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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

FRANCINE adds new dishes using award-winning olive oil

The Scottsdale restaurant is now using MillPress Imports olive oils sourced from Spain for new dishes. FRANCINE owner Laurent Balasz met MillPress owner Tim Balshi 15 years ago and uses his olive oil at his L.A. restaurant Fig & Olive. A few of the south of France inspired dishes using the olive oil include Mediterranean Branzino, Grilled Lamb Rack and Golden Apple Pear Sorbet.

Devour at Home pre-orders start February 1st

Foodies can start to order meals for the virtual food festival starting this coming Monday. Local restaurants will prepare meals for the weekend of February 27th and 28th. The virtual Devour at Home is the 2021 version of the annual Devour Culinary Classic from Local First Arizona. Only 25 orders from each restaurant will be available with 10 restaurants participating each day. Orders can be placed starting at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on February 19th. For more information and to place an order visit https://www.devourphoenix.com/

Pita Jungle’s new food truck rolls out in February

The locally owned Mediterranean food restaurants with locations around Phoenix debuts its new food truck next month. Selections from their menu will be available around Phoenix and will soon be available for private events and corporate functions. New dishes just for the on the go crowd will be available along with meal combos at a set price. Find out where to find the food truck at https://www.pitajungle.com/

National Tater Tot Day at Angel’s Trumpet Alehouse

Enjoy the popular side dish on February 2nd at the downtown taphouse and restaurant with a Basket O’ Tots for $7. The special is available all day and even during happy hour form 3-6 p.m. where you can get $5 pints of local drafts and $9 flatbreads. You can ask for basket upgrade for only $2 more.

Daily Dose debuts dinner at its midtown location

Good news for dinner fans, the restaurant known for fresh and scratch made brunch debuts dinner on Tuesday February 2nd at its 20th St. and Highland location. New dishes include Chorizo Mac n Cheese, Roasted Baby Back Ribs, a selection of loaded fries and more. A new budget friendly happy hour will also be available and includes new cocktails.

 

Super Bowl dine-in and take-out deals around Phoenix

Whether you’re rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs or just want a good game for the Super Bowl on February 7th you’re going to want something to eat and drink during the game. Some prefer homemade eats but if you’re looking to visit a restaurant or have take-out these restaurants are cooking up enough for your team.

The Roaring Fork-Scottsdale. The dinner only restaurant brings back their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get the other on the house starting just before kick off at 4 p.m. Their famous Big Ass Burger, Spit Roasted Half Chicken and Braised Beef Short Ribs are just a few entrees available.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix. Bring home one of their Big Game Slider Specials, choose from the Super Slider Buffet ($130- 16 Assorted Deli Slider Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw Relish Tray & Kosher Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard & Mayo, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese & 1 Whole Pie) or

The Tackle Pack ($140-  2 lbs. of Hot Pastrami, 2 lbs. of Corned Beef , 2 lbs. Of Potato Salad, 2 lbs. of Cole Slaw, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese, 18 Challah Slider Rolls, 10 Kosher Dill Pickle Slices & 1 Whole Pie). Each package serves 8-10 people and 48 hour notice is appreciated.

Grimaldi’s Pizeria– Multiple locations. Kick off National Pizza Day (February 9th) a couple of days early with a Meal to Go.

Meal Deal 1 To-go: $25 (feeds 2-4 people) 1- 18” traditional cheese pizza, Small house or Caesar salad and 2 fountain drinks.

Meal Deal 2 To-go: $40 (feeds 4-6 people), 2- 18” traditional cheese pizza. Large house or Caesar salad & 4 fountain drinks.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe. The popular maker of sweet & savory treats is putting together 3 different snack boards that will feed 2-4 people. Order by Monday February 1syt by 5 p.m. for pick up Saturday February 6th 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Nosh Platters
Charcuterie boards of a variety of meats, cheeses, pickles and veggies, along with Noble Bread ($50)
Sweet and Savory Platter
Homemade Rotel dip and tortilla chips, caramelized onion dip and potato chips, pimento cheese and crackers, our own Sweet & Savory Snack Mix chockful of the usual suspects including some new ones like bacon brittle, popcorn and candied nuts ($50)
Tasty Bites
A box of petite treats from our array of items at the moment, like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, lemon bars, Hatch green chile bars and more ($30).
FnB– Scottsdale. The award-winning restaurant is offering several platters for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix. Build Your Own Super Bowl Party with a Burger Bar or Taco Bar. Each feeds 15- 18 people, $299 +tax, $10 delivery within 15 miles of 85020, order by 3 p.m. Tuesday February 2nd for delivery between 3 – 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.

Burger Bar Burgers: beef, beyond* and falafel served with brioche buns. *extra $2.50 per burger Toppings: cheese, lettuce, pickled red onion, tomato, cucumber, grilled onion, mushrooms. Sauces: aioli, ketchup, mango puree. Sides: house made chips and salad Add-ons: mac n cheese bites, pretzel bites and cannoli’s ($2-$3 per person).

Taco Bar Proteins: chicken, carne asada, pork or veggie. Toppings: cheese, limes, pickled onions, cilantro, roasted corn, roasted red peppers, salsa fresca. Sides: chips & salsa or rice & beans. Add-ons: elote, flautas, guacamole and churros ($2-$3 per person)

Humble Pie– Scottsdale & Glendale. Take-out 2 pizzas, salad, braised and extra crispy tender wings with house-made sauce choices of buffalo, spicy Korean or chili honey ($49.99 feeds 4 people).

Angry Crab Shack– Multiple locations. How about a seafood boil as if you’re in Tampa Bay on Super Bowl Sunday.

Family Feast ($125, feeds 3-4 people): Whole lobster and Dungeness crab, Head-off shrimp, King crab, Snow crab and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

Neighborhood Block Party ($225, feeds 5-8 people): Whole lobster, Dungeness crab, King and snow crab clusters, Head-on shrimp, Blue mussels, Clams, Lobster tails and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

STK Steakhouse– Scottsdale. The new steakhouse will have the game on TV, but if you prefer watch at home take-out is available. Loaded Nachos Kit: braised short rib, mustard cream, grated cheese, jalapeno peppers, chimichurri sauce $25. Cheesy Fries: bacon bits, cheese sauce, grated cheddar cheese, scallions $16. Chicken Wings: buffalo, garlic parmesan or cilantro lime $15. Meatball Hot Wrap: red onion, red pepper tapenade, chili flakes, chipotle ketchup, cheddar cheese $25. Braised Short Rib Quesadilla: fontina cheese, tomatoes, chimichurri, mustard cream, flour tortilla $23.

My Pie Pizza– Phoenix and Gilbert. No pre-order needed for this take-out special. Any 3 pizzas, garlic knots & 12 wings for $30.

Pedal House Brewery– Tempe and Chandler. Watch the game and enjoy these food and drink specials. Wing specials, $4 mimosas, select $4 Pedal Haus beers, $5 haus wines, $6 haus margaritas and Bloody Mary specials.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations. Call in one these 2 plays. 8 pizzas and a tray of meatballs and catering salads for $99.99. Also purchase 4 pizzas, salads or Mac ‘N Cheeses and get one free entrée. 3 hour advanced notice required.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Multiple locations. Dine-in starting at 4 p.m. and you can get a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Liberty Station Tavern– DC Ranch & Terravita. Smoked meats as if you’re in KC from these Scottsdale locations. Order by 4 p.m. on Thursday February 4th to be entered to win you’re order for free. Winner picked on Friday the 5th. By the pound meats include Texas Brisket with Liberty BBQ sauce, $20. Carolina Pork Shoulder with Carolina sauce, $18. Smoke Chicken Wings including spicy BBQ sauce and choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing, $19 per dozen. St. Louis Spare Ribs with Liberty BBQ sauce, $34/rack, $19/half rack. Sides dishes feed 4 – 6 people $8 per pint and $16 per quart of Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.

Match Market & Bar– Phoenix. The Big Game Munchie Menu is designed to feed two to three people and includes the following for $49 (plus tax): 2 pizzas of choice, A dozen buffalo wings, Trio dip (including muhammara, hummus and guacamole) and a 6 pack of craft beer.

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

New Year, new menu at Kasai Japanese Steakhouse

The Scottsdale teppanyaki restaurant added several new dishes and a dozen cocktails to its menu. Coconut Chicken Skewers, Lobster Fried Rice and Kabayaki Scallops are just a few of the new dishes. Cocktails include the Woodsman & Sweet Orchard which uses Japanese whiskeys and other ingredients. A full list of sake and Japanese whiskey are available.

Keto friendly bread now available from Mediterra Bakehouse

The family-owned artisan bakery now sells breads for those who follow a keto diet. Keto wheat flower is lower in carbohydrates and rich in protein. Sunflower, flax and sesame seeds are added for more nutritional value. Each loaf is $8 and can be found at local farmer’s markets, AJ’s Fine Foods, Divine Bakery, Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Le Grande Orange.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. partners with Mobetta Golf Tour

Golfer John Daly co-founded the tour has named the NASCAR champions  “Two Times” beers “Official Beer of the Mobetta Tour”. A Phoenix brewery and taproom are in development.

Match Market & Bar to host Great Gatsby dinner

The signature restaurant at the Found:RE Hotel will be transformed into an epic event on Saturday February 6th. A Gatsby inspired five-course dinner paired with themed cocktails of the times will be served to those in attendance. Dinner is called for 7 p.m. and is $75 per person and can be purchased here.

Morning Squeeze coming to downtown Phoenix

The popular breakfast and lunch spot will open its 3rd location in the Spring at 1st and Washington streets. Known for playing 70s and 80s music the new restaurant will include an indoor and outdoor bar, grab n go area for take- away food and ample outlets to plug in your devices for people to meet, eat & work.

 

Central Kitchen virtual food hall opens in Chandler with 4 concepts

Virtual kitchens/food halls continue to gain popularity with the local restaurant industry. Concept Entertainment Group (CEG), owners of Thirsty Lion Gastropub have opened Central Kitchen, a virtual food hall from the kitchen of Chandler’s Thirsty Lion. Arizona is the 4th state to open Central Kitchen which was launched late last year in Oregon then Texas and Colorado. Guests can order from five concepts Soy Joy Kitchen, Southern Jewel, Killer Wings, Pizza & Spice and Thirsty Lion.

“We’ve been fostering the idea of a kitchen focused on takeout and delivery for the last year,” said John Plew, president and CEO of Thirsty Lion Gastropub. “The pandemic put the process into hyper speed, and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to pivot with the climate and launch an idea that aligns with current consumer demands. Central Kitchen fills a need in the restaurant space by providing multiple culinary offerings from one hub. Guests can order the food that everyone in their home is craving under one ticket.”

All menus include scratch made dishes created by Keith Castro, CEG’s VP of Food and Beverage Executive Chef. Guests can order take-out and delivery from one central website with ease and efficiency.

Soy Joy Kitchen specializes in rice bowls, sushi, ramen and other Asian favorites. Southern Jewel offers Southern fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, sliders and Southern specialties. Killer Wings serves boneless and traditional wings with a variety of house made sauces. Pizza and Spice has a large selection of gourmet specialty pizzas and salads. Don’t forget burgers, salads, sandwiches and more from the Thirsty Lion and vegetarian options are available from most concepts. Starting January 26th Central Kitchen will offer 25% off each to-go meal ordered at the central website.

 

Undertow goes above ground with pop-up in Scottsdale

The popular and award-winning cocktail bar Undertow has taken its below ground concept to street level with a pop-up at the Hotel Valley Ho. From August of 2016 to December 2020 was housed below Sip Coffee & Beer Garage in Phoenix, a converted quick oil change business. With Covid-19 taking over 2020 owners Rich Furnari and Jason Asher decided to move Undertow next door to its Century Grand location.

In addition to the new Undertow, Century Grand will be adding new concepts Platform 18 and The Grey Hen Rx with construction ending in March. Until then Undertow has taken over the former Trader Vic’s restaurant at the Scottsdale hotel for a 4-day a week “Best of Menus Past” pop-up.

“UnderTow has a strong following, and we always wanted to have a little more space to accommodate additional guests and larger parties, all without compromising the intimate guest experience” says Furnari. With UnderTow’s lease ending in 2020, and our difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant element of Century Grand, there was a prime opportunity to re-locate UnderTow into a larger space in the same geographic neighborhood. In addition, the more flexible physical infrastructure in the new location will allow us to continue to offer our guests the most advanced and enjoyable immersive environment for years to come”.

The two have worked day and night with Hotel Valley Ho’s Food and Beverage Director Andre Nicholson to bridge the gap until construction ends in Phoenix. Housed in the Sands venue at the hotel, the pop-up will be open Thursday through Sunday serving many retired top-selling signature cocktails. Limited food will be served from local chefs who will rotate their own pop- up restaurant. A Sunday market could also be added once things are up and running and the tiki/tropical decor from local artists gives Undertow its laid back vibe.

Hotel Valley Ho is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251 and you can find more information about the pop-up at their website.

JBF Women of AZ collaborate on creative meals for a limited time

This weekend’s launch of JBF Women of AZ shows off the partnership of 15 talented women chefs as Phoenix is one of 10 cities participating in the national alliance “Let’s Talk” from The James Beard Foundation Women’s Leadership Program. “Let’s Talk” is the brainchild of Chicago’s Rohini Dey, Ph.D., owner of Vermilion and trustee of the JBF whose goal is to bring women restaurateurs together for collaboration and support.

This weekend (sold out) and the weekends of January 22nd & 23rd and 29th & 30th you can order a special 3-course meal from 5 groups of chef’s preparing each course of the meal. Each three- course meal feeds two people and is $55 with meals needing to be ordered online by 10 p.m. the Wednesday of each week for pick-up on Friday or Saturday night.

By collaborating the women are learning from each other, sharing ideas and helping to support locally owned businesses during the pandemic.

The 15 Phoenix area women led restaurants participating in the JBF Women of AZ are……

Maya’s Cajun Kitchen
24 Carrots
Cotton & Copper

The Farish House
The Joy Bus Diner
Songbird Coffee House

FnB
Hana Japanese Eatery
Tracy Dempsey Originals

Fat Ox
The Market by Jennifer’s
Sweet Republic

The Cellar
Nonna Urban Eatery
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

To see the menus & chefs, place an order and pick-up instructions head to their website.

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

All Mac & Cheese dishes Buy 1, Get 1 Free at Fired Pie

In honor of National Cheese Lovers Day on Wednesday January 20th all locations are offering up the deal on the popular comfort food. Baked and topped with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs guests can choose from 40 different toppings. This deal is only good for dine-in and is good on mac n cheese of equal or lesser value.

Found:RE Hotel’s Passport Series goes to Mexico

The downtown Phoenix hotel hosts their monthly night with international flavor on Saturday January 16th. The pool and bar area will be transformed for a Mexican vacation with food, cocktails and more. The fiesta goes from 6 – 10 p.m. and more information can be found on their website.

Good news as Cider Corps releases seasonal pie ciders

The popular Pumpkin Pie, Peach Cobbler & Cherry Crisp ciders are now available by the can. Delayed due to the pandemic as ingredients were harder to source these ciders are available for a limited time. 6-packs are $20 and include 2 of each cider or can be purchased individually to be drank at the cidery. 6-packs can be ordered in advance for take away at https://www.toasttab.com/cider-corps-31-s-robson-103/v3

Signature cakes turn to pies at Chase’s Diner

Saturday January 23rd is National Pie Day at the Chandler diner, known for their scratch made desserts, is making two signature pies for the occasion. Turning their Carrot & German Chocolate Cake into pies guest can enjoy them by the slice ($4.29) or the whole darn pie ($13.99). Whole pies need to be ordered in advance.

Round 5 of Hotel Valley Ho’s Versus Series pits beer vs. wine

Which goes better with food, beer or wine? Find out on January 23rd when the Old Town Scottsdale hotel hosts another reception and three-course dinner. Tempe’s Huss Brewing Co. and Sonoma County’s Rodney Strong Vineyards will pair the beers and wines to see who wins. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and is $129++ per person.

STK Scottsdale steakhouse opens in the heart of Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale is the home of the newest steakhouse from STK Restaurants. STK Scottsdale, “not your daddy’s steakhouse”, opens on the banks of the canal in the former Herb Box Restaurant at Southbridge. The new restaurant ushers in “Vibe Dining” that includes spectacular views and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy elevated culinary selections, world-famous cocktails and live music from renowned DJs. This is the 21st location with other locations around the country and internationally.

“We are pleased to start the New Year by celebrating the opening of STK Scottsdale. The new restaurant is a perfect complement to the vibrant surrounding area and offers guests a memorable and safe dining experience,” said Emanuel “Manny” Hilario, President and CEO of The ONE Group. “As one of our managed locations, STK Scottsdale is indicative of our strategic plan, enabling us to expand our signature Vibe Dining experience without investing significant capital.”

Certified Black Angus beef sourced from the Midwest highlights the menu with classic steakhouse staples such as seafood, a raw bar and a la carte sides are also featured.

Unlike many high-end steakhouses STK Scottsdale will be opening for lunch Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. Daily happy hour and dinner service begins at 3 p.m. Weekend brunch launches on January 23rd from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and take-out and delivery is available on January 18th. All staff follow local and federal Covid-19 guidelines and uses technology for a “lower contact” experience.

STK Steakhouse at 7134 E. Stetson Drive 85251. For more information and to view the menu please visit their website.

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Press Coffee now selling single serve coffee bags

Coffee enthusiasts can now get their daily fix of the local roaster’s coffee in packs of 10 single serve of its Early Edition blend. Like a tea bag, they need to be steeped for 5 minutes in 8 oz. of hot water.

News about Happy Hour at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All four locations now offer happy hour throughout the restaurant from 3- 6 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Specials include $5 house margaritas and well drinks, $3 domestic beers draft & bottles and food specials including Steak Quesadilla and Mini Taco salads are available.

$10 Pastrami sandwiches at Miracle Mile Deli Thursday January 14th.

The central Phoenix deli celebrates National Hot Pastrami Day with savings on all pastrami sandwiches. Choose from the Straw, New Yorker, Good on Pastrami or Combo. All come with fries and a pickle are are available for dine-in or take-out.

Free Flow yoga then brunch at FOUND: Re Phoenix Hotel

Every other Sunday starting January 10th the hotel has partnered with CorePower Yoga Instructor Christina Mierzejewski for a 45 minute poolside class. Following the 10 a.m. class brunch will be served from Match Market & Bar. Yoga and brunch are $50 per person and include a meal and adult beverage.

Donuts and art for the 100 Club of Arizona on January 14th

Local donut shops are donating their sweet treats for the first Gold Palette Artwalk of 2021 in Old Town Scottsdale. Money will be raised for the non-profit that’s supported first responders and their families since 1968. The art galleries along Marshall Way & Main St. stay open late every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Traditional bagpipe performances and art demonstrations will be going on all night.

Hiring happening at new Twin Peaks Restaurant in Tempe

Twin Peaks Restaurant is opening new location at Tempe Marketplace in February and is hiring over 100 people for jobs throughout the restaurant. The new restaurant is a build-up of over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a large kitchen.

“We are very excited to introduce Twin Peaks’ delicious scratch-made food and ice-cold beer to everyone in Tempe,” said Franchise Owner Carolyn Vangelos. “With 102 TVs located throughout the sports lodge, Twin Peaks will definitely be the best spot for locals to cheer on their favorite teams. We’ve secured a great location on the south side of Tempe Marketplace, easily accessible from Rio Salado Parkway, so our next step is to hire a talented group of outgoing people to join us in preparation for our grand opening.”

hiring
Lumber Jills

Flexible work hours and a fun work environment is just a couple of reasons to find work at Twin Peaks. They’re hiring 65 Twin Peaks Girls and 35 Heart of the House members including cooks, hostess, bartenders and others. Interested candidates can drop by the restaurant any day of the week from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. to apply for a job or can apply online.

Once opened the sports bar will serve comfort food, 32 beers on tap including local craft beers and a full bar.

This will be the 4th Phoenix area location and will be at 2050 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281. For more information visit their website.