Category: arizona restaurants

Arizona Good Food Forum + Expo coming to Tucson

Chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, ranchers, foodies and others from around Arizona’s food & beverage industry make their way to Tucson on Tuesday, August 27th for Local First Arizona’s Arizona Good Food Forum + Expo. The state’s largest conference and tasting brings local food & agricultural businesses together at the El Conquistador Hotel from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Farms, forums & food at the Arizona Good Food Forum + Expo

The environment and how it affects the Arizona food and agricultural community, and the future of food will be top of mind and those looking to learn more are encouraged to attend. Over 80 vendors will have delicious samples available for attendees to taste and James Beard award-winning baker Don Guerra of Tucson’s Barrio Bread will be the keynote speaker. Forums with topics of discussion that include….

  • The Way of Our Ancestors: Foraging, Farming & Hunting
  • Serving the Desert: How to Eat the World Around Us
  • Getting Paid for ‘Good’ Growing Practices
  • How to Grow Food in Hotter and Smaller Place

In addition, representatives from LFA, University of Arizona and other partners will discuss smart agricultural funding and how farmers can receive funding to help preserve native crops, reduce water demand and market their products. Other speakers will be representing tribal nations & organizations, government & non-profits, climate conscious producers and food and restaurant brands.

Tickets for the 7 hour event are $89 per person and include lunch and admission to the tasting expo can be purchased here.

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Lamarca takeover for National Prosecco Day at Wine Girl

Next Tuesday, August 13th we celebrate the sparkling wine of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The Scottsdale wine bar is celebrating with the popular Lamarca for guests who pop in for the “Paint & Sip” celebration. Personalize your prosecco bottle by painting a full-size bottle for $45 or a mini bottle for $30. After the 13th enjoy several Lamarca bubbly-inspired drinks including the Prosecco pop, Hugo Spritz, Raspberry Sgroppino and the Mini Lamarca bucket & bottles will be ready to order at a special, discounted price.

The Bigger Picture cocktail dinner coming to Poppy’s Office

The chefs and mixologists at the north Scottsdale (Terravita) speakeasy have designed a dinner and drinks four-course dinner to take your senses on an adventure. Next Wednesday, August 14th taste small bites, new & exciting dishes and inventive cocktails for $100++ per person. Seating for the 6 p.m. dinner is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Pillsbury Wine Company nominated for “Best Sustainable Winegrower”

The Arizona winery was nominated in Green Living’s Best of Arizona. You can vote until the end of the day August 21st at this link.

Fazoli’s opens newest location in Glendale

Kind Hospitality announced the opening of its third Phoenix area location recently at 5825 W. Peoria Ave. Known for pastas, subsandwiches, pizzas and their popular breadsticks (they sold almost 67,000 in the first few weeks) Fazoli’s and Kind has plans to open more locations around Arizona.

Changes happening at Ling’s Wok Shop

The Scottsdale restaurant is now 100% fresh casual with only counter service, previously it had been “flex-casual” going between counter service & full service. They are now more focused on the menu and daily specials that include…..

  • Lucky 8 Happy Hour – $8 Happy Hour Drink Specials daily from 11am – 6pm and $8 Happy Hour Food Specials daily from 3pm – 6pm

  • Manic Mondays – enjoy a complimentary cup of Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup or Cucumber Salad with the purchase of any entree

  • Take Out Tuesdays – 20% off all online and in-app orders using the promo code “TAKEOUT”

  • Wok & Wine Wednesdays – ½ priced bottles of wine all day long

  • Thirsty Thursdays – Enjoy Happy Hour Drink Specials all day long

 

Arizona Cardinals and Spinato’s team up for fresh hot pizza

When the Arizona Cardinals start the 2024 football season, fans attending home games at State Farm Stadium will have new choices for delicious local foods. Some of those new foods was announced with a new partnership for the “Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals” with Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. It’s part of the family-owned pizzerias 50th anniversary and also marks the pizzeria’s first location in the west valley.

“We are thrilled to announce Spinato’s as the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals and to welcome the Spinato’s family as our Proud Partner,” said Wade Martin, Arizona Cardinals senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “Bringing in beloved, local food and beverage companies is important to us, and I couldn’t think of a better representation of that than Spinato’s. We are excited for our fans to enjoy delicious, locally owned pizza on gamedays this season.”

Come September fans will be able to order three kinds of pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and more at four concession stands throughout the stadium. Spinato’s has also partnered with Phoenix’s Cactus Corn to offer “Mamma’s Signature” pizza flavored popcorn. Featuring spinach spice & sweet tomoto, the new flavor will join two other popcorn flavors offered and will be announced soon.

Collaborating on The Red Zone Pizza

The two-family owned businesses have collaborated on the new The Red Zone pizza available at all 6 pizzerias starting September 8th (Week 1 of the regular season). Made with Spinato’s signature sauce, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella and spinach spice. “The Canadian bacon and roasted red bell peppers bring a red element to the pizza, while the pepperoncini bring a little spice for our Arizona heat,” says Anthony Spinato, Spinato’s CEO.

The made fresh, never frozen pizza will range from $17.75 for a small pizza, $23.75 for a medium pizza and $29.75 for a large pizza at Spinato’s locations. At State Farm Stadium, the price of an eight-inch “The Red Zone” pizza will be $15.50. Fans can also purchase an eight-inch cheese pizza for $13.50 or an eight-inch pepperoni pizza for $14.50.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver what we call ‘the Spinato’s experience,’ to our guests. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel like part of a big family. We’ve grown to six locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. This partnership marks our first entry into the West Valley, and we could not be more excited to do it with such a beloved sports team,” Spinato said.

For more information visit Spinato’s and the team‘s websites.

Whole pig multi-course dining experience at Virtú Honest Craft

Ahhh fond memories of pig roasts from days gone by make my mouth water when thinking about what award-winning chef Gio Osso can do with a whole pig. That experience is available by Osso at his Virtú Honest Craft with 36 hour’s notice for you and at least of your foodie friends.

The one-of-a-kind four-course dining experience starts with a table full of antipasto that includes charcuterie & cheeses then salad & pasta and house made sausage before the main event. Bring on the 9-to-11-pound whole roasted cochinillo pig that’s been smoked and roasted. Served with charred lemon, salsa verde, Calabrian potatoes, broccoli rabe and side dishes of Osso’s choice. Your experience finishes on a sweet note with indulgent desserts that include chocolate cake.

Perfect for large families and special occasions, the experience costs $150++ per person with a 6-person minimum and at least 3 day’s notice. To book the whole pig dinner call 480-946-3477 or visit Virtú’s website for more information.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Sandwich Month at Arizona’s oldest deli

Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, Miracle Mile Deli celebrates them with weekly specials in August. Starting next Monday August 5th-10th get The New Yorker (hot pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Miracle Mile’s signature dressing); the incredible Brisket of Beef Sandwich the week of Aug. 12-17; the Combo (hot corned beef and hot pastrami piled high) Aug. 19-24; and the famous Straw sandwich (hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut) Aug. 26-31.

Enjoy each sandwich for just $17.50 and get golden hot fries (or another side item of their choice), a kosher dill pickle and a slice of fresh baked pie. Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Boston Cream.

New tasting menu coming to Rusconi’s next week

Starting Wednesday, August 7th the Paradise Valley restaurant introduces a new four-course menu for $60++ with wine pairings optional for an additional $30. The menu is……

Tomato and Buratta Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet. Optional pairing: 2022 Squealing Pig Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus. Optional pairing: 2022 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River
 
Pecan-wood Grilled Lamb Porterhouse with warm herbed fingerling potato salad and red wine reduction. Optional pairing: 2021 Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
 
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces. Optional pairing: Chef’s selected dessert wine

August events at Tracy Dempsey Originals

The Tempe bakery/wine shop has several events coming up this month and all have limited space and require RSVPs to, tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com and you can find more information at the website.

  • Saturday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.. Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Take a Walk on the Chilled Side: Summer Soups & Salads $70 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 9.

  • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.  Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Friday, August 30, 12 to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn $50 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 23.

  • Saturday, August 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Wine Talk 101 $20. RSVP by Saturday, August 17.

New sangrias, spritzes and mocktails at Grimaldi’s

All 6 Arizona locations of the popular pizzeria has introduced 7 new beverages to their menu.

SANGRIAS

BERRY SANGRIA – Beso Del Sol red sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, strawberry purée, lemon juice, fresh strawberries

PEACH SANGRIA – Lolailo white sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, peach purée, peaches, lemon juice

SPRITZES

SICILIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ – La Marca Prosecco, Aperol, Winter Citrus syrup, lemon juice

CITRUS HERB SPRITZ – The Botanist gin, Winter Citrus syrup, lime juice, soda

MOCKTAILS

PEACHY KEEN – Diced peaches, peach purée, Winter Citrus syrup, citrus juices, soda

PURPLE TWILIGHT FIZZ – Starry, Desert Pear syrup, lemon juice

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE – Lemonade, fresh strawberries, basil, strawberry purée, lemon juice

New lunch special at GenuWine Arizona

You can join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for lunch and enjoy a Chicken Pesto Panini and chips for just $9.99. They also have free WIFI so you can stay connected and a selection of both non-alcoholic beverages and wine & beer.

Phoenix City Grille is under new ownership

Sheldon Knapp founded Phoenix City Grille in 1997 and has weathered more than a few storms in those 27 years. The Great Recession of 2008 or the pandemic 12 years later, the Madison neighborhood restaurant is still going strong and Knapp felt now was a good time to turn over the reins to new owners. At least of the new owners is very familiar with PCG and isn’t new at all as Executive Chef and Managing Partner Micah Wyzlic welcome industry veteran Dennis Shaw as a partner.

“I am completely confident that Phoenix City Grille and our incredibly loyal customer base are in excellent hands with Dennis and Micah at the helm,” said Knapp, who will have a minority position in the business. “I look forward to working with Dennis and Micah in my semi-retirement as well as spending more time with my family.”

Impressive industry resumes for new owners at Phoenix City Grille

Wyzlic joined PCG in 1999 after graduating from Scottsdale Culinary Institute then going to work for The Ritz Carlton at Rancho Mirage and PGA West before returning to PCG in 2018 as Managing Partner. More than half his career in the restaurant industry has been at PCG. Shaw also has several decades in the local restaurant industry, most recently as Owner and Managing Partner at Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen. He’s also worked at Las Sendas Golf Club, The Phoenician Resort, Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn, Desert Mountain properties and Four Seasons Resorts, all in managerial positions.

“I am so excited to be a part of the PCG community. I want to get very involved, get to know the patrons here, grow the legacy that Sheldon has built and keep PCG going for many years to come,” said Shaw. “We will continue to evolve the great food and service with the same great team that has become synonymous with PCG while enhancing the dining experience and expanding our PCG roots as we evolve.”

Guests shouldn’t expect to see many if any changes at PCG but Wyzlic and Shaw do plan to open a new bottle shop, Still and Barrel, later in the year. For more information visit the restaurants website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

All Night, All Summer Happy Hour is back at the Roaring Fork

Through Labor Day (September 2nd) the popular Scottsdale restaurant has happy hour pricing all night from 4 – 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices in the bar and saloon that includes $7 frozen margaritas and select wines by the glass. They’ve also brought back for a limited time Chicken Bites and Steak Salad. Other happy hour menu items include……

  • Mixed Market Greens $8.00 with Candied Walnuts, and Feta in a Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • Iceberg BLT $8.00 served with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Green Onion and Ranch Dressing
  • Fresh Guacamole $10.00 with Crispy Tortilla Chips, and Cotija Cheese
  • Green Chili Pork $10.00 served with Pepper Jack and Warm Flour Tortillas
  • Queso Con Puerco $10.00 with Pepper Jack Cheese, Green Chili Pork, & Crispy Tortilla Chips
  • Rotisserie Chicken Flat Bread $11.00 with Basil Pesto, Roasted Chilis, Tomato & Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Quesadilla (Chicken $14.00 & Steak $16.00) with Cheese Blend, Lime Crema, Salsa, Guacamole, & Flour Tortilla
  • Smoked Chicken Wings $14.00 served with Celery and Ranch
  • Roaring Fork Big Ass Burger $13.00 with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Poblano Pepper, Bacon, Cheddar and French Fries

ODV Wines to host Twisted Union Wine Co. new release party

Next Friday, August 2nd the wine shop inside Tempe’s Tracy Dempsey Originals will be pouring new releases along with past vintages from 4 – 6 p.m. Be the first to taste the new wines and meet the people who make the wines and enjoy some snacks too. The tasting is free to ODV/TUWC Club members and $10 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com

3-course Tuscan dinner coming to Rusconi’s American Kitchen

The north Phoenix restaurant is taking you to Tuscany and you don’t even have to pack a bag. Tuesday, August 13th owner and chef Michael Rusconi and his culinary team will prepare the meal that is paired with Italian wines. Seating is limited and is $70++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-483-0009. The menu is as follows…..

Primi: Open-Faced Ravioli with shrimp, tomato, cremini mushrooms and lobster jus
Pairing: 2022 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio – Montalcino, Italy
 
Secondo: Balsamic Braised Short Rib of Beef Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Sangiovese reduction and fava beans
Pairing: 2020 Banfi Collepino “Toscana” Sangiovese – Tuscany, Italy
Dolce: Espresso Semi Freddo
Pairing: Bolla Prosecco – Veneto, Italy

Venezia’s Pizzeria launches Presto at ASU

The new concept launched last week catering to students, faculty and others on the go at Sun Devil Marketplace. Presto has a streamlined menu offering pizzas, salads and wings along with beer and wine. They will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Amelia’s by Eat to open new cafe inside Kiln Gilbert

The 2nd location is set to open in august at Kiln Gilbert, a new community based co-working space near SanTan Village. The new location will be open Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Amelia’s Kiln will serve fresh coffee, scratch made bakery items including gluten-free, wraps, salads and healthy snacks. Catering services will be available for meetings and events inside Kiln.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

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

Summer specials return to Marcellino Ristorante

With return of the summer heat come incentives for locals to relax and let someone else do the cooking and Marcellino Ristorante is giving those braving the heat the return of two popular summer specials.

From now until September 6th guests can experience a Marcellino’s fine dining for a good value with his “Summer Supper Special”. The three course prie-fixe meal is served Tuesday thru Thursday from 4 p.m. until closing for up to 6 people per party for $49++ per person. Offered are a variety of antipasto, house made pastas and a decadent dessert. Choose from Caprese with fresh mozzarella or fresh mussels in white wine to start then move on to entrees such as Gnocchi Sorrentina, Salmone Con Cognac or the Pollo Saparito. Save room for the delicious Tiramisu to end your meal. Although not required, reservations for the Summer Supper are recommended and can be made by calling 480-990-9500.

“Dinner and a Movie” summer special

Starting next Tuesday, June 20th catch “Dinner and a Movie” in the restaurants private dining room. Starting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday enjoy the fore mentioned Summer Supper or order off the regular menu and settle in for an award-winning movie selected for their beautiful Italian setting. The room seats up to 10 people and there is no cost for the movie but dinner service and reservations are required. The schedule of movies include….

June 20; August 9; and August 29: “Only You”
June 21; June 27; September 6: “When in Rome”
June 28; August 8; and August 23: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
July 11; August 16; and August 22: “Eat, Pray, Love”
July 12; and August 30: “Roman Holiday”
July 15; August 15; and September 5: “The Big Night”

Live music will continue every Thursday and Saturday through June and then every Saturday in July and August. The line-ups of musicians alternate between jazz, old time classics, contemporary hits, adult R & B and acclaimed tenor Daniel Hendricks who performs exclusively at Marcellino’s. The restaurant will close for a brief summer break starting July 16th and re-opening August 3rd. For more information on the summer specials visit the restaurant’s website.

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

The Vanilla Gorilla to close so Hush Public House can expand

Chef and Owner Dom Ruggerio has announced that his popular Scottsdale restaurant Hush Public House will be expanding and adding a new cocktail lounge within the restaurant that he hopes to open later this summer. To make room for the expansion and yet to be named lounge he has to close Hush’s sister concept The Vanilla Gorilla Tap Room & Bottle Shop next door. The Vanilla Gorilla is set to close on June 30th with renovations to begin shortly after.

“We are a chef-driven company and we want to offer our guests what we most excel at — seasonal plates and craft cocktails,” says Ruggiero. “We’re excited to get back to our roots and offer valley residents another elevated neighborhood drinking and dining establishment.”

This would be Hush’s second expansion since opening in February in 2019 to accommodate customer demand. When opened it opened Hush was just 1,200 square feet before its first expansion in 2020. Once completed Hush and the new cocktail lounge will be over 5,000 square feet with the lounge serving craft cocktails and chef driven small plates.

Ruggierio is working with Libby Lingua and Mitch Lyons of Two Hands Consulting LLC for the bar program in the lounge. He’s worked with them to conceptualize both Hush and his Phoenix restaurant, Fire at Will that opened earlier this year. Ruggerio will curate the small plates menu that will emphasize seasonal ingredients. The Vanilla Gorilla staff will be stay on at Hush and Fire at Will until the expansion is complete.

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