Category: alcohol

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

December specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

From now until New Year’s Eve you can order delicious red beef/pork and green corn tamales by the dozen for $34.99. Having a party and want some traditional Mexican specialties mini chimis, flautas, chicken and cheese rollups, and jalapeno poppers are available to order in increments of 3, 6 or 9 dozen ($45.99, $84.99, $129.99). Orders can be placed any of the 4 locations with 24 hour notice for phone orders and online orders require 48 hours’ notice.

Gift cards are available for purchase with 20% kickbacks. $5 for every $25 purchased, $10 kickback on $50 gift card, $20 kickback on $100.

Looking to dine-in, you’ll find these specials on the menu for the month.

Lisa’s Pronto Bowl: A classic choice with shredded chicken, pinto beans, Spanish rice, red sauce, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce and tomatoes all piled high on a house-made taco shell topped with chunky salsa. $14.99
White Christmas Margarita: A house-made margarita with white cranberry juice, Sauza Silver tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Garnished with sugar-covered cranberries and mint. $9.99
Caramel Flan: Back by popular demand! House-made caramel flan topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. $6.99.

Barro’s fights hunger on December 6th

From open to close next Tuesday all 46 of the locally owned pizza restaurants in Phoenix and Tucson will donate 100% of the day’s proceeds to St. Mary’s Food Bank. It’s the 11th year the Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight fundraiser which has raised over $2.1 million dollars in ten years. The money raised is equivalent to 14.7 million meals and is St. Mary’s largest yearly cause marketing effort.

The Buzzed Bull Creamery offers new flavors for the season

Ice cream never tasted so good, especially buzzed with spirits of the season. The ice cream shop at the Scottsdale Waterfront offers 4 new flavors all month long. Buzzed or non-buzzed the sweet treat can be in a milkshake or cup of ice cream. Need an afternoon pick me up; take 15% off every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 – 5 p.m. The new flavors are….

Girl Scout featuring mint syrup, chocolate sauce, brownie bites and peppermint schnapps.

Apple Cider featuring cookie butter syrup, cinnamon and apple pie moonshine.

Double Chocolate Bourbon with chocolate sauce and bourbon.

Cherry Cake featuring cake batter, cherries and cherry vodka.

Hundred Mile Brewing is ready for its soft opening

Arizona’s newest brewery is putting the final touches for next Wednesday, December 7th opening. The first couple of weeks will feature local beers on tap and starting December 19th fresh brewed HMBC beers will be tapped one day at time. The new brewery is close to the ASU campus and the owner and brewer are alumni and were featured in my August post. During the soft opening (7th-11th) a daily drawing for a $100 gift card will be awarded and Sunday the 11th is Sun Devil Sunday. Anyone wearing Sun Devil gear will get 15% off.

Get 6 free tamales when you pre-order a dozen

Authentic scratch made tamales are a December specialty at Jalapeño Inferno and until December 23rd they are available to order. Choose from sweet green corn tamales and spicy red chili pork tamales for pick- up at their Peoria or North Scottsdale locations.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

SanTan Spirits releases Butcher Jones Straight Rye Whiskey

Chandler’s SanTan Spirits has released its newest spirit, the award-winning Butcher Jones Straight Arizona Rye Whiskey Cask Strength. The whiskey has been honored with a GOLD MEDAL at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a DOUBLE GOLD at the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

“Butcher Jones is unique to American Rye Whiskeys because of its high barley grain bill. This helps to balance out the spirit profile as it barrel ages in the harsh Arizona climate,” said Anthony Canecchia, founder + brewmaster, SanTan Spirits and SanTan Brewing Company.

The whiskey is distilled with North American Rye, 2- row barley and a hint of corn. Distilled in artisan made pot stills Butcher Jones is then aged for at least 2 years in American oak barrels. Flavors of cola, baking spices and maple caramel were noticed during sampling throughout the maturing process.

“At SanTan Spirits, our whiskey is curated over a period of 2-4 years to achieve the flavor profile we are looking for. Our method of E’Levage involves rotating our barrels to different climates during their aging process. We have an amazing advantage here in Arizona with the dry climate and heat, it allows each batch to breath deep into the wood,” continued Canecchia.

SanTan Spirits is the distilling side of SanTan Brewing Co. Limited bottles of Butcher Jones can be tasted and purchased at Spirit House 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Suite 106 Chandler, AZ 85225. For more information or to schedule a tour at the distillery visit their website.

Mixologist Kyla Dahl brings new cocktails to Taco Guild

Central Phoenix’s Taco Guild restaurant takes the new year pretty seriously as they’ve introduced new cocktails and food. The new cocktails were crafted by new mixologist Kyla Dahl who comes to Taco Guild after spending the last few years crafting cocktails at Scottsdale’s Liberty Station Smokehouse. It was there she learned to make creative cocktails and make a name for herself in the Phoenix cocktail community.

Chamoyada. All photos courtesy of Claire Natalie at Evolve Marketing

New cocktails

Dahl has shaken things up with 7 new cocktails that pair well with Taco Guild’s Mexican food. All the new cocktails are priced at $12 each. Most of the new drinks use tequila or mezcal with a few of the drinks listed below.

      Chamoyada – Chamuccos blanco tequila, hibiscus, orange, mangonada, Tajin.

      Don Juan – Mexican rum, pepitas, lime, lemon, Curacao, dark rum.

·         Ponche – apple-infused gin, mango, orange piloncillo.

Seasonal Mezcal Mule – Mezcal mixed with seasonal flavor, lime and ginger beer

Taco Guild’s new dishes

The new chef driven dishes are spread throughout the menu from appetizers, tacos and dessert. There are 10 new dishes available for lunch and dinner and include…..

Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta – citrus chile shrimp, guacamole, tomato corn salsa on top of house-made bruschetta. $12

Fundido – Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese blend with Serrano pepper, caramelized onion, tequila and mushrooms. Guests can now choose to add-on a variety of proteins

The Conquistador – chef’s choice charcuterie and cheese board served with nuts, jam, mustard and house-made bruschetta. $15

Cartel Coffee Beef Taco – Locally roasted Cartel coffee is used to season the beef before slow roasting it then it is topped with fresh jicama, cilantro and avocado. $4.95

Clandestino Shrimp Taco – Citrus-chile marinated shrimp are grilled then topped with avocado, chimichurri and cabbage slaw. $4.95

Chocolate Torte – A rich and dense chocolate torte with cashews, almonds, walnuts, cacao, coconut and sea salt.

Taco Guild is at 546 E. Osborn Rd. Phoenix 85012.

 

Mountain Shadows offers Wine, Spirits & Beer seminars

Your never to old to learn about wine, beer and spirits and the staff at Mountain Shadows resort and Hearth ’61 teaches us about all three. The Paradise Valley resort is offering an every other week seminar about wine, spirits and beer called Spirited Sipping Seminars. The 30-45 minute seminar is taught by resort Food & Beverage director Jim Gallen and bartender Travis. Guests will taste each of the three beverages discussed and be able to ask questions.

As the wine, spirits and beer world continue evolve learning the history, making of and trends of cocktails, wine and beer becomes more interesting. During the cocktail seminars you will learn how to make cocktails and receive the recipes.

Spirits
Photo courtesy of Mountain Shadows

Wine, Beer & Spirits seminar schedule

Saturday afternoon classes start at 3 p.m. and are $30 per class. The following classes are scheduled through December.

Oct. 20- Brews & (Taste) Buds. USA vs Europe.

Nov. 3- Craft of the Cocktail Gin: The Misunderstood Spirit

Nov. 17- Weekend Wine Sessions Wine for Thanksgiving

Dec. 1- Craft of the Cocktail Holiday Cocktails

Dec. 15- Brews & (Taste) Buds- Ales vs Lagers: Finding your style

Dec. 29- Weekend Wine Sessions A Bit of Bubbly USA vs France

Village of Elgin Distillery wins national award for rum

Whether it’s a local chef, restaurant, beverage or food Arizonans always like to see our homegrown business’s win awards and earn national and international attention, respect and acclaim. Raise your glass for a recent win for Village of Elgin Distillery and its Regal de Vida Rum.distillery

The American Craft Beverage’s distillery was won Best in Show and Best in Class- Rum during the American Craft Spirits Association’s Convention and Trade Show. It was at the Fifth Annual Judging of Craft Spirits awards dinner that the winners were announced.

Regal de Vida beat over 500 entrants from 37 states and the District of Columbia that were considered by judges in 6 main categories….Whiskey, Gin, Rum ,Vodka, Grain Spirits and Brandy & Specialty Spirits.

Village of Elgin Distillery distills other award-winning spirits including Arizona Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Tombstone Arizona Bourbon, Tombstone Single Pot Malt Whiskey, Tombstone Arizona Rye, Double Black Rum and other ultra-premium artisanal spirits at their southeastern Arizona distillery.  To produce high quality small batch spirits the distillery uses artisanal distilling techniques.

The Tasting Room is currently open 10 am – pm  Thursday – Monday  (10 am – 5 pm  Saturday). Tuesday/Wednesday by appointment. The Village of Elgin Winery is in the heart of Elgin at 4731Ž2 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ 85611. Call them at 520-329-5266

 

Tickets for 7th Annual Arizona Cocktail Week-End on sale Jan. 8th

I’m closing the door on 2017 and kicking open 2018 with a vengeance as I inform you that tickets go on sale for 2018 Arizona Cocktail Week-End, Monday January 8th 2018.

Back for its 7th incarnation of spirits tastings, seminars and cocktail competitions organizers have moved the events to growing downtown Phoenix bar & restaurant scene.

The former week-long event is now a 3 day event starting on Saturday Feb. 17- 19th 2018 with several featured events and smaller meet ups at participating bars and restaurants.

Arizona Cocktail Week-end
Photos courtesy of Arizona Cocktail Week

Featured events

Arizona Cocktail Week-End kicks off on Saturday night and The Van Buren will be jamming with the Cocktail Jam. The new downtown music hall will pair craft cocktails with live music to create a unique evening.

Sunday night brings the return of Top Bar, pop up versions of classic and trend setting cocktail bars from around Phoenix and around the globe show off their drink making skills. Taking place at The Croft, Top Bar has previously included The Manhattan Bar from Singapore, London’s The Savoy, Portobello Star & Callooh Callay and Herbs & Rye in Las Vegas.

Additional dinners, tasting and events will be announced and will be held at participating downtown bars and restaurants including Bar Bianco, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, Chico Malo and Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour.

Tickets and $$ raised

Tickets for Arizona Cocktail Week-End start at $40 and part of the proceeds go to new local non-profits Local First Arizona and Child Crisis of Arizona.

AZCW also has its own charity, The Jupiter Foundation which helps provide safety for industry professionals including medical bills and helping when there are no other alternatives.

 

 

 

 

Meet me at the Coach House and where else to go on Thanksgiving Eve

Those last two posts on Thanksgiving Day restaurants that are serving dinner or preparing take-out meals nearly wiped me out with all the information, I can now set my sights on Thanksgiving Eve.

If you’re  out and about showing out-of-towners a good time or you grew up here and return home to catch up with friends at the local watering hole, the night before Thanksgiving can be just as big a deal as the turkey and football the next day.

If you mention Thanksgiving Eve to most in these parts two places come to mind…..El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley and Coach House Tavern in downtown Scottsdale. Join me at the Coach House just after sunset before the line forms and I’m sure many will make an appearance at both establishments.

It won’t be your typical Wednesday at Sorso Wine Room and The Park as they start the Thanksgiving celebration a day early.

Thanksgiving Eve at Sorso Wine Room

If you live in the northeast valley and prefer to stay closer to home  Sorso Wine Room at The Scottsdale Quarter will start the celebrating with an all day Happy Hour with 2 for 1 house wines by the glass and draft beers.

Food special will be available including the Brussels Board ($8), The Dip($8) and select Bruschetta at 3 for $10.

Sorso Wine Room is at 15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150, Scottsdale http://sorsowineroom.com/ Thanksgiving Eve

The Park in downtown Phoenix

If you’re going to be in central or downtown Phoenix, The Park will be hosting a Thanksgiving Eve Bash with MillerCoors. The Bash starts at 8 p.m. but $5 pumpkin spice specialty cocktails and ales will be available all day.

Guest are encouraged to bring a can(s) of food for the Can 4 Can Hurricane Relief Food Drive. Those that bring a can will receive a penny can of a MillerCoors product.

The Park is at 3 S. 2nd St., Phoenix http://thepark.bar/

The Park

I hope to see you out and about  and where ever you go be smart, safe and have a  Happy Thanksgiving!

Martin Miller’s Gin pushes into U.S. market meet demand.

As the cocktail culture continues and gin based cocktails helping to drive sales, Martin Miller’s Gin is making a big push to increase distribution in the United States to help with demand. Started in 1999 by 3 friends setting out to create the finest, high quality gin that all can enjoy. They have succeeded as Miller’s is a cult classic in over 45 countries including the United Kingdom and Spain where there is a big gin culture.
picture 34408

Using only the finest ingredients, 2 distillation methods (Juniper & botanicals another for citrus elements) for balance and enhanced citrus flavor and water from Iceland where the water is the softest in the world, Martin Miller’s Gin is the world’s largest independent gin brand in the world and sets the standard in the super premium gin category.

Andreas Versteegh, David Bromige and Martin Miller, set out to create the softest and refreshing gin on the market after staring at their lackluster gin and tonics at a Notting Hill bar realizing the opportunity for a super premium gin. Wanting to keep with gin’s romantic history they set out to find a distiller that would use traditional distilling methods. The gin is distilled in a single pot dating back to 1904 named Angela.

2008 Alvear Pedro Ximenez (PX) de Anada sherry.

Alvear Pedro Ximenez de Anada

This delicious dessert wine from Spain is what one would expect from a winery that dates back to 1729. Located in the southern town of Montilla in Andalusia region, the Alevar family uses grapes from their vineyards as well as purchase grapes for their sherries.

This 100% Pedro Ximenez is sweet yet balanced and with nice lingering flavors of raisins, chocolate and maple. Food pairings include pastries & sweet meats after a meal. Also over ice and with soda it makes for a cooling drink. Only 300 cases of this wine comes in to the U.S.

Original Sparkling Red Wine Cocktail of Spain Makes U.S. Debut at Arizona’s Run with the Bulls

TINTANO a refreshing, sparkling tradition of Spanish culture

A drink familiar to most who have lived in or visited Spain has finally made its way to the United States and will make its debut at another iconic Spain event – Arizona’s own Running With the Bulls in Cave Creek, Ariz., on October 19 & 20.

Tintano is a sparkling red wine cocktail based on Spain’s famous wine beverage, Tinto de Verano. In Southern Spain, this popular beverage is composed of red wine with soda water typically served over ice with a squeeze of lemon or lime. The Tintano formula is made from a high quality 100 percent Spanish Tempranillo wine fused with light carbonation. It is 4.5% ABV, very low sugar and carbohydrates and has only 85 calories per 8.5 ounce serving. It comes in bottles of 200ml, 500 ml, 750ml 1 liter, and 1.5 liters.

Tintano is a major sponsor of the Running of the Bulls USA in Cave Creek, Ariz., on Saturday, October 20. According to Tintano Western Sales Director Marco Sanders – this Spanish-inspired event is the ideal venue to introduce Tintano to the U.S. market.

“Anyone who has been to Spain or the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona will be familiar with Tintano. It is so much a part of the culture, lifestyle and festivities of the Spanish people.” He says. “We are proud to be the first (and only) to introduce this refreshingly delicious Spanish beverage to the U.S. consumer, and proud to sponsor the Running of the Bulls USA. We’re excited to share this unique and beautiful drink in such an appropriately festive setting.”

Tintano will have three tents at the Running of the Bulls, including a Tintano lounge, where participants and spectators can sample and enjoy the cocktail. It is also hosting two events for participants the night before the run.

“The night before the runs in Pamplona are a big party. There is no sleep, only excitement and celebration. We will create some of that excitement and atmosphere in Cave Creek,” says Sanders.

Saturday, October 20 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
5632 E. Yucca Road, Cave Creek, AZ