Category: cocktails

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.

New Year, new menu at Kasai Japanese Steakhouse

The Scottsdale teppanyaki restaurant added several new dishes and a dozen cocktails to its menu. Coconut Chicken Skewers, Lobster Fried Rice and Kabayaki Scallops are just a few of the new dishes. Cocktails include the Woodsman & Sweet Orchard which uses Japanese whiskeys and other ingredients. A full list of sake and Japanese whiskey are available.

Keto friendly bread now available from Mediterra Bakehouse

The family-owned artisan bakery now sells breads for those who follow a keto diet. Keto wheat flower is lower in carbohydrates and rich in protein. Sunflower, flax and sesame seeds are added for more nutritional value. Each loaf is $8 and can be found at local farmer’s markets, AJ’s Fine Foods, Divine Bakery, Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Le Grande Orange.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. partners with Mobetta Golf Tour

Golfer John Daly co-founded the tour has named the NASCAR champions  “Two Times” beers “Official Beer of the Mobetta Tour”. A Phoenix brewery and taproom are in development.

Match Market & Bar to host Great Gatsby dinner

The signature restaurant at the Found:RE Hotel will be transformed into an epic event on Saturday February 6th. A Gatsby inspired five-course dinner paired with themed cocktails of the times will be served to those in attendance. Dinner is called for 7 p.m. and is $75 per person and can be purchased here.

Morning Squeeze coming to downtown Phoenix

The popular breakfast and lunch spot will open its 3rd location in the Spring at 1st and Washington streets. Known for playing 70s and 80s music the new restaurant will include an indoor and outdoor bar, grab n go area for take- away food and ample outlets to plug in your devices for people to meet, eat & work.

 

Undertow goes above ground with pop-up in Scottsdale

The popular and award-winning cocktail bar Undertow has taken its below ground concept to street level with a pop-up at the Hotel Valley Ho. From August of 2016 to December 2020 was housed below Sip Coffee & Beer Garage in Phoenix, a converted quick oil change business. With Covid-19 taking over 2020 owners Rich Furnari and Jason Asher decided to move Undertow next door to its Century Grand location.

In addition to the new Undertow, Century Grand will be adding new concepts Platform 18 and The Grey Hen Rx with construction ending in March. Until then Undertow has taken over the former Trader Vic’s restaurant at the Scottsdale hotel for a 4-day a week “Best of Menus Past” pop-up.

“UnderTow has a strong following, and we always wanted to have a little more space to accommodate additional guests and larger parties, all without compromising the intimate guest experience” says Furnari. With UnderTow’s lease ending in 2020, and our difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant element of Century Grand, there was a prime opportunity to re-locate UnderTow into a larger space in the same geographic neighborhood. In addition, the more flexible physical infrastructure in the new location will allow us to continue to offer our guests the most advanced and enjoyable immersive environment for years to come”.

The two have worked day and night with Hotel Valley Ho’s Food and Beverage Director Andre Nicholson to bridge the gap until construction ends in Phoenix. Housed in the Sands venue at the hotel, the pop-up will be open Thursday through Sunday serving many retired top-selling signature cocktails. Limited food will be served from local chefs who will rotate their own pop- up restaurant. A Sunday market could also be added once things are up and running and the tiki/tropical decor from local artists gives Undertow its laid back vibe.

Hotel Valley Ho is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251 and you can find more information about the pop-up at their website.

STK Scottsdale steakhouse opens in the heart of Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale is the home of the newest steakhouse from STK Restaurants. STK Scottsdale, “not your daddy’s steakhouse”, opens on the banks of the canal in the former Herb Box Restaurant at Southbridge. The new restaurant ushers in “Vibe Dining” that includes spectacular views and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy elevated culinary selections, world-famous cocktails and live music from renowned DJs. This is the 21st location with other locations around the country and internationally.

“We are pleased to start the New Year by celebrating the opening of STK Scottsdale. The new restaurant is a perfect complement to the vibrant surrounding area and offers guests a memorable and safe dining experience,” said Emanuel “Manny” Hilario, President and CEO of The ONE Group. “As one of our managed locations, STK Scottsdale is indicative of our strategic plan, enabling us to expand our signature Vibe Dining experience without investing significant capital.”

Certified Black Angus beef sourced from the Midwest highlights the menu with classic steakhouse staples such as seafood, a raw bar and a la carte sides are also featured.

Unlike many high-end steakhouses STK Scottsdale will be opening for lunch Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. Daily happy hour and dinner service begins at 3 p.m. Weekend brunch launches on January 23rd from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and take-out and delivery is available on January 18th. All staff follow local and federal Covid-19 guidelines and uses technology for a “lower contact” experience.

STK Steakhouse at 7134 E. Stetson Drive 85251. For more information and to view the menu please visit their website.

The Watermark Tempe to welcome Dog Haus Biergarten in early 2021

Restaurants are putting 2020 behind them and moving forward with new locations in 2021. Dog Haus, the gourmet hot dogs and sausages fast casual concept will open another location along Tempe Town Lake at the new Watermark Tempe. Expected to open in early in the New Year Dog Haus joins Sweet Republic Ice Cream, Monroe’s Hot Chicken and Crumbl Cookies at the mixed-use development.

The Watermark Tempe Dog Haus will be franchisee Jeron Boemer’s second location in Arizona, his first is in Yuma and opened in 2015. “I am excited to bring Dog Haus’ unique and delicious offerings to the Tempe community. Having found this ideal location, I know the Dog Haus culture of serving excellent food with welcoming service in a fun atmosphere will be embraced by the vibrant and growing Tempe neighborhood.”

Joining gourmet hot dogs on the menu will be Black Angus burgers, one of a kind fried chicken creations, side dishes and 24 craft beers on tap. Signature Haus cocktails are being crafted by Phil Willis of “Bar Rescue”. The 2,444 square foot restaurant includes a full bar and dog friendly patio.

Guest’s favorite hot dogs include Sooo Cali, with wild arugula, avocado, tomato, crispy onions and spicy basil aioli, and the Reservoir Hog, featuring a Polish kielbasa, Haus chili, Haus slaw and yellow mustard. Haus burgers include The Freiburger®, with white American cheese, fries, Haus slaw, fried egg and mayo, and the Holy Aioli, with white American cheese, smoked bacon, caramelized onions and garlic aioli. Burgers are made with beef from humanely raised Black Angus cows and all sausages and hot dogs are free of added nitrates and made with hormone- and antibiotic-free meat.

Dog Haus Tempe Biergarten will be at 430 N. Scottsdale Rd 85281. For more information and updates visit 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.

Z’Tejas launches seasonal menu

The Chandler and Phoenix locations debut a new Winter menu on Monday December 28th. Chipolte Short Ribs, Posole and Grits & Lobster are just a few of the new dishes that use traditional Mexican and Southwestern ingredients. Two new specialty drinks have also been added to keep you warm.

Holiday gifts still available from Garden Bar

Cocktail kits and grazing boxes are available for your favorite foodie or mixologist. Perfect for staying at home and enjoying the holiday’s cocktails kits from mixologist Kim Haasarud include ingredients and a how-to video.

Gabriella’s launches weekend brunch

The Scottsdale restaurant that opened earlier this year now offers brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. From 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. guests can enjoy such dishes as a Crab & Lobster Benedict, Gabriella’s Chicken Hash and Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes with Berries. Enjoy those and more with Bottomless Mimosa’s for $18.

Barro’s Pizza raises money for St. Mary’s Food Bank

The locally owned pizza restaurants bested 2019’s donations by over $50,000. Through the 2020 Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight over $335,000 was raised at the families 44 locations in Phoenix and Tucson on December 1st when all sales where donated to the food bank.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse donating to Arizona Children’s Association.

Through Christmas Eve a $1 from each teppan meal will be donated to Arizona’s oldest and largest foster care organization. Also every Tuesday and Wednesday in December the Scottsdale restaurant has been hosting foster family’s for dinner.

 

 

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen brings honkytonk to Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale went a little bit country last month when honkytonk themed Belle’s Nashville Kitchen swung its doors opened. Comfort food classics with a Nashville twist are served day and night from award-winning Chef Samantha Robert’s kitchen.

Longtime Scottsdale residents may remember the building its housed in, the popular Lulu Belle’s, the Gay 1890’s themed restaurant and bar in the 1960s- 90s. The back bar still remains from its original use as owner Mike Haley wanted to celebrate the buildings history and kept the part of the name as a reminder along with the bar and front striped facade. Much of the wood is re-claimed from Haley’s patio at his home in California. It wouldn’t be a honkytonk without live music and dancing that is being phased in with local musicians. Guitars line the back wall as do wagon wheels on the walls opposite the bar.

Chef Roberts previously developed menus for Scottsdale’s Riot Hospitality Group (El Hefe, Riot House & Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row) where she won the 2017 Foodist Award for “Best Chef”. The menu includes Nashville favorites Kool-Aid Pickles, a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, Honkytonk Fries and Jambalaya. Other favorites include a Poke board and Mac n Cheese Sandwich. Don’t miss out on Pig Candy, thick cut bacon candied in-house and topped with Pralines. Weekend brunch is served with Hot Chicken French Toast, Belle’s Biscuits and Gravy and Cowboy Breakfast.

Whiskey and bourbon signature cocktails including the Cold Brew Old Fashioned, The Pal Manhattan are served as are other classic cocktails.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen is at 7212 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251. Their open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Friday til 2 a.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse bringing high-end dining to Gilbert

With the end of 2020 not far off we’re looking to 2021 and the anticipated restaurant openings around town. One of the first is Old Town Scottsdale’s boutique steakhouse Bourbon & Bones Chophouse opening at Gilbert’s SanTan Village in mid-January. Square One Concepts opened its flagship location in September 2016 and is looking forward to opening the 2nd location of its fine-dining concept.

Square One Founder and President S. Barrett Rinzler says “There’s demand for fine dining in the East Valley.  We’re honestly thrilled to deliver our specialty chophouse to a community that’s perhaps under-served and appreciates fine food, fine wine, custom cocktails and the taste of great bourbon.

Barrel Boulevardier

The larger Gilbert restaurant will feature two dining rooms and a private dining room for up to 50 people. A contemporary decor will have white and gray tones and a luxurious bar.

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse meats and bourbons

The large a la carte steak selection will include Wagyu Rib Cap, Bone-in Filet, a Dry-Aged Pork Chop, Lamb Chops and more. Fresh seafood including Seared Ahi Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass and Seared Salmon. Side dishes offered include Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Mac n Cheese and more.

Sommeliers will oversee the over 1,500 bottle wine list that includes familiar steakhouse wines and smaller lesser known wines for the connoisseur. True to its name Bourbon & Bones Chophouse will offer one of the largest bourbon collections found anywhere. Classic cocktails will be poured as will aged bourbon meant to be sipped.

“Bourbon & Bones was created to offer a high-quality dining experience in a welcoming atmosphere.  This one has been in the planning stages for well over a year and means a lot to us; it’s larger than our flagship in Scottsdale.  We’ve taken time to carefully develop the interiors and the team is excited to welcome guests in the New Year.”

The dinner only restaurant will serve a daily happy hour when it opens at 4 p.m. Bourbon & Bones Chophouse will be at 2150 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert 85295. For more information and updates visit their website.

Canopy by Hilton the first hotel in Old Town Scottsdale in a decade opens

Old Town Scottsdale welcomed its first hotel to open in over 10 years when Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town welcomed guests recently. Located at Marshall Way and 1st St. the mid-century modern looking seven story hotel offers 177 spacious guest rooms and 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The location is centrally located to everything the Old Town area has to offer. Within walking distance are art galleries, boutiques, Museum of the West and more restaurants to count.

“It’s amazing to see our vision for the hotel come to life as the entire team has put their best effort into embracing the historic arts community while delivering a new destination that will become a gathering place for locals and guests alike,” said Devin Mahoney, general manager and chief enthusiast of Canopy Scottsdale.

Dining at Canopy by Hilton

Canopy by Hilton
Tepary Been Hummus at Cobre

Canopy Scottsdale has its own signature restaurant, Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails headed by Chef Patrick Gaudet. Inspired by the southwest, the American brasserie is open for daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gaudet’s menu includes Chicken Chiliquiles, Caramelized Goat Cheese Salad, Grilled Tri- Tip and Grilled Shrimp and House Guacamole. For those on the run a grab-n- go coffee counter offers locally roasted coffee, breakfast treats and pastries. Cobre’s craft cocktail program joins the area’s cocktail culture that is familiar with a modern twist.

Great views of the valley are found on the rooftop where you’ll find the pool, spa and Outrider Rooftop Lounge. Energy, ambiance and cocktails make the roof the place to see and be seen in Old Town Scottsdale.

“Within the hotel, we’ve honed in on the spirit of the Southwest in every aspect of its architecture, design, art and culture and have created a truly local experience that captures the essence of our neighborhood whether you’re looking to work, play or rest in Old Town Scottsdale. There’s really no other new hotel like it in the area.” says GM Mahoney.

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town is located at 7142 E. 1st Street in Scottsdale 85281. For more information visit their website.

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen opens in north Scottsdale

You can’t keep the valley’s restaurant scene down as new restaurants continue to open. In October we saw the opening of Chantico in central Phoenix and Match Market & Bar in downtown Phoenix among others. New to north Scottsdale is The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen with Chef Christopher Nicosia running the kitchen.

Foodies should remember Chef Nicosia from the closed Italian restaurant Sassi and his induction into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. “Our menu is unlike anything even seasoned foodies have seen before,” said chef Nicosia. “The Craftsman puts a modern twist on conventional American dishes. From infusing dishes with craft beer and in-house distilled spirits, to including as many locally grown ingredients as possible, this menu allows me to pair quality with creativity.”

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen
Chef Christopher Nicosia

Situated in a bustling retail center at Hayden Rd. and Thompson Peak Parkway, The Craftsman serves up traditional American fare with global flavors is inspired by a hard working farmer and grandfather who loved his family, the land and working with his hands.

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen dishes and spirits

On a recent visit for happy hour I couldn’t stop eating the house-made chips with queso dip, wished I’d ordered more than two AZ Hot Chicken Lollipops with barrel aged hot sauce and tasty blue cheese slaw and Scallop Toast. A full menu of innovative dishes includes Bone-In Volcano Pork, Tuna Poke Sandwich and Lamb Belly Sausage Flatbread.

AZ Hot Chicken Lollipops courtesy of Tara Schultz

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen also offers its own line of distilled spirits. Vodka, gin, rum, barrel aged amaro, bourbon and coffee liquor are available to sample and purchase. Currently distilled off-site they will soon distill the spirits in-house. Craft beers and wines are available in what will be a go-to neighborhood joint for good food, drinks and atmosphere.

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen is at 20469 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale AZ 85255. For more information visit their website.

Christiaan Rollich & chef Samantha Sanz join Sanctuary on Camelback

Paradise Valley’s Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa added two reputable personnel to their food & beverage team Executive Chef Beau MacMillan announced. Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz returns to where her culinary career started as one of the first female chefs. Mixoligist and author Christiaan Rollich comes to the luxury resort from the Los Angeles restaurant and cocktail scene.

“Sam and Christiaan represent the next generation of tastemakers and the perfect team to move our culinary program forward,” said MacMillan. “Both have built impressive careers through sheer grit and passion. Both are at the top of their game. And they share a deep respect for each other’s craft that will drive their collaboration as they create a full-circle experience between kitchen and bar for our guests.”

Two-time James Beard award nominee Sanz was last the Sous Chef at Talavera Restaurant at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. After graduating from Scottsdale’s Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts she worked at Elements where she impressed MacMillan with her talent, passion and culinary prowess. She then went to Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale before to the Four Seasons Scottsdale.

“I am thrilled to be back at Sanctuary—my culinary roots—and to give fresh expression to the vibrant flavors and colors here,” said Sanz. “The opportunity to work so closely with Beau and Christiaan to fully integrate the culinary and bar programs is particularly exciting to me and recognizes the power of food and drink to connect us all.”

Arizona welcomes Christiaan Rollich

Netherlands native Christiaan Rollich started working in the bar industry at Les Deux Cafe to earn extra money while pursuing a acting and modeling career. He authored BAR CHEF: Handcrafted Cocktails in 2019 and Forbes called him “one of LA’s most innovative mixoligists” and is credited by LA Weekly with starting the city’s cocktail renaissance while at celebrated restaurants A.O.C and Luques.

“I love working closely with chefs, studying their techniques and bringing them to the world of drink,” said Röllich. “I can’t wait to see what Beau and Sam will bring to the table flavor-wise, and look forward to exploring and reinventing so my cocktails match their food.”