Month: September 2016

B.R. Cohn Winery pairs with Zuzu menu for Monday Night Chef’s Table dinner

Once a month Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho’s Zuzu host’s a “Monday Night Chef’s Table” dinner and for October’s dinner they have invited B.R. Cohn Winery to pair their wines with executive chef’s Chuck Wiley’s 4-course dinner. The dinner will be on Monday October 17th starting at 6:30 p.m. The dinner will also include conversation with the chef along with a representative from the winery.

 

zuzu dinner menu

The seasonal menu was created specifically to pair with the each of the wines and their nuances and is as follows….

Pan-Seared Sea Scallop
cracked black pepper risotto, preserved lemon butter
Chardonnay 2015

Warm Kale Salad
toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, crumbled blue cheese,
hard egg & a warm pancetta vinaigrette
Pinot Noir 2014

Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin
roasted garlic mashed potatoes & creamed parsley
Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Chocolate Mousse
coconut crème & toasted almonds

who is b.r.cohn winery

B.R. Cohn winery was founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn in Glen Ellen, California as an escape from the intensity of the San Francisco music scene. Bruce was involved in running a music studio and later becoming manager for The Doobie Brothers during their rise to stardom in the 1970s. Bruce started making wines at his Sonoma County winery after 10 years of selling grapes to other wineries. While Bruce handle much of cultivating of the vineyards and more early on, he had several up and coming winemakers such as Helen Turley, Merry Edwards and Steve Macrostie make the early vintages. In 1990 Bruce started making olive oil from the olive trees on the estate that is named “Olive Hill Estate Vineyards” and many of his wines have come from that vineyard.

reservations needed and up-coming dinners

As this dinner series has become very popular with diners, reservations are needed as seating is limited. The cost for the dinner is $68 per person plus tax and gratuity and reservations can be made by calling 480-376-2600 https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/monday-night-chefs-table

Monday Night Chef’s Table for November will include Arrowood Winery and Champagne is on the menu for December.

Zuzu is in the Hotel Valley Ho at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251

 

 

upcoming dinners

Joe’s Farm Grill celebrates 10 years in business with FREE Cheesburgers and a week long celebration

When a restaurant celebrates its 10 year anniversary it’s considered a major accomplishment as most restaurants don’t last more than 2 years. That’s the case for Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert as they get ready to celebrate 10 years in business with FREE cheeseburgers and more during the 1st week of October.

Photo courtesy of Joe's Farm Grill
Photo courtesy of Joe’s Farm Grill

a couple of joe’s farm grill accomplishments

Owner Joe Johnson has done more than open a restaurant but helped create the local “Farm to Table” culture that’s taken the restaurant world by storm over the last few years. Joe’s Farm Grill garnered national attention when it appeared on The Food Network’s popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”

customer appreciation day

Joe is the first to realize that to last 10 years in business you have to have a great customer base who returns on a regular basis for his fresh and locally sourced food. To show his appreciation to his loyal customers, Joe is giving away FREE cheeseburgers on Wed. October 5th from 10am-3pm. Customer who brave the line will get a cheeseburger, fries and a drink for free. 1 burger per person and is for customers who dine in only.

week long celebration and deals

From Monday Oct. 3rd -8th customers can expect 10% off all food and gift cards along with daily deals that include:

Monday –  $1 Onion Ring Upgrade

Tuesday –  $1 Small Shake

Wednesday –  FREE DAY

Thursday –  $1 Kids Meal with Adult Meal Purchase

Friday –  $1 Garlic Fries Upgrade

Saturday –  $1 Sweet Potato Fries Upgrade

In addition there will be daily raffles with winners receiving free food, gift cards, t-shirts and more. Grand prizes will be awarded and prizes include a Cruiser bike, catered picnics, Joe’s bobble-heads along with other prizes.

On Sat. the 8th from 11am-3pm there will be a celebration for the whole family with face painting, a hot dog eating contest, clowns and the Grand Prize raffle.

Joe’s Farm Grill is at 3000 E. Ray Rd. Gilbert AZ. 85296 (480)563-4745 http://www.joesfarmgrill.com/   

 

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish to play at SanTan Brewing’s Oktoberfest

Beer and music go hand in hand and SanTan Brewing Company is well a where of that. It is for that reason SanTan is celebrating their 9th anniversary and Oktoberfest with bands Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish on Saturday October 1st in downtown Chandler.

Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett
Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett

music, games and more

When the gates open at 3pm festival goers will be treated to Ken Levine’s Funkhaus Brass Band followed by games that include beer pong, a pretzel toss, tricycle races, Brat eating contest and a wiener dog race. SanTan will be pouring their core beers along with their Bavarian style Oktoberfest lager and food will be available from Gorilla Cheese Truck, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Beignet Babes and more.

photo courtesy of Jen Pruett
photo courtesy of Jen Pruett

roger clyne and the peacemakers and reel big fish

When the sun goes down is when Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers hit the stage at 7:10 pm followed by Reel Big Fish at 9:30 to close out the festival.

Tickets

Pre-sale tickets are available for $12 at http://www.santanoktoberfest.com/ with day of tickets available for $15. Part of the proceeds will go to non-profit, St. Joseph the Worker which helps the homeless, low income and others become self-sufficient through quality employment. http://www.sjwjobs.org/ 

SanTan’s Oktoberfest will be at Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth, Chandler, AZ 85225

Huss Brewing Company announces new Phoenix taproom and purchase of Papago Brewing Company.

It’s been a busy couple of months for Jeff and Leah Huss, owners of Tempe, Arizona based Huss Brewing Company as they announced in August their plans for a new taproom in Phoenix then a September announcement that they purchased Scottsdale’s Papago Brewing Company.

huss-logo-3371b007-96c5-4cbe-81f9-2483b1d14ee9Huss Brewing company Phoenix taproom

The Huss’s anticipate a December opening of their flagship Uptown Taproom in newly re-designed Uptown Plaza in central Phoenix. Huss Brewing’s craft beers will be the focus of the Phoenix taproom and will include award-winning beers such as Scottsdale Blonde & Husstler Milk Stout. New beers will be made exclusively for the Phoenix location. According to Jeff “I think it’s cool that we can have some beers only available at the Tempe Taproom, and now have unique selection(s) at the Uptown Taproom”. Jeff also serves as Huss’s brewmaster.

Proximity to Uptown Plaza Restaurants

The Uptown Taproom will be close to Lou Malnati’s Pizza and other restaurants including Shake Shack in the Uptown Plaza. According to Leah, “Just like our Tempe Taproom, we wanted to create a comfortable space where people can relax, enjoy our beers and enjoy food from a multitude of area restaurants, it’s almost like relaxing at home an ordering delivery.” The taproom will have a kitchen that will serve light bites.

Photo courtesy of MMPR Marketing
Photo courtesy of MMPR Marketing

Acquiring of Papago Brewing Company

In early September the Huss’s announced they were acquiring the Papago Brewing Company’s brand of beers that include the best-selling Orange Blossom wheat beer. With the acquisition of Papago Brewing, Huss’ newly formed Huss Family of Beers will be Arizona’s 3rd largest brewery after Four Peaks and SanTan. Huss Brewing has brewed the beers for Papago Brewing for several years as the did not have enough space at their Scottsdale bottle shop and taproom which Leah was co-owner and operator of for 14 years. The Scottsdale taproom was not part of the acquisition.

“Most important, ” says Leah Huss, “acquiring the Papago beer brands ensures that the brand will stay in Arizona and not be bought by an out-of-state or international conglomerate.”

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Chandler’s El Palacio Mexican Restaurant gets a new look and new menu

Angilberto and Isabel Serrano opened the first El Palacio Mexican Restaurant 34 years ago with 1 restaurant in Bullhead City, AZ. They now have 5 restaurants throughout central and northern Arizona and 1 in Laughlin NV. Recently the Chandler location did some updating to the look of the restaurant and to the menu that debuted in early September.

Photo courtesy of El Palacio
Photo courtesy of El Palacio

El Palacios new menu items

In addition to a fresh coat of paint, new flooring and updated decor El Palacio added several new items to the menu including…..Flash Fried Cauliflower Nachos $9, a Sonoran Dog $7, Salmon Tacos $14, Fried Chorizo Quesidilla $7 and several others.

Photo courtesy of El Palacio
Photo courtesy of El Palacio

events at el palacio

On Saturday, October 1st El Palacio will be hosting a Mexican Brunch Feast that will offer those in attendance a cooking class where they will learn to make Chiaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Margaritas and Michelidas. The cost for the class is $15 per person and includes the cooking class, brunch and a cocktail. The class starts at 10am and reservations can be made at http://bit.ly/2aZ8JfE

Chef and Owner Anthony Serrano will be traveling to Orange Beach, Alabama in early November to compete for the 3rd time in the World Food Championships. In 2013 Serrano came in 2nd place and in 2014 he placed 14th.

Cauliflower Nachos photo courtesy of El Palacio
Cauliflower Nachos photo courtesy of El Palacio

The Chandler location is in the Crossroads Towne Center at 2950 E. Germann Rd. Chandler 85249. (480)802-5770 http://www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

 

Murder Mystery Theater just one of the upcoming events at Coup Des Tartes in October

Coup Des Tartes, the central Phoenix French styled bistro is stepping out of its comfort zone to bring customers not only delicious food but a murder mystery dinner theater, a burlesque dinner show and an Italian wine dinner over a 3 week period in October.

Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes
Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes

Mafioso Murder mystery dinner

This 3-course dinner scheduled for Sat. Oct. 8th will let diners figure out who ordered the “hit’ when the godfather and his mob pull back the curtains. The dinner costs $65 per person and consists of….

1st Course

Anti-Pasto (cheese & Meat)

2nd Course (choice of)

  • Greek Sea Bass, Israeli Cous Cous, Sautéed Spinach with Fresh Blueberry-demi-glaze
  • Moroccan Lamb, Stone Fruits, Veggies and Couscous
  • Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Garlic, Thyme, and Lemon Risotto
  • Short Rib Pappardelle with Creamy Pancetta Sauce

3rd Course

Homemade Cannoli

Alto Adige wine dinner

Tues. Oct. 18th brings you an Italian wine dinner featuring the wines from Alto Adige, the northern Italian region known for its white wines. The dinner starts at 6pm and costs $80 per person or $150 per couple and includes 4 courses plus dessert paired with wines. The menu consists of…

1st Course

Risotto With Rock Shrimp and Fire-Roasted Tomato

2nd Course

Lolla Rossa Lettuce, Grilled Apricot, Gorgonzola Salad

3rd Course

Fresh Pappadelle Pasta, Tomato, Shaved Grana Padano, Fresh Basil

4th Course

Rack of Lamb, Sweet Potato, Golden Raisins, Pine Nuts, Baby Kale, Chianti Glaze

Dessert

Lemon Panna Cotta, Fresh Berries, Crème Anglaise

high-end burlesque and live variety dinner show

On Sat. Oct. 22nd diners can enjoy an evening filled with music and entertainment that includes burlesque styled performance. The evening is for those 21 and over dinner starting at 7pm and curtain to drop at 8:30. Cost is $90 per person an includes a 3 – course prix fixe dinner and glass of sparkling wine.

For reservations for any of these 3 exciting night please contact Coup Des Tartes at (602) 212-1082 or http://www.nicetartes.com/

Coup DesTartes is at 1725 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

 

Mojo Yogurt & The Mollen Foundation’s “Create A Healthy T-Shirt Design” contest

Mojo Yogurt and The Mollen Foundation have partnered for the 1st “Create a Healthy T-Shirt Design” contest on Saturday, September 24th from 12 noon 2pm at Mojo Yogurt’s Mill Ave. & Tempe Marketplace locations.

Photo courtesy of Mojo Yogurt
Photo courtesy of Mojo Yogurt

Winning Design

The winning design will be featured on all T-shirts for the Mollen Mile and must include a picture of a vegetable, an exercise and include the words “Mollen Mile”. The contest is open to all kids from 3-12 years of age. The winner will also win free Mojo yogurt for the whole family. Kids can enter also enter online by emailing their design to paigemollen@mollenfoundation.org

phoenix-half-marathon-logo-image002The Mollen Mile and The Mollen Foundation

The Mollen Mile is a mile long run for kids as part of the 3TV Phoenix 10K & 1/2 Marathon. Phoenix Dr. Art Mollen started the Phoenix 10K 40 years ago to promote healthy eating and exercise through community involvement. Dr. Mollen is also the founder of The Mollen Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages healthy living for children and their families by adopting healthy living activities including healthy eating and physical activities both of which have life long benefits. This years 10K and 1/2 Marathon will be held on Sunday Nov. 6th 2016. You can register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/18466

Mojo yogurts donation

Mojo Yogurt will be donating 20% of all sales on September 24th to the Mollen Foundation. The 2 participating Mojo Yogurts are at Tempe Marketplace 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1065 Tempe, AZ 85281 & Mojo Yogurt ASU 411 S Mill Avenue # 102 Tempe, AZ 85281

 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed event to benefit Scottsdale League of the Arts on Sept. 25th

The non-profit Scottsdale League of the Arts will be hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed Wine Country Brunch at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix on Sunday September 25th from 11am- 2pm. Brunch will be prepared by not only The Camby’s culinary team but from restaurants, The Herb Box and Arcadia Farms. Guests will be able to sip Mimosa’s from the Mimosa Bar, Champagne and wines paired with for the culinary delights served.

Mimosa Bar
Mimosa Bar

Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme

The classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed brunch will allow guests to dress up like Audrey Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly and others from the early 1960’s era. There will be a Audrey Hepburn look-a-like to have photos taken with the film playing in the background. Games and other fun will be played and had during the 3 hour event. “We are excited to have one of our community favorite events; the Wine Country Brunch as a featured event this fall. It is a great way to mingle with friends and enjoy an amazing brunch, all while benefiting charity!” said Dan Bowman, Scottsdale League for the Arts.

the-cambyThe Scottsdale League of the Arts

All money raised will go to Scottsdale League of the Arts as it support of the arts and arts education through various organizations throughout the Phoenix area. Wine Country Brunch is just one of several fund raising events Scottsdale League of the Arts hosts every year. Others include the week long Scottsdale Culinary Festival in the spring and The Friends of James Beard Dinner. Over $4 million has been raised and awarded to Ballet Arizona, Childsplay and Free Arts of Arizona along with other organizations.

Tickets for Wine Country brunch

Tickets for the event are $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10 and include unlimited food and drink samples as well as all the days activities. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.scottsdalefest.org/2016wcb

 

 

LOLA wine dinner at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s with winemaker Seth Cripe to host

As the cool weather gets closer and closer it’s not only the snowbirds that will be returning to Phoenix but winery owners, winemakers and others returning to our sunny state. It is for that reason The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s will be hosting a LOLA wine dinner with founder & winemaker Seth Cripe flying in from his California winery to host the event.

Photo courtesy of LOLA
Photo courtesy of LOLA

About lola

LOLA was founded in 2008 after Florida native Cripe traveled the world at the age of 17 to work harvest and learn how to make wine before settling in Napa Valley. Currently this boutique winery make about 8,000 cases of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Dry Riesling. The winery works with sustainable and natural methods in an effort to protect the environment for years to come.

Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer's
Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

the menu pairings

The dinner will be on Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 6pm with dinner being served at 6:30 and costs $95 per person. The 6-course menu is as follows.

Amuse Bouche
Raviolo al Uobo + brown butter + fried sage + black opal platinum caviar
1st course LOLA Dried Riesling * TBD
Corn soup + curry + citrus beurre poached crab + apple slaw
2nd course LOLA Chardonnay * TBD
Little neck clam + housemade linguini +  sauce au vin blanc + Hawaiian Black go lb salt  + Italian parsley + focaccia crumbs + Anna Maria Cortez Battarga
3rd course LOLA Pinot Noir * Russian River
Plank Patagonia salmon  + vanilla + Swiss chard + chanterelle mushroom + extra virgin olive oil
4th course LOLA Pinot Noir North Coast
Blackberry glazed lamb chops + white beans + kale + extra virgin olive oil + cracked pepper + Go lb. salt + demi glace
Dessert- Ice + Earth + Decadence
Wild raspberry sorbet + stilton + strawberry + valrhona chocolate chunk cookie
The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018 (602)626-5050 http://www.themarketphx.com/

 

Crudo to host 3 Italian winemakers at dinner on Sept. 21st

Whats goes better with Italian food paired with Italian wine, not much unless you’re in the company of 3 Italian winemakers who will discuss their wines being poured and paired that evening. This will be the reality on Wed. Sept 21st when Cullen Campbell, executive chef & co-owner of the award-winning Crudo hosts a 4 course Italian wine dinner with the wines imported by Kobrand.

Attending winemakers

It’s always a treat when you get to hear the inspiration and philosophy of winemakers about the complexity that goes into making wine. With that in mind Ernes Scardova of Medici Ermite, Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponit and Giovanni Folonari of Tenuta Di Nozzole & Camp Al Mare will all be flying in from Italy to enjoy the company of attendees and share their passion for Italian food and wine.

Crudo menu pairing

The 4-course dinner will cost $75 ++ per person and will start at 6pm and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 602-358-8666 http://www.crudoaz.com. The menu is as follows…

1st Course
Albacore Crudo | Fermented Chili & Citrus Paste| Garlic Chives
Campo al Mare Vermentino di Toscana 2014
2nd Course
Butcher’s Pate|Truffle Conserva| Noble Bread
Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco 2015
3rd Course
Gargati |Two Wash Farm Ragu|Basil
Tenuta Sette Ponti “Crognolo” 2014
4th Course
Teres Major Steak|Oxtail| Roasted Fingerlings| Salsa Delle Erbe
Tenuta di Nozzole “La Forra” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012
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