Category: food and drink event

Tropical cocktails & island life coming up at 2023 Arizona Tiki Oasis

The trade winds of the south Pacific breeze into Scottsdale for 4 days at the laid back Arizona Tiki Festival April 27th – 30th. The annual event return’s to the Hotel Valley Ho where attendees can chill out with tropical cocktails poolside, wander from suite to suite checking out the tiki marketplace and learn about Polynesian culture with a schedule of seminars. The weekend is free and open to the public with purchased tickets needed for specific events and seminars.

The weekend starts Thursday evening with a traditional luau and pig roast by Executive Chef Russell LaCasce and his culinary team. Three guest bartenders will join the fun and setting the mood creating tropical cocktails just for the evening. Seats are limited and are $139 per person. A opening night Mix n Mingle and pop up art show also help get things going.

Throughout the weekend enjoy live music of bands flown in from across the country including Lushy, Project: Pimento, Aloha 86 and Phoenix’s Moonlight Magic. Over 10 DJs will set the beat at the mid-century modern hotel in downtown Scottsdale. Tiki and mid-century seminars include topics such as architecture, fashion, Walt Disney, tropical cocktails and more. Seminars cost from Free – $50.

Tickets include the Evening Resort Pass for $139 in advance and $149 at the door. Include are Thursday’s Mix n Mingle, Suite Soirees, tasting of spirits and more. The Deluxe Evening Resort Pass is $299 in advance only and for those 21 and over. All the perks of above and a limited edition mug and exclusive entry to cocktail parties are included. More information and tickets can be purchased at the Tiki Oasis website.

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.

The TLC eXperience is down on the farm for its Spring Fling

Saturday, April 8th brings the return of the supper club’s visit to San Tan Valley’s Rhiba Farm for a multi-coursed meal sourced from the farm. Social Hour begins at 5:30 with a farm tour to follow at 6:00 then dinner at 6:30. Seats are $175 per person and can be reserved at their website.

Get”baked” wings from ATL Wings at Mint Dispensary & Cafe next weekend

Get the munchies and satisfy them at the same time with the two day collaboration next Friday and Saturday, March 24th & 25th. The specialty wings will be tossed in 100mg infused sauce and are $20 for 8 wings. Mint Dispensary and Café is at 5210 S. Priest Dr., Guadalupe 85283.

The Spring 2023 Arizona Restaurant Week is set for…..

Friday May 18th – Sunday May 29th. The 10 day twice a year event has become “The Most Edible Time of Year” showcasing the Arizona culinary scene. The Arizona Restaurant Association has been bringing ARW to foodies for over 15 years and the list of participating restaurants has grown to well over 100. Restaurants create special 3 – course menus for $33, $44 or $55 just for ARW. With the list of restaurants growing and menus in development a full list will be revealed on May 1st at http://arizonarestaurantweek.com/.

STK Steakhouse expands with rooftop dining

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant along the canal now offers dining with a view of the scenic canal and neighborhood. The rooftop is open Thursday- Sunday starting at 4 p.m. and weekend brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. With a full bar and fireplaces the new dining area is great for happy hour, dinner and is available for private functions.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers opens in Maricopa

The 14th location of the Scottsdale based restaurant has just opened its doors south of Phoenix. The largest of all the locations, Maricopa has indoor and outdoor dining that features 50 flat screen TVs, a 50 foot bar and a menu full of burgers, sandwiches, salads and tot-chos. The new location is at 20350 N. John Wayne Parkway in Sonoran Creek Marketplace. Locations in Buckeye’s Verrado and in metro Tucson in Oro valley are planned for later in 2023.

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.

The Giant Sonoran available until March 31st.

Just in time for baseball season, Old Town Scottsdale’s Cien Agaves steps up to the plate with a foot long Sonoran dog. The bacon wrapped all beef hot dog is topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, avocado salsa and queso fresco. It is served with roasted chiles on the side.

Vino Stache & Tracy Dempsey Originals host Wine & Dessert Social

The Arizona winery along Dempsey’s ODV wines pair wines and desserts next Saturday, March 18th from 1:30 – 3p.m. Meet with Vino Stache Winery’s owner Brooke Lowry as you make your personalized wine charm for your glass. The social takes place at Tracey’s shop in Tempe with tickets in limited supply going for $30 each. Email tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com to reserve your seat.

March specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations celebrate the start of Spring and more with three food and drink specials.

March Madness: This refreshing cocktail combines Midori liquor and sweet and sour with a splash of seltzer. We garnish it with a cherry and lime wedge. $9.99

Drunken Barbacoa Flautas: Barbacoa flautas served in our tomatillo sauce. Topped with shredded lettuce, queso fresco, cilantro and crema. Served with one side. $17.99

Luck of the Irish: Layers of chocolate cake with mint simple syrup and colorful vanilla pudding are topped with mint sandwich cookies, whipped cream, cookie crumble and a chocolate gold coin for good luck. $7.99

Spinato’s Pizzeria introduces a new Spring menu

The locally owned pizzeria with locations in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Ahwatukee has its new seasonal menu available through early May. The “Honey Hot Pie” pizza is topped with salami, Mike’s Hot Honey, feta cheese, light sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. 6 new cocktails are on the menu including a Rum Negroni, Mojito Italiano and Limonata. The bar menu also includes new wines from Italy and Arizona along with new locally made beers and spirits.

Chesapeake Bay Seafood closes to focus on catering

It’s never fun writing about the closing of a restaurant especially one I featured a few months ago. Unfortunately James and Yolanda Brown had to consolidate its operations to catering closing their ghost kitchen in the Tempe Food Court and the brick and mortar location in Phoenix. Yolanda’s recent health concerns and staffing issues had James spreading himself to thin tending to the restaurants and Yolanda’s needs. He’s in the process of updating the website to accommodate their loyal following with a new catering menu.

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.

Mardi Gras Party at Pedal Haus in downtown Phoenix

From 2 p.m. until midnight tomorrow Saturday, February 18 celebrate carnival New Orleans style at the Roosevelt Row restaurant. Spicy Jambalaya, Po’ Boys and NOLA Hurricanes are featured along with live music for this free event starting at 4 p.m. Beads and beer will also be served.

Glendale hosts the Chocolate Affaire this weekend

It will be a sweet Saturday and Sunday in downtown Glendale as the popular event returns. Cooking demonstrations, chocolate tastings, wine pairings and more will be at this free event that starts at 10 a.m. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, more vendors, food trucks and unique attractions will benefit Magical Builders.

Strong Beer Festival pours beer tomorrow

The Arizona Brewers Guild hosts their Strong Beer Festival Saturday, February 18th at a new location at Salt River Fields. Tickets are still available and all the details and link to tickets are at my featured post.

National Margarita Day is February 22nd

Next Wednesday sip on the refreshing cocktail for less at restaurants around the Phoenix area. In the bar at The Roaring Fork all night long guests can get their signature Huckleberry, RF margaritas and others for only $7. Z’Tejas will be celebrating with $7 margs all day and from 5-6 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. their Sixth Street margarita is only $1. Scottsdale’s Diego Pops offers margarita and tequila samplings all day with $6 margaritas for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Salt & Lime has $7 house margaritas and more on special all day long.

LDV Winery releases new wines

4 new bold red, white and rose wines are now available from LDV Winery at their Scottsdale tasting room. The 2017 Syrah, 2019 Rhyolite White, 2019 Sky Island Viognier and 2020 Rosé of Grenache are sourced from their vineyards in the shadows of the Chiricahua Mountains and are in limited supply.

“We are thrilled to debut these new wines, which will be available soon and in the next package for our wine club members,” says Peggy Fiandaca, who co-owns LDV winery with winemaker Curt Dunham. “We look forward to sharing these new varietals with wine enthusiasts and we hope you all love them.”

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

“Little Italy” comes back to Phoenix and first event Sun City

Downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square and the Sun Dial Recreation Center in Sun City become “Little Italy” for two weekends in March when The Italian Association of Arizona hosts its 8th Annual Italian Festival. Saturday & Sunday March 4th & 5th the festival will be at Heritage Square then the celebration of Italian heritage and culture heads to Sun City for the first time March 11th & 12th.

“The Italian Festival is part of a dream to bring a piece of Italy to the desert,” said Italian Association’s Executive Director, Francesco Guzzo. “We started with a small event along the Southbridge in Old Town Scottsdale in 2014 with a few vendors and lot of enthusiasm. Eight festivals later, we are hitting attendance capacity and keeping Italian traditions alive.”

Festival goers can expect local food vendors serving authentic Italian cuisine, opera singers, The Sicilian Band, dancers and more entertainers. Pizza, gelato, espresso, pasta and more will be available from local vendors Pomo, Pasta Rea, L’Impasto, Little Italy of Scottsdale and others. Non-food vendors including Italian leather purse makers and handmade jewelry will be available for purchase. A Kid’s Zone with face painters and balloon makers will be on hand to keep the kids happy.

Tickets are available online for $10 in advance and $20 the day of event and children under 12 years old are free. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Phoenix and Sun City websites.

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.

Get a Lox Box for National Bagel & Lox Day at Chompie’s

Thursday, February 9th all 4 locations of the Jewish deli will be offering the favorite breakfast to-go for $24.99. The Lox Box includes 6 bagels (2 plain, 2 sesame & 2 everything) 8oz. of cream cheese and 8oz. of smoked salmon. The special is available all day.

Source Restaurant grand opening in Gilbert

Tomorrow Saturday, February 24th the new fast fine dining concept celebrates it grand opening from open to close. The new Mediterranean inspired restaurant, bakery and market at Gilbert’s new Epicenter mix used development will welcome guests with 20% off everything and a DJ.  The best part is you can enter to win a year’s worth of artisan bread.

The new Papago Brewing Company opens today

Friday February 3rd marks the re-incarnation of the popular taproom and restaurant at its new location at Mesa Riverview. Leah and Jeff Huss of Huss Brewing Co. brought the popular Scottsdale taproom back to life after the original location closed for re-development. Read the full story at my feature post from November.

Valentine’s Day inspired drinks at Stemistry in February

The Gen Z version of a flower & coffee shop from 16 year old Dylan Capshaw opened last year combining his two passions, flowers and coffee. The Scottsdale location is at 90th St. & Via Linda with a new downtown Phoenix location opening soon. Three lovely coffee drink specials are available all month long.

  • Red Velvet Mocha- Rose and dark chocolate latte
  • Love Bug Latte- Fresh rose petals, rose cold foam
  • Cupid’s Cappuccino- Dark chocolate coconut cappuccino

Ask Dylan about his Valentine’s Day flower specials.

Morning Squeeze opens The Catering Kitchen

To meet the demand of office and group catering functions the breakfast and lunch spot has opened a separate kitchen. The Catering Kitchen offers a similar menu at the 3 locations and caters to groups of 10 or more. Breakfast items include breakfast burritos, bagel & lox, sandwiches and lots of coffee. They serve over 100 gallons of coffee per month through their catering operation. More information and to order from The Catering Kitchen visit https://morningsqueeze.com/

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

Breweries host The Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and Bands Festival

Local breweries SanTan Brewing and Pedal Haus are teaming up to host a new festival on Friday and Saturday, March 3rd and 4th. The Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and Bands Festival takes place in downtown Chandler at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park.

Expect world class barbeque from Honey Bear’s, Joe’s Real BBQ, Pork on a Fork and West Alley BBQ along with others. Taste beer and food from both breweries along with bourbon and and enjoy uninterrupted live performance from seven bands over both days. Bands performing are Kevin Lloyd of Banana Gun, Hit Rewind, Georgia Chrome, Mr. Skynyrd, The Foo, The Zeppelin IV and Justin Hinson.

“This is an incredible lineup of bands, impressive chefs, award-winning beers and bourbon – what else could you want?” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “Along with our friends at SanTan, we know how to throw a good party so grab your friends because this is going to be a fun time.”

Friday the festival goes from 4 – 11p.m. and Saturday from noon -11 p.m. Early bird tickets are on sale for Friday are $15 and $18 for Saturday. Two day tickets are $30 and day of tickets are $20 and $25. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.

“We’re excited to launch this festival with Pedal Haus and bring a new opportunity to our friends in the community,” said Jamie Hoffman, Managing Partner with SanTan Brewing Company. “We aim to exceed our guests’ expectations and we think this event will do just that.”

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Arizona Craft Brewers Guild hosts the return of the Arizona Strong Beer Festival

On Saturday, February 18th beer enthusiasts kick off the 12th Arizona Beer Week at the Arizona Strong Beer Festival. Arizona Craft Brewers Guild announced a new home for the festival at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for 2023. The 21+ festival welcomes over 100 breweries from across the country at the popular festival that starts at 1 p.m.

Close to 10,000 people attending will sample beers from their favorite breweries and get introduced to new ones. “The Strong Beer Festival is about bringing people together to make a cultural statement about craft beer and why we love it,” says Rob Fullmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. “Get your pretzel necklaces ready and join us for a beer-filled afternoon at Salt River Fields.”

General admission tickets start at $70 with entry at 1 p.m. A limited number of VIP and Super VIP tickets are available for $90 and $110 each. VIP gets early entry at 11:30 a.m., extra tasting samples, a VIP lounge and restrooms. VIP ticket holders can pick up their wrist bands on Friday at the Pepsi Party Deck at Salt River Fields while enjoying $4 cans of beer and watch a MLB4 Collegiate Baseball Tournament game. Super VIP tickets have VIP status plus a special edition swag item and admission to Sundays Brewers’ Reception Brunch.

The Strong Beer Festival is the largest event of over 100 events during Arizona Beer Week, February 16th-16th. For more information, to see a list of attending breweries and to purchase tickets for the festival visit their website.

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.

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

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