Fast casual and healthy eating continue to be priorities in the local restaurant community heading into 2018 and the newly opened The Bodhi in Tempe checks both boxes.
For those looking to extend new year resolutions to eat healthy as long as possible this restaurant can help you extend it.
Steak and eggs bowl. All photos courtesy of The Bodhi
In the heart of downtown Tempe on College Ave. will serve more than the ASU crowd with its organic vegetables and vitamin rich foods at an affordable price.
The Bodhi provides
Whether you’re building a bowl, having salad or taking a cold pressed juice on the run all ingredients are crafted for a healthy and nutritious diet with research to see which ingredients and combinations work best.
Their blog provides information and facts on nutrition and healthy habits for its customers.
521 S. College Ave #112 Tempe 85281. Full menu and more! (480)699-0409
After a short holiday hangover the first week of January, 2018 starts quickly on the Phoenix food and wine scene. The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is hosting its first wine dinner of 2018 Wednesday January 10th as it pairs with Hall Wines from Napa and Sonoma Counties at the Arcadia Lite neighborhood restaurant.
Hall Wines & pairings
The 6-course family style meal will be paired with 5 wines from Hall Wines and its Sonoma partner Walt Wines.
The first 3 courses paired will be paired with Walt Wines chardonnay & pinot noirs from Sonoma with the bigger reds saved for the last 2 courses from Hall Wines in St. Helena.
Walt Chardonnay Seared Diver scallop with a citrus beurre blanc, blood orange, crispy shallots and chive oil with corn nut dust
Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay Pan-seared breast of canard duck with sweet potato fondant drizzled with a balsamic cherry reduction topped with kale crisp
Walt Pinot Noir la Brisa Pappardelle pasta with porcini mushroom crème and dehydrated prosciutto, Cherve and oregano leaves
Hall Merlot Coq au vin prepared with pearl onions, baby root vegetables and lardon in classic presentation
Hall Cabernet Tri-colored peppercorns and flakey salt crusted rib eye with wilted greens and potato crème and Chef’s red wine reduction
Sweet Chocolate shortbread cookie with macerated berries and dark
This classic pairing dinner starts at 6:30 the evening of the 10th. $85 per person.
RSVP to 602-626-5050. The Market is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. http://themarketphx.com/
I’m closing the door on 2017 and kicking open 2018 with a vengeance as I inform you that tickets go on sale for 2018 Arizona Cocktail Week-End, Monday January 8th 2018.
Back for its 7th incarnation of spirits tastings, seminars and cocktail competitions organizers have moved the events to growing downtown Phoenix bar & restaurant scene.
The former week-long event is now a 3 day event starting on Saturday Feb. 17- 19th 2018 with several featured events and smaller meet ups at participating bars and restaurants.
Photos courtesy of Arizona Cocktail Week
Featured events
Arizona Cocktail Week-End kicks off on Saturday night and The Van Buren will be jamming with the Cocktail Jam. The new downtown music hall will pair craft cocktails with live music to create a unique evening.
Sunday night brings the return of Top Bar, pop up versions of classic and trend setting cocktail bars from around Phoenix and around the globe show off their drink making skills. Taking place at The Croft, Top Bar has previously included The Manhattan Bar from Singapore, London’s The Savoy, Portobello Star & Callooh Callay and Herbs & Rye in Las Vegas.
Additional dinners, tasting and events will be announced and will be held at participating downtown bars and restaurants including Bar Bianco, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, Chico Malo and Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour.
AZCW also has its own charity, The Jupiter Foundation which helps provide safety for industry professionals including medical bills and helping when there are no other alternatives.
With New Year’s Eve on a Sunday this year and a day off on Monday you can say good-bye to 2017 & hello to 2018 starting at 10:30 in the morning at Hula’s Modern Tiki in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Photo courtesy of Hula’s Modern Tiki
New Year’s Eve daytime
Stop in on your way home from church or a hike for Hula’s weekend brunch and all day Happy Hour. Hula’s island inspired brunch includes Eggs Benedict w/ Spam, ham and more will be served until 2:30 p.m.
Happy Hour drinks flow from 10:30 a.m. – 6p.m. with $6 signature tropical cocktails including Dark & Stormy, Zombie and the award-winning Painkiller. Sparkling wine and Mimosa’s will be $3 for day drinking.
Eggs Benedict with Spam. Photo courtesy of Hula’s Modern Tiki
Hula’s at night
Once the sun sets and 2018 gets closer by the second Hula’s continues to party the night away. The kitchen will be cooking up island favorites until 10:00 p.m. and $3 glasses of Champagne flowing starting at 6:00 p.m.
Ring in the new year at Hula’s at midnight and you’ll be offered a complimentary Champagne toast.
Make your way to Hula’s in Scottsdale at 7213 E. 1st Ave. 85251 or in Phoenix at 4700 N. Central Ave #122 85012. For more information check their website
College bowl season has kicked off and the Phoenix area hosts both the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium & Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. With thousand of fans coming to town for the bowl games , restaurants put on their game face to attract out-of-towers here for the games or just to enjoy our beautiful holiday season.
Several restaurants are hosting special bowl game events while you watch the games.
Bowl games buffets at Match Restaurant
Downtown Phoenix’s Match Restaurant is throwing a tailgate inspired buffet when UCLA & Kansas State battle for Cactus Bowl supremacy at near by Chase Field on Tues. Dec. 26th from 4:00- 6:00 p.m.
They’ll do again a few days later when Penn St. plays Washington in Glendale on Dec. 30th. from 2:00-4:00 p.m. outside by the pool.
$25 scores you a ticket to either game’s festivities and includes all you can eat and 2 beers or non-alcoholic beverages. You can call 602-675-8080 . Match is inside the Found:RE Hotel at 1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix.
Fired Pie Pizza
Rooting for your alma mater on with friends at home then Fired Pie has the pizza for you. Their catering packages start serving enough for at least 10 people.
Photo courtesy of Fired Pie
For 10-15 guests you get 8 mix-n-match 11” pizzas and a large catering salad for just $89.99.
For 16-20 guests, you can get 12 mix-n-match 11” pizzas and 2 large catering salads for $145.99.
There are Wrap Package options starting at $65.99 – you can get 16 mix-n-match half wraps (salads converted to wraps) and 8 sides with choices from granny smith apples, potato chips or any combination of the two.
Postmates and DoorDash will deliver for parties less than 10 can order Fired Pie through 3rd party delivering options like .
Before, during and after the Cactus Bowl on the 26th, The Park Food Bar & Beer Garden in downtown Phoenix will be offering a bucket of 5 beers from MillerCoors and an appetizer(not sampler) for $27.
Phoenix restaurant group Genuine Concepts wanted in on the growing restaurant and bar scene happening in downtown Phoenix and have announced a Monday December 18th opening of their 12 restaurant, Downtown Deli Tavern.
Downtown Phoenix old timers may have eaten at the original Downtown Deli before it closed a couple of years ago after 46 years of serving patrons breakfast & lunch. Genuine Concepts owners Tucker Woodbury and Jim Riley purchased the property and have given it a new vibe while keeping true to its roots.
Unlike the original deli the tavern will serve lunch, dinner and cocktails until late in the evening and early morning with its corner bar atmosphere.
“It seemed to me that there has been a little bit of a land rush in downtown Phoenix and now that other companies and businesses are coming, we wanted to make sure that we put our stake in the ground and held onto a spot,” Woodbury states.
Eating at Downtown Deli Tavern
Executive Chef Justin Woodard’s menu is comfort food inspired with dishes such as Mom’s Meatloaf, Omelet and Hash, Turkey Noodle Soup, Egg Salad Sandwich and signature Fried PB&J and Smothered Browns will create a buzz.
The full menu is available all day as will be the $.50 cup of coffee along with grab n go items and weekly list of 7 for $7 food items.
“The food we have created for The Downtown Deli Tavern should resonate with its over the top comfort food that we can all identify with,” says Woodard. “Food to me is all about the memories and this place has a menu that will leave a lasting impression on its guests. Food should be fun, not too fussy and simple. I think we’ve done a great job of creating a menu that reflects that.
Classic Cocktails
Beverage director Chris Hardin is keeping it simple with basic and classic cocktails with his modern twist including White Russian, Salty Dog, Deli Old Fashioned and the Strong Island Iced Tea.
Proud of its Arizona roots all draft beers at Downtown Deli Tavern all Arizona brewed.
“The Downtown Deli Tavern will be equal parts food and bar and we hope that people recognize that end even though its a little bit quirky, we love old buildings and we love old Phoenix and this project has been around for so long, why change things too much. We are going to let people figure it out for themselves when they visit,” says Woodbury. “It’s very classic rock. It has an approachable space, with friendly people and affordable pricing.”
Downtown Deli Tavern is at 130 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 and will be open Monday-Wednesday 10:30am-11pm, Thursday 10:30am-12am, Friday 10:30am-2am, Saturday 3:00pm-2:00am & will be closed on Sunday.
Years ago people would purchase their cheese from a cheese shop, fish from a fish market and meats from a butcher, today you can find the one stop shopping with few peddling their product knowing only basic information. With that in mind the Arcadia Meat Market is set to open on January 11th 2018.
Partners Nick Addante and Luigi Paroli plan to bring back the old school butcher shop offering Arizona raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb and will source all natural products from Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and California.
Need for the Arcadia Meat Market
Addante is a partner in Arizona’s only grass-fed beef producer who realized that the mass marketed meat industry lacked what consumers want including transparency, product knowledge and the treatment of animals.
“All our meats are free range and pasture raised, never had any antibiotics or hormones, and the animals we sell have always eaten healthy food resulting in the best quality meats.” Addante says.
“We believe that healthy animals raised in open pastures make for a healthier planet and healthy happy customers. We work with producers that care about our planet and the animals they raise. Our ranchers practice sustainable farming methods so their business may continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The Butcher
Addante also wanted a skilled neighborhood butcher who cared about the meats they are butchering for their customers and the customers themselves.
Enter Paroli, a 2nd generation butcher from New Zealand who’s worked across the country and will hand cut all meats in-house.
“It’s all about bringing back trust and transparency, because I was raised on that, including 8,000 hours of training under a master butcher in Wellington, New Zealand,” Paroli says. “I’ve run butcher shops from Alaska to Manhattan and it all comes back to good, healthy, grass-fed, pasture raised, organic proteins. Plus, you can come and get something specially cut for you and feel good about providing for your family.”
Arcadia Meat Market will be open daily Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Also offered will be ready-to- cook meals, grab & go items and more. In the future they plan to sell wine, cheese, charcuterie and cold pressed juices.
Arcadia Meat Market will be 3950 E. Indian School Rd. #150 Phoenix 85018.
With the Jewish holiday Hannukah only a few nights away families are dusting off the menorah and looking for their playful dreidels a part of the joyful traditions.
Like many traditions and holidays food plays a big part and local delis Miracle Mile Deli and Chompie’s Delicatessen are preparing traditional dinners for the 8 nights of Hannukah.
Hannukah at Miracle Mile
Family owned Miracle Mile deli celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Brisket Plate on their dine-in menu from December 12th – 20th.
Miracle Mile Matzo ball soup
Enjoy sliced brisket accompanied by a potato latke(pancake), applesauce & sour cream a cup of Matzo Ball soup for only $14.
Miracle Mile Deli is at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix 85016.
Chompie’s Hannukah take out meal
If you’re looking to eat dinner in the comfort of your own home New York style Chompie’s Delicatessen is offering to prepare a meal that may provide leftovers for all 8 nights.
Borenstein family recipes are used to create a meal that serves 8 people and offers everything from appetizers, entree, side dishes and dessert for $219.
Matzo Ball Soup Choice of sliced Beef Brisket, Roasted Chicken or Oven Roasted Turkey Breast w/ Challah Stuffing Choice of two sides (latkes, roasted potatoes, homestyle green beans, and a glazed-carrot medley) Lovey Borenstein’s Holiday Dessert (apple strudel & rugulach).
Chompie’s latke trio
Those that don’t want the full meal Chompie’s offers a la carte delicacies by the pint, pound & piece.
With all the excitement of Christmas morning who has time to make breakfast. The popular breakfast & lunch restaurant Over Easy does, as they are offering to prepare breakfast for you and your family as you open your presents.
When you pre-order by Saturday, December 23rd and your order will be ready for you on Christmas Eve day the 24th at their Biltmore location.
French Toast and biscuits
All you have to do is re-heat and instructions are included for the 4 signature dishes available….. Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits & Gravy- Homemade biscuits smothered with country gravy. Order comes with 2 biscuits and side of gravy. Don’t worry. We’re not skimping on the gravy. — $9
Yogurt & Quinoa- Greek yogurt and quinoa crunch topped with seasonal fruit and agave nectar. Orders come by the pint. Serves approx. 2 ppl per order. — $14
Nut Banana French Toast- Buttery brioche dipped in our secret recipe batter, griddled to perfection and topped with caramel, pecans and bananas. Caramel banana sauce is packaged on the side to top off when you are ready to serve. Orders serve 2 people. — $11
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole- An easy-to-serve version of our Chilaquiles. Corn tortilla chips, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream with your choice of chicken or pork, and your choice of ranchero (red) or green chili sauce. Serves 4 people. — $36
To place an order call the Over Easy at the Biltmore at 602-687-7456 by 12 p.m. on the 23rd and be ready to pick it up on the 24th at 1:30 p.m.
In a follow-up to my post in August about the planned Mission Possible Cafe and it’s story I’m glad to report the cafe is now open. To celebrate its opening the cafe is offering $5 food specials for breakfast and lunch throughout the month of December.
The cafe which is at 1516 W. Van Buren St. is open Mon.-Fri. from 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and is the latest project from The Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Green Chile Pork
December food specials
The menu is simple at Mission Possible Cafe and serves southwestern inspired cuisine with an emphasis on Mexican grilled meals. The $5 specials rotate on a daily basis for lunch and during breakfast the special is a breakfast burrito. All specials include a drink and are as follows.
Breakfast Mon-Fri (7:00am-10:30am) $5.00 Breakfast Burrito+ soda or drip coffee
The Phoenix Rescue Mission created the Mission Possible Cafe to help men, women and children who struggle with homelessness, addiction and trauma to learn skills that will help them get back on their feet and feel like a part of the community.
The goal is to get people trained to prepare & cook food and learn customer service skills so they can find jobs in the food service industry.
For more information about Mission Possible Cafe and to see the menu go to their website
