ASU’s Cameron Skattebo signs NIL deal with Burrito Express

Now that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL), Arizona State University running back Cameron Skattebo has signed a deal with locally owned Burrito Express. Brothers Angel and Mark Marin co-own Burrito Express and are ASU alumni presented Skattebo with his first NIL deal. He has since turned down other lucrative offers since signing with Burrito Express.

“We are extremely excited to work with Cam and offer him his first NIL deal,” said Angel. “And we’re humbled by the fact that despite other companies’ best efforts to lure him away from our contract, he has chosen to remain loyal to the Burrito Express family.”

ASU running back Cameron Skattebo

This isn’t the first NIL deal for the community minded Marin brothers who have long supported local sports and will continue to collaborate with ASU athletes. In its 30 years Burrito Express has provided thousands of free burritos to high school sports programs throughout the valley.

With the signing of Cameron Skattebo comes a signature burrito available at all 7 Burrito Express locations. The Boo-ritto is a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice for $11.88. To find a Boo-ritto near you or see about their community involvement visit their website.

 

 

Arizona Cardinals and Spinato’s team up for fresh hot pizza

When the Arizona Cardinals start the 2024 football season, fans attending home games at State Farm Stadium will have new choices for delicious local foods. Some of those new foods was announced with a new partnership for the “Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals” with Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. It’s part of the family-owned pizzerias 50th anniversary and also marks the pizzeria’s first location in the west valley.

“We are thrilled to announce Spinato’s as the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals and to welcome the Spinato’s family as our Proud Partner,” said Wade Martin, Arizona Cardinals senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “Bringing in beloved, local food and beverage companies is important to us, and I couldn’t think of a better representation of that than Spinato’s. We are excited for our fans to enjoy delicious, locally owned pizza on gamedays this season.”

Come September fans will be able to order three kinds of pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and more at four concession stands throughout the stadium. Spinato’s has also partnered with Phoenix’s Cactus Corn to offer “Mamma’s Signature” pizza flavored popcorn. Featuring spinach spice & sweet tomoto, the new flavor will join two other popcorn flavors offered and will be announced soon.

Collaborating on The Red Zone Pizza

The two-family owned businesses have collaborated on the new The Red Zone pizza available at all 6 pizzerias starting September 8th (Week 1 of the regular season). Made with Spinato’s signature sauce, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella and spinach spice. “The Canadian bacon and roasted red bell peppers bring a red element to the pizza, while the pepperoncini bring a little spice for our Arizona heat,” says Anthony Spinato, Spinato’s CEO.

The made fresh, never frozen pizza will range from $17.75 for a small pizza, $23.75 for a medium pizza and $29.75 for a large pizza at Spinato’s locations. At State Farm Stadium, the price of an eight-inch “The Red Zone” pizza will be $15.50. Fans can also purchase an eight-inch cheese pizza for $13.50 or an eight-inch pepperoni pizza for $14.50.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver what we call ‘the Spinato’s experience,’ to our guests. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel like part of a big family. We’ve grown to six locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. This partnership marks our first entry into the West Valley, and we could not be more excited to do it with such a beloved sports team,” Spinato said.

For more information visit Spinato’s and the team‘s websites.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Valentine’s Day under the stars with TLC eXperience

If you haven’t made you plans for next Tuesday, February 14th seats are still available for the 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by 3 course dinner. The Orchard at Agritopia hosts the locally sourced menu curated by Chef Tom and his culinary team. Seats are by reservation only and are $180 per person or $360 per couple. To view the menu and reserve you seats visit their website.

It’s a Schmoozetacular weekend in Scottsdale

The downtown Scottsdale coffee shop/cafe celebrates golf & football all weekend long.  Get 15% off all Bloody Mary’s and cocktail flights Fri, Sat & Sun. when you use promo code CHEERS15. Enjoy Schmooze after dark Friday & Saturday nights from 4 -10 p.m. and there is a Super Bowl Watch Party with light bites and cocktails on Sunday from 4-9 p.m.

New “Level Up” menu at Los Sombreros

Guests visiting the Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix Mexican restaurants can now experience new dishes to the menu. Enjoy The Molcajete features lobster, shrimp, chorizo and snow crab in a spicy broth. Beer battered Lobster Tacos, Wagyu Asada and Lamb Adobo also make up the new dishes.

Dirty Dough opens north Phoenix location

The Tempe cookie maker who mantra is “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” has opened its newest location in The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. One of a kind cookies with unique flavor profiles updates its cookie menu every Friday. Current favorites are Monster Mash, Candy Bar and Kitchen Sink cookies are available.

February specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations are serving up a margarita, entree and dessert specials all month long.

Rio Margarita: A house favorite since 2011, this handmade margarita is made with Hornitos Tequila, Hiram Walker Orange Curacao, lime juice and Agave triple sec. $9.99

Al Pastor Chicken Platter: Al pastor grilled chicken paired with fajita veggies, fried potatoes and a stuffed Anaheim pepper and served with a side of guacamole, roasted chipotle salsa and house-made tortillas. Choice of a cup of chicken tortilla soup or house salad to start.  $19.99

Strawberry Shortcake: Layered with vanilla sponge cake, strawberry puree and strawberry cheese cake, and topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumble. $7.99

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

Semifinalists for 2023 Restaurant & Chef Awards announced

This morning The James Beard Foundation announced the Semifinalists for its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Arizona is again well represented throughout several categories. Nominees will be announced Wednesday, March 29th and winners announced Monday, June 5th 2023 in Chicago. You can see the list of all 2023 semifinalists here.

The 2023 Arizona semifinalists are……

Outstanding Chef

Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café, Phoenix

Outstanding Restaurant

Proper Meats + Provisions, Flagstaff

Emerging Chef

Christian Lowe, Shift Kitchen & Bar, Flagstaff

Outstanding Bakery

JL Patisserie, Phoenix and Scottsdale

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Glai Baan, Phoenix

Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)

Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno, Bacanora, Phoenix

Jaren Bates and Brett Vibber, The Table at Junipine, Sedona

Nephi Craig, Café Gozhóó, Whiteriver

Wendy Garcia, Tumerico, Tucson

Fernando Hernández, Testal, Phoenix

Yotaka and Alex Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix

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

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Where to watch the World Cup

The 2022 World Cup kicks off Sunday and with the 10 hour time difference it may be hard to watch. Looking to watch it with other fans, Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe will be showing all 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 12 noon games. Breakfast and drink specials will be offered on game days. All 4 Twin Peaks locations will be opening at 9 a.m. to show the games on almost 100 flat screen TVs. Scratch made breakfasts and beer specials will be served.

Dad’s Modern Cocktails & Eatery gears up for Thanksgiving week

You’ll have to do the cooking next Thursday but starting Sunday you can enjoy the restaurant’s popular Peach Sangria for only $5 until next Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday next week it’s Happy Hour all day then a Family Feast when they re-open on Friday. The Family Feast includes 8 wings, a Caesar salad and a 20 inch 1 topping pizza all for $45.

Holiday tamales available at Diego Pops

Whether you dine-in or take a dozen to-go the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has the traditional holiday food for you.  The Tamale Plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, Fresno pepper and cabbage. It comes served a side of rice and beans of your choice. Choose a dozen red or green chile chicken Tamales Togo with a side of rice and beans. Tamales are available until the end of December and have limited availability.

Sportsman’s Park Market debuts tomorrow

The Great Lawn at State Farm Stadium is the home of the new farmers market from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. tomorrow. Over 100 fresh food vendors, local products and a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar will be available along with live music and activities for kids. December’s market will be Saturday the 17th.

Chompie’s closes Tempe restaurant after 25 years

The popular restaurant for hungry students and others craving Jewish deli fare will have to find somewhere else to eat. It was a difficult decision to close the restaurant but necessary to help fuel the company’s growth. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Chandler locations are still open.

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 you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Root for the Cardinals with a team inspired beer, shake & cookie

With the NFL playoffs starting tomorrow and the Cardinals making the playoffs for the first time since 2015 you can show your support with team inspired food & beverages. PHX Beer Co. just released the limited edition Bird Gang Beer. The lager can be purchased in a 32 oz. crowler at their Phoenix taproom or Scottsdale restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli is selling the Cardinals Caramel Strawberry Shake ($5) and Black and Red Cookies ($4) just in time for Monday night’s game versus their rival L.A. Rams. They will be available throughout the Cardinal playoff run.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain promotes 2 on their culinary team

Former catering chef Landon Post has been promoted to Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz has become the new face of the resort’s signature restaurant, Elements. Executive Chef Beau Macmillan has been the face of Elements for over 23 years and is staying on board in reduced role as Culinary Advisor spearheading culinary events at the resort including Nirvana Food and Wine Festival.

Valley chefs feeding the homeless on MLK Day

4 of the valley’s top chefs have partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to serve over 500 steak dinners to the valley’s homeless on Monday January 17th. Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco), Mark Tarbell (Tarbell’s), Chef Vincent (Vincent’s on Camelback) and Mark Lupino (Steak 44, Ocean 44 & Dominick’s Steakhouse) will be joined music composer and celebrities David Foster and Katherine McPhee Foster. The 17th would of also been Muhammad Ali’s 80th birthday.  Steaks are only part of the meal organized by philanthropist & Ali friend Jimmy Walker as part of the “Never Give Up” program.

Santé to start serving lunch and happy hour on Monday

The healthy food restaurant that opened last month in north Scottsdale will start serving lunch and happy hour on Monday January 17th. Lunch will be from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. and happy hour from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Myke’s Pizza now open for lunch

The popular downtown Mesa pizzeria is now open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Owner and pizza maker Myke Olsen serves 10 hand crafted pizzas, a house salads and a chocolate chip cookie. Seasonal pizzas will also be offered and on weekend rotating desserts.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

“Arizona Pizza” added to new Fall menu at Famous 48 Local Kitchen & Bar

The Shops at Gainey Ranch’s Famous 48 Local Kitchen & Bar has announced several changes to its operation including adding Arizona Pizza to the menu. One of the new changes is that the restaurant will open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sunday’s so football fans can catch all the action.

The 4 new Arizona Pizzas are 12 inch thin and crispy crusts and use a mozzarella and provolone cheese blend. A cauliflower crust is also available with the 4 pizzas being…..

·         Margherita. Grilled tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil

·         The Famous 48. Pepperoni, sausage, onion

·         Nacho Mama. Ground beef, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, taco sauce, blend of cheddar-jack cheese, crumbled Nacho Cheese Doritos®

·         BBQ Chicken Pizza. BBQ Sauce, provolone, chicken, red onion, cilantro

“We like to keep our menus fresh and we’ll always offer Arizona favorites.  That’s the inspiration for the four pizzas on this new menu at Famous 48,” said Robert Wagner, executive chef, of Famous 48 and sister restaurant, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. “We aim to please and we’re happy the neighborhood enjoys our great food.”

With the new pizza’s come a special happy hour deal every Monday -Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy a Arizona Pizza and bottle of red or white house wine for only $25. To end your meal, they’ve also added a new option to a favorite dessert. The skillet cookie option of white chocolate macadamia, caramel sauce with vanilla bean ice cream joins a classic chocolate chip cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream.

Famous 48 is at 8989 N Scottsdale Rd #608, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. 480-941-0101. Check out their website for the full menu and more.

Super Bowl dine-in and take-out deals around Phoenix

Whether you’re rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs or just want a good game for the Super Bowl on February 7th you’re going to want something to eat and drink during the game. Some prefer homemade eats but if you’re looking to visit a restaurant or have take-out these restaurants are cooking up enough for your team.

The Roaring Fork-Scottsdale. The dinner only restaurant brings back their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get the other on the house starting just before kick off at 4 p.m. Their famous Big Ass Burger, Spit Roasted Half Chicken and Braised Beef Short Ribs are just a few entrees available.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix. Bring home one of their Big Game Slider Specials, choose from the Super Slider Buffet ($130- 16 Assorted Deli Slider Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw Relish Tray & Kosher Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard & Mayo, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese & 1 Whole Pie) or

The Tackle Pack ($140-  2 lbs. of Hot Pastrami, 2 lbs. of Corned Beef , 2 lbs. Of Potato Salad, 2 lbs. of Cole Slaw, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese, 18 Challah Slider Rolls, 10 Kosher Dill Pickle Slices & 1 Whole Pie). Each package serves 8-10 people and 48 hour notice is appreciated.

Grimaldi’s Pizeria– Multiple locations. Kick off National Pizza Day (February 9th) a couple of days early with a Meal to Go.

Meal Deal 1 To-go: $25 (feeds 2-4 people) 1- 18” traditional cheese pizza, Small house or Caesar salad and 2 fountain drinks.

Meal Deal 2 To-go: $40 (feeds 4-6 people), 2- 18” traditional cheese pizza. Large house or Caesar salad & 4 fountain drinks.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe. The popular maker of sweet & savory treats is putting together 3 different snack boards that will feed 2-4 people. Order by Monday February 1syt by 5 p.m. for pick up Saturday February 6th 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Nosh Platters
Charcuterie boards of a variety of meats, cheeses, pickles and veggies, along with Noble Bread ($50)
Sweet and Savory Platter
Homemade Rotel dip and tortilla chips, caramelized onion dip and potato chips, pimento cheese and crackers, our own Sweet & Savory Snack Mix chockful of the usual suspects including some new ones like bacon brittle, popcorn and candied nuts ($50)
Tasty Bites
A box of petite treats from our array of items at the moment, like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, lemon bars, Hatch green chile bars and more ($30).
FnB– Scottsdale. The award-winning restaurant is offering several platters for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix. Build Your Own Super Bowl Party with a Burger Bar or Taco Bar. Each feeds 15- 18 people, $299 +tax, $10 delivery within 15 miles of 85020, order by 3 p.m. Tuesday February 2nd for delivery between 3 – 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.

Burger Bar Burgers: beef, beyond* and falafel served with brioche buns. *extra $2.50 per burger Toppings: cheese, lettuce, pickled red onion, tomato, cucumber, grilled onion, mushrooms. Sauces: aioli, ketchup, mango puree. Sides: house made chips and salad Add-ons: mac n cheese bites, pretzel bites and cannoli’s ($2-$3 per person).

Taco Bar Proteins: chicken, carne asada, pork or veggie. Toppings: cheese, limes, pickled onions, cilantro, roasted corn, roasted red peppers, salsa fresca. Sides: chips & salsa or rice & beans. Add-ons: elote, flautas, guacamole and churros ($2-$3 per person)

Humble Pie– Scottsdale & Glendale. Take-out 2 pizzas, salad, braised and extra crispy tender wings with house-made sauce choices of buffalo, spicy Korean or chili honey ($49.99 feeds 4 people).

Angry Crab Shack– Multiple locations. How about a seafood boil as if you’re in Tampa Bay on Super Bowl Sunday.

Family Feast ($125, feeds 3-4 people): Whole lobster and Dungeness crab, Head-off shrimp, King crab, Snow crab and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

Neighborhood Block Party ($225, feeds 5-8 people): Whole lobster, Dungeness crab, King and snow crab clusters, Head-on shrimp, Blue mussels, Clams, Lobster tails and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

STK Steakhouse– Scottsdale. The new steakhouse will have the game on TV, but if you prefer watch at home take-out is available. Loaded Nachos Kit: braised short rib, mustard cream, grated cheese, jalapeno peppers, chimichurri sauce $25. Cheesy Fries: bacon bits, cheese sauce, grated cheddar cheese, scallions $16. Chicken Wings: buffalo, garlic parmesan or cilantro lime $15. Meatball Hot Wrap: red onion, red pepper tapenade, chili flakes, chipotle ketchup, cheddar cheese $25. Braised Short Rib Quesadilla: fontina cheese, tomatoes, chimichurri, mustard cream, flour tortilla $23.

My Pie Pizza– Phoenix and Gilbert. No pre-order needed for this take-out special. Any 3 pizzas, garlic knots & 12 wings for $30.

Pedal House Brewery– Tempe and Chandler. Watch the game and enjoy these food and drink specials. Wing specials, $4 mimosas, select $4 Pedal Haus beers, $5 haus wines, $6 haus margaritas and Bloody Mary specials.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations. Call in one these 2 plays. 8 pizzas and a tray of meatballs and catering salads for $99.99. Also purchase 4 pizzas, salads or Mac ‘N Cheeses and get one free entrée. 3 hour advanced notice required.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Multiple locations. Dine-in starting at 4 p.m. and you can get a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Liberty Station Tavern– DC Ranch & Terravita. Smoked meats as if you’re in KC from these Scottsdale locations. Order by 4 p.m. on Thursday February 4th to be entered to win you’re order for free. Winner picked on Friday the 5th. By the pound meats include Texas Brisket with Liberty BBQ sauce, $20. Carolina Pork Shoulder with Carolina sauce, $18. Smoke Chicken Wings including spicy BBQ sauce and choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing, $19 per dozen. St. Louis Spare Ribs with Liberty BBQ sauce, $34/rack, $19/half rack. Sides dishes feed 4 – 6 people $8 per pint and $16 per quart of Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.

Match Market & Bar– Phoenix. The Big Game Munchie Menu is designed to feed two to three people and includes the following for $49 (plus tax): 2 pizzas of choice, A dozen buffalo wings, Trio dip (including muhammara, hummus and guacamole) and a 6 pack of craft beer.

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Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.

Cheez-It Bowl offers fans a Cheez- It twist to stadium foods

Fans headed to the Cheez-It Bowl on Friday, December 27th will have more to cheer about when Air Force plays Washington State. The cheesiest bowl game of the year will offer two fan favorite foods with a Cheez-It twist.

Chase Field Executive Chef Stephen Tilder has created The Cheez-It Walking Tacos and The Coney Island Cheez-It Dog. “It wouldn’t be the Cheez-It Bowl without some fun, delicious, Cheez-It inspired food available to fans,” said Jeff Delonis, Senior Director of Marketing for Cheez-It. “Chef Tilder has really delivered some fantastic recipes that really highlight the cheesy, crunchy satisfaction that only Cheez-It can deliver.”

The Cheez-It Walking Tacos combines Arizona’s southwest flare with college football’s official snack. Enjoy a bag of Cheddar Jack Cheez-It crackers topped with pork carnitas, Cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream. It will be available for $11 at Taste of Chase.

The Coney Island Cheez-It Dog is topped with chili, Monterey Jack cheese sauce, onions and original Cheez-It crackers. It will be available for $10 at Taste of Chase.

“A college football game isn’t complete without some delicious snacking. When you work with a fun and creative brand like Cheez-It, and Chef Tilder at Chase Field, our fans are the ultimate winners,” said Cheez-It Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy. “I can’t wait to try these on December 27 while watching some exciting offensive football.”

The Cheez-It Bowl kicks off at 8:15 p.m. at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. For more information check out their website.