Category: beer

The Gridiron Monster Burger and more game-day specials at Lakeside Bar & Grill

When the college football season starts this Saturday, August 30th and the NFL games next Sunday, September 7th, Northwest Peoria’s Lakeside Bar & Grill will be ready with 2 new game-day menus and specials. One of the new specials they will be showcasing is the massive Gridiron Monster Burger on Saturdays. All games will be shown on over 40 hi-definition TVs.

Over-the-Top Tailgate Eats and the Gridiron Monster Burger

Every Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. college football fans can start their day with a Bloody Mary Cart, 43 cans of Huss Brewing’s Devil’s Halo, $3 domestic pints and tailgate eats that include the Gridiron Monster Burger, Hail Mary mozzarella sticks, Chain Gang Chili Cheese Fries and the First Down Sampler.

The towering $40 burger has layers of four beef patties, a crispy chicken breast, bacon, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, onion rings and mozzarella sticks, all piled high with chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. Served with a pound of fries and dipping sauces, the burger is designed to feed four.

“Game days are about more than just watching the screen,” said Janeth Moore, vice president of operations for POV Foods, which owns Lakeside Bar & Grill. “We’ve created a lineup that makes football season feel like a weekly destination for good food and excitement.”

NFL Sundays Brunch

Prefer to watch the pros on Sundays, starting at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. guests can enjoy breakfast (pictured above). Guests can enjoy game-day favorites such as the Sunday Snap Breakfast Burrito with eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and cheese, the Red Zone Breakfast Sandwich with eggs, bacon and cheddar on a toasted bun, and the Gridiron Breakfast Bowl layered with eggs, potatoes, sausage, peppers and cheese. For a sweeter option, the RPO Pancake Bites feature mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with syrup.

Enjoy all-day happy hour prices on beer and $2 Tito’s Gatorade Shots.

“Our goal is to create an all-day experience for fans, whether they’re here for the early games, brunch or to stay through the evening matchups,” Moore said. “Football season is about community, food and energy, and we want Lakeside to be the place that captures it all.”

For more information and to see the full menus visit Lakeside’s website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Summer Sunshine season menu at Over Easy

Now available at all 17 locations the bold and bright are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery, except alcohol.

  • Pork Belly Hash – Sweet potato, crispy pork belly, caramelized onion, poblano, cherry tomato, bell pepper, cotija cheese, baja sauce, cilantro, and two eggs any style
  • Brown Butter Beignets – Fresh berries, powdered sugar, house jam, and orange blossom honey
  • Sunny Side Spritz – A summer-perfect blend of Aperol, peach, lemon, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda. Light, citrusy, and just sweet enough — it’s brunch sunshine in a glass.

New 4-course Chef’s Menu at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Chef Michael Rusconi is offering a new menu for $60++ per person with wine pairings for an additional $29. The dinner starts with the chef’s amuse bouche before serving….

  • First Course—Tomato and Burrata Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet Optional wine pairing—Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc–Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Second Course—Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus Optional wine pairing—Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay–Russian River
  • Third Course—Pecan Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin with potato puree, candied baby carrots and cabernet reduction Optional wine pairing—Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon–Columbia Valley
  • Fourth Course—Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces
  • Optional wine pairing—Chef’s selected dessert wine

Reservations are suggested by heading to their website.

Local beer flights at GenuWine Arizona

Summertime sipping calls for cold beer and now at the Downtown Phoenix wine bar you can get 6 tastes of local draft beers for $15. Wine Club members can save 15% as well.

Christmas in July at Koibito Poke

Loyalty app users can save 20% off their entire order through Monday, July 14th when placing an order under the Rewards tab on the app. Order ahead or in-store for pick-up or delivery.

BOGO Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company are back

Stock up at their Scottsdale or Willcox tasting room to get a bottle free when you purchase one at regular price. Only available on their 7 new releases, not available on clearance wines.

M.I.K.I.D and Red, White & Brew partner to raise money

Red, White & Brew is partnering for the month of May with Mentally Ill Kids in Distress (M.I.K.I.D) at its Mesa and Prescott restaurants. The Arizona nonprofit is committed to improving the behavioral health and wellness of children and youth through its family centered approach.

Starting today through May 31st guests can “Dine & Donate” by ordering the popular Lemon Basil Chicken entree and or a Church Music IPA from The Shop Beer Co. $2 will be donated for each entree ordered and $1 from each beer sold hurchwill be donated to directly to M.I.K.I.D. Every bite and sip will help to raise money for critical support, preventive education and reunification of families navigating the challenges of youth mental health throughout Arizona.

For more information visit Red, White & Brew’s and M.I.K.I.D. websites.

Willcox Wine Festival coming for 2 days in May

As festival season continues its march towards the quiet time of an Arizona summer one of the last festivals is on the calendar in May. The Willcox Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 17th & 18th with the bi-annual event hosting a Winemakers Dinner, Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Willcox Community Center with the festival at 130 N. Railroad Ave.

The popular growing region of southeastern Arizona with its arid and Mediterranean like terroir and weather is known for growing Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre and other varietals such as Malbec and Tempranillo. The region is home to many wineries and vineyards with 17 of them pouring their wines at the festival. Wineries scheduled to be pouring wine include Pillsbury Wine Co. Copper Horse Vineyard, Golden Rule Vineyards and others. A beer garden and food trucks will be on hand along with local artists, craft vendors and live music.

Tickets for the Willcox Wine Festival and Winemakers Dinner are on sale online for $35 on Saturday, $30 on Sunday, $15 for beer tasting and $75 for the Winemaker Dinner. Tickets will be available at the door for an additional $5-$10. All tickets for the festival include 10 tastings and a commemorative glass.

Catalyst Crafted Ales rolls out new food menu

Tempe’s Catalyst Crafted Ales has been brewing beers for almost a year and now is releasing a new menu full of new dishes. Some may find the wings, tacos, burgers and more may have a familiar taste as executive Chef Anthony Apolinar has added this new project to his responsibilities at Keeler Hospitality Group. At KHG for over 6 years working in the group’s north Scottsdale restaurants Liberty Station Tavern (DC Ranch & Terravita) and Keeler’s Steakhouse in Carefree Apoloinar knows how to cook in busy environment while mentoring and managing back of the house team members with the goal of guests enjoying their experiences.

KHG got involved last year when CEO & Founder Matt Keeler also took on the role Director of Operations at Catalyst.

“The menu will have a southwestern flare meets traditional brewpub fare vibe. Everything on the menu will pair perfectly with one or more Catalyst beers. Our staff will be ready to make pairing recommendations. I hope everyone will stop by and try the new menu,” said Chef Apolinar.

The now full-service restaurant will also have weekend brunch with French Toast, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and more.

1 year anniversary at Catalyst Crafted Ales

February 1st marks the first anniversary of Catalyst Crafted Ales and a festive day and night is planned. Guests will enjoy live music, games, food and the release of a new beer, Luppolo Blanc Grape IPA.

“I’m excited to celebrate one year of success in Tempe and look forward to many more to come. The beer community has been extremely supportive of our innovative brewing style, I can’t wait to start pairing our beers with the new food menu,” Will Walthereson, head brewer, Catalyst Crafted Ales. For more information and to view the new menu visit their website. 

Bell Bank, O.H.S.O Brewery & Mark Tarbell partner to raise money

Valley beer drinkers will want to grab two new beers created by local brewer O.H.S.O Brewery as part of a partnership between Bell Bank and Chef & Restaurateur Mark Tarbell. $2 of every pint sold of “Slice and Dice Rice” Lager and “Yes, Chef” Amber Lager will be donated to C-CAP by Bell Bank & O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s picture will be featured on the limited production cans. C-CAP helps Phoenix area culinary students and teachers with programs and resources for students looking to get a higher education in the culinary arts and enter the restaurant industry.

“O.H.S.O., Bell Bank and Tarbell’s, have come together to give back to a great cause. C-CAP is an amazing organization that helps young high school students all over the country pursue their dreams through culinary programs. It’s when businesses come together in support of such causes that real magic and change can happen. What an honor to be a part of it all,” said Bell Bank Champion Mark Tarbell.

The beers pair well with many dishes found at O.H.S.O and Tarbell offered a few pairings. Rice Lager – Hamachi Crudo, Fresh Made Potato Chips and Caviar, Phở Amber Lager – Boars Head Bratwurst, West TX Babyback Ribs, West TX Pulled Pork, Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The beers will be available through the holiday season or until supplies run out and a check presentation to C-CAP will be held in early 2025.

“This collaboration is definitely one of the most festive ways we like to pay it forward and help a really deserving cause in each city every year,” said Kyle Kennedy, Bell Bank’s Phoenix president and Arizona banking director. “We thank Mark Tarbell for his support, and we hope everyone will come out to O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s this season to support this incredible organization which helps give students a great opportunity to thrive in the culinary arts.”

 

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 partners with Goldwater Brewing for Hop Chowda Day pop-up

The two locally owned businesses get together on Saturday, December 14th (tomorrow) from 2-7 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale brewery. Five Hop Chowda beers will be tapped including Original, XL Imperial, Pineapple, Orange & Guava with Chula outside serving up Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips, Chowder Fries and cups of Chowder. Armada Sounds will be spinning tunes and raffles will be drawn for prizes at 6 p.m. including a stocked beer fridge and merch.

Bubble tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Join the Roosevelt Row wine bar on December 19th to taste three selections from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10. Get 20% off bottle purchases from the selection poured that evening. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Miracle Mile Deli special Hannukah & Christmas menu is available

The Jewish holiday starts on Christmas Day for 8 nights and the Central Phoenix restaurant has family meals including brisket & turkeys, potato latkes & apple sauce and more for both holidays. Individual entrees and single servings of matzoh ball soup, brisket & turkey, signature deli meats, desserts and more are all available for the holidays. Miracle Mile Deli will be open on Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) from 11 a.m – 4 p.m for pick-up.

Holiday desserts at local restaurants for dine-in or take-out

Sugar & spice and everything nice is what they say, and several Phoenix area restaurants have them all.

The Sicilian Baker– Has new Snickerdoodle and Andes Mints cannolis available along with traditional Sicilian Baked Cassata.

  • Holiday Cake Details: 10” cake for $85, Pre order only 72-hour notice
  • Holiday Cannoli Gift Packs: Regular Cannoli: 12-pack $79, Mini Cannoli: 20-pack $65, Mini Cannoli 30-pack $90.

Pita Jungle– The popular made in house Baklawa Box is available online or in-store for $20.

Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club & Mastro’s Steakhouse- The decadent Butter Cake gets a seasonal twist with the Cinnamon & Pecan Butter Cake made with brown sugar, cinnamon swirl, pecans, crème anglaise, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, sea salt toffee and caramel sauce.

The Mexicano Pop- Up has the “Ultimate DIY Gingerbread Cake” available through the holidays. The gingerbread sponge cake in white chocolate cream sauce and over 25 toppings for you to choose from for your customized cake.

Los Sombreros holiday tamales are available

Order online for pick up at their Scottsdale or Mesa restaurants available in chipolte pork, green corn, red chile beef and chicken tomatillo. Cost is $5 per dozen and mix & match in 4x4x4 or 6×6 is permitted.

 

Harry Potter inspired pizza and beer collaboration at Spinato’s

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is ending 2024 with the last of its collaboration with Steve Larson a.k.a The Wizard of Za with its Rose Au Gratin Pizza available at all locations until December 31st. The Harry Potter inspired pizza was co-created with Jaime Spinato the restaurant’s director of community outreach and brand manager. Like its other collaborations, a local brewer is chosen to create a special beer for the occasion and Phoenix’s Roses By The Stairs brewery created a Belgian style witbier, The Witty Wizard.

Jaime, who embodies the spirit of a true Ravenclaw says “We had a lot of fun creating this pizza, and I’m grateful for Steve’s guidance as we experimented with different ingredients,”. “The rosemary-dressed potatoes lend a savory elegance to the pizza and the delicate borage blossom flowers add a visual and culinary flourish. We added a sprinkle of edible blue glitter to give the dish a magical, almost otherworldly charm.”

The pizza features an Alfredo base with layered sliced potatoes dressed in olive oil and rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, edible borage flower blossoms and it is topped with a sprinkle of edible blue glitter. The Witty Wizard offers hints of lemon, grapefruit, and thyme. The witbier captures a touch of magical whimsy with its enchanting blend of flavors. The zesty lemon and grapefruit bring a burst of sunshine, while the aromatic thyme adds a hint of herbal charm.

The Rose Au Gratin is $11.75 for a personal pizza and $29.75 for a large. A 16 oz. can of The Witty Wizard is $8 and is only available at the restaurant. Local artist Aaron Thomason created the harry Potter like design for the can. For more information visit the pizzeria’s website.

 

Four Peaks Brewing to show off new beers at Oktoberfest

Downtown Tempe will again host its 51st annual Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake on Friday, October 11th- 13th. The 2024 Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest will take on a Bavarian flair with German food, live music on two stages, dancing and of course beer.

Guests 21 and over attending the all ages festival can anticipate tasting several new beers from the Tempe based brewer including Bad Birdie Juicy Golden Ale, Desert Daydream Imperial IPA, Desert Daydream Tropical IPA, and Desert Daydream Hazy IPA. Live music will include headliners Black Moods and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.

Other activities will include a local celebrity bratwurst eating contest, the popular wiener dog race, adult coed volleyball, kickball & soccer from Arizona Sports League and The Frank Kush Foundation Runnin’ for the Brats. The festival has been an annual fundraiser since 1970 benefiting Tempe Sister Cities with proceeds used to send Tempe High School students to its 9 sister cities around the world.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest are $25 for General Admission on Friday and Saturday with Sunday admission free. The Jägermeister VIP Backstage Experience tickets include an all-access Oktoberfest, front row stage experience and more perks and are $80. For more information and to purchase tickets visit their website.

Head Brewer to teach Brewing and Sensory class

No better time than the summer to stay inside sipping cold beer and learning how to make beer. That’s what will be happening at Hundred Mile Brewing Company in Tempe this summer at their Brewing and Sensory Class. Head Brewer Paul Alva will teach the class three times starting this Sunday, June 25th and Sunday, July 16th and August 27th. The class will be a fun and interactive way to learn the step by step process of brewing beer. And yes, you will be sampling beer during the class.

Alva learned to make beer at the World Beer Academy studying at the Seibel Institute and Doemens Academy in Germany.

During the class the Alva will teach about the textures, tastes and aromas of different varieties of hops and malts. Throughout this sensory experience different styles of beers will be tasted to identify the unique characteristics of each beer. He will share tips and information to guide beer lovers, home brewers and new beer drinkers looking to make their own beer, increase their beer knowledge and curiosity. The Head Brewer will also be sampling his own hand-crafted beers.

Each session is from 1 – 3 p.m. and $35 per session and includes six beer samples and light appetizers. To register for the class visit their website.

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