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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new Spring menu

The new menu at the 7 Arizona locations celebrates the Garden of Flavors thru June 7th. Seasonal ingredients include artichokes, asparagus, sweet peaches and more. Dishes like the Panzanella Salad, Bacon & Asparagus Pizza go well with new cocktails such as the Kentucky Peach Mule & Peach Bellini. A new cauliflower crust pizza has been added as has desserts Banana Cream Cheese Cake and Caramel Coconut Cheesecake.

Found:RE Hotel celebrates Women in Wine

The downtown Phoenix hotel and signature restaurant Match Market & Bar feature wines made by women all month long in honor of International Women’s Day Monday March 8th. 18 wines from around the world are featured with a portion of sales donated to Hope Women’s Center. Many of the wines feature also donate to women’s causes around the world.

Local First Arizona film series highlights local food economy & community

March 9th is the first of a monthly series of its Good Food Film Series featuring 12 independent short films. Each film discusses the challenges the farm and food community faces over the next year. The first film titled “The State of Arizona Farmland” about the owners of Blue Sky Farms. April 13th will be “Are Edible Landscapes and Trees the answer to Arizona’s Rising Climate Crisis?” and May 11th brings “The Business of Farm to Food Banks“.

A Su Salud virtual kitchen offers healthy Mexican food.

Pita Jungle has jumped into the virtual kitchen game with A Su Salud at its Tempe location. Meaning “to your health” A Su Salud offers Mexican wood fired specialties available for pick-up or delivery from DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub and Postmates. Bowls, burritos, salads, tacos and fajitas are on the menu along with healthy kid options and Pita Jungle desserts.

All-you-can-eat tacos at Jalapeno Inferno

Every Taco Tuesday customers visiting the Pinnacle Peak, DC Ranch and Park West restaurants can get as many tacos as you can eat for $10.99. The special price is for dine-in only.

 

 

nomada Provisions, a local market opens in Phoenix

The culinary team at Scottsdale’s Nonna Urban Eatery has opened their newest venture nomada Provisions in central Phoenix. The local market will offer the neighborhood coffee, wine crafted foods and more 6 days a week. Owners Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta hope to spark customer’s creative side offering unique labels of cheeses, charcuterie, oils & vinegar and other high end pantry items.

“As we reach a pivotal point for the food and beverage industry, in a post pandemic world, we feel a ‘nomadic’ approach to food is much more aligned with today’s reality,” says Huerta of their new concept. “nomada is intended to allow consumers to explore, travel and dream through food and beverages as ingredients in addition to creating a practical way to access fresh carefully crafted, ready-made options for those with little time to cook. In a way, nomada will continue a primordial love affair with all things gourmet, bon viveur and bon vivant.”

nomada Provisions food & beverage offerings

The market will have ready-made foods, heat & serve foods and retail products with the gourmet foodie and home chef in mind.

Menu items include Dips & Spreads – Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Chicken & Duck Rillette. Seasonal Salads and Bowls featuring a variety of fresh and grilled vegetables, whole grains, salmon and more. “In-Betweens” including the Hummus and Vegetable Wrap and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. Proteins include Half Roasted Chicken or the Duo of Pan Seared Salmon. Fresh pasta will be available including Beet Campanelle, Tagliatelle and Squid Ink or Turmeric Rigatoni complemented by Nonna’s Tomato Sauce, Creamy Parmesan Sauce or Pesto. A variety of sushi and weekly soup will also be on the menu.

The couple is fond of coffee and wine and consider them magical beverages that transport you around the world. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino or an Americano while shopping or linger in the cozy coffee lounge. The Arabica and robust beans are hand picked from passionate farmers in the country of origin. Lesser known varietals of wines from small producers from around the world will be stocked to compliment foods without breaking the bank.

nomada Provisions is at 3410 N. 24th St. Phoenix 85016. They are open Tuesday – Sunday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. A full menu and information can be found at their website.

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner at The Boulders Resort & Spa

Reservations are being taken for the March 11th dinner with the iconic Napa Valley winery. The 4-course dinner will be paired with wines only found at the winery. Dinner will be under the stars in the resort’s Organic Garden. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4668.

PHX Beer Co.’s new beer supports Arizona Craft Brewers Guild

The new Hefeweizen styled beer, Rebuild the Guild Benefit Beer donates part of the sales to the struggling non-profit while supplies last. Reliant on events the ACBG has not been able to hold any due to the pandemic. Saturday March 27th both Scottsdale & Phoenix locations will donate all money from sales to the organization that support and lobbies for Arizona’s craft brewers.

Cider Corps owner receives big honor

Veteran and owner Jason Duren was named one of 29 Rising Stars in the food and beverage industry from around the country. FSR Magazine recognizes people in the industry who are making a positive change in the industry. Two of the reasons for the honor are Jason’s leadership in the cider industry and his continued support of the veteran community.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen starts nutritious meal prep service

The new honky tonk bar in Old Town Scottsdale just launched “Belle’s on Wheels” meal prep service. Chef Samantha Roberts created a clean eating & nutritious selection of meals high in protein, low in sodium with no added chemicals. Gluten free and dairy free meals are available. Meals are made in advance with proteins costing $4-$14 per serving and sides are $3. Buying in bulk for family meals is also an option. Curbside and in- store pick -up is available with deliveries available for those within 3 miles of the restaurant. To order your meals call 480-590-3190 or visit their website.

World Famous cream puffs coming to Scottsdale

Beard Papa’s build your own cream puffs opens its newest location at Scottsdale Quarter on Saturday February 27th. The Japanese based bakery will offer free cream puffs with all purchases and a FREE SWAG bag to the first 100 customers.

 

Beard Papa’s brings its cult like following to Scottsdale

Saturday February 27th bring the newest location of Beard Papa’s famous cream puffs to the Scottsdale Quarter.  Started in 1999 as small bakery in Osaka, Japan they’ve grown to over 400 locations in 15 countries and territories. Known for creating the “world’s best cream puffs”, guests customize their own cream puff with unique and traditional flavors.

Guest chooses from 8 cream puff shells that include Oreo cookie crumble eclair, green tea eclair and more. Then choose the fillings from seasonal to traditional flavors.

“The cream puffs are far from your traditional frozen puff found in the freezer aisle. The recipe is simply addicting. I’ve never met anyone that has tried Beard Papa’s that doesn’t crave it again the days following,” says Tucker Kaufman, a marketing representative for the franchise. “The product is unique in that there is nothing else like it on the market. From the high-quality ingredients used in the custard filling to the puff shells that are freshly baked throughout the day, the Beard Papa’s experience is unmatched.”

The first 100 people in line at Beard Papa’s on Saturday will receive a free swag bag and everybody gets a free cream puff with purchase. For more information visit their website.

 

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Dog Haus Biergarten Tempe opens this weekend

Grand opening celebrations start when the newest Dog Haus opens at The Watermark on Saturday at 11 a.m. 20% of sales this weekend will be donated to the Tempe Diablos and customers can enter to win a FREE Haus Dog every week through 2021. Until March 7th 20 people will be picked when the text “Tempe” to 31996 to win.

National Margarita Day is Monday 2/22, where are you celebrating?

The famous tequila cocktail is celebrated next week with specials at several restaurant. Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork offers $5 margs starting at 4 p.m. and Glendale’s Urban Margarita offers $4 margs on Taco Tuesday 2/23.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Scottsdale and Camelback locations celebrate all weekend with to-go 32 oz. batches of margs for $20 (normally $29.95) and single serve margs for $5 for dine-in or to-go. Other restaurants celebrating are Z Teja’s, GuacStar Kitchen, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Macayo’s & Ghost Ranch.

It’s Beer vs. Bubbles at Zuzu

Enjoy a reception and 3 -course dinner paired with beers from Belgium’s Chimay and France’s Perrier- Jouet Champagnes at the Hotel Valley Ho. Thursday 2/25 at 6:30 p.m. is when this friendly competition goes down seeing which beverage pairs best with Executive Chef Russel LaCasce’s menu. Space is limited and seats are $129 per person ++. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Spring’ 21 edition of the popular ARW will be May 21st – 30th. The bi-annual event from the Arizona Restaurant Association has local restaurants creating unique 3-course menus for the 10 day culinary event. Dinners are $33 or $44 and can be paired with wine or cocktail for an additional cost. The list of restaurants is always updated and menus will be available in coming weeks and months.

Cigar & Bourbon dinner at Match Market & Bar in Phoenix

Sip, smoke & eat next Friday  2/26 at the signature restaurant in the Founde:RE Hotel. The 4-course dinner will be paired with the Sazerac family of whiskeys tastes and cocktails paired with each course. Fumar Cigars will be featured and available for purchase. Seats are $90++ per person and can be purchased here.

 

Fresh Taste Meal Prep cooks for you and donates meals to those in need

A new local meal prep service launched last year that prepares fully cooked meals from its weekly menu. Fresh Taste Meal Prep delivers meals to your door or you can pick up at its north Phoenix location. Started by Tommy D’Ambrosio and his Aioli Gourmet Burgers team, he saw the need and popularity of fresh cooked meals for busy and home bound people.

It works like this, order your meals from their weekly offerings on the website and arrange for pick up or delivery. Meals can include Baked Ziti, Lemon Herb Salmon, Steak Chimichurri and of course Aioli Gourmet Burgers. Most meals are reasonably priced at $10-$13 with healthy and Keto friendly options. Order 5-9 meals and the price per meal drops to $9 each, 10 – 13 meals for $8.50 each and 14+ meals are $8 each.

“When the pandemic hit, we quickly pivoted our business model, moving into a prepared meals program for those staying at home. Soon after, my team quickly realized that frontline workers needed support and we created a meal donation program. During the first month after we launched, we donated more than 1,000 meals to the staff at HonorHealth, Valleywise Health and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. That’s what sparked the creation of Fresh Taste Meal Prep. Giving us the opportunity to support a local cause or food bank, every month of the year,” Tommy D’Ambrosio, chef and owner, Fresh Taste Meal Prep.

For every 10 meals ordered, 1 meal will be donated to Phoenix area non-profits to help feed the hungry. Fresh Taste Meal Prep partners with local non-profits monthly and has recently donated meals to Harvest Compassion Center.

Meals need to be ordered by Thursday 3 p.m. for delivery or pick up the following Sunday or Monday. Delivery is available valley wide or you can pick up your meals at Aioli’s 32nd St. & Shea location.

 

 

 

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Jungle Vino available at Pita Jungle for National Drink Wine Day

The new private label wines from California’s Dunnigan Hills will be available at all locations on Thursday February 18th. The Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced by Matchbook Wines and is $18 a bottle and $5 a glass at happy hour.

Bashas donates Paczki sales to St. VdP on February 16th

On Fat Tuesday the local grocer will donate 10% of sales of the Polish fruit filled pastry to St. Vincent de Paul. Customers who snap a selfie with the Paczki can tag @bashasmarkets on Facebook and Instagram and #PaczkiSelfie for a chance to win a$100 gift card. $.75 per or $2.99 for 6.

Bottomless fries at Hopdoddy Burger Bar for Fat Tuesday

The Camelback and Scottsdale burger joint kick off Mardi Gras with more fries than you can eat. All day you can choose from Parmesan Truffle, Green Chile Queso, BBQ Ranch and more. Available for dine-in or take-out.

Sazerac Cocktails & Craft buys new motor scooter for disabled vet

The downtown Phoenix bar raised money and donated their own to buy customer and disabled veteran Dave Little Eagle a new ride. Injured in a 2015 parachuting accident in Afghanistan old scooter broke down and couldn’t get in touch with the VA. Too watch the moment when Dave’s new scooter presented to him you can watch the video here.

Still time to make plans for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is this Sunday and if you and your sweetheart don’t have plans yet this post will give you plenty of dining out or take-out options from local restaurants.

 

 

Dining out or take-out for Valentine’s around Phoenix

February 14th to some Valentine’s Day to others is coming up fast and those looking to celebrate with Cupid its time to make a plan for you and your significant other. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year and some local restaurants and wine bars are celebrating all weekend long. These establishments are serving up dinner for 2 whether you’re dining out and for take-out.

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix- Fri., Sat. & Sun. Pizza, house salad & a bottle of wine for $35. 2 entrees, house salad, dessert & a bottle of wine for $55. Dine- in & take-out.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree- Specially prepared passionate starters, entrees and dessert on Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Dine-in.

Hotel Valley Ho– Old Town Scottsdale- 3 – course dinner on Sunday $55 – $75++ per person depending on entrees selected. Reservations required.

Hearth ’61– Paradise Valley- Saturday & Sunday a 3 – course seasonal prix fixe dinner $89 per person. Reservations required.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Phoenix- Fri. & Sat. 3 course Sweetheart Menu for dine-in menu is $62++per person. Sunday a special menu for dine-in at $82 ++per person. Special to-go menu available for $82++ per person.

Cowboy Club– Sedona- Slow Smoked Prime Rib & Cold Water Lobster Tail on Sunday for dine-in. $40 for 10 oz. prime rib, $49 for 14 oz. prime rib.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations- Fri., Sat, Sun, and Mon. 3 – course Prime Surf & Turf for 2. $240++ for 2 people. Dine-in & take-out.

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix- Several special dishes available for lunch & dinner on Sunday.

Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain– Paradise Valley- 4-course prix fixe menu on Sat. & Sun. for $149++ per person. Reservations required.

JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley – Special dinner on Sat. & Sun. at Rita’s Cantina and Bar. Complimentary champagne tasting on Valentine’s Day.

L’ Auberge de Sedona- Sedona- Hotel guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner from Executive Chef Frank Desplechin on Sunday. $165++ per person, $220 with wine pairings. Reservations required.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe- A romantic dinner for 2 or prepare a dinner together with ingredients and recipes provided for $90. Pre-order by 11a.m. on Thursday February 11th for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wine available by request.

Vicinos Local Italian- Scottsdale- Saturday and Sunday enjoy a 3 course prix fixe menu for $79.95++ for 2. Reservations highly recommended when dining out.

Los Sombreros– Scottsdale & Mesa- Enjoy a starter, 2 house specialties and dessert for $50++ on Sunday. Dine-in or take-out with reservations highly suggested for dining out.

STK Scottsdale– Scottsdale- Several opportunities to dine for brunch, dinner and date night leading up to Valentine’s Day weekend. Dining out or take-out available.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants- Multiple locations- The downtown Chandler location has a special Comedy Dinner with Cory McCloskey. Seating’s at 5 & 7 p.m. on Saturday the 13th with with a 3-course dinner for 2 for $125++. Reservations required.

A Sizzling Dinner for Two is available at all locations on Saturday the 13th. A three course dinner is available for dine-in and to- go for $45++ per couple.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse– Scottsdale- Chateaubriand for 2 for $65 on the 14th. Add 2 lobster tails for $40 and a bottle of Cristal for $200. Not available tepanyaki tables.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix- Kids eat free with with adult entree purchase on Saturday the 13th.

Jalapeno Inferno– Multiple locations- A “South of the Border” 3 course dinner for 2 for $48. For dine-in or take-out.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale- 4-course prix fixe dinner with Stuffed Dover Sole or Surf & Turf as your entree for $85 per person.

R + W Modern Bistro and Wine Market– Scottsdale- Enjoy a 3- course dinner with a reception to start at 5:30, dinner at 6 p.m. Limited seats are available for $85 per person++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-478-6999.

Nonna Urban Eatery– Scottsdale- An exclusive dine-in 3- course dinner for $48++. Reservations can be made by calling 480-663-3296.

Urban Margarita– Glendale- Fri., Sat., & Sun enjoy a 3-course dinner for $29++.

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix- Date night dinner for 2 on Sunday. Spring Salad, Short Rib Pot Pie or Seafood Pot Pie  and Bourbon-Glazed Chocolate Coconut Bread Pudding for $46.99 for 2. For dining out or take- out on Sunday. Call 602-466-5642 to order.

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- Enjoy a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine, charcuterie board for 2 and 6 chocolate dipped strawberries for $60. Available ion the 14th for dine-in or take-out.

ComicX– Desert Ridge Market Place- Valentine’s Day Couple Dinner: 2 entrees (reg menu), choice soup or salad, Churro Bowl with Chocolate hearts. It includes 2 bar drinks all for $65.

The Boulders Resort & Spa– Carefree- A 3-course dinner is being served at The Grill Kitchen & Bar on Valentine’s Day. $78++ per person. For reservations call 480-595-4621.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace- A 3-course Dinner for two with a bottle of Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay for $99 on Fri., Sat. and Sun. Reservations suggested.

Restaurants & shops are offering single item Valentine’s Day specials.

Soda Jerk– High Street

Crumbl Cookies– Multiple locations

Tikka Shack– Desert Ridge Marketplace

Sizzle Korean BBQ– Desert Ridge Marketplace

Genghi’s Grill, Mojo Yogurt, Portillo’s, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory-Tempe Marketplace- Tempe

 

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Pita Jungle opening Chandler Heights location on February 8th.

The newest location serving Mediterranean cuisine is opening on Monday. Located at the Steelyard at Gilbert Rd. & Chandler Heights the restaurant will have a large dining room, full bar and outdoor patio. The first 50 tables at lunch and dinner will receive a small order of hummus for free. One per table, dine-in only.

It’s Brisket Lovers Month at Miracle Mile Deli

All 3 signature brisket sandwiches (The Original Brisket of Beef, The Big Dipper & The Times Square Cheesesteak) are $12 in February. Available for dine-in, take-out or curbside pick-up Mon.-Sat.

The Boulders Resort & Spa hosting The Prisoner wine dinner

The award-winning Carefree resort hosts a 4- course gourmet dinner on Saturday February 13th at 6 p.m. in The Palo Verde Restaurant. All courses will be paired with The Prisoner wines and is $175 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4668.

Twin Peaks opens at Tempe Marketplace on Monday

The 4th location in the Phoenix area opens on in Tempe in a few days. The new build is on the eastern end of the shopping center and offers 29 degree cold beers including local favorites and scratch made comfort food in a lodge setting.

Vote for the best pizza at Pedal Haus Brewery?

You have until National Pizza Day on February 9th to vote for the best pizza created by founders Julian Wright & Derek “Doc” Osborne. Julian’s pizza features slow roasted pulled pork, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, peppadew peppers and fresh herbs. Doc’s is a Diavola Soprassata pizza with Boars Head pepperoni, Calabrian chilis, jalapenos and honey drizzle. The creator of the winning pizza will donate $500 and 50% of sales on the 9th to Valley Dogs if Julian wins or AZK9 rescue if Doc wins.

 

Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce rolls out #ScottsdaleCarryOutChallenge

Supporting local restaurants (and all businesses) continues to be a focal point in 2021 as the Coronavirus continues to take its toll on people’s health and local economies. The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce is supporting its local member restaurants with its new “Scottsdale Carry-Out Challenge”.

It’s pretty simple, order carry-out from a member restaurant in February on this list and post a picture social media. Tag the restaurant, the Chamber and #ScottsdaleCarryOutChallenge to be entered in a weekly contest for member restaurant $100 gift cards. Tag 2 friends and challenge them to get take-out and encourage them to tag to friends and so on. With the Super Bowl this weekend and Valentine’s Day coming up why not take-out a try to win a gift card for future visits.

There are 81 member restaurants in the Scottsdale Chamber for every taste and price point, recently opened and old favorites to choose from. Check back weekly to see which new restaurants has joined the Chamber. Follow the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.