Category: bourbon

Liquor store looks to revolutionize the customer experience

Trevor’s Liquor, popular south Scottsdale liquor store and beer & wine bar opened its second location recently and its owner are looking to give customers a more engaging and unique experience. The opening of the new Mayo Blvd. store come less than 3 years after the opening of their McDowell Rd. store.

“We are eager to build a community around our store, whether people come to Trevor’s to shop their favorite products or just to have fun,” said Jeff McDonald, owner and partner of Trevor’s Liquor. “Our team is proud to shake up the liquor store industry in Arizona to become more immersive and add elements of fun.” The Mayo Blvd. store comes after a very successful three years in which sales increased by over 28% in 2022 over 2021 sales despite opening during the pandemic.

The new 15,000 square foot store has not only a large selection of beer, wine & spirits but a tasting booth, a full bar offering beer, wine & cocktails, games, a luxury champagne room and two golf simulators. Cigar enthusiasts will find a walk-in humidor and a trendy cigar lounge along with a collection of rare and hard to find spirits.

Unlike their first location, the new location has an artisanal pizza kitchen where Executive Chef Parker Rosbrook will dish -up made from scratch pizzas and salads. Award winning mixologist and beverage director Jordan Chandler crafted their signature cocktail list using high quality ingredients and spirits. Both locations have a full calendar of events and online shopping is available on 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.

Breweries host The Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and Bands Festival

Local breweries SanTan Brewing and Pedal Haus are teaming up to host a new festival on Friday and Saturday, March 3rd and 4th. The Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and Bands Festival takes place in downtown Chandler at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

Expect world class barbeque from Honey Bear’s, Joe’s Real BBQ, Pork on a Fork and West Alley BBQ along with others. Taste beer and food from both breweries along with bourbon and and enjoy uninterrupted live performance from seven bands over both days. Bands performing are Kevin Lloyd of Banana Gun, Hit Rewind, Georgia Chrome, Mr. Skynyrd, The Foo, The Zeppelin IV and Justin Hinson.

“This is an incredible lineup of bands, impressive chefs, award-winning beers and bourbon – what else could you want?” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “Along with our friends at SanTan, we know how to throw a good party so grab your friends because this is going to be a fun time.”

Friday the festival goes from 4 – 11p.m. and Saturday from noon -11 p.m. Early bird tickets are on sale for Friday are $15 and $18 for Saturday. Two day tickets are $30 and day of tickets are $20 and $25. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.

“We’re excited to launch this festival with Pedal Haus and bring a new opportunity to our friends in the community,” said Jamie Hoffman, Managing Partner with SanTan Brewing Company. “We aim to exceed our guests’ expectations and we think this event will do just that.”

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

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails debuts new dishes & cocktails

I made my first visit to Downtown Phoenix’s Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails recently as it launched its new food & cocktails menus in late August. The signature restaurant inside the Hotel Palomar welcomed new Executive Chef Brian Peterson who created the new dishes with his culinary team. Peterson’s “New American Cuisine” offers Starters & Shareable & entrees that include a curated beef program.

“The menu is very approachable and made with the freshest, all-natural, quality ingredients that are seasonally sourced from the area’s best local farmers,” said Chef Peterson. “The vibrancy and energy of our downtown Phoenix location is exhilarating and we are thrilled that our neighborhood restaurant is in the center of it all.”

My dinner at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

I started with a “Sicilian Summer Spritzer” from the Seasonal Cocktails menu to go with our Starters. The Maker’s Mark, Averna, Cardomano, Lemon & Soda libation reminded me of a Long Island Iced Tea from years past and I could had a second or third of this refreshing cocktail. One of the first to offer “craft cocktails” other signature cocktails include the Blue Hound Signature Old Fashioned, Buffalo Tears, Red & Smokey and more with an emphasis on bourbon & whiskey. Craft beer on draft & in bottle and wines are also available. My photos can be found on my Instagram, @SandyWass.

My dinner guest and I started with the Mushroom Pate with carrot jam, pickled onions & charred toast points. All was good with the carrot jam having the most flavor. We also shared the Beef Cheek Poutine with cheese curds, giardinerra & bone marrow gravy. The look to be house cut fries could’ve been a bit crisper but still  it’s a nice twist on a favorite from north of the border. Other dished that sounded good but not ordered on this visit were the Rolled & Fried Chicken Thighs and the Charred Octopus.

My guest ordered the Iberico Secreto (Iberico, the Wagyu of Spain ham, fatty shoulder meat) with bbq fennel, Pt. Reyes grits & cherry mustrda for his entree and he was happy. I went with Chef’s Cut of The Day which was a 16 oz. Rib Eye with Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese chips, spinach & mushrooms. A nice outside darkness and rare-medium rare middle was a filling piece of beef. Then BHKC burger sounded good as did the duck breast. We finished our meal with a dessert special of Homemade Pound Cake with espresso gelato and caramel sauce. The cake was thick and dense, not you mom’s pound cake.

Feeling adventurous then “Trust the Team” with a five course dinner on the whim of the culinary team. A wine and cocktail pairing can be had with this dinner option.

For more information and to see the menu visit the Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails website.

 

 

Second Story Restaurant & Liquor Bar hires exec chef Matthew Kassman

Glendale native Matthew Glassman has been named to run the kitchen at downtown Scottsdale’s Second Story Restaurant & Liquor Bar. Glassman returns to the valley after graduating the Culinary Institute of America followed by stints at some of the best restaurants in Napa Valley and New York City.

“The culinary world is a small one and over the years I’ve heard so many great things about The Second Story Restaurant and Liquor Bar and especially the food. It’s a quaint place and the kind of place where I will really be able to develop something special,” said Kassman.

Second Story Restaurant and Liquor Bar

Kassman honed his old world cooking techniques with world class chef Thomas Keller at his Michelin starred restaurants Bouchon, Per Se and The French Laundry. He was working at the latter in 2020 when Covid hit and he came home to Arizona. At Second Story, Glassman plans to use regional ingredients and a modern touch to such dishes as Caesar salad, steak cooked over Binchotan charcoal with house cut steak fries and more. He’s a fan of bourbon and whiskey and looks forward to pairing them with his awe inspiring dishes and for special dinners.

Seccond Story is at 4166 N. Scottsdale Rd. above The Gelato Spot and is open Tues. Sun. at 4 p.m. – close. For more information and to see the full menu check out 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.

Fresh Taste Meal Prep partners with Waste Not

The Arizona non-profit for over 30 years has been helping restaurants with creating sustainable food programs and prevent food waste. Its primary mission is to help restaurants get perishable food to those who need it before it goes to waste. Waste Not helps those in need, restaurants and the planet.

The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen host Bourbon dinner

Seats are available for the north Scottsdale restaurant’s 4-course dinner on Sunday August 15th. Seats are $100++ with event starting at 5:30 p.m. Guest will be able to purchase bottle of Small Batch Bourbon at 25% off for the evening. Tickets can be purchased at their website.

Riot Hospitality Group hires Culinary Director Dustin Cooke

The owners of El Hefe, Farm & Craft, Hand Cut Chophouse, & Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row hired Cooke to oversee the groups culinary management and menu creation. With over 20 years experience in San Diego and Phoenix, Cooke will oversee 11 venues in Arizona, Tennessee and Illinois. His “out of the box” creations have won taco festivals so we’ll see what he has planned.

Macayo’s Mexican Food offering Chimi Fiesta celebration

From August 8th til September 21st the restaurants signature dish, the Chimichanga is being featured in various flavors. Dating back to 1946 the classic Chimi will be served in a Mini Chimi Trio, Chicken Poblano Chimi, Chipolte Pork Chimi, Verde Shrimp Chimi and a Mini Chocolate Chimi for dessert. For hours and to find a Macayo’s near you visit their website.

Make a weekday reservation, get a free dessert at Hand Cut Chophouse

Go to OpenTable or call the restaurant to make a reservation for a Sunday – Thursday dine-in experience and get a free Local Cheesecake, Butter Cake or Apple Berry Crumble. The promotion goes until Labor Day, September 6th and reservations can be made here or call 480-494-2008 and mention offer to get dessert.

Don’t forget to 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 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.

It’s OK to drink pink on National Rosé Day

You don’t need a reason to drink rosé but if you do tomorrow June 12th is the day. These restaurants are celebrating the light & refreshing wine. 1/2 price bottles all day at Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Humble Bistro, 25% off bottles at The Montauk and 10% off bottles & 50% off glasses all day at LDV Winery.

International Falafel Day at Pita Jungle

Rosé goes great with falafel and Saturday the 12th celebrates the Mediterranean dish and the locally owned fast casual restaurants offers 3 dishes, Falafel Pita, Falafel Bowl and a Falafel Salad.

Saturday June 12th is also World Gin Day

The aromatic & botanical white spirit know for Gin & Tonics, Martinis and more is being hailed around Phoenix area restaurants and bar. Head to Zinqué, Blue Clover Distillery, Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos and The Wine Store to raise your glass. Cheers!!

The above establishments will also be celebrating National Bourbon Day a couple days later on Monday June 14th. Phoenix City Grille celebrates with a $12 Bourbon Luxardo Smash.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria its seasonal summertime menu

All locations recently rolled out the new menu that is available until September 7th for dine-in, take-out or 3rd party delivery. Enjoy the Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Cheesecake and cocktails that include a Watermelon Mule and Summertime Sangria.

Match Market & Bar celebrates National Pride Month all month

The signature restaurant, market & bar inside the Found:RE Hotel in downtown Phoenix is cooking up and serving a colorful rainbow cake for June. Slices of the multi layered white cake are $15 with portion of sales going to the local Pride Chapter, Phoenix Pride.

Don’t forget to check my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

 

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.

The running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday

The 1st Saturday of May is the famed Kentucky Derby from Louisville. Here in Phoenix you can celebrate around town at the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub at Turf Paradise along with other restaurants and bars offering cocktails and food for the festive day. Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, CRUjiente Tacos and Blue Clover Distillery have specials for the day.

May the 4th be with you at SanTan Spirit House

Star Wars fans are invited to dress up like their favorite character from the George Lucas film and head to downtown Chandler to celebrate on Tuesday. Specially created Stars Wars themed cocktails will be available along with Millennium Falcon and Death Star raffles.

Cinco de Mayo happens Wednesday around Phoenix

The popular May 5th celebration has quite a few restaurants around the valley celebrating with food, drinks, live music and more. Head to places such as Z’ Tejas, Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Hopdoddy Burger Bar,  A Su Salud, Ghost Ranch, The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen, The Spotted Donkey Cantina, Ghett’ Yo’ Tacos,

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants celebrate teachers and nurses

All 7 of the Phoenix area locations celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 3rd -7th with teachers getting 20% off their order. May 6th – 12th nurses can get 25% their orders during Nurses Appreciation Week.

Thai Chili 2 Go emphasize new vegan & vegetarian dishes on menu

Meat and dairy-less Pineapple Fried Rice and Vegetarian Spring rolls are now available for take-out and delivery at all 10 valley locations.

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.

Kids eat free at Cold Beers & Pizza and new weekday lunch special

The downtown Scottsdale pizza joint let kids eat free all-day every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entree. Every Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. you can get a Neapolitan style individual pizza (cheese, pepperoni or Margarita) & a soft drink or a domestic pint of beer for $10.

The Boulders Resort & Spa host final wine dinner of the season

Rodney Strong Vineyards wines will be poured Thursday April 29th and paired with a 5-course gourmet dinner. Dinner in the Palo Verde Restaurant begins at 6 p.m. and the resort hopes to resume the dinners in the Fall. For more information about the dinner call (480)595-4668 or visit their website.

Macayo’s Restaurant celebrates its 75 anniversary with specials

Circle the 26th of each month as the local Mexican restaurants offers food & drink specials leading up to it 75 anniversary on September 26th. Monday April 26th cool off with Deep Fried Ice Cream for $.75. Wednesday May 26th get margaritas for $.75, limit 2 at discounted price. Saturday June 26th get $.75 guacamole when you dine-in or take-out.

Four Roses’ Small Batch Select bourbon now available in Arizona

The award-winning 104 proof spirit is available in select retailers including AJ”s Fine Food, Bevmo & Total Wine. Aged for at least 6 years, master distiller Brent Elliott hand selected & mingled 6 of the distilleries 10 recipes to create the special bottling.

Kettle Heroes Mexican inspired gourmet popcorn available

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with the new Elote Mexican Street Corn Mix starting Sunday April 25th. Only available on-line jumbo bags are just $9.99 until May 6th.

Mint Juleps & fancy hats return for the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub

Saturday May 1st brings the return of The Kentucky Derby and in Phoenix that means the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub at Turf Paradise. After 2020 cancelled the Spring event and moved to an audience-less September running of the ponies guests are welcome back to sip on Mint Juleps, dress up and bet on your favorite horses. The 2021 Derby DayClub will have 3 separate viewing areas all with limited capacity and following CDC protocols.

Reserving a seat and tickets

Reserve a table in the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label Lounge air-cooled tent close to the finish line. Betting terminals, a no-host bar serving Mint Juleps, champagne & cocktails and 65″ TVs are all close to food trucks and refreshments. Tables start at $250 for 2 and up to tables of 8 for $1000. Some packages offer complimentary champagne and food.

The Ketel One Botanical Garden offers an open air tent closer to the finish line further back off the track. Tables include a bucket of Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz Seltzers and access to betting terminals and more. Tables of 4 start at $275 and up to $400 for front row seating.

The new VIP Winner’s Circle covered tent and offers the best view of the finish line. Guest in the Winner’s Circle have access to the other tents and comes with a complimentary Mint Julep, French Fry Bar, large screen TVs, access to betting terminals & food trucks and a no-host bar. Tables of 4 start at $750 and up to 8 for $1,600. All tables include a complimentary bottle of Veuve Cliquot or Chandon Champagne.

General Admission to the DayClub are $30 until April 15th, $35 after the 15th and $40 at the door. General Admission does not include a reserved seat. All ticket can be purchased and more information found at their website. Gates open at 10:45 a.m., Turf Paradise live racing at 11:30 a.m. and the Derby broadcasted live at 4:05 p.m.

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