Category: Asian street food

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Coffee Day is this Sunday, September 29th

Need your daily fix of caffeine then head to……

Noble Ground Coffee for any hot or cold drink for just a $1. This includes new Fall flavors such as Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pancake.

Randy’s Donuts if you’re a loyalty member for a free cup of Randy’s Roast or iced coffee. No purchase is necessary, and the free drink will appear in the member’s account. Randy’s Donuts has two locations in Phoenix at 5709 N. 7th Street and 17405 S. 40th Street. Both locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Press Coffee is offering 25% off a yearlong coffee subscription all weekend long.

Chula Seafood Uptown celebrates Oktoberfest with schnitzel

For all 31 days in October the Uptown Plaza location celebrates the German festival with a seafood twist. The Swordfish Jägerschnitzel is served with a scrumptious mushroom leek gravy with brown apple butter spaetzle and German braised red cabbage. It’s available for both lunch and dinner for $28++.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Burgundy wine dinner October 4th

The downtown Phoenix restaurant will welcome guests next Friday to enjoy a six-course dinner featuring the wines of Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut that dates to the 19th century. The dinner is $265 per person and for an additional $100 a glass of their coveted Domaine Sigaut’s 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. is available. Prefer champagne, a glass of Dom Perignon is available for $75. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with limited seating and seat can be purchased at OpenTable.

Grand opening celebration for 3rd Stemistry location

Saturday, October 5th marks the newest coffee lab & flower shop from Dylan Capshaw at the Roadrunner Apartments at 6601 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257. From 9-11 a.m. guests can get a $1 drip coffee, a free stem with purchase, light bites and entertainment. Additionally monthly flower subscriptions will be 20% with a 3-month minimum.

New dishes on the menu at Ling & Louie’s

The Asian bar & grill on Shea Blvd. just east of 92nd St. in Scottsdale has just released new dishes on the menu. New dishes include Almond-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Louie’s Bao Buns, Louie’s Donut Holes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Metro Phoenix Night Market returning in October

Night markets are popular throughout Asian culture with food vendors offering up their delicious and homemade street food. The organizers of the Metro Phoenix Night Market and Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival have announced the return of both food festivals in October. To accommodate as many people as possible one event is in the East Valley and the other in the West Valley.

Metro Phoenix Night Market

Saturday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. is where food vendors, anime artists and other vendors offer their glimpse into Asian culture. AZ International Marketplace in Mesa will welcome boba, bao, mochi and more. You can RSVP for free and select products to purchase at this link. RSVPing is needed to for organizers head count.

AZ Bao & Dumpling Festival with Nom Nom Noodles Fest

The 6th year of the popular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th and Sunday the 27th at Peoria’s Centennial Plaza Park starting at 11 a.m. Over 20 food vendors and even more artists will be in attendance with different vendors scheduled for day. Early bird tickets are on-sale until September 30th for $10 and other tickets and merchandise can be purchased in advance at this link. Children under 12 and parking are free, and refunds are available up until 8 days before the festival.

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

 

JINYA Ramen Bar opens its new location in Uptown Phoenix

Bowls of hot ramen continue to see its popularity grow even during the triple digit temperatures of an Arizona summer. That’s no more obvious than the success with JINYA Ramen Bar that opened its first Arizona location in Chandler in 2021. Last week franchisees opened their second location in historical Uptown Phoenix expanding its ramen culture around the valley. The concept was started by Tomo Takahashi in 2010 and has over 50 locations with more set to open. The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen”, meaning “continuous improvement” has JINYA giving the best ramen guests to enjoy.

“Since opening our first location in Chandler, Arizona 2 years ago, we’ve felt so welcomed by the community,” says owner Daradee Olson. “We’re excited to be in such a lively part of the city with our newest location so close to all of the economic development in the Central Phoenix area. The JINYA experience is like no other, and we just can’t wait to continue sharing it with local residents and all the visitors that flock to Phoenix from all over the world.”

JINYA Ramen Bar
Spicy Tuna Tacos- All photos courtesy of JINYA Ramen Bar

At JINYA Ramen bar guests will experience a modern Japanese ambiance while enjoying their slow cooked ramen. The rich broth is simmered for 20 hours before being combined with noodles and toppings including chashu pork, a seasoned poached egg and more. The menu offers signature ramen bowls along with build your own bowls. Signature ramen bowls include Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Wonton and Spicy Umami Miso ramen. Vegetarian and gluten free bowls are also on the menu along with Small Plates and Chef Specials of Spicy Tuna Tacos, a JINYA Bun and Pork Spare Ribs. Rice and Curry Bowls are also popular dishes. A full bar is available to enhance the customer experience to pair with ramen or Japanese tapas.

The Phoenix location is at 5120 N. Central Ave. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and to view the menu visit their website.

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

Ramen Hood opens its second location in Chandler

The locally owned fast casual Ramen Hood is celebrating the opening of its second location at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. The first location of the build-your-own ramen shop opened in 2018 in north Scottsdale and and Founder and CEO James Xie couldn’t be happier. Xie was inspired by his love of food and Japanese culture when he decided to open the upscale concept.

“We’re excited to officially celebrate our second location in Chandler, and what better time than during National Noodle Month,” said Xie. “You don’t have to be an experienced traveler to enjoy real ramen – we use a combination of traditional and contemporary methods while using fresh, quality ingredients, just like ramen shops in Japan. Best of all, you can create your own signature bowl with as many ingredients as you want.”

To celebrate the opening and National Noodle Month a March 29th grand opening is planned from 4-7 p.m. 20% of the days proceeds will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Expect a ribbon cutting with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at 4-5 p.m. and a ramen eating contest at 5:30. Those interested can see the rules on their Facebook page and contact the restaurant via social media. The first 25 to attend will receive a $10 gift card and all month long customers who mention National Noodle Month will receive 10% off. For more information visit their website.

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

Give Me Sum delivers dim sum to you

A new delivery concept recently started delivering dim sum to your door if you live in the Superstition area of Mesa. With a location in California and Washington, Give Me Sum lets you order traditional dim sum along with other craveable dishes.

Order online chicken or pork dumplings, steamed bao buns, chicken wings, salmon bowl with fried rice and more. A variety of sauces including teriyaki, garlic chili & sriracha aioli for dipping and sides include Togarashi fries. Combos are available and two desserts are offered, Mochi and Chocolate Lava Cake.

To order from Give Me Sum visit their website.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Barro’s Pizza replaces Chandler location with a new one

The locally owned pizza restaurant has been at its original Chandler location for over 20 years and the family felt it needed a change. They’re moving to a new location in the Ocotillo neighborhood at Queen Creek and Alma School Rd. beginning Tuesday January 24th. The closing location will be open right to the end closing at the end of service on the 23rd. The new modern decor will still have the comfy neighborhood feel customers have come to over 40 years.

Ling & Louie’s Lunar New Year celebration starts tomorrow

As featured last month the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant celebrates the Year of the Rabbit for 2 weeks. The celebration with food and drink specials start tomorrow with all details found in here.

Sunday grilled cheese pop up at Garden Bar

Fates Bread Co. will be making gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches every Sunday at the downtown Phoenix cocktail bar. Starting at 5 p.m. until they sell out guests can choose from a BLT Melt or The Secret Garden. Sundays also feature industry specials for hospitality workers. Reservations are suggested for all visits.

Jackson Family Wine dinner next week at Ling’s Wok Shop

If you haven’t made reservations for the 5 course dinner next Wednesday there is still time to do so. The Asian inspired dinner will be paired with wines from across the globe. For reservation details and to see the menu, see my post from earlier this month.

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

Celebrate the Lunar New Year for two weeks at Ling & Louie’s

Not long after we hop into 2023 the traditional Lunar New Year starts celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. Local Asian fusion restaurant Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill celebrates with classic Chinese New Year dishes and specially created cocktails from January 21st – February 5th. A traditional Lion Dance performed by 9 Dragons Lion Dance Phoenix kicks of the celebration on the 21st.

In Chinese culture the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity and 2023 is predicted to be the year of hope. Throughout Asia the Lunar New Year is steep with symbolism and you’ll see it throughout the 5 dishes on the special menu. Dumplings and spring rolls signify wealth, fish and shrimp represent an increase in prosperity and happiness while Longevity Noodles symbolize a wish for a long life.

Lunar New Year dishes and cocktails

Lunar New Year Dim Sum Bar – featuring your choice of different dim sum including Ginger-Pork Dumplings, Pork + Shrimp Dumplings, Spicy Chicken Wontons, and Vegetable Spring Rolls.

Dim Sum Tower – can’t decide on which dim sum to enjoy? Choose three of the above dim sum for a decadent New Year’s treat both.

Szechuan Sea Bass – crispy sea bass wok’d with asparagus, green beans and dried chilies in spicy citrus-soy, topped with pineapple salsa.

Char Siu Pork Tenderloin – specially marinated pork tenderloin served with wasabi mashed potatoes and wok’d asparagus, drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

Longevity Noodles – grass-fed New York strip stir-fried with egg noodles, green onions, mushrooms and carrots in traditional stir-fry sauce.

Tables that order off the special menu will receive a Lucky Red Envelope with offers to use on future visits at Ling & Louie’s and its sister restaurant Ling’s Wok Shop.

Toast to the New Year with these unique craft cocktails.

Spicy Peach Margarita – ghost chili-infused tequila shaken with premium orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, peach puree and Thai basil.

Apples to Apples – rye whiskey shaken with apple puree, house-made ginger-lime syrup and fresh lemon.

Pineapple Punch – gin, Suze, pineapple, five spice and fresh citrus topped with sparkling wine.

New Wave Pina Colada – Jamaican rum, Amarula cream liqueur, five spice, cream of coconut and pineapple, shaken hard and served on the rocks.

For more information visit their website.

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

Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian opens at former Peking Palace in Tucson

Husband and wife Nattha and Eric Post both grew up around food, she in Thailand and he in Tucson. Both attended Blue Elephant and Napali cooking schools in Thailand and have worked in restaurants in their native countries. They’ve now opened Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian, bringing authentic Thai and Cantonese Chinese cuisine to Tucson.

“Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian is a labor of love and an opportunity for us to invite the dining community in to taste the result of our passion for and dedication to serving authentic Asian cuisine that is approachable and delicious,” says Eric. “We want people to enjoy the experience of trying new things but also feel comfortable eating the familiar dishes they love.”

Tam “Sam” Quan is the executive chef serving a wide variety of “AppeThaizers”, soups, Thai curries & rice and more. Dishes include Yum Nua (grilled beef salad), Yum Woon Sen (glass noodle salad with shrimp and ground pork); soups like Tom Kha (coconut milk) and Tom Sabb (pork ribs); Thai curries including red, green, yellow, mussaman, panang and more; Thai noodle stir fries such as Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao (drunken noodle); Thai rice stir fries like Pad Prik King (with crispy pork belly) and Pad Krathim (garlic chicken). They serve beer, wine and cocktails along with Thai teas.

Nattha came to the U.S. in 2018 and hopes to be a citizen soon and has worked in several local restaurants. Eric, a practicing attorney learned to cook from his Italian mother and worked at Tucson’s Kipple’s Pizza Parlour. Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian is at 6970 E. 22nd St. Tucson 85710. Hours are Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visit their website for more information.

Tempe Beach Park is the place to be for Foodie Fri-YAY in May

Food trucks, beer & wine and live music is a good way to end the work week. Those looking to unwind can head to Tempe Beach Park Friday’s in May for Foodie Fri-YAY from 5 – 9 p.m. Each week offers different food trucks, breweries and musicians with May 6th hosting Hot Bamboo, Seoul Good Food Truck and Kingpin BBQ. Huss Brewery will be pouring cold beer and Nomadica red, white and rose wines will be available for wine drinkers. Admission is free with food, beer & wine available for purchase. Alcohol purchases will be cashless with only credit card payments.

“Tempe Beach Park has always been a top destination for festivals, concerts and other enjoy all that Downtown Tempe offers,” said Kate Borders, Executive Director of the Downtown Tempe Authority. “With Foodie Fri-YAYs, we’re welcoming everyone back to this beloved hot spot while celebrating the best of local food, drinks and musicians.”

Tempe Beach Park is at 80 W. Rio Salado Dr. Tempe 85281. For more information and to see the complete line-up of food trucks. beer & wine partners and live music head to their website.