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. 

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.

Riot Hospitality Group to open Shiv Supper Club in early 2025

The Scottsdale restaurant scene will start 2025 with a new supper club offering a new culinary experience when Riot Hospitality Group opens its new Shiv Supper Club in the first couple months of the new year at 7373 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale. The new upscale supper club, named after the culinary instrument, will be the first of its kind in Arizona and cover over 13,000 square feet.

“We created Shiv Supper Club to be a fully immersive experience inspired by the world’s most renowned dining destinations,” said Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “From the creativity behind the menu to the energy of the venue, every element has been perfectly crafted to excite every guest, and Shiv elevates the standard for fine dining in Scottsdale.”

Riot Hospitality’s Culinary Director Dustin Cooke from the group’s Hand Cut Chop House and Farm & Craft curated the menu with Restaurateur and Chef Jeff Mahin from the Michelin starred Fat Duck in England, Nobu and restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You. The dishes will show off luxurious ingredients and photo-worthy presentation including caviar, seafood towers and Truffle Butter Bread Service to start. Prepared table-side fresh truffles will be shaved into the house-made compound butter. Entrees will include Charcoal Fired Prime Steaks including the colossal Tomahawk steak prepared table-side. Other dishes include Scallop Crudo and Smoked Show Chowder with halibut in a lemon broth.

The cocktail program at Shiv will include everything from classic Martinis to signature cocktails each thoughtfully created for taste and presentation. A well-curated wine list will offer something for every occasion. Nightly entertainment will take the stage to keep the energy going with cutting-edge sound and technology that will take your senses to the next level. The Dessert Room by Shiv will offer champagne, decadent desserts and more entertainment for the late-night crowd. For more information and updates visit Shiv’s website and follow them on social media.

M Culinary Concepts introduces ” A Taste of Two Seasons” menu

Those looking for innovative private dining experiences can consider the new seasonal menu, “A Taste of Two Seasons” from M Culinary Concepts. The new menu from the valley’s premier event catering and hospitality company has a strict emphasis using exclusively in-season winter and spring ingredients for the menus intriguing entrees & hors d’oeuvres, satisfying small plates and delicious desserts.

The exciting new menu comes from M Culinary Concepts Director of Culinary Operations Cody Abrams and Pastry Chef Kurt Karaffa. “Everything we do at M Culinary is exemplified by the A Taste of Two Seasons menu,” Abrams said. “Seasonal ingredients translate to the freshest ideas and finest quality, and we are eager to debut this new menu at your next event.” 

M Culinary Concepts new seasonal menu

Dishes can be paired together or with signature dishes to create a custom menu for any dietary needs and restrictions. The new menu features…..

Hors D’oeuvres 

  • Artisan Crostini – Herbed goat cheese, toasted pistachio, cranberry. Vegetarian contains nuts. 
  • Poutine – potato pancake, cheese curds, brown gravy, chives.
  • Lingonberry Brie Cone – Brie mousse, lingonberry jam, granny smith apple. Vegetarian. 
  • Strawberry Feta Spoon – Whipped feta, macerated strawberries, black pepper, micro basil. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 

Entrées

  • Coq au Vin Chicken Thigh – Roasted fingerling potatoes, leek and carrot sauce, red wine reduction, herb oil. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 
  • Cider Mustard Glazed Pork Chop – parsnip purée, roasted brussels sprouts & pearl onions, pickled carrot ribbons. 
  • Honey Glazed Duck Breast – Fava beans, spring peas, wild rice and beet pilaf, toasted almonds. Gluten-free, dairy-free, contains nuts. 
  • Crispy Skin Arctic Char – Truffled asparagus purée, smashed confit potatoes, lemon spring herb gremolata. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 

Small Plates

  • Seasonal Tortellini – Peas, stracciatella, brown butter, crispy prosciutto. 
  • Chimichurri Cauliflower Taco – Mango salsa, pomegranate seed, cotija. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 
  • Winter Squash & Shallot Tarte – Arugula, manchego. Vegetarian. 
  • Dill and Feta Crusted Salmon – spring radish and haricot vert salad, lemon dressing.

Desserts 

  • Fire & Ice – Banana pineapple sorbet, fruit consommé, jalapeño syrup, roasted pineapple. Vegan, gluten-free. 
  • Blueberry Financier – Strawberry ice cream, seasonal fruit, raspberry meringue. Vegetarian.

For more information or to book an event please visit their website.

Fine dining restaurant Anhelo relocating to Scottsdale

Chef Ivan Jacobo is relocating his fine dining restaurant Anhelo from downtown Phoenix 13 miles away to downtown Scottsdale in the coming months. The last day of service in Phoenix is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd and his new contemporary bistro “Flour & Thyme” will take its place before the end of the year.

Once opened, Anhelo will be at 7007 E. 1st Ave. and will continue to serve its world-class cuisine. “It is bittersweet closing Anhelo in Phoenix, but I am excited to give our downtown residents and visitors a new concept that will be more aligned with their needs,” said Jacobo. “We look forward to moving Anhelo into Scottsdale early next year and continuing to develop it into a global dining destination.”

Jacobo has a special place in his heart for the downtown Phoenix dining community who helped build the fine dining restaurant into what it is today and opening “Flour & Thyme” in its place is a “thank you” to the community. “Flour & Thyme” was initially to be on Mill Ave, but plans fell through for that location. Once opened it will offer dishes from the land, sea and garden along with a world-class wine list and specialty cocktails.

To stay up to date on the opening of Anhelo and Flour & Thyme visit their websites.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Coffee Day is this Sunday, September 29th

Need your daily fix of caffeine then head to……

Noble Ground Coffee for any hot or cold drink for just a $1. This includes new Fall flavors such as Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pancake.

Randy’s Donuts if you’re a loyalty member for a free cup of Randy’s Roast or iced coffee. No purchase is necessary, and the free drink will appear in the member’s account. Randy’s Donuts has two locations in Phoenix at 5709 N. 7th Street and 17405 S. 40th Street. Both locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Press Coffee is offering 25% off a yearlong coffee subscription all weekend long.

Chula Seafood Uptown celebrates Oktoberfest with schnitzel

For all 31 days in October the Uptown Plaza location celebrates the German festival with a seafood twist. The Swordfish Jägerschnitzel is served with a scrumptious mushroom leek gravy with brown apple butter spaetzle and German braised red cabbage. It’s available for both lunch and dinner for $28++.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Burgundy wine dinner October 4th

The downtown Phoenix restaurant will welcome guests next Friday to enjoy a six-course dinner featuring the wines of Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut that dates to the 19th century. The dinner is $265 per person and for an additional $100 a glass of their coveted Domaine Sigaut’s 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. is available. Prefer champagne, a glass of Dom Perignon is available for $75. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with limited seating and seat can be purchased at OpenTable.

Grand opening celebration for 3rd Stemistry location

Saturday, October 5th marks the newest coffee lab & flower shop from Dylan Capshaw at the Roadrunner Apartments at 6601 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257. From 9-11 a.m. guests can get a $1 drip coffee, a free stem with purchase, light bites and entertainment. Additionally monthly flower subscriptions will be 20% with a 3-month minimum.

New dishes on the menu at Ling & Louie’s

The Asian bar & grill on Shea Blvd. just east of 92nd St. in Scottsdale has just released new dishes on the menu. New dishes include Almond-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Louie’s Bao Buns, Louie’s Donut Holes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Tequila and wine dinners at The Phoenician Resort

It doesn’t feel like summer is over in Phoenix but local restaurants and resorts feel like it is and are now planning specialty dinners and events through the end of the year. The Phoenician Resort & Spa is no different with wine and tequila dinners on the calendar in the coming weeks.

Tequila Herradura dinner at The Phoenician Tavern

The restaurant atop the Pro Shop of the resort’s famed golf course welcomes guests to celebrate Tequila Herradura’s 50th anniversary of the release of their first ever reposado with a dinner on Thursday, September 12th in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner kicks off their Tastes of the Tavern dinner series that show off the flavors and craftsmanship of the restaurant’s culinary team.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’ouvers followed by a 3-course dinner paired with Tequila Herradura.

The reception features small bites of citrus-glazed pork belly tostadas, shrimp aguachile, braised octopus, roasted vegetable toast, and a charred watermelon margarita made with Herradura silver. A starter of grilled fois gras is paired with Herradura double barrel reposada. The main course is a butter basted seabass, served with Herradura Legend extra anejo. The evening will finish with a dessert of fresas con crema cheesecake and Herradura ultra anejo. Guests will also have a chance to sample Herradura’s limited release anniversary tequila.
The dinner is $95++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting  http://www.thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern/.

Caymus Vineyards & Antinori Estates wine dinners at J &G Steakhouse

The acclaimed steakhouse with gorgeous views of the valley celebrate two world class wineries as they celebrate their 50th anniversary releases of wine. Executive Chef Jaques Qualin will prepare 4-course meals paired with wines from Napa Valley and Italy.

On Tuesday, September 17 guests will celebrate the 50th anniversary wine dinner of the famed Caymus Vineyards. The menu features a first course of smoked salmon tater tots and Mer Soleil Chardonnay; a second course of Hawaiian yellowfin tuna buttercup and Sea Sun Pinot Noir; a third course of grass-fed Wagyu filet mignon and Caymus California Cabernet; and a fourth course of poached pear gelee, chocolate mousse, paired with the anniversary wine, Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

A month later on Thursday, October 17th, Tuscany’s Antnori Estates wines will be poured along with a starter of red kabocha squash tortellini with Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay; followed by a crispy Artic char red wine risotto with Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva; a third course of 48-hours short rib and grilled prime New York strip steak with Antinori Tignanello 50th Anniversary; and to finish the evening, a dessert of warm chocolate cake with VinSanto Santa Cristina.

Both dinners begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Mountain View private dining room and representatives from both wineries will be on hand to speak about the wines and wineries storied histories. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.thephoenician.com/events/jg-wine-dinners/.