Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen celebrates Cinco de Mayo all week with 70 years of tradition

Enchilads Bandito
Enchilads Bandito
70 years is a long time and that’s how long ago it was when Woody and Victoria Johnson opened their 1st Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix. In conjunction with Cinco de Mayo(May 5th) Macayo’s is celebrating for 5 days starting Sunday May 1st- Thursday May 5th at all 12 of their Phoenix area locations.

Whether you prefer Margarita de Macayo ($5), a Patron Margarita ($8), a cold Dos XX Amber or Lager ($4) or a shot of Patron tequila ($4) you can enjoy them along with a plate Enchiladas Bandito, a 3 Enchilada sampler representing the colors of the Mexican flag with a red chile enchilada, a green chile pork stew enchilada and fresh spinach enchilada all for $9.99.

Each location with be celebrating with entertainment that includes live music, pinatas, face painters and more for this special occasion.

To find a Macayo’s near you visit www.macayo.com or visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/macayosrestaurants

Joe’s Real BBQ gives away free BBQ on May 4th & plans to donate to Open Arms Care Center

Once again Joe Johnson is giving away the house, not really the house but he setting a lofty goal of giving away 5,000 free pulled pork or chicken sandwiches on Thursday May 4th, 2016 at his Gilbert restaurant. This is the 16th year Joe and his partners like to show their appreciation to the customers they have served over the years.

In exchange for free food Joe is asking that you bring a can of food (preferably fruit) or box of cereal to donate to Open Arms Care Center, a Gilbert based all volunteer non-profit that provides food and clothing to the homeless and less fortunate since 2001. http://www.openarmscc.com

As for the free BBQ it is the only food being offered that day and hours are from 11pm-3pm & 4pm-7:30pm or until they run out. Included with you sandwich will be fresh homemade cole slaw & BBQ Pit beans and a drink. A children’s size sandwich will be available for the little ones. 1 meal per person, must be present and there is no take out available on this day.

This a great opportunity to try great local BBQ from one of the finest restaurateurs that the Phoenix area has to offer as Joe’s Real BBQ has garnered both local and national accolades.

Joe’s Real BBQ is at 301 N. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, Arizona, 85234 http://www.joesrealbbq.com/

Portland Cocktail Week’s The Bar Institute is coming to Phoenix

Bar Institute LogoPhoenix is one of six cities that will be visited by The Bar Institute after successful programs presented at Portland Cocktail Week. Sunday May 1st – Tuesday May 3rd at the Phoenix Hyatt Regency is where bartenders can hone their craft by taking courses including Bar Ownership and Innovation + Development. In addition to classes there will be a trade show where samples of new products as well as classics.

Phoenix is the 2nd stop on the tour with Austin TX in June, Miami FL in August, Portland OR in September and finishing up in New York City in November.

Mashups will be held to highlight each of the host cities and newly created Upfronts will showcase 5 bars from each region that are setting the standard for bars that include innovation and technique with both cocktails and service. Each bar will have 1 hour to make presentation with 2 top bars from each city chosen to present at the final Bar Institute in New York City to present their ideas to a global audience.

To purchase your tickets and more information visit www.TheBarInstitute.org

Tax Day Deals at Culver’s, Z’Tejas and Fired Pie

Only a couple of days until taxes are due and to get some relief there are a couple of Tax Day, April 18th, deals you should know about.

Z’Tejas is offering their 6th Street Margarita for only $4.18 on 4/18. All of Z’Tejas award winning Frozen ‘Ritas
www.ztejas.com

Fired Pie will let you customize your own 11 inch pizza or bowl of salad for only $4.18. You will find 12 Fired Pie’s in the Phoenix area & 2 in Tucson. A great price for this quick and casual bite to eat. www.FiredPie.com

Photo credit Kris Moony
Photo credit Kris Moony

The 14 Phoenix and Casa Grande area Culver’s will be offering $2.00 Tax Day 1 Scoop Turtle Sundaes to cool you off for dessert. www.Culvers.com

Culvers sundae

The Herb Box opens its 3rd location at The Colony in central Phoenix

Herb box colony food
7th st. in Phoenix is the hot restaurant corridor of the moment as The Herb Box opened it’s 3rd location less than a week ago as the first tenant at The Colony just north of Missouri. Known for it’s seasonal, healthy and vegetable heavy menu that uses a world of flavors, this location uses the same recipes as those at their 2 Scottsdale locations in old town and in DC Ranch.

Susan Wilcox, CEO and founder of The Herb Box has been looking to expand for a while, “The Herb Box has been ready to broaden our reach for quite some time, but we’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity. The North Central Phoenix corridor has evolved into a prime destination for dining, and we are very excited to be a part of this burgeoning neighborhood,”
Herb Box Colony
The Colony location will serve breakfast, lunch & dinner during the week with brunch being served on Sat. & Sun. Popular dishes such as Avocado Love, Butternut Squash Enchiladas along with the vegetarian Korean Fried Cauliflower are available plus Beef Short Rib Enchiladas and Chargrilled Kobe burger for the meat lovers. Breakfast items will tantalize your taste buds with sweet and savory dishes that include Bourbon- Ginger Peach French Toast, Steak & Eggs and house made pastries. Baked goods and a coffee bar will also be available at a take out window. Signature cocktails, wines by the glass and beers will compliment the food.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available and decor is similar to the Scottsdale locations with exposed wood beams from floor to ceiling giving it a rustic chic farmhouse look.

The Herb Box at The Colony is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Herb Box is located at 5538 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. 480-393-0432 www.theherbbox.com.

Robert Craig Winery Winemaker dinner at Tavern Americana set for April 21st

North Scottsdale’s Tavern Americana is set to host a Winemaker Dinner with Robert Craig Winery, with CEO Elton Slone in attendance to talk about the winery, Robert Craig, the pairings and more. The dinner is set for Thursday April 21st at 6:00 p.m.

Three Courses Paired with Robert Craig Wines are…….

1st course- Petit frisee and mixed green salad, razzcherries, candied walnuts, cherry infused red wine vinaigrette, paired with Affinity Cabernet

2nd course- Beef tenderloin, roasted root vegetables (carrots, turnips, beets), Blue cheese bread pudding, Blackberry demi glace, paired with Howell Mountain Cabernet

3rd course- Razzleberry pie, topped with local raspberry sorbet paired with Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Cost for this dinner is $65/PP++ and reservations are required.

Tavern Americana is at 20469 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 502-6740
urbantaverngroup.com