Virtu Honest Craft serves chocolate dinner for Valentine’s Day

With many options for Valentine’s Day dinner, Old Town Scottsdale’s Virtu Honest Craft offers a unique take for dinner on Friday and Saturday, February 14th & 15th. Throughout the 4-course dinner guests will enjoy both sweet and savory flavors as Chef Gio Osso and his team will be using chocolate as ingredient that will offer unique flavor combinations.

The evening starts with an amuse bouche, a roasted blonde chocolate & foie gras bisque and women will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne and a red rose. The prie-fixe menu is…..

  • Crudo: filet mignon tartare, horseradish roasted chocolate aioli, salted radish, crispy shallot crumble
  • Al Forno: lasagna, prosciutto cotto, for di latte, pistachio white chocolate bechamel and parmigiano
  • Capesante: scallops, bacon caramelized onion potatoes, green chile white chocolate beurre blanc
  • Manzo: brut cocoa umami dusted filet mignon, foie gras potato, garlic butter asparagus, cocoa demi

The menu starts at $175 per person with a wine pairing option available for an additional $75. For more information and to make a reservation visit the Virtu Honest Craft website.

 

Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns for its13th year

The eyes of the cocktail world will be on Phoenix as the 13th Annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns February 27th – March 3rd 2025. Mixologists representing both local and international establishments will be concocting beverages at several events in Downtown Phoenix and at nearby venues, hotels and cocktail bars. The Arizona Cocktail Weekend is the longest running cocktail event in the Southwest.

Events for Arizona Cocktail Weekend

Tickets are now on sale for those 21 & over for individual events starting at $40, depending on the event.

The Cocktail Carnival

The weekend starts on Saturday, March 1st with The Cocktail Carnival at the newly remodeled Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix. This brand showcase event will offer attendees interactive experiences, innovative cocktails and entertainment. Attendees will have access to over 30 crafted cocktail samples.

Top Bars

On Sunday, March 2nd Top Bars welcomes attendees and over 40 representatives from bars around the world  from as far as London, Japan & Hong Kong) to one of the most popular events of the weekend. At Downtown Phoenix’s Warehouse 215, pop-up bars will be built so that mixologists can create their most popular signature cocktails.

Last Slinger Standing

16 of Arizona’s top mixologists battle it out on Monday, March 3rd for this friendly competition at Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) event center. Judges will decide who the winner is for 2025 are participants will use secret ingredients during each round of the competition.

For the second year throughout the week, bars and restaurants throughout Arizona will feature signature cocktails using spirits from brand sponsors. For more information, to purchase tickets and to sign up for email updates visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Hask Kitchen raising money for Habitat LA with new Has# Pancake Trio

February is National Pancake Month and all seven valley locations celebrate with a new trio of Red Velvet, Pineapple and S’mores stacks. $2 of every trio sold in February will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and its disaster relief efforts.

Chula Seafood celebrates 6 years in Uptown Phx

The local seafood monger & restaurant celebrates the anniversary of its 2nd Phoenix area restaurant on tomorrow, February 1st with specials at all 3 locations. All locations will have “Two Buck Shucks” and each location will offer specials as follow….

Uptown

  • Tuna Katsu Sando featuring a fried panko-crusted ground tuna patty on wondrous white with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce, $16.
  • Polenta Shrimp App featuring 13 to 15 shrimp, guajillo-marinated, sauteed and served on top of polenta cakes with a lime gastrique, $14.
  • Whole Fried Thai Snapper—Crispy fried snapper with Thai basil salsa verde, herb salad and coconut rice, MP.

Rosie

  • Coconut Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $17 for a 3-piece/$20 for a 6-piece
  • Fried Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $15 for a 3-piece/$18 for a 6-piece – Sauce choices include sweet chili, spicy Kewpie, masago ranch and cocktail sauce
  • French Fries, $8
  • Green Chile Cheese Fries with cheddar cheese sauce, green chilies and cilantro, $14
  • A la Carte Coconut Shrimp Taco—A flour tortilla filled with spicy Kewpie, coconut shrimp, purple cabbage, pineapple serrano salsa and avocado, $12

Grayhawk

  • Filet O Fish—White fish brandade patty breaded in panko then deep fried and served with American cheese, malt vinegar tartar sauce, shredded iceberg and house-made pickles on a Noble slider bun. Served with a side of chips, $15
  • Lobster Grilled Cheese— Butter-poached lobster with a white cheddar mornay on toasted Noble sourdough and served with a side of tomato soup, $25
  • Tuna Bulgogi Kimchi Fries—Crispy French fries topped off with seasoned ground yellowfin tuna, caramelized onions, kimchi, American cheese and sesame mayo, $15

Let’s do lunch at…….

Fire at Will starting Monday, February 3rd from 11 a.m. – 4p.m. The Scottsdale restaurant will offer a daily menu with more than 20 Small Plates, Burgers and Sandwiches, Salads, Big Plates, Sides and Desserts to choose from. Highlights such as French Onion Dip, Italian Chopped salad, Bacon BBQ Burger and Shrimp & Grits will impress the lunchtime crowd with its locally sourced ingredients like the way the dinner menu has since it opened.

Cider Corps offers new late night hours February 3rd

The downtown Mesa cidery will be staying open later as we get into the Phoenix area’s busy season arriving. The new taproom hours will begin 7 days a week from 11 a.m. -until 10 p.m. Monday – Friday, until 12 a.m. Friday & Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Myke’s Pizza will be serving NY-style slices of Cheese, Pepperoni and Vodka Sauce with Jalapenos Friday & Saturday nights from 8 – 10 p.m.

Bourbon & Bones reschedule Rickhouse event to March, 1st

With Parada Del Sol taking over Old Town Scottsdale tomorrow the scheduled Rickhouse Bourbon event will take the day off so those can attend the western celebration. The event returns the first Saturday in March.

 

YUMBAR now Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

As the one-year anniversary of The Royale, the outdoor complex in Phoenix’s Melrose District, approaches Owners Mark Howard and Rocco Menaguale have rebranded their casual restaurant YUMBAR to Royale Kitchen + Cocktails for 2025. The new restaurant is serving serving an elevated dining experience for dinner, brunch and an extended happy hour.

“The new name better reflects our focus as a neighborhood restaurant serving a large variety of metropolitan cuisine from our culinary team led by Chef Jeff Blake,” says Howard. “New selections and re-imagined favorites, along with our expanded martini, wine, and craft cocktail menus, offer our guests an exceptional dining experience seven days a week.”

Guests dining at RKC will have a larger dinner menu to choose from with new dishes that include Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry, Peachy Keen Chicken Sandwich and BLT Eggs Benedict at brunch. Favorites such as the Yum Burger, Jalapeno Popper Sandwich and the signature Mark Daddy Martini are still available.

Celebrating 1 year at Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

Both the restaurant and The Royale’s other concepts will be celebrating on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Guests will enjoy food & drink specials, live music, a live art exhibit, giveaways and a chance to win exciting prizes from other tenants in the Big Royale Raffle. Other businesses in The Royale include Window Coffee Bar, Stem Swag, Cult Hair Salon & Spa, Your Health and Wellness and others.

“Our vision for The Royale was to blend mid-century modern style with an inclusive atmosphere, transforming what was once dilapidated autobody garages surrounding a junk yard into a vibrant center for connection, creativity, and joy,” says Rocco Menaguale, the architect and designer of The Royale. “We wanted to create a space that reflects the Melrose neighborhood’s character and brings people together. We are excited to celebrate our anniversary with the community and introduce the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes this space so special.”

Royale Kitchen + Cocktails is at 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. Phoenix, for more information visit their website.

 

Catalyst Crafted Ales rolls out new food menu

Tempe’s Catalyst Crafted Ales has been brewing beers for almost a year and now is releasing a new menu full of new dishes. Some may find the wings, tacos, burgers and more may have a familiar taste as executive Chef Anthony Apolinar has added this new project to his responsibilities at Keeler Hospitality Group. At KHG for over 6 years working in the group’s north Scottsdale restaurants Liberty Station Tavern (DC Ranch & Terravita) and Keeler’s Steakhouse in Carefree Apoloinar knows how to cook in busy environment while mentoring and managing back of the house team members with the goal of guests enjoying their experiences.

KHG got involved last year when CEO & Founder Matt Keeler also took on the role Director of Operations at Catalyst.

“The menu will have a southwestern flare meets traditional brewpub fare vibe. Everything on the menu will pair perfectly with one or more Catalyst beers. Our staff will be ready to make pairing recommendations. I hope everyone will stop by and try the new menu,” said Chef Apolinar.

The now full-service restaurant will also have weekend brunch with French Toast, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and more.

1 year anniversary at Catalyst Crafted Ales

February 1st marks the first anniversary of Catalyst Crafted Ales and a festive day and night is planned. Guests will enjoy live music, games, food and the release of a new beer, Luppolo Blanc Grape IPA.

“I’m excited to celebrate one year of success in Tempe and look forward to many more to come. The beer community has been extremely supportive of our innovative brewing style, I can’t wait to start pairing our beers with the new food menu, Will Walthereson, head brewer, Catalyst Crafted Ales. For more information and to view the new menu visit their website. 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Tickets available for this weekend’s Arizona Wine Festival in downtown Phoenix

Heritage Square will host the two-day festival this Saturday & Sunday. Admission is free with Early Bird tickets available for those looking to taste wine from over 20 Arizona wineries. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and an official announcement for a $6 million donation to Cochise Community College for its new Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture program and wine making scholarships will be made at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The generous donation was made by Ann Marie Stephens.

Sunday Supper at Hush Public House with Sonoran Pasta

The two local owned businesses pair up this Sunday, January 26th for a four-course family style supper that includes…

  • Barrio Bread Focaccia with whipped ricotta and honey
  • “The Best Damn Ceasar”—enough said!
  • Sonoran Pasta Rigatoni with Sunday sauce, meatballs, sausage and braciole
  • Cannoli with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips

This experience goes off between 5 – 9 p.m. at the North Scottsdale restaurant for only $60++ per person and reservations can be made here.

Rombauer wine dinner at Tommy V’s

Owner Zoran Klisara welcomes guests to his Downtown Scottsdale restaurant on Thursday, January 30th pairing dishes from his kitchen with wines from Napa Valley and other northern California wine regions. The five-course dinner starts at 6 p.m. and features Seafood Cannelloni, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Filet Mignon. Seats are limited at $135++ and can be made at the restaurant’s website.

LDV Winery wins awards for 3 wines from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The prestigious competition awarded the wineries 2017 Petite Sirah- Bronze, 2023 Rose-Silver and 2022 Viognier- Bronze at the 25th anniversary event. Over 50 judges tasted more than 5,500 wines from over 950 North American wineries.

“It is an honor to be judged by the industry’s most notable wine connoisseurs and to be ranked among the continent’s best wines,” says Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery. “We will continue to put all our efforts and passions into producing the best wines we can and putting Arizona on the map as a true wine destination.”

Eggstasy now open in Queen Creek

The 8th location of the Arizona-based company opened in the East Valley this week at 20735 E. Maya Rd. Favorites such as The Angus Skirt Steak & Eggs, Caprese Benedict, Cookie Butter Crepes, coffee drinks and more are available everyday start at 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. during the week and 3 p.m. on weekends.

The Mexicano re-opening after kitchen fire last fall

Guests will be welcomed back to North Phoenix’s The Mexicano restaurant on Friday, January 31st with fresh new look after a kitchen fire closed the restaurant a few months ago. Chef Joey Maggiore and his wife Christina will present “The Mexicano 2.0” with a grand reopening celebration starting at 3 p.m.

Guests can expect the same chef driven menu of authentic Mexican cuisine given a modern twist with Chef Joey’s signature dishes. Since debuting in 2021, the restaurant that has been come to be known for its guacamole & salsa Ferris wheel and the new look will include a build-your-own-margarita bar and new dishes including “The Best F#%king Fries Quesadilla Taco”, “Pork Osso Bucco Molcajete”, and “Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms”. A new tortilla making station has been added bringing an authentic feel to the restaurant. New cocktails created by Phoenix mixologist Jason Asher who is well known around the world for his creative and unique libations will also make their debut.

Christina Maggiore designed the interior that includes an open airy feel with greenery, sleek furnishings and a covered patio. “We are so thankful for the incredible reception and support we received the first time around, and we are beyond excited for what’s to come with The Mexicano 2.0,” says Joey Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “This second round will match the energy of the original, but with an elevated, vibrant, and sexy new décor. Plus, the immersive experience that we’ve been working on will take it to the next level. The greenery and flowers come to life for the most spectacular experience for our guests. “

Attending the The Mexicano grand re-opening

The first 100 guests on the 31st will get a $30 gift card to use that evening or on a future visit and anybody attending the opening weekend will get a chance to win a VIP pre-party at the newest location opening in Chandler in the next few months.

The Mexicano is at 4801 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix and for more information can be found at their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Fish fry pop-up at Chula Seafood’s “Rosie” location

Saturday 1/11 at 11 a.m. at the south Scottsdale location a.k.a “Rosie” is hosting a fried fish pop-up that includes Chula Seafood Alaskan cod, fish n chips, crispy cod tacos and more.

Hot Pastrami & Pie Week returns to Miracle Mile Deli

From Monday, 1/13- Saturday 1/18 guests can take advantage of a deal at the Central Phoenix deli. Choose from a Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo sandwich, a side of fries & a pickle and slice of pie for only $19.49.

OverEasy kicks off 2025 with new seasonal dishes

The breakfast and lunch spot with 16 locations throughout Arizona starts the year with two new sweet & savory dishes and a latte. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery the new menu items are…..

  • Red Chile Tostadas – Two crispy corn tortillas, carnitas, feta cheese, onions, black beans, crema, smothered in red chile sauce served with a sunny side up egg
  • Cannoli French Toast – Sweet cannoli cream, cinnamon swirl bread, cannoli streusel, orange zest
  • Caramel Cold Brew Latte $6.49 (Spike It +$3) – Press Cold Brew, cream, house made caramel sauce, whipped cream

Macayo’s closing Tempe location to open a new one nearby

The Mexican restaurant and cantina is closing their location at Rural Rd. & Loop 202 as its lease expires at the end of January. Fear not Mexican food fans, their new location will be just down the road closer to ASU in The Cornerstone on the southeast corner of Rural & University. Expected to open in mid-February it will be more convenient for ASU students & the community and have an outdoor patio.

The restaurant is hiring front and back of the house team members at a hiring fair with on-site interviews on Monday 1/13 until Wednesday 1/15. For more information visit their website.

Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price Taco Tuesday at Ghost Street Asian Taqueria

The virtual kitchen inside Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill offers this weekly deal at their website or through their app when you use promo code TACOTUESDAY at checkout.

 

 

 

 

It’s “Tomaso Month” at The Italiano with a special menu

There’s no better way to honor one’s family than to recreate what they did best and enjoyed doing. In the case of Chef Joey Maggiore, it’s to dedicate a month long specially created menu at his newest restaurant, The Italiano, in honor of his father, chef & restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore who passed away four years ago this month.

Through the end of January guests can dine on a four-course menu of Tomaso’s signature dishes made with handmade pastas and slow-cooked sauces. The “Tomaso Month” menu is as follows……

First Course: (For the table)

  • Antipasto – Eggplant Napoletana, Mozzarella Caprese, Bruschetta with Auricchio Provolone, Roasted Peppers
  • Scungilli & Calamari – Roasted garlic, potatoes, and a spicy tomato wine broth

Second Course:

  • Sicilian Salad – Heirloom tomatoes, fennel, poached potatoes, red onion, puntarelle, and a citrus vinaigrette

Primi Piatti:

  • Mezza Rigatoni alla Norma – Heirloom tomato sauce, braised eggplant, and dried ricotta

Fourth Course: (Choose One)

  • Petra Sole Francese – Lightly egg-battered with lemon wine caper sauce
  • Stuffed Veal Cuscinetto – Mascarpone, prosciutto, wild mushroom ricotta, and a sherry wine demi
  • Divine Sausage & Peppers – House made, chargrilled with caramelized onions, peppers, and a San Marzano wine sauce

Dessert:

  • Angel KissesStrawberries stuffed with cannoli cream

For more information and to make your reservation visit the restaurant’s website.

AZ Lemonade Stand introduces AZ-ZERO

The new year brings out a new beverage from locally owned AZ Lemonade Stand. AZ-ZERO boasts “Zero Sugar, Zero Calories, All the Flavor” in two flavors, Original Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade. Using monk fruit as a natural sweetener for its bold refreshing taste the popular beverage is also made with real lemons and other natural flavors.

“We’re incredibly proud of AZ-ZERO because it’s not just another product; it’s the result of a challenging journey,” said Kyle Hollenbeck, Co-Founder of AZ Lemonade Stand. “Taking a product like lemonade, traditionally made with lemons and sugar, and reducing the sugar without losing that signature flavor was no easy task. Lemonade is inherently associated with sweetness, so finding a way to maintain the bold, refreshing taste we’re known for while eliminating sugar was a true challenge. By using monk fruit, we’ve achieved that delicate balance—delivering the same crisp, flavorful experience, but now with zero sugar and zero calories.”

Growth and community at AZ Lemonade Stand

Founded in 2020 by Hollenbeck and Aioli Burgers founder Tommy D’Ambrisio, AZ Lemonade Stand has sold over a million jars of its high-quality lemonade and continues its growth partnering with Hensley Beverage Company for distribution in Arizona. The brand is also community minded with charity sponsorships with groups such as #LOVEPUP, JoyBus and Malama Maui.

“Community support and giving back have always been essential to our business practices. We’re thankful to our local community for supporting our businesses, so we give back as much as we can,” said Hollenbeck. 

For more information and where to find AZ-Zero and the original lemonades visit their website.