Year: 2014

German Osio’s Kale & Clover: Mindful Kitchen to open soon in north Scottsdale

The newest entry into the Scottsdale restaurant scene will be Kale & Clover: Mindful Kitchen from Osio Culinary Group. It will be the 4th restaurant from restaurateur German Osio which include Central Bistro in Phoenix, SumoMaya & Local Bistro in Scottsdale. Kale and Clover will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will feature clean and healthy food and drinks available to dine in or carry out making it convenient for all.

Chris Mayo will be executive chef and be moving up north from Central Bistro and has spent the last few months planning the mostly vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menu. Diners will have the option to add protein if they like.

“We are using responsibly-sourced, seasonal ingredients and have taken special care to focus on nutritional balance and flavor,” Mayo said. “It has been a treat to work on Kale & Clover’s menu, to sink into the taste of the high-quality ingredients we have selected and combine them in complementary ways so that the food pops with flavor.”

A few of the menu’s signature dishes include…
· Superfood salad: kale, romaine hearts, shaved local vegetables, avocado, almonds, apricots, lemon dressing.

· Faux Pho: red miso shiitake broth, rice noodles, tofu, Thai basil, sprouts, chilies, lime.

· Avocado summer roll: pickled veggies, mint, house made sambas.

· Caramelized cauliflower: caper-raisin jam, lentils, local carrots, curry vinaigrette.

· Seared Salmon: red quinoa, marinated cherry tomatoes, avocado, light herb vinaigrette

Cold pressed juices, agave sweetened drinks and espresso drinks will be available along with craft beers and wines.

“My hope is that Kale & Clover makes it easier for people to eat healthily. Our menu is chef-crafted, so it will appeal to everyone—even those who shy away from healthy ingredients,’’ Osio said. “We offer breakfast, lunch and dinner so that the option for clean food is always available. And our grab-and-go and eat-in components are intended to provide utmost convenience.”

Kale & Clover: Mindful Kitchen will be located at 20511 N. Hayden Road at Hayden Peak Crossing in Scottsdale, the same shopping plaza as Osio’s sister restaurant, Local Bistro. Kale & Clover will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Re-unite at SumoMaya for a Andre House fundraiser the day before Thanksgiving.

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away and SumoMaya is helping you start the celebration the day before and at the same time helping to raise money for Andre House. Come into SumoMaya on Wednesday, November 26th at anytime between 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. as they will be selling a “Happy Hour Pass” for $10. All proceeds will go to Andre House and those purchasing will be given a complimentary Margarita and enjoy Happy Hour pricing on food & drinks all day. There will be $5 cocktails, surprises and a Mariachi band.

Andre House of Hospitality serves up to 800 meals 6 days a week plus offers clothing, showers and transitional housing to those who need it. www.andrehouse.org

This day makes for a great opportunity to re-unite with friends & family while at the same time helping a good cause as we give thanks for what we all have.

SumoMaya is located at 6560 N. Scottsdale Road 85253 480-397-9520 www.sumomaya.com

Fall into the Festival at the Farm to taste Arizona wines

Arizona Winegrowers Assoc logo
Fall is in the air and the harvest is over it’s time to celebrate with the Arizona Wine Growers Association’s annual Festival at the Farm wine tasting that showcases what Arizona wineries are up to this past year. The events on Sat. November 15th will once again be held at the historic Farm at South Mountain from 12 noon- 5 p.m.

Grapes in the Lawrence Dunham vineyards
Grapes in the Lawrence Dunham vineyards
Festival goers will get to experience over 32 local wineries including Callaghan Vineyards, Passion Cellars, Burning Tree Cellars just to name a few and will get to taste current releases poured by many of the owners and winemakers who can answer questions and tell you their story.

Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 and include a commemorative glass. www.azwinefestivalatthefarm.com www.arizonawine.org

2nd Annual Live & Local returns to Scottsdale.

Live & Local 1
The Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale is gearing up for the their 2nd Annual Live and Local on Sunday November 9th at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall starting at 5p.m. This event features local restaurants, beers and musicians for attendees to enjoy on a great fall evening. This years participants include food from Sumo Maya, The Pink Pony, Union Barrelhouse and more. You can wash down your eats with beers from Sleepy Dog Brewery and Mother Road Brewery as well as Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine Tequila and samples of wine from Arizona wineries. The libations will be showcased in libation-centric experiences that include a beer garden and unWined lounge.
Live n local 2
Music will be provided by Nate Williams Band, Georgia Chrome and Adam Shero. A VIP After Party will start at 9p.m. and include a fashion show, delicious desserts and adult milkshake for those that stick around. The event is being presented by Go Daddy and sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association and NOVA Home Loans which is helping the Boys and Girls Club raise funds for local youths tha tneed it the most.

“In 1954, Scottsdale Junior Chamber of Commerce led an effort to organize a then-Boys Club of Scottsdale. In a temporary location at Loloma Elementary, 258 boys were served in the first year of the Clubs operation. Five years later, the first branch, called the Osborn Branch was completed and served 1,186 boys from the Scottsdale community in their first year being open,” says Steve Davidson, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

Tickets are on sale and are $50 for General Admission that include access to the main event and tastings a VIP tickets are $100 and include additional VIP experiences and After Party access. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bgcs.org/liveandlocal And don’t miss a bite, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates (@LiveandLocalAZ #LiveandLocalAZ).

It’s Baaack! Arizona Restaurant Week returns September 19-28

The Fall 2014 Arizona Restaurant Week is back with 10 nights (Fri. Sept 19th – Sun. Sept. 28th) to try 3 or 4 courses at some of the best local restaurants around that include new restaurants Sumo Maya and The Local along with well established restaurants such as Rancho Pinot Grill. Over 150 Phoenix area restaurants will be participating and offer special prix-fixe menus costing only $33 or $44 per person ++.

Customer participation is is also recommended as social media will play a role with interactive promotions, contests and more as well as a Instagram scaenger hunt and contest in partnership with Buick that encourages customers to eat out often and hashtag your photos #TourARW.

Below are a few photos of what I’ve had the chance to taste. www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com

Sumo Maya's Hamachi Tiradito
Sumo Maya’s Hamachi Tiradito
Roka Akor's Warm toffee cake with peanut butter ice cream and house made sorbets
Roka Akor’s Warm toffee cake with peanut butter ice cream and house made sorbets

Paul Martin's Charcuterie plate
Paul Martin’s Charcuterie plate
Paul Martin's Grilled Salmon
Paul Martin’s Grilled Salmon

Wrigley Mansion's Lobster Risotto w/ roasted fennel and shrimp
Wrigley Mansion’s Lobster Risotto w/ roasted fennel and shrimp

Blue Bell turns back the clock with Magic Cookie Bar ice cream.

Magic Cookie Bar-Press Shot-CMYK 150
Just in time for July’s National Ice Cream month, Blue Bell Ice Cream introduces Magic Cookie Bar ice cream today in your grocers freezer. Named after after the popular dessert that debuted in the 1960’s this ice cream is made with graham cracker crust pieces, dark chocolate chunks,toasted coconut and roasted pecan pieces surrounded by a caramel sauce swirl. This ice cream will be a stroll down memory lane for those that remember the original dessert.

“Many adults today remember making magic cookie bars with their moms when they were children,” comments Paul Kruse, CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries. “Our Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream will be a walk down memory lane for some Blue Bell fans, and a new delicious flavor for others. Either way, it is part of an American taste tradition not to be missed!”

In addition Blue Bell has stocked grocers freezers just in time for the 4th of July with Red, White & Blue Bell ice cream, a mix of blueberry, creamy vanilla and strawberry ice cream all in a patriotic carton. www.bluebell.com

Momenti Local Pizzeria & Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt to donate 50% of sales to Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Momenti interior Neighborhood Concepts, creators of Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt & Momenti Local Pizzeria have announced that as part of Momenti’s Grand Opening both concepts will donate 50% of all sales to Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Fri. June 27th at their Tatum & Shea location in northeast Phoenix.

Momneti opened softly in early March and is now celebrating its fast casual pizza concept with the community and fund raising for Arizona’s premier children’s hospital.
momenti pizza
Momenti offers 6 signature pizzas along with countless combinations to build your own pizza that use high quality ingredients and daily made in house dough. Gluten free dough is also available from local bakery Gluten Free Creations. Entree sized salads are also available.

This being the 1st location of Momenti there are plans for more according to Momenti founder Aaron Klusman “Create-your-own personal pizzas and customizable frozen yogurt are the perfect family dining experience. We expect this combination to be so popular that we’ll be opening approximately three more Momenti Local Pizzeria’s throughout the Valley by the end of 2014.”

Momenti Local Pizzeria is located at 4740 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 109 Phoenix, Ariz., 85028. Momenti is open for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 602-971-0234 or visit www.momentipizza.com.

Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt in Northeast Phoenix is located at 4740 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 108 Phoenix, Ariz., 85028. Zoyo is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 602-765-2448 or visit www.zoyogurt.com.

Ahwatukee’s Red, White & Boom Fireworks Festival is July 3rd.

FireworksAhwatukee’s Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 39th annual Red, White and Boom Fireworks Festival on Thursday, July 3rd at the Ahwatukee Country Club. This free event will include music by Daisy Train will include food, drinks, eating competitions along with games and fireworks. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

Kid friendly treats including shaved ice, cotton candy, lemonade and more will be available. Daisy Train will perform from 5p.m. – 8:45 p.m. with fireworks going off at 9 p.m.
RW& B Icon
Vision Community Management, San Tan Ford, Coulter Cadilac and C2 Tactical are major sponsors and for only $100 you can be a “Friends of the Fireworks” and your name will be listed on the program and on the website. Friends of the Fireworks support goes to the cost of putting on the festival including the paying of the band & the fireworks. If interested please contact the Chamber at (480)753-7676 or info@ahwatukeechamber.com

The Ahwatukee Country Club is located at 12432 South 48th Street

It’s getting hot outside, so cool down inside at Scottsdale Beer Palooza on June 28th.

Scottsdale Beer Palooza SBP_LOGORP-
Afforadable Food Festivals(Arizona Taco Festival, Flavors of the West & Arizona BBQ Festival) is keeping you cool with cold beer and air conditioning as this inaugural event will be held indoors at Westworld on Saturday, June 28th.

Attendees will be able to sample beers from about 50 breweries and will be able to purchase their favorite beers at the on site Beer Store. Tickets are $40 for 20 samples and V.I.P. tickets are $60 for 25 samples and early entry. The doors open at 1 p.m. for General admission and 12 noon for V.I.Ps.

Beer friendly foods will be available for purchase from food trucks and from M Culinary Concepts and there will be live music and games as well.

Tickets can be purchased at www.scottsdalebeerpalooza.com and make great Father’s Day gift which is 2 weeks earlier.
WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

All 25 RA Sushi’s to donate proceeds to Nicky’s Week & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital May 25-31

Nicky Mailliard
Nicky Mailliard
RA Sushi www.rasushi.com will be donating 100% of sales from select menu items & beverages for it’s 10th annual Nicky’s Week fund raiser to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The money raised will help kids battling cancer and other deadly diseases and their families with the cost of treatment, travel, housing and food. It’s RA’s largest annual fundraiser having raised more than $1.3 million. Ra Sishi 2

The special Nicky’s Week food menu includes: Edamame, Tootsy Maki, Shrimp Nigiri, Pork Gyoza, Chicken Yakitori and Garlic Citrus Yellowtail. The Nicky’s Week drink choices include: Red Bull, Strawberry Lemonade, FIJI Bottled Water, J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Stella Artois, plus the Pamatini, Dragon Bite, and Samurai Cowboy cocktails.
RA sushi 3 Nicky’s Week was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Ariz., who lost a long battle with brain cancer in 2005 at the young age of 13. A nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA Sushi associates throughout the organization. RA Sushi initiated the fundraiser to honor the memory of Nicky and to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude, where no child is ever turned away because of a family’s inability to pay for medical treatments.

“Nicky’s Week is an exciting time for our team members. Everyone at RA Sushi rallies behind the cause and is honored to help the brave children benefiting from the lifesaving treatment and research at St. Jude,” said RA Sushi Regional Manager, Jeff Berlinsky.
RA Sushi
All 25 RA Sushi’s around the country will be participating including the 5 Phoenix area locations.
– Ahwatukee: 4921 E. Ray Rd., Phoenix, Ariz., 85044. Call 480-940-1111.
– Kierland Commons: 7012 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85254. Call 480-951-5888.
– Tempe: 411 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, Ariz., 85281. Call 480-303-9800.
– Dana Park: 1652 S. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Ariz., 85204. Call 480-632-9500.
– Old Town Scottsdale: 3815 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85251. Call 480-990-9256.