Month: April 2018

Market Street Kitchen and Liberty Station celebrate National Burger Day all month

Keeler Hospitality Group, the family owned company that owns north Scottsdale’s Liberty Station and Market Street Kitchen love a good burger just as much as I do. So much so that they’ve decided to celebrate National Burger Day for the entire month of May.

Weekly burger specials

Each restaurant will run a weekly special burger for $16 and the ultimate burger deal on the 28th. Below is the weekly line-up of burgers for each restaurant. Both restaurants open daily at 11 a.m. to accommodate your burger craving.

Market Street Kitchen

Chorizo Burger with a chorizo-bacon patty, salsa fresca, cheesy fondue and avocado crema. (May 1-May 6)                                                           Black and Blue Burger with a blackened spiced burger topped with Maytag blue cheese, bacon and Worcestershire-lime aioli. (May 7-May 13)                                                                                                                                   “Breakfast for Lunch” Burger featuring a fried egg, fried bacon, zesty Brie cheese spread, lettuce and tomato (May 14-May 20)              Chili Cheese Burger with house-made chili piled on an opened-faced burger with Tillamook cheddar, sour cream and tobacco onions. (May 21-May 27)

ALL DAY National Burger Day Special — $5 MSK Burger or $9 when served with a glass of house wine or draft beer. (May 28)

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

Liberty Station                                                                                                               

Chili Cheese Burger with house-made chili piled onto an opened-faced burger with Tillamook cheddar, sour cream and tobacco onions. (May 1-May 6)                                                                                                Old Smokey with a smoked burger patty, chipotle aioli, smoked Gouda cheese and crispy bacon. (May 7-May 13)                                              Southwestern Burger featuring fire-roasted green chilies, garlic aioli, pepper jack cheese, and sourdough bread. (May 14-May 20)                                                                                                                                Chorizo Burgerwith a chorizo-bacon patty, salsa fresca, cheesy fondue and avocado crema. (May 21-May 27)

ALL DAY National Burger Day Special — Tavern Burger for just $5, or $9 when served with a glass of house wine or draft beer. (May 28)

Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse is at 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 480-595-9930  http://libertystationtavern.com/

 

 

 

Chef Christopher Gross hosts 2018 Flavors of Phoenix

The Westin Resort & Spa will be the place to be on the evening of Thursday May 24th as 30 of Arizona’s talented chefs will be cooking for the 2018 Flavors of Phoenix. Started 27 years ago by Phoenix chef Christopher Gross this fund-raiser for the American Liver Foundation has grown to become a nationwide event in over 20 cities.chef Christopher Gross

“I had an idea for this concept over 27 years ago thinking we would raise funds for the liver community, and give guests the best food and wine experience possible–unlike any other,” says Chef Gross. “This event is now in over 20 cities helping people. I’m so proud of Flavors of Phoenix. It’s for me, the best event in the state because of the support of the restaurant community–I thank them very much.”

30 Arizona chefs

Chef Gross will be joined by a roster of 29 chefs many who you already know and several up n coming chefs showing off what they can do for the first time. A few of the chefs joining chef Gross and co-chairs Matt Carter of Zinc Bistro, Fat Ox, House Brasserie & The Mission & Westin Kierland’s own Chris Masco will be…..

Tom D’Ambrosio (Aioli Gourmet), Michael DeMaria (M Culinary), Anthony DeMuro (Different Pointe of View), Frank Desplechin (L’Auberge de Sedona), Ron Dimas (Orange Sky), David Duarte (Finestre Modern Gastronomy), Jacob Ellis (Top of the Rock), Skip Hause (Gertrude’s).

Pictured, clockwise from top right: Founding Chef, Christopher Gross (Wrigley Mansion); Chef Co-Chair, Matt Carter (Zinc Bistro, The Mission, The House Brasserie, Fat Ox); Chef Derek Biazo (Deseo); and Chef Co-Chair, Chris Masco (Westin Kierland Resort & Spa). All photos courtesy of Flavors of Phoenix

Dinner and Silent Auction

The festive evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction before the multi-course dinner. The dinner will highlight signature dishes and flavors of the host chefs and is expected to conclude about 10:30.

Tickets for the evening are $500 per person and will go directly to fund research, education & advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation.

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

 

 

PNPK opens in north Scottsdale featuring Craft Sliders and Deviled Eggs

PNPK owner Kellie Pruitt took a personal tragedy and turned it into something positive when she re-opened her Grape Bistro as the new PNPK after a 2 year hiatus. The new full service restaurant and wine bar in north Scottsdale opened in late March on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Pinnacle Peak.

Tragedy to PNPK

When a family tragedy occurred in July 2016 Kellie stepped away from running her Grape Bistro to heal. Hiking the nearby Pinnacle Peak(hence the name PNPK) on a regular basis helped her heal and realize something good should come of her situation.

“Earlier this year, I knew I either needed to close or do something new, in part to throw myself into something creative to help myself heal,” said Pruitt. “PNPK has been transformational for me, and now I hope for the Airpark restaurant scene as well.

Bruschetta flight

Flights of sliders and deviled eggs

With its close proximity to the Scottsdale Airport, Pruitt figured flights of sharable plates would be the way for her new place to take off.

The restaurant features 13 Sliders to build a flight from and  7 Devilish Eggs to choose from along with Bruschetta Flights, Charcuterie Flights and more for guest to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Deviled egg flight

Guests can mix & match sliders served on petite Brioche buns such as Crispy Hot Fried Chicken, Short Rib French Dip, Bacon Jam with Angus Beef just to name a few of the variety of proteins between the buns. Sliders can also be served on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

The deviled eggs are not your traditional  eggs with specialties being the Asian Wasabi and citrus slaw, Smoked Salmon with capers & chives and White truffle oil and chives. During Happy Hours guests can enjoy three eggs for $5.

Signature cocktails

Wine, cocktails and beer

Custom wine & beer flights focus on craft beers and wines from around the world. With 30 wines by the glass and 150 more selections by the bottle offering wine drinkers good value or the opportunity to splurge on that special bottle.

The creative cocktail menu pays homage to the surrounding desert and mountains with drinks that include…..

  • The Granite Summit: Bourbon mixed with fresh cherries that have been muddled with vanilla, a touch of sugar and topper of club soda
  • The Trailblazer: Gin combined with fresh strawberries, lemon, basil and a hit of club soda
  • The Gila Monster: A combination of jalapeño simple syrup, grapefruit juice, lime, tequila and sparkling wine (named because it’s got bite!)
  • Hi Jolly: Veev Acai Liqueur is the star here and mixed with fresh mint, lemon and blueberries for a “spirited” antioxidant kick.

A favorite is the signature cocktail  “Tickle Me PNPK Punch” made with sparkling wine, Arizona Prickly Pear and ginger ale. A $1 of each punch is donated to The Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park which is a group of volunteers that help maintain and care for the trail on a daily basis.

PNPK is open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. with Happy Hour from 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Find it at 23335 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85255. 480-305-0907. http://www.pnpkaz.com/

 

 

 

Huss Brewing Co. celebrates Taproom’s 1 year anniversary

A lot can happen in a year and a lot has happened for Huss Brewing Co. since they opened their Taproom in central Phoenix’s Uptown Plaza last April.

Continued growth, a pop-up location at Desoto Central Market and new beers have busy owners Leah & Mike Huss celebrating its 1 year anniversary by throwing a party on Saturday April 21st from 12:00 -5:00 p.m.

Photo courtesy of MMPR Marketing

The family friendly afternoon party will have live music from Hayley Green, games, exclusive beers in the Huss Brewing’s casual atmosphere the indoor/outdoor the Taproom provides.

Leah Huss says the first anniversary celebrates Huss’ loyal customer base. “We want to truly emphasize the importance of the Uptown community,” Huss says. “Our customers are what make us who we are and opening in the heart of Phoenix has given us the opportunity to be a part of the revitalization efforts in this wonderful neighborhood. We look forward to being a valued member of the community for a long time.”

Huss Brewing Co. is at 100 E. Camelback Rd. Ste. 160 Phoenix 85012. For more information checkout their website.

 

 

Chef Michael O’Dowd & Julian Wright to open Las Palmas Cantina in Chandler

Chef Michael O’Dowd is making his way back to the valley’s restaurant scene running the kitchen of restaurateur Julian Wright’s(Pedal Haus Brewery and others) new restaurant Las Palmas Cantina in downtown Chandler. When the restaurant opens in May it will serve coastal cuisine with Yucatan inspiration that Wright found when traveling to Playa del Carmen and Tulum areas of Mexico.

Executive chef Michael O’Dowd

O’Dowd returns to the valley after most recently working in Sedona at L’Auberge de Sedona as executive chef. When in Phoenix O’Dowd scored the coveted AAA Five Diamond  and Forbes Five Star Award  while executive chef at Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of downtown Chandler and to bringing one of my favorite regions of the world to this community,” said Wright. “ I love that Chandler is still very independent. Everyone is still very much your neighbor.”

Las Palmas Cantina menus

O’Dowd’s menu will highlight the “sand to table” concept with seafood from local fish monger Chula Seafood along with “high country” ingredients. Fish available will include Pompano, Triggerfish, Snapper and more for ceviche and other dishes.

Las Palmas Sandia cocktail

Sweet & spice are tastes you’ll find at Las Palmas Cantina with your shared plates and lighter dishes that will include a jerk chicken Shaken Greens and Cochinta Pibil.

“I haven’t really seen anyone in Arizona exploring this type of cuisine or region,” said O’Dowd. “Being able to learn about the culture and history of the Mayans and create a way to pay homage to the past while creating new ideas, dishes and flavors is what I thrive on.”

Just in time for summer, Las Palmas Cantina’s beverage program will offer refreshing tropical specialty cocktails and Mexican inspired craft beers brewed exclusively for Las Palmas. A selection of tequilas, mezcals and agua frescas will be offered and used as ingredients in the cocktail program.

Need a job

The 5,000 square foot restaurant is currently hiring and those interested can apply in person at the restaurant at 95 W. Boston in downtown Chandler on online at their website.

 

 

8th annual AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival celebrates canned beer revolution

As craft beer brewers continue the canning of their beers to protect from sunlight and the convenience where glass bottles shouldn’t go (by the pool, at the lake), the canned beer revolution rolls on with the 8th Annual AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival on Saturday April 28th.

The 4 hour event heads back to Margret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix and will showcase over 250 canned beers from over 100 local and national breweries from over 40 states. This years festival will include a new Arizona Trail Zone featuring brewers that don’t normally can their beer but have specially for the festival.

Photos courtesy of Jen Pruett at HDE Agency

Craft beer and more

In order to pace yourself from drinking all the beer to early fun distractions are planned including a beer science garden, beer Olympic games and live music from Radio FX, The Hourglass Cats and Matrix.

Food will be available for purchase from Honey Bear’s BBQ, El Jefe Tacos and more. Here is a short list of brewers expected to pour beer.

21st Amendment Brewery                                                                                  Abita Brewing                                                                                                         Golden Road Brewing                                                                                        Hangar 2                                                                                                                          Hard Frescos Brewing Co                                                                                                 Griffin Claw Brewing Company                                                                                    Mudshark Brewing Co.                                                                                                       Sun Up Brewing Company                                                                                               Phoenix Ale Brewery                                                                                                           Sleepy Dog Brewing Company

Tickets and details

Tickets can be purchased on-line for $35 or day of for $45. Designated Drivers tickets are $20 on-line and day of. Admission gets you 20 beer sample and a souvenir can cup.

A potion of the proceeds go to the Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA). http://www.phoenixcommunityalliance.com/

The 21 + event starts at 3 p.m.  at Margret T. Hance Park 67 W. Culver St. Phoenix 85003.

 

 

 

 

 

New menu and location for Farm & Craft

If you’re air conditioning kicked on this week it means were creeping towards warmer temps and eating lighter & colder foods and drinks to keep cool. In the restaurant scene in means chefs are shifting their menus to lighter seasonal ingredients including  locally grown spring and summer fruits & vegetables. Scottsdale’s Farm & Craft recently added 11 new healthy dishes to their menus.

new menu
Salad

New menu and Happy Hour

Crustless Quiche with cage free eggs, cheddar, chicken sausage, braised kale and chili flake served with a petite salad is one of the two new menu items for breakfast along with Steel Cut Oats with slow cooked coconut milk, turmeric vanilla almond milk, blueberry and apple relish with chia seeds.

On the lunch and dinner menus you’ll find Vegan Ceviche prepared with Golden beets, radish, cherry tomato, avocado, lime, tomato chili sauce, cilantro, served with flax tortilla chips.

Flatbread

An Asian inspired Chilled Raw Pad Thai Spiral with zucchini and carrot, bean sprouts, shredded brussels, raw almond, chili almond butter and tamarind honey and  Seared Cauliflower Steak with smoked paprika coconut butter served with harissa aioli and cucumber yogurt are just a few new dishes.

The Happy Hour menu has been updated as well.

Farm & Craft Uptown

Phoenix fans of Farm & Craft will be glad to know by the end of April the new location will be open on 7th St. at The Colony. The new location will seat more people with a larger patio and bar than Scottsdale and will create their own signature cocktails and menu items.

The Scottsdale location is at 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd. and the Uptown location is 5538 N. 7th St. For more info go to www.ilovefarmandcraft.com/

 

 

 

Mario Lopez welcomes Danny Trejo & Frankie Quinones to Cinco de Mario

Not many people have a festival named after them but actor/TV host Mario Lopez is a modern day personality that has his own Cinco de Mario festival and it comes to Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza on Saturday May 5th. Hopefully there is still room on your party schedule as this is a busy day with both the Kentucky Derby & Cinco de Mayo festivities around town.

Cincio de Mario
Actor & host Mario Lopez

It’s Cinco de Mario that will have bad ass actor turned taco & donut entrepreneur Danny Trejo on stage with Mario along with comedian Frankie Quinones and legendary hip hop group Sugarhill Gang.

Cinco de Mario events

Cinco de Mario
chili peppers

The day long festival starts at 11 a.m. and for the next 7 hours festival attendees can head to the Super Mucho Merchado for gourmet foods and traditional Mexican fare in a farmer’s market setting.

Attendees will be able to sample tacos and more from El Jefe, The Mission, Don Jose Mexican food and other local food producers. Make your way to the craft beer garden and rose wine garden to quench your thirst from all the spicy foods.

Fun will be had when “Saved By The Bell” alum and  festival host Mario judge’s a “Saved by The Bell”  look a like contest and local bands Mariachi Rodriguez and Ritmo Latino perform before we get down with the Sugarhill Gang’s old school performance.

A lounge to watch The Kentucky Derby will be available.

Comedian Frankie Quinones

Getting your tickets

General Admission tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. Mansion VIP tickets are $100 online in advance and get a plate of food from The Mission, 5 drink tickets, private bar and a lounge area.

Experience it all and a meet & greet with Mario Lopez with VIP Mario Sky Deck for $200 online in advance that gets you food & drink all day from The Mission and high-end lounge furniture to relax in.

Entry to craft beer & rose garden is $20 for 8 tasting tickets.

Kids under 12 are free.  Purchase your tickets here.

 

Broadway Burger & Beer special at Miracle Mile Deli

If you follow me on Instagram @SandyWass quite often you’ll see  burger pics I’ve eaten. It should come as no surprise that when I heard Miracle Mile Deli was doing a week-long burger & beer special I wanted to know more and spread the word. The Broadway Burger & Beer Special is the family owned deli’s way of saying “Welcome to Spring” and the outdoor grilling season.

From April 16th – 22nd you can score a Broadway Burger and a cold refreshing pint of craft beer for only $13.

The Broadway Burger comes with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, Green Leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion and Miracle Mile dressing. A side of French Fries or side item of your choice and kosher dill pickle come with your burger.

Miracle Mile Deli is at 4433 N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016

 

 

 

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