Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

2nd anniversary specials at sneakybird

Saturday, February 15th is a day of celebrating at all 3 locations in Scottsdale, Gilbert & Surprise. Free cookies to the first 200 people, double sneakybird rewards points and giveways will be happening. It’s the official launch of Camp Sneaky, its new community giving arm that focuses on supporting education at all levels.

February’s Third Tuesday tasting & dinner at Romeo’s

The Downtown Gilbert cafe has its 3-course dinner and wine pairing dinner next Tuesday, February 18th. The main course is a pan seared pork chop paired with a Italian red blend. The dinner is $48++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

New “eggrything” bagel now available at Chompie’s

All 4 locations in, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Glendale rolled out the newest bagel this week. The egg-based bagel is seasoned with seeds throughout the bagel and is also topped with them and is available with their popular Mix & Match Box, a baker’s dozen for $14.99.

Huss Brewing is the Official Craft Beer of Sun Devil Athletics

The Sun Angel Collective announced the partnership with Huss Brewing going into the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Huss’s Devils Halo Angel Ale will be available at ASU sporting venues, at select retailers and on tap in local bars and restaurants. Proceeds will support the Sun Angel Collective to help support student athletes.

February case special at Aridus Wine Company

All month long get the 2020 Fume Blanc for $144 for a case ($12 a bottle) for non-members and only $96/case ($8 a bottle) for members. The case(s) can be picked up at their Scottsdale tasting room or delivered for $15. To order and join the wine club visit their website.

 

 

 

Burrito Express opening first hybrid location inside Circle K

The valley’s hometown burrito joint since 1995, Burrito Express continues its expansion with its first hybrid location inside a Gilbert Circle K. A grand opening celebration and festivities is scheduled for next Sunday, February 23rd from 7a.m. until noon. The first 50 guests will receive a free burrito and buy one burrito, get one free will be offered until noon.

Other grand opening festivities include…

  • The first 50 guests will also receive a free swag bag filled with merch, including a Burrito Express Platinum Card that offers cardholders 10% off their Burrito Express purchases throughout 2025. This special card also grants cardholders a chance to win tickets to Arizona sports events such as Diamondbacks, Suns and ASU games throughout the year.
  • Customers can also experience a meet and greet with ASU athletics players. From 7-8 a.m., ASU baseball players Rohan Lettow and Kien Vu will be onsite and from 9-11 a.m., ASU football players C.J. Fite, Xavion Alford, Kyson Brown and Chamon Metayer will be onsite for autographs and photos.
  • The Burrito Express Fast and Fresh grand opening event supports the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps first responders, veterans and the families of 9/11 victims. From Sunday, Feb. 23 through Friday, Feb. 28 a percentage of sales from this Burrito Express location will be donated to the organization.

The new location inside Circle K joins the seven other Phoenix area streetside locations and is located at 7165 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert 85298. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Martini Hour & “The Bachelor” at Match Market & Bar

The Downtown Phoenix restaurant inside the Found:RE Hotel offers up a selection of martinis and food specials during the 29th season run of the show. All day Monday (the night the show airs) and from 2 -6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday guests can enjoy $12 Chopin Vodka or Roku Gin martinis and $2 off house martinis. The following food specials are available to complement the cocktails.

  • Bruschetta Trio—Choices include fresh mozzarella caprese; olive tapenade and Manchego; goat cheese and strawberry; and ricotta, pesto, pear and Marcona, $15
  • Chicken Wing Sampler—Featuring chicken wings in house hot sauce and bacon-balsamic BBQ, $12
  • Spanish Croquetas De Jamon, $8
  • Lamb Meatballs, $8
  • Brussels Sprouts Almondine, $6
  • Patatas Bravas, $5

Pastrami sliders on sale at Miracle Mile Deli

If you love pastrami the way I do, then head to the Central Phoenix deli who is offering up a pair of its popular pastrami sliders and a side for only $12 next Monday- Saturday.

Stolpman wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Central California winery will have their “Love You Bunches” wines poured next Thursday, February 13th from 6-8 p.m. at the Roosevelt Row wine bar. Tickets are $10 and all wines poured during the tasting are 20% off bottles. Tickets can be purchased here.

73rd Laveen BBQ happeing on February 22nd

Looking for some slow cooked pit BBQ then plan on atteneding from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Caesar Chavez Park. The annual fundraising event put on by the Laveen Community Council raise’s money for other community events, scholarships for high school seniors, youth programs and community organizations. Entry is free and food and more will be available for purchase and this year there will be a Fun Zone for the family-friendly event.

Meatloaf specials at Chompie’s through April

Craving some comfort food meatloaf the way mom used to make? If so, all 4 locations are serving up these four meatloaf specials from now until April 30th.

  • Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99
  • Traditional Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99
  • Traditional Meatloaf Sandwich with bacon, tomato and jack cheese on grilled parmesan sourdough bread; served with fries for $17.99
  • Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Sandwich with tomato, red onion, green leaf and mayo on sourdough; served with fries for $16.99.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Hask Kitchen raising money for Habitat LA with new Has# Pancake Trio

February is National Pancake Month and all seven valley locations celebrate with a new trio of Red Velvet, Pineapple and S’mores stacks. $2 of every trio sold in February will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and its disaster relief efforts.

Chula Seafood celebrates 6 years in Uptown Phx

The local seafood monger & restaurant celebrates the anniversary of its 2nd Phoenix area restaurant on tomorrow, February 1st with specials at all 3 locations. All locations will have “Two Buck Shucks” and each location will offer specials as follow….

Uptown

  • Tuna Katsu Sando featuring a fried panko-crusted ground tuna patty on wondrous white with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce, $16.
  • Polenta Shrimp App featuring 13 to 15 shrimp, guajillo-marinated, sauteed and served on top of polenta cakes with a lime gastrique, $14.
  • Whole Fried Thai Snapper—Crispy fried snapper with Thai basil salsa verde, herb salad and coconut rice, MP.

Rosie

  • Coconut Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $17 for a 3-piece/$20 for a 6-piece
  • Fried Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $15 for a 3-piece/$18 for a 6-piece – Sauce choices include sweet chili, spicy Kewpie, masago ranch and cocktail sauce
  • French Fries, $8
  • Green Chile Cheese Fries with cheddar cheese sauce, green chilies and cilantro, $14
  • A la Carte Coconut Shrimp Taco—A flour tortilla filled with spicy Kewpie, coconut shrimp, purple cabbage, pineapple serrano salsa and avocado, $12

Grayhawk

  • Filet O Fish—White fish brandade patty breaded in panko then deep fried and served with American cheese, malt vinegar tartar sauce, shredded iceberg and house-made pickles on a Noble slider bun. Served with a side of chips, $15
  • Lobster Grilled Cheese— Butter-poached lobster with a white cheddar mornay on toasted Noble sourdough and served with a side of tomato soup, $25
  • Tuna Bulgogi Kimchi Fries—Crispy French fries topped off with seasoned ground yellowfin tuna, caramelized onions, kimchi, American cheese and sesame mayo, $15

Let’s do lunch at…….

Fire at Will starting Monday, February 3rd from 11 a.m. – 4p.m. The Scottsdale restaurant will offer a daily menu with more than 20 Small Plates, Burgers and Sandwiches, Salads, Big Plates, Sides and Desserts to choose from. Highlights such as French Onion Dip, Italian Chopped salad, Bacon BBQ Burger and Shrimp & Grits will impress the lunchtime crowd with its locally sourced ingredients like the way the dinner menu has since it opened.

Cider Corps offers new late night hours February 3rd

The downtown Mesa cidery will be staying open later as we get into the Phoenix area’s busy season arriving. The new taproom hours will begin 7 days a week from 11 a.m. -until 10 p.m. Monday – Friday, until 12 a.m. Friday & Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Myke’s Pizza will be serving NY-style slices of Cheese, Pepperoni and Vodka Sauce with Jalapenos Friday & Saturday nights from 8 – 10 p.m.

Bourbon & Bones reschedule Rickhouse event to March, 1st

With Parada Del Sol taking over Old Town Scottsdale tomorrow the scheduled Rickhouse Bourbon event will take the day off so those can attend the western celebration. The event returns the first Saturday in March.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Tickets available for this weekend’s Arizona Wine Festival in downtown Phoenix

Heritage Square will host the two-day festival this Saturday & Sunday. Admission is free with Early Bird tickets available for those looking to taste wine from over 20 Arizona wineries. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and an official announcement for a $6 million donation to Cochise Community College for its new Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture program and wine making scholarships will be made at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The generous donation was made by Ann Marie Stephens.

Sunday Supper at Hush Public House with Sonoran Pasta

The two local owned businesses pair up this Sunday, January 26th for a four-course family style supper that includes…

  • Barrio Bread Focaccia with whipped ricotta and honey
  • “The Best Damn Ceasar”—enough said!
  • Sonoran Pasta Rigatoni with Sunday sauce, meatballs, sausage and braciole
  • Cannoli with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips

This experience goes off between 5 – 9 p.m. at the North Scottsdale restaurant for only $60++ per person and reservations can be made here.

Rombauer wine dinner at Tommy V’s

Owner Zoran Klisara welcomes guests to his Downtown Scottsdale restaurant on Thursday, January 30th pairing dishes from his kitchen with wines from Napa Valley and other northern California wine regions. The five-course dinner starts at 6 p.m. and features Seafood Cannelloni, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Filet Mignon. Seats are limited at $135++ and can be made at the restaurant’s website.

LDV Winery wins awards for 3 wines from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The prestigious competition awarded the wineries 2017 Petite Sirah- Bronze, 2023 Rose-Silver and 2022 Viognier- Bronze at the 25th anniversary event. Over 50 judges tasted more than 5,500 wines from over 950 North American wineries.

“It is an honor to be judged by the industry’s most notable wine connoisseurs and to be ranked among the continent’s best wines,” says Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery. “We will continue to put all our efforts and passions into producing the best wines we can and putting Arizona on the map as a true wine destination.”

Eggstasy now open in Queen Creek

The 8th location of the Arizona-based company opened in the East Valley this week at 20735 E. Maya Rd. Favorites such as The Angus Skirt Steak & Eggs, Caprese Benedict, Cookie Butter Crepes, coffee drinks and more are available everyday start at 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. during the week and 3 p.m. on weekends.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers opens 18th Arizona location

The new location is now opened at Gilbert Town Square serving up scratch made meals including award-winning cheeseburgers and 150 beers on rotating taps. It will be the first location to have a “Shake and Bake” counter for custom made milkshakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches. The restaurant will start hosting the first ever monthly car show on the first Tuesday of the month. The first car show will be on January 7th, 2025 with all cars welcome and no registration needed.

Tempe Eats to close and transition to an event venue.

Guests wanting to check out the Tempe food hall have until January 7th, 2025 before it closes. From there it will be an event and and private rental venue. It previously hosted fundraisers, live music, Latin Night and Country Night. “We’re excited to focus on creating memorable experiences for special occasions,” said Teresa Nguyen, Owner of Tempe Eats.

Tracy Dempsey Originals wines will be open on today and tomorrow

Despite originally planning to be closed Friday (today) and Saturday, the Tempe kitchen retail shop and bakery will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Perfect timing to pick-up some bubbles for New Year’s Eve and post-holiday sale items. In January the shop will move to a smaller location next door and not many more days left to visit the larger store front.

30% off at Koibito Poke thru December 31st

For the rest of the year those with the Loyalty App can get 30% off when ordering online or in person. You’ll find the savings under the “Rewards” tab on the app. It’s also the last chance to get an extra $10 gift card when purchasing a $30 or more gift card until the 31st.

 

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Good news! The Phoenix Pizza Festival is this weekend

The weather is looking good for this weekend’s festival at Margaret T. Hansen Park in downtown Phoenix. Tickets are still available, and details can be found at a recent post.

Third Tuesday dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The popular downtown Gilbert cafe serves up its monthly dinner next Tuesday, November 24th. Dinner starts with a tomato cucumber salad followed by a slow cooked beef shank and ends with mixed berry cobbler. Wines from around the world will be paired with each course and the dinner is $48++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Seats available for champagne dinner at Christopher’s Wrigley Mansion

This Tuesday, November 19th the famed restaurant overlooking the Biltmore neighborhood welcomes Champagne Lelarge Puegot for multi-course pairing dinner. A reception starts the evening at 6 p.m. and is $250++ per person with reservations being made at OpenTable.

Gold medal winning tacos now available at Chula Seafood’s Grayhawk location

Every Taco Tuesday guests at the North Scottsdale location can taste the award-winning taco(s) from the 2024 Taco Fest. The Shrimp Tacos Dorados are crispy shrimp-and-potato-filled tacos topped with crema, salsa roja shrimp coctel, creamy avocado, crisp cabbage and zesty pickled onions. The tacos are also gluten-free.

Phoenix City Grille offers new daily specials

The Uptown Phoenix restaurant announced new weekly specials that include….

Martini Mondays- What makes Mondays a little better? Cocktails! Every Monday, guests can enjoy martinis and Manhattans all day long for just $10 each!

Take-Out Tuesdays- Too busy to dine in? No problem — on Tuesdays, guests that make a phone-ahead take-out order after 4 p.m. will receive 15% off their order! (Don’t forget to mention this promo when calling in the order.)

Wine Down Wednesdays- Every Wednesday after 4 p.m., guests can enjoy 25% off their favorite bottle featured on PCG’s Under $100 list.

Happy Hour- Enjoy special pricing on food and beverages every day from 3-6 p.m.

Brunch Happy Hour- During brunch, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays, specialty cocktails are just $10 each and bottles of sparkling wine are half price — perfect for “build your own” mimosas!

 

 

ASU’s Cameron Skattebo signs NIL deal with Burrito Express

Now that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL), Arizona State University running back Cameron Skattebo has signed a deal with locally owned Burrito Express. Brothers Angel and Mark Marin co-own Burrito Express and are ASU alumni presented Skattebo with his first NIL deal. He has since turned down other lucrative offers since signing with Burrito Express.

“We are extremely excited to work with Cam and offer him his first NIL deal,” said Angel. “And we’re humbled by the fact that despite other companies’ best efforts to lure him away from our contract, he has chosen to remain loyal to the Burrito Express family.”

ASU running back Cameron Skattebo

This isn’t the first NIL deal for the community minded Marin brothers who have long supported local sports and will continue to collaborate with ASU athletes. In its 30 years Burrito Express has provided thousands of free burritos to high school sports programs throughout the valley.

With the signing of Cameron Skattebo comes a signature burrito available at all 7 Burrito Express locations. The Boo-ritto is a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice for $11.88. To find a Boo-ritto near you or see about their community involvement visit their website.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Ember Lounge holiday experience kicks off tonight in North Phoenix

The popular pop-up at Desert Ridge Marketplace starts its 2024 season tonight through January 12th, 2025. Inside the District Dome guests can enjoy shareable plates and themed cocktails from Copper Blues Live that include Open Fire Meatball Skillet, Harvest Bread Boule, Smoked Campfire S’mores, The Ice Hotel & The Northern Light.

Ember Lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday and the new Dome After Dark starts at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday’s. Guests will enjoy live entertainment nightly that will include live music and DJs for late night fun. The Ember Lounge sold out last year so be sure to get your tickets at this link.

Tis the season for tamales at Diego Pops

A staple in the southwest during the holidays are tamales and the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has them for dine-in guests and packaged to-go. Options include…

  • Tia’s Tamale Plate – Tamale lovers can dine in at Diego Pops this holiday season and choose from the classic tamale flavors of red beef machaca or green chili chicken! The tamale plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, fresno pepper and cabbage. Served with a side of rice and beans of your choice. Limited availability.
  • Take Home Tia’s Tamales (1 dozen to-go) – Take the flavors of Diego Pops to your friends and family and pick up a dozen to take home with your choice of red beef machaca or green chili chicken. Take-out tamales include your choice of rice and beans. Limited availability.

Diego’s sister restaurant, Arcadia’s (Phoenix) Eat Up, Drive In is offering a dozen red or green tamales available for pick-up throughout the holidays.

Macayo’s to offer weekly tamale tutorial and lunch

Looking to learn how to make tamales yourself well Macayo’s has your back. Starting next Saturday, November 16th, through Saturday, December 21st you can learn how to make them. Classes start at 3 p.m. at locations below and include a Top Shelf Margarita, a 3-course lunch and tamale making tutorial for $60 per person and you can take home the tamales you make. A maximum of 4 people per group and a class of 40 people will offer an intimate and enjoyable experience. Tickets can be purchased at Macayo’s website.

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

Saturday, Nov. 23 at Macayo’s Mesa Dobson

Saturday, Dec. 7 at Macayo’s Goodyear

Saturday, Dec. 14 at Macayo’s Chandler

Saturday, Dec. 21 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

New seasonal pizza available at Myke’s Pizza

The downtown Mesa artisan pizza maker is now making a Butternut Squash pizza through December 1st. Made with locally sourced butternut squash, mozzarella, buttered pecans, pickled red onions then finished with a drizzle of citrus-chile puree is $21. It’s one of his seasonal pizzas and allows Myke and his team to support local farmers and vendors.

STK Steakhouse offer steak tailgate from

With football season in full swing the Downtown Scottsdale is offering USDA Prime steaks for home grilling. The STK Meat Market will cut your steak to order then flash freeze the deliver them to your home ready to be prepared. Cuts include Wagyu and STK’s signature cuts and can be ordered at their website.

 

Veteran’s Day meals & deals around Arizona

Veteran’s Day is Monday, November 11th and on that day, we honor our military personnel and their families thanking them for their service and dedication to the United States of America. Throughout Arizona restaurants salute them by saving some money on food & drinks.

Cider Corps– Mesa- The veteran owned cidery not only celebrates Veteran’s Day but it’s 7th anniversary the weekend of November 8th-11th. Four new ciders including Ghost Army, Top Dogs and more will be released along with fun & games and limited-edition merchandise for sale.

Original Breakfast House– North Phoenix- Veterans and active military personnel get a free meal for breakfast or lunch. There will also be a festive parking lot party with live music, muscle cars and more. The day is also a fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers Tempe. The nonprofit was founded for firefighter Stephen Siller and other first responders who lost their life on September 11th, 2001.

Bill’s Grill– Prescott- A free All-American burger & fries to all active and retired military personnel. No purchase necessary.

Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- All active and retired military with military I.D. get 20% off their meal not including alcohol, tax & tip starting at 4 p.m. when you dine-in.

Burrito Express– Multiple locations- All active and retired military get a free burrito with valid I.D.

Miracle Mile Deli- Phoenix- Veteran’s always get 10% off at MMD but on the 11th they get 20% with I.D. for dine-in or take-out.

Rusty Spur Saloon– Old Town Scottsdale- Free t-shirt for retired and active members of the military. No purchase necessary, while supplies last.

32 Shea– North Phoenix- Free medium coffee of any kind, no purchase necessary.

Lakeside Bar & GrillPeoriaA free Lakeside Burger for all members of the military, active & retired. No purchase necessary.

Red, White & Brew– Mesa & Prescott- All members of the military get a free appetizer on Sunday, November 10th.