Month: August 2017

LDV Wine Gallery’s Calendar of Events

If your calendar of events is filing up as quick as mine then you’ll appreciate as much notice as possible. If Arizona wine is in your future plans then Peggy & Kurt at LDV Wine Gallery in old town Scottsdale have planned events for the rest of 2017 and you can circle the dates of any of the 10 events on your calendar so you don’t double book yourself.

All events are at LDV Wine Gallery, 6951 E. 1st Street, Scottsdale 85251 with reservations made by calling 480-664-4822 unless otherwise noted.

September Wine Appreciation – Wine + Cheese                                    Visit LDV Winery on Sunday, September 10 for a wine and cheese themed wine appreciation gathering. The event is part of a monthly series of fun, interactive get-togethers to discuss “All About Wine.” Registration includes expert-led discussions, little bites and wine, and take-away materials

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. $35/person; $65/couple (includes wine tasting, nibbles, and materials). Payment is required in advance.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club                                                                           LDV Winery’s monthly dinner is on Tuesday, September 12. This is a wine inspired casual dining experience that celebrates the vineyard to table journey. It includes courses paired with three LDV wines with recipes and great conversations. LDV Winery owners will host and cook.

Reservations can be made for Oct. 3rd, Nov. 7th and Dec. 5th dinners.

6:00 p.m. $65++ (tax & gratuity). Space is limited to 20 & payment is required to reserve seats.

October Wine Appreciation – Making Sense of Wine Scents                Join LDV Winery on Sunday, October 15 for a “Making Sense of Wine Scents” themed wine appreciation gathering. The event is part of a monthly series of fun, interactive get-togethers to discuss “All About Wine.” Registration includes expert-led discussions, little bites and wine, and take-away materials.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. $35/person; $65/couple (includes wine tasting, nibbles, and materials). Payment is required in advance.

LDV Winery Sky Islander Wine Club Pick Up Party                                 Wine Club members can head over to LDV  on Sunday, October 22 for the Sky Islander Wine Club Pick Up Party. Sky Islander Wine Club members can pick up their wine club packages and taste through the new wines. Guests are welcome with a special guest tasting fee. Wine club packages will be charged to credit card on file the beginning of March.

Call Peggy 602-320-1485 to update any club member information

12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free for Wine Club Members (includes wine tasting + nibbles), $10 for guests.

OCTOBER 28 LDV WINERY HARVEST FEST 2017.                            Saturday, October 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., attendees can join LDV Winery in celebrating the completion of the 2017 harvest.

Guests will enjoy a glass of wine of choice, as well as an LDV logo wine glass. Additional wine by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase. Those who attend can also participate in grape stomping! There will be a BBQ from 12-5, as well as live music all day on the patio at LDV Wine Gallery in Old Town Scottsdale.

The cost to attend is $40 for early registration for the general public and $45 on the day of the festival. LDV Sky Islander Wine Club members can purchase tickets for $35.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ldv-winery-harvest-festival-tickets-36724595253.

November Wine Appreciation – Winemaking 101                                      LDV Winery on Sunday, November 19 for a “Winemaking 101” themed wine appreciation gathering. The monthly event is a series of fun, interactive get-togethers to discuss “All About Wine.” Registration includes expert-led discussions, little bites and wine, and take-away materials.

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. $35/person; $65/couple (includes wine tasting, nibbles, and materials). Payment is required in advance.

SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 2, SANTA WINE AROUND ON THE SCOTTSDALE WINE TRAIL AS PART OF SCOTTSDAZZLE 2017. DETAILS COMING SOON!

Wine, Crafts & Fun                                                                                                       Saturday December 2 and 9 are for wine, crafts and fun. Bring your glue guns and glue sticks to create wine cork crafts (wreaths, cork trees, or ornaments). Sip wine, nibble on snacks and create wine cork crafts.

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $10 includes a glass of wine.

 

 

 

 

TRES Restaurant to open at Discovery Office Park this fall

As restaurants continue to open in the Phoenix area rarely do you see a chef driven restaurant venture to open inside an office park. The owners of TRES Restaurant may be starting a new trend as they will open their restaurant this fall in Tempe’s Discovery Office Park off Loop 101 & Guadalupe Rd.

Most office park food are grab and go for coffee, breakfast and lunch and close after the lunch rush. TRES will be extending the day and expect office workers, neighbors and foodies to come by for lunch and dinner by offering fresh and vibrant quick bites and full meals.

Executive Chef Steve Zimmerman said, “We are combining traditional and familiar southwestern and Mexican flavors with the light, healthy and popular dishes found in the Mediterranean region. It’s a very unique menu that will appeal to so many of our neighbors’ palates.”

TRES RestaurantTRES Restaurant menu highlights

The menu is inspired by the wood burning oven as the primary method of cooking in the restaurant. The lunch menu at TRES will showcase small, medium and large plates that will include diverse ingredients and foods including….

  • AZ Tepary Bean Hummus with QCOM Olives, local feta, tomato vierge, EVOO, and flatbread ($7)
  • Salmon Gravlax with mustard aioli, arugula, pickled red onion, fried capers, and rustic crackers ($13)
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Carbonara with bacon, prosciutto, cream, and fried onion streusel ($6)
  • The Reuben Cuban—shaved corned beef, mojo pulled pork, ham, melted swiss, dijionnaise, dill pickles on marble rye $13
  • Chicken El Pastor Torta with Cholula aioli, charred pineapple, avocado and pickled onions ($13)

During dinner small, medium and large plates will also be available with small plates available for sharing and large plates served family style.

      Small plates include:

  • Mediterranean spiced pork wings with honey harissa, goat horn chilis, Point Reyes blue cheese ($10)
  • Wood Fired Albondigas with caramelized mirepoix, pearl mozzarella and tomato marmalade ($8)
  • Blistered Shishito Peppers with chorizo, tajin and cojita cheese ($6)

Medium Plates offer:

  • Spicy Lamb Merguez Sliders with Madras aioli, tobacco onions, mango chutney on a potato roll ($14)
  • Tres Cheese Torte with spicy herbed ricotta, roasted poblano peppers, corn tortillas and salsa verde ($15 or $29 family style)
  • Various flatbreads, including roasted wild mushroom, Sonoran chicken flatbread, pork trifecta flatbread.

Large Plates include:

  • Cedar Plank Citrus Salmon with Argentine red shrimp and asparagus risotto and cranberry vinegar ($23 individual/ $45 family style
  • Spanish Style Chicken Feast with preserved lemon, smashed fingerlings, Mediterranean salsa ($19 individual, $37 family style)
  • Bone-in Ribeye with dry rub spice, bone marrow butter, charred asparagus, house buttermilk onion rings, and TRES steak sauce. ($29 14 oz. individual/ $80 32 oz. family style)

The modern styled restaurant will also offer cheese and boards with house cured charcuterie and a large bar for Happy Hour that will include craft cocktails and a diverse wine and beer list.

TRES Restaurant will be at 7200 S. Price Rd. Tempe. Check the website for updates and an opening date.

Mission Possible Cafe story as important as its food.

The Phoenix Rescue Mission helps men, women and children who are homeless, addicted and traumatized in a non-traditional way through their job training program. In the fall they will open the Mission Possible Cafe at 1516 W. Van Buren St. after men and women go trough a four months of training to learn about food service and other valuable skills.

Once opened Mission Possible Cafe will serve southwestern inspired meals with an emphasis on Mexican grilled cuisine Mon.-Fri. from 6a.m.-2p.m.

As important as the quality of food at affordable prices, employees will focus on their customer service skills.

The Mission Possible Cafe approach

The holistic approach taken by Phoenix Rescue Mission at Mission Possible Cafe focuses on more than the rehabilitation it offers, it includes job training through its vocational training program.

“Adding Mission Possible Café to Mission Cookies and Mission Catering as a training ground for our already successful Food Service Manager¹s Training program, will allow us to continue to serve our clients and help them advance,” said Jay A. Cory, President and CEO, Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Eight Month Vocational Course

After completing the first four months of food training, participants will apply what they’ve learned by working in the cafe.

The goal is to have participants take what they’ve learned as they go out in search of a job in the food service industry to help them get back on their feet.

“Clients will learn food service operations, develop leadership skills, and be prepared for successful placement in management level positions in the food service industry. We hope the community will join us for a great meal and help transform lives in the process,” said Cory.

You can stay up to date with the progress of the opening by visiting http://www.missionpossiblecafe.com/

 

 

 

 

House of Tricks celebrates its 30th anniversary all week long

One of the valley’s favorite restaurants has stood the test of time and is celebrating with a weeks worth of specials and soiree to celebrate this milestone. Tempe’s House of Tricks celebrates its 30th anniversary on September 6th by bringing back some of its favorite dishes from its 30 years serving unique and satisfying food.

When Bob and Robin Trick opened House of Tricks in 1987 it was the first fine dining restaurant in Tempe.  Since then they’ve  hosted many graduation dinners, special events, wine tastings and charities functions while still serving farm to table dishes from its small kitchen to diners enjoying the beautiful and lush patio setting just off Mill Ave. in downtown Tempe.

House of TricksHouse of Tricks alumni

Several recognizable names in the valley’s restaurant scene worked at House of Tricks including executive chef and owner of Crudo & Okra Cullen Campbell, chef Kelly Fletcher and Brent Karlicek who oversees the beverage program at Upward Projects (Postine Wine Cafe, The Windsor, Federal Pizza and more).

A week long of favorites from the past

With the help of staff, regular customers, family and friends the restaurant will be serving favorite dishes that have been 86’d over the years but will return the week of September 5th- 15th. This opportunity to try dishes will give fans of the restaurant an opportunity to stroll down memory lane and enjoy meals they never thought they’d have again.

Guests can also look forward to a special craft cocktail to commemorate the 30th anniversary created by their in-house mixologist.

30th anniversary soiree

The Trick’s also have a party being planned for the evening of November 5th where guests will be asked to don cocktail attire for an evening of wine, dancing, music and hor d’oeuvres. Still in the planning stages tickets and details for this exciting soiree will be available soon at https://www.houseoftricks.com/

 

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria announces Scottsdale location

The Phoenix area has been a popular place for Chicago area transplants for years its been the last couple of years that they’ve been able to get what some consider to be the best deep dish pizza in Arizona. With Giordano’s, Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s arriving in the last couple of years it’s been Lou Malnati’s that has continued its expansion with recent announcement of a 2nd location and this week’s announcement of its 3rd in north Scottsdale.

Lou Malnati’s coming to Scottsdale

The anticipated opening of the third location in north Scottsdale is still a year away but fans of the popular pizzeria will enjoyed the largest of the Arizona locations when it opens. It will be in the new Chauncey Lane development near Scottsdale Rd. and Loop 101.

When the restaurant opens it will be 10,000 square feet with an outdoor patio and will employ over 150 people and offer a full bar in the restaurant.

Deep Dish Pizza

Malnati’s is known for its deep dish pizza that uses California grown vine ripened tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese from a Wisconsin dairy and scratch made dough that hold it all together with its flaky and buttery crust.

2nd location announced

A few weeks back word came that the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix will get the 2nd location which will be for take out, delivery and catering. The pizzeria will share space with local neighborhood restaurant Kitchen 56 on the southeast corner of 56th St & Indian School Rd.

The building is currently under renovation to give Kitchen 56 a fresh look and accommodate Lou Malnati’s. This location is scheduled to open in the fall.

If north Scottsdale fans of the deep dish pizza can’t wait til the summer of 2018 to get their fill of deep dish pizza the can head to the original Arizona location in Uptown Plaza at 100 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85012. http://www.loumalnatis.com/

 

Taco Guild introduces Old World and New World brunch menu

Housed in an old church in central Phoenix, Taco Guild has been named by the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” as one the best Mexican restaurants in the country and become a local favorite for traditional Mexican cuisine with the modern touch of executive chef Dan Santos. Diners can now experience these unique dishes on the weekend as Santos has introduced a brunch menu.

The brunch menu includes 10 new items, 5 from the Old World with classic Mexican dishes and 5 from the New World with a modern and contemporary twist.

“This is the biggest overhaul to the brunch menu we have made and we are excited to share it with our guests,” says Santos. “As with all our dishes we aim for mastery and offer diners a truly unique and special experience.

Guild Torta

Old World and New World brunch at Taco Guild

These delicious sounding new dishes include bold flavors and fresh ingredients can be enjoyed on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Old World menu items:                                                                     

 Chiliquiles corn chips, spicy tomato sauce, menonita cheese, two eggs prepared your way and your choice of protein. Served with borracho beans. 9.95

Corn Cakes with Sausage & Eggs Griddled corn cakes, house-made beef and pork sausage patties, spicy tomato sauce and two eggs prepared your way. 9.95

Plantain Brulee Cornmeal Pancakes Cornmeal pancakes, plantains, spiced brown sugar, honey cinnamon butter and spiced maple syrup. 9.95

Chorizo con Papas & Eggs Southwestern potatoes, chorizo, peppers, onions and two eggs prepared your way. Served with house-made tortillas. 8.95

Coconut French Toast Tres leches custard flavored with cinnamon and cardamom, torta bread. Topped with toasted coconut, mango, strawberries, honey cinnamon butter and spiced maple syrup. Served with house-made beef and pork sausage patties. 9.95

Coconut French Toast

 New World menu items:

 Huevos Rancheros Quinoa Bowl Southwestern seasoned quinoa, spiced crema, salsa fresca, avocado and two eggs prepared your way. 8.95

Coffee Steak Hash & Eggs Coffee seasoned steak, Southwestern potatoes, onion and peppers. Served with two eggs prepared your way and borracho beans. 10.95

Guild Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle House-made cornmeal waffle, guild chicken, spiced maple syrup, honey cinnamon butter and serrano pepper. 9.95

Guild Torta Your choice of protein, peppers, onions, avocado, two eggs, menonita cheese, Southwestern potatoes and toasted torta roll. 9.95

Guild Parfait Orange agave fat-free yogurt, fresh mint, berry compote and house-made granola. 4.95

Taco Guild is at 546 East Osborn Rd. Phoenix http://www.tacoguild.com/

 

 

Let these restaurants host your Fantasy Football draft party

With a few pre-season NFL games already played Fantasy Football draft parties are being planned in the next few weeks. There’s no better way to draft your winning team than in a festive environment surrounded by big screen TV’s, food and beer.

Here are a few restaurants that are celebrating the start of football season and are ready to host your Fantasy Football draft party so let your league commissioner know where to go.

Thirsty Lion Fantasy Football draft party

The Phoenix area Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill’s are offering Happy Hour menu when you reserve a table for your draft party. $1 off pints of beer, $4.95 well drinks, wine & house margaritas will help you wash down wings, pizza and more  delicious food.

For more information about a Thirsty Lion near you in Scottsdale, Tempe or Gilbert visit http://www.thirstyliongastropub.com/

Twin Peaks free room and gift cards

Phoenix and Scottsdale’s Twin Peaks restaurants are offer a free room for your draft party along with a draft board to help organize your league.

In addition the commissioner gets a $50 gift card and each player gets a $10 gift card and gets entered into free Twin Peaks for a year.

Twin Peaks is located at 2135 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and 8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale. http://www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com/

Uptown Alley’s free room rental

Surprise’s bowling alley and laser tag venue, Uptown Alley is offering a free room, AV equipment and a $5 game card when you book your draft party until Sept. 6th with a minimum of 10 people.

The new menu at their Red Embers Bar & Grill will be available with additions that include pulled pork potato skins, pizza rolls and sliders.

To make a reservation at Uptown Alley call 623-277-5867 or visit http://uptownalleysurprise.com/

 

Drip Coffee and Espresso truck to hit the streets of Phoenix

If you don’t have the energy to walk to your nearby coffee shop to get your cup of “go-go juice” you soon will be able to have it come to you. That is if you find yourself along the route of the new Drip Coffee and Espresso truck that will start traveling the streets of  Phoenix  in late August or early September.

Owner Jeff Rorvig is combing his restaurant experience and his passion for coffee to bring this new innovative way to bring coffee to the people.

“I love coffee and I’ve wanted to be in this business for a long time. My life has taken many twists and turns, but I’m excited to follow my dreams with Drip Coffee and Espresso. We can’t wait to hit the streets!” Rorvig said.

Drip Coffee and Espresso will offer a wide selection of caffeinated and un-caffeniated drinks from CULT Coffee Roaster including drip, iced and nitrogen infused coffee, cappuccino, lattes and mochas.  Flavored & Chai teas, Italian sodas and energy drinks will also be available along with locally made pastries.

Signature drinks have been brewed up for Drip Coffee and Espresso including the “Rising Sun,” which is made with coffee, espresso, milk, Mexican chocolate and whipped cream. If you need that extra boost to get you through your day then you’ll want either the “Buzzer,” a quad shot Mexican mocha or the “Zipper,” drip coffee with quad shot of espresso or “Perk Me Up,” drip coffee with double shot of espresso.

When the truck hits the streets you’ll be able to find where it’s headed by checking Twitter, Facebook or their soon to be completed website http://azdripcoffee.com/

 

 

 

 

2nd annual Rock the Guac comes to The Camby Hotel

Calendars are starting to fill up with food festivals and the like with another just announced as Rock the Guac is scheduled on National Guacamole Day on September 16th at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix. 12 Phoenix area chefs will create their version of guacamole for guests to sample and celebrate the delicious food.

Rock the Guac
Matt Carter at last years event. All photos courtesy of Rock the Guac

Rock the Guac chefs

Rock the Guac is brought to us by the same people who brings us Arizona Taco Festival in mid-October. The 12 valley chefs preparing their guacamole for the friendly competition are….

Forest Hamrick- La Hacienda – 2016 Rock The Guac winner

Dushyant Singh- Artizen, Crafted American Kitchen & Bar at The Camby Hotel

Richard Hinojosa- CRUjiente Tacos

Aaron Pool- Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup

Alex Stratta- Match at The FOUND:RE Phoenix

Mel Mecinas- Private Chef

Aaron May- Goodwood Tavern, Malibu Burger Co.

Jennifer Russo- The Market by Jennifer’s

Fidencio Alatriste- Toro Latin Restaurant

Laura Gonzalez- Taqueria Centro

George Alatriste- The Mission

Beau MacMillan- Elements

Get Tickets

The event starts at 6p.m. and tickets are only available online for $40 in which each guest has unlimited guacamole, 2 drink tickets for margaritas and beer, a taco station hosted by The Camby.  If you’ve ever been to the Arizona Taco Festival then you know there will be plenty of fun and live entertainment on this lively evening. Tickets available here.

Part of the proceeds from Rock the Guac will be donated to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, a non-profit which heals homeless and abused children thought art and expression.

 

Alex Stratta takes over the kitchen at MATCH: Restaurant & Cocktails

It was less than a year ago that I reported that James Beard Award winning chef Alex Stratta took over culinary operations at The Herb Box , well that short-lived stint has come to an end. Chef Stratta has taken his culinary talents to MATCH:Restaurant & Cocktails in The Found:Re Hotel in Phoenix.

New menu debut

The first change will take place in September when chef Stratta will debut a new menu for the wood-fired and local focused restaurant. “We are testing new recipes and seeking the perfect balance of flavor and relatable dishes that suit the tastes of our local residents and out-of-town guests,” said Stratta. “The wood fired oven and grill will continue to take center stage as we evolve our menu.”

He and his team will continue to focus on simple, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that will be presented in an artful style to coincide with the hotels art inspired decor and design.

The Alex Stratta culinary history

The globe-trotting chef has collected awards for his Las Vegas restaurants Stratta & ALEX and his first stint in Phoenix at Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician Resort. He’s also worked for famed chefs Alain Ducasse in Monaco at Louis XV in The Hotel de Paris and Daniel Boulud in New York at Le Cirque. He’s also made the finals on Top Chef Masters, Italian Iron Chef and Iron Chef America. In addition to his James Beard “Best Southwest Chef” award he’s been named a Food & Wine Best New Chef, several AAA Five Diamond awards and a two star rating from the Michelin Guide for ALEX.

MATCH is at 1100 N. Central Ave. in downtown Phoenix https://www.matchphx.com/