Category: fine dining

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

PHX Brewing Co. and Huss Brewing Co. to merge

The two celebrated Arizona breweries are merging into one company under the name Zonafide Beverages LLC its been announced. The brands will remain independent but brewing operations will be consolidated to Tempe under Jeff Huss as Brewmaster. A featured post will offer details of the merger and what beer fans can expect going forward soon!

Australian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona tonight

Go down under for a quick trip for 3 tastes of southern hemisphere wines tonight at the Central & Roosevelt wine bar from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10(Join the wine club!) and all get 20% off bottles from tonight’s tatting.

2025 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

Hot off horizon Chef Week, the Arizona Restaurant Association has Friday, September 19th- Sunday, September 28th the twice yearly ARW. For first timers, Arizona restaurants offer up special 3-course meal for $33, $44 or $55. September 1st, ARA will publish the list of participating restaurants and their menus as the list continues to grow for the popular 10-day culinary adventure.

The Delicatessen set to open in September

Chef Joey Maggiore opens his newest concept, The Delicatessen on Wednesday, September 10th on Tatum Blvd. across from the new Paradise Valley development. The fast casual concept has a  new name since it was announced in February but will have the same New York Jewish style deli feel and taste. In the week’s ahead The Maggiore Group will announce details about hiring dozens of front and back of the house team members. Follow them @thedelicatessenaz for hiring and grand opening updates.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Celebrating over 50 years of pizza and pipes at Organ Stop Pizza

The Mesa pizza restaurant hasn’t always been at its current location, but it has been since 1975 after three years at 7th St. & Missouri in Phoenix. Now in 2025 they’re celebrating both 50 years in Mesa and 53 years of pizzas and pipe organ music. To celebrate they are offering guests a $60 Meal Deal for “Cheers to 50 Years in Mesa” through September 30th.

Get Two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (extra cheese not included), Two appetizers (combo basket excluded), Two pitchers of soft drink. Mention this deal when ordering
Dine-in only. No substitutions. MUST mention deal when ordering. 

J&G Steakhouse named to Top 100 Hotel Restaurants

Kayak and OpenTable have named the Scottsdale restaurant to their list of Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. It’s one of only two Arizona restaurants on the list and only one in Scottsdale to make it. The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa is run by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin who says, “We aim for all our guests to have an extraordinary, sophisticated evening out, with every detail executed to the highest level,” said Qualin. “J&G Steakhouse is not only a destination for guests of The Phoenician; it has also become a spot for locals to enjoy a consistently unrivaled dining experience.”

New seasonal dishes on the menu at Pizzeria Virtu

James Beard Award nominee Gio Osso has added 4 new appetizers and 4 pizzas using seasonal ingredients at his Downtown Scottsdale pizzeria.

  • Appetizers:
    • Olive – Warm mixed olives, lemon, chile, oregano, flatbread
    • Pezzetti – Chopped salad, salame, formaggi, tomato, cucumber, fregola sarda olives, onion, pinenuts, pepperoncini sott’olio, raisins, basil buttermilk dressing
    • Montata – Lemon whipped ricotta, honey drizzle, pistachio crumble
  • Pizzas:
    • L’Estate – Fior di latte, fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, evoo
    • Vongole – Garlic butter clams, bacon, lemon, oregano, pecorino
    • Spilinga Bianca – Fior di latte, n’duja, torpedo onion, crema di pecorino picante
    • Campania – Sugo cotto, mozzarella di bufala, basil, prosciutto crudo

Tracy Dempsey Originals and ODV Wines back open after summer break

She’s back in her kitchen getting ready to roll into cooler temps with cooking classes, fun lunch & dinner menus for the family, Spontaneous Sip Saturday and more at her Tempe bakery, kitchen and wine shop.

ATL Wings now sells grab & go ZOYO Neighborhood Yogurt

Nothing like cooling off the mouth after some hot & spicy wings, now you can do so at the 16 ATL Wings locations around Arizona. They’ve collaborated with the yogurt shop to offer customers several frozen yogurt favors including the popular Kool Aid, Dole Whip, Tropical Punch, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl and others.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Taco Tuesday at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Every Tuesday from 3-5p.m. throughout the summer guests can get 2 tacos for $13 at the Carefree steakhouse. When you add a refreshing margarita for $7, your total is $20, not a bad deal. Choose from Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Shrimp or Fried Fish tacos and your choice of red or green salsa.

Italian wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop will host an Italian wine tasting next Thursday, July 24th from 6-8p.m. Taste and learn about 3 wines for $10 or Free if you’re a Wine Club member. All will get 20% off any bottles purchased from the evenings event.

Chill at The Mill happy hour specials

Through Labor Day guests visiting the Queen Creek Olive Mill after 3 p.m. can score some great happy hour sips & bites. Sunday through Wednesday from 3p.m.–5p.m.and Thursday through Saturday from 3p.m.– 6p.m. enjoy….

  • Pizza & Pint – Any artisan pizza, paired with your choice of draft beer – $25
  • Tapas Five – Five of our favorite brochettes, featuring QCOM Meyer Lemon Olive Oil – $8.75
    • Caprese: Tomato, mozzarella, basil
    • Sonoran: Spicy green beans, Calabrese salami
    • Genoa: Genoa salami, garlic stuffed olives, provolone
    • Milano: Herb-roasted chicken, artichoke, provolone
    • Stuffed date: Yuma dates, Chardonnay herb mascarpone, crushed pistachio
  • Mill Meatballs – 3 mill-made meatballs, simply sugo, parmesan, Noble baguette – $10
  • Garlic Parmesan Frittes – Fries, roasted garlic olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan, garlic aioli – $8.50
  • Olive Harvest Hummus – Mill-made hummus, sweet red pepper & olive tapenade, carrots, celery, cucumbers, balanced EVOO, Noble baguette – $13
  • Draft Beer – $6 (rotating, always local)
  • Glass of Sangria – Red, white or seasonal – $6
  • Carafes & Pitchers – Sangria carafe – $29.90 or draft beer pitcher – $25

Anhelo opening on July 25th in Scottsdale

The award-winning fine dining restaurant from Chef & Owner Ivan Jacobo is ready to make its long-awaited debut next Friday. Jacobo announced last November of relocating to Old Town Scottsdale from Downtown Phoenix. The ultra-exclusive restaurant seats only 16 guests who can order from any of the chef’s three tasting menus. Reservations can be made and more information found at Anhelo’s website.

 

 

The Summer Culinary Countdown is on at The Phoenician

When the temperatures hit 100+ degrees, the countdown until the end of summer begins. Who knows how long the countdown will go on, but The Phoenician Resort & Spa celebrates summer with its Summer Culinary Countdown at the luxury resort’s restaurant and for Afternoon Tea.

Summer Culinary Countdown specials

Afternoon Tea

Thursday through Sunday guests can a 3-course English traditional experience for $85++. Included are finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & preserves, pastries and fine tea blends. 480-423-2649

J&G Steakhouse

The fine-dining steakhouse with beautiful views offers a special 2-course menu for $65++ per person. The dinner begins with a chef amuse of black truffle cheese fritters. For the second course, choose from two starters: an endive and sugar snap pea salad with parmesan dressing and herbs, or charred corn ravioli with cherry tomato and basil fondue. Entrée selections are a slowly baked salmon with sautéed corn, fingerling potatoes in a basil butter, scallions, baked cherry tomatoes and lime, or a grilled, marinated prime flat iron steak accompanied by roasted summer squash, homemade angel hair pasta, and basil-pistachio pesto. For reservations, call 480-214-8000.

Mowry & Cotton

Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere for this 3-course meal for $45++. Choose from pickled deviled eggs with chives and ninja radish; local melon with cucumber, feta, frisée, vanilla lemon vinaigrette, and tajin creme fraiche; or roasted tomato flatbread with Oaxaca cheese, tomato jam, and arugula for your first course. The second course features charred hanger steak(pictured) topped with wild mushroom, pickled blueberry, and sunflower pesto, or Scottish salmon with rainbow chard, cherry agro dolce, preserved lemon labneh, and rye soil. Finish the meal with brown sugar cheesecake or mulled berry chocolate cake. For more information or to make a reservation, call 480-423-2445.

The Phoenician Tavern

Above the Golf Clubhouse with mountain and golf course views features a burger and beer pairing for $25++. Choose from a variety of burgers, such as a classic Tavern burger, a cowboy burger, Kobe beef sliders, a salmon burger, triple bacon cheeseburger, southwest cheeseburger, a patty melt, or a vegan black bean burger. All served with a side of seasoned tater tots or a small pub salad. The meal is paired with either a draft beer, a house margarita, a house glass of wine or a soft drink. 480-423-2445.

Prime Steak Concepts buys the Chart House for new concept

The owners of upscale restaurants Steak 44, Ocean 44, Dominick’s Steak House and other restaurants around the country announced that they have bought the popular Chart House restaurant in McCormick Ranch but won’t be operating it for long. Prime Steak Concepts has closed the lakeside restaurant with plans to open a new concept in the Fall ’26 after demolition and complete rebuild. The new concept is still in the R & D phase with no details available currently.

“We are excited to bring a new concept and new building to this incredible location. The entire property will be re-imagined,” said Jeff Mastro. “We have been developing a great new concept and menu and are excited to share it with our community and our guests. My brother Mike and I grew up just a few blocks away in McCormick Ranch and this is the perfect place for us to do something very special that fits this iconic location.”

The announcement comes a few months after Prime purchased the iconic Durant’s Steakhouse in Central Phoenix and is giving it a refresh while keeping its vintage interior and decor. Durant’s is scheduled to open later this year. The Chart House opened in 1984 on Camelback Lake and offered views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains while serving meat and seafood and was known for its large salad bar.

Details for Prime Steak Concepts new restaurant will be shared late in 2025, and you can stay up to date for Durant’s opening and the new concept at 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. 

Poppy’s Office has new summer cocktails 

The North Scottsdale speakeasy has added 6 refreshing cocktails to its menu. A few “mocktails” were also added. The new cocktails are…. 

  • Kumquat Cavalcade featuring Crop Organic Meyer Lemon Vodka, kumquat jam, lemon and Prosecco, $17
  • Sunset Mist made with Rolling Still Lavender Vodka, Giffard Elderflower, vanilla, lemon and tonic, $16
  • Rocky Point Summer (is there anything better?) pictured-featuring Corazon Blanco Tequila, Alma Tepec Chile Liqueur, Liquid Alchemist Blood Orange, grapefruit and lime, $15
  • Rising Phoenix—Amaras Espadin Mezcal, Maleza Cempasuchitl, guava, pineapple and lime, $17
  • Duck, Duck, Goose featuring Diplomatico Planas Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Liquid Alchemist Coconut, gooseberry jam and lime, $16
  • Plums on Parade—Amrut Old Port Rum, Hakutsuru Plum Wine Reduction, honey and orange bitters, $15

Summer of Luxury menu available at Mastro’s for the summer 

Through September 25th, all 3 Scottsdale Mastro’s locations will be offering the new 4-course prix-fixe for $80 per person. The seasonal menu is available Monday- Thursday….. 

  • Appetizers: Mixed Green Salad, Nueske’s Maple Glazed Bacon Steak, French Onion Soup (Mastro’s Ocean Club will offer New England Clam Chowder instead), Shrimp Cocktail (2 pieces)
  • Entrees: Herb Roasted Chicken, Double Cut Pork Chop, Petite Filet, Blackened Slamon, Bone-In Filet 12oz (+$35), Bone-In Ribeye 22 oz (+$35)
    • Guests can also select from three house made butters: Black Truffle, Wagyu Red Winer and Bone Marrow (+$8 each)
  • Fresh Vegetables and Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Spinach (Steamed, Sauteed or Creamed), Creamed Corn, Lobster Mashed Potatoes (+$25), Rosemary Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms
  • Desserts: Cheesecake, Signature Personal Warm Butter Cake, Raspberry Sorbet

Lom Wong’s Yokata Martin wins James Beard Award 

The chef & owner of the Downtown Phoenix won Best Chef: Southwest this week after being nominated with 11 other Arizona restaurant professionals. The list was whittled down to Martin and Crystal Kass of Valentine for Outstanding Pastry Chef/ Baker. The winners were announced this week at a ceremony in Chicago. 

Larder + Delta has closed 

The short-lived James Beard nominated restaurant from Chef Stephen Jones closed its Central Phoenix restaurant this week after less than a year of being open. The restaurant relocated last year from the Roosevelt Row Arts District taking the place of another JBF nominee, Binkley’s that closed in 2023. The southern style fine dining restaurant was struggling with low business as the summer began. Chef Jones had announced some changes last week pertaining to summer hours and the menu but unfortunately that wasn’t enough, and the restaurant became the first victim of the summer. 

  

Round Pond Estate wine dinner at 3 Mastro’s in Scottsdale

Next Tuesday, June 17th the local Mastro’s Steakhouse, Mastro’s City Hall and Mastro’s Ocean Club will host a five-course dinner paired with Round Pond Estate wines. The ultra-premium family-owned winery in Napa Valley is known for its highly sought after Cabernet Sauvignon and artisan foods. The evening’s experience will also include Round Pound Estate olive oils used in the preparation of several of the courses. The five-course dinner includes….

  • King Crab Hand Roll – Round Pond Chili Olive Oil, Carrot, Apple, Daikon, Shiso, Nori
  • Summer Salad – Strawberries, Watermelon, Herbed Sauvignon Blanc Vinaigrette
  • Wagyu Black Truffle Ravioli – Brown Butter, Balsamic Reduction, Grana Padano
  • New York Strip 6oz – Marinated Artichokes, Rosemary Garlic Emulsion accompanied by Round Pond Garlic Oil Sauteed Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Butter Cake with Strawberries & Balsamic – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Strawberries, Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Seats for the 7:00 p.m. Round Pond Estate dinner are all inclusive at $250 per person, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Seats can be reserved at Mastro’s website.

2025 Summer Chef Series from Devour Phoenix

We’re still a month away from the official start of summer 2025 and no matter how hot it gets, you still must eat. So why not let four of the best chefs from around the valley cook for you once a month. If that sounds good to you, the 2025 Summer Chef Series dinners are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month from May to September with each dinner featuring two valley chefs who will create a seasonal 4-course menu to celebrate community and showcase local culinary creativity.

Each month’s dinner starts at 6 p.m. and tickets for the Dinner Series are an all-inclusive $1,250 per person ($250 per dinner) and come with curated drink pairings. Heading out of town to cool off, don’t worry the tickets are transferable and they make great gifts for your favorite foodie or split with friends. There will be no refunds. One guest at each dinner will win a pair of tickets to the 2026 Devour Culinary Classic. The series is a partnership with Local First Arizona and In Good Spirits Hospitality with the schedule below.

  • Monday, May 19 – Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at The Larder + The Delta
  • Monday, June 16 – Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
  • Monday, July 21 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
  • Monday, August 18 – Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at  Hana Japanese Eatery
  • Monday, September 15 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

For more information and to reserve your seat 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.

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

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.