Category: craft beer

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

December specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

From now until New Year’s Eve you can order delicious red beef/pork and green corn tamales by the dozen for $34.99. Having a party and want some traditional Mexican specialties mini chimis, flautas, chicken and cheese rollups, and jalapeno poppers are available to order in increments of 3, 6 or 9 dozen ($45.99, $84.99, $129.99). Orders can be placed any of the 4 locations with 24 hour notice for phone orders and online orders require 48 hours’ notice.

Gift cards are available for purchase with 20% kickbacks. $5 for every $25 purchased, $10 kickback on $50 gift card, $20 kickback on $100.

Looking to dine-in, you’ll find these specials on the menu for the month.

Lisa’s Pronto Bowl: A classic choice with shredded chicken, pinto beans, Spanish rice, red sauce, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce and tomatoes all piled high on a house-made taco shell topped with chunky salsa. $14.99
White Christmas Margarita: A house-made margarita with white cranberry juice, Sauza Silver tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Garnished with sugar-covered cranberries and mint. $9.99
Caramel Flan: Back by popular demand! House-made caramel flan topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. $6.99.

Barro’s fights hunger on December 6th

From open to close next Tuesday all 46 of the locally owned pizza restaurants in Phoenix and Tucson will donate 100% of the day’s proceeds to St. Mary’s Food Bank. It’s the 11th year the Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight fundraiser which has raised over $2.1 million dollars in ten years. The money raised is equivalent to 14.7 million meals and is St. Mary’s largest yearly cause marketing effort.

The Buzzed Bull Creamery offers new flavors for the season

Ice cream never tasted so good, especially buzzed with spirits of the season. The ice cream shop at the Scottsdale Waterfront offers 4 new flavors all month long. Buzzed or non-buzzed the sweet treat can be in a milkshake or cup of ice cream. Need an afternoon pick me up; take 15% off every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 – 5 p.m. The new flavors are….

Girl Scout featuring mint syrup, chocolate sauce, brownie bites and peppermint schnapps.

Apple Cider featuring cookie butter syrup, cinnamon and apple pie moonshine.

Double Chocolate Bourbon with chocolate sauce and bourbon.

Cherry Cake featuring cake batter, cherries and cherry vodka.

Hundred Mile Brewing is ready for its soft opening

Arizona’s newest brewery is putting the final touches for next Wednesday, December 7th opening. The first couple of weeks will feature local beers on tap and starting December 19th fresh brewed HMBC beers will be tapped one day at time. The new brewery is close to the ASU campus and the owner and brewer are alumni and were featured in my August post. During the soft opening (7th-11th) a daily drawing for a $100 gift card will be awarded and Sunday the 11th is Sun Devil Sunday. Anyone wearing Sun Devil gear will get 15% off.

Get 6 free tamales when you pre-order a dozen

Authentic scratch made tamales are a December specialty at Jalapeño Inferno and until December 23rd they are available to order. Choose from sweet green corn tamales and spicy red chili pork tamales for pick- up at their Peoria or North Scottsdale 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.

Holiday Breakfast Box available from Morning Squeeze

Looking to feed friends and family breakfast Christmas morning? If so, each Breakfast Box serves up to 10 people and pre-orders are being taken from December 1st until the 20th. Each box includes 1 meat quiche, 1 vegetable quiche, potatoes, fruit, French toast casserole and orange juice. Orders can be picked up on December 23rd & 24th at their new catering kitchen at 1725 W. University Dr. Tempe and each box is $140. To order call 480-967-6610 or email TakeHome@morningsqueeze.com

Tracey Dempsey Originals to host Holiday Market

Now that we’re in the gift giving season make plans to attend the Local Love: Holiday Market next Saturday December 3rd. Baked goods and wines from Tracey Dempsey Originals/ ODV Wines along with other local partners including Ernest +Humble Coffee, The Sober Somm with alcohol free libation options, Broom Brush Tea, candle maker Cactus + Vine and 8 other local vendors. Non-profit partners The Joy Bus, Blue watermelon Project & Sun produce Co-Op will be selling gift cards, tickets to future fundraiser and food delivery subscriptions.

The market will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Tracey Dempsey Originals 1325 W. University Dr. Tempe.

Pork on a Fork Friday specials available for pre-order

Not wanting to cook dinner at the end of a long week then pre-order a smoked meat dinner from their North Phoenix or Chandler restaurants. Starting on Monday you can place your order for Tri-Tip for December 2nd pick-up and order Beef Ribs on Monday the 5th for pick-up on the 9th. Quantities are limited and pre-orders are necessary.

New Happy Hour menu at Sfizio in North Phoenix

The Italian restaurant in Desert Ridge just released a new menu available daily in the bar from opening til 6 p.m. Enjoy Shrimp Risotto, Mussel Marinara, Meatballs and Truffle Garlic Bread in house or consider them inspiration for your holiday cooking.

Oro Brewery Company brings home the gold from GABF

The Mesa craft brewer won was awarded a gold medal by the Brewers Asoociation at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival in October. The gold medal beer was the Café Oro, a Blonde Ale infused with cold-press coffee in the “Coffee Beer style” category. The cold press coffee used is from local Village Coffee Roastery.

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

A new Papago Brewing Company coming in early 2023

The brand lived on despite the closing of the original location a few years back to make way for re-development. That’s the story of Papago Brewing Company which was purchased in 2016 by Huss Brewing Company’s Jeff & Leah Huss who announced a new taproom will be opening in early 2023 in the former Brass Tap in Mesa Riverview.

“It’s always been my dream to reintroduce the Papago Brewing experience,” Leah Huss says. “Not a rehash or a replica of the old taproom, but a brand-new iteration. I really wanted to envision what Papago Brewing would look like in 2023, so we’ll still have elements of a traditional European-style beer pub and vintage furnishings, yet very fresh and forward-looking.”

The new Papago Brewing Company

Leah co-owned Papago Brewing Company opening it in 1999 and partnered with Jeff in 2013 to open Huss Brewing and was instrumental in helping to grow the Arizona craft beer scene. She has high praise for Brass Tap founder Jesse Rowe “They’ve been great stewards of the Mesa craft beer scene, and we’re excited to introduce Huss and Papago to the neighborhood.”

The new taproom is a passion project for the Huss’s and Jeff being a diehard Cubs fan; the taproom is a mile from the team’s Spring Training home at Sloan Park.

The new Papago Brewing Company will have 104 seats and will serve the full line of Huss Brewing beers along with other local beers and more. A rotating tap will pour 60 draft beers and packaged beer will be sold to-go. Small batch and experimental beers will feature along with popular beers from the past including Elsie’s Milk Stout and Hopago IPA. Shortly after opening a small menu of premium bar bites will be offered for lunch and dinner.

Papago Brewing Company will be at 1033 N Dobson Rd. Mesa. For more information visit their website.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Where to watch the World Cup

The 2022 World Cup kicks off Sunday and with the 10 hour time difference it may be hard to watch. Looking to watch it with other fans, Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe will be showing all 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 12 noon games. Breakfast and drink specials will be offered on game days. All 4 Twin Peaks locations will be opening at 9 a.m. to show the games on almost 100 flat screen TVs. Scratch made breakfasts and beer specials will be served.

Dad’s Modern Cocktails & Eatery gears up for Thanksgiving week

You’ll have to do the cooking next Thursday but starting Sunday you can enjoy the restaurant’s popular Peach Sangria for only $5 until next Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday next week it’s Happy Hour all day then a Family Feast when they re-open on Friday. The Family Feast includes 8 wings, a Caesar salad and a 20 inch 1 topping pizza all for $45.

Holiday tamales available at Diego Pops

Whether you dine-in or take a dozen to-go the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has the traditional holiday food for you.  The Tamale Plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, Fresno pepper and cabbage. It comes served a side of rice and beans of your choice. Choose a dozen red or green chile chicken Tamales Togo with a side of rice and beans. Tamales are available until the end of December and have limited availability.

Sportsman’s Park Market debuts tomorrow

The Great Lawn at State Farm Stadium is the home of the new farmers market from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. tomorrow. Over 100 fresh food vendors, local products and a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar will be available along with live music and activities for kids. December’s market will be Saturday the 17th.

Chompie’s closes Tempe restaurant after 25 years

The popular restaurant for hungry students and others craving Jewish deli fare will have to find somewhere else to eat. It was a difficult decision to close the restaurant but necessary to help fuel the company’s growth. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Chandler locations are still open.

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

The TLC eXperience returns with Friendsgiving at Agritopia

The monthly supper club is back after taking the summer off with its first dinner of the season Friday, November 18th at Agritopia in Gilbert. Seating is limited for the 4-course dinner created by Chef Tom Baumbach and his team. Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $150 per person and can only be purchased here.  Tables of 8 or 10 are also available for purchase.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. Craft Beer & Music Festival happens Saturday

Tomorrow November 5th welcomes NASCAR fans, country music lovers and beer drinkers to Bell Bank Park starting 6 p.m. The popular Hillbilly Deluxe is the headliner with DJ Jeffro and the Get Lit Dancers opens the show. VIP Happy Hour hosted by Michael starts with early entry at 5 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ older festival are available at BellBankPark.com or at Tixr.

Press Coffee opens today inside Sprouts

The first in-store location of the locally owned coffee roster is now open inside the Sprouts at 3320 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. All weekend long small drip coffees are $1 and all of the proceeds will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Give away will be happening on Saturday and Sunday with more details here.

Loco J’s Tacos & Tequila now open in Cave Creek

Navy veteran Jason Clouse opened his new taco joint in this week making it the first Mexican restaurant to open in town in a long time. He was the former owner of nearby Rosati’s Pizza and sold it to focus on Loco J’s. The restaurant is at 28260 N. Tatum Blvd. and opens daily at 3 p.m.

LDV Winery hiring for their Scottsdale tasting room

Looking to make some extra money for the holidays or keep up with inflation, put your wine knowledge and customer service skills to work in the fun and friendly atmosphere.  Submit your resume to info@ldvwinery.com and learn more about the winery at 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Phoenix’s Pedal Haus hosts RAD event to raise money

Today at the downtown Phoenix location 10% of sales from their new R.A.D. Pumpkin Ale will be donated to the Rob Dollar Foundation. The Foundation helps raise awareness about bicycle safety for both drivers and cyclists and is named after the cycling enthusiast who died when riding his bike. Happy hour will be extended today until 8 p.m. with $2 off appetizers and guests will have the opportunity to register for Sunday’s 5th annual Rob Dollar Foundation’s bike ride at South Mountain.

New dishes on the menu at Zuzu

Executive Chef Russel LaCasce and Pastry Chef Maria Arenas have updated their brunch/dinner, dessert and happy hour menus at the Hotel Valley Ho‘s signature restaurant. New on the Brunch menu Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash and a Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. On the Dinner menu look for the savory Korean Chicken Wings, Citrus & Five Spice Pork Belly, and Pan-Seared Icelandic Salmon and more. Save room for dessert to try there new Brookie and new petite desserts for one or all at your table.

Wine & Candy Pairing at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar pairs wine & candy next Thursday, October 27th just in time for Halloween. 4 wines and candies will be poured during the 2 hour event. Stop in anytime between 6-8 p.m. to taste the sweet & savory treats, tickets can be purchased here. The 4 wines will be 20% off when purchased by the bottle.

Chompie’s Scottsdale location hosts Tip-a-Cop next Friday

Saturday, October 29th Scottsdale’s police officers will be raising money for Special Olympics at the popular deli. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. guests can Tip-a-Cop or drop by their booth to donate or learn more.

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

Zach Hunter joins Pedal Haus Brewery as Culinary Director

Pedal Haus Brewery recently announced the hiring of Michelin starred Chef Zach Hunter as its new Culinary Director. Hunter is no stranger to the Phoenix restaurant scene as he attended Arizona Culinary Institute before working at restaurants in Spain, NYC and Austin. The Illinois native came to Pedal Haus from Fox Restaurant Concepts and had previously worked at Wildfish in Scottsdale.

One of Hunter’s first tasks was to update the brunch menu at the downtown Phoenix location with the Chandler and Tempe locations to see the updated menu in the next couple of months. He will also focus on updating the menus frequently, beer pairing dinners, using more seasonal & locally sourced ingredients and spend more time 1 on 1 & mentoring the other chefs at Pedal Haus. Guests will find new dishes such as PB&J Sticky Buns, Smoked Short Rib Hash, Fried Chicken & Belgian Liege Waffles and more on the new brunch menu.

“Zach is an incredible chef and brings an impressive amount of experience and expertise with him. We’re excited to have him join the Pedal Haus family,” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “We look forward to elevating our food menu to match our expertly crafted beers and offering something unexpected to our guests.”

The career of Zach Hunter

After graduating ACI, Zach worked at Mugaritz in Spain and Atera in New York City where both were awarded two Michelin stars. From there he headed back out west to Austin where he was part of the research and development teams at Chef Tyson Cole’s acclaimed Uchi and Uchiko restaurants, before working at the namesake restaurant of James Beard award winner Paul Qui. At Qui, he was an important part of creating the multi-course menu in the restaurant’s tasting room.

He then went to Ausin’s Brewer’s Table as executive chef and learned about pairing beer and food. He was named Rising Star Chef of the Year by CultureMap Austin and the restaurant was named Restaurant of the Year by Austin Monthly Magazine.

“I’m thrilled to join the Pedal Haus family and work closely with our amazing teams to evolve and elevate our culinary program,” said Hunter. “I’m so excited to dive in head-first with my passion for hospitality and cuisine that seamlessly connects food and beer!”

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Z’Tejas new Fall menu launches Monday

Executive chef Diego Bolanos adds new seasonal dishes to the menu for a limited time. Pan Seared Dumplings ($11), Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas ($17), Pasta with Poached Lobster ($25) and Pumpkin Cheesecake ($11) are a few available for lunch or dinner in Scottsdale and Chandler.

Barro’s Pizza teams up with Dr Pepper for tuition giveaway

One lucky student will win $10,000 for tuition during the 2022 Barro’s Pizza Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway. Any Arizona resident 18 & over can submit an entry until December 19th. The winner can use the money for expenses, tuition or to pay of student loans with the winner picked at random. $95,000 has been awarded to students from the giveaway since 2012.

1/2 priced quesadilla’s at Jalapeño Inferno

Sunday, September 25th the local restaurant with 2 locations in north Scottsdale and one in Peoria is offering their Sonoran Grilled Quesadilla for National Quesadilla Day. The quesadilla comes with shredded Mexican cheeses, green chiles, sour cream, and guacamole.

National Chimichanga Day deal at Macayo’s

Who isn’t looking to save a couple of bucks every now and then, if that sounds like you then head down to one of the 8 Macayo’s locations on Monday, September 26th where their signature Original Chimichanga is only $10. Get it with shredded chicken or beef all day long with a side of rice or beans for $.76 each.

Get Oktoberfest food at Pedal Haus Brewery until the beer runs out

Brats, schnitzel, German style flammkuchen and more are on the menu at all 3 locations until their Oktoberfest beer runs out. Next Saturday, October 1st the local brewer celebrates with a festival with SanTan Brewing Co. in downtown Chandler.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Four Peaks Oktoberfest coming to Tempe Beach Park

Three days of live music, carnival rides, wiener dog races, a celebrity brat eating contest and more are scheduled for the return of Four Peaks Oktoberfest to downtown Tempe. The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Friday October 7th with happy hour and goes until Sunday afternoon at Tempe Beach Park.

Festival goers won’t be bored with entertainment from start to finishing that also includes watch parties for both ASU and Cardinal games on Saturday and Sunday. Bands such as Authority Zero, Wyves, The Black Moods, 2 Tone Lizard Kings, Voyager and SuperHero will entertain attendees on 2 stages. Denmark Foods will be featuring vegetarian and poblano chicken empanadas along with Island Noodles and German desserts. Four Peaks beers will be poured along with German style drafts, wine and cocktails.

Tickets for Pour Peaks Oktoberfest are $20 on Friday and Saturday with free admission on Sunday. Attendees under 20 years old are free all weekend and pre-sale tickets are available for discounts. For more information and to purchase tickets head to their website.

Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits brings Oktoberfest to Ahwatukee

If you can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest then make your way to Ahwatukee for the 2nd annual WCKD Oktoberfest at Wicked Brews, Bites and Spirits on Wednesday September 14th. Their Oktoberfest Lager will also be released on this Wicked Wednesday, the weekly all day happy hour that features live music at night from Abby and Luke.

Put on your favorite pair of lederhosen and raise your glass and sing while enjoying a special German inspired menu. A classic sausage platter, pork shank, pork schnitzel are featured along with Brewja Brats and a Bavarian Charcuterie Board. Chef Gee’s menu will be served until mid-October and the Lager will be on tap until it’s gone.

The rich and malty German lager is balanced with clean hop bitterness. A blend of hops gives the beer a traditional hop flavor with nuances of toasted bread, biscuits and caramel.

Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits is at 4921 E. Ray Rd. Phoenix 85044. For more information visit their website.
Hear wicked Brews owner Chip Mahoney on Episode 13 of my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman
%d bloggers like this: