Category: family friendly restaurant

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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.

Saturday’s Laveen BBQ returns to Caesar Chavez Park

Over 100 vendors including BBQ pit masters and artists will be on hand at the 71st Annual Laveen BBQ tomorrow February 25th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free with food and drinks sold separately.  The Laveen Community Council hosts the annual event that brings the community together for food and fun. The money raised stays in the community supporting local non-profits.

AZ Women in Food celebrate Women’s History Month

Thursday March 2nd will be an evening of women in the food and beverage industry with food, wine, cocktails and a good time in downtown Phoenix. Farish House hosts Gold. Glamour. Gourmet from 5 – 9 p.m. with tickets $95 at Tock.

GenuWine Arizona pouring Dos Cabeza wines March 3rd

Drop in to the downtown Phoenix wine bar next Friday night to sample wines from this celebrated Arizona winery. The tasting is free for those 21 and over and bottles will be 20% off that night.

Chompie’s is baking Hamantaschen for Purim

All 4 Phoenix area locations are getting an early start to the festive holiday on Tuesday, February 27th offering the baked delicacy. Raspberry, apricot, prune and poppy will be available through March 7th when the two day holiday ends.

Truland Burger offers Beer Cheese Pub Burger for a limited time

Just in time for Spring the downtown Chandler location adds a new burger to the menu. Get a hefty stack of two Niman Ranch all-natural beef patties, including our house-made beer cheese, all-natural bacon, crispy onions and a sweet-savory bacon jam for $14.50. Order it online or in person at 140 N Arizona Ave #100
Chandler, AZ 85225.

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.

Barro’s Pizza replaces Chandler location with a new one

The locally owned pizza restaurant has been at its original Chandler location for over 20 years and the family felt it needed a change. They’re moving to a new location in the Ocotillo neighborhood at Queen Creek and Alma School Rd. beginning Tuesday January 24th. The closing location will be open right to the end closing at the end of service on the 23rd. The new modern decor will still have the comfy neighborhood feel customers have come to over 40 years.

Ling & Louie’s Lunar New Year celebration starts tomorrow

As featured last month the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant celebrates the Year of the Rabbit for 2 weeks. The celebration with food and drink specials start tomorrow with all details found in here.

Sunday grilled cheese pop up at Garden Bar

Fates Bread Co. will be making gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches every Sunday at the downtown Phoenix cocktail bar. Starting at 5 p.m. until they sell out guests can choose from a BLT Melt or The Secret Garden. Sundays also feature industry specials for hospitality workers. Reservations are suggested for all visits.

Jackson Family Wine dinner next week at Ling’s Wok Shop

If you haven’t made reservations for the 5 course dinner next Wednesday there is still time to do so. The Asian inspired dinner will be paired with wines from across the globe. For reservation details and to see the menu, see my post from earlier this month.

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.

Summer focused special’s at Serrano’s Mexican Food in August.

The family owned Mexican restaurants is offering 3 refreshing lighter food and drink specials at all locations this month. The Sangarita ($8.99) is their version of sangria & a margarita in one. Fresh fruit and an orange garnish make a great way to cool off. Carolyn’s Pronto Salad ($13.99) Crispy lettuce & cabbage topped with carne asada, fajita vegetables and more tossed with guacamole cilantro ranch dressing. Key Lime Margarita Ice Cream ($7.99) homemade margarita no churn ice cream with a graham cracker mix-in.

Inflation busting Happy Hour deals at Pedal Haus Brewery’s Phoenix location

Every Monday – Friday from 3- 6 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix location guests can save a few bucks on food & drinks at the locally owned brew pub. All food & drink specials sold separately.

$3 Day Drinker beer & Bacon Popcorn- fresh popped in bacon fat, seared bacon pieces, and bacon powder. $4 Select Haus Beers & Haus Mac & Cheese – add green chili +$1, add bacon +$2 vegan + $2. $5 Well Drinks & Loaded Fries – mushroom gravy, ground beef, beer cheese, sour cream, goat cheese, chives. $6 Haus Margs/Haus Wine & ½ lb of Haus Smoked Chicken Wings. $7 Steins & Happy Burger – 6oz beef patty, American cheese, haus sauce, diced onions, pickles.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze

Monday- Friday in August kids under 12 years old eat for free. Choose from Kid’s Menu dishes Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Fries, Eggs, Bacon & Potatoes, French Toast Sticks and a Mouse Pancake. All items come with a choice of soda, juice or milk. Available at all 3 locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Huss Brewing serving Hulu’s “The Bear” inspired sandwich

The downtown Phoenix location is serving the classic Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich for a limited time. The popular sandwich on social media is made from slow braised beef with Italian seasonings and sweet peppers then topped with melted sharp Provolone cheese and giardiniera on a crusty roll for $15.90. It comes with Sidewinder fries and is served during lunch and dinner while supplies last.

Aloha Spirit specials return to Original Breakfast House.

The north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant rolled out new tropical inspired specials. Enjoy Short Rib Loco Moco ($16), Kalua Pork Benedict ($16), Spam & Eggs ($13.75), Tropical French Toast ($13.75), Kona Coffee Shrimp & Grits ($16.50) and a Hawaiian Lunch Plate for $13 or $14 depending on meat.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Corn Roast event at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Next Friday July 22nd those who love corn can feast on a corn curated menu prepared by Del Piero Kitchen and Di Olivia Bistro & Bar. BBQ Chicken & Roasted Corn Pizza, Fresh Corn Carbonara, Pulled Pork with Corn Salad and more will be available for purchase. Locally grown corn on the cob from Rousseau Farms will also be available along with live music and games. The fun starts at 3 p.m. and admission is free.

Eat Up Drive In now offers catering

Whether it’s a office party or family gathering the Arcadia fast casual restaurant offers menus for all tastes. Entrees, boxed lunches, salads, sides and desserts can be accommodated. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are also available. To order 602-441-4750.

Start the weekend early at Koibito Poke

Visit the Scottsdale Waterfront location on Thursday July 21st & 28th from 6 – 9 p.m. for $4 draft beers or $3 drafts with the purchase of a bowl. Happy hour is extended all night for $5 wine, sake & cider and $3 seltzers.

Maui Pasta serving Aloha Hawaiian Plates

What started as a virtual menu in December 2020 is now a second menu at the Gainey Ranch restaurant. Know for house made pasta, the Aloha menu became so popular they started serving it in the restaurant. Plate lunches including Loco Moco, Hawaiian BBQ, Kalua Pulled Pork and more come with a side of rice, macaroni salad or a green salad.

Organ Stop Pizza celebrates 50th anniversary

The Mesa restaurant that features live pipe organ entertainment with a side of pizza reaches a milestone this year. Every year over 300,000 diners visit the dinner only restaurant for fun and food from with a variety of tunes from the “Mighty Wurlitzer”. “Every visit to Organ Stop Pizza is unique with patrons hand picking the songs via request,” says co-owner Jack Barz. “By the end of the night, an eclectic mix of music is enjoyed by audience members ranging in age from two to 102.”

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

Puppies and Pancakes at Daily Dose on June 25th

Whether you’re a dog owner or not you can do your part to help raise money to help find them a home. On Saturday June 25th all 3 locations of Daily Dose hosts there Puppies and Pancakes fundraiser for the Arizona Humane Society. The locally owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in Tempe, Mid-Town Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale (all with dog friendly patios) will donate $1 of any entrée served.

“We’re pet lovers here,” says Daily Dose co-owner JenLyn Long. “We love supporting the Arizona Humane Society and we invite everyone out to brunch for a good cause!” The restaurant has previously hosted fundraisers, Doggy Bag Dine-Out and Doggy Date Night to support the Arizona Humane Society.

“As a nonprofit organization that takes in more than 15,000 sick, injured and abused homeless animals each year, fundraisers like this that give back to our lifesaving services and programs are critical to the work we do,” says AHS Spokesperson Bretta Nelson. “We are so appreciative of the generosity and support of fellow pet lovers like our friends at Daily Dose.”

During Puppies and Pancakes guests can choose such entrées as Breakfast Nachos, Cinnamon Roll Cakes and the Hangover Sandwich. For more information can be found on their website or following them on Facebook or Instagram.

Venezia’s Pizzeria to open its 6th location in Chandler

Locally owned Venezia’s Pizzeria is opening its newest location along the Price Corridor of Chandler in June. The New York style pizzeria has been serving the valley for over 20 years with two locations in Mesa, one in Tempe, Gilbert and north Phoenix. Once opened they will offer dine-in, pick-up, delivery and catering.

“Chandler is a rapidly growing community, so it seemed like the perfect fit for our newest location,” said Domenick Montanile, owner and president of Venezia’s New York Style Pizzeria. “The East Valley has really welcomed us over the years, so we wanted to continue to grow our strong presence there. One of our first locations was in Chandler so we are excited about being back and serving our authentic New York style pizza to the local community.”
The Chandler location will have a modern look with white brick accents and drop lighting indoors and a patio with fire pit for outside dining. 8 large screen TVs and a community table and a state of the art kiosk for ordering are also featured. The menu will include classic New York style pizza, pasta, wings, calzones, sandwiches and salads along with gluten-free options and Zero Crust Pizza Bowls. Daily specials include the Slice of the Day, Slice combinations with salads, wings and a drink.
Venezia’s Pizzeria is hiring for all positions in front and back of the house and offer a management training program for those looking to grow with the company. Interested applicants can apply online. Hours will be Sunday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Chandler location will be 1245 S. Price Rd. Chandler 85286. 480-447-5555

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.

Over Easy and Hickman Family Farms raising money for United Food bank in April

Starting today and all month long, the 11 locations are matching customer donations dollar for dollar and the farm will donate a dozen eggs for each donation. The two local businesses have a goal of donating $20,000 and 10,000 dozen eggs. Customers will see a prompt when paying their bill asking if they want to make a donation to United Food Bank.

March Madness at Koibito Poke this weekend

College basketball fan or not score $4 off your order when ordering online or on their app. Use promo code FINAL4 this Saturday and Sunday for this Final Four deal.

Rusty’s Beer Fest is this Sunday

Enjoy cold beers on the patio overlooking The Short Course and Camelback Mountain at Mountain Shadows Resort’s bar & grill. All the details and how to get tickets are here.

Raise a glass of rosé at Match Market & Bar

The downtown Phoenix restaurant in the Found:RE Hotel hosts its Monthly Guide to Wine featuring the perfect wine for Spring and Summer. Join the fun tasting and discussion about rosé Wednesday, April 6th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes light fare with tickets available here.

Leila’s Empanadas celebrates National Empanada day with 2 events

Next Friday, April 8th the locally owned artisan maker of the Latin American hand held food celebrates from 4-6 p.m. at Sam’s Frozen Yogurt located at 3434 W Anthem Way, Suite 140, Anthem, AZ 85086. On Saturday Leila will be serving them up from 10 AM – Noon at Lil Miss Butcher 4705 E Carefree Hwy. Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

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.

Birdcall opening its first Arizona location in Scottsdale next month

The Denver-based fast casual restaurant Birdcall will be opening its first all-natural chicken restaurant in Scottsdale in April. Once opened in the former Jason’s Deli near the northeast corner of Scottsdale & Shea it will be the first of 10 planned locations in Phoenix. The company was founded in 2016 and the Scottsdale location will be the company’s ninth location.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Peter Newlin said that the new Phoenix area locations align with the company’s growth strategy. “We’re trying to change the way that people look at fast food,” Newlin said. “We’ve incorporated cutting-edge technology to deliver delicious natural foods and beverages quickly, without sacrificing quality. Our customers appreciate the fact that they can either grab a meal to-go or dine in with family and friends in a casual, hip setting that conveniently works around their schedules and any time constraints.”

Once opened, Birdcall will serve lunch and dinner that will feature 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, crispy tenders, gluten & dairy free chicken nuggets along with vegetarian options. Phoenix’s Noble Bakery will provide fresh buns and sauces will be made from scratch in-house using 100% all natural ingredients. Local beers from SanTan Brewing and Greenwood Brewing will be served as will organic teas & sodas and milkshakes.

A community minded Birdcall

Birdcall is very focused on the communities it enters and gives back at least 1% of sales to the community. “Community is the heart and soul of everything we do at Birdcall,” Newlin said. “We want to be measured by the impact we create, not the money we make, and that’s why our beneficiaries range from local street artists and musicians to schools and nonprofits.”

Inside will be spacious with a contemporary design and outside will be a mural inspired by Arizona and shaded tables on the dog-friendly patio. Technology will make ordering easy with kiosks for dine-in & take-out and a double lane drive-thru is available for those on the go. A second location at  SanTan Village is planned for Fall 2022 and a Phoenix location planned in early 2023. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza to open first Arizona location in Mesa

A family friendly pizza and arcade concept is opening its first Arizona location at Mesa’s Riverview Shopping Center in 2022. When Mountain Mike’s Pizza opens it will be serving its legendary crispy & curly pepperoni pizza along with other Mountain sized specialty pizzas that take toppings to the edge. The Newport Beach based company will also introduce its new “Pizza the Way It Oughta Be” signature experience in Mesa.

“Everyone should have the chance to experience Mountain Mike’s iconic pizza, and we’re thrilled to bring the legacy concept and its legendary pizzas to Arizona for the first time,” said Donte’ Andry of Pelican Food Concepts, which will own and operate the Mesa location. “We wholeheartedly believe in the brand’s amazing food and restaurant features, like an arcade area and big screens throughout, so we’re excited for Mesa-area locals to find out for themselves why Mountain Mike’s has been a go-to pizza spot for families and sports fans for more than 40 years!”Mountain Mike's Pizza

The restaurants are known for using the freshest and finest ingredients for its pizzas including 100% whole milk mozzarella. Other favorites on the menu will be bone-in wings, salads, garlic bread for dine-in, take-out or delivery. Beer and wine will also be served.

In addition to Mesa other Arizona locations are planned along with locations in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Texas. “Mountain Mike’s continues to capture loyal fans throughout the West, and we’re ready to become a fixture for families and pizza fans in communities throughout Arizona, beginning with Mesa,” said Jim Metevier, President and COO. “For more than four decades, guests have been coming together to share memorable moments over our amazing pizza, and we are extremely proud to extend the one-of-a-kind Mountain Mike’s dining experience into Arizona.”

For more information and to stay up-to-date about the opening visit their website.