Category: comfort food

Round up for Eric Marsh Found. at Bill’s Grill & Red, White & Brew

A somber day is approaching as the 12th anniversary of the 19 firefighers of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Fire near Prescott on June 30th, 2013. Two of Prescott’s favorite restaurants, Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew are honoring their lives with fundraisers in June for the Eric Marsh Foundation for Wildland Firefighters.

The Prescott non-profit helps wildfire firefighters and their families through financial and emotional support as many firefighters are volunteering to protect the Arizona wilderness. The Foundation is named after and is the legacy of the Granite Mountain Hotshots Superintendent.

“This cause is deeply personal to the Prescott community and to anyone who understands the risks wildland firefighters take every time they go out,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods. “We want to keep their legacy alive and support the families and crews who continue to serve with the same dedication.”

Throughout June, guests can round up their checks with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. On Monday, June 30th both restaurants will donate $1 of each specially created burger sold to the foundation as well. The month-long fundraiser also helps in remembering the bravery of the 19 firefighters, so they’re never forgotten.

Burgers for the Eric Marsh Foundation

At Bill’s Grill guests can order the Valor burger or the Five Alarm Chili Size burger and the Hot Shot burger at Red, White & Brew.

The Five Alarm Chili Size burger features a brioche bun stacked with a juicy patty, house made chili, ghost pepper cheese, fried jalapeños and chipotle aioli.

The Valor burger keeps it classic with cheddar, ketchup-based Valor sauce, red onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle.

The Hot Shot burger features a half-pound patty topped with poblano peppers, pepper jack cheese, onion tanglers and poblano crema, served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion and a choice of one side.

“We’re grateful for this continued support from Bill’s Grill and Red, White & Brew,” said Amanda Marsh, founder and executive director of the Eric Marsh Foundation. “These kinds of partnerships make it possible for us to meet the needs of wildland firefighters and their families when it matters most.”

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.

 

 

 

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 Wrap Month and more Summer Specials at Miracle Mile Deli

Summer is here and so are some deals at the Central Phoenix deli in June and July.

June is “It’s a Wrap Month” at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from three mouthwatering wraps for just $15, served with a side and a crisp kosher dill pickle:

Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap – Crispy white meat chicken, romaine hearts, wonton noodle strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in our Asian honey sesame dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Chipotle Ranch Turkey Wrap – White meat turkey breast, fresh avocado, shredded asadero cheese, romaine hearts, tri-color tortilla strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Chipotle Ranch dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Athena Chicken Wrap – Grilled white meat chicken breast, Feta cheese, romaine hearts, crispy onion strings, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Greek Athena vinaigrette, wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

From June 1 to August 31, Miracle Mile’s popular Summer of Shakes & Floats returns! Cool off with a classic milkshake or ice cream float for just $6.

“Burger at The Bar” in June at Virtu Honest Craft

Every Wednesday in June, Chef Gio Osso creates a uniquely creative burger paired with hand cut fries and draft beer. Sounds good right, but there are some rules….Only 12 burgers made each week, Only at the bar, No splitting, No reservations and No exceptions. Each burger for the following week gets revealed the Friday before(today!!) at their website or on their social media.

DAOU Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The Downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines from the Paso Robles winery on Friday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The night starts with an Heirloom Tomato Salad before the pasta courses and the Filet Mignon entree, all paired with red, white & rose wines. Seats are $125++ per person and to see the full menu & reserve your seat head to their website or call 480-427-2264.

New Summer hours at LDV Winery’s tasting room

The Downtown Scottsdale tasting room that pours award-winning Arizona wines has new hours for the summer. They open 7 days a week at noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s. Happy Hour just got happier where you can get a glass of wine for $7.00 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Also happening this summer……..

Date Night Fridays starting at 6:00 p.m. get two flights of wine & choice of a meat or cheese charcuterie board for $41.62. The price includes a free flight, 10% off the board, and an 18% gratuity.

Mid-Week Summer Sale- Every Tuesday and Wednesday get 50% off all bottles of wine to enjoy at the tasting room or take home and all boards are $5 off.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Eat Up Drive In celebrates 4th anniversary with $4 burgers

Opened in 2021 during the pandemic, the Arcadia fast casual concept celebrates next Tuesday, April 29th. Their Wood Grilled Cheeseburgers will be $2.50 off all day.

Mollydooker wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

No punches will be thrown next Wednesday, April 30th for the 5-course dinner paired with Australian white & red wines. Seating is $120++ per person and seating is limited. To make reservations you can call 602-374-4784 and for more information you can visit their website.

  • 1st Course—Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with the 2024 Violinist Verdelho
  • 2nd Course—Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with Two Left Feet Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 92 pts.)
  • 3rd Course—Grilled Lamb Chop served with a mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz (Wine Spectator 2022 92 pts.)
  • 4th Course—Prime Baseball Sirloin with Yukon Gold mash and asparagus paired with Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 90 pts.)
  • Dessert Course—Chocolate Lava Cake

sneakybird opens its 4th location

The never ever fried chicken concept opened its 4th location in Queen Creek in The Marketplace at Hudson Station recently. The oven-grilled chicken sandwiches, tenders, flat breads and salads are available with plenty of dry rubs and sauces for dipping.

Summer Martinis now available at The Montauck

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant with an East Coast vibe has 5 new savory, floral and citrusy martinis to keep you cool.

  • Salt & Vinegar – Aviation Gin or Ketel One Vodka, Salt, Vinegar
  • Pepper-tini – Aviation or Ketel One Vodka, Pepperoncini Brine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper
  • One and Only – Ketel One Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom, Lillet Blanc, White Haven Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon
  • Italian Summer – Caravella Limoncello, Ketel One Vodka, Lemon, Aperol
  • Rose Colored Glasses – Glendalough Wild Rose Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Grapefruit

BJ’s Restaurant launches Snickers Pizookie

The restaurant has partnered with Mars to offer guests a freshly baked brown sugar cookie with chunks of Snickers bar then topped with vanilla bean ice cream, a chocolate shell topping,ar  caramel sauce and sprinkled with more Snickers. The limited time sweet treat is available for dine-in only. Find a location near you at BJ’s website.

Get your BBQ Passport stamped at Haymaker in May

May being National BBQ Month, the 4 Haymaker restaurants in the West Valley invite you to get your BBQ Passport stamped in exchange for food, kind of. When you dine at all 4 locations in Peoria (2), Goodyear and Buckeye in May you can get your Passport stamped and once you’ve dined all 4 locations you will get a $50 gift card for a future visit.

Haymaker and Westside Concepts Owner Joey Lucidi has been perfecting his in-house smoked BBQ dishes and signature bourbon BBQ sauce since 2013. If BBQ isn’t for you, Haymaker offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes made from family recipes. Only !00% Angus Chuck beef is used for their burgers and signature dishes include Mama’s Meatloaf and the Haymaker Benedict and Pulled Pork Skillet are served all day along with all the breakfast dishes on the menu.

For more information and to find a location near you visit Haymaker’s website.

Cowboy BBQ for Wild Wild West celebration at Lakeside Bar & Grill

With its 17th anniversary fast approaching Peoria’s Lakeside Bar & Grill is getting ready for an all-day celebration on Saturday, April 26th from 11 a.m. – midnight. A special Cowboy BBQ themed menu will be available along with Western inspired cocktails and live entertainment. The family and pet friendly celebration will let kids’ eat for free until 2 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree, with one free kids meal per adult.

The special Cowboy BBQ menu will include ribs, an appetizer combo and a crispy 1/2 chicken. Signature drinks will be served in themed glassware including a a cowboy mug cocktail made with pineapple jalapeño tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, Monin habanero syrup and Dos Equis lager. A boot-shaped shooter called the Six Shooter Bullseye features a mix of Dulce Vida Blanco tequila, Disaronno, Kahlua, Baileys, Goldschläger and butterscotch schnapps, layered with grenadine. Happy Hour food & drink specials will be available from 3 p.m. until closing just for the day’s party. Custom koozies will keep your drinks chilled and will be available while supplies last.

DJ Pollo starts entertaining party goers from 12- 4 p.m. and a kids’ lasso contest will be held during the day and an adult contest will be held in the evening. The Patrick James Band will give a high energy performance of Country Western favorites from 7:30 p.m. til midnight to end the celebration. For more information visit Lakeside’s website.

 

Thomas Ian Nicholas to perform at Mac & Cheese Festival

Cheese lovers can get their tickets for the first annual Mac & Cheese Festival to be held at Chase Field on Saturday, May 24th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The family friendly event will have mac & cheese themed foods, thirst quenching drinks and live entertainment from actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas.

Nicholas is known for appearing in ’90s classic films “American Pie” and “Rookie of the Year” will perform an acoustic set. There will also be live wrestling, a Mac & Cheese and French fry eating contest, a Kid’s Fun Zone and giveaways. The first of its kind event in downtown Phoenix is a partnership between the Arizona Diamondbacks Events & Entertainment and Levy Restaurants.

Actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas

Tickets for the Mac & Cheese Festival and to see Thomas Ian Nicholas start at $15 with VIP and Ultimate VIP tickets available for $50 and $75. VIP tickets come with 2 drink vouchers, 3 food vouchers and Fast Lane access and Ultimate VIP comes with 3 drink vouchers and access to other Ultimate VIP amenities. For more information and updates visit their Facebook page and to purchase tickets visit Tickemaster.

Haymaker opens fourth location in the West Valley

Westside Concepts opened its newest breakfast, lunch and dinner concept Haymaker at Sunrise Market in Buckeye’s Verrado neighborhood last week. Known for its family recipes with an all-day breakfast menu that features Country Fried Steak & Eggs, 100% Angus Chuck beef burgers and signature dishes such as the Haymaker Benedict and Pulled Pork Skillet. The restaurant is also known for its large selection of whiskeys. The new Verrado location joins two in Peoria and in Goodyear.

“Haymaker is extremely special to us at Westside Concepts and to my family,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “It was our first concept, and it has propelled the entire company and its growth.  We couldn’t be more excited to bring a brand no reimagined design and location to North Peoria, and a completely new location to great neighborhood of Verrado.”

The rustic farmhouse setting was designed Social Design Studio has 4,800 square feet features the main dining room, bar and outside patio. The open dining room offers natural wood finishes with a modern look.

The new Haymaker is at 20990 W. Sentinel Dr. #101 Buckeye. Visit their website for more information and to see the menu.

 

Uptown Phoenix is new location for The Bar’s 2nd location

The popular Arcadia bar and restaurant The Bar, opened its second location in late February along 7th Ave. in Uptown Phoenix. Known for its laid-back vibe and throwback nostalgia to the 1990s- early 2000s the original location opened in 2019 by restaurateur Frank Vairo, owner of Nook Kitchen and other restaurants and bars in the area.

“Due to the success and popularity of The Bar Arcadia, we wanted to bring something similar yet uniquely its own to our diners in Uptown Phoenix,” said Vairo. “We are excited to present the neighborhood with a place to eat, drink, play, interact and just have a really great time in a welcoming and inviting space.”

The Bar Uptown offers a similar menu to Arcadia that includes award-winning wings, salads, Wisconsin cheese curds, potato skins and more. A selection of sandwiches and burgers are on the menu with the Smashburger expected to steal the show. Signature house cocktails were created by The Bar’s mixologist Elia Perez and include popular drinks from Arcadia.

Weekly specials and daily features from the kitchen and the bar are offered along with happy hour specials that include $2 off drafts, $2 off full-size appetizers, $7 Tito’s, $7 glasses of wine, $5 well drinks, $6 Four Roses, $7 “Jamos” and $7 house mules. Dollar Wing Night, a hit at Arcadia will also be offered at the Uptown location.

You won’t go board at The Bar Uptown as it features darts, a pool table, karaoke, bingo & trivia nights and tournaments will be held. A game room offers video games and more and on weekends a DJ pumps up the volume. The Bar Uptown is open daily from 12:00 p.m. until 2 a.m. and is at 5504 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. For more information visit their website.

Patsy’s New York Delicatessen coming to Paradise Valley

Hot off the grand reopening of The Mexicano, chef and restaurateur has announced his newest restaurant, Patsy’s New York Delicatessen opening this spring. The location should be familiar to many as it will be the newest concept in the former The Rosticceria restaurant and temporary home of The Mexicano pop-up. And if you’re familiar with Chef Joey’s other concepts you know there will be a signature attraction you haven’t seen in other restaurants.

“We’re bringing Arizona its first one-of-a-kind bagel bar, featuring 14 uniquely flavored cream cheeses—from artichoke & spinach dip to Nutella, and even a signature pastrami lox schmear,” says Chef Joey Maggiore, co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “Our New York-style bagels will be made fresh in-house daily, using authentic New York water for that perfect bite.”

Named after Joey’s grandfather’s nickname when he was a butcher in The Bronx, Patsy”s New York Delicatessen will offer classic Jewish deli food with Joey’s modern touch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant will offer both a fast casual counter for those on the go along with a full-service dining room serving breakfast sandwiches & platters, house smoked & cooked deli meats and towering NY style deli sandwiches. Potato knishes, sugar cookies, NY style cheesecake and Black & White cookies will give the deli a taste of NY nostalgia. A custom soda bar where diners can craft their own egg cream will catch diners’ attention.

Christina Maggiore is bringing Manhattan to Arizona with her interior design that includes an immersive art installation, diner red accents and an old school charm atmosphere with staff donning vintage dining hats. Patsy’s will soon be hiring for dozens of positions in the near future and an announcement will be made. Patsy’s New York Delicatessen is at 12811 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and updates follow the on social media at @patsysdeliicatessen