Category: dessert

Reservations now being taken for Shiv Supper Club

The finishing touches are being completed, and reservations are being taken for the new Shiv Supper Club set to open next Wednesday, May 14th. The new upscale dining experience and its after-hours lounge, The Dessert Room will be something the Scottsdale dining scene hasn’t seen in years and will be the new “place to see and be seen” from Riot Hospitality Group, owners of other Scottsdale area restaurants and nightclubs.

“Shiv was designed to be unforgettable,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group (RHG). “From the theatrics of the service to the music, lighting, and atmosphere, every moment is curated to surprise and excite. It’s not just dinner… It’s a night you’ll talk about long after it ends.”

Highlights of the kitchen and bar

The high energy restaurant will offer a menu that will highlight dishes from both land and sea from RHG’s Culinary Director Dustin Cooke in collaboration with Chef Jeff Mahin of Michelin starred restaurants Fat Duck, L20 and Nobu. Highlighs include…..

To Share:

  • White Soy Poke – A clean, vibrant start. Sashimi lightly dressed in white soy and citrus, balanced with subtle heat and crunch for a refreshing opening note.
  • Wild Truffle Carpaccio – Thin slices of beef tenderloin layered with aged parmesan, crispy oyster mushroom, arugula, garlic aioli, and truffle vinaigrette, an elegant construction of the world’s finest flavors.
  • Tableside Truffle Butter – Fresh-baked Parker House Rolls are elevated tableside with hand-shaved truffles folded into our house-made butter, served alongside hot honey for a savory-sweet finish.

Signature Seafood & Caviar Offerings:

  • Nuggets and Caviar – Comfort food best enjoyed with your pinky up: Crispy, golden chicken nuggets paired with caviar, served with accompaniments that elevate, surprise, and delight.
  • Lobster Caviar Dome – Crowned with premium caviar and gold leaf, presented on house-baked brioche toast and lobster-infused butter. This celebration of opulence will always be the envy of the table next to you.

Entrees:

  • White Shrimp Bolognese – A satisfying rendition of an Italian classic. We use shrimp and white wine so you can indulge without regret.
  • Scallop and Bisque – Seared to a golden crust, East Coast scallops are paired with a decadent lobster bisque crafted from our house caviar dome. The bisque is finished with cognac cream and fresh fennel for a layered experience.

Charcoal-Fired Steaks:

  • The all-too-common Scottsdale steak experience is mundane, but Shiv’s Waygu & Tallo beef program is disciplined by modern tradition and relentless innovation. Including a colossal Tomahawk steak presented table-side

Beverage Director Lindsi Mundy has created a cocktail program that will be pushing the boundaries of the cocktail industry. Each cocktail will have its own story and will be Instagram worthy.

  • The Cocktail Program:
  • Salt & Vinegar Martini – Vodka infused with salt & vinegar chips, pickle brine, dry vermouth, and pepperoncini, served with chips.
  • Well Dressed – A sophisticated mix of gin, vermouth, lemon olive oil, served with a side of salt & pepper popcorn.
  • Cry Baby – A warming blend of Buffalo Trace bourbon, lemon, maple cinnamon syrup and grapefruit.

The Dessert Room will offer late night sweet treats on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 10:00 p.m.

Signature desserts include:

  • Dessert Caviar Service – Fruit-based pearls over panna cotta with coconut crème fraîche and vanilla shortbread. This is a play on classic caviar service using dessert items.
  • Bananas Foster Baked Alaska – Flambéed table-side with banana-infused rum. This is presented as a table-side fire show with vanilla ice cream, banana, rum cake, meringue fire.
  • PB Cube – A glossy chocolate cube filled with peanut butter mousse and fudge brownie.

Reservations can be made at the Shiv’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.

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.

The Dessert Room to offer after hours vibe at Shiv Supper Club

Riot Hospitality Group announced in December that they were transforming The Mint nightclub into an upscale Shiv Supper Club and opening day is set for later in April. One of the highlights will be The Dessert Room, a Friday and Saturday night after-hours spot opening at 9:30 p.m.

“At Shiv, we wanted to create something truly special—an experience where dessert isn’t just an afterthought but the highlight of the night,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “The Dessert Room was born from my vision to transform our supper club into a seductive, late-night escape, featuring bold culinary creations, indulgent cocktails, and a vibe that makes the night feel unforgettable from start to finish.”

Dramatic sweets in The Dessert Room

Details are emerging of what late night enthusiasts can expect including 12 signature desserts from acclaimed pastry chef Nundi Harris, exclusively available during late night hours. Here are a few of the desserts one can expect once inside.

  • Dessert Caviar Service – A whimsical reimagining of classic caviar service featuring fruit-based pearls over basil panna cotta, paired with coconut crème fraîche and shortbread—playful, refined, and unexpected.
  • Fruity Pebbles-Inspired Pearl Cake – Inspired by nostalgic cereal, this shimmering entremet layers cereal-infused sponge, milk mousse, and a crunchy feuilletine base, all glazed to resemble an iridescent pearl.
  • Bananas Foster Baked Alaska – A showstopping fusion of Bananas Foster and Baked Alaska, featuring vanilla ice cream and caramelized banana atop rum cake, dramatically flambéed tableside in banana-infused rum.
  • PB Cube (pictured) – A sleek chocolate cube filled with peanut butter mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, and praline crunch—finished with a glossy ganache mirror glaze for ultimate decadence.
  • Deconstructed Tropical Cheesecake – A deconstructed take on cheesecake with vanilla bean mousse, spiced pineapple, cherry compote, and a crunchy crumble—each bite a playful escape to the tropics.

Of course, dessert cocktails will be available for you to indulge in such as The Mint Chocolate Truffle and The Powder Room Nightcap. Take your late-night experience to the next level with table side champagne service and a premium selection of spirits.

“Shiv’s Dessert Room deliberately challenges expectations,” explains Dustin Cooke, Culinary Director of Riot Hospitality Group. “We’re blending savory techniques with sweet components, incorporating unexpected textures, flavors, and presentations. Guests aren’t just eating dessert — they’re experiencing it through theatrical service, multi-sensory elements, and storytelling. We’ve reimagined dessert as a destination rather than a meal’s conclusion.”

Reservations for The Dessert Room will be separate from Shiv and reservations and more information can be found at 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

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Dia de los Muertos at Cien Agaves tomorrow

The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place Saturday, November 2nd from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant & cantina. Reservations are recommended for beer & tequila tastings, face painting, entertainment from DJ Flawlyss and more.

Devour Culinary Classic tickets on sale tomorrow

Phoenix area foodies will be at their computers bright and early tomorrow as tickets for the popular culinary event go on-sale to the public. The event sells out within weeks and more information and details can be found at my recent post.

National Donut Day at Randy’s Donuts

Election Day is National Donut Day at the popular donut shop. Wear your “I Voted” sticker on Tuesday, November 5th and purchase a dozen donuts at any of the three Phoenix area locations for a free specialty drink OR get a free small black or iced coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 dozen. All locations are open at 6 a.m.

Noble Ground Coffee opens new location in downtown Phoenix

The local coffee shop who is dedicating to making the communities which they serve better has opened their 8th location at 101 N. First Ave. The Official Coffee of The Phoenix Suns and Mercury has a unique concept where they share the proceeds of sales with local charitable causes identified by their parent company, Thrive Services Group. The new location is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on the weekend from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

It’s pumpkin season at Chompie’s

Taste the flavors of fall until December 31st at all four Phoenix area locations including the new breakfast special, pumpkin pancake plate for $11.99. Add two eggs any style and bacon or sausage for $4.79. Other pumpkin flavored desserts and sweet treats are also available.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Streets of New York offers new seasonal dishes

All 15 Arizona locations of the family-owned Italian restaurant and pizzeria have 4 new dishes for their “Fall Features” menu. The new menu is available until the end of November for dine-in, take-out and delivery and $1 from every cheesecake will be donated to Childhelp. Their mission is to help heal the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. The 4 new dishes are……

  • Burrata and Tomato – Rich and creamy Burrata paired with balsamic glazed heirloom tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh basil and drizzled with Tuscan
    olive oil. Served with toasted, garlic buttered crostinis.
  • Penne alla Vodka with Burrata – Al dente penne pasta in a rich vodka sauce, topped with a creamy Burrata ball and fresh basil, drizzled with Tuscan olive oil.
  • Sausage + Calabrian Chili Pizza – House made vodka sauce, mozzarella, crumbled Italian sausage, Calabrian chilis, whipped ricotta and Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake – A fall-inspired treat with a graham cracker crust, layered with velvety pumpkin cheesecake and light pumpkin mousse. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

LDV Winery has new Noshing Shareables Boards and hours

The downtown Scottsdale tasting room has new hours that are Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday Noon- 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Starting Monday, October 14th new LDV wine-infused shareable boards snacks will be available for purchase to enjoy with your wine.

The Sicilian Baker offer new autumn inspired sweets & treats

Fans of cannoli and other Sicilian inspired desserts can now get them at the Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria locations. Flavors such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice can be found in the four new treats.

  • Pumpkin Spice Cannoli – Sweet ricotta cream with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cake – Pumpkin Spice cake topped with pumpkin cream cheese mousse, caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – Chocolate buttermilk cake topped with chocolate hazelnut mousse, feuilletine Nutella crunch and caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Caramel Tart – Chocolate tart shell filled with caramelized white chocolate cremeux and dark chocolate whipped cremeux

The TLC eXperience is back with the Harvest Fundraiser Dinner

Dine under the stars in the orchard at Agritopia Farm in Gilbert on Friday, November 8th at 5 p.m. as they partner to raise money for the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation. Chef Tom and his culinary team are preparing a menu that uses locally sourced and grown ingredients for the multi-course dinner that never disappoints. The 4-hour dinner experience is $150 per person and the menu and reservations can be seen and made here.

Aridus Wine Company re-opens Scottsdale tasting room

After a little remodel, repairs and restocking of wine the Old Town Scottsdale tasting room is now open.

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.

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

“Pink Out” coming back to Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the anniversary of the passing of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants co-owner and former Chandler City Council member Stephanie Serrano. In Stephanie’s memory and to raise money for local non-profit Check for a Lump the family owned restaurant is hosting the 4th Annual “Pink Out” on Saturday, October 15th. All four locations will participate with the Chandler location hosting the non-profit’s RV for free mammograms.

“We all miss Stephanie and know that she would be proud of us aligning with a nonprofit like Check for a Lump to provide life-saving education and testing for breast cancer,” said Ric Serrano, CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “Anything we can do to help prevent other families from facing this battle is worthy of our support, so we’re especially encouraged to have the mobile mammography unit at our Chandler location this year.”

Pink out
Pink Out Margarita Sampler

“Pink Out” specials for October

If you wear pink on the 15th to any location you will get a free order of pink sprinkled buñuelos for dessert. If you can’t make it by on the for the “Pink Out” stop in all month long to enjoy any or all of the three monthly specials with a portion of the proceeds getting donated to Check for a Lump.

Pink Out Margarita Sampler- $9.99 Get your pink on with our house raspberry, strawberry, passionfruit strawberry, and watermelon margaritas!

Stephanie’s Stacked Enchiladas- $12.99 Stephanie’s favorite! This gluten-free friendly dish includes corn tortillas, black beans and shredded chicken stacked high and covered in tomatillo sauce and cheese. Served with a side of your choice.

Homemade Apple Crumble- $7.99 Our apple crumble à la mode with caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar.

“We are grateful to Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant for hosting another fundraising event this year benefiting Check for a Lump to honor the memory of family member Stephanie Serrano who bravely fought breast cancer. Her blessed memory and event will help assist women in our community with life-saving mammograms, wigs and support. We appreciate the Serrano family and are privileged to share in Stephanie’s legacy. Cheers to treasuring memories of her with every dish served,” said Holly Rose, founder and chief executive director of Check for a Lump.

To schedule a free mammogram on the 15th call 480-967-3767.

Chef Hector Godinez rolls out seasonal dishes at Grimaldi’s

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria introduced several new dishes and cocktails featuring the new Fall season that is upon us. Corporate Chef Hector Godinez and his team have been working on the 5 new dishes and 2 new cocktails since early summer. Grimaldi’s rolls out new seasonal dishes every 3 months as the seasons change and seasonal ingredients become available.

Chef Hector Godinez takes inspiration from his years working in various restaurants in Phoenix and Ahwatukee including the last 10 years at Grimaldi’s and 6 as Corporate Chef.

New on the menu at all locations for a limited time are…..

Fallin’ Wedge Salad- Traditional ingredients but swap out the Iceberg lettuce for higher quality Romaine and toss the ingredients.

The Bridge Board- Grimaldi’s version of a charcuterie board that changes seasonally and named after the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza- Chef Godinez’s take on Buffalo wings but with no fryer he puts all the ingredients including the crunchy celery on a pizza with Sweet Baby Ray’s hot sauce.

Pumpkin Cheesecake- Can’t have a Fall menu without a pumpkin spices.

Coco’nana Cheesecake– Godinez’s play on a childhood favorite, chocolate covered banana. Banana cheesecake with Oreo cookie crust and chocolate chips.

Italian Old Fashioned– Whiskey, Tiramisu syrup and bitters over ice with a Luxardo cherry and orange peel.

Amalfi Martini- Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Limoncello and lemon juice shaken and garnished with a lemon wheel and rosemary. 

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

 

 

Summer Supper returns at Marcellino Ristorante

When downtown Scottsdale’s Marcellino Ristorante returns next Thursday August 4th after a couple weeks of rest and relaxation so will their Summer Supper dining experience. Guests can enjoy a three course for only $49 per person choosing from antipastos, award-winning handcrafted pastas and ending with house-made biscotti for dessert. Imagine a Caprese salad with imported mozzarella or entrees Gnocchi Sorrentina or Filetto Di Maiale without leaving Arizona. The Summer Supper is available nightly from 4 p.m. til closing for parties up to 6 people.

Also returning is their weekly Dinner and a Movie program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening through the first week of September at 5:30 p.m. guests can enjoy dinner from the menu or the Summer Supper menu. Enjoy the private dining room with others for a date night, girl’s night out or just letting Marcellino do the cooking. Admission is free but dinner and reservations are  required.

The movies are as scheduled.

August 9; and August 24: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
August 10; and August 30: “Only You”

August 16; and August 31: “Roman Holiday”

August 17; and August 23: “Eat, Pray, Love”

August 28; and September 7: “When in Rome”
September 6: “The Big Night”
Reservations are suggested for the Summer Supper. To make a reservation call 480-490-9500. For more information and to view their menus visit their website.