Category: Carefree

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 Shellabration at Chula Seafood on Saturday

The local fish monger & restaurant is shellabrating the 8th anniversary of “Rosie”, the original location opened in 2016 at Roosevelt & Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. $2 buck shucks (oysters) and happy drink prices all day at all 3 locations. Visitors to Rosie will have other food specials all day long.

Restaurants getting an early start on Halloween

With ghosts & goblins heading out next Thursday night several local restaurants are getting a head start on the spooky & scary.

Hash Kitchen- “Brunch After Dark” happens at the Chandler location on Saturday, October 26th from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy brunch dishes, eerie cocktails and the B.Y.O Bloody Mary bar along with DJ Iceman spinning the tunes, karaoke, best dressed costume contest, giveaways and prizes every hour. There is a $15 addmission which will be deducted from your final bill at the end of the night. Tickets can be purchased at this EventBrite link.

Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey- The Melrose neighborhood restaurant has a special menu from Friday, October 25th-31st. Included on the spooky menu is….

Signature Dish ($21): Harvest Pork Belly – Featuring tender pork belly paired with a velvety kabocha puree, refreshing Asian pear, zesty mignonette, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Specialty Cocktails ($14): Heatwave – Ignite your senses with a bold blend of Blanco tequila and green chile vodka, spiced up with Hellfire Bitters and a hint of pomegranate. Witch’s Brew – This spellbinding concoction is made of lemongrass ginger shochu and Midori, combined with refreshing aloe and cucumber. Finished with a splash of yuzu and lemon.

Catalyst Crafted Ales- Saturday, October 26th is for the dogs at the Tempe brewery. From 1 – 3 p.m. there will be Howl O’Ween pet costume contest with prizes, beer specials for pet parents and new brunch dishes from S.A.LT. A $10 donation for every entry will be donated to Tempe’s Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

Wine Girl- The popular Scottsdale wine bar gets into the holiday spirit with themed cocktails.

Monster Mash Shot – Unleash your inner monster with this vibrant shot of strawberry winearita and agave tequila, rimmed with black sugar and topped with shimmering green glitter.

Bloody Mimosa – A chilling twist on a classic! This Bloody Mimosa features house prosecco filled with a fake syringe of grenadine, creating a gory yet glamorous drink perfect for spooky celebrations.

Harvest Fizz – This refreshing mix of bubbly prosecco and crisp apple cider is served in a coupe glass and topped with a sparkling gold glitter ice cube.

Hendry Wine Dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Wednesday, November 6th brings the wines from the Napa Valley producer to Carefree for a four-course dinner. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and seats are $125++ per person and seats are limited and can be required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784.

1st Course: Pan-Seared Scallop with brown butter and smoked cauliflower puree paired with 2022 Hendry Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, Napa Valley

2nd Course: Seared Pork Tenderloin with cheesy grits, green beans and black cherry apple sauce paired with 2020 Hendry Pinot Noir, Napa Valley

3rd Course: Roasted Lamb Chop with creamy risotto, asparagus spears and cherry reduction paired with 2019 Hendry Block 28 Zinfandel, Napa Valley

4th Course: Prime NY Strip Steak with au gratin potatoes, Brussels sprouts and red wine demi-glace paired with 2022 Hendry HRW Cabernet, Napa Valley

Desert Course: Maria’s Chocolate Tort

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival this weekend

Kierland Commons welcome wineries from southern Arizona’s Willcox wine Country and more than 150 artists this Saturday & Sunday, October 26th & 27th. The two-day festival starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. and is free to enter. Those 21 and older can purchase wine tasting tickets for $30-$45 in advance and $35-$40 at the door. Proceeds from wine sales go to Horses Help.

Wine & Candy tasting at GenuWine Arizona

With kids trick or treating, adults can head to the downtown Phoenix wine bar to taste 4 wines with 4 candies from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night. Tickets are $20 and you get 20% off wine purchased from the tasting that night.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

September is National Potato Month at Eat Up Drive In

Whether you like your potatoes baked, fried or boiled, it’s hard to resist the spuds and the Arcadia fast casual restaurant knows that. All month long your 6th baked potato free after you’ve purchased 5 of them. Choose from these six options Braised BBQ short rib, Plain, Loaded, Turkey Chili, Vegan Chili and Broccoli & Cheddar.

Mexican Independence Day at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina & restaurants celebrates next Monday, September 16th starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hours specials from 3-6, live music and tequila tastings starting at 4. Free SWAG will also be given out.

Mollydooker Winery dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pours the Australian wines with a 5-course dinner created by Chef Anthony Apolinar next Wednesday, September 18th at 6 p.m. Monica Teligades from Mollydooker will pour the wines & discuss them and how the winery came to be. Menus and pairings are as follows….

1st Course: Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with 2022 Summer of ’69 Verdelho
2nd Course: Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with 2021 Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd Course: Grilled Lamb Chop with mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with 2022 The Boxer Shiraz
4th Course: Grilled NY Strip with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and asparagus paired with 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
5th Course: Maria’s German Chocolate Cheesecake paired with 2021 Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz
Seats are $145++ per person and seats a limited and the required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784

$10 bacon cheeseburgers at Native Grill & Wings

Next Wednesday, September 18th the 6 locations around Phoenix celebrate National Cheeseburger Day all day and guests can get a hearty & juicy cheeseburger for only $10.

Cheers to the 14th Annual Grenache Day

Call it Grenache, Garnacha or Cannonau or whatever you want as long as your glass is full next Friday, September 20th. wine drinkers around the world will celebrate #GrenacheDay enjoying a glass with food or by itself.

Catalyst Crafted Ales names restaurant CEO as Dir. of Operations

Tempe based brewery, Catalyst Crafted Ales has named a new Front of the House Director of Operations and he’s a familiar face to the local restaurant scene. Matt Keeler (pictured in black t-shirt and shorts), CEO and Co-Owner of Keeler Hospitality Group (KHG) operators of Scottsdale’s Liberty Station American Tavern & Smokehouse (DC Ranch and Terravita), Poppy’s Office (Terravita) and Carefree’s Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, accepted the position to help grow the brand and to jump start a lifelong dream of owning a brewery with his family.

“It is our mission at KHG to exceed our guests’ expectations in an ever-changing and evolving environment,” said Keeler. “With that in mind, we are thrilled to introduce our guests to Catalyst Crafted Ales and more importantly to help instill the brewer’s passion behind the beer to all of our bartenders and sales team to create more exposure for the brand.”

Who’s else is new at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The brewery founded in 2023 needed someone with experience of opening, operating and establishing restaurants and Keeler was the right fit. As Front of the House Director of Operations, Keeler quickly went to work hiring Will Walthereson as head brewer; Alex Baldwin, assistant brewer; Eric Flottmann, vice president of operations; Grant Williamson, director of marketing; and Nick Sofranac, director of sales. He also brought in former KHG employee John Weber as general manager. Keeler knew Weber professionally and knew he was the perfect fit for the position. All were hired based on their experience and their similar vision for the Catalyst Crafted Ales brand.
In less than a CCA has already made a name for itself in Arizona with their locally made beers. Phoenix Magazine’s recent Reder’s Choice Awards named the brewer’s Exchange Variation as the “Best West Coast IPA,” its Good Company as the “Best Hazy Pale Ale” and its Envy as the “Best Wood Barrel-Aged Brew.”
Their Mobility Scooter American Barleywine received a Gold in the Specialty category and its Envy Imperial Milk Stout received a Bronze in the Oak Aged category from the Arizona Craft Beer Awards.
“The beer is phenomenal and the space and facility are top-notch. Most of all, the passion behind everything they do at Catalyst is what really attracted me to this opportunity,” he adds. “The beers are some of the best I have had in a very long time, plus the impressive number of brews they have developed in just the past six months and the accolades they have already received made the decision very easy for us.”
The beers are available at all KHG’s Arizona restaurants as distribution around Arizona continues. The brewery is at 1845 E. Broadway in Tempe and other taprooms are in the works. 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.

Arizona Restaurant Week is here

The popular 10 day event kicked off last night and runs through Sunday, May 28th. Over 100 Arizona restaurants are offering a special 3-course menu for $33, $44 or $55 per person. Sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association, representatives recommended that you make reservations so you don’t miss out. A full list of participating restaurants and their menus are at their website.

Miner Family Wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pairs 4 courses and dessert from Chef Anthony Apolinar with wines from the Napa Valley winery on Wednesday, May 24th. Starting at 6 p.m. guests will dine on scallops, sea bass, chicken & filet at the dinner with limited seating. A representative from the winery will be on hand to speak about the winery, wine and explain the pairings. Seats are $120++and seats can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 602-374-4784.

National Wine Day at LDV Winery

The “fruit of the vine” is celebrated next Thursday, May 25th and the Scottsdale tasting room is celebrating. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy a glass of Arizona grown & made Viognier, Rosé or Grenache for only $5.

Memorial Day at Phoenix area restaurants

Monday, May 29th we celebrate the brave men & women of our armed services.

Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork again offers their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get a second free starting at 4 p.m.

All 4 Chompie’s locations give active & retired members of the military 20% off their entree or retail purchases with military ID.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe, Phoenix and Chandler salute active and retired members of the military with ID with 15% off food, drink & merchandise. They’re also serving up a special Brat & Tots deal. The beer soaked brat is topped with whiskey BBQ sauce, bacon, chopped onions and shredded cheddar in a sweet toll bun. A select Pedal Haus beer comes with it to wash it down all for $14.

Summer hours start at Santé

The north Scottsdale restaurant is now closed for lunch, opening at 4 p.m. Tuesday -Friday. Saturday’s they’re open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for brunch and 4 -10 p.m. for dinner. On Sunday’s they’re open for the same hours for brunch then closed for dinner. They are closed all day on Monday’s.

Larger catering orders and private parties for lunch will be fulfilled and you can email them at bobbym@lovesante.com for information.

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.

Rusty’s Beer Fest is back at Mountain Shadows Resort

Still looking for something to do this weekend, the annual beer festival returns to the golf grill at the Paradise Valley resort. This Sunday, April 23rd enjoy up to 20 tastes of cold beer including local beers, a beer paired food buffet and raffles. The Fest goes from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and tickets are $49 at https://www.mountainshadows.com/.

A Taste of Sicily next Friday at Dolce Vita restaurant

Sicilian born owner Fabrizo highlights his home island’s cuisine next Friday, April 28th with a special dinner at his Mesa market and restaurant. The three course dinner goes from 4 – 8 p.m. and includes Insalata Vastasa then Spaghetti with Swordfish and Eggplants OR Pasta Incasciata. For the main course choose from Involtini Messinesi OR Eggplant Swordfish Meatballs. For dessert stroll the cases filled with homemade gelato. Dinner is $60++ and includes wine, without wine the cost is $50. To make reservations, call 480-218-0225.

Kentucky Derby brunch at The Boulders Resort

The “Run for the Roses” is quickly approaching Saturday May 6th and the Carefree resort has a themed brunch planned. On the patio at The Grill Kitchen & Bar from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. guests will enjoy a mouth-watering special menu, cocktails and live entertainment with a golf course and desert views. Seats are $110 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-488-9020 or visiting http://www.theboulders.com.

Win beer for a year from Macayo’s

Get Cinco de Mayo started early by entering online “Macayo’s Beer for a Year Sweepstakes” until Friday, May 5th. Enter to win a Dos XX and Macayo’s branded cooler and 12 24-packs of Dos XX beer. The winner will be picked and notified on or around May 6th.

A home run of a deal from the Streets of New York

During the entire baseball season, anytime the Diamondbacks play guests can receive $5 off their order of $25 or more when they use promo code DBACKSPEC. The deal is available at its 16 locations throughout Arizona.

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.

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.

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.

Vietnamese style coffee available at Pair Cup Works

Good news for coffee lovers, Pair Coffee & Tea inside Cider Corps is offering Vietnamese style coffee through April. The dark and concentrated coffee is typically served hot, Pair’s version can be served iced and vegan. The drink is based on a Vietnamese coffee but uses Pair’s own espresso, condensed coconut milk and oat milk instead of the traditional blend of robusta and chickory. $5.50 gets you a cup that can be made with dairy or vegan milks.

Sphinx Date Co. partners with Rhiba Farms for produce

Old Town Scottsdale’s Sphinx Date Co. is your pick-up spot for fresh non-GMO and pesticide free produce from the San Tan Valley farm. Customers can order a box of produce by the close of business every Monday for pick-up Wednesday – Saturday, no weekly commitment or subscription necessary. Each box feeds about 4 people and is $36 each. To order head to the farm’s website and more info can be found at Sphinx’s website.

DT Mesa Farmer’s Market moves to a new location.

The popular Saturday morning market has moved to the Mesa Arts Center at 1 E. Main St. It goes from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and a list of vendors can be found here.

Jax Vineyards featured at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant will be hosting a five -course wine dinner on Wednesday March 24th. Chef Anthony Apolinar will pair his specially created dishes with wine from Napa & Sonoma Valley. Jax Vineyards CEO and President Dan Parrott will be on hand to speak about the wines, winery and more. Seating is limited and is $95++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784.

Good news as Crumbl Cookies opens newest location in Mesa today

Gourmet cookies are now available starting today at 1911 E. Brown in the Mesa Groves neighborhood. Today only get each customer get 1 free cookie at the new location.

 

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.

Pita Jungle opening Chandler Heights location on February 8th.

The newest location serving Mediterranean cuisine is opening on Monday. Located at the Steelyard at Gilbert Rd. & Chandler Heights the restaurant will have a large dining room, full bar and outdoor patio. The first 50 tables at lunch and dinner will receive a small order of hummus for free. One per table, dine-in only.

It’s Brisket Lovers Month at Miracle Mile Deli

All 3 signature brisket sandwiches (The Original Brisket of Beef, The Big Dipper & The Times Square Cheesesteak) are $12 in February. Available for dine-in, take-out or curbside pick-up Mon.-Sat.

The Boulders Resort & Spa hosting The Prisoner wine dinner

The award-winning Carefree resort hosts a 4- course gourmet dinner on Saturday February 13th at 6 p.m. in The Palo Verde Restaurant. All courses will be paired with The Prisoner wines and is $175 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4668.

Twin Peaks opens at Tempe Marketplace on Monday

The 4th location in the Phoenix area opens on in Tempe in a few days. The new build is on the eastern end of the shopping center and offers 29 degree cold beers including local favorites and scratch made comfort food in a lodge setting.

Vote for the best pizza at Pedal Haus Brewery?

You have until National Pizza Day on February 9th to vote for the best pizza created by founders Julian Wright & Derek “Doc” Osborne. Julian’s pizza features slow roasted pulled pork, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, peppadew peppers and fresh herbs. Doc’s is a Diavola Soprassata pizza with Boars Head pepperoni, Calabrian chilis, jalapenos and honey drizzle. The creator of the winning pizza will donate $500 and 50% of sales on the 9th to Valley Dogs if Julian wins or AZK9 rescue if Doc wins.

 

Around the valley restaurants serve Christmas & New Year’s Eve meals

Restaurants around the valley are getting ready to give 2020 one last “f**k you” as they prepare the last meals of the year. Christmas (Xmas) and New Year’s Eve (NYE) menus are planned and restaurants are taking reservations and orders for dining in or taking out for your holiday dining. These restaurants are doing the cooking for you but you need to get your reservations or orders in soon before it’s too late.

The Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- NYE – Dine-in 12/31

The Boulders Resort & Spa- Grill Kitchen- Carefree (Xmas & NYE)– Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31. Take-out on 12/25

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix (Xmas)- Take-out order by 12/22 for pick-up on 12/24.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen– Scottsdale (NYE)- Dine-in 12/31

Vicino’s Local Italian– Scottsdale-(NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- (NYE)- Take-out order by 12/29, for pick-up 12/31.

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix – (Xmas Eve & NYE) Take-out, pick up on 12/24 & 12/31.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe– Gilbert- (NYE)- 12/31 Dine-in.

PHX Beer Co.- Scottsdale- (NYE)- Dine-in or take-out on 12/31 and 1/1/21.

The Thumb– North Scottsdale (Xmas Eve)- For pick-up on 12/24

T. Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa – Phoenix (Xmas & NYE) -Dine-in 12/25 and 12/31.

Marcellino Ristorante– Scottsdale– (Xmas & NYE) Order by 12/22 pick-up 12/23. Dine- in 12/31

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix (Xmas)- Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/19 pick up 12/24.

SanTan Brewing Co.– Chandler & Phoenix (NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in & take-out.

Hotel Valley Ho– Old Town Scottsdale (Xmas)– Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/21.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale & DC Ranch – (XMas Eve & NYE) – Take-out 24 hour notice. Dine- in 12/24 & 12/31.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley(Xmas) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Phoenix/Paradise Valley (Xmas Eve) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/24 and 12/31.

The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen– North Scottsdale (NYE)– Dine-in 12/31

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/17 pick-up or delivery on 12/23.

Cowboy Club– Sedona (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/31

Phoenix City Grille– Central Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/18 pick -up 12/24

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale (Xmas Eve) – Dine-in on 12/24

Liberty Station Tavern- Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)– (Xmas) – Order by 12/20 for pick-up 12/24.

 

 

Take-out or dine-in on Thanksgiving Day from local restaurants

Everybody’s favorite food holiday is just over 2 weeks away (Thursday November 26th). With Thanksgiving 2020 giving us new challenges cooking shouldn’t be one of them. This list offers restaurants(and a local retailer or 2) in the Phoenix area who are preparing traditional and non-traditional meals for dining in or preparing take-out to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Click on each restaurants website to see the menu, pricing and ordering instructions and deadlines.

Dine-in

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree

The Boulder Resort & Spa– Carefree

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilhttps://paulmartinsamericangrill.com/promotions/thanksgiving/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Thanksgiving2020bert

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine– Scottsdale

Take-out

Chompie’s– Multiple locations

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Cowboy Club– Sedona

Fuel to Fit– Tempe

Wildflower– Multiple locations

Sprouts Farmers Market– Multiple locations

SanTan Brewing Company– Chandler

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix

Z’Tejas– Chandler & Paradise Valley

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix

Tracy Dempsey Originals– Tempe

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilbert

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix