Category: gourmet food

New menus and a new look welcome back the Wrigley Mansion

The famed Wrigley Mansion re-opened this week with new lunch, dinner and beverage menus after almost a year’s worth of renovations. A new Sunday brunch menu will debut on November 29th from Chef de Cuisine Ashley Goddard.

Guests will be welcomed with a new driveway approach along with new and improved indoor and outdoor spaces and a new Garden Terrace. Guests will be able to view the finishing touches being put on the highly anticipated Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion.

“Our team has been hard at work evaluating our property, procedures, service, and completely re-imagining the Wrigley experience,” says General Manager Vinnie Walia. “After months of renovations, careful consideration and implementation of public health safety measures, we are excited to reopen to serve our beloved members and community.”

Chef Goddard’s new gourmet menus at Geordie’s Restaurant & Bar will include Autumn Pizza, Braised Rabbit Leg Ragout and Steamed Clams. CEO and Wine Director Paola Embry spent her time planning to increase the wine offerings to over 12,000 bottles. New wines included are from Arizona wineries which Embry visited and built relationships to support the local industry.

Geordie’s serves lunch Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Brunch is served on Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Happy hour specials in the bar is Tuesday-Saturday from 3-6 p.m. and all day Wednesday. Jamie’s Wine Bar is open Tuesday-Saturday from 3 p.m.-close. Afternoon tea service is available Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4 p.m. For more information and to make a reservation head to www.wrigleymansion.com/.

Governor shuts restaurants & bars leaving them to offer take out & delivery

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey closed restaurants and bars that were still offering their customers the option to dine in. Many restaurants had voluntarily closed their dining rooms but continued to prepare meals for delivery or pick-up. If restaurants want to continue serving customers it will only be for take-out or delivery going forward. Many restaurant owners have had to make one of the toughest decisions of their life and lay off staff.

Governor Ducey is allowing restaurants that served wine or beer in their restaurant to sell packaged goods so customers can take with them.

Continuing to #supportlocal is very important so this post will add more restaurants preparing food for pick-up or delivery. See my previous post for other Phoenix area restaurants still serving. This post will be updated daily.

Los Sombreros– The Scottsdale location is serving curbside take out with favorites on a limited menu and a drive thru menu of tacos, sides and more. Meal kits and groceries to go also available. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of their famous Steve-O-Rita margarita to wash down lunch or dinner. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 2534 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85257. (480) 994-1799

Mastro’s City Hall, Ocean Club & Steakhouse– Full menus to go with 10% discount and family dinners home steak kits with 28 day aged steaks and more for 2 or 4 people.

Liberty Market- Gilbert’s popular restaurant is doing breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, coffee and more to go. They will also be selling ingredients such as tomato sauce, pancake mix and more so you can make at home. DoorDash & Postmates for delivery in addition to pick up. Accepting only credit cards. 11 a.m – 7 p.m. 230 North Gilbert Road Gilbert. 480-892-1900

Padre Murphy’s- Wed. – Sun. from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. limited menu of wings, Caesar Salad, Sandwich, canned beer, craft beer & margarita crowlers and Fish Frydays available for curbside pick-up when calling 602-547-9406. credit cards only. 4338 W. Bell Rd. Glendale 85308.

Queen Creek Olive Mill stores– Queen Creek (480-400-2302) & Kierland Commons (480-361-9860) stores stocked with groceries, bread, meals to go, eggs, pasta, cleaning supplies & home goods and more from local suppliers.

Jewel’s Cafe– at Thomas & 40th St. is open for take-out & delivery. They are also providing a lot of support for out of work hospitality workers too. To place an order call (602) 714-5243. Located at 4041 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix 85018.

That Place Projects- Flagstaff’s Tinderbox Kitchen and All Day Tourist Cafe are offering pick-up and delivery for their menu items.

Inner Circle Cafe– The south Scottsdale serves coffee, breakfast and lunch and will continue to do so with take-out & delivery.

Hot Noodles Cold Sake in north Scottsdale is open for takeout, now serving beer and sake for takeout. Grubhub, Postmates, and by calling 480-432-9898

Sol Cocina– is offering $10 off orders of $35 or more for pick-up. Only for phone & walk in orders, must mention offer. No delivery or online ordering.

Original Breakfast House– is open for take-out (no delivery) and doing a To Go BBQ on Sat. 3/21 to raise money for staff from 7am-12pm.

Hot Bamboo– Recently opened in Chandler, this Asian street food favorite is offering frozen Bao and other dishes for curbside pick-up & take-out.

Beckett’s Table -The Arcadia restaurant is serving its dinner menu to go and can sell you bottles of wine to go with it. Call 602-954-1700 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Southern Rail– Southern food & wine in the comfort of your own home. Call 602-200-0085 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Craft 64 Chandler– is offering curbside & to go orders of pizza, wine & more.

Frasher’s Tavern– Old town’s newest restaurant is offering their full menu for pick-up for guests who wish to dine at home. Please call (480) 429-9545 to place your order. Local delivery available too.

92nd St Cafe– Full menu is available for pick-up, as well as a wide variety of bottles of domestic beer, wine, and liquor. Give them a call at 480-860-4003 to place your order.

Copper Mule– The north Scottsdale restaurant had a modified menu for pick up or delivery along with wine to go specials. To order call 480-573-6853.

Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria- Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. Dining room and bar closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 1001 N. Main St., Cottonwood AZ 86326

Merkin Vineyards Pizza Wagon – Serving the public for walk-up service in Old Town Cottonwood at the corner of Main St. and E Pinal. Hours: Noon to 8 p.m., daily

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale– Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. The dining room and bar are closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 7133 E. Stetson Dr. #4, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– Available for wine by the bottle to-go sales. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 158 Main St., Jerome, AZ 86331

The Thumb– Limited menu for Drive-Thru BBQ & catered delivery(48 hour notice for catering call (602) 686 1629 or email catering@thethumb.com) from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Call ahead at (480)513-8186.  9393 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale 85255.

24 Carrots Cafe– Vegan meals can be pre-ordered family style for pick-up Sunday, Wednesday & Friday’s. Each meal feeds 4-6 people and menus are posted on their Facebook page and ordering can be done at their on-line store. Check their other social media platforms for specials and more. Meals can be picked up or delivered through Postmates Grubhub & DoorDash. 1701 E Guadalupe Rd. Tempe, Arizona 85283.

A drier Sunday at Devour Culinary Classic to end Devour Week 2020

Sunday brought out a mix of sun and clouds but no rain for the final event of Devour Week 2020. The second day of Devour Culinary Classic had a different line up of restaurants and resorts showing off their culinary expertise. Live art, DJs, a Mardi Gras Drum March and the natural beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden made sure the Devour Culinary Classic continues to be one of the best culinary festival in Arizona and throughout the southwest.

Enjoy the images and be sure to see more on my social media channels Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  A few of Saturday’s many highlights can be found here.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale announces 2020 Winemaker Series Dinners

With five weeks left in 2019 restaurants and resorts are looking beyond the holiday season as they plan for 2020. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has announced their monthly Winemaker Dinner Series schedule of featured wineries for the first six months of 2020. The six wineries featured are from premiere California growing regions of Napa Valley, Russian River Valley and Paso Robles.

The popular dinners take place on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner starts with hors d’oeuvres at a wine reception before the featured wines are paired with a four course dinner.

January 23rd Grgich Hills Winery

Grgich Hills Estate is a winery located in Rutherford, California in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery changed its name (from Grgich Hills Cellar) in 2006 when it first began producing only “estate grown” wines made from grapes grown exclusively in vineyards owned by the winery.

February 27th Alpha Omega Collective

Alpha Omega, a family-owned boutique winery, features Bordeaux-inspired releases. It began its journey in 2006 being recognized as one of the great wine estates in the world. Founded by Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega handcrafts wines from historic vineyards throughout Napa Valley.

March 19th Copper Cane by Joe Wagner

Owned and operated by Joseph Wagner in Napa Valley, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions houses a collection of brands that are crafted to offer a touch of luxury for everyday indulgence.

April 16th ZD

Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family. Over three generations of the family showcase their passion for wine as ZD has gained the recognition of being one of Napa Valley’s favorite wineries, offering unrivaled world-class wines. The winery is located in Rutherford, a premium Cabernet Sauvignon growing region in the heart of the Napa Valley.

May 21st Silverado Vineyards

In 1981, Ron and Diane Miller established Silverado Vineyards in the heart of the Stags Leap District. They had purchased the vineyard several years earlier from Harry See who identified and propagated a special field selection of Cabernet, which UC Davis has designated as a “Heritage” clone, one of only three Cabernets in California to be given this distinction.

June 25th JUSTIN Winery

World-class wines from the heart of California. JUSTIN specializes in Bordeaux-style varieties, combined with traditional winemaking practices.

July 23rd La Crema Winery

Located in the Russian River Valley and established in 1979, the winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate vineyards throughout California. La Crema Winery is part of Sonoma-based Jackson Family Estates, owned by Laura Jackson-Giron and her sister Jennifer Jackson.

Seats are limited for each epicurean experience and cost $115++ with reservations being made by calling the Hyatt Regency at 444-1234 x 8650. “Take Home” wines can be purchased after the dinner at a discount with repeat guests receive a 10% off the next dinner.

 

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa offers guests and locals culinary delights

In the northern part of the “Valley of the Sun” sits the village of Carefree, home to CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa. The AAA Four Diamond award resort offers guests and locals the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate from everyday life. Whether you prefer to pamper yourself at the spa, relieve stress through art or spirituality or tempt your palate with sips and bites from the resorts culinary team the resort has your best interest in mind this holiday season.

Whether you prefer to dine morning, noon or night, the resort’ signature restaurant Terras and Executive Chef Justin Macy offer several unique dining opportunities and events. Holiday dining, learning to cooking something new or visiting with out of town friends on the patio overlooking the Sonoran desert this line-up will keep you and your appetite satisfied.

Holiday Dining

Celebrate the holidays with healthy, yet indulgent culinary creations at Terras. Holiday dinners will celebrate the season’s best flavors with an exclusive prix-fixe menu complete with all the trimmings. Seating’s start at 5:00 p.m. with pricing ranging from $65 per adult and $32 per child.

  • Thanksgiving Dinner – November 28, 2019
  • Christmas Dinner – December 25, 2019
  • New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner – December 31, 2019
CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
All photos courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Half-Off Happy Hour

The happiest of hours is available daily 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Terras, featuring half off all beer, house wine & well cocktails along with all bar menu bites

Sunday Brunch

Make Terras the new Sunday morning tradition and indulge in a variety of healthy and comfort classics from yogurt parfaits, breakfast goods, savory creations to decadent charcuterie boards and top it off with a glass of champagne.

  • 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • $25 per person

Private Chef’s Table Experience

An intimate four-course dining experience at Terras for three to six people featuring a four-course dinner highlighting the season’s best ingredients and perfectly paired wine. Each night features a different Chef’s choice menu.

  • Available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $150 per person

Tequila Sunset

Enjoy the epic Carefree sunset nightly on the Terras Terrace with a rainbow Tequila flight and choice of 3 tacos (steak, fish or chicken)

  • Available daily from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $20 per person

Bottle & Board

Choose from a variety of Chef Justin Macy’s featured charcuterie boards, along with a bottle of vino for a perfect shareable evening at the Terras Lounge.

  • Available daily from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • $25 per person

CIVANA Culinary School

The CIVANA Culinary team spotlights tips and tricks to create health-conscious, delicious recipes. Choose from a variety of classes available to resort guests and the public.

  • Sustainable Juicing Class
  • Shake and Stir Cocktail Class
  • Soulful Soups
  • Bake Shop 101
  • Vines to Wines
  • Culinary Clinic

To make reservations for holiday dining & classes, spa & wellness packages and for staying at CIVANA visit their website.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is at 37220 Mule Train Rd. Carefree 85377. 480-653-9000

The Camelback Market at Vincent’s has returned for another season

The Camelback Market
The beet goes on.

Those farmer’s markets that took the summer off have re-opened for our cooler months. One of the more popular markets that is back is The Camelback Market at Vincent’s on Camelback. The opened air market with European flare runs through early May from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Customers can wander by local produce vendors along with imported exotic fruits and vegetables, warm & crusty breads, buttery croissants, fresh pasta, homemade jams, imported cheeses and more.

Enjoy made to order omelets, crepes, wood fired pizzas, meat & seafood paella and other delicacies from Vincent. Relax with a glass of wine and watch the crowds go by. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up gifts for the holidays imported from the south of France.

The Camelback Market is held in the parking lot of Vincent’s at 3030 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85018. For more information visit their website.

Chef Samantha Sanz joins Ghost Ranch for Guest Chef Series dinner

Tempe’s Ghost Ranch restaurant is launching a monthly Guest Chef Series starting Wednesday November 13th. Each month a local chef will join chefs Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno for a specially created menu. Launching the dinner series will be Chef Samantha Sanz of Talavera Restaurant at The Four Seasons Scottsdale.

The five-course dinner will be inspired by where the three chefs hail from…..Nogales. Flavors of their hometown will be on display for this special dinner. Each course is paired with a beverage.

First Course – Cured Salmon, Green chiltepin aguachile tostada, radish salad and pickled avocado mousse. Paired with: Mohua Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course – Mesquite charred local squash and sweet potato, grapes, mint, crow’s dairy feta, peanut mole, tamarind and chiltepin candy crunch. Paired with: Tamarind piloncillo old fashioned

Third Course – Steamed red chile taquitos, duck confit potatoes, pickled farmer’s market veggies and burnt salsa. Paired with: Pacifico Michelada

Fourth Course – Grilled nopal, adobo flank steak, fresh ranchero cheese, charred pineapple pico de gallo, crispy beans, fried scallions, tomatillo and avocado salsa. Paired With: Nogales Sangria

Fifth Course – Dulce de leche coyota. Paired with: Spiced Horchata

Space is limited and tickets are $75 per person. Tickets to join Chef Samantha Sanz can be purchased here.

Ghost Ranch is at 1006 E. Warner Rd. in Tempe.

 

Dog Haus to open in Gilbert at SanTan Village in coming weeks

You’ll want to be sent to this Dog Haus but you’ll have to wait ’til it opens. The gourmet hot dog, sausage and burger concept announced it will open at SanTan Village this fall. Gilbert residents Andi and Damon Ott will be the franchisee’s bringing this Pasadena based craft casual concept to the east valley. The modern industrial designed restaurant will include a dog friendly patio, HD TVs and a beer garden. There is a Dog Haus at The Scottsdale Quarter, Yuma and a Phoenix location is in the works.

Guests can expect a full menu of hand-crafted sausages, Angus beef hamburgers, corn dogs, must have sides and shakes. The menu will also include plant-based proteins from Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. All meats are hormone and antibiotic free and come served on King’s Hawaiian rolls. 24 craft beers will be on tap with an emphasis on locals beers and signature Haus Cocktails are created by Phil Wills seen on Bar Rescue.The restaurant is currently accepting applications for front and back of the house positions. Interested applicants can send a resume to santanvillage@doghaus.com

“We are excited to bring Dog Haus’ one-of-a-kind creations to Gilbert,” said Franchisee Andi Ott. “We have found the perfect location, so the next step is to hire an awesome team that shares our core values of serving great food, giving back and having a good time. We’re looking for people that are excited to work with the brand that’s continually raising the gold standard for hot dogs, sausages and burgers – creating ambassadors to help us introduce ‘The Absolute Würst’ to East Valley.”

Brat Haus Biergarten SantTan Village is at 2224 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert.

 

Laura’s Gourmet Granola celebrates 15 years with continued growth

You’ve probably had Laura’s Gourmet Granola if you’ve been to OverEasy, Scramble or Fox Restaurant Concepts locations. They’re just a few local restaurants who serve the popular healthy mix of nuts, oats, fruits and other ingredients. As the company celebrates its 15th anniversary it expands to accommodate the growing demand. The new west Phoenix location is triple the size of its original production facility.

“Our sole focus always has been to make unparalleled, classic granola using only all natural ingredients and prove that healthy and delicious can coexist in every artisan crafted, gluten-free bite,” says Laura Briscoe, founder and executive chef of Laura’s Gourmet Granola.

The growth is not only due to local restaurants using her granola but consumers supporting it in Arizona markets including AJ’s, Tempe Public Market, Whole Foods and others. Until recently Laura’s Gourmet Granola was only found in Arizona specialty retailers, now it’s available in Texas, Chicago and Wisconsin. In 2012 Laura’s started working with hotels, restaurants and healthcare organizations around the country.

Started in 2004 with the classic Vanilla Almond Crunch, there now six flavors including AppleLicious Crunch and the newest, Sinful Cinnamon Crunch. The seasonal Pumpkin Pecan is available through the end of the year. “We are committed to creating granola flavors that will delight the palate without compromising one’s health or sending one to the dictionary to understand our ingredients. We have done this for 15 years with seven flavors and look forward to more.” says Briscoe.

The granola is low in sugar, has healthy fats and proteins with nut free, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options.

To find Laura’s Gourmet Granola near you visit her website.