Month: March 2020

Parking lot eats and social distancing in south Scottsdale

A week into the Covid-19 pandemic and restaurants only serving takeout I’ve been making my way to my neighborhood “Go to” restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are plenty of great restaurants in south Scottsdale and I’ve been to my share but rarely do I dine in the parking lot. With takeout only available I rarely take the food more than a few feet from where I pick it up from. With so many great lists of restaurants serving takeout I wanted to put a list together of my neighborhood parking lot eats that I’ve been supporting before we started social distancing. parking lot eats

I haven’t found the need to travel far from home during this time so most are in 85257/857251 that I can walk or bike to but occasionally I make my way into Phoenix or Tempe.

Follow me on Instagram for real time #ParkingLotFoodPic and check back as update the list of my parking lot eats.

Inner Circle Cafe cheerfully serving coffee breakfast & lunch.

Defalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery– A favorite for sandwiches, wine, pizza and more. The Il Purista is one of the “Best Sandwiches” in town says me.

Losbeto’s on Hayden north of Thomas has 24/7 drive thru.

George’s Famous Gyros– The best gyros, lots of meat!!!

Los Sombreros– Mexican food and Steve-O-Ritas to go at this south Scottsdale staple.

Clancy’s Pub for St. Patrick’s Day, my last dine-in before shutdown.

Gus’s NY Pizza– A coupla slices always taste good.

Tocaya Organica– Healthy food at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Spinato’s Pizza in Tempe on Rio Salado.

Starlite BBQ– Smoked meats and whiskey while you wait.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning for breakfast.

Fiesta Burrito– Can always count of a good, filling & well priced breakfast burritos and more.

D’Lite Healthy on the Go good for breakfast, lunch and coffee at walk-up window or drive-thru.

Berdena’s offers delicious pastry and limited food menu with coffee & tea in downtown Scottsdale.

NY Bagels & Bialy’s south Scottsdale location is closed. Take out available at their Scottsdale & Shea location.

 

Spinatos Meatball sandwich

Macayo’s has grocery items to go and and delivers to hospitals

Many in the restaurant community being hurt by the coronavirus shut down have been helping the local community too. Macayo’s Restaurants is no different trying to survive with to go meals but are offering grocery store staples as well. Frozen and bulk items such as tamales, bottled water, tortillas, chicken, mini- meal kits and more are available.

The restaurant has also lowered prices on to go meals. Kid’s meals at $3.99, appetizers from $6.99 -$8.99 and favorites like the Baja Burro and others for $9.99. 12 oz. bottles or margaritas are $10 and will be enough for 2 drinks.

“It’s no secret that restaurants everywhere have taken a serious hit in recent weeks, and Macayo’s is no different,” said Nava Singam of KIND hospitality. “Our loyal fans who continue to order takeout are keeping us afloat, and we wanted to return the favor by cutting prices and otherwise helping the community however we can.”

The restaurant is delivering free food to hospitals and grocery stores where many employees are working long hours.

To find a Macayo’s near you and to order from their menu check out their website.

Arizona Restaurant Association responds with Arizona Takeout Week

In a response to closing all restaurants ordered by Governor Ducey to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the Arizona Restaurant Association announces the start of an ongoing Arizona Takeout Week. Effective today restaurants can only serve food for takeout and delivery along with beer & wine. Some restaurants had already closed their dining rooms to focus on takeout and delivery.

The ARA thought up the idea as they organize the popular bi-annual Arizona Restaurant Week.

“We appreciate and thank Governor Ducey for his efforts in working with the restaurant industry to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus,” says Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “The Arizona restaurant family appreciates his work and that of all elected leaders in our state during this unparalleled time in our history.”

There are more than 200,000 jobs in the restaurant industry in Arizona and with locals ordering take out it’s the only way these restaurants can stay in business.

“At the end of the day, we are the industry of ‘happy’ — that is what the hospitality industry represents. We hope to bring a bit of happiness to Arizonans during this extremely difficult time through Arizona Takeout Week while keeping our employees and restaurants afloat,” Chucri says.

I’ve have 2 posts about restaurants around Arizona who are serving food and wine for takeout. Below are additional restaurants serving takeout meals around Arizona. For more information visit the Arizona Restaurant Association website and for any restaurants looking to participate in Arizona Takeout Week email them at takeout@azrestaurant.org

Federal Pizza
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
Phoenix City Grille
Jewell’s Bakery and Café
Pita Jungle
Little Woody
Wildflower Tucson
S&V Urban Italian
Blanco

Koibito Poke
Liberty Station
Provision
Trapp Haus BBQ
Original Breakfast House
Urban Margarita

Governor shuts restaurants & bars leaving them to offer take out & delivery

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey closed restaurants and bars that were still offering their customers the option to dine in. Many restaurants had voluntarily closed their dining rooms but continued to prepare meals for delivery or pick-up. If restaurants want to continue serving customers it will only be for take-out or delivery going forward. Many restaurant owners have had to make one of the toughest decisions of their life and lay off staff.

Governor Ducey is allowing restaurants that served wine or beer in their restaurant to sell packaged goods so customers can take with them.

Continuing to #supportlocal is very important so this post will add more restaurants preparing food for pick-up or delivery. See my previous post for other Phoenix area restaurants still serving. This post will be updated daily.

Los Sombreros– The Scottsdale location is serving curbside take out with favorites on a limited menu and a drive thru menu of tacos, sides and more. Meal kits and groceries to go also available. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of their famous Steve-O-Rita margarita to wash down lunch or dinner. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 2534 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85257. (480) 994-1799

Mastro’s City Hall, Ocean Club & Steakhouse– Full menus to go with 10% discount and family dinners home steak kits with 28 day aged steaks and more for 2 or 4 people.

Liberty Market- Gilbert’s popular restaurant is doing breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, coffee and more to go. They will also be selling ingredients such as tomato sauce, pancake mix and more so you can make at home. DoorDash & Postmates for delivery in addition to pick up. Accepting only credit cards. 11 a.m – 7 p.m. 230 North Gilbert Road Gilbert. 480-892-1900

Padre Murphy’s- Wed. – Sun. from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. limited menu of wings, Caesar Salad, Sandwich, canned beer, craft beer & margarita crowlers and Fish Frydays available for curbside pick-up when calling 602-547-9406. credit cards only. 4338 W. Bell Rd. Glendale 85308.

Queen Creek Olive Mill stores– Queen Creek (480-400-2302) & Kierland Commons (480-361-9860) stores stocked with groceries, bread, meals to go, eggs, pasta, cleaning supplies & home goods and more from local suppliers.

Jewel’s Cafe– at Thomas & 40th St. is open for take-out & delivery. They are also providing a lot of support for out of work hospitality workers too. To place an order call (602) 714-5243. Located at 4041 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix 85018.

That Place Projects- Flagstaff’s Tinderbox Kitchen and All Day Tourist Cafe are offering pick-up and delivery for their menu items.

Inner Circle Cafe– The south Scottsdale serves coffee, breakfast and lunch and will continue to do so with take-out & delivery.

Hot Noodles Cold Sake in north Scottsdale is open for takeout, now serving beer and sake for takeout. Grubhub, Postmates, and by calling 480-432-9898

Sol Cocina– is offering $10 off orders of $35 or more for pick-up. Only for phone & walk in orders, must mention offer. No delivery or online ordering.

Original Breakfast House– is open for take-out (no delivery) and doing a To Go BBQ on Sat. 3/21 to raise money for staff from 7am-12pm.

Hot Bamboo– Recently opened in Chandler, this Asian street food favorite is offering frozen Bao and other dishes for curbside pick-up & take-out.

Beckett’s Table -The Arcadia restaurant is serving its dinner menu to go and can sell you bottles of wine to go with it. Call 602-954-1700 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Southern Rail– Southern food & wine in the comfort of your own home. Call 602-200-0085 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Craft 64 Chandler– is offering curbside & to go orders of pizza, wine & more.

Frasher’s Tavern– Old town’s newest restaurant is offering their full menu for pick-up for guests who wish to dine at home. Please call (480) 429-9545 to place your order. Local delivery available too.

92nd St Cafe– Full menu is available for pick-up, as well as a wide variety of bottles of domestic beer, wine, and liquor. Give them a call at 480-860-4003 to place your order.

Copper Mule– The north Scottsdale restaurant had a modified menu for pick up or delivery along with wine to go specials. To order call 480-573-6853.

Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria- Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. Dining room and bar closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 1001 N. Main St., Cottonwood AZ 86326

Merkin Vineyards Pizza Wagon – Serving the public for walk-up service in Old Town Cottonwood at the corner of Main St. and E Pinal. Hours: Noon to 8 p.m., daily

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale– Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. The dining room and bar are closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 7133 E. Stetson Dr. #4, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– Available for wine by the bottle to-go sales. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 158 Main St., Jerome, AZ 86331

The Thumb– Limited menu for Drive-Thru BBQ & catered delivery(48 hour notice for catering call (602) 686 1629 or email catering@thethumb.com) from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Call ahead at (480)513-8186.  9393 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale 85255.

24 Carrots Cafe– Vegan meals can be pre-ordered family style for pick-up Sunday, Wednesday & Friday’s. Each meal feeds 4-6 people and menus are posted on their Facebook page and ordering can be done at their on-line store. Check their other social media platforms for specials and more. Meals can be picked up or delivered through Postmates Grubhub & DoorDash. 1701 E Guadalupe Rd. Tempe, Arizona 85283.

Delivery and take-out options at Phoenix restaurants during pandemic

Many Phoenix restaurants have closed their dining rooms to customers but are preparing meals for delivery or take-out. Here is a list of local restaurants. This will be updated going forward.

Ocotillo Restaurant & Bar has a pop-up menu on their website for pick up daily from 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Weekend Brunch available 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get 10% off all takeout orders. Buy $100 gift card, get $20 card free. To order call 602-687-9080. 3243 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85012.

Bourbon & Bones is open from 4 – 9 p.m. for curbside pick up & takeout. A modified menu is available with 25% off pick-up or takeout orders and 50% off select beer, wine and spirits. To order call 480-629-4922. 4200 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Hopdoddy Camelback & Scottsdale are open for curbside pick up & delivery from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. for burgers, shakes and more. Use promo code “Buy1Give1” to have a hands free burger delivered to healthcare workers. Delivery available thru UberEats (free), Postmates and DoorDash

Steak 44, Ocean 44 & Dominick’s Steakhouse are offering luxury takeout daily from 12 – 7 p.m. with white glove curbside service. The restaurants are offering their full menus and all bottles of wine to take home.

Farm & Craft has started a touch less takeout and curbside pick up service. Individual and family style appetizers, salads, entrees, bowl and more are available as are selected bottles of wine. Vegetarians are available too. Open Thurs. – Sun. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. with 24 hour notice needed for Family Style meals, to order call 480-568-8980 or order on-line. Delivery from DoorDash and Postmates is available. 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse has a to go menu along with butchered meats for home cooking. Wine & Caipirinas available to go as well. Free delivery on orders of $50 or more and within 15 miles. Call 480-609-8866 to order. 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85253. 

Miracle Mile Deli– The central Phoenix deli is open Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 .m. for pick up of individual meals, family meals deals, deli meats, breads and more. Delivery available from Postmates and UberEats. See website for complete menu of offerings and call 602-776-0992. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix 85016.

Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho– is offering a new to-go menu from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Buy 1 bottle of wine with you meal, get the 2nd at no cost. Gift cards are also available. Call 480-376-2600 order. 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale 85251.

Mountain Shadows Resort– Breakfast burritos, burgers and more are available for pick up at Rusty’s from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Bottles of wine start at $15 and gift cards are available to. Orders can be placed at 480-624-5442 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253.

Barro’s Pizza– All locations continue to do takeout for pickup and delivery. Lunch specials to incl 2 slices & a drink for under $5.

Be Coffee– The coffee shop in Monorchid is open from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. for it signature drinks and cold outs to go. Delivery available from Grubhub, UberEats & Postmates. 214 E. Roosevelt Phoenix.

My Pie Pizza– All My Pie Pizza locations remain open for takeout (curbside) and in most areas, 3rd party delivery is available through DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and Grub Hub.

SanTan Brewing & Distilling– Full pub menus are available for pick up or delivery in addition to larger quantities for family meals. oreder $50 or more and recceive a FREE 32oz can of beer when you use promo code a BEER at checkout. Delivery thru Grubhub, Postmates, DoorDash & UberEats. Call 480-917-8700. 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ 85225

Pita Jungle– Select locations throughout Arizona have a limited menu available for takeout along with Family Meals for $35. Select bottles of wine are $15.

Ghost Ranch– Friends & Family meals to go, pick up only. Chicken tacos and enchiladas with sides for $25. Feeds 2 -3 people. Call the restaurant at 480-474-4328.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants– Meals serve 6-8 or 8-10 people. Take out only. All 5 locations. The $39.99 Family Pack specials include:

Taco Family Pack: The special includes two dozen taco-size flour tortillas, 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken (or combo), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, 8 oz. smooth hot sauce or tomatillo salsa, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Burrito Family Pack: The special includes one dozen flour tortillas, 32 oz. shredded beef or chicken or refried beans, 16 oz. enchilada sauce (red, green or tomatillo), bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Nachos Family Pack:  The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, 16 oz shredded lettuce, 16 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. pico de gallo, 8 oz guacamole, 3 oz sliced olives, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Taco Salad Family Pack: The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, salad mix for 6-8 people, 8 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. tomatoes, 8 oz dressing of your choice, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

$5 Grab ‘n’ Go Burritos: Serrano’s will also offer shredded beef, shredded chicken or bean and cheese burros for those looking for a single meal option. To avoid a wait, please call ahead to order.

Pomo Restaurant Group delivery & take out options.

All Pomo’s are offering 30% off and free delivery on orders over $100, here’s how to order from each location.

Pomo Pizzeria- Shops at Gainey Village.  Take- out or delivery.

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 998-1366 Curbside is right in front.
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>

Pomo Pizzeria Downtown Phoenix- 705 N 1st St #120, Phoenix, AZ 85004

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 998-1366. Curbside right in front.
2. Online order for pickup: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
4. Third Party Delivery: ubereats, postmates, grubhub, doordash

Pomo Pizza at Biltmore Fashion Park– 2502 E. Camelback Road

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 954-5278 Curbside loading area south east
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/

Pomo Pizzeria Gilbert– 366 N Gilbert Rd #106, Gilbert, AZ 85234

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 878-2222 Curbside, back entrance with reserved spots
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
4. Online Order for Delivery: Postmates, Ubereats, Doordash

More delivery & pick up options

Kaleidoscope Juice is delivering orders of $80 or more on packaged juices with 25 mile radius of their old town Scottsdale location. All locations are open for Grab n Go and are encouraged to call in order ahead of time.

Fired Pie– All 21 locations has a Date Night deal ready for pick up. 2 pizzas 9or salads) and 4 rotolis for 420. Use promo code “Date” when ordering. Also 2 pepperoni or cheese pizzas for 410 when you use promo code “pepp”.

Koibito Poke– has partnered with Postmates, Door dash and Uber Eats for food delivery.

PHX Beer Co. Scottsdale– The restaurant is still open but offers sandwiches and salads for pick during lunch hours, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for $12.

Salads

House-made Chicken Tortilla Soup and Small Salad

CK Chopped Salad—Kale, romaine, tomato, red peppers, smoked mozzarella, black beans, corn, pepitas, agave onions and a house creamy malt vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken for $5 or salmon, shrimp or prime flat iron steak for $7.

Sandwiches

BLT—Applewood bacon on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Grilled Ham and Cheese—Seared ham, sandwiched between melted cheddar cheese and sourdough.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich—Seasoned and grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato on challah bun.

BBQ Pork Sandwich—Zesty, smoked and pulled BBQ Pork on challah bun with sliced red onion.

The All Day Family Combos that feeds 3 – 4 people.

Black Iron Pizza & Salad ($22)—14” Melrose (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & CK Chopped Salad. Toppings extra.

Black Iron Pizza & Wings ($28)–14” (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & 12 wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper). Toppings extra.

Salad & Wings ($25)—CK Chopped Salad & 12 Wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper)

Southern Fried Chicken Tender Dinner ($42)—Choice of two sides (coleslaw, Cast Iron Mac N Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, seasoned fries or fruit). Includes Morenci Copper Ale BBQ Sauce.

Crowlers—For adults only (2 pack $18/4 pack $35), choose from 12 PHX Beer Co. beer selections.

Aoili Gourmet Burgers- Meal prep kits are available for pick up or delivery. 5-9 meals @ $9 each + tax and delivery, 10-13 meals @ $8.50 each + tax and delivery 14 + meals @ $8 each + tax and delivery

Burger Kits – Package is $29.99 and includes four burger patties, buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, grilled onions, salt and aioli sauce. All orders placed by Thurs 5 p.m. and will be delivered Sunday between 11 a.m. and can be picked up between 4 – 8 p.m. To order info@aioliburger.com

 

2020 Arizona Food & Farm Forum hopes to go off as scheduled

With current events planning a festival or other culinary events is hard not knowing how the coronavirus will affect future events. I’m hoping the 2020 Arizona Food & Farm Forum goes off as planned on April 28th & 29th 2020. The two day conference of farmers, local food advocates and food entrepreneurs will be held at the Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds in Laveen.

Organized by Local First Arizona the forum helps build and strengthen relationships aimed at collaborations between the Arizona food and farm industry. Arizona’s farming future will be discussed among the more than 200 food entrepreneurs and advocates.

“Phoenix is committed to achieving a healthy, sustainable, equitable, and thriving food system and has recently completed a 2025 Food Action Plan that includes various strategies and actions that address food insecurity, urban agriculture, land use, job creation, and the contribution of the entire food system to our local economy,” said city of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

She added, “We are excited to host the Arizona Food & Farm Forum in South Phoenix to showcase the rich agricultural history of the area, its assets, and value to the development of a resilient food system for future generations.”

Arizona Food & Farm Forum line-up

The 2020 Arizona Food & Farm Forum will have farm tours, workshops and networking opportunities for all to participate in. Keynote speakers include Nephi Craig, Founder of the Native American Culinary Association, Lilian Hill, Executive Director of the Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute and Sara Dolan, Owner of Blue Sky Organic Farms.

“From strategizing local opportunities for farmland conservation to exploring food as medicine, the 2020 agenda is focused on ensuring Arizona can thrive as a delicious and nutritious place to live,” said Kate Radosevic, Local First Arizona Food & Farm Initiatives Manager.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Heritage and Planning for the Future” with sub-themes….. Planning for the Future is centered around policy and systemic changes, including strategy sessions on Agriculture Workforce Development, Urban Farmland Conservation, and Funding Community Food Systems.

Indigenous Foodways will provide a space for tribal members and allies to explore Decolonization Through Food, learn from the American Indian Farmers’ Panel, and explore Food as Medicine.

Growing a Food Business will offer technical assistance in Building Your Brand; Protecting Yourself & Your Workers in a Hotter, Drier Climate; and Strategies for Diversifying Farm Revenue Streams.

Tickets for the 2020 Arizona Food & Farm Forum are $99 for 2 days & $59 for 1 day. Students, ranchers and young farmers are $40 for 2 days and $20 for 1 day. Local First Arizona members will save 10% when you use the promo code “LOCALFIRST”. For more information and to purchase tickets head to the website.

 

Coronavirus and the Phoenix restaurant and hospitality community

As we are now well into this Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic its taking its toll on every industry around the world. Here in Arizona festivals and events are being cancelled or postponed, restaurants and other business’s are voluntarily cutting back hours. As I saw this weekend several Phoenix restaurants continued to be busy with people going out to eat & drink. Many are sending out emails and posting on social media how their following deep cleaning and sanitizing procedures and following guidelines from local and state health departments.

FnB and Rancho Pinot Grill made tough decisions to close their dining rooms but stay open to provide meals for take out or delivery. I’m sure others will follow with these and other decisions while looking at creative and necessary ways to continue to serve our community and pay staff and other expenses. So far the State of Arizona hasn’t required businesses to shut down the way other states have enforced curfews and closings.

How you can help during the coronavirus

When a cure is found for Coronavirus and the risk of it spreading slows down hopefully many of our favorite restaurants and hospitality industry rebounds with no permanent closures. Sadly I feel several will close permanently due to the sudden drop in business right during our busy season. Dining out is a great way to help local restaurants whether you cautiously dine-in, have food delivered or taken- out or buying a gift card for a future visit. If you do the latter I hope the restaurant or businesses are still in business when you choose to visit.

Looking on the bright side we as a community learn from experiences like we’re going through. New processes are being learned and implemented but may become a reality for when things return to as they were. Full service restaurants like FnB and Rancho Pinot may continue to do more take-out business than traditional dining. As few businesses may fall others will be created to take their place. Hopefully this will be short lived and we can get back to gathering at festivals & restaurants and sharing meals & good times together but it’s up to us to minimize the damage by supporting local restaurants and business when we can afford to and feel safe doing so. Visit Local First Arizona for a list of locally owned businesses you can support. Be safe!

Surprise to host inaugural Rib Fest Showdown in April

Update: Postponed, no new date set.

As culinary events and food festivals get postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus a new festival is moving forward as planned. The first ever Rib Fest Showdown debuts April 25th & 26th 2020 in Surprise at Mark Coronado Park. The Throwdown pits Kansas City vs. Texas pitmasters to see who makes the best smokes meats. With the aroma of burning wood in the air festival goers will taste ribs and other smoked meats.

The city of Surprise was chosen as co-host of the event as it’s the Spring Training home of both Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers.

“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Surprise to launch this exciting event,” said Landon Evans owner of HDE Agency. “Supporting the economic growth and working together to build a cornerstone event for the city that will come to be recognized as an annual program is both rewarding and awesome.”

LDE Agency is also producing the KNIX BBQ & Beer Festival on March 28th in Chandler and is taking every per-caution to make sure both festivals are safe, clean and happen as planned.

The family friendly festival also features a ‘Battle of the Bands” with local and national performers, a kid’s zone, food eating contests and more.

The Rib Fest Showdown goes from 12 – 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are on sale with 2 for $16, 4 for $30 or 6 for $40. Walk -up tickets the day of will be $10  each. VIP tickets and a Stay & Play overnight packages are available. A portion of the proceeds from the Rib Fest Throwdown will be donated to Mighty Change of Heart, a local non-profit that provides support for foster children.

Daily Dose to open new location near Tempe Marketplace

Owners JenLyn and Matt long are getting ready to open their 3rd location of their breakfast and lunch restaurant, Daily Dose. This will be the couple’s third location after their popular old town Scottsdale and central Phoenix locations. The new restaurant is expected to open any day now at Rio Salado Pkwy. & Rockford Dr. just east of Tempe Marketplace.

“We had been looking for the right location for a while, and finally found everything we wanted,” says JenLyn Long. “Ample parking, visibility, proximity to businesses, hotels, neighborhoods, the Cubs spring training facility, ASU… and the icing on the cake is an amazing landlord who supports mom and pop restaurants like ours.”

Daily Dose
Daily Dose burger

Daily Dose signature dishes

The Tempe location will serve the same dishes that its sister locations serve including Breakfast Nachos, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and The Daily Dose Burger. The restaurant has an extensive craft beer list as well as a variety of Mimosa, Bloody Mary’s and coffee drinks. The 3,000 square foot restaurant will have the same orange colors and bright, cheery decor. Guest can dine indoors or outside on the spacious patio.

“We are committed to fresh, flavorful, real food. That means no shortcuts,” says Matt Long. “And while we may be known for our splurge-worthy items, we also have delicious healthy breakfast and lunch items like the power bowl, four flavors of Irish steel cut oats, gluten free pancakes and waffles, and the egg white wrap, loaded with veggies and served with fruit.”

Friday March 27th Daily Dose Rio Salado will raise money for juvenile diabetes. They are partnering with Kitchell to donate 20% of the day’s proceeds to JDRF for type 1 diabetes research.

Looking to work at Daily Dose, visit Daily Dose at 96 South Rockford Drive, Suite #105, Tempe, AZ 85281. Applicants can apply online and mention the Rio Salado location and guests can get more information and see the menu.

Compass Lounge & Restaurant welcomes new chef Brandon Drummond

Chef and new culinary director at the Hyatt Phoenix Brandon Drummond is no stranger to hotel life having worked for Hyatt Hotels around the country for the past 15 years. He come from the Hyatt in Greenwich, Connecticut to run the culinary team at Compass Lounge & Restaurant, Arizona’s only revolving rooftop restaurant.

The downtown hotel is finishing a multi-million dollar facelift and they’ve hired Drummond to re-vamp the menu at their signature restaurant. He brings his experience working in culinary management in the Hyatt family in Washington D.C., Bonita Springs Fla., New Orleans and San Antonio to his new role.

Both the lounge and restaurant will see new dishes including fresh seafood and regional ingredients. In the lounge guest will have the chance to order Buttermilk Fried Quail, a Charcuterie Board and more. The new menu includes Quick Cured Duck and Elk Chops in addition to other new dishes and longtime favorites.

New cocktails include the Strawberry Blonde made with Meyer lemon vodka, house made simple syrup and strawberries. The Bramble Rose mixes Maker’s Mark bourbon with house made rosemary simple syrup and blueberries.

Meet Chef Drummond when he participates in Plated and Staged at the Herberger Theater on Sunday March 29th. The annual fundraiser benefits for the theatre’s youth outreach program. The program exposes youths to culinary programs and the performing arts.

The Compass Lounge & Restaurant the Hyatt Phoenix is at 122 N. 2nd St. Phoenix 85004. Visit their website for more information.

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