Category: beverage

AZ Lemonade Stand introduces AZ-ZERO

The new year brings out a new beverage from locally owned AZ Lemonade Stand. AZ-ZERO boasts “Zero Sugar, Zero Calories, All the Flavor” in two flavors, Original Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade. Using monk fruit as a natural sweetener for its bold refreshing taste the popular beverage is also made with real lemons and other natural flavors.

“We’re incredibly proud of AZ-ZERO because it’s not just another product; it’s the result of a challenging journey,” said Kyle Hollenbeck, Co-Founder of AZ Lemonade Stand. “Taking a product like lemonade, traditionally made with lemons and sugar, and reducing the sugar without losing that signature flavor was no easy task. Lemonade is inherently associated with sweetness, so finding a way to maintain the bold, refreshing taste we’re known for while eliminating sugar was a true challenge. By using monk fruit, we’ve achieved that delicate balance—delivering the same crisp, flavorful experience, but now with zero sugar and zero calories.”

Growth and community at AZ Lemonade Stand

Founded in 2020 by Hollenbeck and Aioli Burgers founder Tommy D’Ambrisio, AZ Lemonade Stand has sold over a million jars of its high-quality lemonade and continues its growth partnering with Hensley Beverage Company for distribution in Arizona. The brand is also community minded with charity sponsorships with groups such as #LOVEPUP, JoyBus and Malama Maui.

“Community support and giving back have always been essential to our business practices. We’re thankful to our local community for supporting our businesses, so we give back as much as we can,” said Hollenbeck. 

For more information and where to find AZ-Zero and the original lemonades visit their website.

 

 

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.

Walter Station Brewery releases limited edition AAWLager

The local brewer has partnered with the Arizona Animal Welfare League to celebrate its 50th anniversary saving the lives of over 100,000 homeless animals. The new beer will be released on Saturday June 5th from 12 – 4 pm at the Washington St. brewery. The 6 packs will be available all summer long at beer shops and at Walter Station with part of the proceeds being donated to AAWL. Their looking to raise $50,000 by their 50th birthday on August 20th.

Wagyu from around the world at STK Steakhouse

The vibe at the Scottsdale steakhouse just got a little tastier as they celebrate National Steakhouse Month. Indulge yourself with Wagyu from Japan, Australia & America throughout June with such delicacies as Korean Style Short Ribs, Wagyu Beef Tartare & Caviar, a Tomahawk Steak and more.

Daily Dose partners with Harvest Compassion Center for back to school drive

Until July 31st at the Scottsdale and Midtown Phoenix restaurants guests can donate a filled back pack and get a free stack of any pancakes or a free specialty coffee. The local non-profit and locally owned restaurants are looking to provide 800 students with the school supplies they need to be successful in school as part of their 2021-22 School Supply Drive.

Coffee for a cause at Press Coffee

From now until August 1st the Phoenix- based coffee roaster is donating a portion of its Community Blend beans to Cloud Covered Streets. The non-profit gives help to those experiencing homelessness with showers, haircuts and laundry. Since launching in mid-2020 the Community Blend has raised over $3,000 to other local non-profits and schools.

The Happiest of Happy Hours at Taphouse Kitchen

Your wallet can use some relief this summer as the Scottsdale and Phoenix restaurants are offering a ton of food and drink specials for $6 Monday- Friday from 3-6 p.m. Pints of beer, well cocktails, Spicy Tuna Roll, Brewery Pretzel, 8-inch Alondra’s Pizzas are just a few of the happy hour specials offered. Brunch lovers can enjoy any breakfast entree for just $10 and $.01 Mimosa and Bloody Marys Sat. & Sun. from 8-11 a.m.

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.

“Thank a Nurse” with Tea of A Kind in November

Tempe based Vessl and its Tea of a Kind ready-to drink tea have partnered with Nightingale 2030 Resilience Fund and American Cancer Society for their #ThankANurse campaign starting November 1st. 5% of all tea and product sales will be donated to local nurses.

GuacStar Kitchen & Cantina opens November 5th

New plant-based Mexican food eatery opens its first location at the Cornerstone Mall at University & Rural in Tempe.

AZ Paint Night returns to Padre Murphy’s

Glendale’s oldest bar and restaurant welcomes artist Lexie Swan every Tuesday for an evening of socially distanced painting on the patio. Canvas and paint are $20 and you get to take home what your art. Food and drink are sold separately and AZ Paint Night goes from 6:30 – 8:30.

Chef Danielle Leoni partners with World Central Kitchen Phoenix for meal kits.

The owner of the Breadfruit & Rum Bar has been keeping busy preparing farm to table meal kits for local organizations. Last week she delivered 400 meal kits to those in need at A New Leaf and Roosevelt Community Church. Another 400 meal kits will be prepared this Sunday November 1st with some going to those standing in line to vote on Election Day.

Highway 12 Vineyards & Winery featured at Sunday Supper Club

Hearth ’61, the signature restaurant at Mountain Shadows Resort hosts its monthly 5-course dinner. The unique menu is created by executive chef Charles Wiley to be paired with wines from California. This month’s dinner is on November 15th and cost $109 ++per person. To view the pairing menu and make a reservation visit their website.

Kids eat free on Halloween at Angry Crab Shack

No tricks are needed but costumes are at all 11 locations on Saturday October 31st. Until 6 p.m. all kids under 12 years old get a free kid’s meal. Choose from chicken tenders, mac n cheese, fried shrimp, kid’s cheeseburger or min corn dogs. All meals come with a fountain drink and choice of side.

 

 

 

Downtown Mesa to host 2nd annual Southwest Cider Festival

Over 300 cider enthusiasts including myself made their way to downtown Mesa last year for the inaugural Southwest Cider Festival. I’m happy to announce that tickets are on sale for the 2nd Southwest Cider Festival on Saturday October 19th at Cider Corps. Refreshing samples of local and out of state ciders will be poured along with live music, food trucks and more. People are still discovering this new and unique beverage according to Cider Corps co-owner Josh Duren.

“Craft cider is so different from mass produced drinks and even from traditional European ciders,” Duren explained. “We’re experimenting with flavor profiles and techniques that make this a really unique beverage without artificial flavoring or added sugars. The festival is a chance to sample the variety out there and really support the craft cider community.”

The festival goes from 4-8 p.m. and General Admission tickets are $35. Tickets include 15 sample tickets and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are $50 and get early entry at 3 p.m., a t-shirt, 20 sample tickets and commemorative glass. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite.

The event will be outside at Cider Corps in downtown Mesa at 31 S. Robson St.  85210. For updates check out the Facebook page.

Celebration of Summer at Four Seasons Resort at Troon North

Whether you want to enjoy a cocktail and light bites or a sit down dinner the Four Seasons Resort at Troon North have something to offer. My last post about Talavera Restaurant dining experiences offers an epicurean adventure to Spain and Latin America. The resorts other restaurants Proof, An American Canteen, Onyx Bar and Lounge as well as Talavera, offer culinary treats created in time for summer.

I had the pleasure of tasting all of the dishes and drinks below. All cocktails below are created by the resorts beverage director in conjunction with the chefs of each establishment. The dishes are light and offer seasonal ingredients and the drinks were refreshing and unique.

Onyx Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort at Troon North

Just of the lobby with a beautiful view to the south you can enjoy these specially created bites and cocktails. Talavera Restaurant Sous Chef Samantha Sanz and her culinary team created the these three dishes.

Salmon Belly Tartare
Chistorra and Peppers Flatbread with charred chistorra, pipperada, caramelized onion and mustard sauce, cotija cheese.
Cheesy Arepa Bite
Salmon Belly Tartare
Illegal Anejo Mezcal Old Fashioned
Negroni Spritz
Ultimate Honeydew

Proof, An American Canteen

Everything served in this roadhouse styled restaurant is from the good ol’ U.S.A. Take a road trip around the country in June, July and August with the specially created dishes and drinks.

Prepared by chefs Dell Morris, Joey Cavaretta and Conrad Butler “Proof Across America”  along with Smokehouse Fridays where entrees are cooked low n slow in their outdoor smoker.

Four seasons Resort at Troon North
Texas BBQ Platter

June- Stone Crab Cake with sea urchin and Key lime remoulade

July– Texas BBQ Plate with beef brisket, smoky beer cheese sausage and house made BBQ sauce. Watermelon Panzanella Salad with Crow’s Dairy goat feta and mint. I love BBQ!

August- Crispy cactus fries with cotija cheese and avocado ranch.

Havasu Heat (with Ixa Tequila, pineapple and charred jalapeño)

Huss Arizona Light Lager

Le Cumbre Elevated IPA

Talavera Restaurant

The Spanish steakhouse serves tapas styled small plates, desserts and cocktails unique to the Spanish culture. More from sous chef Sanz and dessert by Pastry Chef Lance Whipple.

Four Seasons Resort at Troon North
Brazilian Carrot Cake

Pan con Tomate – Noble bread, roasted garlic, heirloom tomato and Spanish olive oil

Queen Creek Olives

Summer Corn and Tomato Tapa with summer corn, heirloom tomato with tomato butter cilantro and charred lime

​Charred Tuna with grilled peach and salted marcona almonds

Summer Corn Paella with chorizo Bilbao, prawn, peas, mussels and clams, and chermoula verde

Brazilian Carrot Cake with chocolate brigadeiro icing, and summer carrot purée. This was a personal favorite, like no carrot cake you’ve had before.

Leche Frita with cajeta goat milk caramel and sherry blackberries

Rose Sangria with watermelon, tangerine and strawberry

Tarragon Gin Tonic- Did you see my Instagram video of Beverage Director Laura creating this cocktail?

The Four Seasons Resort at Troon North is at 10600 Crescent Moon Dr. 85262

Provision Coffee places at U.S. Coffee Championships

In Arizona we debate about who makes the best pizza, tacos, hot sauce and now coffee cocktails join the debate. Provision Coffee set the bar as they placed 5th in the “Coffee in Good Spirits” competition at the U.S. Coffee Championships. The Chandler coffee roaster was represented by Joel Cronenberg who was among baristas and roasters from around the country competing.

“We are so excited to be recognized in this category by such a prestigious organization,” says Dan Suh, co-founder of Provision Coffee. “The U.S. Coffee Championships brings together the best of the best in the coffee industry and we could not be more proud of Joel representing us among this talented group.”

The “Coffee in Good Spirits” competition gives baristas 10 minutes to create a cold and warm/hot coffee cocktails for judging. The Faema espresso machine must be used for one of the drinks.

The U.S. Coffee Championships were held in Kansas City in March and drew baristas and coffee roasters from around the country to compete. Categories included Barista, Brewer’s Cup, Cup Tasters and Coffee in Good Spirits.

Provision Coffee is a modern coffee roaster who is doing away with the rules of coffee-making and drinking. Suh and co-founder Lawrence Jarvey focus on making “really, really good” coffee while having fun at it. A variety of coffee beverages, Nitro Cold Brews, espresso & teas and coffee cocktails are served.

Provision Coffee is at 4501 N. 32nd St. Phoenix 85018 and with Palette Collective at 2100 S. Gilbert Rd. Chandler 85286. For more information check out their website.

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade launches Spring Seasonal Menu

With Spring approaching the need to keep hydrated becomes necessary and there’s no better way that with lemonade. Just in time is Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade releasing their new Spring Seasonal menu of lemonades, smoothies, bowls and more.

It also celebrates the Grand Opening of their new Happy Valley location. The Happy Valley location joins locations in Scottsdale, Tempe and Ahwatukee.

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Spring menu

The seasonal menu will be available from March 15th – May 31st. Here is the list of new Spring Seasonal menu.

Desert Vibes Lemonade – Served raw and cold pressed, this refreshing mango, strawberry lemonade is mixed with a hint of fresh turmeric. The ombré yellow, orange, red color reminiscent of the colorful desert sunsets.

Desert Vibes Smoothie Bowl. – Similar to the lemonade, the colorful bowl is flavored high with tropical coconut taste and a hint of sparkling kombucha.

Blue Hawaii Toast – Sea inspired toast topped with house made cashew butter spread with blue spirulina, and star cut kiwi, blueberry, organic coconut flakes and local honey.

Paleo Mint Chip Smoothie – A pastel twist on the fan-favorite drink. Nutrient dense and delicious, the mint chip smoothie uses fresh mint, kale and raw cacao, with a drizzle of cacao sauce.

Pea Flower Lemonade – Served raw and cold pressed, this lemonade’s rich purple color comes from Butterfly Pea Flower, which turns a pinkish lavender when fully mixed into the mojito lemonade. It features sprigs of mint and a hint of lime.

Adaptogen Cold Brew – Cold brew mixed with the new adaptogen* blend and coconut cream is a must-try.

Breakfast Cold Brew Smoothie – A morning kick bursting with flavor and nutrients. This smoothie is hand crafted with almond butter, adaptogens*, raw cacao, MCT oil, and paleo/grain-free/organic vegan protein. The best way to start your day!

*The local lemonade shop is introducing a new adaptogen blend on the menu that offers a hybrid of four of nature’s best adaptogen mushrooms which have a wide range of health benefits including immunity support, hormone balance, energy boost and many disease fighting benefits.

To find the closest Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade to you check out their website.

 

 

An Eggnog recipe for Hickman’s Family Farms Holly Jolly Eggnog

I’ve never been a fan of eggnog but from the looks of the ingredients in the recipe below I may have to start sipping on a glass or two. Eggnog dates back to when the country was first settled as the settlers were combining wine, spirits, eggs and sugar. Most are made from family recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Since eggs are a main ingredient in eggnog, Hickman’s Family Farms have provided their Grandma Gertie’s recipe. I’m probably not going to make it but if you do I’ll give it a try, preferably with the Maker’s Mark added.

Hickman’s Holly Jolly Eggnog

  • 5 Hickman’s Super Jumbo egg yolks
  • 5 Hickman’s Super Jumbo egg whites
  • 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ cups Shamrock 2% milk
  • 1 pint Shamrock heavy cream
  • 3 Tablespoons favorite brandy eggs-tract (optional-Maker’s Mark Whiskey)
  • 2 teaspoons nutmeg
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add one cup of sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved.
  2. Add the milk, cream, egg-stract or whiskey and nutmeg and stir to combine. Set aside.
  3. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a clean stand mixer and beat to soft peaks.
  4. With the mixer still running gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  5. Whisk the egg whites into the egg yolk and milk mixture.
  6. Chill and serve.

For cooked eggnog, follow this procedure:

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add one cup of sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, over high heat, combine the milk, heavy cream and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and gradually temper the hot mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture.
  3. Return the incorporated mixture to the pot and cook until it reaches 160º.
  4. Remove from the heat, stir in the egg-stract or whiskey.
  5. Pour into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
  6. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a clean stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form
  7. Once egg yolk and milk mixture is cool, slowly fold into stiff egg whites.
  8. Stir to combine
  9. Serve chilled

For more recipes from Hickman’s Family Farms go to https://hickmanseggs.com/