Category: high-end restaurant

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Marcellino Ristorante puts an Italian twist on Thanksgiving family meals

Not in the mood to do much cooking or don’t want turkey this Thanksgiving look at what the Scottsdale restaurant’s Taste of Italy take-out menu has to offer. Handcrafted raviolis, Paccatelli and Gnocchi Sorrentin by Marcellino himself are being made for large (serving 15- 20 people) and medium (8-12 people) parties are available with reheating instructions. Orders are to be pre-paid and ordered Tuesday- Saturday no later than Tuesday, December 26th for pick-up on the next day (Wednesday) from 2-4 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 480-990-9500 and more information and pricing can be found on their website.

Phoenix City Grille hosts Remus Bourbon Dinner

Tired of turkey and leftovers then make your reservations for the four-course dinner being served on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 p.m. Co-hosted by Arizona Whiskey Guy John Christie, the main courses will be Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop and Duroc Pork Chop paired with special edition and reserved bourbons. The experience is $120++ per person and can be made by emailing Brittnee Reed or calling 602-510-7174. More information can be found at PCG’s website.

Festivin tickets are on sale

The Wrigley Mansion’s annual celebration of wine will be upon us quicker than you can say “fill up the glass” come January 16th – 19th 2025. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, interactive seminars, cooking demonstrations and more are sure to sell out. Tickets for events must be purchased in advance and can be purchased here.

GenuWine Arizona hosts holiday market

With the holiday season just about in full swing the downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop is hosting a holiday market next Sunday, November 30th. From 12- 3 p.m. attendees can visit with four jewelry and ornament vendors and of course, there will be wine with free samples and 20% off wines poured.

Chompie’s Scottsdale gets a new look

To offer dine-in and take-out customers a better experience the restaurant has new tables, chairs & booths, new counters & marketplace, new restrooms, new furniture & blinds on the patio and more. Don’t worry the sandwiches, soups, salads and other traditional Jewish deli dishes haven’t changed.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Good news! The Phoenix Pizza Festival is this weekend

The weather is looking good for this weekend’s festival at Margaret T. Hansen Park in downtown Phoenix. Tickets are still available, and details can be found at a recent post.

Third Tuesday dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The popular downtown Gilbert cafe serves up its monthly dinner next Tuesday, November 24th. Dinner starts with a tomato cucumber salad followed by a slow cooked beef shank and ends with mixed berry cobbler. Wines from around the world will be paired with each course and the dinner is $48++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Seats available for champagne dinner at Christopher’s Wrigley Mansion

This Tuesday, November 19th the famed restaurant overlooking the Biltmore neighborhood welcomes Champagne Lelarge Puegot for multi-course pairing dinner. A reception starts the evening at 6 p.m. and is $250++ per person with reservations being made at OpenTable.

Gold medal winning tacos now available at Chula Seafood’s Grayhawk location

Every Taco Tuesday guests at the North Scottsdale location can taste the award-winning taco(s) from the 2024 Taco Fest. The Shrimp Tacos Dorados are crispy shrimp-and-potato-filled tacos topped with crema, salsa roja shrimp coctel, creamy avocado, crisp cabbage and zesty pickled onions. The tacos are also gluten-free.

Phoenix City Grille offers new daily specials

The Uptown Phoenix restaurant announced new weekly specials that include….

Martini Mondays- What makes Mondays a little better? Cocktails! Every Monday, guests can enjoy martinis and Manhattans all day long for just $10 each!

Take-Out Tuesdays- Too busy to dine in? No problem — on Tuesdays, guests that make a phone-ahead take-out order after 4 p.m. will receive 15% off their order! (Don’t forget to mention this promo when calling in the order.)

Wine Down Wednesdays- Every Wednesday after 4 p.m., guests can enjoy 25% off their favorite bottle featured on PCG’s Under $100 list.

Happy Hour- Enjoy special pricing on food and beverages every day from 3-6 p.m.

Brunch Happy Hour- During brunch, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays, specialty cocktails are just $10 each and bottles of sparkling wine are half price — perfect for “build your own” mimosas!

 

 

Fine dining restaurant Anhelo relocating to Scottsdale

Chef Ivan Jacobo is relocating his fine dining restaurant Anhelo from downtown Phoenix 13 miles away to downtown Scottsdale in the coming months. The last day of service in Phoenix is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd and his new contemporary bistro “Flour & Thyme” will take its place before the end of the year.

Once opened, Anhelo will be at 7007 E. 1st Ave. and will continue to serve its world-class cuisine. “It is bittersweet closing Anhelo in Phoenix, but I am excited to give our downtown residents and visitors a new concept that will be more aligned with their needs,” said Jacobo. “We look forward to moving Anhelo into Scottsdale early next year and continuing to develop it into a global dining destination.”

Jacobo has a special place in his heart for the downtown Phoenix dining community who helped build the fine dining restaurant into what it is today and opening “Flour & Thyme” in its place is a “thank you” to the community. “Flour & Thyme” was initially to be on Mill Ave, but plans fell through for that location. Once opened it will offer dishes from the land, sea and garden along with a world-class wine list and specialty cocktails.

To stay up to date on the opening of Anhelo and Flour & Thyme visit their websites.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Coffee Day is this Sunday, September 29th

Need your daily fix of caffeine then head to……

Noble Ground Coffee for any hot or cold drink for just a $1. This includes new Fall flavors such as Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pancake.

Randy’s Donuts if you’re a loyalty member for a free cup of Randy’s Roast or iced coffee. No purchase is necessary, and the free drink will appear in the member’s account. Randy’s Donuts has two locations in Phoenix at 5709 N. 7th Street and 17405 S. 40th Street. Both locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Press Coffee is offering 25% off a yearlong coffee subscription all weekend long.

Chula Seafood Uptown celebrates Oktoberfest with schnitzel

For all 31 days in October the Uptown Plaza location celebrates the German festival with a seafood twist. The Swordfish Jägerschnitzel is served with a scrumptious mushroom leek gravy with brown apple butter spaetzle and German braised red cabbage. It’s available for both lunch and dinner for $28++.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Burgundy wine dinner October 4th

The downtown Phoenix restaurant will welcome guests next Friday to enjoy a six-course dinner featuring the wines of Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut that dates to the 19th century. The dinner is $265 per person and for an additional $100 a glass of their coveted Domaine Sigaut’s 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. is available. Prefer champagne, a glass of Dom Perignon is available for $75. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with limited seating and seat can be purchased at OpenTable.

Grand opening celebration for 3rd Stemistry location

Saturday, October 5th marks the newest coffee lab & flower shop from Dylan Capshaw at the Roadrunner Apartments at 6601 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257. From 9-11 a.m. guests can get a $1 drip coffee, a free stem with purchase, light bites and entertainment. Additionally monthly flower subscriptions will be 20% with a 3-month minimum.

New dishes on the menu at Ling & Louie’s

The Asian bar & grill on Shea Blvd. just east of 92nd St. in Scottsdale has just released new dishes on the menu. New dishes include Almond-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Louie’s Bao Buns, Louie’s Donut Holes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.

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.

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.

Élephante, acclaimed coastal Italian concept coming to Scottsdale

Upscale restaurant hospitality group Wish You Were Here and Macerich, owner of Scottsdale Fashion Square announced that Élephante will be part of the south wing expansion of the mall’s luxury wing. Once opened the 12,000 square foot restaurant highly visible near Nordstroms and will be the first location outside of Los Angeles. Wish You Were Here has multiple concepts of upscale bars and restaurants in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City. Their unforgettable dining experiences are inspired traveling the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring Élephante to Scottsdale, a city that boasts a stunning landscape and a thriving culinary scene,” said Nick Mathers, Founder of Wish You Were Here Group. “With its vibrant community that appreciates elevated dining experiences, it’s a favorable market for restaurants, especially in Scottsdale Fashion Square”

What to expect at Élephante

Guests will experience an indoor-outdoor restaurant offering a multidimensional experience with a sophisticated cocktail lounge within the restaurant, something unique to Arizona. Inspired by the desert surroundings the restaurant will have a jungle vibe full of lush floral decor and towering cacti.

The menu will include wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and their well-known Whipped Eggplant Dip. A new grill section of the menu will include premium meats, consciously selected seafood and larger family-style dishes. The beverage program will include over 1,200 wine labels and expertly crafted cocktails.

“This year, we’re celebrating five years since Élephante opened its doors in Santa Monica, so we feel this is the perfect evolution of our brand. We have created an atmosphere that captures the essence of sophistication while preserving the organic, laid-back feel that defines our first location. With this unique blend, we invite guests to embark on a memorable journey that resonates with Scottsdale’s captivating charm.” says Mathers.

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

Festvin 2023, a 4-day wine festival returns to the Wrigley Mansion

Whether you’re an experienced wine drinker or a new to wine next weekend’s Festvin 2023 at the Wrigley Mansion is for you. 4-days of tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, dinners, a Grand Tasting and Sunday brunch happen May 18th -21st at the historical landmark in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood. Special guests will be traveling to Phoenix to take part in the event as will wine enthusiasts from near and far.

James Beard award winning chef Christopher Gross and his culinary team including Executive Chef David Brito and sommelier Jason Caballero are pulling out all the stops to this 21 and over event. A portion of Festvin 2023 proceeds will be donated to “Almost There: A Mom and Pup Rescue“.

Festvin 2023 schedule of events

The weekend kicks off with a exclusive dinner on Thursday evening where guests will have the rare opportunity to taste Louis XIII cognac.

May 18 and 19 features FIVE special dinners:
LOUIS XIII Cognac dinner: Taste the Gold at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion and take a bottle (and many more gifts) home (more than $4,400 value)
Throwback Dinner matching vintages and typical dishes from 1940s-1990s at Geordie’s Chefs Table.
Dom Perignon Dinner at Chefs Table.
Flight Club I where somms Jane Lopes & husband John Ross (of TV’s Uncorked series) face-off as guests vote on each of their pairings and declares one as Champion, Geordie’s dining room.
Grace Under Pressure, a Club Tresors (grower/producer) Champagne dinner, Geordie’s dining room.
May 20
A day of demos, master classes & a Grand Tasting Extravaganza with food, entertainment and adoptable puppies to snuggle.
May 21
Sparkly Sunday Roving Brunch, indoors and out with food, bubbles and entertainment.
Attendees will be able to purchase wines they’ve tasted and tickets to each event are sold separately in advance. To see the daily schedule of events, details of each and to purchase tickets 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.

Prix Fixe Weekend Brunch menu now at Francine Restaurant

Chef Owner Laurent Halasz and Executive Chef Connor Harmon have designed a new Prix Fixe Weekend Brunch menu at their Scottsdale Fashion Square restaurant. The upscale bistro serving French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist opens every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with the new menu offered at $46 per person. The regular brunch and lunch menus are also available during the weekend.

Halasz and Harmon designed the menu to emphasize the flavors of the Spring and Summer season like one would find dining in the south of France. The Prix Fixe Brunch menu includes bottomless coffee, tea or 1 Bloody Mary, mimosa or glass of sparkling wine. The two course menu offers over 10 dishes to choose from. Start with flat bread, Pea Soup en Croute or Hummus before your entree. Entrees include Omelet Francine, Quiche Lorraine, Croque Madam & Moulon Frites. The Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich is an additional $5 and the Faroe Island Salmon and Copper State Reserve Prime Steak Frites is an additional $10.

Reservations are not required but encouraged for the Prix Fixe Brunch and can be made by calling 480-690-6180 or by visiting 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.

 

A taste of Louie Xlll coming to Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion

An exclusive 20 person dinner experience happens Thursday, May 18th with a 5-course dinner paired with wine from James Beard award-winner Christopher Gross at his Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion restaurant. At the end of the evening, guests will enjoy the rare Louie Xlll de Rémy Martin cognac and a cigar. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with champagne and hors d’oeuvres at the all-glass hill top restaurant with city views.

The evening is designed to be an unforgettable experience including Louie Xlll Brand Ambassador Guillaume Vallet in attendance to guide guests through the experience and speak about the rich history of the coveted spirit dating back to 1874.  “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer such an exclusive and unique dining experience to our guests,” said Tara Padilla, General Manager of Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. “We look forward to sharing our passion for this rare and fine spirit. It truly will be unforgettable.” 

By attending the dinner guests will join the LOUIE Xlll Society of Connoisseurs and to celebrate entry guests will leave with their own personalized decanter engraved with their names. In addition to the dinner, wine and cognac and decanter, each couple will receive a set of two of the “Facets of LOUIS XIII” glasses, exclusively designed for LOUIS XIII by world-renowned French designer Christophe Pillet, to enhance the multifaceted characteristics of the Cognac.

The dinner kicks off the 3rd annual Festvin, a four day festival of wine tastings, dinners, interactive classes and more from May 18th -21st. Seats are $5,000 per couple and reservations close May 4th in order to personalize the evening’s experience. Reservations and details can be found at this here.

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