Month: September 2017

Bobby Q’s brings tasty BBQ to the Camelback Corridor

Restaurateur Bob Sikora knows a thing or two about opening successful restaurants having opened Bobby Mcgee’s nightclubs growing it to 24 locations around the country and founding Mr. Lucky’s country bar with Willie Nelson. After traveling the country for years searching out and learning about BBQ he opened his first Bobby Q’s Great Steaks & Real BBQ in north Phoenix in 2005 before the BBQ trend started here in Phoenix.

On Monday October 2nd he opens his third Bobby Q’s at Camelback Rd. & 32nd St. I had the opportunity to visit the restaurant to preview it.

The dark & brick walled the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with the exhibition kitchen just inside the front door. Two almond/mesquite wood smoker and rotisserie are situated inside the kitchen smoking BBQ favorites brisket, pork & beef ribs, sausage links and more. The aroma will sure get people’s attention as people wander the its strip mall location.

Tastes of BBQ

My guest and I sampled a few dishes on our visit courtesy of Bob and his team. Executive chef  Mark Hittle and his kitchen team hand run all the meats with their signature rub before they are slow cooked.

We started with the Cajun Shrimp appetizer that are sautéed with Cajun spices and served with garlic bread to mop up the juices. The 6 shrimp were a  good size, had nice seasoning and disappeared pretty quickly.

If you know me you then you know I’m a rib man and went with the Baby Back Ribs that were fall off the bone tender and made me a happy man. The brisket we sampled had the right amount of fat and bark to put up against any brisket around town.

On the side we had the Pecan Cole Slaw which was shredded thin, not to creamy as many can be and topped with crushed pecan adding a nice twist and texture. The side of Mac & Cheese won’t disappoint fans of the cheesy favorite.

We were given a bag of warm mini donuts from the donut machine and are free to all guests who dine at restaurant.

The full menu includes steak, fish, burgers, salads and rotisserie chicken that can be seen on Bobby Q’s website. I can see why Bobby Q’s has garnered many accolades from Yelp!, Open Table and Trip Advisor.

Hand crafted cocktails

In-house mixologist Chris Ortega has created a cocktail menu with his take on classic cocktails that include an Old Fashioned that I enjoyed prepared with rye whiskey and barrel smoked maple syrup. Other cocktails include the refreshing Watermelon Cooler and Bobby Q’s version of the classic Mule cocktail. All cocktails are prepared with premium spirits, fresh fruits and house made syrups.

Old Fashioned. All photos courtesy of Bobby Q’s

The Camelback location will serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week at 11 a.m. and will stay open until 2 a.m. Tues. – Sat. serving a late night menu. Sun. & Mon. they will be open until 10 p.m.

Bobby Q’s Great Steaks and Real BBQ is at 3154 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85016

 

 

 

Updated: Sunday Supper Dinner Series at MATCH in October and November

Updated with December dates and menu

When I announced last month that chef Alex Stratta had taken the reins at MATCH: Restaurant & Cocktails we knew it wouldn’t be long before he started putting his own twist on food coming out of the kitchen. After making menu changes earlier this month he’s now set to start the popular Sunday Supper Dinner Series this Sunday October 1st.

Each of the 8 dinners will have a theme from around the country and world with the menus created specifically for the weeks dinner. The Sunday Supper will be served family style and will cost $24 plus tax & gratuity per person and starts at 6 p.m.

Sunday Supper weekly menus

At least 4 dishes including appetizer style plates  followed by an entrée, side dishes and dessert will be served.

Here is the menu for all 8 weeks Sunday Supper…..

Oct. 1                                                                                                                                    PAELLA AND TAPAS                                                                                                          Gazpacho Andalusiano con aceitunas                                                      Patatas Bravas                                                                                                                Pan con tomate y Manchego                                                                             Paella Valenciana

Oct. 8                                                                                                                                            INDOOR PICNIC                                                                                                                   Deviled eggs                                                                                                                             Watermelon and cucumber salad                                                                                Cole slaw                                                                                                                                     Wood roasted Elote with Cotija cheese                                                                   Buttermilk fried chicken                                                                                                    Banana splits

Oct. 15                                                                                                                                   BACK EAST SUNDAY GRAVY                                                                                 Clams casino                                                                                                                 Chopped salad                                                                                                            Spaghetti and meatballs                                                                                                    Garlic bread                                                                                                                              Cannoli with ricotta

Oct. 29                                                                                                                                         SPICY SUNDAY                                                                                                          Fried Jalapenos with cotija and bacon                                                       Adobo chicken tostada salad with mixed pepper slaw                      Green chili pork with Habanero toreados                                                  Spicy beef enchiladas                                                                                                          Mexican Rice and charro beans                                                                                    Arroz con leche

Nov. 5                                                                                                                                     FISH FRY                                                                                                                           New England clam chowder                                                                                            Caesar Salad                                                                                                                 Fried Ling Cod in dark ale batter                                                                      Fried potatoes with malt vinegar aioli                                                                       Boston cream pie

Nov. 12                                                                                                                               BBQ AND CORNBREAD                                                                                   Crispy Caribbean chicken wings                                                                        BBQ brisket and pork ribs                                                                                      Cole slaw and potato salad                                                                            Cherry-jalapeno cornbread with honey butter                                     Maple pecan tart with Bourbon sauce

Nov. 19                                                                                                                              PAELLA AND TAPAS                                                                                                          Gazpacho Andalusiano con aceitunas                                                                       Patatas Bravas                                                                                                                         Pan con tomate y Manchego                                                                                           Paella Valenciana

Nov. 26                                                                                                                                         INDOOR PICNIC                                                                                                                   Deviled eggs                                                                                                                             Watermelon and cucumber salad                                                                                Cole slaw                                                                                                                                     Wood roasted Elote with Cotija cheese                                                                   Buttermilk fried chicken                                                                                                    Banana splits

Sunday, December 3rd, 2017                                                                           BACK EAST’ SUNDAY GRAVY                                                                        Clams casino                                                                                                        Chopped salad                                                                                                   Spaghetti and meatballs                                                                                                    Garlic bread                                                                                                                              Cannoli with ricotta

Sunday, December 10th, 2017                                                                                      SPICY SUNDAY                                                                                                          Fried Jalapenos with cotija and bacon                                                       Adobo chicken tostada salad with mixed pepper slaw                      Green chili pork with Habanero toreados                                                  Spicy beef enchiladas                                                                                                          Mexican Rice and charro beans                                                                                    Arroz con leche

Sunday, December 17th, 2017                                                                            FISH FRY                                                                                                                          New England clam chowder                                                                                            Caesar’s salad                                                                                                                          Fried Ling Cod in dark ale batter                                                                                  Fried potatoes with malt vinegar aioli                                                                       Boston cream pie

MATCH is inside the Found:Re Hotel at 1100 N. Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix.

 

Seasonal Ice Cream Pies at Creamistry

With cool weather and football in full swing we put the bathing suits away and break out the long sleeve shirts and sweaters as we focus our attention to the Fall and holiday season. Foods are seasonal too and for a limited time Creamistry, where ice cream meets science, is introducing Ice Cream Pies with a seasonal twist at their 4 locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

The Earl Grey tea Ice Cream Pie is infused with Earl Grey tea, topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls then sprinkled with dark cocoa powder.

The Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream Pie tastes like its been home-baked and is made fresh when you order it. The flaky pie crust is filled with apple ice cream, cinnamon apple compote then finished sweet caramel and topped with a crispy streusel topping. Hard to go wrong with these delicious ingredients.

To get these Ice Cream Pies in the Phoenix area these are the locations you can find them at.

Phoenix                                                                                                                             4325 E. Indian School Rd.  (Arcadia)                                                                           100 E. Camelback Rd (Uptown Plaza)

Scottsdale                                                                                                                                  7135 E. Camelback Rd. (Scottsdale Waterfront)                                                15345 N. Scottsdale Rd. (Scottsdale Quarter)

For other locations around the country visit their website

Slider Throwdown returns to Kierland Commons for charity

As memories of last years Slider Throwdown fall deeper into our subconscious we are made aware of this years Throwdown that is slated for Sunday November 12th from 12-3p.m. back at Kierland Commons.

For only $30 each attendees will be able to sample all the sliders and 3 non-alcoholic drink tickets. After tasting the sliders people will be able to vote the “People’s Choice” award along with “slider expert” judges for to see which food truck will wine “Best Slider”.

Food trucks competing include:

Two Fat Guys Grilled Cheese                                                                         Mango Flats                                                                                                                     Aioli Burger                                                                                                                     Food Diva                                                                                                                        Head to Hoof                                                                                                                    Left Coast Burrito                                                                                                    Emerson Fry Bread

One restaurant will partner with the Slider Throwdown to offer a signature cocktail at the chosen restaurant.

Proceeds from this years event will be donated to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation(AFFCF). The money raised will help foster children enjoy their childhood despite unfortunate circumstances.

Kris Jacober, Director of the AFFCF, says, “We help these children through difficult circumstances by providing them with resources and allowing them to take part in enjoyable activities that promote self-esteem.”

You can help by purchasing you Slider Throwdown tickets and having a good time enjoying the delicious sliders.

 

Splurge introduces Hope Through Hollis Mint Chip Ice Cream fundraiser

Hollis Doherty must have loved ice cream as he now has a flavor named after him at Splurge, the ice cream shop at The Orchard in Phoenix. Hope Through Hollis Mint Chip Ice Cream is named after the 7-year-old whose legacy lives on after Hollis passed away in January from a brain tumor.

Friday September 29th – October 1st Splurge will be donating all  sales of the ice cream to the Hope Through Hollis organization his parents Shane and Shawnee started to raise money for this rare disease’s research.

Hope Through HollisHope Through Hollis

Hope Through Hollis has partnered with TGen to help find the cure for the Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) tumor. The money raised through the sales of Hope Through Hollis Mint Chip will be used to fund research for the cure where the average life span is 1 year after diagnosis. Hollis passed away after 9 months of fighting.

After the fundraiser

After next weekends fundraiser Splurge will continue to serve the mint chip ice cream and donate a portion to sales to the organization.

Splurge is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and is at 7100 N. 12th St. Phoenix  http://splurgephx.com

 

MidiCi Pizza opens first Arizona location in Desert Ridge

I forget who told me October is National Pizza Month but  I’m not surprised as there is more pizza available in Phoenix than ever before. Pizza should be the official food of the valley or state if its not already since there more pizza than taco options(not really sure). As  mom & pop pizza shops continue to open and national chains move into the Phoenix  market we welcome another pizza option, MidiCi The Neopolitan Pizza Company opened its first Arizona location in the Desert Ridge community of Phoenix.

Primavera

“Opening our first location in Phoenix marks a milestone in our expansion,” said local Phoenix franchisee, Craig Early. “We’re confident that our location will create a lasting bond with the Desert Ridge community for years to come.”

The 2-year old ” fast, fine” Los Angeles based pizza company focus is Neopolitan brick oven pizza that use fresh and natural ingredients that are almost GMO free. The menu was crafted by Los Angeles restaurateurs Peppe Miele and Mario Vollera with pizza, salads and burrata and is served in a faster, fine dining atmosphere.

MidiCi translates to “you tell me” in Italian and has two meanings to the founders philosophy, building friendships by speaking with each other about our lives and the personal approach to authentic Neoploitan pizza.

Margherita pizza

“From the moment our guests step foot in MidiCi’s they will fall in love with the concept – from the food, to the people and ambiance, to the very values of the brand, it was just the right fit for Phoenix,” said Early. “We know that once guests get a chance to try it themselves they’ll want to return and create lasting memories with their friends.”

Arizona marks the 10th state which MidiCi has expanded into and has received rave reviews and earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp!

MidiCi is at 21001 Tatum Blvd. Suite 1010 and is open Sun – Thurs 11AM – 12AM & Fri. & Sat. 11AM – 1AM. Visit the website for more information.

 

Art of Ice Cream Experience pop-up comes to Scottsdale

Most of us ice cream lovers get to experience its delicious taste for a few quick minutes a few times a month or however often we give in to the craving for the cold, sweet treat. With so many flavors and styles of ice cream we need more time to experience our love affair and for only 3 months starting Dec. 1st the Art of Ice Cream Experience is coming to Scottsdale.

This interactive pop-up exhibit will be housed in a 2 story building near Craftsman Court and 3rd Ave in old town Scottsdale and will offer visitors theme filled rooms such as the Push-Up Pop Room, the Banana Split Room  and the Sundae Room.  Visitors can schedule 60 minutes to explore the different rooms to learn about,  take photos and most importantly taste samples of ice cream that will tempt all 5 senses.

The Art of Ice Cream Experience is good for all ages especially millennials as the exhibits are social media friendly and photos and selfies are encouraged to remember ones tasty experience.

Ice cream lovers can scoop up their tickets now as a limited number of tickets will be available each day during the 3 month engagement. The Art of Ice Cream Experience will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Group tickets are available and the pop-up can be used for corporate or holiday parties.

Rosh Hashanah dinner & Yom Kippur “Break the Fast” at Chompie’s Deli

When the sun goes down on Wednesday September 20th Jews around the world will celebrate the start of Rosh Hashanah, the highest of holidays on the Jewish calendar celebrating the new year, 5777. Like many holidays spending time with family in the kitchen and around the dinner table is a mainstay of the celebration.

Family owned Chompie’s Delicatessen is celebrating by serving a traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner followed nine nights later for Yom Kippur with a “Break the Fast” take out available at sundown on September 30th.

Rosh Hashanah dinner

A traditional 4-course Rosh Hashanah dinner is available to dine-in or take-out from Chompie’s. The menu includes a starter or Chopped Liver or Gefilte Fish, soup, an entrée choice of a half roasted chicken, braised brisket, salmon, or roasted breast of turkey. Entrees come with a choice of potato or vegetable and assorted holiday cakes are available for dessert.

Guests can order items a la carte or family meals that serve 8 people for $249.95 or 4 people for $129.95

Old World Tzimmi

Yom Kippur “Break the Fast”

After we’ve spent the 24 hour period from sundown on the 29th to sundown on the 30th atoning for our sins by fasting, all we can think about is when and what we can eat.

Chompie’s will be preparing take-out dinner to “Break the Fast” which includes gourmet smoked fish, deli salads along with gluten-free desserts and more.

Rosh HashanahNew challah at Chompie’s

Available for the first time at Chompie’s are two new challah loafs. The Jerusalem challah is found in the markets of the holy city and are topped with poppy, sunflower, black sesame and pumpkin seeds. The sweet Maripan challah has almond paste spread throughout the soft, fluffy inside with slice almonds adorning the outside of the bread.

The Borenstein’s found theses new loafs this year when they visited Israel and are the first in Arizona to serve this authentic bread. Each loaf is $6.99 and is made fresh daily.

24 our notice is needed o place an order and to find a Chompie’s Deli near you go to their website .

Lots of playing at The Park Bar in downtown Phoenix

As downtown Phoenix quickly transforms from live, work &  play  neighborhood to more of a live, work, play ,eat & drink destination,  many business’s see the opportunity. The Park Street Food Bar & Beer Garden on S. 2nd St. which opened as an indoor beer garden and has become a community gathering place.

To bring the diverse community of office workers, residents, artists and others even closer The Park is playing host to daily(Happy Hour), weekly and monthly events in September & October.

Happy Hour Specials Daily

Happy Hour is at every Monday-Friday  from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. ! Enjoy $2 off beer, wine and cocktails. Daily specials run all day:                                                                                                                                               Monday: $5 off a $20 Beer Bard                                                                          Tuesday: $6 Deep Eddy Mules                                                                    Wednesday: $5 Wine Glasses                                                                         Thursday: $5 Jameson and Fireball                                                                            Friday: $5 Coors Light and Miller Lite

Tuesday Movie Night

The Park proudly presents a free movie night every Tuesday starting Sep. 19 at 7:00 p.m.! A variety of feature films will be shown on the 17-foot screen, and free popcorn will be available. 2-for-1 entrees are available with a reservation. Text “MOVIES” to 48421 to RSVP.

Sep 19 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off                                                                              Sep 26 Office Space                                                                                                            Oct 3 Dirty Dancing                                                                                                       Oct 10 Jerry McGuire

The Park

National Taco Day

The Park Bar is celebrating National Taco Day on Wednesday, October 4 with $1 beef street tacos all day long!

Dueling Piano Night Oct. 14

There is no cover on Saturday, the 14th and 2-for-1 entrees will be available. To RSVP, text “PIANO” to 48421. The dueling starts at 7p.m.

Phoenix Suns Opening Party

The Phoenix Suns opening party is coming to The Park Bar on Wednesday, October 18 & Friday, October 20. Coors Light specials and giveaways will be available, including 28 tap self-serve indoor craft beer garden, Coors girls, Ping-Pong and shuffleboard arcades and a 17-foot LED screen.

Outta The Park Comedy Night, Oct. 21

Saturday, October 21 is Outta the Park Comedy Night with Anwar Newton! The event is presented by NAG Comedy and The Park Bar, hosted by Nick Giasullo and features Mike Enders. 2-for-1 entrees are available with RSVP. Text “COMEDY” to 49421 to fill out the RSVP form.  Starts at 8:00 p.m.

Parktoberfest, Oct. 27 

Leinenkugels presents Parktoberfest on Friday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m. with a celebration of beer, food and music. The event will feature traditional beer and food samples, bar games and giveaways, live bands and DJs, the Leinenkugels ladies and a $200 stein hoisting contest.

Park Street Food Bar & Beer Garden is at 3 S 2nd St #114 Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: (602) 362-5627

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale hosts annual “Live & Local” event

If you attend charity events around the Phoenix area you’ve probably been to “Live & Local” event hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale.

Always a favorite on the charity circuit and one of the biggest fund-raisers of the year for BGCS, 2017’s event will be on Sunday Nov. 12th at The District at Desert Ridge in north Phoenix.

“It’s an honor to bring recognition to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, an organization we’ve passionately supported for many years,” said Stacy Bennett, GoDaddy Corporate Responsibility Lead. “Beyond supporting a worthy cause, we’re looking forward to getting the community together to enjoy local food, libations and entertainment.”

Food and entertainment

The red carpet dining and entertainment event starts at 6 p.m and honors Arizona’s dining, cocktail and live music communities.

Presented by GoDaddy and co-sponsored with the Arizona Restaurant Association this years event includes delicious bites to eat from local restaurants such as Tryst Cafe, The Thumb, Chef Wade’s Bistro on Wheels, Chase’s Diner, The Melting Pot, Postino, Bertha’s, Taste of New Mexico, and The Dhaba.

Under the stars, guests can dance to live entertainment from local bands that will take the stage from 6p.m. – 9p.m.

Get your Live & Local tickets

General Admission tickets are $65 and give guests access to live entertainment, beer garden, wine tasting and 20 samples from restaurants.

VIP tickets are $150 with cocktail bar with drinks crafted by mixologists, upgraded wines, 10 additional restaurants for VIP’s and the after party from 9p.m.-11p.m.

“We are grateful for the partners and sponsors who come together, work hard and put on such an amazing event to help us continue to serve children and teens in need throughout Greater Scottsdale,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, BGCS CEO.

Tickets and information can be found here.