Author: Sandy Wasserman

I've been in and around the the Phoenix wine and restaurant for over 17 years. I've seen and learned a lot and now I'm sharing it for the world to see.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Get the Golden Pancake, win pancakes for life at Eggstasy new Queen Creek location

Pancake lovers need to head to the new Queen Creek location tomorrow Saturday, April 5th as 3 guests will find a Golden Ticket with their order. Order any specialty pancakes or pancakes as your side dish for a chance to win. Its owner Peter Yarros way of saying “thank you” to the QC community who’s embraced the new location since opening in January.

Boo-Rrito raffle at Burrito Express in April

As ASU running back Cam Skattebo has announced he’s entering the upcoming NFL Draft guests ordering the signature Boo-Rrito any of the 7 restaurants around the valley will have the chance to enter the month-long raffle. Prizes include cleats, gloves and a signed football from the NFL hopeful. BE hopes to sell 3,000 Boo-Rrito’s (a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice) in April.

Papago Orange Blossom is Beer of the Month at Famous 48

As spring begins to bloom so is the Mandarin Wheat beer from the locally owned brewer at the Scottsdale restaurant. A 16 oz. pint is $5 and a 22 oz. is $7 for the light fruity and smooth draft beer.

Greek wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Have you ever had a Greek wine? Did you even know they made wine in Greece? Whether you did or didn’t know, the Roosevelt Row wine bar is pouring 3 Greek wines next Thursday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. Member or not you’ll get 20% off any bottles you purchase from the tasting.

Two from Arizona nominated for James Beard Award

The were over a dozen potential James Beard Award winners from Arizona when the semifinalists were announced earlier this year. The Foundation announced this week the nominees that will have the chance to win the prestigious restaurant industry award at the June 16th ceremony. Crystal Kass from Phoenix’s Valentine has the chance to win Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Lom Wong’s Yotaka Martin is up for Best Chef: Southwest.

Willcox Wine Festival coming for 2 days in May

As festival season continues its march towards the quiet time of an Arizona summer one of the last festivals is on the calendar in May. The Willcox Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17th & 18th with the bi-annual event hosting a Winemakers Dinner, Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Willcox Community Center with the festival at 130 N. Railroad Ave.

The popular growing region of southeastern Arizona with its arid and Mediterranean like terroir and weather is known for growing Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre and other varietals such as Malbec and Tempranillo. The region is home to many wineries and vineyards with 17 of them pouring their wines at the festival. Wineries scheduled to be pouring wine include Pillsbury Wine Co. Copper Horse Vineyard, Golden Rule Vineyards and others. A beer garden and food trucks will be on hand along with local artists, craft vendors and live music.

Tickets for the Willcox Wine Festival and Winemakers Dinner are on sale online for $35 on Saturday, $30 on Sunday, $15 for beer tasting and $75 for the Winemaker Dinner. Tickets will be available at the door for an additional $5-$10. All tickets for the festival include 10 tastings and a commemorative glass.

Chandler welcomes the second location of The Mexicano

Chandler Fashion Center is the second location of The Maggiore Group’s popular concept The Mexicano and guests can start dining there today. The opening comes a couple months after the re-opening of the flagship location in Paradise Valley that was closed due to a kitchen fire last October. Guests will find that the new location will have the same elevated menu from Chef Joey Maggiore along with an interactive dining experience that includes the build-your-own-margarita bar.

“Our Chandler location will be the same fun, energetic, delicious Mexicano our guests know and love,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We are thrilled to be bringing our second location, and the party, to the Easy Valley next month.”

On the menu guests will find Instagram worthy dishes such as the guacamole and salsa Ferris wheel, birria bao buns, margaritas and other traditional Mexican dishes with Chef Joey’s modern fusion of ingredients. The new restaurant will also feature a daily happy hour, Taco Tuesdays with $2 cochinita pibil and chicken tinga tacos, and Margarita Mondays featuring half off all margaritas.

Celebrating the Chandler grand opening

The interior was designed by Christina Maggiore that will showcase the bright colors of its Mexican City roots & culture and authentic imported wood furniture. A DJ will be there seven days a week spinning Latin music and you may catch a live performance from a Mariachi band. The celebration starts today at 4:00 p.m. and the first 200 people at The Mexicano in Chandler will receive special SWAG and one lucky winner will win a $500 gift card. During today’s fiesta like atmosphere there will be traditional dancers, a Mariachi band and more entertainment throughout the evening.

The Mexicano Chandler is at 3905 W. Chandler Blvd. 85226. and opens daily at 11 a.m. For more information visit their website.

 

 

 

 

Thomas Ian Nicholas to perform at Mac & Cheese Festival

Cheese lovers can get their tickets for the first annual Mac & Cheese Festival to be held at Chase Field on Saturday, May 24th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The family friendly event will have mac & cheese themed foods, thirst quenching drinks and live entertainment from actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas.

Nicholas is known for appearing in ’90s classic films “American Pie” and “Rookie of the Year” will perform an acoustic set. There will also be live wrestling, a Mac & Cheese and French fry eating contest, a Kid’s Fun Zone and giveaways. The first of its kind event in downtown Phoenix is a partnership between the Arizona Diamondbacks Events & Entertainment and Levy Restaurants.

Actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas

Tickets for the Mac & Cheese Festival and to see Thomas Ian Nicholas start at $15 with VIP and Ultimate VIP tickets available for $50 and $75. VIP tickets come with 2 drink vouchers, 3 food vouchers and Fast Lane access and Ultimate VIP comes with 3 drink vouchers and access to other Ultimate VIP amenities. For more information and updates visit their Facebook page and to purchase tickets visit Tickemaster.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Final weeks at Pillsbury Wine Co. Cottonwood Tasting Room

April 13th is the last time at the popular watering hole in Central Arizona to taste the award-winning wines. Come grab some bottles, have some wines and hear stories of the good times had in Cottonwood. It’s open Wednesday – Sunday 12:00-7:00 p.m.

The fifth annual “Dollar for a Dozen” returns to Over Easy in April

The month-long fundraiser for Phoenix Children’s Hospital where guests at all 17 locations can donate $1. The restaurant will match by donating a dozen eggs to the United Food Bank for every dollar donated. Over $65,000 dollars have been raised for the cause since 2020.http://www.eatatovereasy.com/

Chateau Musar dinner at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion

Seats are going quickly for the Wednesday, April 15th dinner that will feature wines from Lebanon’s Bekka Valley. The reception will start at 6:00 p.m. and guests will hear about the wines and pairings guided by the expertise of Marc Hochar, wine director Jodi Bronchtein and General Manager Wesam Kawa. Seats are $550++ per person and can be reserved here.

Spring ’25 Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Arizona restaurant scene get its twice annual boost with ARW from Friday, May 16th – Sunday, May 25th. The 10-day event has restaurants around the state creating prie-fixe menus for $33, $44, or $55 and includes well over 100 restaurants participating with at least 8 first time restaurants. On May 1st the website start posting restaurant’s menus for the event and will update as more restaurants join.

Pie ciders and Guinness on tap at Cider Corps.

Newly added to the downtown Mesa’s cidery’s tap program include American Apple Pie, Blueberry, Mixed Berry and Cherry Pie. Guinness has been added to create Snakebites with their cider and other craft beers are now available including beers from Flagstaff’s Dark Star Brewing and Coronado Brewing beers from CA.

Harold’s Corral introduces new owners and new dishes

Cave Creek’s original “Wild West Saloon and Restaurant”, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is in the news as they introduce new owners and several new dishes to their menu. Co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquaido welcome new co-owners Mike “Z” and Kris Ziebart of Carefree as long-time co-owners Bill and Marie Vale have turned over the reins to the saloon that’s been around for over 90 years.

“After more than 21 incredible years, our dear friends and longtime partners, Bill and Marie Vale, have decided to pass the torch,” said Danny Piacquadio, Harold’s longtime co-owner and general manager. “Their leadership, dedication, and passion have helped shape Harold’s into the iconic gathering place it is today, fostering a strong community spirit, supporting local charities and schools, and making Harold’s a true Cave Creek institution.”

New co-owners Jim “Z” and Kris Ziebart with longtime co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio. Photo courtesy of Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.

Bill is known around town as “Harold’s Mayor” and says there is something that brings people together at Harold’s for fun times and networking. The new co-owners are Wisconsin natives where they spend the summer and have no problem with their new restaurant being “Heinz Field West”, a gathering spot for Pittsburgh Steelers fans during the football season. “I may have my own bar stool with a Packers sticker hidden underneath it,” Ziebart joked. “And Kris says she looks better in black and gold, so we have acquired some Steelers swag.”

New on the menu at Harold’s Corral

The popular Cave Creek saloon and restaurant welcomes locals and tourists who will see new dishes to the menu next time they visit.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also has a reputation for attracting local and national musicians and bands who perform year-round. The owners are committed to growing the line-up of musicians and bands, including national acts, to perform at their outdoor venue behind the restaurant.

New dishes to the menu include….

Fried Pickles: Crispy battered dill pickle chips served with ranch dressing for $11.

JJ’s Loaded Totchos: Crispy tater tots with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions served with a side of sour cream and chipotle ranch for $12.

Italian Stallion: A hearty sandwich featuring salami, Coppa, pepperoni and provolone cheese baked on an Italian roll and topped with jalapenos, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and Italian dressing for $15.

Italian Calzone: A scrumptious calzone made with salami, Coppa, pepperoni, jalapeños, onions, and provolone cheese for $16.

Thunderbird Chicken: Delicious sauteed chicken with mushrooms in a wine cream sauce served over pasta for $19.

Grandma P’s Pizza. A Piacquadio family favorite featuring a 6 square pan focaccia style pizza with red sauce for $16.50 (toppings are extra).

For more information and to see the full menu visit their website.

 

 

State Forty Eight collaborates with Spinato’s

Locally owned Spintato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen and the State Forty Eight Foundation are collaborating on a new pizza and margarita to support local entrepreneurs until May 31st at all six Spinato’s locations. The State Forty Eight Pizza is the first specialty pizza at Spinato’s using Hayden Flour Mills flour. In late 2024 Spinato’s decided to offer a healthier and locally grown & milled flour and made the switch to Hayden Flour Mills, which is one of Arizona’s oldest companies.

“We are big fans of State Forty Eight and we jumped at the chance to collaborate with them on a pizza to raise funds for their foundation,” said Anthony Spinato, CEO of Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. “Mike Spangenberg and his State Forty Eight team do tremendous work supporting small businesses and startups. We admire their innovation and commitment to strengthening our community, and we’re excited that our guests can help support their efforts as well.”

The State Forty Eight Pizza is a zesty Southwest Margarita pizza made with olive oil, mozzarella, Pico de Gallo, feta, lime crema, cotija, and cilantro. The Phoenix is an orange blossom margarita paying tribute to valley’s once thriving citrus industry.

Celebrate State Forty Eight on April 9th

The celebratory launch is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at Spinato’s Gilbert location at Epicenter at Agritopia from 6 -8 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended where guests can win prizes, fun surprises and enjoy live music from Hayley Green. A portion of the proceeds from pizza, margarita, t-shirts and stickers will be donated to the SFE Foundation.

“Arizona is full of incredible, talented entrepreneurs with diverse business challenges. Our goal is to lift them up with support and guidance. Ultimately, we want to build a thriving ecosystem of local businesses committed to creating a stronger economy for all who call Arizona home,” Mike Spangenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of State Forty Eight and Chairman of the Board for the State Forty Eight Foundation said. He is also grateful to collaborate with Spinato’s to support local business’.

Prices for the pizza are $18.25 (small); $24.25 (medium), and $30.25 (large). The Phoenix Margarita is $16. Special pricing packages are also available that include the pizza, margaritas, stickers, and the special collaborative T-shirt.

San Tan Art & Wine Festival is happening this weekend

Wine drinkers and art enthusiasts will be gathering this Friday and Saturday, March 29th & 30th to enjoy the fruits of others labor and passion at the San Tan Art & Wine Festival. The two-day festival at SanTan Village will include 8 of Arizona’s top wineries and over 60 artists with a wide range of artists from around the country and live music throughout the festival.

“SanTan Village is a unique and distinctive open-air center that makes it an ideal location for the San Tan Art & Wine Festival – especially this time of year,” said Mike Pigford, Event Organizer and Owner of Arizona Wine Events.
The festival is hosted by Arizona Wine Events, Vermillion Promotions and Willcox Wine Country. Admission is free with early bird wine drinking tickets available for between $15-$35 at http://www.willcoxwinecountry.org/ Tickets will be available at the door for $20-$45 and all purchases include 10 tickets and a commemorative wine glass.
The Arizona wineries that will be in attendance include:
1764 Vineyards
Birds & Barrel Vineyards
Bodega Pierce Wine
Carlson Creek Vineyard
DA Vine Vineyard
Omphalos Winery
Soaring Wines
Strive Vineyards

Edible Phoenix editor earns prestigious WSET diploma

The Napa Valley Wine Academy offers The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma and has announced that Edible Phoenix Editor and Publisher Shannan Metcalf- Perciballi has earned her diploma and is the first and only woman in Arizona to do so. Metcalf-Percballi began her pursuit of the prestigious diploma in 2019 as she had a deep interest for knowledge in wine studies.

“I was thrilled when I found out I am the only female to complete the accreditation here in Phoenix, but I know several local women that are currently in the program locally and I am cheering them on,” Metcalf-Perciballi said, adding of completing the program: “It has been a journey in personal resolve, for sure. Countless times I just stopped studying, wanting to quit—but there was a massive personal investment that I couldn’t walk away from.”

It is recommended that one give themself three years to complete their studies to earn the diploma, but life gets in the way, and it took Metcalf-Perciballi four years to do so. The pandemic caused the course to go virtual and in 2021 an early diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma and her family life almost derailed her plans. She credits her family, Sunday morning study group sessions and global participants to help her finish her studies.

In Arizona she is only one of four who have earned the diploma that offers a full spectrum of insight and education about decisions in the vineyard, the important details of the wine production process and the business side of the wine industry. The accreditation of the diploma is a springboard for continuing education making Metcalf-Perciballi eligible to apply for the Institute of Masters Wine Program. With her position at Edible Phoenix, the diploma has given her the confidence to write about wine and beverage related articles and looks forward to sharing what she’s learned.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

The Main Ingredient raising $$ for Pediatric Cancer

The Coranado neighborhood restaurant since 2010 is celebrating the opening of their new outdoor bar with $4.80 draft beers from 2p.m. til closing, raffles to win free sandwiches for a year, entertainment and an afternoon ribbon cutting with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. A portion of all the day’s sales will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, who helps local families affected by cancer.

Pita Jungle Gilbert to donate money next Tuesday

On March 25th the location at 1431 E. Williams Field Rd. will donate 50% to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Guests dining in must mention LLS when ordering and those ordering online can enter promo code LLS as the coupon code. Third party deliveries are excluded from this promotion.

Women in Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar will be pouring 3 wines made by women on Thursday, March 27th from 6 -8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. The wines poured will be 20% off bottle purchases during the evening.

Bad Jimmy’s opens in Scottsdale

The popular burger food truck turned brick & mortar restaurant opened its 2nd location in Scottsdale this week at Miller & Indian School Rds. Open Wednesday – Monday at 11 a.m. the Scottsdale location follows the Downtown Phoenix location and presides a third location opening later in 2025 in Uptown Phoenix.

Thai Chili 2 Go continues expanding in 2025 and 2026

The quick casual Thai concept will be opening 7 locations in the coming 2 years with the first in Queen Creek in late March. Other locations opening later this year include Marana (near Tucson), Peoria (Vistancia), Surprise (Asante), Buckeye and near Cactus Rd. & Loop 303. In 2026 a second location in Buckeye at Verrado is planned. The new openings will bring a total of over 20 locations in Arizona.