Month: August 2020

Momma’s Organic Market adds 2 new farmer’s market locations

Update: The Surprise market has moved to Asante Prep Academy at 23251 N 166th Dr. in Surprise and the Peoria Night Market at Park West has been cancelled for the season due to unforeseen circumstances. The Glendale market has not changed.

It’s starting to feel like fall as local farmer’s markets start getting ready open back up. For this year’s season Momma’s Organic Market is adding two new locations to its west valley schedule. For over 10 years the market has been held at Arrowhead Town Center in Glendale offering locally made foods and more with a long list of vendors.

Starting Sunday September 6th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Momma’s will be in Surprise at The Sterling Grove Market. The market at 17193 W. Montpelier Street will run through May. Wednesday October 7th will bring the return of Momma’s to Peoria where it was for over a decade. The late afternoon market will be located at Park West at 9744 W. Northern Ave from 4 -7 p.m. weekly until May.

‘This is an incredible period of growth for us and we’re thrilled to bring our free market to two amazing neighborhoods,” says Christa Esquibel, owner. “Our expansion is a testament to the fact that Arizonans want to, and will continue to, support local. It is a collaborative effort between our location hosts, dedicated vendors and loyal customers.”

The Glendale market will continue to run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. All 3 markets are free, family friendly and will offer a rotating list of local vendors and food trucks. Cash and credit cards are accepted with trained and leashed dogs welcome.

A short list of Momma’s Organic Market local vendors.

TJ Farms, Udder Delights Dairy, Mama Olga’s Tamales, Mama Olga’s Tamales, Bella’s Candy Shoppe, Can I Get A Ruff Ruff, Tree Huggin’ Bakers, Willy’s Tomatoes and Chilies, My Flower Bed, Dukes Barkery, All About The Booch and Shannon’s Kitchen.

Many more vendors show up and a a complete list of weekly markets can be found at their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers to open 3rd Phoenix location

Less than a year after opening their 2nd brick & mortar location in Litchfield Park, award-winning Aioli Gourmet Burgers is set to open their 3rd location. On Labor Day, September 7th at 430 E. Bell Rd. Phoenix 85022 is when & where it all happens. The location should be familiar to burger fans as it was the home to the former Caveman Burgers. Customers can expect the usual mix of gourmet burgers, fries, milk shakes, mac n cheese bites and more.

In addition their original location at Shea & 32nd St is now back open for dine-in service.

Press Coffee’s new blend supports local non-profits

Community Blend is the latest whole bean coffee from local roaster Press Coffee. Every 3 months the company will donate profits from the sales of Community Blend to a local non-profit. Current sales will be donated to Arizona Coalition for Change, an organization that empowers people to help transform their community by building civic power, just & equitable schools and safer neighborhoods.

Community Blend retails for $19 at all locations or online at http://www.presscoffee.com/

News

1/2 off cheese pizza at Fired Pie for National Cheese Pizza Day

Saturday September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day and all 21 Fired Pie locations are celebrating. Guests can get 1/2 off with the purchase of a beverage. One purchase per customer and not available on 3rd party deliveries.

LDV Winery temporarily closes Scottsdale tasting room

Structural work in the building housing the tasting room has forced them to close until early October. Guests and wine club members can still still purchase wine for pick up or delivery by calling 602-320-1485 or emailing info@LDVWinery.com

Check their Facebook page or Instagram for updates.

Lobster lovers get your roll at Pedal Haus Brewery

Can’t make it to Cape Cod this summer like me, Pedal Haus Brewery is bringing a cape favorite to you. For $24 you get a Maine lobster roll, side of crispy fries & Day Drinker Light Lager while supplies last. Both downtown Tempe & downtown Chandler locations are serving this summer time favorite.

d’Vine Gourmet now sells Serrano’s Original Salsa & Red Hot Sauce

Two locally owned family businesses joined forces when d’Vine Gourmet started selling Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant’s Original Salsa and Red Hot Sauce. Both businesses are based in Chandler and are passionate about supporting the local community. Serrano’s co-founder Evangeline “Eva” Serrano developed both recipes and her picture graces the label of both bottles.

“We’ve been sharing our salsa and hot sauce with our customers for more than 40 years now, and we’ve been fortunate to grow a robust fan following. We’ve even shipped our products across the country to those who want a taste of Arizona,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “Offering our product at d’Vine is a natural extension of our product line, and we’re excited about the partnership with another Chandler-based, family owned business.”

d’Vine Gourmet was founded in 2003 by Denise McCreery to share her love of food, wine and unique culinary creations. d’Vine produces a line of jams, mustard, candies, spices and more in addition to selling local goodies like chocolates from Cerreta’s and Cactus Candies.

“We love everything about Arizona, especially the food! Visiting Serrano’s in downtown Chandler has been a family tradition for more than a decade,” McCreery said. “We are proud and excited to now carry their delicious salsa and hot sauce in our store!”

d’ Vine Gourmet is at 4955 S. Alma School Rd. 85248. For more information or to order online visit their website.

 

ADERO Scottsdale Resort to feature Cielo as its signature restaurant

When the new ADERO Scottsdale Resort opens in October it will offer great views, luxury and inventive cuisine in Cielo Restaurant. Located on the southern end of the McDowell Mountains on the border of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, ADERO will feature 117 rooms, a boutique spa and will be Scottsdale’s only Dark Sky Resort. As part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, ADERO will have elevated experiences and amenities.

“This new resort has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to debut ADERO this October as part of the Autograph Collection,” said Owner and Developer Bill Hinz. “With endless desert terrain allowing for the possibility of year-round adventure, we wanted to create a place where flora and fauna, the local community and culture intersect with the guest experience through hands on programming and superior service. Our goal is for guests to be forever impacted by wonderful memories, and more importantly an all-encompassing knowledge on how to be better stewards of our environment.”

Cielo, means “sky”, will be the resorts signature restaurant will offer guests one of the best views on the Scottsdale dining scene including outdoor seating with views of Four Peaks and the surrounding desert. Regional tequilas and mezcals will be featured in the restaurant’s cocktail program and the menu will include regional ingredients. Partnerships with local purveyors are being pursued that currently includes Bone Haus Brewing.

For more information visit their website or call (480)-333-1850. ADERO can be followed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ADEROScottsdale.

Jerry’s Restaurant re-opens serving comfort food in Mesa, kind of.

Jerry’s Restaurant was a comfort food staple in Phoenix dating back to the 1960’s when it closed a few years back. With the popularity of comfort food in 2020 Jerry’s is re-opening this month in Mesa but with a catch. It will be a delivery only restaurant with food prepared in another restaurant. Last month I reported on Carnitas Way, the cloud kitchen from the owners of Los Sombreros and now Jerry’s Restaurant, where they will be preparing food out of the new Mesa location.

“We like to refer to it as Jerry’s 2.0,” says Kurt Riske, head of Rooted Concepts. “I’ve been around Jerry’s Restaurant for years. My dad worked at the Phoenix Jerry’s since 1991, so I have gotten to know many of Jerry’s loyal customers and it’s incredible to see the following Jerry’s has here in the Valley. For the moment, we are opening Jerry’s as a delivery only concept, which suits today’s times, since a large percentage of restaurant customers are ordering out and dining at home.”

Jerry's Restaurant
Chicken Fried Steak

Much of the menu will stay the same as the original restaurant that was located on E. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. Burgers, meatloaf, pot roast, chicken fried steak and breakfast menu along with the popular burritos will be available for delivery.

“This is an unusual year, and we’ve gotten comfortable thinking outside the box,” says Riske. “We’ve been intrigued with the rising trend of cloud kitchens, and this year seemed right for testing it out. We’re using our Mesa Los Sombreros as the home base for delivery of Los Sombreros, our new burrito concept Carnitas Way that launched last month, and now Jerry’s as well.”

Delivery will be available from Grubhub and DoorDash. There is also a Jerry’s Restaurant in Safford AZ and Fallon NV. To view the menu and order visit their website.

Pesto Italian Eatery to be Arizona’s first build your own pasta restaurant.

Update: The name has changed to Pasta78 and will open on November 2nd.

When Pesto Italian Eatery opens this fall in Chandler it will be the first build your own pasta concept in Arizona. Owner Cosmo Magliozzi is inspired by serving high quality Italian cuisine and by his celebrity chef father Antonio Magliozzi.

“We want to inspire our customers and allow them to express themselves while enjoying a meal with their friends and family,” Magliozzi said. “This is my way of sharing my father’s famous Italian recipes with the world. As he’s known for saying, ‘It’s no secret – it’s olive oil, garlic, onion, oregano, fresh basil and all of my heart inside the sauce.’”

Fresh pasta will be made on-site every day and guests can choose pasta, homemade sauces (marinara, pesto & specialty), proteins (meatball, sausage, chicken) and vegetables (grilled artichokes, eggplant, etc) to combine for themselves. Every bowl will be topped with basil and a special blend of cheese and served with a fresh baked bread sticks. Gluten -free pasta will also be available. Grab n go salads will be available and traditional Italian desserts such as cannoli, torta della nonna and sfogliatella will be served.

The fast casual Pesto Italian Eatery will be located at 2780 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite 6, Chandler. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information visit their website.

 

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine coming to Scottsdale Ranch

E very restaurant owner had to make some of the hardest decisions of their life when Covid-19 hit in March. Anthony and Anna Barr had to make many of the same decisions but they took it to the next level in a short amount of time. The couple had owned and operated Fork & Spoon Productions and Above & Beyond Catering, both very successful hospitality businesses in the SF Bay area. In April after they assessed their situation and laid off 60 employees, a fresh start was needed and they re-located to Scottsdale to open their newest venture Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine.  The family friendly restaurant will open later this month in The Mercado at Scottsdale Ranch at 10155 E. Via Linda.

“We are so excited to bring our upscale-yet-approachable cuisine to the diners of Scottsdale,” says co-founder Anna Barr. “We take much pride in every dish that comes out of our kitchen, and we’re dedicated to, and passionate about, creating memorable experiences through a welcoming atmosphere, spectacular service, and exceptional food.”

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine’s menu

Chefs Anthony’s cuisine will include American favorites and will also include vegan and vegetarian dishes. Stuffed Cheese & Bacon Tater Tots and Impossible Sloppy Joe Sliders will highlight the list of appetizers. Salads and a “Soup of the Day” will offer lighter dishes. Short Rib Grilled Cheese, a Dungeness Crab & Lobster Roll and Grilled NY Strip will be featured on the menu along with other salads, sandwiches and entrees. A children’s menu and dessert menu is available. A full bar will serve local beers, house wines and specialty craft cocktails that will round out the menu.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine follows CDC guidelines so that customers and staff will be safe and healthy. The restaurant will seat 40 people indoors and the patio will seat 60 allowing for social distancing. The menu is available for dine-in or take-out.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. for take-out and dine-in. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.

 

Weekend brunch back on the menu at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Weekends just got better at the intersection of Shea and Tatum as Rusconi’s American Kitchen has re-introduced brunch on the weekend. In the past the scratch kitchen had served brunch only on Sunday’s but added Saturday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to get sweet & savory favorites. Eggs, pancakes, soups, sandwiches and entrees with Rusconi’s twist have returned including……..

-Pork Chile Verde with corn tortillas, sunnyside up egg, cotija cheese, green chile sauce, grape tomato salsa and radish, $14

-The Kitchen Benedict featuring beef short ribs, poached eggs, citrus hollandaise, English muffin and creamy red pepper grits, $12

-RAK French Toast with cinnamon cream, powdered sugar and real maple syrup, $10

-Rico’s New Orleans Beignets with house made jam and chocolate sauce, $9

-Roasted Pork Posole with hominy, corn, avocado, grape tomato salsa, and watermelon radish, $7, bowl; $11, large bowl; add an egg for $2 more

-Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Salad with rhubarb vinaigrette, praline pecans, granny smith apples and goat cheese, $12

-Harris Ranch “Kitchen” Burger with goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and tomato, $14 (add a fried egg for $3)

Enjoy house made Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for $5 with you meal whether you choose to dine-in or take-out.

Weekend brunch reservations can be made by calling (480)493-0009 or online at https://rusconiskitchen.com/. Rusconi’s American Kitchen 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 85028

Be Like Josh Foundation receives support from Morning Squeeze

Scottsdale and Tempe’s Morning Squeeze restaurants have partnered with the Be Like Josh Foundation for the month of August. The local non-profit supports and raises awareness for special needs dogs and will receive half of all sales of dog biscuits sold. The dog friendly restaurants invite dogs and their owners to dine on the patio or take the biscuits to go. The biscuits are are gluten-free and made from scratch with peanut butter. Biscuits are 3 for $5 and are on the Tail Waggers menu.

“We love our Squeeze pups here as much as our guests,” said managing partner Jaryn Oakley. “When we learned about the amazing work the Be Like Josh Foundation is doing, we knew we wanted to help continue their mission. We hope this fundraiser is an opportunity for people to celebrate the love all animals give to us unconditionally and support this great cause.”

About The Be Like Josh Foundation

The Be Like Josh Foundation helps dogs by fostering and finding good homes that can cater to the animals’ needs. They visit schools to teach children the importance of compassion to animals as well as the inclusion of all abilities. The foundation works with volunteer homes giving the caretakers the training, tools and support needed for each animal’s unique needs.

“We are excited to partner with Morning Squeeze for this fundraiser,” said Jenny Braunwalder, rescue coordinator at The Be Like Josh Foundation. “All donations help us educate people and younger generations about the beauty of special abilities for all people and animals.”

The Morning Squeeze dog biscuit fundraiser runs until August 31. Find the biscuits at 690 S. Mill Ave. #110 Tempe 85281 and 4233 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251. For more information about the Be Like Josh Foundation head to their website.

 

 

S & V Urban Italian to open 2nd Scottsdale location this fall

Scottsdale restaurant S & V Urban Italian has announced it will open a second location a few miles north later this year. The original location at 9343 E. Shea Blvd. has served authentic Italian cuisine seven days a week since 2011. The new location will be in a new development called SOHO at 16580 N. 92nd St. and will offer views of the McDowell Mountains from the patio. A large main dining room and spacious bar will also offer a peek outdoors with its adjustable garage doors. The new location will continue to serve the same Italian dishes customers have come to love during lunch, happy hour & dinner.

In other S & V Urban Italian news, they’ve recently started serving Family Meal Deals that feed four. Choose a Caesar or Mista salad, and pasta dishes including Spaghetti & Meatballs ($50), Fettuccine Alfredo ($50; add chicken or sausage $60), Penne Vodka ($50) or Rigatoni Bolognese ($55).

Other great specials include their Pizza & Wine Oh My deal on Mondays from 3PM to 9PM where you can enjoy a pizza and a bottle of wine for only $20. All are available for dine-in or take out. Come in on Wednesdays from 3PM to 9PM, to enjoy half off bottles of wine with your meal or by itself.

For more information and updates on the new location visit their website.

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