Category: cocktails

Phoenician Fall Fest brings BBQ and more to Jokake Inn

It doesn’t quite feel like Fall yet but hopefully buy Saturday, October 12th it will. That’s when the first ever Phoenician Fall Fest is taking place at the resort’s historic Jokake Inn at 5:30. The event will have BBQ served up from local food trucks, cocktails from Jack Daniels, a s’mores station, mechanical bull riding, line dancing and country music from Scottsdale’s Herndon Brothers. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Food and drinks are available for purchase and tickets for the Phoenician Fall Fest are $55 per person and a limited number of VIP packages are available for $1,000. VIP packages include entry to the party, food truck meal tickets and personal seating for up to 8 people at the firepit. Information and tickets can be found at the resort’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.

A busy week for Chef Joey Maggiore

The chef and owner of several popular restaurants is celebrating this week’s release of his book, Brunch King that is filled with recipes from his Hash Kitchen. And today’s the opening of his newest restaurant, The Italiano at Shea Blvd. and 92nd St.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular twice-yearly celebration of local restaurants kicks off 10 days (thru Sunday, 9/29) of specials menus around the state. Well over 100 restaurants have created 3-course menus for $33, $44 or $55. Reservations are suggestive and a list of restaurants and menus can be found here.

Family Tuesdays at Red, White & Brew

With the rising costs of dining out POV Foods wants to make it affordable for families to eat out. Starting this week Tuesdays at their Mesa and Prescott restaurants kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Chimichanga Day at Macayo’s

All locations will be celebrating on Thursday, September 26th with specials, giveaways, a pinata smash and more. Specials include….

BOGO Chimis! Buy one a la carte chimi and get one free with the purchase of two beverages (plus, add a side of rice, beans, guacamole or Macayo’s famous Baja sauce for just .78 cents each!). Samples of Dos XX and Don Julio tequila will also be available.

National Dumpling Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

Thursday, September 26th is also National Dumpling Day and TC2GO rewards members get a 6-piece dumpling order for $1 with the purchase of a 6-piece order. orders need to be made on the TC2GO app or online and are available at all locations.

Fall flavors return at STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill

The two Scottsdale restaurants add new menu items to savor the flavor of the season. The new menus include cocktails, entrees, sides and desserts.

Kona Grill– Welcome Back Pumpkin menu- Pumpkin Spice Margarita, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli & Duck Empanadas, Roasted Acorn Squash and Pumpkin Pie.

STK Steakhouse- Pumpkin Menu- Pumpkin Bourbon Smash, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli & Lobster, Pumpkin Potato Gratin and Pumpkin Pie. Wagyu lovers can enjoy Masabi Bone Marrow and A5 French Dip.

Seafood specials for happy hour at Chula Seafood

Chula Seafood, the popular fish monger and restaurant has announced happy hour specials at their Uptown, North Scottsdale and South Scottsdale locations. You will have to visit each location on Monday-Saturday from 3 – 5 p.m. and all day on Sundays to experience each location’s unique seafood specials that are updated often.

The North Scottsdale (Grayhawk) location at Hayden & Thompson Peak Pkwy offers $1 off grilled & raw oysters, $6 grilled street tacos and a $15 soft shell crab sandwich. Drink specials include $8 Chula Ritas and Chula cocktails, wine by the glass for $3 off and $5 draft beers.

The Uptown Plaza location offers Chef’s Ceviche for $9 and $5 beers and $3 off wines by the glass including 6 oz., 9 oz. and 1/2 bottles.

Get Spam Musabi & confit tuna with kimchi onigiri for $6, shrimp cocktail for $4 each and raw oysters for $3 at their original location at Hayden & Roosevelt location in South Scottsdale.

Stay up to date with their fresh fish list and changing specials at their website.

Mox Boarding House opening in Chandler

A unique restaurant and board game store opens this week in Chandler as Mox Boarding House welcomes foodies and board game enthusiasts. The opening is the first in Arizona for the Seattle based restaurant that opened in 2011 which has other locations in Bellevue WA. and Portland OR.

“We’ve been working on this project since 2021, and we’re so excited to open our doors and welcome the Chandler community,” said Jorel Miller, Vice President of Mox Boarding House. “Our goal has always been to create a space where people can come together to play, eat, and enjoy themselves. We can’t wait to share this experience with our new neighbors.”

The menu at Mox Boarding House offers house made gastro style dishes including the popular Tavern Mac and can accommodate various diets including vegan and gluten-free. The full-service bar offers beer, wine, ciders and craft cocktails. A vast library of board games are available to entertain guests for free and hundreds more for sale including Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering. For those looking to host gaming events, an event hall is available and can accommodate up to 64 people.

The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Chandler mayor Kevin Hartke on Friday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m. Events will be held all weekend long where guests can win prizes, enjoy in-store promotions & discounts and a MTG Duskmourn pre-release on Saturday. Mox Boarding House will be open Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is located at 1371 N. Alma School Rd. 85224. For more information and to stay up to date on events visit their website.

Okay Maguey to open in North Phoenix next week

Mexico City and southern Mexico have a cuisine which is hard to replicate throughout other regions of Mexico and next Thursday, September 19th a new restaurant and taco bar will open showcasing those flavors and ingredients. Okay Maguey honors the Peredo family traditions and recipes passed down for generations and pays homage to the family’s heritage and strong ties and roots in Mexico City.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Valley to our culture and traditions through food,” said owner Miguel Peredo. “At Okay Maguey, we don’t just serve meals; we bring the story of our family and the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life with every dish. One example is our great grandmother Carmelita’s special mole recipe, which has been passed down for generations. We simply want to share the richness of our culture and its food with our community, making every guest feel welcome to our family table.”

Chef Jose Rodriguez also has roots in Mexico City and offers scratch made dishes from the family’s recipes along with his signature flair. A few of the dishes on the menu include Tacos Gobernador, Esquite Street Corn and the distinctive Tijuana-Style Caesar Salad. Fernando Bernal is behind the bar and has over three decades of experience in the spirits industry and his cocktails complement Chef Rodriquez’s menu. Bernal’s cocktails include his signature Lavender Guava Margarita and his own La Paloma blend, all are crafted with fresh ingredients.

The Peredo family welcomes the public to Okay Maguey to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting on the 19th at 6:00 p.m. Okay Maguey is at 12005 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and to view the complete menu be sure to visit their website.

Cooper & Sage to open 2nd location in Goodyear

Westside Concepts has announced the opening of their newest location of Copper & Sage in downtown Goodyear on Tuesday, October 1st. It comes less than a year after the first location opened in Uptown Phoenix in November 2023. The southern influenced gastropub with innovative cocktails and a swanky vibe will be the one of the first to open at GSQ, a 150-acre destination with high quality restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. It’s one of several concepts from Westside Concepts that include Haymaker, NW Coffee and Maple & Rye.

“Vintage and warm are good words to describe Copper & Sage,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “Whether it’s Tuesday night and you want great bar food or it’s your anniversary and it’s a special night out, this is the place. We’re really excited to be opening in Goodyear at GSQ. It’s more of what we need in the West Valley. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire Valley.”

Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations Chef Evon Profitt has created the southern style menu that includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickles & Pimento, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and Chicken Gings for starters. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits topped with bacon and mushrooms, Bayou Mussels and Fried Chicken and Beignets.

Copper & Sage will cover 4,500 spacious square feet with a large dining room, full bar and patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and is at 1975 N. Globe Dr. Goodyear 85395. For more information and to apply for a job 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.

It’s pumpkin season at 32 Shea

When local restaurants start putting pumpkin dishes and drinks on the menu you know the cooler temperatures aren’t far behind. For a limited time the Phoenix cafe has added coffee, cocktail and food specials including…..

-Pumpkin mascarpone bruschetta with crispy prosciutto and toasted pumpkin seeds

-Pumpkin Alfredo pasta with chicken and andouille sausage

-Pumpkin sweet cream cold coffee

-Pumpkin cookie latte with cookie butter syrup

-Pumpkintini with vanilla vodka and pumpkin sauce

Fall 2024 Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s twice annual 10-day event returns from Friday, September 20th through Sunday the 29th. The popular events has over 200 restaurants from around the state creating special 3-course menus to showcase their offerings. The prix-fixe menus are priced at $33, $44 or $55 depending on the restaurant. On Sunday, September 1st a list of participating restaurants and their menus will be available on the website.

Back to school BOGO pizza special at Vicinos

The Scottsdale Italian restaurant has a hard to pass up special through the end of September. Buy 1 12″ cheese pizza and get another for free when you call in your order for take-out. Toppings are extra and a limit of 1 free pizza per day.

2 for 1 Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company

Every Tuesday until September 21st stop into their Scottsdale and Wilcox tasting rooms and get 2 bottles of wine for the price of 1. In store purchase and pick up only while supplies last and other restrictions apply.

Fire at Will adds new dishes to the menu

Chef & owner Dom Ruggerio’s restaurant on Shea Blvd. at Tatum Blvd. has added a few new dishes to its menu. Guests can enjoy their favorite dishes along with the new….

Italian Chopped Salad featuring sun-dried tomato, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, salami, pistachio, parmesan and red wine vinaigrette, $16 (with option to add protein such as grilled chicken or salmon or ¼ lobster for an additional charge)
Korean Short Ribs with house-made kimchi pickles and sushi rice, $38
 
Panko-crusted Branzino with cherry tomato, Nicoise olives, capers, fresh herbs and cauliflower puree, $36
Chicken Marsala — Pan-roasted half-chicken with Swiss, chard, wild mushrooms, pomme puree and marsala pan sauce, $32.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Lamarca takeover for National Prosecco Day at Wine Girl

Next Tuesday, August 13th we celebrate the sparkling wine of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The Scottsdale wine bar is celebrating with the popular Lamarca for guests who pop in for the “Paint & Sip” celebration. Personalize your prosecco bottle by painting a full-size bottle for $45 or a mini bottle for $30. After the 13th enjoy several Lamarca bubbly-inspired drinks including the Prosecco pop, Hugo Spritz, Raspberry Sgroppino and the Mini Lamarca bucket & bottles will be ready to order at a special, discounted price.

The Bigger Picture cocktail dinner coming to Poppy’s Office

The chefs and mixologists at the north Scottsdale (Terravita) speakeasy have designed a dinner and drinks four-course dinner to take your senses on an adventure. Next Wednesday, August 14th taste small bites, new & exciting dishes and inventive cocktails for $100++ per person. Seating for the 6 p.m. dinner is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Pillsbury Wine Company nominated for “Best Sustainable Winegrower”

The Arizona winery was nominated in Green Living’s Best of Arizona. You can vote until the end of the day August 21st at this link.

Fazoli’s opens newest location in Glendale

Kind Hospitality announced the opening of its third Phoenix area location recently at 5825 W. Peoria Ave. Known for pastas, subsandwiches, pizzas and their popular breadsticks (they sold almost 67,000 in the first few weeks) Fazoli’s and Kind has plans to open more locations around Arizona.

Changes happening at Ling’s Wok Shop

The Scottsdale restaurant is now 100% fresh casual with only counter service, previously it had been “flex-casual” going between counter service & full service. They are now more focused on the menu and daily specials that include…..

  • Lucky 8 Happy Hour – $8 Happy Hour Drink Specials daily from 11am – 6pm and $8 Happy Hour Food Specials daily from 3pm – 6pm

  • Manic Mondays – enjoy a complimentary cup of Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup or Cucumber Salad with the purchase of any entree

  • Take Out Tuesdays – 20% off all online and in-app orders using the promo code “TAKEOUT”

  • Wok & Wine Wednesdays – ½ priced bottles of wine all day long

  • Thirsty Thursdays – Enjoy Happy Hour Drink Specials all day long

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Sandwich Month at Arizona’s oldest deli

Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, Miracle Mile Deli celebrates them with weekly specials in August. Starting next Monday August 5th-10th get The New Yorker (hot pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Miracle Mile’s signature dressing); the incredible Brisket of Beef Sandwich the week of Aug. 12-17; the Combo (hot corned beef and hot pastrami piled high) Aug. 19-24; and the famous Straw sandwich (hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut) Aug. 26-31.

Enjoy each sandwich for just $17.50 and get golden hot fries (or another side item of their choice), a kosher dill pickle and a slice of fresh baked pie. Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Boston Cream.

New tasting menu coming to Rusconi’s next week

Starting Wednesday, August 7th the Paradise Valley restaurant introduces a new four-course menu for $60++ with wine pairings optional for an additional $30. The menu is……

Tomato and Buratta Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet. Optional pairing: 2022 Squealing Pig Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus. Optional pairing: 2022 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River
 
Pecan-wood Grilled Lamb Porterhouse with warm herbed fingerling potato salad and red wine reduction. Optional pairing: 2021 Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
 
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces. Optional pairing: Chef’s selected dessert wine

August events at Tracy Dempsey Originals

The Tempe bakery/wine shop has several events coming up this month and all have limited space and require RSVPs to, tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com and you can find more information at the website.

  • Saturday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.. Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Take a Walk on the Chilled Side: Summer Soups & Salads $70 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 9.

  • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.  Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Friday, August 30, 12 to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn $50 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 23.

  • Saturday, August 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Wine Talk 101 $20. RSVP by Saturday, August 17.

New sangrias, spritzes and mocktails at Grimaldi’s

All 6 Arizona locations of the popular pizzeria has introduced 7 new beverages to their menu.

SANGRIAS

BERRY SANGRIA – Beso Del Sol red sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, strawberry purée, lemon juice, fresh strawberries

PEACH SANGRIA – Lolailo white sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, peach purée, peaches, lemon juice

SPRITZES

SICILIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ – La Marca Prosecco, Aperol, Winter Citrus syrup, lemon juice

CITRUS HERB SPRITZ – The Botanist gin, Winter Citrus syrup, lime juice, soda

MOCKTAILS

PEACHY KEEN – Diced peaches, peach purée, Winter Citrus syrup, citrus juices, soda

PURPLE TWILIGHT FIZZ – Starry, Desert Pear syrup, lemon juice

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE – Lemonade, fresh strawberries, basil, strawberry purée, lemon juice

New lunch special at GenuWine Arizona

You can join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for lunch and enjoy a Chicken Pesto Panini and chips for just $9.99. They also have free WIFI so you can stay connected and a selection of both non-alcoholic beverages and wine & beer.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

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