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.

A new modern look at Federico’s 25th location in Tolleson

The locally owned Mexican fast food restaurant shows off a new modern look and the same classic tacos, burritos, tortas and more. The new location at 220 N. 83rd Ave. is open 24 hours a day offering daily and Taco Tuesday specials. Co-owners Isidro Araiza, Ricardo Araiza and Carlos Vazquez opened the first Federico’s in 2005 with other locations throughout the Phoenix area, Arizona and New Mexico.

3rd Tuesday dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Three courses paired with California wines is how Chef Romeo Taus shows off his popular dishes and his next dinner is Tuesday August 16th. $39.00 gets you a seat at the table; reserve your seat by calling 480-962-4224.

Walter Station Brewery’s Ale Wagger to raise funds for life saving pet programs

The local brewer and Arizona Animal Welfare league (AAWL) team up for the new Ale Wagger for the rest of the summer or while supplies last. On Saturday August 20th celebrate with a launch party from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to load up on some beer, food and puppy cuddles. A portion of the proceeds will go towards vet services, vaccinations, pet education and more.

Back to school deals at Picazzo’s in August

Every Monday this month Buy One, Get One 50% off lunch combos and Kid’s Eat Free on Wednesday’s. Lunch is from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and kid’s 12 and under get a free Junior Meal with a purchase of $25 or more. Available at all 6 locations in Phoenix and Sedona.

White Castle opening 2nd Arizona location

Love them or hate them, east coast and mid-westerners have an affinity toward these sliders. A new Tempe location has been announced with a mid-2023 opening planned. The first Arizona location opened in 2019 on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation off the Loop 101 in Scottsdale.

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.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill “Takes a Gallon Off” your meal

John Banquil, owner of Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill and Ling’s Wok Shop knows how the high gas prices affect people’s everyday life. With that in mind he came up with the “Take a Gallon Off” promotion during July and August. The idea came to him while at Disneyland after seeing the high price of gas and knowing it’s on the top of the mind of his staff and customers.

Everyday he checks the AAA website for the cost of a gallon of regular gas and emails his managers and those who sign up to be a Wokstar. When customers present the email during the purchase of $40 or more they get the amount off their bill. Many of the meals at both restaurants are gluten free and they offer a variety of dishes for all tastes including vegan and vegetarian eaters. In the first 10 days 5-10 people per day, per store have taken advantage of the promotion. To sign up to be a WokStar visit either restaurants website.

The “Take a Gallon Off” promotion is just one of the ways Banquil supports the local community with donations. The monthly “Cooking for a Cause” at Ling’s Wok Shop has chefs create a special dish and donate part of the proceeds to charity. July’s dish is the Thai Tuna Bowl and proceeds go to Gabriel’s Angel.

Ling & Louie’s have 2 locations in Arizona and one in Idaho and Texas. In Arizona visit Scottsdale at 9397 E. Shea Blvd 85260 and at Wild Horse Pass Casino at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Phoenix 85048. Ling’s Wok Shop is at 20511 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85255.

 

Tucson favorite eegee’s to open 5 locations in Phoenix area

Rumors started earlier this week that the popular Tucson fast food chain would be making its way up I-10 to open locations in the Phoenix area. Rumors became facts when it was announced that 5 locations would open in the second quarter of 2021. eggee’s is known for its Ranch Fries, grinders and frozen fruit drinks will open locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and 2 in Gilbert.

“We look forward to becoming a part of the Phoenix metroplex, through job creation at our five new restaurants, charitable giving, and of course, our trademark frozen eegees,” said CEO Ron Petty.

Ranch Fries. All photos courtesy of eegee’s

The chain has opened over 20 locations around Tucson since 1971 and have seven more planned around town in 2021. It’s received several Tucson foodie awards including “Best French Fries” and “Best Fast Food”. In 2019 Food and Wine magazine named it “Best Fast Food” in Arizona. The company has donated over $3 million dollars to Tucson area charities and has several corporate initiatives benefiting the local community. The company started a recycling program in 1987 and strives to be a zero waste company.

Updates and details of the upcoming Phoenix openings can be found at their website as they become available.