Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen celebrates New Year’s Eve Carnaval style.

Scottsdale’s Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen will be hosting it’s 1st New Year’s Eve with a Copacabana styled Carnaval party. Just like in Rio Di Janerio party goers will have live music, dancing, tasty cocktails and delicious food.

Starting with a champagne reception and hor d’oeuvres followed by a traditional Brazilian buffet that includes salads, leg of lamb, beef medallions, fish stew and more with desserts and coffee follow. Then ring in the New Year with live music from Rio Bahia and dancing the Samba with performances by Samba USA. As midnight approaches enjoy a complimentary Champagne toast & Caipairinha’s will be priced at Happy Hour prices all night.

The party starts at 8p.m. and tickets are $100.00 per person. Tickets may be pre-purchased at the restaurant or via the web site. Please visit www.carvalhosnye.weebly.com/ for tickets and information. This is a 21 and over event.

Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen is located at 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd. , Scottsdale, Arizona, (Pinnacle of Scottsdale).

Brat Haus owner to open SmokeHaus next door in January

smokehaus logo

What started as a catering business will soon be a restaurant for Brat Haus’s owner Dave Andrea as he prepares to open SmokeHaus next door in the former Union Barrelhouse come mid January 2016.

This won’t be your typical Texas or southern style BBQ or smoke house but will feature Santa Maria style BBQ influenced from the central coast of California with an Arizona twist. SmokeHaus’s signature dish is the Santa Maria Tri-Tip Sandwich using meat smoked from 2 meat smokers and an open flame grill that uses Mesquite & Red Oak wood.
Entrees include chicken, ribs, pulled pork and salmon as well as rattlesnake chili, Greasewood burger and 1984 Taco salad paying tribute to its roots here in Arizona. Side dishes sound good and will include pork belly mac & cheese, street corn, Ranch beans and more.

One of the benefits of opening next door is the large parking lot included as parking for Brat Haus has always been a challenge and the lot will accommodate parking for both restaurants.

Smokehaus will be located at 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Stay tuned to the Smokehaus website for more details at www.smokehausaz.com and be sure to follow on social channels @smokehausaz

Bad Water Brewing’s Streetside BBQ Festival starts the Scottsdale food festival season

Bad wate BBQ Promo Image
With Labor Day marking the un-offical end of summer it’s the un-offical start of the food festival season for Phoenix area foodies. The cooler days slowly approaching will make for a daunting schedule of events for the months ahead making foodies scratching their heads as their calendar fills up. One of the 1st events is Bad Water Brewing’s Streetside BBQ Festival this Saturday Sept. 5th just outside their taphouse on Brown Avenue Scottsdale.

This 21 & over festival starts at 4 p.m. and plans to go til 10 p.m. and will include live music from Bluesman Mike and The Blues Review Band, local food & beer vendors, outdoor games and a big screen TV to watch the ASU-Texas A.M. game. Realizing it’s still warm outside shade tents and misters will be on hand to keep you cool.

According to Bad Water Brewing’s Founder, Lewis Kubitz, “Labor Day screams barbecue, and what better way to ring in a work free weekend than a low-key gathering with friends, enjoying food, ice cold beer, football and entertainment.”

Bad Water Brewing will have a beer truck on hand pouring beers the introduction of their Paradise Ale along with their Saison & IPA.
Bad Water Brewing Beer Truck

Slow smoked BBQ will be served by Morrell Presley of Morrell’s BBQ and will be prepared in their huge rolling BBQ grill trailer. Sweet Lou’s ice cream sandwiches will be on hand to sweeten up and cool down your evening.

The Scottsdale Streetside BBQ will be held in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale near Bad Water Brewing’s Tap Room at 4216 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85251. The festival will be set-up on Brown Avenue between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.

Admission to the event is only $10, and food and beverages are an additional cost. To purchase tickets, visit www.scottsdalestreetsidebbq.eventbrite.com.

Owners of Classic cooking Academy open La Pizzetta in north Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountain Ranch

La Pizzetta phot 2
After running a successful cooking school Pascal & Donna Dionot decided to test their skills opening La Pizzetta www.lapizzettaaz.com in north Scottsdale’s master planned community of McDowell Mountain Ranch. As the name might suggest La Pizzetta specializes in the popular wood fired pizza using flour imported from Italy and using local grown produce when possible all baked in Valoriani pizza oven made by hand in Tuscany.
La Pizetta photo 1
After working in several well respected restaurants in Washington D.C. for over three decades, Pascal and accountant wife Donna, opened Classic Cooking Academy where they teach classic and contemporary food concepts with produce focusing on dietary foundations and using practical skills.

As for La Pizzetta Pascal says “Together, we are able to do what we love most – make people happy through the power of cooking. Making a perfectly crafted pizza is an art form, and we’re happy to share our interpretations of this classic dish with the public.”

The quaint restaurant also serves salads, appetizers and desserts to compliment their pizzas.

La Pizzetta is located at 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255. 480-521-1101 and is open daily Mon. – Sat. for dine in or pick up.

4 Phoenix area restaurants to take dad on Father’s Day

Mimosa & beer at 32 Shea in Phoenix
Mimosa & beer at 32 Shea in Phoenix

Spare him the tie, the tool set and the beard trimmer, what dad really wants is to fill his belly with good food and drink and spending it with family and friends. Whether he’s a jonesin’ for sushi or craving a rack of ribs these Phoenix area restaurants will want dad to celebrate Father’s Day everyday.

Paul Martin’s American Grill:
On Father’s Day, Paul Martin’s American Grill is serving up a prix fixe brunch, a prime rib dinner special, and is offering a special gift to all dads who dine on Father’s Day. Served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the three course brunch is only $16 per person and includes fresh baked millet drop biscuits, a bowl of seasonal fruit, a choice of one entrée, plus an alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverage. Select from a variety of entree choices, including French Toast with vanilla bean infused cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple-bourbon syrup, or a traditional Eggs Benedict with poached eggs, canadian bacon, and housemade hollandaise sauce. A gluten-free option, the Applewood Smoked Bacon Omelet features three eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, Tillamook cheddar and sour cream. The brunch comes with a choice of coffee, fresh squeezed juice or a brunch-time cocktail, such as a Bellini or Bloody Maria.

For dinner, Paul Martin’s American Grill will also be serving a Prime Rib Dinner special for only $25. The meal features an organic green salad, all natural prime rib with mashed potatoes, and homemade ice cream for dessert. From the dinner menu, dad can choose from a variety of other hearty dishes, including a Prime New York Steak ($39), topped with pt. reyes blue cheese butter and served with pan roasted cauliflower; the California Lamb Sirloin ($37), paired with wild mushroom farro, bloomsdale spinach, and cipolline onions; or BBQ Pork Ribs ($25), served St. Louis style with house slaw and fries.

All dads who dine at Paul Martin’s American Grill on Father’s Day will receive a $25 gift card to Paul Martin’s (one per table, while supplies last).

Paul Martin’s American Grill is located at 6186 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85253. For more information, call 480-991-9342 or visit www.paulmartinsamericangrill.com

Sierra Bonita Grill:
On Father’s Day, Sierra Bonita Grill will be serving its signature Southwestern brunch from 9 to 3 p.m. Popular selections include the Southwestern Benedict ($14): panko crusted eggs atop green chile beer biscuits, topped with Cure 81 Ham, and roasted poblano hollandaise, served with roasted root vegetables. The Steak and Eggs ($14) features wood grilled carne asada, two eggs, plus a side of roasted root vegetables and sourdough toast. The breakfast enchiladas ($14) are filled with scrambled eggs, carne asada, chorizo, and manchego cheese, then topped with a guajillo chile sauce and served with a side of charro beans. Complete the brunch with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa special for only $15.

For dinner, Sierra Bonita offers up rib sticking comfort food, featuring plenty of flavorful Southwestern ingredients. The traditional Carne Asada ($16/$26) features grilled marinated bistro tenders, charro beans, roasted tomato rice, guacamole, salsa fresca, and a flour tortilla. The Steak and Shrimp ($29) dish is a wood grilled California cut sirloin, topped with a roasted guajillo chile sauce and served with herb pesto shrimp and corn pudding. The Pork Tenderloin ($25) features an espresso and Oaxacan chocolate rubbed pork tenderloin, accompanied by mixed vegetables and a serrano chile vanilla bean butter sauce.

Sierra Bonita Grill is located at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. For more information, call 602-264-0700 or visit www.sierrabonitagrill.com

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant:
With RA Sushi’s all day happy hour on Father’s Day, treat dad to an amazing sushi spread for lunch or dinner without breaking the bank. He can take his pick from more than 25 appetizer and sushi selections ranging from $3.49 to $8.99, and dad can pair his meal with a wide variety of beer, wine and signature cocktails ranging from $3.75 to $8. Happy hour dishes include the Viva Las Vegas Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, “RA”ckin’ Shrimp, and Pork Gyoza, plus many more options.
Raise a glass to dad with a happy hour drink special, such as a Kirin and Sake, an Emperor’s Margarita, or an Early Times Kentucky Whisky premium cocktail. All day happy hour is located throughout the entire restaurant from open to close. For more information, visit www.RAsushi.com

RA Sushi has five Valley locations:

Ahwatukee: 4921 E. Ray Road; Phoenix, 85044; 480-940-1111
Dana Park in Mesa: 1652 S. Val Vista Drive; Mesa, 85204; 480-632-9500
Kierland Commons: 7012 E. Greenway Pkwy; Scottsdale, 85254; 480-951-5888
Old Town Scottsdale: 3815 N. Scottsdale Road; Scottsdale, 85251; 480-990-9256
Tempe: 411 S. Mill Ave.; Tempe, 85281; 480-303-9800

32 Shea:
Enjoy a delicious Manmosa and Burrito for just $10 on Father’s Day from 6 a.m. to 12 noon.
New Mexico Burrito:
Egg, Potatoes, Cheese, Avocado, Bacon + Homemade Green Salsa

Manmosa is a refreshing “manly” twist on a traditional mimosa—combining hefeweizen beer and orange juice.

This $10 deal isn’t just for your favorite dad, this is good for anyone who comes in on Sunday, June 21, 6 a.m. to 12 noon.

32 Shea 10626 N 32nd Street. Phoenix, AZ 85028. 602-867-7432 www.32shea.com

Dinner at Marcellino Ristorante in Scottsdale

Marcellinos presentation
When Sima and Marcellino Verzino met in Rome, where Sima was a singer/performer and Marcellino was a chef, in the 1990’s they never knew they’d settle Arizona with a successful restaurant. It wasn’t until early in the 2000’s while living in New York City and owning a successful restaurant that they visited Phoenix to see friends that they knew Arizona was the place for them. Having moved to Scottsdale’s Southbridge after 7 years at the original location on Northern and 12th St. in Phoenix they couldn’t be happier with the Piazza(plaza) feel of downtown Scottsdale. Despite a downturn in the economy & the summer heat Marcellino Ristorante is still wowing tourists, snowbirds and locals, some who make the drive from their old neighborhood, with homemade pastas & sauces, fresh seafood and they hospitality one might expect when dining in Italy.

I had the chance to dine as Sima & Marcellino’s guest recently and the food, ambiance and company made it a memorable evening making me wanting more. Whether your sitting on the patio, in the dining room or at the chef’s counter your in for an fun and filling dining experience as the experienced staff delivers dishes made with Sima and Marcellino’s passion for food and friends. Since they say pictures are worth a 1,000 words I present to you a few of Marcellino’s signature dishes…Mangia! Mangia!

Atlantic Salmon tartare resting on an orange round
Atlantic Salmon tartare resting on an orange round

Hand crafted pasta duo...beef tenderloin stuffed Tortelone and Gnocchi Sorrentina
Hand crafted pasta duo…beef tenderloin stuffed Tortelone and Gnocchi Sorrentina

Pollo Saporito- Chicken sauteed with mushroom, pine nuts, sun dried and fresh tomatoes over pureed potatoes
Pollo Saporito- Chicken sauteed with mushroom, pine nuts, sun dried and fresh tomatoes over pureed potatoes

Trio of desserts including Italian Cheesecake, Tiramisu & Biscotti Di Noci
Trio of desserts including Italian Cheesecake, Tiramisu & Biscotti Di Noci

Marcellino’s Ristorante is at 7114 E Stetson Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85251.(480) 990-9500

2nd annual Scottsdale Beer Palooza returns to Westworld June 20th

Beer Palooza 2015
With Father’s Day just around the corner what better way to celebrate than with beer and with dad in mind Scottsdale Beer Palooza returns on Saturday, June 20th, the day before Father’s Day. Back at Westworld in Scottsdale after a successful 1st year you can buy dad tickets to attend or you can buy dad his favorite suds at the beer store.

This indoor and air conditioned event will include over 30 breweries including Rogue, Odell and New Belgium plus Arizona’s own Mudshark, Nimbus, San Tan and Four Peaks along with Venice Beach Brewing Co. where actor & brewer Kerr Smith(Dawson’s Creek & The Foster’s) will serve his beer and mix & mingle with festival attendees.

M Culinary Concepts will be on hand to sell beer friendly food and The Mustache Pretzel food truck will make an appearance. To burn off your food and beer there will be an adult play area with a life size foosball table along with movie clips with your favorite beer-y movies will be on the big screen for laughs and more entertainment will be available.

The event starts at 1 p.m. with VIP ticket holders access at 12 noon to taste special beers. Tickets for General Admission are $30 in advance ($35 at gate) for 20 4-oz. beer samples and a collectable mug & VIP tickets are $50 for 25 4-oz. samples and early entry. The festival goes until 6 p.m. and tickets are available in advance at www.scottsdalebeerapoolza.com

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

California Pizza Kitchen celebrates its 30th anniversary with the “Next Chapter” new look and menu items

Like many people or companies who turn the BIG 30 they take time to re-evaluate their maturity and prepare for the “Next Chapter” in ones life. California Pizza Kitchen www.cpk.com has done just that by introducing new menu items and a new look. One of the 1st locations to go through this evolution is at Phoenix’s Biltmore Fashion Park.

Maine Lobster Flatbread
Maine Lobster Flatbread
The new look and vibe includes an upscale look, a warm and inviting and rustic decor that uses sustainable materials that include natural elements such as oak floors, tabletops made from reclaimed wood and natural stone counter tops. Vintage artwork of the Grand Canyon and other Phoenix landmarks adorn the walls and the restaurant now features an open kitchen.

According to General Manager, Daniel Smederovac, CPK Biltmore Fashion Park, “The Biltmore Fashion Park was the valley’s first CPK and we are proud chosen to be the first to bring the new look, new menu and new experience to our Arizona guests.”

Strawberry Fields salad with chicken
Strawberry Fields salad with chicken
New menu options have bold flavors that go “Beyond the Crust” and feature a Harvest Kale salad, entrees such as a Fire Grilled Ribeye and Hearth Roasted Halibut along with seasonal items such as Maine Lobster Flatbread, Roasted Garlic Chicken and Strawberry Fields salad. “We still do pizza really, really well, but we are now serving some new fabulous entrees, imaginative salads and fresh new desserts,” said Smederovac.

Whether you eating a CPK favorite or one of the new menu items you’ll need something to wash your food down with and the new California Fresh Cocktails including a Strawberry Lime Margarita or how about a glass of a premium wine or a cold crafted beer will do just the trick.

The Biltmore location is one of the first company wide to go through the new remodel with all 270+ locations including the other 5 Phoenix area locations to be complete by 2016.

Biltmore Fashion Park
2400 E. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 553-8382

Scottsdale
10100 Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(480) 596-8300

Desert Ridge Marketplace
21001 North Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 473-3336

Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-967-0498

Dana Park
1850 South Val Vista Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204
480-558-7505

Chandler Fashion Center
3163 W. Chandler Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 855-3301
About California

RA Sushi, Paul Martin’s American Grill, Pink Pony & Sierra Bonita Grill offer Mother’s Day dining options.

Mothers day 2

In case you forgot it’s also Mother’s Day is 9 days away, they’re is still time to make plans at these Phoenix area restaurants.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant All Day Happy Hour on Mother’s Day:
With RA Sushi’s all day happy hour on Mother’s Day, treat mom to an amazing lunch or dinner without breaking the bank. She can take her pick from more than 25 appetizer and sushi selections ranging from $3.49 to $8.99, and mom can pair her meal with a wide variety of beer, wine and signature cocktails ranging from $3.75 to $8. Happy hour dishes include the Tootsy Maki, Rainbow Roll, “RA”ckin’ Shrimp, and Chicken Yakitori, plus many more options.

Raise a glass to mom with one of RA Sushi’s signature cocktails, such as an Emperor’s Margarita, Strawberry Saketini, or a frozen Fuzzy Momo Bellini. All day happy hour is located throughout the entire restaurant from open to close. For more information, visit www.RAsushi.com

RA Sushi has five Valley locations in Ahwatukee, Mesa, Tempe, North Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale:

Ahwatukee: 4921 E. Ray Road; Phoenix, 85044; 480-940-1111
Dana Park in Mesa: 1652 S. Val Vista Drive; Mesa, 85204; 480-632-9500
Kierland Commons: 7012 E. Greenway Pkwy; Scottsdale, 85254; 480-951-5888
Old Town Scottsdale: 3815 N. Scottsdale Road; Scottsdale, 85251; 480-990-9256
Tempe: 411 S. Mill Ave.; Tempe, 85281; 480-303-9800

Mothers Day 1

Sierra Bonita Grill Mother’s Day Brunch:
On Mother’s Day, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sierra Bonita Grill will be serving its signature Southwestern brunch dishes, plus specials that have been created for the occasion. Popular selections include the Southwestern Benedict: panko crusted eggs atop green chile beer biscuits, topped with Cure 81 Ham, and roasted poblano hollandaise, served with roasted root vegetables ($14).
The Atole Pinon Hotcakes are griddled blue corn masa and toasted pinenuts cakes, topped with strawberry butter, served with bacon ($10). The Cowboy Hash features roasted root vegetables tossed with Schrieners linguisa sausage and chorizo, topped with fried eggs, salsa verde and salsa fresca ($12). Specials created just for the occasion include a Crab Cakes Benedict, with crispy crab cakes atop green chile biscuits, then topped with a lemon-chipotle hollandaise sauce, served with a side of grilled asparagus and roasted Peruvian purple potatoes ($15). Mom can also indulge with the Pan Seared Wild Grouper, served with saffron rice-quinoa croquets, vine ripened tomatoes, grilled asparagus, and a roasted tomato aioli.

Complete the brunch with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa special for only $15. Sierra Bonita Grill is located at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. For reservations, call 602-264-0700 or visit www.sierrabonitagrill.com

Mothers day 3
Paul Martin’s American Grill Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch:

Mother’s Day weekend, May 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Paul Martin’s American Grill be offering a prix fixe brunch menu featuring three courses and a beverage for only $16 per person. For those who want to skip the crowds, guests who dine on Saturday, May 9 will receive one complimentary prix fixe brunch with the purchase of a prix fixe brunch. On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, mom will receive a $25 gift card good on a return visit (one per table, while supplies last).

The three course meal includes fresh baked millet drop biscuits with creamy honey butter, a fresh fruit bowl, a choice of one entrée, plus an alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverage. Select from a variety of entree choices, including French Toast with vanilla bean infused cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple-bourbon syrup, or a traditional Eggs Benedict with poached eggs, canadian bacon, and housemade hollandaise sauce. A gluten-free option, the Applewood Smoked Bacon Omelet features three eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, Tillamook cheddar and sour cream. For a heart healthy omelet, go for the Organic Spinach, Mushroom, and Tomato Egg White Omelet with Grafton Farms white cheddar and salsa verde.

The brunch comes with a choice of Oak Roasted Fair Trade Organic Coffee or Fresh Squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice. Or, choose a brunch-time cocktail, such as a Bellini with essence of peach, honey syrup and sparkling wine; a Bloody Maria with Peligroso Blanco Tequila, homemade Mary mix, grape tomatoes, olives and a Tajin rim; or House Champagne Lemonade with house infused Meyer lemon vodka, lemon juice and basil, topped with Piper Sonoma bubbles. Add an additional cocktail for only $4.

Paul Martin’s American Grill is located at 6186 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz., 85253. For more information, call 480-991-9342 or visit www.paulmartinsamericangrill.com

The Pink Pony is offering a Mother’s day Buffet starting at 9a.m. until they close. $45 per person, buffet w/ Champagne $55. Kids 5-10 years old $25 & kids under 5 eat free. Pink Pony
3831 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Arizona 85251
(480) 945-6697 www.pinkponyscottsdale.com/

The 6th annual Arizona BBQ Festival & Redneck games stumbles in to Salt River Fields

AZ BBQ Festival PRINT (122 of 416)

Grab your favorite toothpick & pair of overalls because the 6th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival & Redneck Games is stumbling in to Salt River Fields on Saturday May 2nd from 12 noon- 10 p.m. Brought to you by the kissing cousins at Affordable Food Festivals this event is bound to excite all and offend many with their antics in the redneck arena such as toilet seat horseshoes, cow milking, a Daisy Dukes beauty pageant & bobbing for pigs feet.

If the Redneck Games aren’t your thing, there will be over 25 of the top pit masters including Honey Bear’s, Pork on a Fork and Bootleggers smokin n grillin pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more with $2 samples and full meals for purchase. If that’s not enough loosen your belt, if you’re wearing one, and settle in for some Honky Tonk music starting at 12:30 with the band Honey Girl followed by Laura Walsh, Ashley Wineland, The Troubador Experience, Tommy Ash Band and Neon Circus taking the stage 8:30 p.m. & 9:30.

Fear not drinkers as plenty of ice cold Tito’s Vodka, beer and more will be available to keep you cool.

Tickets to this all ages festival are available for $12 includes free parking & kids 12 & under are free. VIP tickets are available in advance for $60 in advance and $75 at the door. VIP ticket holders get 5 drink ticket, 8 food tokens and access to private bathrooms & seating next to the main stage and most of all not feeling like a redneck. Tickets can be purchased at www.azbbqfestival.com

Salt River Fields is at 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85258

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