Farmers markets heat up as the weather cools down

A sure sign of the change of seasons and cooler weather is the re-opening of farmers markets across the valley. Farmers markets feature locally grown produce and other food products and crafts and have become very popular in recent years. Several feature coffee, food trucks and have local restaurants preparing ready to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. Others offer cooking demonstrations and seminars for the communities benefit. 2020/21 markets are following CDC guidelines with social distancing and wearing of masks to keep everybody safe and healthy. Many welcome dogs as long as they are on leashes. Markets if not running year round usually end before the summer heat kicks in in May.

The this Saturday October 3rd brings the re-opening of the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. The popular market starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 1p.m. at 2nd St. and Brown.

The return of north Phoenix’s High Street Farmers Market is set for Sunday October 25th. Over a 100 vendors will be selling food, arts and more from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Some farmers markets haven’t waited for the weather to cool down such as Momma’s Organic Market in Surprise. The new market started up at The Sterling Grove Market on Sunday September 6th. Momma’s market at Park West in Peoria kicks off Wednesday October 7th at 4 p.m. Their Glendale market at Arrowhead Town Center is open on Saturday mornings.

Arizona Community Farmers Markets organizes 10 markets in the Phoenix area including the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. For information and their locations visit their website.

Meal Deals come back to Organ Stop Pizza in October

If you’ve got a group of up to about 8 people looking for fun, food and to save some money, Mesa’s Organ Stop Pizza’s is ready for you. The locally owned pizza restaurant is also home to the country’s largest Wurlitzer pipe organ offers new Meal Deals through the month of October.

Enjoy your pizza, salads, pastas and more to the sounds that all will enjoy. A professional organist plays everything from classical to rock to movie themes and more. The restaurant only accepts cash or check and is practicing CDC guild lines for the continued pandemic.

The Meal Deals are as follows.

FEED UP TO 4:

     1 Large Pizza with unlimited toppings*

     1 Appetizer**

     1 Pitcher of Soft Drink

Only $27.99! (breaks down to $7 a person.)

 

FEED UP TO 6:

     2 Medium Pizzas with unlimited toppings*

     1 Appetizer**

     2 Pitchers of Soft Drink

Only $40.99! (breaks down to $6.84 a person.)

 

FEED UP TO 8:

     2 Large Pizzas with unlimited toppings*

     2 Appetizers**

     2 Pitchers of Soft Drink

Only $51.99! (breaks down to $6.50 a person)

*Extra/Double Cheese excluded

**Combo Basket excluded

Prices do not include tax. No substitutions, not valid for fundraisers, not valid with any other discounts, coupons or promotions.

Organ Stop Pizza is located at 1149 East Southern Avenue in Mesa, AZ 85204 (SW corner of Southern/Stapley). Phone (480) 813-5700.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.

Buy One Get One Free at Koibito Poke on Monday 9/28

All 5 Phoenix area locations are celebrating International Poke Day with a FREE bowl when you buy one.

October is National Pizza Month and Fired Pie is rounding up for PCH

From October 1st – 15th the quick casual pizza restaurant encourages its guests in the community to Round Up up their bill to an even dollar amount. The extra change collected will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. You can give back at any of the 21 locations.

Wake up to National Coffee Day on Tuesday 9/29

Local coffee roaster, Press Coffee is giving away a FREE 8 oz. drip coffee with each purchase at any of its 8 valley locations.

Buy one bag of U.S. Egg’s 10 oz. specialty coffee get another for free. A bag will cost you $10 at any of the 6 valley locations.

Community minded Barro’s Pizza partners with Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway

The local family owned pizzeria is seeking applications from students for a $10,000 towards college tuition and expenses. Students can submit an entry online until Dec. 14th. The giveaway is open to students 18 years and older. Find more information at the website.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant heads into October with new specials.

Customers can help test new dishes and give feedback to see if they are popular enough to stay on the menu. All 5 locations will offer these specials at special prices. 6 specials are on every part of the menu from drinks to dessert. Specials include Spiced Brandy Cider, Shrimp Ceviche Tostaditos, Pollo Serrano & Vegetable Salad, Barbacoa Bowl, Mexican Street Corn Lollipop and Caramel Apple Flan.

“Hot Dog Day’s” at Joe’s Farm Grill all month of October

Hot dogs are so popular they can’t be celebrated just for one day. Gilbert’s Joe’s Farm Grill is celebrating the comfort food favorite for all 31 days in October. “Hot Dog Day’s” will features specialty dogs made with all-beef hot dogs and sausages from Phoenix’s Schreiner’s Fine Sausages.

From 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. customers can get a specialty hot dog served with a side for $12 or $18 for any combination of 2.

Hot Dog Day’s specialty dogs

Cheddar Coney Dog — A grilled hot dog smothered with mild homemade Michigan Coney sauce and yellow mustard then topped by a quarter-pound mountain of finely shredded Tillamook cheddar cheese; served with diced onions on the side

DangerDog — A jalapeno-stuffed, bacon-wrapped fried hot dog with atomic horseradish, honey mustard, homemade sweet-hot pepper relish and a heap of finely shredded ghost pepper jack cheese; served with extra relish on the side

Carolina Blue Dog — A grilled dog topped with a generous portion of Joe’s signature BBQ pulled pork, tangy blue cheese crumbles, and hand-cut sweet coleslaw then drizzled with Joe’s Real BBQ sauce and homemade coleslaw dressing; served with extra Joe’s Real BBQ sauce on the side

Sonoran Dog — A long-time Joe’s Farm Grill favorite, this (slightly) new and improved recipe features a jalapeno-stuffed, bacon-wrapped fried hot dog with homemade Farm beans, queso de cotija, pico de gallo and finished yellow mustard and a sour cream-mayo drizzle; served with whole fried peppers on the side 

Big Fat Greek Dog — Schreiner’s smoked Greek-seasoned pork sausage topped with cucumber tzatziki sauce, drizzled with yellow mustard, and then piled high with Joe’s Greek fries (featuring garlic sauce, feta, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs); served with extra sauce on the side

Italian Sausage Dog — A fresh sweet Italian link baked into Joe’s fresh-made focaccia dough with pepperoni, marinara, and creamy brick and pecorino-Romano cheeses, then topped with sautéed onions and peppers; served with side of mild Giardiniera (*This hot dog requires a slow hand — please allow for slightly longer service time)

Joe’s Farm Grill is at 3000 E. Ray Rd., Bldg. 1, Gilbert 85296. 480-563-4745. For more information visit their website.

Black Angus Steakhouse now has Happy Hour To-Go Packs

You can celebrate Happy Hour from the comfort of your own home with the new Happy Hour To- Go packs from Black Angus Steakhouse. Whether your’e watching the game or hanging with the family, score the new To – Packs every day from 3 – 9 p.m.

For just $29.99 you can get Black Angus Steakhouse favorite appetizers such as Loaded Potato Skins, Three Cheese Garlic Bread, Crispy Fried Garlic -Pepper Zucchini and a Steak Quesadilla. You can’t have happy hour without something to drink and choose a 4-pack of beer or bottle of house wine. For $5 more customers in Arizona and California can get small batch cocktails like Strawberry Lemonade and the Gold Strike Margarita. Cocktails serve 6-7 people each.

There are 4 Black Angus Steakhouse’s in Arizona in Arrowhead, Chandler, Goodyear and Superstition Springs. Other locations are in New Mexico, California, Washington and Hawaii.

You can order your To-Go Packs online or by calling each restaurant directly. To-Go Packs are available through the end of 2020.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company beers distributed by Hensley Beverage

Michael Waltrip Brewing CompanyFormer NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip announced recently the formation of his Phoenix based brewery, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company. They’ve decided that its “Two Time” brand will be distributed around Arizona by locally owned beer distributor Hensley Beverage Company.

“We are truly pleased to be able to partner with Hensley Beverage Company on the distribution of our Two-Time line of lagers and ales,” said Michael Waltrip, two-time Daytona 500 champion and FOX Sports NASCAR color announcer.  “I had a chance to visit the leadership and some of the team at Hensley right before the pandemic. What a great group of people. We couldn’t be happier to be part of the Hensley portfolio”

“Two Time” currently brews three beers. “Blonde” Ale, “Checkered Past”, a coconut IPA and “Vamanos”, a Mexican style Lager. Seasonal and year round beers are planned all with subtle references to racing.

Bryan R. Sperber, CEO, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company, said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team at Hensley for many years. So, I know firsthand what a quality organization they have. To be able to partner with them is an amazing opportunity and we really appreciate their enthusiasm for our brand and the Michael Waltrip Brewing Company.”

Hensley Beverage Company dates back to 1955 and has been the distributor of the Anheuser-Busch InBev portfolio. It also distributes local and regional beers throughout most of Arizona.

A brewery and taproom is being planned in Phoenix along with distribution outside of Arizona. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

You’ve probably heard about the Fall 2020 Arizona Restaurant Week starting tonight through next Sunday 9/27. Over 100 restaurants state wide serving 3 course unique menus for $33 or $44 per person. Dine in or take-out is available. For a list of participating restaurants visit the website.

Francine starts weekend brunch and weekday lunch

About a month ago Scottsdale’s newest restaurant Francine opened after afew months delay at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This weekend they start serving brunch and on Monday they start their lunch service.

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Garrison Brothers

Phoenix City Grille & Garrison Brothers pair a 5-course dinner

The central Phoenix restaurant and the distillery join forces Saturday September 26th for spirits pairing dinner. The occasion celebrates the release of Garrison Brothers Cowboy 2020 Bourbon. Chef Micah Wyzlic uses the bourbon in his dishes along with them sipped on with each course. Dinner is $125 per person ++ and the menu can be viewed at http://www.phoenixcitygrille.com/ with reservations made by calling 602-510-7174 or emailing Britnee Reed at Privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

Macayo’s popular Pumpkin Flan now available at all restaurants

It doesn’t feel like Autumn in Arizona yet but the Mexican restaurant has added the delicious dessert to the menu. Made with Fall spices, the dessert is $5.79 at all 7 locations around the valley.

24 Carrots shuts dining room to focus on take-out

Owner Sasha Raj has transformed her Tempe plant based restaurant for take out and now uses the dining room as a collection site for donations for the Navajo Nation. Donations can be dropped off every Wednesday. Raj regularly serves & donates meals and food to many other under served people and  non-profits.

“Chopped” champion Chef Nick LaRosa has a new menu at Nook Kitchen

Arcadia’s Nook Kitchen has re-opened this week with a new menu from Chef Nick LaRosa. The restaurant moved to a new larger location along Indian School Road in December and was humming along as it did at the old location when Covid- 19 broke out. They did take out until several nearby restaurants were hit with the virus and owner Frank Vairo and partners decided to close for the summer.

Nicholas Winger, managing partner, said: “We can’t wait to welcome back our guests.  We are operating with limited-seating and dining socially distanced due to pandemic regulations, so we encourage reservations, especially with our small dining room. It fills up quickly.”

What’s on the menu from Chef Nick LaRosa

With the opening comes a new menu of Italian favorites with a modern twist from LaRosa. House made pastas and fresh ingredients are on the menu such as Casarecce Bolognese for meat lovers and Veggie Campanelle for vegetarians. Napolitano styled pizzas are still coming out of the pizza oven along with entrees such as pan-seared salmon, a double bone-in pork chop and the Nook Burger.

LaRosa was champion of the Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2017 and has earned other local accolades.

Chef Nick LaRosa
Aracini

“We’re excited and want to shout from the rooftops that ‘we’re back!’ ” LaRosa said. “And we’re really happy to be back, too.  The time off has given us the opportunity to add new menu items, plus fantastic desserts and still focus on the dishes we know our patrons love. “The specialness of our food is Italian with a twist.  If you want to eat hearty, we’ve got it.  If you’d rather eat light, we’ve got that too in spades.”

The menu also includes appetizers including Brussel Chips, Aracini and more. Exciting new desserts include a gelato flight from Cool Gelato and Nook’s version of Affogatto. Sommelier Matthew Wohleb has created a new and old world wine list to compliment the cuisine and mixoligist Gabe Chavez mixes up the cocktail program.

Nook Kitchen opens Wednesday thru Sunday at 5 p.m. and is at 4231 E. Indian School R. Phoenix 85018.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Sphinx Date Company announces re-opening

The Palm & Pantry market has re-opened Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. in old town Scottsdale. Just in time for the 2020 date harvest and leading into the holiday season.

Dutch Bros Coffee raises money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Friday September 18th all 28 locations will donate $1 from every drink sold to the hospitals Buck for Kids day of Giving.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar celebrates National Cheeseburger Day

The week of September 14th-18th the Scottsdale & Camelback locations are letting you double burgers in celebration. Get another patty for free when you order online and take your burger to go. Use promo code “double” at check out to redeem.

Milkshakes are only $4 at Miracle Mile Deli

Celebrate National Milkshake Day is Saturday September 12th and Miracle Mile Deli all month with a chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake for a low price.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s in Scottsdale

The restaurant resumes its series of wine dinners on Thursday September 17th with the Napa Valley winery. Tables of 8 will be 6 feet apart and other safety precautions will be followed. The 5 course dinner paired with 5 wines is $90 per person plus tax & tip. To see the menu and make your reservation visit their website.

Mad Flavors Coffee delivers cold brew to your door

We’ve here about the demise of many small businesses from the pandemic, especially the toll taken by restaurants and food related businesses that relied on walk-in business. As many fall, others will rise taking advantage of the new reality of on-line ordering and contact-free delivery. The new Mad Flavors Coffee offers the both when it delivers cold brew and whole bean coffee to your door.

What’s not to like about the gluten-free, un-sweetened, zero calorie, dairy-free & vegan half gallon and gallon containers of cold brew. Mad Flavors has started with 4 flavors of cold brew Horchata, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Costa Rican and Strawberry Mocha and 15 flavors of single origin whole bean in 12 oz. bags.

“I’m thrilled to finally launch Mad Flavors. I’ve been in the coffee business for over 10 years in Phoenix, so, being able to bring my own brand to fruition and share my passion for flavored coffee with my community is something myself and my family are very proud of. I can’t wait for everyone to try it,” says founder Astro Alvarez.

“Nuestro amor, nuestra pasión. Our cold brew flavors are what set our company apart from the rest. We source only the highest quality beans and roast them daily right here in Phoenix. We flavor our coffee with no added sugars, syrups, or sweeteners,” continued Alvarez.

Coffee drinkers can get FREE delivery in the Phoenix area based on the daily delivery zone found on the website. Outside of Phoenix Mad Flavors Coffee will deliver beans for home brewing. The cold brew can be strong so drinkers can adjust strength by adding to your desired strength and flavor. Flavors will be added to on a regular basis.