Category: award-winning

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

PHX Brewing Co. and Huss Brewing Co. to merge

The two celebrated Arizona breweries are merging into one company under the name Zonafide Beverages LLC its been announced. The brands will remain independent but brewing operations will be consolidated to Tempe under Jeff Huss as Brewmaster. A featured post will offer details of the merger and what beer fans can expect going forward soon!

Australian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona tonight

Go down under for a quick trip for 3 tastes of southern hemisphere wines tonight at the Central & Roosevelt wine bar from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10(Join the wine club!) and all get 20% off bottles from tonight’s tatting.

2025 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

Hot off horizon Chef Week, the Arizona Restaurant Association has Friday, September 19th- Sunday, September 28th the twice yearly ARW. For first timers, Arizona restaurants offer up special 3-course meal for $33, $44 or $55. September 1st, ARA will publish the list of participating restaurants and their menus as the list continues to grow for the popular 10-day culinary adventure.

The Delicatessen set to open in September

Chef Joey Maggiore opens his newest concept, The Delicatessen on Wednesday, September 10th on Tatum Blvd. across from the new Paradise Valley development. The fast casual concept has a  new name since it was announced in February but will have the same New York Jewish style deli feel and taste. In the week’s ahead The Maggiore Group will announce details about hiring dozens of front and back of the house team members. Follow them @thedelicatessenaz for hiring and grand opening updates.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Celebrating over 50 years of pizza and pipes at Organ Stop Pizza

The Mesa pizza restaurant hasn’t always been at its current location, but it has been since 1975 after three years at 7th St. & Missouri in Phoenix. Now in 2025 they’re celebrating both 50 years in Mesa and 53 years of pizzas and pipe organ music. To celebrate they are offering guests a $60 Meal Deal for “Cheers to 50 Years in Mesa” through September 30th.

Get Two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (extra cheese not included), Two appetizers (combo basket excluded), Two pitchers of soft drink. Mention this deal when ordering
Dine-in only. No substitutions. MUST mention deal when ordering. 

J&G Steakhouse named to Top 100 Hotel Restaurants

Kayak and OpenTable have named the Scottsdale restaurant to their list of Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. It’s one of only two Arizona restaurants on the list and only one in Scottsdale to make it. The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa is run by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin who says, “We aim for all our guests to have an extraordinary, sophisticated evening out, with every detail executed to the highest level,” said Qualin. “J&G Steakhouse is not only a destination for guests of The Phoenician; it has also become a spot for locals to enjoy a consistently unrivaled dining experience.”

New seasonal dishes on the menu at Pizzeria Virtu

James Beard Award nominee Gio Osso has added 4 new appetizers and 4 pizzas using seasonal ingredients at his Downtown Scottsdale pizzeria.

  • Appetizers:
    • Olive – Warm mixed olives, lemon, chile, oregano, flatbread
    • Pezzetti – Chopped salad, salame, formaggi, tomato, cucumber, fregola sarda olives, onion, pinenuts, pepperoncini sott’olio, raisins, basil buttermilk dressing
    • Montata – Lemon whipped ricotta, honey drizzle, pistachio crumble
  • Pizzas:
    • L’Estate – Fior di latte, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, evoo
    • Vongole – Garlic butter clams, bacon, lemon, oregano, pecorino
    • Spilinga Bianca – Fior di latte, n’duja, torpedo onion, crema di pecorino picante
    • Campania – Sugo cotto, mozzarella di bufala, basil, prosciutto crudo

Tracy Dempsey Originals and ODV Wines back open after summer break

She’s back in her kitchen getting ready to roll into cooler temps with cooking classes, fun lunch & dinner menus for the family, Spontaneous Sip Saturday and more at her Tempe bakery, kitchen and wine shop.

ATL Wings now sells grab & go ZOYO Neighborhood Yogurt

Nothing like cooling off the mouth after some hot & spicy wings, now you can do so at the 16 ATL Wings locations around Arizona. They’ve collaborated with the yogurt shop to offer customers several frozen yogurt favors including the popular Kool Aid, Dole Whip, Tropical Punch, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl and others.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Chula Seafood celebrates National Oyster Day early

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 2nd is the 3rd anniversary of the seafood cafe’s Grayhawk location and they’re celebrating with oysters. All 3 locations are shell-ebrating along with an early start to National Oyster Day (August 5th) with two-buck shuck raw oysters all day and exclusive one-day specials.

Pumpkin season starts today at 32 Shea

You know the summer is coming to an end when you start seeing and hearing the words “pumpkin season” so we’re almost done with Summer 2025 as 32 Shea starts serving a new line-up of dishes and drinks today, Friday, August 1st. The North Phoenix coffee shop and restaurant will be making their new Pumpkin infused cold brew daily with only 30 made each day, they’re sure to sell out.

The food menu includes house-made Pumpkin Hummus with chili crisp, pumpkin seeds and toasted flatbread ($10) and the Pumpkin Pasta a multicolor cheese tortellini tossed with Italian sausage, kale, roasted squash and a drizzle of chili honey ($17). For dessert, the Pumpkin Cheesecake is finished with a bruléed top, pumpkin caramel and vanilla whipped cream ($8).

Limited-time specials will be run throughout August and new Fall pumpkin coffees and beverages will be introduced each month through November 30th. August specials include Pumpkin-Infused Cold Brew coffee, Pumpkin Cinnamon Caramel Latte and Blueberry Pie Latte. Each drink is topped with cinnamon bun sweet cream and a dusting of blueberry crumbles for the pie latte.

Fall cocktails debut on September 1st and include The Pumpkin Espresso Martini is made with vanilla vodka, house-made pumpkin pie syrup, fresh espresso and a pumpkin caramel chew garnish ($14). The Fall Fashioned offers a spiced take on the classic Old Fashioned with toasted almond bitters and a pumpkin wafer ($14).

National Sandwich Month at Miracle Mile Deli

The popular Phoenix deli is celebrating with a $19.49 special on its award-winning sandwiches this month. For that price you get the “sandwich of the week”, a side, a pickle spear and a slice of pie. The “Sandwich of the week” are …

8/4-8/9 – New Yorker Sandwich 8/11-8/16 – Brisket Sandwich 8/18-8/23 – Combo Sandwich 8/25-8/30 – The Straw

New “morning happy hour” at Hash Kitchen

Early risers get rewarded with some new specials from 7 a.m. -9 a.m.  and save $5 on well cocktails and $4 off any signature breakfast dishes at all 6 Phoenix area locations including……

  • Chilaquiles – corn tortilla chips / simmered in salsa verde or salsa roja / queso fresco / cilantro / crema / fried eggs
  • Basic AF – two eggs any style / applewood-smoked bacon / two Has# Hash browns / silver dollar buttermilk pancakes
  • Breakfast Burrito – chorizo / bacon / pepper jack cheese / Has# Hash brown / onions / peppers / black beans / eggs
  • Biscuits and Gravy – three buttermilk biscuits / country sausage gravy / fried eggs
  • Carnitas Hash – Coca-Cola braised pork / queso fresco / roasted corn / avocado / cilantro / fried onions / salsa verde / crema / fried eggs
  • Melina’s Benedict – toasted English muffin / Canadian bacon / hollandaise
  • Mexicana Scrambler – chorizo / jalapeños / tomatoes / avocado / pepper jack cheese
  • Classic pancake or waffle

El Bandido Bingo Night at Cien Agaves

Reserve your seats for Thursday, August 14th at 7 p.m. for a first come, first serve night of fun. It’s free to play and players will enjoy complimentary tequila tastings from El Bandido and prizes can be won and this communal table event. RSVP is required and you can do that here.

 

 

Belmont Kitchen welcomes Alex Stratta as Executive Chef

One of Scottsdale newest restaurants, Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails has hired one of the valley’s leading chefs, Alex Stratta as its new Executive Chef. The Michelin starred and James Beard award-winning chef, Stratta is no stranger to the Phoenix food scene as he’s worked with several local restaurants including Campo Italian, The Herb Box and at The Phoenician Resort,  before and after he opened Alex at the Wynn Las Vegas where he received his two Michelin stars.

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails and Rosewood Concepts co-founders Philip Lewkowicz and Neal Thompson hired Stratta to give the restaurant a building block for the BKC and Rosewood as it plans for future growth. “Having Alex in our kitchen is more than an honor — it’s a defining moment,” says Lewkowicz, “With my background in fine dining and genuine hospitality, and Alex’s unmatched culinary excellence, I’m incredibly excited to see how far we can take Rosewood Concepts. His presence raises the bar for everything we’re building.” Lewkowicz’s is also no stranger to the restaurant industry as he’s part of the family that opened the award-winning Cafe Monarch and Reserve in Old Town Scottsdale.

Stratta, who tutored under world renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse will be bringing his globally inspired dishes, high impact wine dinners and seasonal tasting menus using fresh and high-quality ingredients. “I’m excited to be part of something that’s growing, evolving, and built around passion,” says Stratta. “This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about mentoring, collaborating, and delivering a dining experience that feels personal.”

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails is at 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale 85255. For more information and to make a reservation visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Taco Tuesday at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Every Tuesday from 3-5p.m. throughout the summer guests can get 2 tacos for $13 at the Carefree steakhouse. When you add a refreshing margarita for $7, your total is $20, not a bad deal. Choose from Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Shrimp or Fried Fish tacos and your choice of red or green salsa.

Italian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop will host an Italian wine tasting next Thursday, July 24th from 6-8p.m. Taste and learn about 3 wines for $10 or Free if you’re a Wine Club member. All will get 20% off any bottles purchased from the evenings event.

Chill at The Mill happy hour specials

Through Labor Day guests visiting the Queen Creek Olive Mill after 3 p.m. can score some great happy hour sips & bites. Sunday through Wednesday from 3p.m.–5p.m.and Thursday through Saturday from 3p.m.– 6p.m. enjoy….

  • Pizza & Pint – Any artisan pizza, paired with your choice of draft beer – $25
  • Tapas Five – Five of our favorite brochettes, featuring QCOM Meyer Lemon Olive Oil – $8.75
    • Caprese: Tomato, mozzarella, basil
    • Sonoran: Spicy green beans, Calabrese salami
    • Genoa: Genoa salami, garlic stuffed olives, provolone
    • Milano: Herb-roasted chicken, artichoke, provolone
    • Stuffed date: Yuma dates, Chardonnay herb mascarpone, crushed pistachio
  • Mill Meatballs – 3 mill-made meatballs, simply sugo, parmesan, Noble baguette – $10
  • Garlic Parmesan Frittes – Fries, roasted garlic olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, garlic aioli – $8.50
  • Olive Harvest Hummus – Mill-made hummus, sweet red pepper & olive tapenade, carrots, celery, cucumbers, balanced EVOO, Noble baguette – $13
  • Draft Beer – $6 (rotating, always local)
  • Glass of Sangria – Red, white or seasonal – $6
  • Carafes & Pitchers – Sangria carafe – $29.90 or draft beer pitcher – $25

Anhelo opening on July 25th in Scottsdale

The award-winning fine dining restaurant from Chef & Owner Ivan Jacobo is ready to make its long-awaited debut next Friday. Jacobo announced last November of relocating to Old Town Scottsdale from Downtown Phoenix. The ultra-exclusive restaurant seats only 16 guests who can order from any of the chef’s three tasting menus. Reservations can be made and more information found at Anhelo’s website.

 

 

Arizona Chef’s Week 2025 debuts August 1st-10th

As successful as the local restaurant scene is most of the year, the summer months can wash that all away. To help generate some off-season business, the Arizona Restaurant Association is building on the success of the twice-yearly Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) as they are debuting Arizona Chef’s Week the first 10 days of August. To help support the local restaurant industry, like ARW, ACW will offer 3-course menus from a limited number of restaurants encouraging them to offer new unique and seasonal dishes. Each dinner will cost $55 or $66 per person.

“Year-round, it is our mission, our calling and our passion to promote and advocate for our hospitality industry,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “Summertime in the Valley serves as a particularly challenging period for many restaurants, and therefore, it is more vital than ever to go out and support these establishments. This event is truly about local residents supporting local restaurants while experiencing an incredible meal.”

Familiar restaurants such as Vecina, The Mexicano, Fire at Will and others have already signed up to participate and in mid-July diners can head to the Arizona Chef’s Week website to see a list of participating restaurants and the menus they will be serving.

Big Nate’s Backyard Grill opens in Downtown Gilbert

Five years after opening their first location in Mesa (a 2nd location in E. Mesa opened in 2023), the family-owned Big Nate’s Backyard Grill has opened its third location in Downtown Gilbert. Their low and slow cooked Texas style BBQ, fresh ground brisket burgers and more are made from family recipes with meats smoked for more than 12 hours.

The concept came to brother-in-laws and partners, Ray Dandridge and Eric Solheim and their wives, all who shared a love of barbecue and family gatherings. What started in the backyard now has 3 locations and a food truck.

“We just loved cooking for friends and family,” said co-owner and pitmaster Eric Solheim. “It grew from there, and we’ve stayed committed to that same mindset. Make everything from scratch, treat people right and serve food we’d be proud to put on our own table.”

Signature dishes include brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken with classic sides dishes including cole slaw, bbq beans and house-made sauces. Everything on the menu including desserts are made from scratch without soy, gluten and high fructose corn syrup.

Family friendly at Big Nate’s Backyard Grill

The Gilbert location includes a stage which gets used for entertainment including Jester-Z Improv. The group, founded in 2001, moved from Mesa to Gilbert late last year and offers clean, family friendly fun around the valley and at its 55-seat Gilbert venue on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We started Big Nate’s to bring families together over real, slow-smoked barbecue,” said co-owner and pitmaster Ray Dandridge. “Pairing that with clean comedy from JesterZ felt like the perfect downtown Gilbert addition.”

To celebrate July 4th, they’re offering 10% off Family Packs and the first 50 orders that weekend will get a free smoked apple pie. The small family pack includes three pounds of meat and two quart-sized sides for $109 and serves six people. A large family pack includes six pounds of meat and two half-gallon sides for $215 and serves 12 people. Big Nate’s food trucks will be out and about on the 4th at Gilbert’s celebration at Gilbert Regional Park and at the Phoenix Fabulous 4th celebration.

Big Nate’s Backyard BBQ is open Thursday- Saturday during the summer and is at 543 N. Gilbert Rd. 85234. To see the full menu and for more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Poppy’s Office has new summer cocktails 

The North Scottsdale speakeasy has added 6 refreshing cocktails to its menu. A few “mocktails” were also added. The new cocktails are…. 

  • Kumquat Cavalcade featuring Crop Organic Meyer Lemon Vodka, kumquat jam, lemon and Prosecco, $17
  • Sunset Mist made with Rolling Still Lavender Vodka, Giffard Elderflower, vanilla, lemon and tonic, $16
  • Rocky Point Summer (is there anything better?) pictured-featuring Corazon Blanco Tequila, Alma Tepec Chile Liqueur, Liquid Alchemist Blood Orange, grapefruit and lime, $15
  • Rising Phoenix—Amaras Espadin Mezcal, Maleza Cempasuchitl, guava, pineapple and lime, $17
  • Duck, Duck, Goose featuring Diplomatico Planas Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Liquid Alchemist Coconut, gooseberry jam and lime, $16
  • Plums on Parade—Amrut Old Port Rum, Hakutsuru Plum Wine Reduction, honey and orange bitters, $15

Summer of Luxury menu available at Mastro’s for the summer 

Through September 25th, all 3 Scottsdale Mastro’s locations will be offering the new 4-course prix-fixe for $80 per person. The seasonal menu is available Monday- Thursday….. 

  • Appetizers: Mixed Green Salad, Nueske’s Maple Glazed Bacon Steak, French Onion Soup (Mastro’s Ocean Club will offer New England Clam Chowder instead), Shrimp Cocktail (2 pieces)
  • Entrees: Herb Roasted Chicken, Double Cut Pork Chop, Petite Filet, Blackened Slamon, Bone-In Filet 12oz (+$35), Bone-In Ribeye 22 oz (+$35)
    • Guests can also select from three house made butters: Black Truffle, Wagyu Red Winer and Bone Marrow (+$8 each)
  • Fresh Vegetables and Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Spinach (Steamed, Sauteed or Creamed), Creamed Corn, Lobster Mashed Potatoes (+$25), Rosemary Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Desserts: Cheesecake, Signature Personal Warm Butter Cake, Raspberry Sorbet

Lom Wong’s Yokata Martin wins James Beard Award 

The chef & owner of the Downtown Phoenix won Best Chef: Southwest this week after being nominated with 11 other Arizona restaurant professionals. The list was whittled down to Martin and Crystal Kass of Valentine for Outstanding Pastry Chef/ Baker. The winners were announced this week at a ceremony in Chicago. 

Larder + Delta has closed 

The short-lived James Beard nominated restaurant from Chef Stephen Jones closed its Central Phoenix restaurant this week after less than a year of being open. The restaurant relocated last year from the Roosevelt Row Arts District taking the place of another JBF nominee, Binkley’s that closed in 2023. The southern style fine dining restaurant was struggling with low business as the summer began. Chef Jones had announced some changes last week pertaining to summer hours and the menu but unfortunately that wasn’t enough, and the restaurant became the first victim of the summer. 

  

Lite Bites & Sips and more for summer at Marcellino’s

We don’t need the official start of summer (June 20th) to tell us Phoenicians that summer is here with local restaurants pulling out their summer playbook of specials, new and old, to bring us desert dwellers out in triple digit heat. One of those restaurants is Marcellino’s Ristorante at Southbridge in Downtown Scottsdale. Chef and co-owner Marcellino and his wife Sima are bringing back their “Summer Supper Special” menu and “Dinner and a Movie” night and are adding the Lite Bites & Sips menu.

Summer Supper Special

Avoid the summer crowds of Italy as you enjoy a special 3-coure prix-fixe supper for $55++ per person with a four-person party limit. Choose for your 1st course (antipasto) a Caprese featuring imported fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, garden basil and extra virgin olive oil. The Insalata Organiche is a simple but refreshing salad of organic mixed field greens with aged balsamic dressing. The Cozze appetizer showcases mussels sautéed with white wine, olive oil and garlic or spicy marinara.

For your second course choose one of Marcellino’s award-winning hand-made pastas including Gnocchi Sorrentina, Paccatelli or Pollo Saporito (pictured above). No decision needed for dessert as you’ll enjoy a cooling homemade Tiramisu. Select bottles of wine are on Summer Special as well, so make sure you take a look at that list.

The Summer Supper Special is available Tuesday – Thursdays through September 4th.

Lite Bites & Sips

New this summer at the bar is a new offering on Tuesday – Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. The Lite Bites menu include Caprese, Crostini with mozzarella and prosciutto or mozzarella and mushrooms, or Salumi and Cheese. Pair with a glass of red, white or rose wine, all priced between $8 – $10.

Dinner and a Movie

Up to 10 people can enjoy dinner and a movie every Tuesday and Wednesday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. No cost for the movie, but a dinner order is required whether its from the Summer Supper menu, the regular menu or one of Marcellino’s nightly specials. Perfect for date nights, girls’ night out or to see a movie you’ve yet to see.

Movie night starts tomorrow, June 10th with La Cage Aux Folie and the summer schedule is as follows….

“Moonstruck” – June 18, July 15, September 3

“Cinema Paradiso” – August 12, August 27

“La Cage Aux Folle” – June 10, July 1, July 16, August 26

“The Big Night” – June 11, July 8, August 20

“Marriage Italian Style” – June 17, June 25, July 2, August 19 

“Under the Tuscan Sun” – June 24, July 9, August 13, September 9 

Marcellino’s will be closed for a brief summer break starting July 20th and re-opening on August 7th. To make a reservation of for more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

It’s A Wrap Month and more Summer Specials at Miracle Mile Deli

Summer is here and so are some deals at the Central Phoenix deli in June and July.

June is “It’s a Wrap Month” at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from three mouthwatering wraps for just $15, served with a side and a crisp kosher dill pickle:

Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap – Crispy white meat chicken, romaine hearts, wonton noodle strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in our Asian honey sesame dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Chipotle Ranch Turkey Wrap – White meat turkey breast, fresh avocado, shredded asadero cheese, romaine hearts, tri-color tortilla strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Chipotle Ranch dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Athena Chicken Wrap – Grilled white meat chicken breast, Feta cheese, romaine hearts, crispy onion strings, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Greek Athena vinaigrette, wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

From June 1 to August 31, Miracle Mile’s popular Summer of Shakes & Floats returns! Cool off with a classic milkshake or ice cream float for just $6.

“Burger at The Bar” in June at Virtu Honest Craft

Every Wednesday in June, Chef Gio Osso creates a uniquely creative burger paired with hand cut fries and draft beer. Sounds good right, but there are some rules….Only 12 burgers made each week, Only at the bar, No splitting, No reservations and No exceptions. Each burger for the following week gets revealed the Friday before(today!!) at their website or on their social media.

DAOU Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The Downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines from the Paso Robles winery on Friday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The night starts with an Heirloom Tomato Salad before the pasta courses and the Filet Mignon entree, all paired with red, white & rose wines. Seats are $125++ per person and to see the full menu & reserve your seat head to their website or call 480-427-2264.

New Summer hours at LDV Winery’s tasting room

The Downtown Scottsdale tasting room that pours award-winning Arizona wines has new hours for the summer. They open 7 days a week at noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s. Happy Hour just got happier where you can get a glass of wine for $7.00 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Also happening this summer……..

Date Night Fridays starting at 6:00 p.m. get two flights of wine & choice of a meat or cheese charcuterie board for $41.62. The price includes a free flight, 10% off the board, and an 18% gratuity.

Mid-Week Summer Sale- Every Tuesday and Wednesday get 50% off all bottles of wine to enjoy at the tasting room or take home and all boards are $5 off.