Expansion happening again for Cider Corps in 2021

The continued popularity of cider is causing Mesa’s Cider Corps to expand for the 2nd time since opening three years ago. This expansion has the veteran owned business move production to a new larger facility in nearby Gilbert in mid-2021. Don’t worry cider drinkers the downtown Mesa taproom will still be open along with Myke’s Pizza.

Co-owners brothers Josh and Jason Duren (retired U.S.M.C.) need the additional space to meet demand for its cans and keg business. “Our immediate goal is to ramp up production to be able to share our ciders with even more people in Arizona,” said Josh Duren. “As we grow, it’s nice to have kind of a blank page of space that can evolve as we do, and that can adapt as life beyond the pandemic does.”

Expansion plans in Gilbert

The 11,500 sq.ft. Gilbert facility will have a main building for production and retail sales for customers to take cider home. When it becomes safe to do so the brothers will host tours of the cidery and have events scheduled. Upon entry to the facility a canning line will be visible and customers can see the packaging process. A second building will be used for cold storage. The additional production will allow for experimentation of new ciders and techniques.

The current equipment will be moved and new equipment will be purchased so they can triple production to 1,000 barrels. Cider Corps opened in November 2017 and in 2019 expanded with by 2,000 sq. ft to accommodate the growth of their ciders.

“We get a ton of people from the East Valley, Gilbert and beyond, who make the trek to the taproom. We’re really excited about being closer for them” he said. “But I’m just as excited about being able to grow and create more ciders for all of Arizona”. The new facility will be at 685 S. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert 85296.

Tis the season to give gift cards to your favorite restaurants

Many have already started their holiday shopping for friends and family with gift cards making for great gifts. Gift cards have two benefits, the restaurants get much needed money up front for expenses and the foodie in your life can visit a new or favorite restaurant. Tis the season to give and receive as many restaurants offer bonus gift cards and discounts to those who purchase the gift cards.

These restaurants are selling gift cards for your holiday gift giving. Be sure to check their website for more information.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix- For every $100 spent purchaser get to pick a surprise gift card worth various amounts.

Los Sombreros– Multiple locations- A $100 gift card purchased gets a $25 gift certificate. A $50 gift card gets a $10 gift certificate.

Fogo de Chao– Scottsdale-On Black Friday from 8-11 a.m. the first 200 guests’ in-store will get a FREE lunch dining card for every $100 gift card purchased. There after receive a bonus $25 gift card for $75 in GC, purchases, $75 for $300 purchased and $100 for every $400 purchased.

Tocaya Organica-Multiple locations- Give $50 Get $10.

Pita Jungle– Multiple locations- Spend $25, get $5 in Pita Dough.

S & V Urban Italian-Scottsdale- $30 gift card with purchase of $100 gift card in December.

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- Buy $50 Get $10 or Buy $100 Get $25 in December

Thai Chili 2 Go– Multiple locations- For every $50 purchased get a $10 voucher.

Koibito Poke– Multiple locations- For every $30 spent get a $10 gift card.

Chompie’s Deli- Multiple locations- Purchase $50 get a $10 card.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations- Black Friday get $15 for $50 in purchases. Then $5 bonus card on $25 purchased through December 24th.

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants– Multiple locations- A $10 “Thank You” gift card on $50 in gift card purchases. And a bonus set of Senor Bob and Cha Cha mugs with $100 in gift cards.

Pasta 78– Chandler- Tis the season to save $$ too. Buy a $100 gift card for $85.

Jalapeno Inferno– Multiple locations– Black Friday “BOGO” event. Buy a $25, $50 or $100 gift card get a voucher for same amount.

 

Canopy by Hilton the first hotel in Old Town Scottsdale in a decade opens

Old Town Scottsdale welcomed its first hotel to open in over 10 years when Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town welcomed guests recently. Located at Marshall Way and 1st St. the mid-century modern looking seven story hotel offers 177 spacious guest rooms and 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The location is centrally located to everything the Old Town area has to offer. Within walking distance are art galleries, boutiques, Museum of the West and more restaurants to count.

“It’s amazing to see our vision for the hotel come to life as the entire team has put their best effort into embracing the historic arts community while delivering a new destination that will become a gathering place for locals and guests alike,” said Devin Mahoney, general manager and chief enthusiast of Canopy Scottsdale.

Dining at Canopy by Hilton

Canopy by Hilton
Tepary Been Hummus at Cobre

Canopy Scottsdale has its own signature restaurant, Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails headed by Chef Patrick Gaudet. Inspired by the southwest, the American brasserie is open for daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gaudet’s menu includes Chicken Chiliquiles, Caramelized Goat Cheese Salad, Grilled Tri- Tip and Grilled Shrimp and House Guacamole. For those on the run a grab-n- go coffee counter offers locally roasted coffee, breakfast treats and pastries. Cobre’s craft cocktail program joins the area’s cocktail culture that is familiar with a modern twist.

Great views of the valley are found on the rooftop where you’ll find the pool, spa and Outrider Rooftop Lounge. Energy, ambiance and cocktails make the roof the place to see and be seen in Old Town Scottsdale.

“Within the hotel, we’ve honed in on the spirit of the Southwest in every aspect of its architecture, design, art and culture and have created a truly local experience that captures the essence of our neighborhood whether you’re looking to work, play or rest in Old Town Scottsdale. There’s really no other new hotel like it in the area.” says GM Mahoney.

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town is located at 7142 E. 1st Street in Scottsdale 85281. For more information visit their website.

Slice Eat introduces drive- thru pizza & gourmet Italian

Last week Scottsdale’s Slice Eat opened its drive-thru window as the “l’originale”, is the first of its kind in Arizona. Owner Luca Gagliano, a native of Italy and owner of central Phoenix’s Forno 301 saw the need for the convenience of getting authentic Italian pasta dishes and pizza.

If you don’t want drive-thru, guests can order at the counter and watch their food being made then enjoy it in the dining room, on the patio or take it to go. Choose from wood-fired Romana styled pizzas by the slice or the pie or classic Italian dishes such as Eggplant Parmigiana and creamy Fettuccine. Salads, locally made gelato and cold brew from Press Coffee are also available.

Slice Eat is at 7111 E. Thomas Rd. Scottsdale 85251. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates and information.

 

New menus and a new look welcome back the Wrigley Mansion

The famed Wrigley Mansion re-opened this week with new lunch, dinner and beverage menus after almost a year’s worth of renovations. A new Sunday brunch menu will debut on November 29th from Chef de Cuisine Ashley Goddard.

Guests will be welcomed with a new driveway approach along with new and improved indoor and outdoor spaces and a new Garden Terrace. Guests will be able to view the finishing touches being put on the highly anticipated Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion.

“Our team has been hard at work evaluating our property, procedures, service, and completely re-imagining the Wrigley experience,” says General Manager Vinnie Walia. “After months of renovations, careful consideration and implementation of public health safety measures, we are excited to reopen to serve our beloved members and community.”

Chef Goddard’s new gourmet menus at Geordie’s Restaurant & Bar will include Autumn Pizza, Braised Rabbit Leg Ragout and Steamed Clams. CEO and Wine Director Paola Embry spent her time planning to increase the wine offerings to over 12,000 bottles. New wines included are from Arizona wineries which Embry visited and built relationships to support the local industry.

Geordie’s serves lunch Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Happy hour specials in the bar is Tuesday-Saturday from 3-6 p.m. and all day Wednesday. Jamie’s Wine Bar is open Tuesday-Saturday from 3 p.m.-close. Afternoon tea service is available Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4 p.m. For more information and to make a reservation head to www.wrigleymansion.com/.

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.

Wildflower adds new hearty menu items for winter

The locally owned specialty bakery known for its handcrafted artisan breads and more has added 8 new items to its menu. The festive foods include breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, pastas and toasts. There are 16 locations throughout Phoenix and Arizona.

Friendsgiving at Pedal Haus Brewery

Thanksgiving Eve friends and family can gather on the patio for a socially distanced celebration during happy hour. From 3:30 til closing on Wednesday November 25th enjoy happy hour specials, the new Peppermint Porter and live music. The celebration at the Chandler location goes until 10 p.m.

Aridus Wine Company ends its 8th harvest

The award-winning winery ends the 2020 grape growing season with almost 86 tons of grapes. This was their 4th harvest picking grapes from the estate’s 40 acres of vineyards in southern Arizona that started on August 22nd. 72% of the grapes picked will be for red wines, 26% for white wines and 2% for rose.

FRANCINE Restaurant opens patio for dining

You can now enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch at the French Mediterranean restaurant outside on the new patio. Located at the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square seats 28 people in the relaxing and beautiful setting. Seating is by request with reservations recommended.

Serrano’s closes Tempe location until early 2021

The 6440 S. Mill Ave. location has closed for dine-in and take-out to undergo a major renovation. A major renovation needs to completed and the 4 other locations are open for dine-in, take-out and curbside delivery.

The Mick Brasserie & Bar, a welcome addition to McCormick Ranch

Any restaurant that’s opened in 2020 faces more challenges than the day to day challenges associated with the restaurant industry. Open in an Arizona summer and you could be behind the eight ball even more. Those challenges haven’t seemed to put a damper on the opening of The Mick Brasserie & Bar in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood. The modern French inspired restaurant opened last August and on a recent Wednesday night guests seemed to be enjoying as if were 2019.

The Mick Braaerie & Bar
Pate de Campagne. All photos courtesy of Shoshana Leon

Owners John Krause and Chef Brent Menke are serving colorful, small and shareable plates that’s globally inspired and locally sourced. The menu aims to please all with vegan and vegetarian dishes along with plenty for meat and seafood lovers. The two longtime friends date back to The University of Arizona where they were fraternity brothers before both wound up in Rhode Island. Menke cooked on yachts before opening The Farm Table in northwestern Massachusetts. Krause has had several careers and this is his first foray in the restaurant business.

The Mick Brasserie & Bar menus

On my recent visit my guest and I arrived towards the end of happy hour and enjoyed glasses of house wine with our Pate de Campagne, a healthy portion of pork pate wrapped in bacon with pistachios, Shiitake mushrooms and foie gras. Served with pickled red onions, stone ground mustard, cornichons and toasted sourdough bread. A fan of wild mushrooms we ordered Wild Mushroom Napoleon which I was left to enjoy myself as my companion isn’t a fan of the earthy delights. The Bacon Tarte was plentiful and filling.

We split the Duck Confit Moroccan Pastilla which we both wished we had all to our self. The pickled pineapple was unique touch to the filo wrapped duck, julienne vegetables and agrodolce. In typical European style The House Julienne Salad was brought after our meal. Chef Menke loves to say, “Food is better when shared.”

The Mick Brasserie & Bar
Duck Confit Moroccan Pastilla

The Mick has an extensively researched wine and craft beer list from around the world including 50 wines by the glass and 24 beers on tap. Four retail refrigerators allow for wines and beers can be sold to take home with you. The spacious patio allows for comfortable outdoor dining while the modern art filled indoor interior offers a well-lit enjoyable dining experience.

The Mick Brasserie & Bar is at 9719 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85258. Hours are Tues.- Fri. 3 p.m. -9p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. – 3p.m. Brunch is served early on weekends and happy hour is from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. To view the menu and more information check 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.

Mediterra Bakehouse seasonal breads available at farmers markets

Handmade breads made with grains grown on their farm in Coolidge are available in 4 seasonal varieties through December. Pumpkin Boule, Fig & Anise, Chocolate Cherry Levain & Christmas Stollen can be found 4 days a week around phoenix at local farmers markets.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe hosts 3rd Tuesday dinner

The popular downtown Gilbert restaurant offers a 3 course dinner with 3 wine pairings for its monthly dinner. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and is $39++ per person. Reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224 or email

Grgich Hills wine dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The famed Napa Valley winery will have its wines featured with at 5-course dinner in downtown Scottsdale. The Thursday November 19th dinner will be have socially distanced tables of no more than 8 people. $90 ++ per person, to view the menu and make a reservation head to http://tommyvscottsdale.com/ .

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1st to use edible straws

All 9 Phoenix area locations are serving their seasonal Cranberry Truffle and Cranberry Crisp smoothies with a strawberry flavored edible straw. Each SORBOS individually packed straw stays firm for 40 minutes and is biodegradable.

Winning burger & shake now available at Aioli Gourmet Burgers

The contest had lots of recipes entered but only one could win each category. The FRC burger from Francis Campos of BASIS Phoenix H.S. and The Boo Shake by Kaitlynn and Mackenzie from Adobe Mountain H.S. are now available at the burger shops in Litchfield Park and 2 in Phoenix. 10% of all burgers sold are being donated to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers

Cold Beers & Pizza coming to Old Town Scottsdale in December

The popular Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers in Old Town Scottsdale is getting a new neighbor next month. That’s when owners Square One Concepts will open Cold Beers & Pizza, Local Pizza Joint next to its “big sister”. The restaurant will feature Midwest style “thin crust” and hand tossed Neapolitan pizzas and 70+ beers on tap, in bottle and can.

Square One Concepts Founder & CEO, S. Barrett Rinzler, said: “It’s a challenging time for all of us in the restaurant industry. But the way we see it, we’ve got to keep living and doing things for the future. This seemed like a natural next step. We now know how to cope with the ‘new normal,’ so we feel confident that we can open a new concept and continue the very best health practices per CDC and Arizona guidelines, for our customers and our staff.

The walk up style restaurant will offer a relaxed atmosphere in the dining room and on the patio. Servers will be on hand to deliver beverages and answer questions and like Cold Beers & cheeseburgers the restaurant will have big screen TVs although fewer. The dining room will be filled with tables and booths for dining.

The menu will include an extensive list of traditional pizzas and a BYOP, “Build Your Own Pizza” options. Gluten free and cauliflower crusts will be offered. Classic pastas, salads and sandwiches give diners options, make sure you save room for dessert.

“In fact, our team is very excited to launch Cold Beers & Pizza, and dovetail, you might say, off our popular Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers brand. We’re working hard to be sure everyone can enjoy this new branch of our restaurant family. We’ve created delicious, straightforward pizza options and a menu we know everyone can enjoy.”

Cold Beers & Pizza will be open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with happy hour Monday- Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. 4222 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For updates follow on Facebook and Instagram @ColdBeersPizza

 

 

Take-out or dine-in on Thanksgiving Day from local restaurants

Everybody’s favorite food holiday is just over 2 weeks away (Thursday November 26th). With Thanksgiving 2020 giving us new challenges cooking shouldn’t be one of them. This list offers restaurants(and a local retailer or 2) in the Phoenix area who are preparing traditional and non-traditional meals for dining in or preparing take-out to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Click on each restaurants website to see the menu, pricing and ordering instructions and deadlines.

Dine-in

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree

The Boulder Resort & Spa– Carefree

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilhttps://paulmartinsamericangrill.com/promotions/thanksgiving/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Thanksgiving2020bert

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine– Scottsdale

Take-out

Chompie’s– Multiple locations

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Cowboy Club– Sedona

Fuel to Fit– Tempe

Wildflower– Multiple locations

Sprouts Farmers Market– Multiple locations

SanTan Brewing Company– Chandler

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix

Z’Tejas– Chandler & Paradise Valley

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix

Tracy Dempsey Originals– Tempe

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilbert

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix