Category: Glendale

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Fish Fry Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

2nd anniversary specials at sneakybird

Saturday, February 15th is a day of celebrating at all 3 locations in Scottsdale, Gilbert & Surprise. Free cookies to the first 200 people, double sneakybird rewards points and giveways will be happening. It’s the official launch of Camp Sneaky, its new community giving arm that focuses on supporting education at all levels.

February’s Third Tuesday tasting & dinner at Romeo’s

The Downtown Gilbert cafe has its 3-course dinner and wine pairing dinner next Tuesday, February 18th. The main course is a pan seared pork chop paired with a Italian red blend. The dinner is $48++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

New “eggrything” bagel now available at Chompie’s

All 4 locations in, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Glendale rolled out the newest bagel this week. The egg-based bagel is seasoned with seeds throughout the bagel and is also topped with them and is available with their popular Mix & Match Box, a baker’s dozen for $14.99.

Huss Brewing is the Official Craft Beer of Sun Devil Athletics

The Sun Angel Collective announced the partnership with Huss Brewing going into the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Huss’s Devils Halo Angel Ale will be available at ASU sporting venues, at select retailers and on tap in local bars and restaurants. Proceeds will support the Sun Angel Collective to help support student athletes.

February case special at Aridus Wine Company

All month long get the 2020 Fume Blanc for $144 for a case ($12 a bottle) for non-members and only $96/case ($8 a bottle) for members. The case(s) can be picked up at their Scottsdale tasting room or delivered for $15. To order and join the wine club visit their website.

 

 

 

The Chocolate Affaire returning to Downtown Glendale

Chocolate lovers can circle Saturday & Sunday, February 15th & 16th 2025 on their calendar for the return of The Chocolate Affaire. Produced by Steve LeVine Entertainment (SLE), the popular event drew over 12,000 people to last year’s event and is expanding this year’s event to accommodate even more people. Almost as good as all the delicious chocolate is that the event is free to attend and there will be free parking.

“Every year, we look forward to The Chocolate Affaire here in Glendale. It’s so exciting to see all the incredible local favorites bringing their best sweets and treats for the community,” said Director of Economic Development Jessi Pederson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the joys of chocolate around Valentine’s Day.”

A variety of chocolate vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and interactive family friendly experiences will be a part of the event that goes from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about participating or sponsorship opportunities visit the website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates as the event approaches.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Lamarca takeover for National Prosecco Day at Wine Girl

Next Tuesday, August 13th we celebrate the sparkling wine of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The Scottsdale wine bar is celebrating with the popular Lamarca for guests who pop in for the “Paint & Sip” celebration. Personalize your prosecco bottle by painting a full-size bottle for $45 or a mini bottle for $30. After the 13th enjoy several Lamarca bubbly-inspired drinks including the Prosecco pop, Hugo Spritz, Raspberry Sgroppino and the Mini Lamarca bucket & bottles will be ready to order at a special, discounted price.

The Bigger Picture cocktail dinner coming to Poppy’s Office

The chefs and mixologists at the north Scottsdale (Terravita) speakeasy have designed a dinner and drinks four-course dinner to take your senses on an adventure. Next Wednesday, August 14th taste small bites, new & exciting dishes and inventive cocktails for $100++ per person. Seating for the 6 p.m. dinner is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Pillsbury Wine Company nominated for “Best Sustainable Winegrower”

The Arizona winery was nominated in Green Living’s Best of Arizona. You can vote until the end of the day August 21st at this link.

Fazoli’s opens newest location in Glendale

Kind Hospitality announced the opening of its third Phoenix area location recently at 5825 W. Peoria Ave. Known for pastas, subsandwiches, pizzas and their popular breadsticks (they sold almost 67,000 in the first few weeks) Fazoli’s and Kind has plans to open more locations around Arizona.

Changes happening at Ling’s Wok Shop

The Scottsdale restaurant is now 100% fresh casual with only counter service, previously it had been “flex-casual” going between counter service & full service. They are now more focused on the menu and daily specials that include…..

  • Lucky 8 Happy Hour – $8 Happy Hour Drink Specials daily from 11am – 6pm and $8 Happy Hour Food Specials daily from 3pm – 6pm

  • Manic Mondays – enjoy a complimentary cup of Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup or Cucumber Salad with the purchase of any entree

  • Take Out Tuesdays – 20% off all online and in-app orders using the promo code “TAKEOUT”

  • Wok & Wine Wednesdays – ½ priced bottles of wine all day long

  • Thirsty Thursdays – Enjoy Happy Hour Drink Specials all day long

 

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.

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

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

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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.

Memorial Day deals around Phoenix

Kona Grill- All weekend veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families get 20% off their order. On Monday, All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers in the hospitality, retail & medical industries. Enjoy a $12 red, blue, and white margarita flight during the weekend.

STK Steakhouse- 20% Off for all Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families – available all weekend long. All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers – Hospitality, Retail & Medical – available Memorial Day only. Enjoy a $19.95 red, white, and blue steak topping – lobster tail, blue corn tortilla & garlic cream sauce.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria- All veterans and active military with i.d. will get 15% off their order on Monday, May 29th. All 7 Arizona locations are participating, not to be combined with other offers.

Lobster Fest returns to Pedal Haus Brewery June 1st

Lobstah or lobster regardless how you say it most love a good roll during the summer. Due to popular demand all 3 locations will be serving a Maine lobster roll, fries and mug of Day Drinker Light Lager for $25 during June and July.

Found: RE Phoenix has a Sip & Shop pop up June 3rd

The downtown Phoenix hotel invites guests and locals to enjoy the leisurely pop-up from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. next Saturday . The free event offers food & drink specials and brunch in Match Market & Bar, live music and stylish lifestyle brands from local vendors. RSVP at their Eventbrite page.

Coffee 101 is back at Press Coffee

The locally owned coffee roaster brings back their one hour interactive class at their Roastery and in Sprouts Farmers Market every Saturday at 9 a.m. Once completed you can impress your friends about how to smell, slurp and taste four delicious and distinctly different coffees from around the world and learn the nuances of farming, processing and roasting to determine flavors like the pros.

Bourbon & Bones now open in Peoria

The newest chophouse & bar is open 24985 N. 83rd Ave. Peoria 85383. It’s the Scottsdale based Square One Concepts third location in the Phoenix area.

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

Urban Agave continues making scratch made food in Glendale

West valley natives Parker and Emily Ganem opened their newest restaurant Urban Agave at 67th Ave. & Beardsley Rd. in Glendale in February. The new restaurant takes over for Urban Margarita and the couple plan to maintain the scratch made Mexican and American dishes similar to what the previous owners offered. The Ganem’s are co-owners of Sky Restaurant Concepts having opened Squid Ink Sushi Bar and Highball Cocktail Bar around the valley.

“Parker and I were both born and raised here in the west valley. This is our neighborhood. We want to bring a bigger foothold to the area and continue to give diners new, elevated experiences,” says Emily. “We intend to maintain much of what diners have come to love from Urban Margarita while showcasing a vibrant and playful new vibe, enticing menu additions, elevated bar program and extended weekend brunch.”

On the menu at Urban Agave

On the menu at Urban Agave guests can expect tacos, tostadas, flautas, enchiladas and more. Naturally, hand-crafted margaritas are on the menu along with a variety of craft cocktails for guests to enjoy. In May weekend brunch will be launched starting at 9 a.m. and will feature a Mimosa and Bloody Maria bar. A specialty cocktail menu will also be introduced in May. Taco Tuesday has been popular and the restaurant will soon serve both lunch and dinner.

Currently, Urban Agave is open at 3-9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and at 11:30 a.m. Friday & Saturday with an All Day menu. Brunch is served Sunday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the All Day menu is served until 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour is Tuesday – Sunday from 3-6 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Monday’s. A private dining room is available for private parties and corporate events. For more information and to view the menus 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.

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.