Category: food and drink specials

Ramen Hood opens its second location in Chandler

The locally owned fast casual Ramen Hood is celebrating the opening of its second location at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. The first location of the build-your-own ramen shop opened in 2018 in north Scottsdale and and Founder and CEO James Xie couldn’t be happier. Xie was inspired by his love of food and Japanese culture when he decided to open the upscale concept.

“We’re excited to officially celebrate our second location in Chandler, and what better time than during National Noodle Month,” said Xie. “You don’t have to be an experienced traveler to enjoy real ramen – we use a combination of traditional and contemporary methods while using fresh, quality ingredients, just like ramen shops in Japan. Best of all, you can create your own signature bowl with as many ingredients as you want.”

To celebrate the opening and National Noodle Month a March 29th grand opening is planned from 4-7 p.m. 20% of the days proceeds will be donated to the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Expect a ribbon cutting with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at 4-5 p.m. and a ramen eating contest at 5:30. Those interested can see the rules on their Facebook page and contact the restaurant via social media. The first 25 to attend will receive a $10 gift card and all month long customers who mention National Noodle Month will receive 10% off. For more information 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.

Dolce Vita dishes up weekly Italian region specials

Fabrizio Cali the owner of Mesa’s Dolce Vita never thought he’d own the restaurant he’d been hired by the owners to help find a buyer for. What started as a gelato shop in an unassuming strip mall at Brown & Higley Rds. has become an Italian market and “trattoria” selling imported Italian meats, chesses and serving authentic dishes. Don’t worry the award-winning gelato is shop is still there.  He considers Dolce Vita a “trattoria” as in Italy their not as fancy as a full service restaurant with servers doing more than serve including building sandwiches and slicing meats behind the refrigerates cases filled with Italian delicacies. Service is laid back not hovering and checking on guests every few minutes as there is no rush for guests to leave just linger and enjoy as quickly or slowly as you like. Prepping ingredients and hot meals are prepared in the kitchen with his chefs who have worked for him for several years.

Born in Palermo, Cali grew up mostly Milan and became an online video game producer before becoming a consultant and restaurant owner. He has roots all over Italy with his maternal grandmother from Modena in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region of northeast Italy and his father from the southern region of Calabria. It is for this reason that he’s showcasing all 20 regions of Italy with a weekly special. “I am happy to show the Valley a sliver of my Italian culture,” said Cali. “There is so much more to Italian cuisine than what we typically see, and I want everyone to be able to try something they haven’t had before.”

Also on the menu is pizza and dishes from his native Sicily including Aracine & Caponata, the cooked eggplant salad. By authentic Cali means no chicken parmigiana, no Alfredo or carbonara Americans have come to love. Why? Those dishes aren’t authentic Italian dishes he says in the way we expect them here.

Weekly specials at Dolce Vita

March 14-19: Valdostana- Thin, pan-seared veal cutlets, prosciutto, and fontina cheese fried in a butter sauce

21-26: Bagna Cauda- A warm garlic anchovy dip served in a fondue-style warming bowl with bread and mixed vegetables   

28-April 2: Trofie al Pesto- Trofie pasta (an elongated curly pasta shape) with Genovese pesto            

April 4-9: Pizzoccheri- Buckwheat flour pasta, butter, potatoes, cubes of Fontina cheese and savoy cabbage

 11-16: Risi e Bisi- Venetian rice and peas with prosciutto  

18-23: Canederli- Bread dumplings with speck (cured, lightly smoked ham)

25-30: Frico- A thin layer of baked, grated cheese with potato served as a snack, garnish or appetizer

May 2-7: Tagliatelle Ragu Bolognese- A beef and sofrito tomato sauce tossed with Tagliatelle pasta, a traditional long and flat pasta shape made with eggs   

9-14: Pici all’Aglione- A pasta dish tossed with chili peppers and tomato-garlic sauce

16-21: Arrosticini- Grilled lamb skewers                                      

May 30-June 4: Saltimbocca-Thin veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage

June 6-11: Vincisgrassi- Similar to lasagna, it is hand-rolled pasta with ragu meat sauce

13-18: Cavatelli con Broccoli- Small pasta shells tossed with garlic and broccoli

20-25: Pasta alla Norcina- Creamy pasta with sausage, cream and white wine       

June 27-July 2: Frittata di Spaghetti- Spaghetti baked into an egg frittata

July 4-9: Cutturiddi- A light lamb stew           

11-16: Orecchiette Cime di Rapa- Orecchiette pasta with olive oil, garlic, chiles, anchovies and turnip greens

18-23: Pipi Chini- Peppers stuffed with breadcrumbs, anchovies, garlic and capers

25-30: Pasta alla Norma- Pasta with sauteed eggplant tossed with tomato sauce and ricotta salata     

August 1-6: Fregola con Gamberi- A creamy pearl pasta cooked with shellfish stock and topped with prawns

Dolce Vita is at 5251 East Brown Rd. #104. The shop is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant hours are noon to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. For more information see 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.

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.

Bounty of the Sea menu now at STK Steakhouse

The new seafood menu is available until April 6th with 8 new dishes for dinner. Start with a Seafood Tower, Tuna Tartar or Jalapeno Pickled Shrimp Cocktail before moving on to Fish & Chips, Maine Lobster Linguine and more.

Send some Noodz for National Noodle Month from Ling’s Wok Shop

Throughout the month of March the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant is having some fun with Noodz. Not in the naughty way, customers can send Noodz to friends & family and save some money for themselves. Just submit their email address and they will get an email for BOGO noodle dish. For sending them some Noodz you’ll get a certificate for $5 off your next visit.

Save your Spring Training game tickets for food & drink deals.

Local restaurants are playing ball to save you a few bucks when you visit Phoenix area restaurants before or after the game on the same day of the game. Visit Myke’s Pizza, Streets of New York, Koibito Poke, OverEasy, Joque Concepts (Diego Pops, The Montauk, The Hot Chick) and Salt & Lime Mexican Grill. Visit each restaurants website to see each deal, promotion ending dates and any restrictions that do apply.

Desert Ridge Marketplace adds restaurants to Sip & Stroll list

Arizona law now allows you to sip on your favorite adult beverage as you stroll the north Phoenix retail center. Shoppers 21 and over can purchase to-go drinks from Islands, Yard House, Artichoke Bassile’s Pizza, Copper Blues Live, Dave & Buster’s, Sid’s Garage and Whining Pig Beer and Wine Bar.

OpenTable names Phoenix area restaurants as Most Romantic

Steak 44 in Phoenix and Scottsdale’s Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse made the annual Top 100 list for 2022. More than 12 million reviews submitted by diners nationwide included a total of 9 restaurants in Arizona. Up to five stars can be given in categories including food, service, ambiance and value.

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.

 

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

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

GenuWineArizona celebrates its 5th birthday

Tomorrow January 14th the downtown Phoenix wine bar and retailer celebrates 5 years on Roosevelt Row with free wine samples, a DJ and Hot Sauce & Pepper Food Truck. Raffles will be awarded to attendees with the party going from 2 – 10 p.m.

3 course dinner next Tuesday at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Chef & owner Romeo Taus rings in 2023 with another of his monthly 3rd Tuesday 3 course dinner paired with wine. On January 17th the downtown Gilbert restaurant will feature Osso Bucco paired with a Portuguese wine as its main course. Chorizo and Papas will start the dinner and YAYA’s Chocolate Cake will give the dinner a sweet ending. Seats are $44 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Hundred Mile Brewing Company celebrates grand opening

The new Tempe brewery celebrates its Grand Opening from January 18th – 22nd. Daily specials on food & beer, a community charity drive, a Lap Around the Lake and more are planned from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PHX Beer Co. releases a new IPA dedicated to the “Zanjeros”

For over a hundred years Zanjeros would travel the state making sure the water flowed to our homes and farms. Without the “ditch riders” there would be no water to make beer and now the Phoenix brewery offers the new “Zanjeros” citrus fruit forward IPA. The beer is available at its downtown Phoenix brewery and Scottsdale restaurant.

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.

Wing Wednesday specials at The Bar in Gilbert

Have you heard the news, people are flocking to downtown Gilbert to get their hands on the flavorful, crispy & juicy John Blaze Honey Hot, Buffalo, BBQ, “Blow Your O-Ring” and Teriyaki wings. The Bar‘s grilling then fried wings are specially priced every Wednesday from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. for $9 for 6 wings or $14 for a dozen. Each order comes with celery & carrots and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Pillsbury Wine Co. and more pouring at Arizona Wine Festival

20 Arizona wineries and other vendors will make downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square home January 28th -29th. Beer and food trucks will also be on hand with tickets for $35 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday. Friday night will be a benefit for Horses Help and the festival starts at 11 a.m. on both days. Information and tickets can be purchased can be found at Eventbrite.

Outerbound Wines featured at Hyatt Scottsdale Winemaker Dinner Series

The Gainey Ranch resort and spa continues its Winemaker Dinner Series in 2023 with its first dinner on Thursday, January 19th. High end wines from Sonoma County will be paired with a five-course dinner from Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. and his team. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with Phillip Kube of Outerbound Wines followed by dinner at 7:00. Seats are $170 per person and can be reserved by calling 480-629-6231.

Save your receipts for 50% off at Koibito Poke

For the month of January purchase lunch between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. then return for dinner from 5 p.m. til closing and get half off. The “Save Your Receipt” promotion is good on the same day 7 days a week at all 4 locations.

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

Celebrate the Lunar New Year for two weeks at Ling & Louie’s

Not long after we hop into 2023 the traditional Lunar New Year starts celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. Local Asian fusion restaurant Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill celebrates with classic Chinese New Year dishes and specially created cocktails from January 21st – February 5th. A traditional Lion Dance performed by 9 Dragons Lion Dance Phoenix kicks of the celebration on the 21st.

In Chinese culture the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity and 2023 is predicted to be the year of hope. Throughout Asia the Lunar New Year is steep with symbolism and you’ll see it throughout the 5 dishes on the special menu. Dumplings and spring rolls signify wealth, fish and shrimp represent an increase in prosperity and happiness while Longevity Noodles symbolize a wish for a long life.

Lunar New Year dishes and cocktails

Lunar New Year Dim Sum Bar – featuring your choice of different dim sum including Ginger-Pork Dumplings, Pork + Shrimp Dumplings, Spicy Chicken Wontons, and Vegetable Spring Rolls.

Dim Sum Tower – can’t decide on which dim sum to enjoy? Choose three of the above dim sum for a decadent New Year’s treat both.

Szechuan Sea Bass – crispy sea bass wok’d with asparagus, green beans and dried chilies in spicy citrus-soy, topped with pineapple salsa.

Char Siu Pork Tenderloin – specially marinated pork tenderloin served with wasabi mashed potatoes and wok’d asparagus, drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

Longevity Noodles – grass-fed New York strip stir-fried with egg noodles, green onions, mushrooms and carrots in traditional stir-fry sauce.

Tables that order off the special menu will receive a Lucky Red Envelope with offers to use on future visits at Ling & Louie’s and its sister restaurant Ling’s Wok Shop.

Toast to the New Year with these unique craft cocktails.

Spicy Peach Margarita – ghost chili-infused tequila shaken with premium orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, peach puree and Thai basil.

Apples to Apples – rye whiskey shaken with apple puree, house-made ginger-lime syrup and fresh lemon.

Pineapple Punch – gin, Suze, pineapple, five spice and fresh citrus topped with sparkling wine.

New Wave Pina Colada – Jamaican rum, Amarula cream liqueur, five spice, cream of coconut and pineapple, shaken hard and served on the rocks.

For more information 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.

December specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

From now until New Year’s Eve you can order delicious red beef/pork and green corn tamales by the dozen for $34.99. Having a party and want some traditional Mexican specialties mini chimis, flautas, chicken and cheese rollups, and jalapeno poppers are available to order in increments of 3, 6 or 9 dozen ($45.99, $84.99, $129.99). Orders can be placed any of the 4 locations with 24 hour notice for phone orders and online orders require 48 hours’ notice.

Gift cards are available for purchase with 20% kickbacks. $5 for every $25 purchased, $10 kickback on $50 gift card, $20 kickback on $100.

Looking to dine-in, you’ll find these specials on the menu for the month.

Lisa’s Pronto Bowl: A classic choice with shredded chicken, pinto beans, Spanish rice, red sauce, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce and tomatoes all piled high on a house-made taco shell topped with chunky salsa. $14.99
White Christmas Margarita: A house-made margarita with white cranberry juice, Sauza Silver tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Garnished with sugar-covered cranberries and mint. $9.99
Caramel Flan: Back by popular demand! House-made caramel flan topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. $6.99.

Barro’s fights hunger on December 6th

From open to close next Tuesday all 46 of the locally owned pizza restaurants in Phoenix and Tucson will donate 100% of the day’s proceeds to St. Mary’s Food Bank. It’s the 11th year the Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight fundraiser which has raised over $2.1 million dollars in ten years. The money raised is equivalent to 14.7 million meals and is St. Mary’s largest yearly cause marketing effort.

The Buzzed Bull Creamery offers new flavors for the season

Ice cream never tasted so good, especially buzzed with spirits of the season. The ice cream shop at the Scottsdale Waterfront offers 4 new flavors all month long. Buzzed or non-buzzed the sweet treat can be in a milkshake or cup of ice cream. Need an afternoon pick me up; take 15% off every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 – 5 p.m. The new flavors are….

Girl Scout featuring mint syrup, chocolate sauce, brownie bites and peppermint schnapps.

Apple Cider featuring cookie butter syrup, cinnamon and apple pie moonshine.

Double Chocolate Bourbon with chocolate sauce and bourbon.

Cherry Cake featuring cake batter, cherries and cherry vodka.

Hundred Mile Brewing is ready for its soft opening

Arizona’s newest brewery is putting the final touches for next Wednesday, December 7th opening. The first couple of weeks will feature local beers on tap and starting December 19th fresh brewed HMBC beers will be tapped one day at time. The new brewery is close to the ASU campus and the owner and brewer are alumni and were featured in my August post. During the soft opening (7th-11th) a daily drawing for a $100 gift card will be awarded and Sunday the 11th is Sun Devil Sunday. Anyone wearing Sun Devil gear will get 15% off.

Get 6 free tamales when you pre-order a dozen

Authentic scratch made tamales are a December specialty at Jalapeño Inferno and until December 23rd they are available to order. Choose from sweet green corn tamales and spicy red chili pork tamales for pick- up at their Peoria or North Scottsdale locations.

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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