Category: downtown Mesa

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

May the 4th be with you in downtown Mesa

Myke’s Pizza, Cider Corps and Pair Cupworks celebrate Star Wars Day next Thursday starting at 7 a.m. Start your day in warp speed with a Dark Side Latte or a Blue Milk Espresso then at 11 a.m. enjoy a Luke, I Am Your Father’s Cheese Pizza or Dago Bahn Mi Pizza. Cool off with Light Saber Cider Slushie or a Mangolorian Cider. Dessert and tonic specials are also available and all are for dine-in only. At 6 p.m. the Star Wars soundtrack will set the mood and a costume contest is scheduled.

Suns playoff promotions continue in the 2nd round

With the Suns advancing to next round of the NBA Playoffs local restaurants are giving fans something else to cheers about. Old Town Scottsdale’s The Montauk offers a “Sun Burst” shot for $10 throughout the playoffs. It’s made with their dreamsicle frosè and topped with Empress 1908 Gin creating the signature orange & purple team colors. Around the corner at arcade bar The Hot Chick game day specials of $5 Suns Bru drafts, $10 Purple Haze cocktails and $10 Purple Gatorade Shots are offered.

Dave and Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace extend their Slam Dunk Deal including a free appetizer when you sign up for their loyalty program. Included in the deal are $20 Play Card and Watch menu entree of your choice for $29.99. Entrees include a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, All-American Burger, Original and Boneless Wings and more.

Local couple opens 2nd location of Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails in Scottsdale

Kyle and Erica Walters opened their second restaurant last month at the Loop 101 & Via de Ventura 4 years after they opened in Chandler. Parlay features a menu of scratch made dishes for all palates and 24 signature cocktails. In addition to lunch and dinner they offer happy hour 7 days a week from 3-6 p.m., weekend brunch starting at 9 a.m. and live music Friday and Saturday from 6 -9 p.m.

Hundred Mile Brewing Co. hosts water drive in May

All month long the Tempe brewery and restaurant will be collecting packages of water in 12 packs or larger. Customer’s that donate water at the restaurant will receive $5 off each tables order. The water will be distributed to Tempe residents experiencing homelessness by the city’s Homeless Outreach Prevention Effort (H.O.P.E) team.

“As business in Tempe, we see ourselves as part of the community and we want to be good neighbors to everyone,” says Sue Rigler, founder of Hundred Mile Brewing Co. “We love partnering with the city and with other local businesses to support our community and we thank you for helping us help Tempe’s residents in need.”

Z Teja’s now offering new Spring seasonal menu

Warm temperatures means new cooler and refreshing dishes from Executive Chef Danny O’ Campo at the southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler. Through July 1st guests can enjoy 5 new menu items including Fried Cauliflower, Green Chili Barbacoa filled Fried Relleno, Mango Steak Salad and Horseradish Honey Mustard Glaze Salmon. From the bar comes a Blue Raspberry Mojito to enjoy with your meal or by itself.

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.

Bounty of the Sea menu now at STK Steakhouse

The new seafood menu is available until April 6th with 8 new dishes for dinner. Start with a Seafood Tower, Tuna Tartar or Jalapeno Pickled Shrimp Cocktail before moving on to Fish & Chips, Maine Lobster Linguine and more.

Send some Noodz for National Noodle Month from Ling’s Wok Shop

Throughout the month of March the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant is having some fun with Noodz. Not in the naughty way, customers can send Noodz to friends & family and save some money for themselves. Just submit their email address and they will get an email for BOGO noodle dish. For sending them some Noodz you’ll get a certificate for $5 off your next visit.

Save your Spring Training game tickets for food & drink deals.

Local restaurants are playing ball to save you a few bucks when you visit Phoenix area restaurants before or after the game on the same day of the game. Visit Myke’s Pizza, Streets of New York, Koibito Poke, OverEasy, Joque Concepts (Diego Pops, The Montauk, The Hot Chick) and Salt & Lime Mexican Grill. Visit each restaurants website to see each deal, promotion ending dates and any restrictions that do apply.

Desert Ridge Marketplace adds restaurants to Sip & Stroll list

Arizona law now allows you to sip on your favorite adult beverage as you stroll the north Phoenix retail center. Shoppers 21 and over can purchase to-go drinks from Islands, Yard House, Artichoke Bassile’s Pizza, Copper Blues Live, Dave & Buster’s, Sid’s Garage and Whining Pig Beer and Wine Bar.

OpenTable names Phoenix area restaurants as Most Romantic

Steak 44 in Phoenix and Scottsdale’s Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse made the annual Top 100 list for 2022. More than 12 million reviews submitted by diners nationwide included a total of 9 restaurants in Arizona. Up to five stars can be given in categories including food, service, ambiance and value.

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.

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

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

Crowd funding is getting popular for local concepts

Have you ever wanted to own a business without all the headaches of owning a business? Now you can as several local food and beverage businesses are using crowd funding to raise money for expansion or relocation. In some cases is an investment where you should get a return on your investment and some your just giving you’re money to support the local business.

A business sets a goal of how much they want to raise and a deadline to raise the money. If the goal isn’t raised in the time frame your money is refunded. Several companies handle crowd funding campaigns such as Indiegogo and SeedInvest & Mainvest help raise money as an investment. All hold money until the goal is met and then release the money to the business. Some choose to self-raise the money themselves and as with any transfer of funds one should do their due diligence before contributing or investing.

Who’s crowd funding around Phoenix

Tater Traderz

The gourmet loaded fries company working out of a cloud kitchen is looking to raise $65,000 for a concession stand, trailer and equipment to expand and become a mobile concept.

“Everything worthwhile starts as a dream and dreamers are the hardest working people we know,” says Marrero, co-founder with Patrick Wills of Tap That Concepts, which owns and operates Kitchen 602 and Tater Traderz.

“We’re ready and eager to get to work! Even so, it takes more than that. It also takes community, support, and capital; that’s why we’re coming to you. Dreams can be expensive. Our team is truly passionate about what we’re doing and believe that Tater Traderz can change the way everyone enjoys food.”

For more information and to help them reach their goal head to their Indiegogo page.
 

Santé

The north Scottsdale health conscious restaurant and market is looking to expand by raising $75,000 with the investors set to receive 1.7x their investment in return.

“We love our little farmers in AZ and our great partners in middle America that create the best environment for the animals and for climate change. We are looking at growing our grab and gourmet market with keeping our purpose and mission in mind. We are expanding and adding new items as well as in plans to create a stand-alone marketplace near you!” Co-owners Nico and Nick.

Their Mainvest page has all the details.

Cider Corps

The Mesa based cidery is looking to raise $300,000 due to some unfortunate circumstances with their Gilbert location they opened 2 years ago. The story of why and how you can help is found on their Goodbye 685 page of 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

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.

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.

Tonight starts Four Peaks Oktoberfest

The weekend long festivities at Tempe Beach Park starts at 5 p.m. with happy hour. Live music, beer, food and more is only $20 Friday and Saturday with free admission on Sunday. To see the details of the event read my feature post from last month.

Save $6 on pizza every Monday at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

For National Pizza Month you can save $6 on a 16-inch cheese pizza every Monday in October. Get the pizza for $14 at all 6 Phoenix area and Flagstaff locations when you dine-in or take-out when you call your order in. No third party deliveries or online orders and not available on October 31st.

Beaulieu Vineyards featured at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa dinner

The historic Napa Valley winery’s wines will be paired as part of a 5-course dinner on Thursday, October 10th in the resort’s Alto Ristorante e Bar. The dinner begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7. Winery representative Julia Smith will be in attendance to walk guests through the wines, tell the story of the famous winery and answer questions. Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. and his culinary team will pair a specially curated menu with guests having the opportunity to purchase wines at a discount to take home. Reservations are required for the $149 per person dinner and can be made by calling 480-629-6231.

Cider Corps nominated as one of the “Best Cideries” in the country

Vote for the locally and veteran owned cidery until October 24th as they’ve been nominated by USA Today for one of the Top 10 in the country. Only 20 cideries were nominated by a panel of experts and you can help them get into the Top 10.

Z’Tejas goes pink in October

For the entire month of October the southwestern restaurant in Chandler and Scottsdale is selling pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the $10 proceeds of each ribbon is being donated to The Singleton’s. The local non-profit helps single parent families battling cancer. When purchasing a ribbon guests receive a complimentary watermelon strawberry margarita or a non-alcoholic, a strawberry lemonade (zero proof) cocktail.

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.

1/2 off bottles of wine at Kasai for National Red Wine Day

Sunday August 28th the Japanese steakhouse in Scottsdale celebrates all day with $2 off all glasses and 1/2 all bottles of wine. Red wines make great pairings for several entrees including Caymus Cabernet pairs well with Mongolian Lamb Chops, Angeline goes well with Wagyu Sliders and Yolo with the NY Strip.

Schmooze welcomes back students & teachers this weekend

All students and teachers can get 15% off their order today through Sunday at the downtown Scottsdale coffee shop & cafe. Mention “Back to Schmooze” and present a valid ID when ordering to get your discount. Looking to buy gift cards? If so, their also offering a free $20 gift card when purchasing a $100 gift card. Both offers are only available in store when ordering from a team member.

Pork on a Fork gives police and fire personnel 50% off

The new Chandler location is saying “thanks” to all members on Tuesday & Wednesday August 30th & 31st. The first responders will need to show ID to get the discount.

Cult favorite peach topped pizza back at Myke’s Pizza

The popular downtown Mesa eatery brings back it’s uncommon fruit topped pizza. While supplies (peaches) last, usually into October, guests can get a pizza topped with aged Gouda and mozzarella cheeses, crispy sage, pistachios, and golden Utah peaches for $18.50. Owner Myke Olson was inspired by his mother’s peach pies she made when he was growing up in Utah. The pizza shop has gained national attention for his use of peaches and other fruits on his pizzas.

Koibito Poke offers student discounts at all locations

All Phoenix area locations offer students with ID 15% off your entire purchase daily from 2 – 5 p.m.

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.

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.

National Burger Day is Saturday 5/28

A favorite of many, the hamburger is celebrated all month of May and especially tomorrow. Two local restaurants are taking advantage of the American comfort food with free offerings.

Eat Up Drive In– Get a Free side of fries with every burger purchase when you mention this promotion at the Arcadia restaurant.

Woo Woo Burgers– Buy One Burger Get One Free when you order online for pick-up or delivery from their Chandler or Scottsdale ghost kitchens.

FiiZ soda shop opens tomorrow in Downtown Mesa

A cold refreshing soda hits the spot and Fiiz’s list of sodas has almost 60 on it. Italian sodas, smoothies, flavored coffee drinks (Choffy) and add-ons make sure you won’t go thirsty. At 52 S. Mesa Dr. this is the first of what the owner hopes to be 6-8 locations in Mesa. Snacks include pretzels, nachos, Chonuts (churro & donut) and more are also available. The new shop will open Saturday May 28th from 12-6 p.m. Regular hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. FiiZ will be closed on Sundays.

Four Peaks Brewery to give grants to 12 teachers

You have until June 30th to nominate a teacher for the “Four Peaks for Teachers” campaign. 12 teachers nationwide will be surprised with $1,000 grants for school supplies. In addition a portion of sales from its Kilt Lifter Amber Ale will be set aside to purchase 10,000 school supply kits for teachers in 5 states. Four Peaks is partnering with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Rising to host kit distribution events in July.

The brewery’s 8th Street pub in Tempe is hosting several specials for teachers through July 31st.

  • Weekly food specials — $1 from each special is donated to the nonprofit Four Peaks Charities to help fund the Four Peaks For Teachers program.
  • Teacher Tuesday “All Day Happy Hour” featuring $4 pints through July 31.
  • “Buy a Teacher a Beer” tear pad program…these are pint tear pads — pub patrons can buy one, put them on the wall and then teachers can pull them off and redeem them.

Barro’s Pizza raising money for Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children in June

The community minded , family owned restaurant with 47 locations in Arizona is raising money for the 7th year for children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Along with Pepsi they will donate up to $40,000 from sales from any lunch special until June 30th. Lunch hours vary by location.

Food and drink specials at Morning Squeeze for Pride Month

The Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix locations share the love and support of the LGBTQ community with 2 specials in June. Pride Punch ($10) is rum cocktail with peach schnapps, pineapple & lemon juice and a melon liqueur. It’s garnished with a candy rainbow ribbon. Stuffed French Toast ($14) layers cream filling between two slices of the restaurant’s original French toast and tops it with colorful garnishes.

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.

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.

May the Fourth be with you

Star Wars fan get it and you can too with local food and drink specials next Wednesday May 4th in downtown Mesa. Myke’s Pizza will have a several Star Wars pizza & dessert specials including Dago- Bahn Mi Pizza. Pair Cupworks will offer Chewbaccaccino ($4.25) with chocolate syrup, espresso and milk and other coffee & tea specials. Cider Corps will be pouring their Mango-lorian Cider Slushie in the cantina.

Local restaurants say thanks to teachers and nurses

Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week starts Monday, May 2nd and they can save money at these local restaurants until May 6th.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria get 15% off when they dine-in or take-out at all Phoenix area locations.

Koibito Poke is offering 25% all orders.

Eat Up Drive In in Arcadia gives 15% off for the week.

Derby Day at Match Market & Bar

Every first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby and the downtown Phoenix restaurant in the Found:RE Hotel is offering signature cocktails and themed brunch buffet starting at 11 a.m. Oversized hats and Derby Day fashions are encouraged. Tickets are $65++ per person and can be bought on Eventbrite.

Weekly burger specials for National Burger Month at Miracle Mile Deli

All month of May get a 1/3 lb fresh beef burger, fries and pickle for only $11 at the midtown Phoenix deli.

2-7 Try the Uptown Burger with pepper jack cheese, avocado, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and chipotle.

9-14 Taste the Ellis Island Burger is served with your choice of aged cheddar, imported Swiss, classic American, provolone or pepper jack cheese along with green leaf lettuce, tomato and red onion.

16-21 Enjoy the Jack & Patty Melt gets grilled onions, pepper jack cheese and Miracle Mile dressing served on grilled rye bread.

23-28 Its time for the Broadway Burger. This incredible cheeseburger is topped with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, green leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion and Miracle Mile dressing.

Babbo Italian Eatery raised a lot of money for the Seena Magowitz Foundation.

A follow -up to a post from earlier this month as the restaurant raised over $105,000 on April 7th that will be donated to pancreatic cancer awareness and research.

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.

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.

Myke’s Pizza debuting new seasonal vegetable pizza series

The popular downtown Mesa pizza joint continues to support local farmers using fresh vegetables for his innovative pizzas, the first is this week’s Kale & Golden Raisin Pizza. Using baby kale from Steadfast Farms, Myke tops it with mozzarella & Idiazabal cheese, charred lemon relish and golden raisins. The new pizza is $17 and he expects kale to be available until July.

Mountain Shadows Resort introduces new Library Teapot

The Paradise Valley resort added tea to its Library Coffee Cart that launched last year. Teas are from local tea company Teaspressa and will be available all year long. Locals and guests are invited to enjoy coffee, tea and creative coffee drinks in The Living Room every Friday- Sunday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and all drinks are $7.

Macayo’s Mexican Food launches new cocktail menu

Jason Asher & Mat Snapp of Barter & Shake helped to curate 7 new cocktails available at all Phoenix area locations. Several are made with ready to drink low calorie hard seltzers. New to the menu are the Guava Colada — Myer’s Platinum Rum, house made sweet and sour, pineapple juice coconut and guava with a Myer’s Dark Rum float. Ranch Water — made with Corazon Blanco, house made sweet and sour and pineapple topped with Cherry Lime Chiller Spiked Ice. Red Sangria featuring house red blend, Gran Gala Orange Liqueur, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, house made sweet and sour, lime juice, orange juice and blackberry.

Angry Crab Shack adds meat to the menu

The seafood restaurant recently added 4 all beef dishes to the menu for a limited time. Surf & Turf includes a 8 oz. filet & lobster tail, corn on the cob, potatoes and butter for $38. A Steak Sandwich, Steak Bowl and Steak Salad were also added for $19 each. All locations prepare the beef medium to medium well.

Grand Canyon Brewing + Distilling investing over $1,000,000 in expansion.

Owner John Peasley expects to start construction any day on an additional 12,500 square feet at his flagship Williams brewery and distillery. Once completed over the summer new equipment including 5 fermenters, one large tank and a keg washer & filler will be housed for the brewery. The distillery will add four 1,000 gallon pot stills and a coffee bean roaster.

Currently combined in one building the distillery will move to the rickhouse where the whiskey is stored and aged in barrels. Production in the distillery will grow by 600% with the new stills and the new brewery equipment will let Peasley increase production of the popular Prickly Pear Wheat beer and other beers.

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.