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.

It’s OK to drink pink on National Rosé Day

You don’t need a reason to drink rosé but if you do tomorrow June 12th is the day. These restaurants are celebrating the light & refreshing wine. 1/2 price bottles all day at Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Humble Bistro, 25% off bottles at The Montauk and 10% off bottles & 50% off glasses all day at LDV Winery.

International Falafel Day at Pita Jungle

Rosé goes great with falafel and Saturday the 12th celebrates the Mediterranean dish and the locally owned fast casual restaurants offers 3 dishes, Falafel Pita, Falafel Bowl and a Falafel Salad.

Saturday June 12th is also World Gin Day

The aromatic & botanical white spirit know for Gin & Tonics, Martinis and more is being hailed around Phoenix area restaurants and bar. Head to Zinqué, Blue Clover Distillery, Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos and The Wine Store to raise your glass. Cheers!!

The above establishments will also be celebrating National Bourbon Day a couple days later on Monday June 14th. Phoenix City Grille celebrates with a $12 Bourbon Luxardo Smash.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria its seasonal summertime menu

All locations recently rolled out the new menu that is available until September 7th for dine-in, take-out or 3rd party delivery. Enjoy the Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Cheesecake and cocktails that include a Watermelon Mule and Summertime Sangria.

Match Market & Bar celebrates National Pride Month all month

The signature restaurant, market & bar inside the Found:RE Hotel in downtown Phoenix is cooking up and serving a colorful rainbow cake for June. Slices of the multi layered white cake are $15 with portion of sales going to the local Pride Chapter, Phoenix Pride.

Don’t forget to check my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

 

Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament returns in September

Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery has announced that its popular Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament is returning to Williams’ Elephant Rock Golf Course Saturday September 4th. The 2021 tournament is the 4th year of the tournament and will raise money for the Boys & Girls Club Flagstaff-Williams. Registration is open to individuals and foursomes with the 4 person scramble shotgun start at 8 a.m. with check-in starting at 7 a.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes throughout the morning.

“This event is really special to me, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy a fun day of golf while raising money to support a fantastic local group who are doing great things for the youth in our community. I hope everyone who loves craft beer and golf will sign up to join us on September 4th,” John Peasley, Founder, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery.

To play in the Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament it’s $150 per person or $550 per foursome if registered before July 11th, $600 if after. Sponsorships are available with information available by emailing info@grandcanyonbrewingco.com .

“We’re thrilled and thankful to be the charity benefactor for Putts & Pints. The funds raised from this awesome event will help us continue our mission to inspire and enable young people through our after school and summer programs,” said Mark Cox, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff-Williams.

Elephant Rock Golf Course is at 2200 Country Club Drive, Williams, AZ 86046.

 

 

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen opens 6th location

Arizona and family -owned Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen opened its newest restaurant in Gilbert with a limited schedule. Currently opened Thursday – Sunday the new location will gradually open on other days in the coming weeks. Picazzo’s originally started in Sedona serving organic and healthy pizzas, salads and other Italian specialties but in the years since have grown to include the flavors of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican ingredients.

“We can’t wait to welcome the Gilbert community to Picazzo’s!” says Picazzo’s Operations Manager, Chris Disney. It’s our pleasure to offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy-friendly items. Families can enjoy a meal at Picazzo’s and get their favorite dishes, whether they have special dietary needs or preferences or not. We’ve actually had guests cry with happiness when they realize they can order exactly what they want, how they want it!”

The menu in Gilbert is the same as the other locations and includes 95% organic ingredients for its pizzas, pastas, entrees, salads and more. Guests will notice a new modern look that will be rolled out to the other restaurants in the future.  A separate vegan menu is available using plant- based ingredients from Follow Your Heart, Daiya and Beyond Meat.

Picazzo’s new modern look

The restaurant’s spacious 4,300 square feet includes a roll-up garage door connecting the indoors and outdoors. “We thought a lot about our consumer when designing the new restaurant,” explains Disney. “That means creating a space that can accommodate solo diners and couples just as easily as large families. We also focused on selecting aesthetically pleasing textures and surfaces on everything from countertops to walls to the patio decking. We think our guests are going to love the experience here – and we hope they take advantage of the Instagram-worthy setting for taking photos with family and friends!”

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen is at 884 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert 85295 with the other locations in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe/Chandler, Arrowhead and Sedona. To find the location closest to you and to view the menu, 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.

Walter Station Brewery releases limited edition AAWLager

The local brewer has partnered with the Arizona Animal Welfare League to celebrate its 50th anniversary saving the lives of over 100,000 homeless animals. The new beer will be released on Saturday June 5th from 12 – 4 pm at the Washington St. brewery. The 6 packs will be available all summer long at beer shops and at Walter Station with part of the proceeds being donated to AAWL. Their looking to raise $50,000 by their 50th birthday on August 20th.

Wagyu from around the world at STK Steakhouse

The vibe at the Scottsdale steakhouse just got a little tastier as they celebrate National Steakhouse Month. Indulge yourself with Wagyu from Japan, Australia & America throughout June with such delicacies as Korean Style Short Ribs, Wagyu Beef Tartare & Caviar, a Tomahawk Steak and more.

Daily Dose partners with Harvest Compassion Center for back to school drive

Until July 31st at the Scottsdale and Midtown Phoenix restaurants guests can donate a filled back pack and get a free stack of any pancakes or a free specialty coffee. The local non-profit and locally owned restaurants are looking to provide 800 students with the school supplies they need to be successful in school as part of their 2021-22 School Supply Drive.

Coffee for a cause at Press Coffee

From now until August 1st the Phoenix- based coffee roaster is donating a portion of its Community Blend beans to Cloud Covered Streets. The non-profit gives help to those experiencing homelessness with showers, haircuts and laundry. Since launching in mid-2020 the Community Blend has raised over $3,000 to other local non-profits and schools.

The Happiest of Happy Hours at Taphouse Kitchen

Your wallet can use some relief this summer as the Scottsdale and Phoenix restaurants are offering a ton of food and drink specials for $6 Monday- Friday from 3-6 p.m. Pints of beer, well cocktails, Spicy Tuna Roll, Brewery Pretzel, 8-inch Alondra’s Pizzas are just a few of the happy hour specials offered. Brunch lovers can enjoy any breakfast entree for just $10 and $.01 Mimosa and Bloody Marys Sat. & Sun. from 8-11 a.m.

Woo Woo Burgers launches ghost kitchen from Z’ Tejas

The team behind Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill launched its new ghost kitchen concept, Woo Woo Burgers at the end of May. Currently coming from its Chandler location’s kitchen, burgers and more are available for curbside pick-up or third party delivery. “We’re excited to launch this new concept,” said Robby Nethercut chief operating officer. “Woo Woo Burgers is a passion project of ours. It’s the delicious, simple type of food that we love made with the best ingredients.”

The simple menu offers 1/3 lb 80/20 Angus chuck & brisket for its Woo Woo Burger, Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheeseburger. The Woo Woo Chicken Sandwich comes with bacon and cheese. Several variations of the chicken sandwich are also available. All come dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and mayo and sides, sauces and drinks are also available.

“Burgers represent American culture – backyard gatherings, BBQs, nostalgia of the good ‘ol days,” said Diego Bolanos, executive chef. “I see Woo Woo Burgers as a great opportunity to connect to the community and our guests.”

Through Sunday June 6th 10% of all sales will be donated to Phoenix-based Living Hope Cancer Foundation. The non-profit is dedicated to providing cancer patients and caregivers support through lifestyle coaching and advocacy. Living Hope was founded by cancer survivors and more information can be found on their website.

To place an order head to 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.

Roaring Fork starts all night happy hour

Memorial Day is the un-official start of summer but the official start of the Scottsdale restaurants popular summer promotion. Every Sunday- Thursday until labor Day, September 6th, guests can 10 dishes at $12.50 or less in the bar or saloon. $6 wines by the glass and $7 Roaring Cocktails are also being offered.

National Donut Day at Chin Up Donuts & Coffee

One of America’s favorite pastries is celebrating its day on Friday June 4th. The artisan donut shop has collaborated with Fired Pie and Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles to offer unique donut creations. The Fired Pie donut has a marinara sauce glaze, shredded mozzarella and their signature curling pepperoni – torched to crispy perfection. Lolo’s donut is a maple glazed brioche donut topped with Lolo’s crispy fried chicken and slice of waffle. A Creme Brulee donut has also been created for the occasion.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar to donate Navy Seals this weekend.

Starting today through Memorial Day the burger joint with locations in Scottsdale & Phoenix (and all other locations) will donate a part of sales from all sales to the Seal Legacy Foundation.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze in June

All kids 12 and under get a free meal from The Squeeze’s Kids Menu from June 1st-30th. Each meal comes with soda, juice or milk with each meal normally costing about $8.

Koibito Poke launches Signature Bowls

4 locations in Scottsdale, Arcadia and Chandler have added 2 new signature bowls for $13.99. Customers can get the new Koibito Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Salmon, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sriracha Aioli topped with Cilantro, Edamame, Cucumbers, Seaweed Salad & Sesame Seeds. Tuna Trio Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Spicy Tuna, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sweet Chili Lime Sauce topped with Edamame, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Pineapple, Sesame Seeds & Masago.

Ingo’s Tasty Food coming to North Scottsdale in 2022

LGO Hospitality has announced another of its Arcadia Lite concepts will be opening a location in North Scottsdale in the future. Ingo’s Tasty Food will join sister restaurant Buck & Rider along Scottsdale Rd. near the Loop 101 when it opens in mid-2022. Ingo’s is known for its scratch made in- house food including the popular Fried Chicken Sammy, Ingo’s Chopped Salad and grass fed burgers.

“After years of continuous success for Ingo’s in Arcadia, we could not be more excited to expand and introduce the brand community and menu experience to more residents and visitors in new neighborhoods around the city,” says Emily Collins of LGO Hospitality. “The vibrant patio will be great for outside meetings over comfort food, quick in and out delicious coffee bar and breakfast, lunch, dinner and gorgeous sunset happy hours with family and friends over staple LGO Hospitality dishes and spirits.”

The 2,600 square foot North Scottsdale location is being designed by L.A. architectural firm LOHA: Lorcan O’Herlihy will feature a cozy countertop like the one at its original location. A patio and curbside pick-up will also be available.

Founded in 2013 Ingo’s Tasty Food serves its all-day menu for lunch and dinner along with coffee and pastries from the LGO Bakeshop. The North Scottsdale location will be the third for Ingo’s Tasty Food with the second location opening this summer in downtown Phoenix.

Guests are welcome to visit the Arcadia Lite location or can order on the Ingo’s Tasty Food app. 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.

Raise your glass for National Wine Day

If you’re a regular wine drinker May 25th is just another Tuesday to you. If you occasionally enjoy a glass of wine then you may want to celebrate the fruit of the vine at these local establishments. LDV Winery is offering $2 wine flights all day, Pita Jungle offers a bottle of its private label Jungle Vino for only $13 or $5 a glass. Other restaurants and retailers celebrating with wine features from around the world include The Wine Store, Zinqué, CRUjiente Tacos, The Italian Daughter & The Sicilian Butcher.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe moves 3rd Tuesday dinner to next week

The monthly 3-course dinner paired with wines had to get bumped back a week this month to Tuesday May 25th. Halloumi Salad and Paesano (veal shoulder & Italian sausage marinara) & and dessert wind out the menu. Check their Facebook page for more details and how to reserve your seat.

Barro’s Pizza hiring 400 people in Tucson & Phoenix

The family owned restaurant with 44 locations (soon to be 46) is hiring counter help, cooks and most importantly delivery drivers. For more information and to apply visit their website.

$.75 Margarita de Macayo to celebrate 75 years

Macayo’s continue celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2021. Wednesday May 26th all locations invites guests who dine-in can to get 2 margaritas for less than a dollar each.

Arizona Restaurant Week is here

Tonight through Sunday the 30th dine at your favorite restaurant or visit a new one for a specially created 3 course menu for $33 or $44. To see the full list of participating restaurants from around Arizona and their menus visit their website.

Earthly Labs helps SanTan Brewing Co. reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Co. is doing its part to have less of an impact on our environment and plans to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) output by half every year. In order to accomplish this they’ve partnered with Earthly Labs to capture and re-use the CO2 they use. They’ve also installed a nitrogen generator to purify the air and eliminate the CO2 when producing aluminum cans, kegs and tanks at its production facility. These 2 machines will the brewery reduce 500 metric tons of CO2 it produces.

“I’m really proud to be able to take this step towards creating a more hopeful future by doing our part to reduce carbon emissions and create a cleaner environment. Earthly Labs is changing the game for our industry by giving us control over key ingredients that are good for the planet,” said Anthony Canecchia, Founder + Brewmaster, SanTan Brewing Company.

Brewing over 50,000 barrels of beer annually, SanTan is the first Arizona brewery to use the carbon capture and re-use technology. Visitors touring their production facility can view the machines at work when visiting the brewery. SanTan will continue to work with Earthly Labs to see how it reduces its carbon footprint in other ways.

Pioneering climate technology only works if leaders invest in it. We are thrilled to partner with SanTan Brewing, a clear industry leader, to recycle their waste CO2 into a quality ingredient,” said Amy George, CEO, Earthly Labs. For more information visit their website.

Renata’s Hearth to open at the Arizona Biltmore this week

A couple of weeks after re-opening with a new look, the Arizona Biltmore Resort debuts its new restaurant, Renata’s Hearth on Tuesday. The Central & South American inspired restaurant will tempt you palate with its smoky aromas of chiles, meats and more. The restaurant joins the newly opened outdoor Inspire Bar.

Chef Jose Figueroa Ortega’s menu pays homage to his Hispanic heritage with its meat and seafood dishes. Ortega’s taste for southwest flavors started at a young age while cooking at home with his family. He built on what he learned at home by attending the Arizona Culinary Institute to hone his skills before working at Cafe Monarch & Tarbell’s. His photo worthy dishes include Grilled Branzino, Renata’s Pozole Blanco and Mole Negro Rubbed Smoke Wagyu Brisket.

Signature cocktails will include the Burnt Paloma and White Sangria and the Los Muertos and Smoked Pineapple. Two signature carts will roam the restaurant including a fresh guacamole & Spanish tapas cart and the Mezcal Mavens will have their craft cocktail cart. Inspire Bar pays tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright whose influences are found throughout the resort that dates back to 1929.

Moroccan lanterns strung from trees along with tiles and aged leather will set the mood. “We believe that Renata’s Hearth will be unlike any other restaurant that exists in the current Arizona culinary scene,” said Cornelius Cover, general manager at Renata’s Hearth. “The alchemy of authentic flavors and the essence of smoke mesh in a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for nights out and special occasions.”

For more information and to make a reservation visit their website.