Month: May 2018

Owners of Angels Trumpet Alehouse to open 2nd location in lower Arcadia

Expansion is in the air for downtown Phoenix’s Angels Trumpet Alehouse as owners Sharry & Mat Englehorn are planning to open Angels Trumpet Arcadia in early August. The new location will be housed in the former Sears Auto Center on the southeast corner of Thomas & 44th St.

“We live right around the corner, so we’ve had our eye on this building for years,” says Sharry Englehorn. “We know from personal experience that this stretch of south Arcadia is missing a fun and welcoming all-day hangout, where you can pop in for a tasty lunch or sip drinks on the patio and watch the sun set on Camelback Mountain.”

The past and future of Angels Trumpet Arcadia

The 10,000 square foot mid-century modern building is undergoing needed updating and repairs after decades of dirt and grime as an auto repair shop.

“Originally built as a Ward’s Auto Center in the late 1950s, this is the last remaining building of the former Thomas Mall,” Mat Englehorn says. “So we wanted to honor that history and preserve the wonderful architectural bones, as well as preserve elements of the tire shop by keeping the industrial look, and the beat up floor–just adding a lot of polish.”

Once work is completed the building will also house the owners newest idea of a craft cocktail bar and lounge called Tall Glass. Future plans include a small microbrewery which is being described as “an intimate brewer’s playground”. The same food menu as the downtown Phoenix Angels Trumpet Alehouse will be available as will the indoor/outdoor vibe.

Tall Glass

The cocktail lounge will have its own entrance on the west side of the building and feature  a cocktail menu made with craft spirits from beer distillers including Rogue Spirits and Ballast Point Brewery’s “Cutwater Spirits” in San Diego.

Tall Glass will offer a small gourmet bar bites menu with guests available to order from the full menu at Angels Trumpet.

Tall Glass will open in the late afternoon until midnight and Angels Trumpet will open daily at 11 a.m. until midnight. For more information and updates see their Facebook or Instagram page @AngelsTrumpetAlehouse

 

 

 

Not your typical happy hour at Bar Crudo

Who doesn’t love a good happy hour, food and drink at reduced prices to end the day. Award winning fine dining restaurant Crudo offers happy hour 5 days a week and it’s not your typical bar food, well drinks, house wine or mass-produced beers. Tues.- Thurs. from 5 p.m. til closing and Fri. and Sat. from 5 p.m.-7p.m. in the bar known as Bar Crudo is where you’ll find craft cocktails and gourmet dishes.

Bar Crudo
All photos courtesy of Crudo

Bar Crudo Happy Hour

In the front door to the left is where you’ll find Bar Crudo and be able to take advantage of 23 classic and modern cocktails for only $7 each. Refreshing summer drinks such as Daiquiri, Dark & Stormy and grapefruit tasting Paloma are just a few.

If a cold craft beer is your go to drink during the summer you’re in luck as they’re only $4 a piece. Wine enthusiasts don’t worry, worldly selections are only $6 a glass.

Bar Bites

Why not grab a bite to eat from chef & owner Cullen Campbell as he prepares gourmet bar bites such as homemade and imported cheeses such as Burricota, Grana, Ricotta and Strachiatella. Looking for protein in your meal how about the comfort of a classic Meatloaf Burger. Thick sliced meatloaf topped with Cheddar cheese, Arugula and sweet and sour agrodolce sauce means you won’t need to make dinner when you get home.

The Castlevetrano olives are smoked over local Pecan wood and offer the flavors of the Mediterranean. Don’t forget the popular Crispy Pig Ears that have been a staple at Crudo since opening. Ask yourself when was the last time you’ve seen pig ears on a happy hour menu. Even better is their topped with Fresno chile vinaigrette and chives to bring a bit of heat to this delicacy.

Crudo is at 3630 E. Indian School Rd. (around back) Phoenix 85018. http://www.crudoaz.com

 

It’s National Italian Beef Week at Portillo’s

Chicago foodies around the country get ready as your favorite hometown sandwich, Italian Beef is celebrated at Portillo’s the week of May 21st-27th with National Italian Beef Week.

All 50 plus Portillo’s around the country are celebrating with 2 regular Italian Beef  sandwiches for only $10.

Portillo’s Rhyme Time Challenge

In addition to the great food deal customers are invited to submit rhymes for their Rhyme Time Challenge. Known for the rhymes that staff call out when customers orders are ready such as “Number 9 it’s time to dine” or “Number 7 you’re in heaven” customers can now create their own rhyme for prizes.

Customers are invited to submit their rhymes here during National Italian Beef Week. All entries must end with the number 1-9, not already being used, no inappropriate language and must be a rhyme.

The winner will receive Portillo’s food for a year and have their rhyme used nationwide. 2nd and 3rd place winners will get a swag bag and a $25 gift card.

For more information and to find a location near you check their website.

Summer specials start early at Hash Kitchen

The unofficial start of summer is a week a way with Memorial Day weekend on the horizon and local restaurants are getting a head start on summer specials. Scottsdale’s Hash Kitchen is one restaurant with specials now available.

Hash Kitchen summer specials

The breakfast and lunch restaurant offers 3 specials to make the summer go by a little easier for you and your wallet.

Bloody Wednesday’s gets you 50% off all Bloody Mary’s every Wednesday’s now until October 1st. Known for their Bloody Mary Bar with over 40 toppings guests can Build Their Own Bloody Mary(BYOBM) or go with The Original or The Virgin.

“Bottomless” Mimosa’s are available every Monday-Friday(except holidays) for penny refills after you’ve bought your first at $9.  Refresh yourself with a blueberry, mango, guava, red grapefruit and other flavored Mimosas all summer long.

Mom Monday’s lets kids under 12 eat free until October 1st when mom or dad purchase an adult entrée except on holidays.

New locations planned

Today there are 2 Hash Kitchen locations in Scottsdale but later this year there are plans to open 2 more locations in Chandler and Arcadia. Scottsdale locations are at Gainey Village at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road and another at 14838 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. For more information check their website.

Backyard BBQ at The Porch with Arcadia Meat Market & Huss Brewing Co.

Memorial Day weekend brings thoughts of cold beers and finger licking BBQ and The Porch will be the place to be on Saturday May 26th for it’s first Backyard BBQ. The Porch partners with their neighbors across the street Arcadia Meat Market for its meats and Tempe’s Huss Brewing Co. beers.

The dog friendly restaurant(on the patio) will offer an a la carte menu from 1-5 p.m. where chef Paul Lindsey will be grilling up a special menu just for the BBQ.

A DJ will be there spinning tunes and backyard games will be played with prizes available.

The Porch Backyard BBQ menu

Guest can pick and choose from grass fed beef burgers and pork sausages & brats made with beers as one of the ingredients. The menu is as follows.The brunch food & drink menu will also be available.

“Porky’s 21” $7                                                                                                             Pork bathed in Orange Blossom ale, smoked and pulled, napa spicy & sweet slaw, beer BBQ sauce, Porch pickled veg

Blondes and Brats $7                                                                                                Huss Brewing “Scottsdale Blonde” meets Arcadia’s sweet Italian Stallion sausage, peppers, onions, dash of chili flake

Husstler American Ale Grass Fed Grass Finished Burger $7                                                                                                                                           O.G. Buddies backyard style, LTO, ‘Merica cheese, BBQ aioli

AZ Green Chili Burger GF+GF bun $9                                                      Porky’s smoked Orange Blossom Ale pork, burger, roasted green chili, smoked cheddar, carm onions (cooked down with Scottsdale Blonde) sriracha aioli

Sides (choice 1 per above)                                                                                   House BBQ Chips                                                                                                       Grilled Local Veggies                                                                                                    Lisa’s Famous Potato Salad

Huss Brewing Co. Menu                                                                                                   Orange Blossom, vanilla mandarin wheat ale                                                       Scottsdale Blonde, German style kolsch                                                                  The HUSSTLER American Lager

The Porch is at 4017 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. http://www.porcharcadia.com/

 

 

Rose All Day Happy Hour at The Thirsty Camel starts May 29th

With so much to see at luxurious Phoenican Resort in Scottsdale you may not realize they have fantastic lobby bar, The Thirsty Camel. Locals looking to escape the heat with a refreshing cocktail, sangria or glass of rose should plan to spend some time at The Thirsty Camel this summer as they start their all day happy hour from 2 p.m. -11 p.m.

Quench your thirst at The Thirsty Camel

Whether you choose to lounge out on the terrace or inside from May 29th until August 31st guests of the AAA 5 Diamond resort can sip on one of my favorite roses, Spain’s Muga or the sparkling Piper Sonoma rose for only $10 a glass or 20% off a bottle.

Prefer a cold beer, sip on Dos Equis , Corona or other beers for only $5. House made red, white or rose Summer Sangria are part of the revolving cocktail list created for the summer. A glass of sangria is $12.

Grab a bite to eat

You can’t have happy hour without a bite to eat and a variety of Sonoran style bites including Carne Asada Quesadilla made with Hanger steak and Grilled Artichoke Flatbread topped with Morel mushrooms, spring onion, pea and Stinging Nettle hot sauce are just a couple of bites available.

The Phoenician Resort is at 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251. For more information check their website.

Cool off this summer with refreshing cocktails and wine at Zuzu

Staying cool and comfortable is at the top of the priority list for the summer months. One of the best ways is to refresh oneself is to stay hydrated and Zuzu at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale has several ways to quench your thirst and keep you cool this summer.

Chilled signature cocktails, Bloody Mary’s or Mimosa’s  at the bar, frozen desserts and wine in the dining room are just a few of the ways Zuzu helps you beat the heat on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Zuzu
Show Stopper shake. All photos courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho

Chill out in the Zuzu Lounge

In the Zuzu Lounge guests can enjoy craft cocktails daily including the bubbly prosecco Fizzy Lifting Drink made with Aperol, club soda, Campari infused blood orange foam and carbonated blackberry.

Looking for a more tropical cocktail then the Second Star to the Right is for you. The tiki styled drink includes two types of rum, tequila, sake, guava nectar, passion fruit puree, orange & pineapple juices and pear-lemon marmalade.

Saturday’s & Sunday’s offers a Bloody Mary + Mimosa Bar from 9:00 a.m. –  2:30 p.m. during brunch for guests to build their own drink.

Summer in the dining room

Start your dinner of with a cold dessert as Zuzu pastry chef Audrey Enriquez continues to dazzle guests with her monthly “Show Stopper” shake. The large dessert combines a variety of house made desserts for the whole table to enjoy. Cinnamon Horchata is May’s shake of the month.

Starting June 4th,  every Sunday – Thursday guests can get 1/2 all bottles of wine when you dine at Zuzu. Guest can enjoy this deal all summer thru September 16th.

Monday Night’s Chef Table continues through the summer with wine dinners. The monthly four-course dinner is prepared by executive chef Russell LaCasce and his culinary team that pairs with wines from around the world.

  • “Farmer in the House’ is the theme for the dinner on May 20th with Duncan’s Trading Company and JUSTIN Wines.
  • June 18th brings New Mexico’s Gruet Winery to Zuzu.
  • July 16th special rose dinner brings four wineries to the table. -Chateau Gassier, Ferrari-Carano, WillaKenzie and Veuve Cliquot wines will be paired & poured.

The dinners start promptly at 6:30 p.m. and are $75 per person plus tax and tip. Reservations can be made by calling 480-376-2600 or by going to their website.

 

 

 

 

Chris Bianco to headline table to the farm dinner at RhibaFarms

James Beard award-winning chef Chris Bianco leads a line-up with five other local chefs as they bring the table to the farm for an exclusive fundraising dinner. The “Spring Fling” farmraiser will benefit San Tan Valley’s RhibaFarms, a 3.3 acre farm, local restaurants source for produce, mushrooms, microgreens, eggs and other ingredients.

The Saturday May 19th dinner will also include local chefs Jason McGrath of J’s Kaiyo, David Traina of Liberty Market, Craig Plevak of Fire & Foraged, Sasha Raj of 24 Carrots and Micah Wyzlic  of Phoenix City Grille.

Beers will be paired with each course have been selected by The Shop Beer Co. as well as beers created that will be incorporated into the dishes. The Shop Beer Co. uses RhibaFarms ingredients for its beers and gives the farm their spent grains to use as compost.

The farms Food Rescue program helps to fuel the soil that grows the ingredients that are not always associated with being grown in the desert.

Dining at RhibaFarms

Guest will enjoy the unique experience dining at the farm and will see first hand how much urban farms can grow and contribute to the local community.

The vegetarian dinner will include chef Bianco’s all Arizona sourced risotto entrée using Sonoran White Wheat with Blue Oyster mushrooms and smoke tri-color beets with pickled RhibaFarm vegetables from chef Wyzlic.

For  a true farm experience diners will be eating in the fields among the crops and are asked to bring a flashlight and dinner plate. The working farm has no paved paths.

Blind auction

There will be a blind auction fundraiser with private dinners from the chefs and other goodies up for auction.

Dinner will be from 5p.m. – 8p.m. with limited seating. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased here.

RhibaFarms is at 40792 N. Rattlesnake Rd. San Tan Valley 85140.

 

Clever Koi partners to open Italian concept at Scottsdale’s Skysong

It’s good to see when successful restaurateurs plant their flag in re-vitalized neighborhoods, especially if you live in one of those neighborhoods. That’s been the case in my backyard the last year in south Scottsdale, specifically on the Skysong campus.

Born & Raised partners Joshua James & Nicholas Campisano

The public private partnership at McDowell & Scottsdale roads has seen the opening of Bitters Bar & Food, an original concept and the third location of New York Bagels & Bialys. Come September they will be joined by Fellow, an osteria & cocktail bar  from the team that’s brought us Clever Koi.

Fellow at Skysong

The all day hang out spot will cater to guests that will want to dine-in on pizza, pasta, salads and cocktails along with those on the run that want to grab n go breakfast and premium coffee drinks. The custom designed 5,000 square feet restaurant is expected to be enjoyed by office workers at Skysong along with residents from surrounding neighborhoods.

This is the third restaurant for the newly founded Born & Raised Hospitality and its partners Joshua James and Nicholas Campisano after their two Clever Koi’s in Phoenix and Gilbert. James known for his mixology skills behind the bar will craft the cocktail menu and build craft beer and around the world wine list.

With high ceilings and communal space Fellow is being designed by architects Local Studio who designed the first Clever Koi in central Phoenix. The design highlight will be a big wooden cube over the bar where 3-D Arizona landscapes of iconic Arizona locations.

With a few months before opening there are always unknowns about certain details at Fellow but on thing is for sure they will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

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