Category: Central Phoenix

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

The Zuzu Burger Battle kicks off this week

The signature restaurant at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho started the 8 week competition where members of the restaurant’s culinary team will create a unique burger. Each week’s burger will be featured on the brunch menu daily from 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and each burger is $19 and comes with fries or fruit. The winning burger will be selected on National Hamburger Day, May 28th with the winning team member winning $500 and the burger will be featured on the menu all summer long.

“Dollars for a Dozen” fundraiser returns to Over Easy

For the month of April the breakfast & lunch restaurant will match every dollar donated by guests to the United Food Bank. In addition every dollar raised will help a dozen eggs be delivered to the food bank by Shamrock Farms. Last year over $18,000 was raised and over 9,000 eggs were delivered. Guests can donate at any of 11 locations in Arizona.

Phoenix City Grille to host 5 course whiskey pairing dinner

The uptown Phoenix restaurant welcomes host Lewis Clyde (L.C.) May II of Clyde May Whiskey’s on Wednesday April 12th for the dinner with specially prepared menu. L.C. is Clyde May’s grandson and brand ambassador will be signing exclusive PCG single barrel bottles available for purchase at the event. The menu will feature cured pork belly, pork cheeks and more paired with the distilleries whiskey and rye. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and seats are limited and can be reserved for $150++ per person by calling 602-510-7174 or emailing brittnee.reed@outlook.com

Portillo’s announces 7th Arizona location

The Chicago- styled restaurant will open its next location in Queen Creek by the end of 2023. The location at Ellsworth and Elm will have indoor and outdoor seating for over 200 people and will feature their signature 2 lane drive thru for those on the go. When opened customer favorites like the Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches will be available. Managers and shift leaders will be hired in the near future and applicants can apply online.

Arizona restaurants left off list of finalists for James Beard Awards

Despite over 10 semifinalists earlier this year no Arizona restaurants or chefs made the cut of final nominees. The list was announced by the James Beard Foundation on Wednesday will the winners selected on Monday, June 7th. To see the full list of finalist head to 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.

Arizona Wine Month is here and the Grand Festival is weeks away

Last year Governor Ducey proclaimed March Arizona Wine Month and March 25th the Arizona Wine Growers Association hosts an outdoor festival celebrating the local wine industry. The 2nd Annual Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival and Governor’s Cup Celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. at Steele Indian School Park that is sponsored by ArizonaWines.com and Dawning Public Relations. Wineries from the state’s three wine regions Verde Valley AVA, Willcox AVA and Sonoita/Elgin AVA will be in attendance.

“With March officially being Arizona Wine Month, and the Governor’s Cup wine competition being held that month as well, we had to take this opportunity to celebrate this thriving industry, the state’s award-winning wines and the winemakers who make it all possible,” said Kris Pothier, president of the AWGA and owner of Chateau Tumbleweed.

In addition to award-winning wines food trucks and local artists will be on hand. There will be live music to entertain festival goers as well. General admission tickets are $35 online and $45 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative glass and 8 tasting tickets. VIP tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door with entry at 10 a.m. and extra tasting tickets. Tickets are non-refundable. Because of limited parking, ride sharing and arriving by light rail is encouraged. This is a 21+ event and only service dogs will be allowed and the festival is happening rain or shine.

To see a full list of participating wineries and to purchase tickets visit the AWGA website or Eventbrite.

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.

Get a Lox Box for National Bagel & Lox Day at Chompie’s

Thursday, February 9th all 4 locations of the Jewish deli will be offering the favorite breakfast to-go for $24.99. The Lox Box includes 6 bagels (2 plain, 2 sesame & 2 everything) 8oz. of cream cheese and 8oz. of smoked salmon. The special is available all day.

Source Restaurant grand opening in Gilbert

Tomorrow Saturday, February 24th the new fast fine dining concept celebrates it grand opening from open to close. The new Mediterranean inspired restaurant, bakery and market at Gilbert’s new Epicenter mix used development will welcome guests with 20% off everything and a DJ.  The best part is you can enter to win a year’s worth of artisan bread.

The new Papago Brewing Company opens today

Friday February 3rd marks the re-incarnation of the popular taproom and restaurant at its new location at Mesa Riverview. Leah and Jeff Huss of Huss Brewing Co. brought the popular Scottsdale taproom back to life after the original location closed for re-development. Read the full story at my feature post from November.

Valentine’s Day inspired drinks at Stemistry in February

The Gen Z version of a flower & coffee shop from 16 year old Dylan Capshaw opened last year combining his two passions, flowers and coffee. The Scottsdale location is at 90th St. & Via Linda with a new downtown Phoenix location opening soon. Three lovely coffee drink specials are available all month long.

  • Red Velvet Mocha- Rose and dark chocolate latte
  • Love Bug Latte- Fresh rose petals, rose cold foam
  • Cupid’s Cappuccino- Dark chocolate coconut cappuccino

Ask Dylan about his Valentine’s Day flower specials.

Morning Squeeze opens The Catering Kitchen

To meet the demand of office and group catering functions the breakfast and lunch spot has opened a separate kitchen. The Catering Kitchen offers a similar menu at the 3 locations and caters to groups of 10 or more. Breakfast items include breakfast burritos, bagel & lox, sandwiches and lots of coffee. They serve over 100 gallons of coffee per month through their catering operation. More information and to order from The Catering Kitchen visit https://morningsqueeze.com/

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.

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

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.

Wing Wednesday specials at The Bar in Gilbert

Have you heard the news, people are flocking to downtown Gilbert to get their hands on the flavorful, crispy & juicy John Blaze Honey Hot, Buffalo, BBQ, “Blow Your O-Ring” and Teriyaki wings. The Bar‘s grilling then fried wings are specially priced every Wednesday from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. for $9 for 6 wings or $14 for a dozen. Each order comes with celery & carrots and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Pillsbury Wine Co. and more pouring at Arizona Wine Festival

20 Arizona wineries and other vendors will make downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square home January 28th -29th. Beer and food trucks will also be on hand with tickets for $35 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday. Friday night will be a benefit for Horses Help and the festival starts at 11 a.m. on both days. Information and tickets can be purchased can be found at Eventbrite.

Outerbound Wines featured at Hyatt Scottsdale Winemaker Dinner Series

The Gainey Ranch resort and spa continues its Winemaker Dinner Series in 2023 with its first dinner on Thursday, January 19th. High end wines from Sonoma County will be paired with a five-course dinner from Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. and his team. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with Phillip Kube of Outerbound Wines followed by dinner at 7:00. Seats are $170 per person and can be reserved by calling 480-629-6231.

Save your receipts for 50% off at Koibito Poke

For the month of January purchase lunch between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. then return for dinner from 5 p.m. til closing and get half off. The “Save Your Receipt” promotion is good on the same day 7 days a week at all 4 locations.

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.

Free bowl of menudo on New Year’s Day

All 35 Food City locations in Arizona celebrate National Menudo Month and National Hangover Day January 1st 2023 with a free bowl of menudo. The popular hangover remedy is available from 9-11 a.m. in the deli for dine-in only.

Famous 48 now serving lunch & weekend brunch

The standalone restaurant in the Shops at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale is now serving lunch 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Saturday & Sunday brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. until 3:00p.m.

Sunday Funday taco specials at Urban Margarita

Every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. til closing the Glendale restaurant has street tacos for only $2 each. Choose from grilled steak, chicken or carnitas and don’t forget the margarita to wash them down.

Batch Cookie Shop coming to Queen Creek in 2023

The family owned cookie shop in Gilbert announced its second location will be coming to Queen Creek this summer. It will be in front of the new Costco at Rittenhouse and Ellsworth Rds. More details will be available as they get closer to opening day.

OpenTable names local restaurants Top 100 Restaurants in America in 2022

Steak 44, Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse in Phoenix and Scottsdale have been named to the prestigious list. All 3 restaurants are owned by father and sons Dennis, Michael & Jeff Mastro and partner Scott Trolio. The list is curated from over 13 million customer reviews on the website from October 31st 2021- September 30th 2022. Also making the list from Arizona is Mariposa in Sedona and The Henry in Phoenix.

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.

The last Third Tuesday dinner of 2022 at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

A delicious wine pairing dinner ends the year at the popular downtown Gilbert restaurant next Tuesday, December 20th. Three courses including The Lafayette Kraut, Spuds Veggies & Pork and Chocolate Temptation Cake will be paired with wines from Washington, Oregon and California. Seats are $44 per person and the dinner starts at 6:30, for reservations call 480-962-4224.

Rooftop Disco Bash on New Year’s Eve at Pedal Haus

The downtown Phoenix restaurant hosts a fun and unique way to ring in 2023. A buffet, complimentary champagne toast, a disco ball drop and a Disco DJ will make this a memorable evening. General admission is $20 with guaranteed seating for 6 and all the amenities are $180. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Chompie’s offers Chanukah and Christmas catering meals

If the shopping is done it’s now time to focus on the food for next week’s holidays. All 4 locations are taking orders for meals for all 8 nights of Hanukkah and Christmas. 24 hours advanced order is required and 72 hours for whole turkeys and larger catering orders.

The Unforgettable Chanukah at Home Package features all the favorites. Choose from sliced brisket & gravy, roasted chicken or turkey breast with Challah stuffing accompanied with Matzoh Ball Soup, a choice of two sides, dinner rolls and one of Lovie’s Holiday desserts. The dinner is $249.99 and serves 8.

For Christmas choose The Traditional ($299.99) or The Basic ($249.99) dinners. XL whole oven roasted turkeys with homemade stuffing & gravy, cranberry relish, fresh baked dinner rolls and a two 9 inch pies (pumpkin and apple) make up The Basic. Add candied yams, mashed potatoes and home-style green beans and you’ve got yourself and family The Traditional dinner. Both dinners feed 12-15 people.

Scottsdale’s new ski lodge is now open

Wait what, a ski lodge in Scottsdale you say. Yes as Old Town Ski Lodge is open Thursday – Sundays from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. in the hideaway upstairs at Wasted Grain. Enjoy Après-Ski cocktails Smores Martini, a Jack Frost Martini and boozy snow cones and winter vibes all year long. The Ski Lodge atmosphere also offers a large selection of bourbon, whiskey and scotch to keep you warm. It’s available for private parties and events.

Barros’ Pizza raises a lot of money for St. Mary’s Food Bank

Last week’s 11th Annual Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight raised more than $415,000 almost $85,000 over last year’s fundraiser. All proceeds from all the day’s sales the 46 locations in Tucson and Phoenix were donated. Co-owner Mike Barro thanks loyal customers for coming out year after year that has raised more than $2.5 million dollars in the 11 years.

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

Ring in 2023 at these local restaurants

As we approach New Year’s Eve plans are being made about how to ring in 2023. These local restaurants are planning specially prepared dinners and as you can imagine reservations are necessary. Click on the restaurants link for more information and to make a reservation.

FRANCINE Restaurant– Enjoy a French inspired menu with a Mediterranean twist for a five course meal with seating’s between 7 – 9 p.m. A DJ and champagne toast at midnight is included all for $225 per person. Go online or call 480-690-6180.

Phoenix City Grille– Dinner starts at 3 p.m. with specials and the regular menu.

Hearth ’61–  A four-course dinner with first seating at 6:30 p.m $159, $199 for a 9:30 reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 480-624-5458.

Zuzu– Join the party with noshing stations, drinks and more for $150, reserve a VIP table for two for $500 or rent out the Rosie Room for up to 16 people for $4,000. The evening starts at 8 p.m. and a DJ starts entertaining at 9. Call 480-421-7997 for reservations.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– The Fourth Annual New Year’s Eve Gala starts at 6 p.m. with dinner buffet, live music & more for $135+ per person. Phone reservations only by calling 602-374-4784.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– All 4 Phoenix area location ring in 2023 special a la carte food and cocktails ranging from $8.95-$39.95.

Match Market & Bar– Dinner is served from 6 p.m.- 11 then join the “Come On Barbie Let’s Go Party New Year’s Eve Party” in the Found:RE Hotel. Barbie’s Food Truck will be there with food for purchase from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. Reservations for dinner in Match can be made by calling 602-875-8080 and for Barbie’s Party click on the link above.

STK Steakhouse– An a la carte menu featuring Japanese Wagyu, caviar, Australian Wagyu and more is available starting on Friday, December 30th. On NYE enjoy a champagne toast at midnight, live DJ and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Starting a 5 p.m. enjoy a three course prix-fixe menu from Executive Chef Michael Rusconi. Dinner is $90++ per person and reservations can be made online or by calling 480-403-0009.

Roaring Fork– A special Steak & Lobster dinner starts at 4 p.m. along with seasonal menus items available on only on NYE. Steak & Lobster is $68 and prices vary on other menu items. Call 480-947-0795 to make a reservation or go online.

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

Sprouts Farmers Market & PRESS Coffee partner to open in store coffee shop

Coffee drinkers will have a new place to get their coffee while they shop as Sprouts will open a PRESS Coffee inside the store. The store at 3320 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix will be offer a full drink menu including specialty drip, cold brews, hot & cold teas and more. The two locally owned companies announced the new pilot program will have a workspace along with limited supplies of whole and ground coffee beans retail items.

“PRESS is very excited about this location and serving the surrounding community,” stated Jason Kyle, co-owner of PRESS Coffee. “Growing up in Arizona I have always been a Sprouts customer. Seeing the commitment from the Sprouts team to providing a quality experience for the customer makes it a perfect fit for PRESS and our ‘Quality Driven, Community Focused effort.’”

Both are passionate about their communities and wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere and neighborhood gathering space.

“Choosing to partner with the Arizona-based PRESS Coffee was an easy decision,” noted Dave McGlinchey, chief strategy officer of Sprouts. “PRESS and Sprouts have a shared mission of providing people fresh, quality, sustainable and ethically sourced specialty products. We are proud to open our first pilot location in the Phoenix community for all to enjoy.”

Phoenix Suns Gorilla helps create new pizza with Spinato’s

As the new season for the Phoenix Suns is about to start their mascot had a busy off season. The Gorilla has been working hard at creating the new “Courtside Classic” pizza with Spinato’s Pizzeria and will be showing it off at launch party next week. After working on several recipes everybody decided the “Courtside Classic” will be made with Spinato’s classic red sauce, hot Soppressata (Italian dry salami), Spinato’s secret spice, house-pickled jalapeños, red onions and mozzarella. The pizza will be made with fresh dough and ingredients for every Suns and Mercury game.

Spinato’s co-owner Anthony Spinato was impressed with the Gorilla’s pizza making skills. “We didn’t know what to expect, but he did a pretty good job helping me in the kitchen,” Spinato said. “He’s nimble and has a good work ethic. If he wasn’t working for the Suns, we might consider hiring him.” It’s not the first time Spinato’s has partnered with someone outside the family as they just finished a collaboration with the Wizard of Za and Beer Research Institute.

Phoenix Suns
Courtside Classic Pizza

The pizza will be available at all Spinato’s locations and at The Footprint Center starting Tuesday, October 11th for $28.50. The Central Phoenix location will host a launch party on the 11th from 4-6 p.m. and will feature Phoenix Suns Gorilla, Phoenix Suns Dancers, the Mercury Scorch, State 48 and Four Peaks Brewing Company. Spinato’s ran a contest to choose the name of the new pizza and Maria Linder won a $100 gift card.

The Central Phoenix location of Spinato’s is at 5509 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014.

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