japanese specialties including Gyoza, Karaage Fried Chicken and  Steamed Bao. Wash your meal down with the popular Asian soft drink Ramune aka Marble soda or a Japanese tea.

Why Ramen Hood?

“Ramen is one of my most favorite foods in the world. Every time I visit Japan, my first stop is finding a mom and pop ramen restaurant. The best ones are always very low-key, no frills, but always have long lines,” says James Xie, owner of Ramen Hood. “I realized there isn’t really anything comparable in Phoenix. I want people here to know what real ramen is like, and to not be intimidated in trying new styles and flavors.

Ramen bowl with tofu

Walk up to the counter at Ramen Hood and pick a Ramen or Rice bowl then add a protein(Cha Siu Pork, Tofu, etc) broth, sauce and toppings and in minutes you’ll have an Instagram worthy meal.

“Ramen can be way more exciting than the instant packets we ate in college. And at Ramen Hood, we make it just as easy to enjoy!”

“I’ve spoken to many ramen chefs throughout Japan who graciously gave me advice on combining different ingredients, as well as helped me come up with a few new ideas to create the perfect bowl of ramen,” says Xie, who has worked in the restaurant industry since he was 15. “I think it’s these trade secrets that will really make Ramen Hood stand out in the Valley and resonate with people who may not be familiar with traditional ramen.”

Ramen Hood is in the Gateway 101 shopping center at 15807 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Suite 105. Scottsdale 85260. For more information check out their website.

 

 

 

The new The Latin Kitchen has a familiar taste to it.

It’s been 3 years since the closing of Phoenix favorite Havana Cafe by owner BJ Hernandez and fans of her Latin style cuisine were wondering if we’d ever taste her food again. Thank god Hernandez is back in the kitchen as co-owner of the recently opened The Latin Kitchen in Mesa with her recipe book dusted off and cooking.

The Latin Kitchen
Photos courtesy of The Latin Kitchen

The Latin Kitchen dishes

Hernandez will be serving her popular made from scratch Cuban cuisine along with Latin American dishes that regulars of Hernandez’s cooking will recognize along with new dishes. Fans will smile with the return of her signature Cuban sandwich, empanadas, Ropa Vieja and more from here ever-changing menu.

Lighter and hearty dishes are also available taking into consideration people’s dietary needs including gluten-free wraps and salads.

Don’t worry dessert will be served including Flan, Tres Leches and Lime Tart. After a successful lobster dinner recently special dinners are planned including a pig roast, “Havana Nights” and Paella dinner.

A full bar is available that will feature Latin inspired cocktails such as the Mojito, sangria and other classic cocktails.

New to Mesa

Why Mesa after the success in north Scottsdale and along the Camelback Corridor in Phoenix Hernadez says “Originally I started looking in Scottsdale, but the rents were too high for what I wanted to do, a casual place where you could eat delicious, healthy and authentic food at a great price.” She then partnered with restaurant industry veteran Elisa Nolan to get the new restaurant opened.

Near the Tempe border The Latin Kitchen seats 115 up to people in two dining rooms and the bar. Currently serving only lunch Hernandez will serve dinner once the summer comes to an end.

The Latin Kitchen is close to the Loop 101 at 540  W. Broadway in Mesa. For more information call 480-306-7266 or check out their website.

Pita Jungle launches Seasonal Crafts Menu June 19th

People want options for their diet and next weeks launch of their Seasonal Crafts Menu, Pita Jungle gives customers options. With 7 new dishes, 7 protein options and 3 sides guests will have plenty of options to mix and match with.

4 new drinks will also be available on their cocktail menu along with a new Vegan and Gluten-Free menu.

Veggie-Quinoa Stir Fry with Kimchi. All photos courtesy of Pita Jungle.

Seasonal Crafts Menu

Whether your diet allows you to eat all on the menu or you prefer Vegan or Gluten Free dishes all diets are accommodated.

  • Avocado Hummus Tostada: baked corn tortilla, avocado hummus, Tuscan kale and cabbage slaw, avocado, pickled onions, garlic, pico de gallo, jungle damage green sriracha and cumin-yogurt sauce
  • Barley & Beluga Lentil Fetoosh Bowl: toasted barley, beluga lentils, Tuscan kale, roma tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, red bell pepper, radish, red and green onions, garlic, fresh jalapeno, fresh mint, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, pomegranate vinaigrette and pita chips
  • Veggie-Quinoa Stir Fry with Kimchi:  red quinoa, broccoli, carrots , mushrooms, baby spinach, red onions,  minced garlic and ginger, cage free egg, jungle damage green sriracha and kimchi
  • Crouching Kale & Hidden Berry Bowl: Tuscan kale, blueberry, pomegranate seeds, carrots, fresh jalapeno, white and red cabbage, red bell peppers, garlic, ginger, fresh mint, toasted almonds and Thai-tahini dressing
  • Avocado & Garbanzo Southwest Bowl: avocado, chickpeas, red quinoa, roma tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, celery, roasted jalapenos, organic blue corn chips, pickled onions, fresh mint and parsley, minced garlic, pumpkin seeds, cumin and herb-honey-apple-cider vinaigrette
  • Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich: gluten-free brownie, vanilla ice cream, strawberry and blueberry
  • Super Perfect Yogurt Delight: barley, pomegranate seeds, pistachio, blueberry, local AZ honey, Greek yogurt, cinnamon and rose-water

    Avocado Hummus Tostada

Sides and Protein Add-Ons

Add a protein or experience one of these new side dishes to satisfy your appetite.

Sides:

  • Lebanese Potato Salad (contains eggs)
  • Gingered Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Barley & Beluga Lentils

Protein Add-Ons:

  • Wood-Fired Norwegian Salmon
  • Grilled Marinated All-Natural Chicken Breast
  • Mediterranean Meatballs (grass-fed beef)
  • Taco Style Ground Beef (grass-fed)
  • Organic Baked Marinated Tofu
  • Cage-Free Skillet or Boiled Egg
  • Baked Falafel

To find a Pita Jungle location near go to http://www.pitajungle.com/

PNPK opens in north Scottsdale featuring Craft Sliders and Deviled Eggs

PNPK owner Kellie Pruitt took a personal tragedy and turned it into something positive when she re-opened her Grape Bistro as the new PNPK after a 2 year hiatus. The new full service restaurant and wine bar in north Scottsdale opened in late March on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Pinnacle Peak.

Tragedy to PNPK

When a family tragedy occurred in July 2016 Kellie stepped away from running her Grape Bistro to heal. Hiking the nearby Pinnacle Peak(hence the name PNPK) on a regular basis helped her heal and realize something good should come of her situation.

“Earlier this year, I knew I either needed to close or do something new, in part to throw myself into something creative to help myself heal,” said Pruitt. “PNPK has been transformational for me, and now I hope for the Airpark restaurant scene as well.

Bruschetta flight

Flights of sliders and deviled eggs

With its close proximity to the Scottsdale Airport, Pruitt figured flights of sharable plates would be the way for her new place to take off.

The restaurant features 13 Sliders to build a flight from and  7 Devilish Eggs to choose from along with Bruschetta Flights, Charcuterie Flights and more for guest to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Deviled egg flight

Guests can mix & match sliders served on petite Brioche buns such as Crispy Hot Fried Chicken, Short Rib French Dip, Bacon Jam with Angus Beef just to name a few of the variety of proteins between the buns. Sliders can also be served on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

The deviled eggs are not your traditional  eggs with specialties being the Asian Wasabi and citrus slaw, Smoked Salmon with capers & chives and White truffle oil and chives. During Happy Hours guests can enjoy three eggs for $5.

Signature cocktails

Wine, cocktails and beer

Custom wine & beer flights focus on craft beers and wines from around the world. With 30 wines by the glass and 150 more selections by the bottle offering wine drinkers good value or the opportunity to splurge on that special bottle.

The creative cocktail menu pays homage to the surrounding desert and mountains with drinks that include…..

  • The Granite Summit: Bourbon mixed with fresh cherries that have been muddled with vanilla, a touch of sugar and topper of club soda
  • The Trailblazer: Gin combined with fresh strawberries, lemon, basil and a hit of club soda
  • The Gila Monster: A combination of jalapeño simple syrup, grapefruit juice, lime, tequila and sparkling wine (named because it’s got bite!)
  • Hi Jolly: Veev Acai Liqueur is the star here and mixed with fresh mint, lemon and blueberries for a “spirited” antioxidant kick.

A favorite is the signature cocktail  “Tickle Me PNPK Punch” made with sparkling wine, Arizona Prickly Pear and ginger ale. A $1 of each punch is donated to The Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park which is a group of volunteers that help maintain and care for the trail on a daily basis.

PNPK is open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. with Happy Hour from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Find it at 23335 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85255. 480-305-0907. http://www.pnpkaz.com/

 

 

 

New menu and location for Farm & Craft

If you’re air conditioning kicked on this week it means were creeping towards warmer temps and eating lighter & colder foods and drinks to keep cool. In the restaurant scene in means chefs are shifting their menus to lighter seasonal ingredients including  locally grown spring and summer fruits & vegetables. Scottsdale’s Farm & Craft recently added 11 new healthy dishes to their menus.

new menu
Salad

New menu and Happy Hour

Crustless Quiche with cage free eggs, cheddar, chicken sausage, braised kale and chili flake served with a petite salad is one of the two new menu items for breakfast along with Steel Cut Oats with slow cooked coconut milk, turmeric vanilla almond milk, blueberry and apple relish with chia seeds.

On the lunch and dinner menus you’ll find Vegan Ceviche prepared with Golden beets, radish, cherry tomato, avocado, lime, tomato chili sauce, cilantro, served with flax tortilla chips.

Flatbread

An Asian inspired Chilled Raw Pad Thai Spiral with zucchini and carrot, bean sprouts, shredded brussels, raw almond, chili almond butter and tamarind honey and  Seared Cauliflower Steak with smoked paprika coconut butter served with harissa aioli and cucumber yogurt are just a few new dishes.

The Happy Hour menu has been updated as well.

Farm & Craft Uptown

Phoenix fans of Farm & Craft will be glad to know by the end of April the new location will be open on 7th St. at The Colony. The new location will seat more people with a larger patio and bar than Scottsdale and will create their own signature cocktails and menu items.

The Scottsdale location is at 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd. and the Uptown location is 5538 N. 7th St. For more info go to www.ilovefarmandcraft.com/

 

 

 

Upscale Toca Madera coming to Scottsdale Fashion Square

With all the development going on around downtown Scottsdale you may have missed that Scottsdale Fashion Square was doing a major renovation on the north side off the Camelview parking lot. The new luxury wing will include upscale restaurants with Los Angeles based Toca Madera being one and Ocean 44 the other.

This will be the third location for Toca Madera with a restaurant in Dubai and the flagship West Hollywood restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern approach.

Adobo Steak

“Making something already exceptional even better is driving the luxury renovation at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and that means creating opulent settings for shoppers to unwind and refresh,” said Michael Guerin, Senior Vice President of Leasing, Macerich.

“The addition of market-exclusive culinary concepts like Toca Madera, along with some of the world’s most respected retail brands, reinforces the property’s reputation as the market’s dominant luxury destination.” 

Toca Madera eats

The menu emphasizes organic and locally sourced ingredients for bold flavors and plenty of options for diners including plenty of gluten-free and vegan dishes.

On the menu currently at the West Hollywood restaurant are Ensenada style fish tacos, A La Roca with American Wagyu beef, Enchiladas de Mole, Chipolte Dusted Tofu Tostadas and the popular Churro Ice Cream Sandwich.

Spill out cafe seating will be available for people to enjoy a bite to eat while sipping on a tequila or mescal, a farm to glass cocktail that uses fresh ingredients or a glass of wine from around the world.

Scottsdale is a market we’ve always wanted to be in,” said Tosh Berman, CEO and Co-founder of The Madera Group. “With Scottsdale Fashion Square’s exciting luxury expansion happening, we knew this was going to be the perfect location for us. We look forward to introducing Toca Madera to the community and showcasing what will be the ultimate in luxury dining.”

Check back for updates or visit their website.

Chompie’s offers baseball fans buy one, get one free burgers and hot dogs

Burgers and hot dogs go hand in hand with baseball and Chompie’s is celebrating the arrival of the 2018 Cactus League with Buy one Get one FREE burgers and hot dogs. The month-long promotion kicks off Monday February 19th – March 30th.

Whether you’re going to a game or just looking for a bite to eat this deal is for everybody, no ticket necessary.

Buy one Get one FREE

Chompie’s line-up offers 6 USDA Choice Angus Beef 1/2 lb. burgers and 2 Hebrew National hot dogs to choose from or you can pinch hit with a limited time menu with 4 new burgers and 2 new hot dogs.

Score with the Classic Borenstein burger ($11.99), Original Grilled Patty Melt ($12.99) or the Chicago Dog ($7.99) off the menu or get relieved with the new Philly Steak burger ($13.99), Country Fried Steak burger ($13.99) or Reuben Dog ($8.99) you’ll walk off a winner.

All burgers are served with fries and cole slaw and on a Sesame Brioche bun. A gluten free bun can be substituted for $1.49.

Playing by the rules

This home run of a deal is for dine-in customers who buy 2 drinks and 1 hot dog or burger and get another burger or hot dog FREE. You can mix n match from any of the burgers or hot dogs.

This offer is not available on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) and is available at all 5 Chompie’s location. To find a Chompie’s near you go to chompies.com