Month: November 2017

Wine Tip Wednesday for Wine Tasting Party from LDV Wine Gallery

Wine tasting parties are a fun and popular way to get together with friends and learn a bit about wine. Peggy Fiadaca, co-owner of LDV Wine Gallery in Scottsdale offers up 5 tips to host a successful wine tasting party.

Below are her tips or you can watch Peggy’s Wine Tip Wednesday Youtube video

  1. Set a structure or theme for the evening
    1. Determine how many people you’re going to invite
    2. Set a price point for the wine
  2. Basic guidelines to the party
    1. Make sure each person gets at least a 2 oz pour
    2. Have a dump bucket and a pitcher of water
    3. Have neutral goodies such as crackers to clear the palette
  3. Have a good scoring sheet
    1. Find online or on LDV website
    2. Fun to have a prize for winner who brings the best wine
  4. Think about the order you’re going to pour each wine
    1. White wine before red wine
  5. Learn about the theme if you are the host                                                       1. Understand characteristics of the wine you are using as the theme

To learn more about LDV  Wine Gallery check out their website

J’s Kaiyo Sushi and Bar brings together a culinary dream team

Housed in a former Arby’s restaurant just east of downtown Scottsdale J’s Kaiyo Sushi and Bar opened without fanfare as most restaurants do nowadays especially when you consider who’s creating the menu and making sure it’s executed the way it should be.

J’s Kaiyo owner Peji Malihi brought in chef Jason McGrath and sushi chef Todd Register to serve not only sushi but sharable dishes with a Mediterranean and Eastern influenced dishes.  Think Moroccan spiced lamb and crab stuffed and fire charred avocado rolled in exotic Asian spices and seeds.

J's Kaiyo
chef Jason McGrath. Photos courtesy of Chanelle Sinclair

J’s Kaiyo Sushi

All three are committed to the freshest ingredients including seafood for the sushi bar. So much so that the sushi bar is closed on Sunday’s because they can’t get their daily delivery of fresh seafood. Chef Register knows his sushi too as he comes to J’s Kaiyo from Roka Akor and RA Sushi and plans to use all fresh fish daily to maximize freshness and flavor.

“The focus is always on keeping the dishes fresh, clean, and simple,” McGrath says. “The only thing you’ll find in our freezers is our mochi ice cream.” As Malihi likes to say, “the roll speaks for itself,” there is no need for heavy sauces, creams, or batters to give their sushi mouthwatering flavor. “It’s all about sharing creative, quality food with the community,” McGrath says.

Family friendly and Izakaya

J’s Kaiyo is a family friendly restaurant named after Malihi’s son and McGraths nephew Jayden that includes a kid’s menu. McGrath practically grew up in the kitchen as his father Robert is an award-winning chef known for his work at The Roaring Fork and other local establishments and food festivals.

Adults will love the Japanese sake menu at J’s Kaiyo along with a full complement of craft cocktails, wines and beers. Communal drinking and sharing of sake known as “Izakaya” in Japan is encouraged as sake has a unique flavor profiles.

J’s Kaiyo Sushi and Bar is open Monday Friday for lunch & dinner starting at 11:30 a.m. and Saturday’s for dinner.

The restaurant is at 4412 N. Miller Rd.Scottsdale 85251 480-427-2526. For more info visit their website.

 

Meet me at the Coach House and where else to go on Thanksgiving Eve

Those last two posts on Thanksgiving Day restaurants that are serving dinner or preparing take-out meals nearly wiped me out with all the information, I can now set my sights on Thanksgiving Eve.

If you’re  out and about showing out-of-towners a good time or you grew up here and return home to catch up with friends at the local watering hole, the night before Thanksgiving can be just as big a deal as the turkey and football the next day.

If you mention Thanksgiving Eve to most in these parts two places come to mind…..El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley and Coach House Tavern in downtown Scottsdale. Join me at the Coach House just after sunset before the line forms and I’m sure many will make an appearance at both establishments.

It won’t be your typical Wednesday at Sorso Wine Room and The Park as they start the Thanksgiving celebration a day early.

Thanksgiving Eve at Sorso Wine Room

If you live in the northeast valley and prefer to stay closer to home  Sorso Wine Room at The Scottsdale Quarter will start the celebrating with an all day Happy Hour with 2 for 1 house wines by the glass and draft beers.

Food special will be available including the Brussels Board ($8), The Dip($8) and select Bruschetta at 3 for $10.

Sorso Wine Room is at 15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150, Scottsdale http://sorsowineroom.com/ Thanksgiving Eve

The Park in downtown Phoenix

If you’re going to be in central or downtown Phoenix, The Park will be hosting a Thanksgiving Eve Bash with MillerCoors. The Bash starts at 8 p.m. but $5 pumpkin spice specialty cocktails and ales will be available all day.

Guest are encouraged to bring a can(s) of food for the Can 4 Can Hurricane Relief Food Drive. Those that bring a can will receive a penny can of a MillerCoors product.

The Park is at 3 S. 2nd St., Phoenix http://thepark.bar/

The Park

I hope to see you out and about  and where ever you go be smart, safe and have a  Happy Thanksgiving!

Leave the Thanksgiving Day cooking to these restaurants

Dine-in or take- out here are 3 more Phoenix area restaurants will to do the cooking for you and your family on Thanksgiving Day. Hurry if you plan is to take-out you only have a couple of days to place your order if you it in time for Thanksgiving.

Miracle Mile Deli

This Thanksgiving, order “Everything But the Bird” at Miracle Mile Deli. This local restaurant offers traditional and yummy side orders to share with loved ones. Order by Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. to ensure an on time pick up the day before Thanksgiving. Miracle Mile Deli will be closed on Thanksgiving day.

 “Everything but the Bird” Pricing

Quart of Homemade Mashed Potatoes (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Gravy (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Stuffing (serves 3 to 4) – $7.49

Pound of Cranberry Sauce (serves 3 to 4) – $4.79

Quart of Potato Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Cole Slaw (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Pasta Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

One Dozen of Kaiser OR Onion Rolls – $10.20

Big Loaf of Rye Bread (24 slices) – $8.99

Regular Loaf of Rye Bread (12 slices) – $4.79

Pound of Hot Pastrami (serves 3 to 4) – $15.98

Pound of Corned Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Pound of Hot Brisket of Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Order of 3 Potato Pancakes (with applesauce and sour cream) – $7

Pint of Horseradish – $6.99

Pound of Dill Pickles (approximately 10 spears) $3.79

Quart of Homemade Soup (serves 2) – $9.49

Whole Pie (Pumpkin, Pecan, Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Boston Cream, Blueberry) – $14

Also taking pre-orders for pies…make sure to get yours in now! The locally owned restaurant is at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix.  Visit miraclemiledeli.com

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Luci’s at the Orchard

Whether you need the complete meal or a certain side a la carte, all you have to do is reheat. This Thanksgiving, call in your order at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace or Luci’s at the Orchard for a home cooked meal that’s sure to impress. Pickups at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace only the day before Thanksgiving. Cancellations and final orders must be made by November 20. There will be no refunds after this date. Luci’s healthy Marketplace will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. for any last-minute needs.

Complete Meal $159.99 (Feeds 6-8)

12-14 Lbs. Pre-Cooked Premium, All-Natural, Locally-Roasted Turkey

1 Quart Turkey Gravy

1 Pint of Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

1 Dozen Dinner Rolls (Vegetarian)

1 Pumpkin Pie (Vegetarian)

Side Item 1 – 3 Lbs. Cornbread Stuffing

Side Item 2 – 3 Lbs. Seasonal Vegetables (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Side Item 3 – 4 Lbs. Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes (Gluten Free)

Substitute one of the three Side Items for our Seasonal Fall Salad (Butternut Squash, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Roasted Corn and Field Greens served with Citrus Vinaigrette)

A’la Carte Items

Corn Bread Stuffing – $8.99 per Pound

Seasonal Vegetables – $9.99 per Pound

Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes – $8.99 per Pound

Turkey Gravy – $7.99 per Quart

Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey – $7.99 per Quart

Seasonal Fall Salad (Feeds 6-8 People) – $49.99

Just “The Bird”

$7.49 per Pound (approx. 12-14 Lbs.)

A’la Carte Desserts

Pumpkin Pie – $12.99

Pecan Pie – $14.99

Located on the corner of Bethany and 16th Street, this neighborhood spot is a staple in central Phoenix. Visit www.lucishealthymarketplace.com information.

Luci’s at the Orchard is at 7100 N 12th St. Phoenix http://Lucisorchard.com

Chompie’s

Let Chompie’s Prepare Your Thanksgiving Meal

Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York-style deli, releases its Thanksgiving Day menu today and is now taking pre-orders for whole oven-roasted turkeys, pies, or full course meal packages. The full dinner and a la carte selections are designed to make giving thanks a little easier this holiday season. Chompie’s five Valley restaurants will be open Thanksgiving Day, not just for order pick-ups but also for dine-in service.

“We know how busy it is during the holidays,” says Chompie’s founder Lovey Borenstein. “Sometimes you need a little help in the kitchen so you can spend most of your time with your family.”

Chompie’s turkeys and “fixings” are cooked fresh from scratch using the Borenstein family recipes. They’re made the same day as the scheduled pick up and include re-heating instructions, so they can be served in about 30 minutes.

The Thanksgiving menu includes full meal packages, individual turkeys, and a ala carte sides:

The Traditional Full Meal Package (serves 12-15 generously)  – $219.99

Thanksgiving Dinner (for dine in or to go) – $19.99 per person

Extra Large Whole Oven Roasted Turkey – $99.99  * Carved for $129.99

Fresh Baked Apple or Pumpkin Pies – $12.99 ea.

Fresh Baked Deluxe Pies – $14.99 ea

Homemade Stuffing – $6.99 / lb

Matzo Ball Soup – $9.99 / qt

Homestyle Green Beans – $7.99 / lb

Whole turkey and large dinner packages must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance for pick up on Nov. 22 or 23.  Chompie’s five Valley locations will be open until 3pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Locations:

Scottsdale:  9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 85260   // 480-860-0475

Tempe: 1160  E. University, Tempe 85281    // 480-557-0700

Phoenix:  4550-324 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix 85032   // 602-710-2910

Chandler:  3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 85226    // 480-398-3008

Glendale:  7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center #1145 // 623-344-3104

 

Phoenix restaurants cooking Thanksgiving dinner to dine-in or take-out

Many restaurants are taking the stress out of Thanksgiving by doing the cooking for you. Whether you prefer dine in at a restaurant or have them do the cooking for you to take home and make it look like you’ve done it all yourself, the Phoenix restaurants below are offering you options.

A 2nd list will be posted tomorrow but hurry up and make a decision as most restaurants have a cut off date for your pick up order.

Match at The Found:Re Hotel

MENU 

 

Roasted butternut squash soup

Candied chestnuts and pepitas

*

Slow Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Relish and Apple-pecan stuffing

Mashed potatoes and Charred Brussels sprouts with bacon

*

Spiced Pumpkin pie with Ginger Bread and Vanilla whipped cream

$38.00 adults $28.00 kids under 12 (plus tax and gratuity)              THE FOUND:RE HOTEL 1100 N. Central Ave. 10:30 to 5:00 PM http://www.matchphx.com/

Liberty Station and Market Street Kitchen

Let Liberty Station or Market Street Kitchen handle the cooking! Both restaurants offer to-go packages and in-house special menus.

For $25 per person (not including tax), guests can purchase a to-go feast including:

Sliced Rotisserie Turkey

Mac N Cheese | Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Stuffing | Green Beans | Cranberry Sauce

Homestyle Gravy | House Bread | Pumpkin Cheesecake

To place an order, call 480-595-9930 (Liberty Station) or 480-278-7044 (Market Street Kitchen) by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Thanksgiving packages will be available for pick up at a scheduled time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23.

Both restaurants will also serve a special Thanksgiving menu from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The three-course meal includes:

Starter (choice of)

Autumn Greens Salad or Fairytale Pumpkin Soup

Main

Rotisserie Roasted Turkey with all the traditional fixings

Dessert (choice of)

Pumpkin Cheesecake  Or Pati’s Rum Cake

The cost is $32 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under, not including tax.

Liberty Station 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. (480) 595-9930 http://libertystationtavern.com

Market Street Kitchen 20825 N. Pima Rd Scottsdale (480)278-7044 http://www.marketstreetkitchen.com

Thanksgiving Curbside Catering by The Market by Jennifer’s

The Market by Jennifer’s will offer Thanksgiving curbside catering on November 23. The meal serves a party of six for $219.99 ($36 per additional person).

Whole Roasted Turkey

Whole roasted turkey stuffed with sweet yellow onion and fresh orange slices

Served with a pan roast gravy and cranberry orange relish 

Artisan Bread Stuffing                                                                                                       Classic Herb Whipped Potatoes                                                                                 Roasted Baby Sweet Potatoes                                                                                     Haricot Vert with Sliced Almonds                                                                             Arizona Honey Glazed Carrots                                                                                    Simple Greens                                                                                                                         Fresh Baked Bread Board

Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream Or Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream

 Extra pies are available for $24 each.

The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s 3603 E. Indian School Rd., Ste A Phoenix, AZ 85018 602-579-5327 themarketphx.com

Pre-order Thanksgiving Dishes from Perk Eatery

Perk Eatery will offer a few unique take-out items to add to the Thanksgiving feast!

The Sausage and Sage Stuffing is $32 and serves 8-10 people. It comes ready to bake! The delicious Blackberry Apple Crostata ($24), Pumpkin Pecan Ganache Pie ($34) and Chocolate Lines Banana Cream Coconut Pie ($34) are sold in disposable pie plates.

All items are baked fresh for pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Final orders must be in by Monday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.

Perk Eatery 6501 E Greenway Pkwy #159, Scottsdale  (480) 998-6026 http://perkeatery.com

Santuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Guests can choose between a four-course, prix-fixe menu at elements, Sanctuary’s signature restaurant, or the bountiful buffet at The Views Ballroom.

In addition to a Traditional Turkey Dinner with chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry apple relish and giblet gravy, entrée choices at elements will include Duck Confit Raviolis with braised Swiss chard, candied fennel, parmesan cream and tomato jam; Citrus Grilled Swordfish with green onion and mushroom farro, smoked eggplant, avocado, and harissa butter; and Honey Hoisin Glazed Short Ribs with Chinese broccoli, candied root vegetables, and parsnip puree.

Dessert highlights include a Ginger Pumpkin Tart with maple cookie crust and toasted bourbon marshmallow, and Cinnamon Cheesecake with autumn fruit compote, warm rum toffee sauce, and almond crumble.

Available from noon to 8 p.m., the elements dinner is priced at $95 per person. The full menu can be viewed here. Featuring carving stations, the Thanksgiving buffet at The Views Ballroom will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is priced at $85 per person.

For both meals, children ages 6-12 dine for $25, ages 5 years and under dine free. Drinks, tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-607-2300.

It’s as easy as pie with Tammie Coe Cakes for your Thanksgiving dessert

If you’re putting all your efforts into the turkey, stuffing and all the  fixin’s for Thanksgiving  that’s OK because Tammie Coe Cakes is taking care of dessert with an assortment of fresh-baked pies and desserts. So good you may want to serve dessert first and hope to save room for the turkey and everything else.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding. All photos courtesy of Tammie Coe Cakes

You’ll have to hurry if you want your desserts from Tammie Coe by Thanksgiving as you need to place your order& pre-pay by this Saturday, Nov. 18th for Wednesday the 22nd pick-up at her downtown Phoenix location on Roosevelt.

Tammie Coe Cakes Thanksgiving pies

If you’re a traditional pie eater there is the Pumpkin Pie topped with caramel whipped cream ($24) for you and delicious pies including Toffee Pecan Pie topped with chocolate ganache and toffee bits ($24), Sour Cream Apple Pie made with Granny Smith apples and topped with streusel ($24) and the unique Pumpkin Butterscotch Bread Pudding made with croissant layered with pumpkin custard and butterscotch bits($15).

Pumpkin Pie

Tammie’s Fall leaves collection of cookies ($26) are available as are extras such as caramel whipped cream ($5) and caramel sauce.

Pie Pop-up

For the last-minute procrastinators like me Tammie Coe will be setting up a pop-up shop at The Henry on Wed. Nov. 22nd from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Henry is at 4455 E. Camelback Rd.

To place your order go to Tammie Coe’s website

Her shop for pick up is at 610 E. Roosevelt #145 Phoenix 85004 (602)253-0829

Fall leaves cookies.

Festive holiday cooking classes planned for Scottsdazzle

The festive holiday season is almost upon us and brings the return of the month long celebration Scottsdazzle. Over a dozen events planned along the canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront and in nearby old town.  One of those events is a series of cooking classes by local chefs for three Saturdays in December.

Tamale Making at Barrio Queen

Barrio Queen is hosting a tamale making class on December 2! Guests will have a hands on experience with Chef Julio, making tamales and learning about their history. Attendees will also receive a recipe to make tamales at home. The event is limited to 20 people and the proceeds will be donated to a children’s charity.

 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. $10, tickets by calling 480-656-4197

7114 E. Stetson Dr.

Marshmallow Making at Super Chunk Sweets & Treats

On Saturday, December 9, local pastry chef Country Velador will teach guests to make marshmallows in festive flavors! Participants will create marshmallows in flavors such as peppermint candy, cocoa or pumpkin spice. They will also learn how to dress the mallows up using cookie cutters or molds and how to cut them perfectly for homemade hot chocolate or wrapped up as gifts for loved ones.

2:30 p.m.

7120. E 6th Ave. #19

$35 per person. Space is limited to 15 guests. Call (602)736-2383 or stop by the shop in person to pay in advance. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 10 days before the class.

Italian Holiday Traditions with Chef Marcellino

Chef Marcellino Verzino is hosting a holiday cooking class on Saturday, December 16. The class, titled “Christmas Eve in Italy,” will allow participants to have fun while learning a few of chef’s secrets in making his handcrafted cuisine.

1-3 p.m. $35 per person, tickets at (480)990-9500

Marcellino Ristorante 7114 E. Stetson Dr.

To see a full list of Scottsdazzle’s month long events go to http://www.scottsdazzle.com/

 

Nico Heirloom Kitchen debuts new cocktail menu

Gilbert’s Nico Heirloom Kitchen is debuting a new cocktail menu with 8 new cocktails. Several use barrel ages spirits including gin and rum.

Smoke n Barrel

Here are the new cocktails and their ingredients.

Rose Guerra – Raspberry vodka, fresh raspberries, peach puree, fresh lemon juice, French rose

Smoke n Barrel – Barrel-aged Appleton estate rum, Cynar 70, banana liqueur, Green Chartreuse, espresso, vanilla tobacco syrup, cream

Nonna’s Cider – Glen Grant Scotch, Apple pie liqueur, Ginger liqueur, Frangelico, fresh lemon juice, Fever tree Ginger Ale

Plymouth’s Peak – Barrel Aged Plymouth’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, Lavender syrup, Creme de Violette, Cassis Sherry blend, Cherry bitters

Carda Bonds – Rittenhouse BIB, fresh lemon juice, Meletti 1870, Amaro Nonino, Cardamon bitters, Absinthe, lemon essence

Del Strappo – Exotico Reposado Tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, Cinnamon Agave, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, Serrano bitters, vanilla extract

Bella Nueva (Ice Queen’s at Virtu spin-off) – Peppercorn infused Tito’s vodka, Strawberry shrub, Luxardo Maraschino, Orgeat, fresh lemon juice, Rhubarb bitters, Champagne foam

Pink Sangria – French Rose, Vodka, Peach liqueur, Strawberry puree, Soda water.

Nico Heirloom Kitchen is at 366 N Gilbert Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234 http://www.nicoaz.com/

 

Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse celebrates its first anniversary.

Anniversaries are worth celebrating especially if it’s a restaurants first anniversary as many restaurants don’t make through their first year. Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse has successfully made it to their first anniversary and is celebrating and the public is welcome.

Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

The celebration will take place on Friday, November 10th from 5-7p.m. at the Scottsdale Waterfront restaurant. Complimentary appetizers and a hosted champagne bar are part of the celebration and DJ Thomas James will be providing music.

If you plan to stick around for dinner reservations are recommended but not necessary to enjoy the festivities.

Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse is at 7135 E Camelback Rd Ste 154, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

 

17th annual St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA New Release Festival

One of the most anticipated times of year in the wine world is the annual release of new wines. After harvesting the grapes, fermenting the juice to wine and aging the wine,  drinkers get to see what each winery has been able to achieve for any give vintage.  It’s like giving birth to a new child and is worthy of a celebration and Saturday November 11th will be the 17th Annual St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA New Release Festival.

The festival will be host by Sonoita Vineyards and will also celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Sonoita AVA.

St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA Festival wineries

15 wineries from the Sonoita AVA(American Viticulture Area) in southern Arizona will gather and pour their latest creation for festival goers. A few of the wineries pouring include Callaghan Vineyards, Dos Cabezas, Village of Elgin Winery, AZ Hops & Vines and more.

The festival kicks off bright and early at 10 a.m. and concludes after the sun goes down at 5 p.m. with the blessing of the new vintage at noon.

Things to do

In addition to tasting wine Sonoita Vineyards will offer barrel tastings of yet to be released wines, discussions with wine makers, winery tours and a free souvenir to the first 100 guests.

Vendors will be on hand for guest to purchase gifts and souvenirs, activities for children will be available and food can be purchased from Luke’s Pizza and The Steak Out.

Tickets for the festival are $35 and include 15 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. Tickets can purchased in advance at http://www.sonoitavineyards.com/

Sonoita Vineyards is at 290 Elgin -Canelo Rd. in Elgin.