Tag Archives: gluten free

Arizona, beer, burger, cocktail, craft beer, food, Foodie, gluten-free, Happy Hour, local, lunch, new restaurant, restaurant, Scottsdale, wine

PNPK opens in north Scottsdale featuring Craft Sliders and Deviled Eggs

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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/

 

 

 

beer, breakfast, coming soon, dinner, food, Foodie, gluten-free, Happy Hour, healthy food, local, new location, new menu, Phoenix, restaurant, Scottsdale, vegan, vegetarian

New menu and location for Farm & Craft

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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/

 

 

 

Arizona, cocktails, coming soon, food, gluten-free, local, Mexican food, new restaurant, restaurant, Scottsdale, vegan

Upscale Toca Madera coming to Scottsdale Fashion Square

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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.

Arizona, burger, Chandler, Chompie's, deli, food, Glendale, gluten-free, local, lunch, Phoenix, restaurant, Scottsdale, Tempe

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

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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

 

 

Arizona, food, Foodie, gluten-free, healthy food, local, new menu, restaurant, vegan, vegetarian

Pita Jungle introduces new Fall menu

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Locally owned Pita Jungle is on a mission to have its guests eat healthy and in doing so offers its Seasonal Kitchen Crafts Menu and has introduced the Fall menu recently which will be available until the Winter menu rolls out in January.

Pita Jungle Fall Menu

All of Pita Jungle’s menus are influenced from around the globe with a strong emphasis from the Mediterranean region. As part of its healthy and sustainable philosophy the menus always  include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free  options.

The Fall menu consists of 8 new dishes with their roots coming from the  Levantine cuisine of the eastern Mediterranean. The new Fall menu dishes are……

Avocado Balila                                                                                                                        Garbanzo beans, garlic infused EVOO and cumin,  avocado, tomato, cucumber, jalapeno, green onion, red onion, fresh herbs, sumac, chili powder, blue corn chips

Flat Italian Green Bean Stew                                                                                        Local Arizona grass-fed beef, romano green beans, calrose white rice, onion, Greek yogurt

Pita Jungle

Baked Kibbeh (Lebanese Meatloaf)                                                                  All-natural ground turkey, russet potato, onion, basil, quinoa, walnut, golden raisin, beet & greens salad, red onion, tahini-beet dressing

Levantine Beluga Lentil Risotto and Kohlrabi (Mujaddara)                      Beluga lentils, organic brown rice, chopped kohlrabi root, cucumber, tomato, green onion, red onion, jalapeno, fresh mint, sumac, organic apple cider vinaigrette (mother included)

Streets of Beirut Chicken Pita                                                                      Grilled all-natural chicken breast, toum (unadulterated Lebanese aioli), parsley-red onion aleppo salad, side Greek salad, gluten-free flatbread. Also available with tofu or falafel.

Avocado Beef Asada Shawarma Lavash Pizza                                                   Local Arizona grass-fed beef, avocado, wood-fired tomato, bean mash, cheddar, mozzarella, lettuce, green onion, cilantro-avocado crema, cumin yogurt sauce, red chili hot sauce, herbs, green onion, lavash bread (gluten-free pizza crust available +2.49)

Turkey Kafta Burger

Gluten-Free Chocolate Pavé with Vanilla Ice-Cream

Pita Jungle has 19 locations in Arizona and 1 in California. To find a location near you check their website.

 

 

Arizona, breakfast, cocktails, dinner, food, healthy food, local, lunch, new location, Phoenix, restaurant

Farm & Craft to open along 7th Street restaurant row in Phoenix

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Scottsdale’s Farm & Craft is set to open its 2nd location in the spot recently vacated by The Herb Box at The Colony along the popular 7th St. corridor in north central Phoenix. Riot Hospitality Group, owner of Farm & Craft and other local restaurants and bars plans to open the new location in early 2018 after the renovations are complete.

Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

Farm & Craft offers guests a healthy and sustainable food and drink menu all in a fast casual atmosphere during breakfast and lunch and a full service restaurant experience during dinner.  The menu will be similar to that of  the Scottsdale location and guests will notice a different design to the Phoenix location as the neighborhood it serves is different and the owners like to adapt to those differences.

“We are very excited to open another Farm & Craft in the Valley,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “We saw an opportunity to bring this unique concept to The Colony and we plan to continue to grow the brand.”

Farm & Craft
Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

The Wellness Menu offered at Farm & Craft focuses on optimal health through four specific philosophies, “anti-inflammatory diet”, “increasing pro-biotic levels”, “maintaining a high level of anti-oxidants” and “reducing overall stress”. This is done by working with local suppliers to create a menu that uses ingredients that are local, gluten-free, hormone free, organic and sustainable.

Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

Farm & Craft offers a juice program that features cold pressed juices and “Kombucha Cocktails”. Signature “Cold Pressed Cocktails” use organic spirits are available at the indoor/outdoor bar as are local beers and unique wines poured from the tap.

With the 2016 opening of the Scottsdale location and the anticipated success of the Phoenix location, Riot Hospitality plans to continue to expand the Farm & Craft brand locally and nationally.

Farm & Craft will be at 5538 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014.

Arizona, Chompie's, food, holidays, Phoenix, restaurant, Scottsdale

Rosh Hashanah dinner & Yom Kippur “Break the Fast” at Chompie’s Deli

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When the sun goes down on Wednesday September 20th Jews around the world will celebrate the start of Rosh Hashanah, the highest of holidays on the Jewish calendar celebrating the new year, 5777. Like many holidays spending time with family in the kitchen and around the dinner table is a mainstay of the celebration.

Family owned Chompie’s Delicatessen is celebrating by serving a traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner followed nine nights later for Yom Kippur with a “Break the Fast” take out available at sundown on September 30th.

Rosh Hashanah dinner

A traditional 4-course Rosh Hashanah dinner is available to dine-in or take-out from Chompie’s. The menu includes a starter or Chopped Liver or Gefilte Fish, soup, an entrée choice of a half roasted chicken, braised brisket, salmon, or roasted breast of turkey. Entrees come with a choice of potato or vegetable and assorted holiday cakes are available for dessert.

Guests can order items a la carte or family meals that serve 8 people for $249.95 or 4 people for $129.95

Old World Tzimmi

Yom Kippur “Break the Fast”

After we’ve spent the 24 hour period from sundown on the 29th to sundown on the 30th atoning for our sins by fasting, all we can think about is when and what we can eat.

Chompie’s will be preparing take-out dinner to “Break the Fast” which includes gourmet smoked fish, deli salads along with gluten-free desserts and more.

Rosh HashanahNew challah at Chompie’s

Available for the first time at Chompie’s are two new challah loafs. The Jerusalem challah is found in the markets of the holy city and are topped with poppy, sunflower, black sesame and pumpkin seeds. The sweet Maripan challah has almond paste spread throughout the soft, fluffy inside with slice almonds adorning the outside of the bread.

The Borenstein’s found theses new loafs this year when they visited Israel and are the first in Arizona to serve this authentic bread. Each loaf is $6.99 and is made fresh daily.

24 our notice is needed o place an order and to find a Chompie’s Deli near you go to their website .

Arizona, Glendale, new location, new restaurant, pizza

Blaze Fast- Fire’d Pizza to open 6th location in Glendale

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Glendale will be the home of the 6th Arizona location of Blaze Fast- Fire’d Pizza come Friday June 23rd.

The Irvine, California-based fast casual artisan pizza maker will call the northeast corner of Bell Rd. and 79th Ave home to its 1,700 square foot restaurant that will seat 68 people inside and on the patio.

Blaze Fast- Fire'd Pizza
Blaze Fast- Fire’d Pizza assembly line

The Blaze Fast- Fire’d Pizza difference

The chef driven restaurant has a menu of pizza and salads created by executive chef and Culinary Institute of America graduate Bradford Kent, “The Pizza Whisperer”. What makes the Blaze’s pizza different is the dough which needs 24 hours for fermentation in order to give it a light and crispy crust. Most of the ingredients use no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and fillers. The restaurant also offers gluten-free dough and vegan cheese.

Signature pizzas are available as are a :create your own” option with all pizzas use fresh ingredients before being baked in a hot oven for just 3 minutes. All pizzas cost about $8 and beer and wine is available.

“Our mission at Blaze is really simple – we’re taking pizza back to its roots, “said Jim Mizes, president & COO of Blaze Pizza.  “By making dough in-house, carefully sourcing ingredients, and cooking by fire, we’re giving guests a great way to enjoy artisanal pizza without the wait.  It’s changing the way people think about and eat pizza.”

Grand Opening

When the doors open at 11 a.m. on June 23rd all guests that come in until 10 p.m. and follow Blaze on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook will receive a FREE “create your own” pizza. A DJ will be providing entertainment starting at 4:30 p.m.

Commitment to Pizza, People and Planet

Blaze’s attention to details is not just for its pizzas but for their almost 200 restaurants across the United States and Canada. Each restaurant is constructed with recycled and sustainable materials, uses eco-friendly packaging and uses energy-efficient lighting.

Their commitment to the community extends to its donating 20% from fundraising events held at the restaurants as it partners with local sports clubs, schools and  other organizations as they host fundraisers. http://www.blazepizza.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

food, Foodie, hotel restaurant, local, restaurant, Scottsdale

Zuzu introduces new dinner menu from Chef Russell Lacasce

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When I wrote about new executive chef Russell Lacasce taking over the kitchen at the Hotel Valley Ho’s flagship restaurant Zuzu back in Dec. I wondered what direction he would take the restaurant. I now know as Lacasce has introduced his first dinner menu since arriving at the Zuzu in January. A few restaurant bloggers and myself had the opportunity to taste several of the new menu items and speak to Lacasce and other members of his culinary team.

Zuzu Lobster Rolls

“I wanted the new menu to be very approachable, while offering dishes with complex combinations of flavors and textures that diners might not expect,” said LaCasce. “Everything is fresh and seasonal, with a strong focus on showcasing our amazing local farmers and purveyors.” Several of the Zuzu’s previous American comfort food staples are still available in the lounge.

Chef Russell Lacasce new menu items

The new menu includes dishes that perfect for sharing and include….

Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare with spicy chicharones, Avocado mousse, Heirloom tomatoes, with a local Feta and shallot buttermilk dressing. This small plate tasted fresh with a hint of spice and a nice touch from the crispy chicharone.

Chef Russell Lacasce Hawaiian Ahi Tartare

The Burrata has a creamy and smooth texture and the addition of pickled strawberries & toasted pistachios give it flavors you’d be hard pressed to find on other plates of Burrata around town.

The Hokkaido Scallops comes three to a serving separated by one of the more unique ingredients I’ve found recently, fried Meyer lemon wedges. Both are served over a bed of toasted cous cous & pine nuts and drizzled with a shellfish butter. The scallops practically melt in your mouth and citrus flavor and crunch from the Panko crusted fried lemon may have made me a scallop convert. This dish is not to be missed by scallop enthusiasts.

The entrée we tasted was the item on the whole menu that raised my eye brow when I read it…..Baker’s Bacon Chop. A 20 lb. back bacon loin that is house carved, cured, smoked and honey lacquered prior to being plated. Served with green harissa, burnt orange, fresh herbs, pickled chiles and pork rinds. All I can say is WOW! A loin of crispy back bacon will give a whole new meaning to bacon. It’s also great for those who prefer gluten-free dinners.

What’s next at Zuzu

At the same time the dinner menu debuted in early May, Lacasce introduced a lounge menu and new dessert menu from pastry chef Audrey Enriquez. In coming weeks he will be rolling out new breakfast, lunch and brunch menus for diners to sink their teeth into. If his first menu is any indication of what’s to come in June we should be pick a day now, circle on the calendar and plan to check out Zuzu.

Zuzu is in the Hotel Valley Ho at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251 (480)376-2600 http://www.hotelvalleyho.com/ZuZu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

food, ice cream, Scottsdale

Creamistry to open 4th location at Scottsdale Quarter

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Ice cream fans in north Scottsdale will soon find out what all the excitement is about in central Phoenix, Arcadia and downtown Scottsdale when Creamistry opens its 4th location at the Scottsdale Quarter on Friday, May 26th.

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Creamistry combines science & dessert as they use liquid nitrogen to flash freeze 70 plus flavors and toppings to create ice cream.

Creamistry week long specials

To introduce the neighbors to the concept, Creamistry will be offering 5 days of delicious specials starting on Tuesday the 30th. The daily specials are as follows….

Tuesday–Thursday, May 30-31 and June 1: Buy one ice cream, get one ice cream of equal or lesser value free.
Friday, June 2: A percentage of the proceeds earned will be donated to MASK (Mother’s awareness on school-age kids)
Saturday, June 3: Free small ice cream from Noon-2 p.m

Having it made is half the fun

The Creamistry experience starts when you choose your size or type of dessert(waffle bowl, shakes and more). Then pick your ice cream base(organic, gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan or premium) then your favorite flavor from almost 40 options ( birthday cake, sea salt or blood orange sorbet just to name a few) and to top it off pick your toppings (candy, fruit, nuts and more). Everything is then mixed with liquid nitrogen for a smoky & cool looking freezing process.