Category: chef driven restaurant

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

PHX Brewing Co. and Huss Brewing Co. to merge

The two celebrated Arizona breweries are merging into one company under the name Zonafide Beverages LLC its been announced. The brands will remain independent but brewing operations will be consolidated to Tempe under Jeff Huss as Brewmaster. A featured post will offer details of the merger and what beer fans can expect going forward soon!

Australian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona tonight

Go down under for a quick trip for 3 tastes of southern hemisphere wines tonight at the Central & Roosevelt wine bar from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10(Join the wine club!) and all get 20% off bottles from tonight’s tatting.

2025 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

Hot off horizon Chef Week, the Arizona Restaurant Association has Friday, September 19th- Sunday, September 28th the twice yearly ARW. For first timers, Arizona restaurants offer up special 3-course meal for $33, $44 or $55. September 1st, ARA will publish the list of participating restaurants and their menus as the list continues to grow for the popular 10-day culinary adventure.

The Delicatessen set to open in September

Chef Joey Maggiore opens his newest concept, The Delicatessen on Wednesday, September 10th on Tatum Blvd. across from the new Paradise Valley development. The fast casual concept has a  new name since it was announced in February but will have the same New York Jewish style deli feel and taste. In the week’s ahead The Maggiore Group will announce details about hiring dozens of front and back of the house team members. Follow them @thedelicatessenaz for hiring and grand opening updates.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Celebrating over 50 years of pizza and pipes at Organ Stop Pizza

The Mesa pizza restaurant hasn’t always been at its current location, but it has been since 1975 after three years at 7th St. & Missouri in Phoenix. Now in 2025 they’re celebrating both 50 years in Mesa and 53 years of pizzas and pipe organ music. To celebrate they are offering guests a $60 Meal Deal for “Cheers to 50 Years in Mesa” through September 30th.

Get Two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (extra cheese not included), Two appetizers (combo basket excluded), Two pitchers of soft drink. Mention this deal when ordering
Dine-in only. No substitutions. MUST mention deal when ordering. 

J&G Steakhouse named to Top 100 Hotel Restaurants

Kayak and OpenTable have named the Scottsdale restaurant to their list of Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. It’s one of only two Arizona restaurants on the list and only one in Scottsdale to make it. The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa is run by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin who says, “We aim for all our guests to have an extraordinary, sophisticated evening out, with every detail executed to the highest level,” said Qualin. “J&G Steakhouse is not only a destination for guests of The Phoenician; it has also become a spot for locals to enjoy a consistently unrivaled dining experience.”

New seasonal dishes on the menu at Pizzeria Virtu

James Beard Award nominee Gio Osso has added 4 new appetizers and 4 pizzas using seasonal ingredients at his Downtown Scottsdale pizzeria.

  • Appetizers:
    • Olive – Warm mixed olives, lemon, chile, oregano, flatbread
    • Pezzetti – Chopped salad, salame, formaggi, tomato, cucumber, fregola sarda olives, onion, pinenuts, pepperoncini sott’olio, raisins, basil buttermilk dressing
    • Montata – Lemon whipped ricotta, honey drizzle, pistachio crumble
  • Pizzas:
    • L’Estate – Fior di latte, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, evoo
    • Vongole – Garlic butter clams, bacon, lemon, oregano, pecorino
    • Spilinga Bianca – Fior di latte, n’duja, torpedo onion, crema di pecorino picante
    • Campania – Sugo cotto, mozzarella di bufala, basil, prosciutto crudo

Tracy Dempsey Originals and ODV Wines back open after summer break

She’s back in her kitchen getting ready to roll into cooler temps with cooking classes, fun lunch & dinner menus for the family, Spontaneous Sip Saturday and more at her Tempe bakery, kitchen and wine shop.

ATL Wings now sells grab & go ZOYO Neighborhood Yogurt

Nothing like cooling off the mouth after some hot & spicy wings, now you can do so at the 16 ATL Wings locations around Arizona. They’ve collaborated with the yogurt shop to offer customers several frozen yogurt favors including the popular Kool Aid, Dole Whip, Tropical Punch, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl and others.

 

Mendocino Farms to open 2nd Arizona location in 2026

A new salad and sandwich shop will be opening its 2nd Arizona location at The Scottsdale Promenade in 2026 as Mendocino Farms continues its national expansion. Currently there are approximately 80 locations in Scottsdale (Gainey Ranch), California, Colorado, Washington, and Texas. The concept is known for its seasonal sandwiches and dishes that include popular menu items including “Happy Hippie,” a veggie-heavy sandwich served on toasted honey whole wheat, and the “Not So Fried Chicken,” a healthier take on a traditional chicken sandwich, to the “Baja Green Goddess” salad and “Corn and Hatch Chile Soup.”

“Arizona has been a key growth market on our list as we continue expanding our footprint across the U.S.,” said Kevin Miles, CEO of Mendocino Farms. “When determining where to introduce our brand to the state, The Promenade stood out for its strong visibility, high foot traffic, and complimentary retail environment, which will allow us to make a meaningful first impression in the market. We look forward to joining Scottsdale’s vibrant dining scene and creating a welcoming space for guests to gather and enjoy delicious, fresh meals when we open in 2026.”

Once opened, the new Mendocino Farms will be at Scottsdale Road and Paradise Lane will be over 3,000 square feet and include a 500-foot patio. The family-owned concept was founded in 2005, and its mission is to help guests “eat happy”, offering guests chef driven elevated takes on classic lunch and dinner fare.

“We are very proud that Mendocino Farms has chosen to open their first location in the state at Scottsdale Promenade, and we’re confident it will quickly become a local favorite,” said Harrison Cole, Leasing and Development Manager at Vestar. “Their commitment to feel-good food made with wholesome, high-quality ingredients makes them a perfect fit for this health-conscious community.” 

For more information visit Mendocino Farms website.

Belmont Kitchen welcomes Alex Stratta as Executive Chef

One of Scottsdale newest restaurants, Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails has hired one of the valley’s leading chefs, Alex Stratta as its new Executive Chef. The Michelin starred and James Beard award-winning chef, Stratta is no stranger to the Phoenix food scene as he’s worked with several local restaurants including Campo Italian, The Herb Box and at The Phoenician Resort,  before and after he opened Alex at the Wynn Las Vegas where he received his two Michelin stars.

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails and Rosewood Concepts co-founders Philip Lewkowicz and Neal Thompson hired Stratta to give the restaurant a building block for the BKC and Rosewood as it plans for future growth. “Having Alex in our kitchen is more than an honor — it’s a defining moment,” says Lewkowicz, “With my background in fine dining and genuine hospitality, and Alex’s unmatched culinary excellence, I’m incredibly excited to see how far we can take Rosewood Concepts. His presence raises the bar for everything we’re building.” Lewkowicz’s is also no stranger to the restaurant industry as he’s part of the family that opened the award-winning Cafe Monarch and Reserve in Old Town Scottsdale.

Stratta, who tutored under world renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse will be bringing his globally inspired dishes, high impact wine dinners and seasonal tasting menus using fresh and high-quality ingredients. “I’m excited to be part of something that’s growing, evolving, and built around passion,” says Stratta. “This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about mentoring, collaborating, and delivering a dining experience that feels personal.”

Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails is at 8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale 85255. For more information and to make a reservation 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.

Taco Tuesday at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Every Tuesday from 3-5p.m. throughout the summer guests can get 2 tacos for $13 at the Carefree steakhouse. When you add a refreshing margarita for $7, your total is $20, not a bad deal. Choose from Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Shrimp or Fried Fish tacos and your choice of red or green salsa.

Italian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop will host an Italian wine tasting next Thursday, July 24th from 6-8p.m. Taste and learn about 3 wines for $10 or Free if you’re a Wine Club member. All will get 20% off any bottles purchased from the evenings event.

Chill at The Mill happy hour specials

Through Labor Day guests visiting the Queen Creek Olive Mill after 3 p.m. can score some great happy hour sips & bites. Sunday through Wednesday from 3p.m.–5p.m.and Thursday through Saturday from 3p.m.– 6p.m. enjoy….

  • Pizza & Pint – Any artisan pizza, paired with your choice of draft beer – $25
  • Tapas Five – Five of our favorite brochettes, featuring QCOM Meyer Lemon Olive Oil – $8.75
    • Caprese: Tomato, mozzarella, basil
    • Sonoran: Spicy green beans, Calabrese salami
    • Genoa: Genoa salami, garlic stuffed olives, provolone
    • Milano: Herb-roasted chicken, artichoke, provolone
    • Stuffed date: Yuma dates, Chardonnay herb mascarpone, crushed pistachio
  • Mill Meatballs – 3 mill-made meatballs, simply sugo, parmesan, Noble baguette – $10
  • Garlic Parmesan Frittes – Fries, roasted garlic olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, garlic aioli – $8.50
  • Olive Harvest Hummus – Mill-made hummus, sweet red pepper & olive tapenade, carrots, celery, cucumbers, balanced EVOO, Noble baguette – $13
  • Draft Beer – $6 (rotating, always local)
  • Glass of Sangria – Red, white or seasonal – $6
  • Carafes & Pitchers – Sangria carafe – $29.90 or draft beer pitcher – $25

Anhelo opening on July 25th in Scottsdale

The award-winning fine dining restaurant from Chef & Owner Ivan Jacobo is ready to make its long-awaited debut next Friday. Jacobo announced last November of relocating to Old Town Scottsdale from Downtown Phoenix. The ultra-exclusive restaurant seats only 16 guests who can order from any of the chef’s three tasting menus. Reservations can be made and more information found at Anhelo’s website.

 

 

Chula Seafood Summer Tour starts next week

Tickets are now on-sale for the first stop of Chula Seafood’s Summer Tour that will make stops at each of their 3 locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Each stop, once a month will feature the location’s chef’s specials dinner.

Tickets are on sale for the first stop next Wednesday at Chula’s South Scottsdale (Rosie) location.

Summer Tour schedule

Wednesday, July 23rd at South Scottsdale– Enjoy Chef Anthony’s Italian inspired family meal that will feature Oysters Florentine, Rigatoni Alla Fiorentina and Ribeye Parmesan. There will be two seatings at 5:30 or 8:00 p.m. and seats are $120++ per person.

Thursday, August 14th at Grayhawk– Tickets go on-sale at 10a.m. July 25th for a deep dive into Chef Monique’s five-course Mexico City inspired menu. The plated dinner features Aguachile Scallops, Roasted Duck with Sweet Potato and Café de Olla Affogato. Seatings offered are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and seats are $80++ with optional wine pairings for an additional cost.

Monday, September 15th at Uptown- Tickets go on-sale at 10 a.m. on August 22nd for Chef Kyle’s Korean Street Food dinner. This meal will be to-go and available for pick-up after 4 p.m. The meal will feed two people includes Korean Fried Chicken (aka Kyle’s Fried Chicken), Tteokbokki, Gimbap and Sweet Potato Hand Pies. Dinner for two is $65 and will be ready to serve.

Seating is limited and you can reserve your seats for the Summer Tour at Chula’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.

The Summer Culinary Countdown is on at The Phoenician

When the temperatures hit 100+ degrees, the countdown until the end of summer begins. Who knows how long the countdown will go on, but The Phoenician Resort & Spa celebrates summer with its Summer Culinary Countdown at the luxury resort’s restaurant and for Afternoon Tea.

Summer Culinary Countdown specials

Afternoon Tea

Thursday through Sunday guests can a 3-course English traditional experience for $85++. Included are finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & preserves, pastries and fine tea blends. 480-423-2649

J&G Steakhouse

The fine-dining steakhouse with beautiful views offers a special 2-course menu for $65++ per person. The dinner begins with a chef amuse of black truffle cheese fritters. For the second course, choose from two starters: an endive and sugar snap pea salad with parmesan dressing and herbs, or charred corn ravioli with cherry tomato and basil fondue. Entrée selections are a slowly baked salmon with sautéed corn, fingerling potatoes in a basil butter, scallions, baked cherry tomatoes and lime, or a grilled, marinated prime flat iron steak accompanied by roasted summer squash, homemade angel hair pasta, and basil-pistachio pesto. For reservations, call 480-214-8000.

Mowry & Cotton

Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere for this 3-course meal for $45++. Choose from pickled deviled eggs with chives and ninja radish; local melon with cucumber, feta, frisée, vanilla lemon vinaigrette, and tajin creme fraiche; or roasted tomato flatbread with Oaxaca cheese, tomato jam, and arugula for your first course. The second course features charred hanger steak(pictured) topped with wild mushroom, pickled blueberry, and sunflower pesto, or Scottish salmon with rainbow chard, cherry agro dolce, preserved lemon labneh, and rye soil. Finish the meal with brown sugar cheesecake or mulled berry chocolate cake. For more information or to make a reservation, call 480-423-2445.

The Phoenician Tavern

Above the Golf Clubhouse with mountain and golf course views features a burger and beer pairing for $25++. Choose from a variety of burgers, such as a classic Tavern burger, a cowboy burger, Kobe beef sliders, a salmon burger, triple bacon cheeseburger, southwest cheeseburger, a patty melt, or a vegan black bean burger. All served with a side of seasoned tater tots or a small pub salad. The meal is paired with either a draft beer, a house margarita, a house glass of wine or a soft drink. 480-423-2445.

Arizona Chef’s Week 2025 debuts August 1st-10th

As successful as the local restaurant scene is most of the year, the summer months can wash that all away. To help generate some off-season business, the Arizona Restaurant Association is building on the success of the twice-yearly Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW) as they are debuting Arizona Chef’s Week the first 10 days of August. To help support the local restaurant industry, like ARW, ACW will offer 3-course menus from a limited number of restaurants encouraging them to offer new unique and seasonal dishes. Each dinner will cost $55 or $66 per person.

“Year-round, it is our mission, our calling and our passion to promote and advocate for our hospitality industry,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “Summertime in the Valley serves as a particularly challenging period for many restaurants, and therefore, it is more vital than ever to go out and support these establishments. This event is truly about local residents supporting local restaurants while experiencing an incredible meal.”

Familiar restaurants such as Vecina, The Mexicano, Fire at Will and others have already signed up to participate and in mid-July diners can head to the Arizona Chef’s Week website to see a list of participating restaurants and the menus they will be serving.

151 Hospitality opens The Mercer at the Esplanade

When the Little Pickle opened last month in the Esplanade at 24th St. & Camelback Rd. it marked the first of three new concepts for 151 Hospitality. The fast casual deli serving bagels sandwiches, eggs, a Hand Cut Hot Pastrami sandwich, and more is now joined but the group‘s second concept The Mercer.

The American bistro housed in the former Merc Bar offers guests lunch and dinner comfort food with menus filled with seafood, meats, salads, a raw bar, sushi and more in the wood lined dining room and bar. Dishes such as Salmon Tartare, a Prime Rib French Dip sandwich, Linz New York Strip and Brick Chicken.

Like its predecessor, cocktails are taken seriously and  award-winning mixologist Jason Asher was brought in to oversee the beverage program and create a menu of Martinis and classic cocktails including a Pisco Sour, Negroni and a Sidecar.

3 concepts, one kitchen for 151 Hospitality

Opening three restaurants at one of the, if not the most highly visible intersections in the valley doesn’t come at a discount amidst high rises filled with law firms, financial advisors and Fortune 500 companies. To help keep the high cost of kitchen equipment and labor down partners Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn use one kitchen for both restaurants and later in the year their high-end Mexican concept, Camello will have its dishes prepared from there as well.

The idea for one kitchen isn’t new as hotels have done it for years but it’s not often to see smaller restaurants groups with two full service and a fast casual concept so close together that they can make it happen. The kitchen staff doesn’t care about which restaurant the food is for, they just see food being ordered and it will be for the expediters to get the plate ready and direct traffic as the food goes out to guests. No small task that is overseen by Executive Chef Fidencio Alatriste, who’s worked around the valley at The Mission and with local restaurant groups including Fox Restaurant Concepts, Evening Entertainment Group and The Maggiore Group. Both Phillips and Hearn, feel this is the best way to offer high quality food in an upscale atmosphere and keep labor costs low. At the end of the day, they want the food and cocktails to tell the story.

The pair opened The Merc Bar, in New York, and in 1996 came to Phoenix to open a second location. Hearn left for a while to work with his college friend, Sam Fox before reuniting with Phillips to bring these concepts to life. Phillips concentrated on The Merc Bar and food festivals over the years before deciding it was time to close one chapter and start the next.

The two speak highly of each other and their decades old friendship with Phillips calling Hearn a “very inspiring, cultlike figure” who seeks out those who look to grow and have a career in the hospitality industry.

Camello coming later this year

Still under construction and in no hurry to open (in the summer) Camello “camel” will bring high end Mexican food inside and on the patio with views of The Biltmore Fashion Park and the peaks of the Phoenix Preserve. Not many details are available yet, but Hearn says, “it will be like a pool party, without the pool”. Stay tuned.

The Mercer is open 7 days a week at 11a.m. with menus and more information at their website.