Category: East Valley

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.

Dog Haus Biergarten Tempe opens this weekend

Grand opening celebrations start when the newest Dog Haus opens at The Watermark on Saturday at 11 a.m. 20% of sales this weekend will be donated to the Tempe Diablos and customers can enter to win a FREE Haus Dog every week through 2021. Until March 7th 20 people will be picked when the text “Tempe” to 31996 to win.

National Margarita Day is Monday 2/22, where are you celebrating?

The famous tequila cocktail is celebrated next week with specials at several restaurant. Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork offers $5 margs starting at 4 p.m. and Glendale’s Urban Margarita offers $4 margs on Taco Tuesday 2/23.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Scottsdale and Camelback locations celebrate all weekend with to-go 32 oz. batches of margs for $20 (normally $29.95) and single serve margs for $5 for dine-in or to-go. Other restaurants celebrating are Z Teja’s, GuacStar Kitchen, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Macayo’s & Ghost Ranch.

It’s Beer vs. Bubbles at Zuzu

Enjoy a reception and 3 -course dinner paired with beers from Belgium’s Chimay and France’s Perrier- Jouet Champagnes at the Hotel Valley Ho. Thursday 2/25 at 6:30 p.m. is when this friendly competition goes down seeing which beverage pairs best with Executive Chef Russel LaCasce’s menu. Space is limited and seats are $129 per person ++. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Spring’ 21 edition of the popular ARW will be May 21st – 30th. The bi-annual event from the Arizona Restaurant Association has local restaurants creating unique 3-course menus for the 10 day culinary event. Dinners are $33 or $44 and can be paired with wine or cocktail for an additional cost. The list of restaurants is always updated and menus will be available in coming weeks and months.

Cigar & Bourbon dinner at Match Market & Bar in Phoenix

Sip, smoke & eat next Friday  2/26 at the signature restaurant in the Founde:RE Hotel. The 4-course dinner will be paired with the Sazerac family of whiskeys tastes and cocktails paired with each course. Fumar Cigars will be featured and available for purchase. Seats are $90++ per person and can be purchased here.

 

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.

Pita Jungle opening Chandler Heights location on February 8th.

The newest location serving Mediterranean cuisine is opening on Monday. Located at the Steelyard at Gilbert Rd. & Chandler Heights the restaurant will have a large dining room, full bar and outdoor patio. The first 50 tables at lunch and dinner will receive a small order of hummus for free. One per table, dine-in only.

It’s Brisket Lovers Month at Miracle Mile Deli

All 3 signature brisket sandwiches (The Original Brisket of Beef, The Big Dipper & The Times Square Cheesesteak) are $12 in February. Available for dine-in, take-out or curbside pick-up Mon.-Sat.

The Boulders Resort & Spa hosting The Prisoner wine dinner

The award-winning Carefree resort hosts a 4- course gourmet dinner on Saturday February 13th at 6 p.m. in The Palo Verde Restaurant. All courses will be paired with The Prisoner wines and is $175 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4668.

Twin Peaks opens at Tempe Marketplace on Monday

The 4th location in the Phoenix area opens on in Tempe in a few days. The new build is on the eastern end of the shopping center and offers 29 degree cold beers including local favorites and scratch made comfort food in a lodge setting.

Vote for the best pizza at Pedal Haus Brewery?

You have until National Pizza Day on February 9th to vote for the best pizza created by founders Julian Wright & Derek “Doc” Osborne. Julian’s pizza features slow roasted pulled pork, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, peppadew peppers and fresh herbs. Doc’s is a Diavola Soprassata pizza with Boars Head pepperoni, Calabrian chilis, jalapenos and honey drizzle. The creator of the winning pizza will donate $500 and 50% of sales on the 9th to Valley Dogs if Julian wins or AZK9 rescue if Doc wins.

 

Super Bowl dine-in and take-out deals around Phoenix

Whether you’re rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs or just want a good game for the Super Bowl on February 7th you’re going to want something to eat and drink during the game. Some prefer homemade eats but if you’re looking to visit a restaurant or have take-out these restaurants are cooking up enough for your team.

The Roaring Fork-Scottsdale. The dinner only restaurant brings back their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get the other on the house starting just before kick off at 4 p.m. Their famous Big Ass Burger, Spit Roasted Half Chicken and Braised Beef Short Ribs are just a few entrees available.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix. Bring home one of their Big Game Slider Specials, choose from the Super Slider Buffet ($130- 16 Assorted Deli Slider Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw Relish Tray & Kosher Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard & Mayo, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese & 1 Whole Pie) or

The Tackle Pack ($140-  2 lbs. of Hot Pastrami, 2 lbs. of Corned Beef , 2 lbs. Of Potato Salad, 2 lbs. of Cole Slaw, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese, 18 Challah Slider Rolls, 10 Kosher Dill Pickle Slices & 1 Whole Pie). Each package serves 8-10 people and 48 hour notice is appreciated.

Grimaldi’s Pizeria– Multiple locations. Kick off National Pizza Day (February 9th) a couple of days early with a Meal to Go.

Meal Deal 1 To-go: $25 (feeds 2-4 people) 1- 18” traditional cheese pizza, Small house or Caesar salad and 2 fountain drinks.

Meal Deal 2 To-go: $40 (feeds 4-6 people), 2- 18” traditional cheese pizza. Large house or Caesar salad & 4 fountain drinks.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe. The popular maker of sweet & savory treats is putting together 3 different snack boards that will feed 2-4 people. Order by Monday February 1syt by 5 p.m. for pick up Saturday February 6th 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Nosh Platters
Charcuterie boards of a variety of meats, cheeses, pickles and veggies, along with Noble Bread ($50)
Sweet and Savory Platter
Homemade Rotel dip and tortilla chips, caramelized onion dip and potato chips, pimento cheese and crackers, our own Sweet & Savory Snack Mix chockful of the usual suspects including some new ones like bacon brittle, popcorn and candied nuts ($50)
Tasty Bites
A box of petite treats from our array of items at the moment, like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, lemon bars, Hatch green chile bars and more ($30).
FnB– Scottsdale. The award-winning restaurant is offering several platters for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix. Build Your Own Super Bowl Party with a Burger Bar or Taco Bar. Each feeds 15- 18 people, $299 +tax, $10 delivery within 15 miles of 85020, order by 3 p.m. Tuesday February 2nd for delivery between 3 – 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.

Burger Bar Burgers: beef, beyond* and falafel served with brioche buns. *extra $2.50 per burger Toppings: cheese, lettuce, pickled red onion, tomato, cucumber, grilled onion, mushrooms. Sauces: aioli, ketchup, mango puree. Sides: house made chips and salad Add-ons: mac n cheese bites, pretzel bites and cannoli’s ($2-$3 per person).

Taco Bar Proteins: chicken, carne asada, pork or veggie. Toppings: cheese, limes, pickled onions, cilantro, roasted corn, roasted red peppers, salsa fresca. Sides: chips & salsa or rice & beans. Add-ons: elote, flautas, guacamole and churros ($2-$3 per person)

Humble Pie– Scottsdale & Glendale. Take-out 2 pizzas, salad, braised and extra crispy tender wings with house-made sauce choices of buffalo, spicy Korean or chili honey ($49.99 feeds 4 people).

Angry Crab Shack– Multiple locations. How about a seafood boil as if you’re in Tampa Bay on Super Bowl Sunday.

Family Feast ($125, feeds 3-4 people): Whole lobster and Dungeness crab, Head-off shrimp, King crab, Snow crab and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

Neighborhood Block Party ($225, feeds 5-8 people): Whole lobster, Dungeness crab, King and snow crab clusters, Head-on shrimp, Blue mussels, Clams, Lobster tails and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

STK Steakhouse– Scottsdale. The new steakhouse will have the game on TV, but if you prefer watch at home take-out is available. Loaded Nachos Kit: braised short rib, mustard cream, grated cheese, jalapeno peppers, chimichurri sauce $25. Cheesy Fries: bacon bits, cheese sauce, grated cheddar cheese, scallions $16. Chicken Wings: buffalo, garlic parmesan or cilantro lime $15. Meatball Hot Wrap: red onion, red pepper tapenade, chili flakes, chipotle ketchup, cheddar cheese $25. Braised Short Rib Quesadilla: fontina cheese, tomatoes, chimichurri, mustard cream, flour tortilla $23.

My Pie Pizza– Phoenix and Gilbert. No pre-order needed for this take-out special. Any 3 pizzas, garlic knots & 12 wings for $30.

Pedal House Brewery– Tempe and Chandler. Watch the game and enjoy these food and drink specials. Wing specials, $4 mimosas, select $4 Pedal Haus beers, $5 haus wines, $6 haus margaritas and Bloody Mary specials.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations. Call in one these 2 plays. 8 pizzas and a tray of meatballs and catering salads for $99.99. Also purchase 4 pizzas, salads or Mac ‘N Cheeses and get one free entrée. 3 hour advanced notice required.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Multiple locations. Dine-in starting at 4 p.m. and you can get a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Liberty Station Tavern– DC Ranch & Terravita. Smoked meats as if you’re in KC from these Scottsdale locations. Order by 4 p.m. on Thursday February 4th to be entered to win you’re order for free. Winner picked on Friday the 5th. By the pound meats include Texas Brisket with Liberty BBQ sauce, $20. Carolina Pork Shoulder with Carolina sauce, $18. Smoke Chicken Wings including spicy BBQ sauce and choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing, $19 per dozen. St. Louis Spare Ribs with Liberty BBQ sauce, $34/rack, $19/half rack. Sides dishes feed 4 – 6 people $8 per pint and $16 per quart of Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.

Match Market & Bar– Phoenix. The Big Game Munchie Menu is designed to feed two to three people and includes the following for $49 (plus tax): 2 pizzas of choice, A dozen buffalo wings, Trio dip (including muhammara, hummus and guacamole) and a 6 pack of craft beer.

.

Central Kitchen virtual food hall opens in Chandler with 4 concepts

Virtual kitchens/food halls continue to gain popularity with the local restaurant industry. Concept Entertainment Group (CEG), owners of Thirsty Lion Gastropub have opened Central Kitchen, a virtual food hall from the kitchen of Chandler’s Thirsty Lion. Arizona is the 4th state to open Central Kitchen which was launched late last year in Oregon then Texas and Colorado. Guests can order from five concepts Soy Joy Kitchen, Southern Jewel, Killer Wings, Pizza & Spice and Thirsty Lion.

“We’ve been fostering the idea of a kitchen focused on takeout and delivery for the last year,” said John Plew, president and CEO of Thirsty Lion Gastropub. “The pandemic put the process into hyper speed, and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to pivot with the climate and launch an idea that aligns with current consumer demands. Central Kitchen fills a need in the restaurant space by providing multiple culinary offerings from one hub. Guests can order the food that everyone in their home is craving under one ticket.”

All menus include scratch made dishes created by Keith Castro, CEG’s VP of Food and Beverage Executive Chef. Guests can order take-out and delivery from one central website with ease and efficiency.

Soy Joy Kitchen specializes in rice bowls, sushi, ramen and other Asian favorites. Southern Jewel offers Southern fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, sliders and Southern specialties. Killer Wings serves boneless and traditional wings with a variety of house made sauces. Pizza and Spice has a large selection of gourmet specialty pizzas and salads. Don’t forget burgers, salads, sandwiches and more from the Thirsty Lion and vegetarian options are available from most concepts. Starting January 26th Central Kitchen will offer 25% off each to-go meal ordered at the central website.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

All Mac & Cheese dishes Buy 1, Get 1 Free at Fired Pie

In honor of National Cheese Lovers Day on Wednesday January 20th all locations are offering up the deal on the popular comfort food. Baked and topped with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs guests can choose from 40 different toppings. This deal is only good for dine-in and is good on mac n cheese of equal or lesser value.

Found:RE Hotel’s Passport Series goes to Mexico

The downtown Phoenix hotel hosts their monthly night with international flavor on Saturday January 16th. The pool and bar area will be transformed for a Mexican vacation with food, cocktails and more. The fiesta goes from 6 – 10 p.m. and more information can be found on their website.

Good news as Cider Corps releases seasonal pie ciders

The popular Pumpkin Pie, Peach Cobbler & Cherry Crisp ciders are now available by the can. Delayed due to the pandemic as ingredients were harder to source these ciders are available for a limited time. 6-packs are $20 and include 2 of each cider or can be purchased individually to be drank at the cidery. 6-packs can be ordered in advance for take away at https://www.toasttab.com/cider-corps-31-s-robson-103/v3

Signature cakes turn to pies at Chase’s Diner

Saturday January 23rd is National Pie Day at the Chandler diner, known for their scratch made desserts, is making two signature pies for the occasion. Turning their Carrot & German Chocolate Cake into pies guest can enjoy them by the slice ($4.29) or the whole darn pie ($13.99). Whole pies need to be ordered in advance.

Round 5 of Hotel Valley Ho’s Versus Series pits beer vs. wine

Which goes better with food, beer or wine? Find out on January 23rd when the Old Town Scottsdale hotel hosts another reception and three-course dinner. Tempe’s Huss Brewing Co. and Sonoma County’s Rodney Strong Vineyards will pair the beers and wines to see who wins. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and is $129++ per person.

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.

Press Coffee now selling single serve coffee bags

Coffee enthusiasts can now get their daily fix of the local roaster’s coffee in packs of 10 single serve of its Early Edition blend. Like a tea bag, they need to be steeped for 5 minutes in 8 oz. of hot water.

News about Happy Hour at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All four locations now offer happy hour throughout the restaurant from 3- 6 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Specials include $5 house margaritas and well drinks, $3 domestic beers draft & bottles and food specials including Steak Quesadilla and Mini Taco salads are available.

$10 Pastrami sandwiches at Miracle Mile Deli Thursday January 14th.

The central Phoenix deli celebrates National Hot Pastrami Day with savings on all pastrami sandwiches. Choose from the Straw, New Yorker, Good on Pastrami or Combo. All come with fries and a pickle are are available for dine-in or take-out.

Free Flow yoga then brunch at FOUND: Re Phoenix Hotel

Every other Sunday starting January 10th the hotel has partnered with CorePower Yoga Instructor Christina Mierzejewski for a 45 minute poolside class. Following the 10 a.m. class brunch will be served from Match Market & Bar. Yoga and brunch are $50 per person and include a meal and adult beverage.

Donuts and art for the 100 Club of Arizona on January 14th

Local donut shops are donating their sweet treats for the first Gold Palette Artwalk of 2021 in Old Town Scottsdale. Money will be raised for the non-profit that’s supported first responders and their families since 1968. The art galleries along Marshall Way & Main St. stay open late every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Traditional bagpipe performances and art demonstrations will be going on all night.

A new culinary team takes over when Ghost Ranch re-opens.

When the popular south Tempe restaurant re-opens in mid-January guests will see new faces in the front and back of the house. Executive Chef David Mora, Sous Chef Tyler Moonsoo and Pastry Chef Lisa Graf are new culinary team and General Manager Ashleh Robles runs the front of the house.

Mora will run the kitchen was born in Colombia and raised in Florida where learned to love the diversity of food. He started his restaurant career in Miami before making his way to Arizona. He’s worked at Flagstaff’s Copa Cafe, Mariposa in Sedona and was sous chef at Palo Verde and chef de Cuisine at The Spotted Donkey at The Boulders in Carefree. “I’ve spent more than a decade exploring the complexity of southwest cuisine and I am thrilled to bring what I’ve learned to Ghost Ranch,” Mora said. “I know the restaurant has quickly become a staple in the Tempe community and I hope to continue serving the area authentic dishes with innovative twists.”

Sous Chef Monsoo will help Mora develop and execute the dishes of Ghost Ranch. He has over 15 years of experience in Arizona at The Boulders, Ah-So Sushi and Steak, Obon Sushi and Ramen and Wrights Kitchen at The Arizona Biltmore from Waldorf Astoria.

Pastry Chef Graf rounds out the new culinary team. A native of Colorado, Graf draws inspiration from traveling as a teenager through Europe, learning and tasting local foods. Back in the states she re-located to Santa Fe, New Mexico to launch her culinary career as a pastry chef. After earning her pâtissier certificate she ran pastry programs at James Beard Foundation recognized restaurants La Boca and the Compound. She’s also worked at Mama’s Fish House in Maui and Scottsdale’s Roka Akor and Hotel Valley Ho.

Tempe native Robles takes over as General Manager running daily operations and administration. Starting her career in the hospitality industry at 17 she’s dedicated her career to to customer satisfaction and enjoyment. Her experience in psychology, finance and event planning give her know how to continue to keep customers happy. Customers will notice her creative cocktails, menu pairings and attention to detail in the dining room. She’s worked for more than 10 years in in several roles in high-end lounge, club and bar settings around town.

Ghost Ranch is at 1006 E. Warner Rd. Suite in Tempe. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Start 2021 off celebrating National Bloody Mary Day

New Year’s Day lands on a Friday in 2021 so nobody is in a hurry to get back to work so continue celebrating the New Year with a Bloody Mary. U.S. Egg, Pedal Haus Brewery, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Twin Peaks are all celebrating the A.M. cocktail favorite. Signature Bloody Marys are shaking up your morning as you get ready for what 2021 has in store.

Restaurants continue open new locations around the valley.

Not only is Dog Haus opening a new location but so are Z’ Tejas, Angry Crab Shack & Thai Chili 2 Go. The popular Southwestern & Mexican cuisine restaurant is opening a new lakeside restaurant in February at Scottsdale’s Mercado de Lago on Hayden Rd. at Via de Ventura. Angry Crab Shack has already started serving seafood and its popular Seafood Boils at its 12th Arizona location in Laveen. Thai Chili 2 Go is opening its 11th quick casual restaurant in Gilbert on December 30th.

Still time to order take-out or make a reservation for NYE.

Restaurants continue to take reservations and planning for take-out food as we say good bye to 2020. This updated list has restaurants around the valley serving up your last meal of 2020.

Restaurants continue to give and give in the holiday season.

In November Dominick’s Steak House, Ocean 44 and Steak 44 raised over $64,000 for local charities. Make A-Wish Foundation Arizona, PANDA and The Phoenix Heart Ball/ American Heart Association will benefit from the money raised.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has raised over $110,000 in 2020 for No Kid Hungry through its fundraising initiatives. May 2021 be as generous to the local community from Phoenix restaurants.

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.

PHX Beer Co. goes to the dogs

The Scottsdale location with its dog friendly patio is now serving grass fed burgers ($8) and grilled chicken ($5) for man’s best friend. They’ve also started making their own dog bones for purchase at all locations. Puppy friendly ingredients include the breweries spent grain, peanut butter, whole wheat flour and eggs. A portion of sales of single 3 oz. or 18 packs bones are donated to the Arizona Small Dog Rescue.

Los Sombreros Mesa Grand Opening party

Wednesday December 16th is the Grand Opening of the third location of the regional Mexican restaurant. From 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. guests can get 50% off food & drink when you dine-in or take-out except for family meals. Reservations are recommended. The celebration continues Thursday – Sunday with House Margaritas only $3.

Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates with Ugly Sweater Party

The downtown Tempe brewpub celebrates its 5 year anniversary with its traditional party. Wednesday December 16th party goers can win $50 for the Ugliest Sweater, enjoy live music starting at 6 p.m. and Happy Hour all night starting at 3 p.m. VIP tickets are $5 and includes 2 drinks and slice of cake with proceeds going to Rob Dollar Foundation.

Koibito Poke bottles 2 popular sauces.

Customers can now take a bottle or 2 home with them of Island Teriyaki or Spicy Shoyu sauces. Both are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients for the best tasting and healthy sauces. Each bottle is $6.99 and can be purchased at any of their locations around the valley.

New seasonal menu at Pita Jungle

Customers favorite dishes from the past are now on the new “Pita Jungle Favorites, Hello Again” menu at all Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff locations. The new Mediterranean Ramen joins the return of Seared Ahi Tuna Hummus, Burrito of the Sea and Baba Gnoosh.

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse bringing high-end dining to Gilbert

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

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

Barrel Boulevardier

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

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse meats and bourbons

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

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

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

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