Category: Arizona beer

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.

The Ostrich brings in new talent for new craft cocktails

The downtown Chandler speakeasy starts a new era in announcing 5 new hires. They welcomed Craft Operations Manager Tyler Zhorne, Craft Bar Manager Jared Ammon, lead bartender Samantha Dengler, bartender Adam Slaton and server Tyler Yenkala to the team. With the new hires comes a new reverse happy hour to accommodate hospitality employees and collaborations with other local bars and restaurants for events & specials.

Society by EVO opens for dinner tonight in Tempe

Announced in January, Society by EVO opens tonight night at 4p.m. according to co-founder Nick Neuman’s Facebook page. The hip & high energy restaurant in Tempe will serve top notch cocktails and food until 1:30 a.m. every night. The menu will feature popular dishes from Neuman’s Scottsdale restaurant EVO along with new Mediterranean influenced dishes. A grand opening is scheduled for next Friday, March 25th.

Mother Road Brewing & Rombauer Vineyards battle it out at Zuzu

It’s beer vs. wine at the Hotel Valley Ho’s Versus Series Dinner next Thursday, March 24th. Seats are still available for when the Flagstaff brewer meets the popular Napa Valley winery paired with Chef Russell LaCasce’s has special four course menu. Seats are $159 ++ per person and you can make a reservation by calling 480-421-7997

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex opens new location in Gilbert

The newest location opens Saturday March 19th is the first that is walk-up and drive-thru only for the locally owned fast casual concept. During the grand opening a “Golden Ticket” promotion will give free burritos for a year to several winners. The new location is at 4875 S. Val Vista Dr.

The James Beard Foundation narrows down list of Award finalist.

The list of 15 Arizona nominees was whittled down to 4 finalists for the June 13th awards ceremony.

Outstanding Restaurateur– Chris Bianco, Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix

Best New Restaurant- Bacanora, Phoenix

Outstanding Baker- Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Tucson, AZ

Best Chef: Southwest- Giovanni Scorzo, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale, AZ

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Rusty’s at The Short Course hosting an outdoor beer festival

With patio weather upon us, Rusty’s at The Short Course will be hosting the 2nd annual Rusty’s Beer Fest on Sunday, April 3rd. The “19th hole” grill at the Mountain Shadows resort is named after Rusty Lyon, the father of Scott Lyon, a developer who lead the charge to redevelop the resort a few years ago.

From 1-4 p.m. on the 3rd guests can sample 30 kinds of beer including several local ones. A perfectly paired lunch is included and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are an all-inclusive $54.04 and include a 20 sample punch card. Tickets can be purchased here via Eventbrite.

Rusty’s at The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is at 5445 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.

Visit Mesa launches City Limitless Beers & Brews Passport

Whether you’re a coffee drinker, beer drinker or enjoy both, Visit Mesa, the city’s tourism office, has launched a digital passport offering prizes and incentives when visiting the city’s coffee shops, breweries, taprooms and sports bars. The incentive program is free and once downloaded the app users can get discounts and special offers when they check-in.

Visit Mesa created the Beers and Brews Tour to support local businesses and showcase the city’s growing and award-winning craft beer and coffee community. “Our support for small business will never wane,” said Visit Mesa President and CEO Marc Garcia. “We are developing programs like this one to strengthen pillars of our industry, such as bar and restaurant owners, as we gear up for the pre-pandemic demand that is already occurring for our destination. We know that locals and visitors from across the state will be just as interested in checking out Mesa’s burgeoning craft beverage scene. For Visit Mesa, it’s just as important to attract a visitor from the West Valley as it is from the Midwest.”

Passport users can collect prizes such as bottle openers and coasters when they check-in at 5 businesses and a Beers & Brews t-shirt with 10 check-ins. Check-ins will be verified with a 4 digit code at each location and prizes need to be redeemed within 30 days of the first check-in. Monthly sweepstakes will draw winners who visit all participating business’ with winners get a commemorative race medal showing their dedication. Prizes are subject to change and available while supplies last. A good way to get your passport stamped would be this weekend’s Tap into Mesa beer, blues and food festival.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Tap into Mesa brings blues, brews & food festival to downtown Mesa

Downtown Mesa is home to more breweries than any other downtown neighborhood in the valley and those beers will be poured at the new Tap into Mesa festival. Admission is free on Saturday March 12th from 2-6:30 p.m. for local beers, food trucks, live music for all ages.

“We really want to show people just how many walkable breweries we have in this one square mile,” said Nancy Hormann, President of the Downtown Mesa Association. “All of the breweries you will visit at this event call Downtown Mesa their home.”

The Main Stage Beer Garden is where you’ll find beers from Oro Brewing, Desert Eagle, Cider Corps and other downtown breweries while listening to the blues from “The Sugar Thieves”. Following them on the stage will be the “Bob Corritore Chicago Style Blues Band”.

Tap into Mesa tickets are on sale for “full” pour beers for $5 each and an optional special beer tasting tour for $25 with 10 tastes when you buy online and $30 day of the festival. Add a $5 VIP Fast Pass which avoids lines and has reserved seats in the four beer tasting garden. The VIP Fast Pass is only available in advance online. The festival will be at Main & Macdonald with tickets online available until 6:00 p.m. and all tickets need to be redeemed by 6:30.

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.

Beard Papa’s opens new location in Gilbert tomorrow

The Japanese build your own cream puff bakery with a cult like following is opening its newest location at SanTan Village Mall, Saturday February 26th. The Gilbert location is the 2nd in Arizona having opened in Scottsdale last year. The first 100 guests when they open at 10 a.m. will receive a surprise gift and BP will be collecting donations for Phoenix Children’s Hospital throughout the day.

Corazon Tequila Dinner at Spotted Donkey Cantina

Seats are available for authentic Mexican cuisine paired with the world class tequila for 4-courses on Friday, March 11th. Fresh ingredients will be used for dishes including Octopus Ceviche, Wagyu Beef Short Rib Mole and more. Seats are $98 per person and can be reserved by calling 480-488-3358 or online here.

Food Truck Friday West hosts more than 10-20 food trucks

Tonight and every Friday from 5 – 9p.m. foodies can try new & favorite foods from the valley’s food truck community. Momma’s Organic Market hosts the weekly event at Desert Financial Credit Union 17445 N. 79th Ave. in Glendale.

Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery open Page brewpub

Almost a year ago the Williams based brewery & distillery announced their 3rd location in the state would be on the banks of Lake Powell. It’s now open with a full menu of craft beers, spirited cocktails and scratch made food. Over 20 TVs and an indoor & outdoor seating are features that will also attract visitors to Horseshoe Bend location that used to be a firehouse.

Cajun festival tomorrow in Chandler

The great weather here in Arizona brings out spicy Cajun cooking, live music and more as Mardi Gras approaches. Tomorrow’s festival in downtown Chandler starts at 2 p.m. For more information and how to get tickets see my featured post.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

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.

Twosday 2/22/22 food specials

The iconic date is being celebrated by 2 local restaurants offering deals. All 19 Streets of New York locations are offering up slices of pizza for $2.22 (normally $4.15 per slice) for dine-in or take-out. Dine-in customers can also take advantage of more savings during Apps Hour from 2:30 – 6 p.m. for deals on Pizza Roll Ups, Meatball Sliders, beer & wine and more.

Koibito Poke celebrates with 2 small bowls for $22 when you’re dining in at their 4 Phoenix area locations.

Off the Vine Wine Festival tomorrow in Oro Valley

If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow make your way down to the historic Steam Pump Ranch to taste some of Arizona’s finest wines. Details are here at my featured post about the event.

Rombauer Vineyards is featured winery at Sunday Supper Club

Hearth ’61’s monthly supper features the Napa Valley’s family owned winery to be paired with Chef Wiley’s 5-course menu. Dinner is Sunday, February 27th and starts at 6 p.m. with reservation required for $189++ per person. To join the club click this link.

Simple Machine Brewing beers paired at dinner at Match Market & Bar

The signature restaurant inside the Found:RE hotel in downtown Phoenix hosts a four course menu paired with locally brewed beers. The dinner is next Tuesday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. Seats are $72 ++ per person and can be reserved here.

AZ Taco Festival cancels April festival

Organizers decided to cancel the two-day festival coming up at Salt River Fields. A new date in the Fall of 2022 is being planned and tickets purchased will be honored once announced. For more information visit their website.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

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.

Pretzel Fest every Wednesday at Pedal Haus Brewery

The local brew pub with locations in downtown Phoenix, downtown Chandler and downtown Tempe couldn’t wait til Oktoberfest to feature their new Bavarian Board. Each board includes charcuterie meats, olives, a large Bavarian pretzel, beer cheese, maple butter, haus mustard and 2 beers for $16. Upgrade the beers to a Stein for $20 or a bottle of Haus wine for $25.

Hearth ’61 now offers a vegan tasting menu

Chef de Cuisine Alfred Muro has created a 4-course vegetable focused menu at the Mountain Shadows Resort’s signature restaurant. The menu consists of Celeriac Salad, Parsnip Confit with curry chickpea stew, a Roasted Portobello Mushroom with eggplant cous cous and a Strawberry Lemon Tart with ginger meringue. The menu is available all year long and is $89 plus tax & gratuity.

Society by EVO opening in Tempe

A new restaurant from Nick Neuman and his partners is coming to Tempe in February. The late night upscale dining experience restaurant is looking to hire 50 people and is having a hiring fair today, Friday January 28th from 12 noon til 4 p.m. at EVO on Goldwater Blvd. in Scottsdale. Interested applicants can also send Nick a resume to nickneuman@evoscottsdale.com. The restaurant will be in The Cornerstone at Rural and University and will be open from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The Mexicano now serving lunch

The new restaurant from Joey Maggiore is now serving lunch 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. The made from scratch Mexican cuisine restaurant in northeast Phoenix offers a build your own Michelada bar along with agave based cocktails to go along with your Guacamole and Salsa Ferris Wheel, tacos made with blue corn tortillas, lava rock fajitas and a three foot long quesadilla. On weekends rotating DJs play Latin music to enhance the vibrant atmosphere.

The Crepe Club celebrates National Crepe Day

Next Wednesday February 2nd get a free Nutella or Parisian (butter & sugar) crepe at the Scottsdale Fashion Square (in the food court) location from 9 – 11 a.m.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

The Arizona Strong Beer Festival returns to a new venue

The new Bell Bank Park in east Mesa will host the return of the 21st annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival on Saturday, February 19th. The festival will kick-off the 11th Annual Arizona Beer Week organized by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. Over 500 craft beers will be tapped for the festival that goes from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. with close to 10,000 people expected to attend.

“We can’t wait to get back to beer fests!” says Rob Fullmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. “It’s been a long two years for everyone and we are thrilled to be hosting the Arizona Strong Beer Festival at a new, state of the art location.”

More than 100 events are planned throughout Arizona during the 10 day celebration with the festival being the largest. Arizona Beer Week goes from February 17th-27th.

General Admission tickets are $60 with a limited number of VIP tickets available for $80. VIP tickets allow for early entry at 11:30 a.m., Friday wristband pick-up, Saturday express entry, a food voucher, VIP lounge access with private restrooms and a special edition SWAG bag. Super VIP tickets are available for $100 with all of the above plus commemorative glassware and a Sunday Brunch Brewers Reception. A complete list of brewers participating will be available at their website in late January and it’s also where you can purchase tickets. Bell Bank Park is at 1 Legacy Dr. Mesa 85212.

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.

Root for the Cardinals with a team inspired beer, shake & cookie

With the NFL playoffs starting tomorrow and the Cardinals making the playoffs for the first time since 2015 you can show your support with team inspired food & beverages. PHX Beer Co. just released the limited edition Bird Gang Beer. The lager can be purchased in a 32 oz. crowler at their Phoenix taproom or Scottsdale restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli is selling the Cardinals Caramel Strawberry Shake ($5) and Black and Red Cookies ($4) just in time for Monday night’s game versus their rival L.A. Rams. They will be available throughout the Cardinal playoff run.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain promotes 2 on their culinary team

Former catering chef Landon Post has been promoted to Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz has become the new face of the resort’s signature restaurant, Elements. Executive Chef Beau Macmillan has been the face of Elements for over 23 years and is staying on board in reduced role as Culinary Advisor spearheading culinary events at the resort including Nirvana Food and Wine Festival.

Valley chefs feeding the homeless on MLK Day

4 of the valley’s top chefs have partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to serve over 500 steak dinners to the valley’s homeless on Monday January 17th. Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco), Mark Tarbell (Tarbell’s), Chef Vincent (Vincent’s on Camelback) and Mark Lupino (Steak 44, Ocean 44 & Dominick’s Steakhouse) will be joined music composer and celebrities David Foster and Katherine McPhee Foster. The 17th would of also been Muhammad Ali’s 80th birthday.  Steaks are only part of the meal organized by philanthropist & Ali friend Jimmy Walker as part of the “Never Give Up” program.

Santé to start serving lunch and happy hour on Monday

The healthy food restaurant that opened last month in north Scottsdale will start serving lunch and happy hour on Monday January 17th. Lunch will be from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and happy hour from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Myke’s Pizza now open for lunch

The popular downtown Mesa pizzeria is now open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Owner and pizza maker Myke Olsen serves 10 hand crafted pizzas, a house salads and a chocolate chip cookie. Seasonal pizzas will also be offered and on weekend rotating desserts.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

“In the Lane” holiday cocktail event celebrates the spirit(s) of the season

Nothing beats the feeling you get as a kid or as a ‘big” kid during the holiday season. Event producer Mecurial AZ is throwing an event for the “big” kids at their first annual “In the Lane” holiday cocktail event happening next Thursday evening December 15th.

“It’s undeniable that there is something special about this time of year,” says Mercurial AZ founder, Shea Graves. “As children, we watched our world change around this with excitement, but, as we have matured, the holiday essence has become clouded with the stress of gift giving, & making sure everything is ‘perfect.’ The magic of the holidays is not only for children. I want to provide one night for adults to experience a night of the carefree holiday magic we remember so fondly.”

Mrs. Santa’s Sister. All photos courtesy of Miguel Mora

Creative holiday cocktails from valley mixologist Miguel Mora will help set the holiday mood with live music from the Kim Weston Jazz Band performing holiday favorite tunes. Magician and fire-eater, Mike the Trickster will entertain guests and there will be plenty of  photo opportunities including those with the resident “dapper Santa”.

Mora who’s made cocktails at Vecina and Maple & Ash has created a welcome drink and three full sized seasonal craft cocktails for the “In the Lane” event. Cocktails will be made with spirits from Grand Canyon Brewing & Distilling and craft beers from 12 West Brewing & Grand Canyon Brewing and food from The Wildfire food truck will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the night will benefit Little Eyes International, a Phoenix non-profit that provides free eye exams and glasses to children in Rocky Point. “In the Lane” will be at Alborada Village at Central & Baseline Rd. in Phoenix from 6:30 – 10 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person with the welcome drink and three craft cocktails included. Tickets can be purchased at their website.