Category: Italian restaurant

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

New cocktails at Maya Day + Night

The Scottsdale club is now serving up 8 new hand crafted and vibrant cocktails to keep you cool.

  • Mykonos Mule – Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh lime, peach purée, ginger beer, Angostura bitters
  • Ibiza Glow – Belvedere Vodka, elderflower liqueur, dragon fruit syrup, lime, tonic water
  • Aegean Breeze – Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, yuzu-pineapple, fresh lemon, mint, soda water
  • Azure Mojito – Tanqueray Gin, lavender syrup, pineapple juice, lemon, fresh basil, soda
  • Moonlit Dream – Bacardi Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lime, coconut water
  • Mediterranean Spritz – Aperol, fresh orange juice, prosecco, club soda
  • Espresso Aphrodite – Chilled espresso + your choice of ouzo, vodka, tequila, or gin
  • Aphrodite Sparkplug Sampler – Four mini espresso cocktails featuring your choice of spirit: Ouzo, Still G.I.N., Maestro Patrón Reposado Tequila, or Ketel One Vodka

New seasonal menu at Streets of New York

We don’t have to tell you the summer has arrived and that menus new dishes at your favorite restaurant(s). All 15 of the locally and family-owned restaurants serve these 4 new dishes for dine-in, take-out or delivery.

  • Mango Habanero Wings – These wings are sweet with mango, fiery with habanero, and bold, balanced, and built to bring the heat.
  • Mac n Cheese Bites – Crispy, cheesy perfection! Served with a trio of sauces: Buffalo, Marinara, and Chipotle Ranch
  • Best of Everything Pizza – Inspired by Streets of New York’s fan-favorite sandwich! This pizza is loaded with Capicolla, Genoa salami, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pepperoncinis, and the signature Streets Italian dressing (thin crust recommended!)
  • Italian Lemon Cake – Vanilla cake layered with lemon mascarpone cream, topped with vanilla cake crumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar

The Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie is back at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery

For a limited time, guests can enjoy the popular and nostalgic dessert layered with Ghirardelli® chocolate, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbles, and topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s just one of the restaurant’s summer specials at the 6 Phoenix area locations that also include….

– BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter – brewed with Ghirardelli chocolate, rich and roasty

-BJ’s Hard Root Beer – classic soda shop vibes with a boozy twist (make it a float!)

-BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils – a crisp-meets-hazy collab with Germany’s König Brewery

-All-American Smash Burger – two seared patties, melty cheese, signature sauce, and summer BBQ vibes.

Myke’s Pizza serves up new lunch specials

The popular Downtown Mesa pizza shop inside Cider Corps is now serving lunch specials every Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Mortadella Sandwich ($12.50) Layers of Italian favorites with a twist. Mortadella, burrata and pistachio pesto are piled onto a fresh baked pizza bread, drizzled with olive oil and then folded in half.

  • Meatball Sandwich ($14) Meaty and rich, this sandwich classic stuffs meatballs made in house with Arizona beef sourced from Capital Farms, marinara sauce and melty provolone cheese into fresh baked pizza bread.

  • Tuna Salad Sandwich ($12) This isn’t your mamma’s tuna salad. Meaty albacore tuna is tossed in house with just the right combination of lemon, red onion, capers, fennel, Castelvetrano olive and other seasoning. It’s generously topped onto fresh-baked pizza bread with cracked pepper and salad greens and a drizzle of olive oil.

  • Toasted Cheese Sandwich ($8) – Nothing beats this comfort classic with mozzarella, provolone and Kasseri cheeses toasted inside pizza bread. Served with a side of warm crushed tomato sauce.

  • Chips & Soda Combo ($3.50) – Add a bag of chips and soda with any sandwich order.

Swizzle Inn collecting classroom supplies

From July 1st – 27th the Madison neighborhood bar is collecting crayons, glue sticks, scissors and more for the Madison Elementary School District. Those bringing in supplies will be getting a ticket for the grand prize raffle at the end of the month. Those donating can also get a shot of the bar’s monthly $ shot the “Teacher’s Pet”.  The full list of needed supplies is posted in the bar or can be found on their Facebook page.

Lite Bites & Sips and more for summer at Marcellino’s

We don’t need the official start of summer (June 20th) to tell us Phoenicians that summer is here with local restaurants pulling out their summer playbook of specials, new and old, to bring us desert dwellers out in triple digit heat. One of those restaurants is Marcellino’s Ristorante at Southbridge in Downtown Scottsdale. Chef and co-owner Marcellino and his wife Sima are bringing back their “Summer Supper Special” menu and “Dinner and a Movie” night and are adding the Lite Bites & Sips menu.

Summer Supper Special

Avoid the summer crowds of Italy as you enjoy a special 3-coure prix-fixe supper for $55++ per person with a four-person party limit. Choose for your 1st course (antipasto) a Caprese featuring imported fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, garden basil and extra virgin olive oil. The Insalata Organiche is a simple but refreshing salad of organic mixed field greens with aged balsamic dressing. The Cozze appetizer showcases mussels sautéed with white wine, olive oil and garlic or spicy marinara.

For your second course choose one of Marcellino’s award-winning hand-made pastas including Gnocchi Sorrentina, Paccatelli or Pollo Saporito (pictured above). No decision needed for dessert as you’ll enjoy a cooling homemade Tiramisu. Select bottles of wine are on Summer Special as well, so make sure you take a look at that list.

The Summer Supper Special is available Tuesday – Thursdays through September 4th.

Lite Bites & Sips

New this summer at the bar is a new offering on Tuesday – Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. The Lite Bites menu include Caprese, Crostini with mozzarella and prosciutto or mozzarella and mushrooms, or Salumi and Cheese. Pair with a glass of red, white or rose wine, all priced between $8 – $10.

Dinner and a Movie

Up to 10 people can enjoy dinner and a movie every Tuesday and Wednesday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. No cost for the movie, but a dinner order is required whether its from the Summer Supper menu, the regular menu or one of Marcellino’s nightly specials. Perfect for date nights, girls’ night out or to see a movie you’ve yet to see.

Movie night starts tomorrow, June 10th with La Cage Aux Folie and the summer schedule is as follows….

“Moonstruck” – June 18, July 15, September 3

“Cinema Paradiso” – August 12, August 27

“La Cage Aux Folle” – June 10, July 1, July 16, August 26

“The Big Night” – June 11, July 8, August 20

“Marriage Italian Style” – June 17, June 25, July 2, August 19 

“Under the Tuscan Sun” – June 24, July 9, August 13, September 9 

Marcellino’s will be closed for a brief summer break starting July 20th and re-opening on August 7th. To make a reservation of for more information visit their website.

Weekly specials at newly remodeled Streets of New York

A Glendale location of Streets of New York recently debuted its new modern industrial look at its grand reopening. To celebrate four weekly specials are available to new and returning guests.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our guests back to our newly remodeled 91st Avenue and Northern location,” says Ryan Glaeser, director of operations at Streets of New York. “The fresh look brings even more of the Streets of New York experience you love—same great food, brand-new vibe.”

The now look includes red exposed ductwork, whitewashed brick columns and sleek black accents create a contemporary yet comfortable atmosphere. The same award-winning pizzas, pasta and more have not changed with the remodel. The new weekly specials include…..

  • Mondays: Buy one pizza, get a second for half price
  • Wednesdays: $9.99 Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Thursdays: Half-price bottles of wine
  • Daily, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Lunch specials starting at $5.75

For more information visit Streets of New York’s website.

State Forty Eight collaborates with Spinato’s

Locally owned Spintato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen and the State Forty Eight Foundation are collaborating on a new pizza and margarita to support local entrepreneurs until May 31st at all six Spinato’s locations. The State Forty Eight Pizza is the first specialty pizza at Spinato’s using Hayden Flour Mills flour. In late 2024 Spinato’s decided to offer a healthier and locally grown & milled flour and made the switch to Hayden Flour Mills, which is one of Arizona’s oldest companies.

“We are big fans of State Forty Eight and we jumped at the chance to collaborate with them on a pizza to raise funds for their foundation,” said Anthony Spinato, CEO of Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. “Mike Spangenberg and his State Forty Eight team do tremendous work supporting small businesses and startups. We admire their innovation and commitment to strengthening our community, and we’re excited that our guests can help support their efforts as well.”

The State Forty Eight Pizza is a zesty Southwest Margarita pizza made with olive oil, mozzarella, Pico de Gallo, feta, lime crema, cotija, and cilantro. The Phoenix is an orange blossom margarita paying tribute to valley’s once thriving citrus industry.

Celebrate State Forty Eight on April 9th

The celebratory launch is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at Spinato’s Gilbert location at Epicenter at Agritopia from 6 -8 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended where guests can win prizes, fun surprises and enjoy live music from Hayley Green. A portion of the proceeds from pizza, margarita, t-shirts and stickers will be donated to the SFE Foundation.

“Arizona is full of incredible, talented entrepreneurs with diverse business challenges. Our goal is to lift them up with support and guidance. Ultimately, we want to build a thriving ecosystem of local businesses committed to creating a stronger economy for all who call Arizona home,” Mike Spangenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of State Forty Eight and Chairman of the Board for the State Forty Eight Foundation said. He is also grateful to collaborate with Spinato’s to support local business’.

Prices for the pizza are $18.25 (small); $24.25 (medium), and $30.25 (large). The Phoenix Margarita is $16. Special pricing packages are also available that include the pizza, margaritas, stickers, and the special collaborative T-shirt.

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.

It’s “Tomaso Month” at The Italiano with a special menu

There’s no better way to honor one’s family than to recreate what they did best and enjoyed doing. In the case of Chef Joey Maggiore, it’s to dedicate a month long specially created menu at his newest restaurant, The Italiano, in honor of his father, chef & restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore who passed away four years ago this month.

Through the end of January guests can dine on a four-course menu of Tomaso’s signature dishes made with handmade pastas and slow-cooked sauces. The “Tomaso Month” menu is as follows……

First Course: (For the table)

  • Antipasto – Eggplant Napoletana, Mozzarella Caprese, Bruschetta with Auricchio Provolone, Roasted Peppers
  • Scungilli & Calamari – Roasted garlic, potatoes, and a spicy tomato wine broth

Second Course:

  • Sicilian Salad – Heirloom tomatoes, fennel, poached potatoes, red onion, puntarelle, and a citrus vinaigrette

Primi Piatti:

  • Mezza Rigatoni alla Norma – Heirloom tomato sauce, braised eggplant, and dried ricotta

Fourth Course: (Choose One)

  • Petra Sole Francese – Lightly egg-battered with lemon wine caper sauce
  • Stuffed Veal Cuscinetto – Mascarpone, prosciutto, wild mushroom ricotta, and a sherry wine demi
  • Divine Sausage & Peppers – House made, chargrilled with caramelized onions, peppers, and a San Marzano wine sauce

Dessert:

  • Angel Kisses – Strawberries stuffed with cannoli cream

For more information and to make your reservation visit the restaurant’s website.

Harry Potter inspired pizza and beer collaboration at Spinato’s

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is ending 2024 with the last of its collaboration with Steve Larson a.k.a The Wizard of Za with its Rose Au Gratin Pizza available at all locations until December 31st. The Harry Potter inspired pizza was co-created with Jaime Spinato the restaurant’s director of community outreach and brand manager. Like its other collaborations, a local brewer is chosen to create a special beer for the occasion and Phoenix’s Roses By The Stairs brewery created a Belgian style witbier, The Witty Wizard.

Jaime, who embodies the spirit of a true Ravenclaw says “We had a lot of fun creating this pizza, and I’m grateful for Steve’s guidance as we experimented with different ingredients,”. “The rosemary-dressed potatoes lend a savory elegance to the pizza and the delicate borage blossom flowers add a visual and culinary flourish. We added a sprinkle of edible blue glitter to give the dish a magical, almost otherworldly charm.”

The pizza features an Alfredo base with layered sliced potatoes dressed in olive oil and rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, edible borage flower blossoms and it is topped with a sprinkle of edible blue glitter. The Witty Wizard offers hints of lemon, grapefruit, and thyme. The witbier captures a touch of magical whimsy with its enchanting blend of flavors. The zesty lemon and grapefruit bring a burst of sunshine, while the aromatic thyme adds a hint of herbal charm.

The Rose Au Gratin is $11.75 for a personal pizza and $29.75 for a large. A 16 oz. can of The Witty Wizard is $8 and is only available at the restaurant. Local artist Aaron Thomason created the harry Potter like design for the can. For more information visit the pizzeria’s website.

 

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.

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Streets of New York offers new seasonal dishes

All 15 Arizona locations of the family-owned Italian restaurant and pizzeria have 4 new dishes for their “Fall Features” menu. The new menu is available until the end of November for dine-in, take-out and delivery and $1 from every cheesecake will be donated to Childhelp. Their mission is to help heal the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. The 4 new dishes are……

  • Burrata and Tomato – Rich and creamy Burrata paired with balsamic glazed heirloom tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh basil and drizzled with Tuscan
    olive oil. Served with toasted, garlic buttered crostinis.
  • Penne alla Vodka with Burrata – Al dente penne pasta in a rich vodka sauce, topped with a creamy Burrata ball and fresh basil, drizzled with Tuscan olive oil.
  • Sausage + Calabrian Chili Pizza – House made vodka sauce, mozzarella, crumbled Italian sausage, Calabrian chilis, whipped ricotta and Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake – A fall-inspired treat with a graham cracker crust, layered with velvety pumpkin cheesecake and light pumpkin mousse. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

LDV Winery has new Noshing Shareables Boards and hours

The downtown Scottsdale tasting room has new hours that are Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday Noon- 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Starting Monday, October 14th new LDV wine-infused shareable boards snacks will be available for purchase to enjoy with your wine.

The Sicilian Baker offer new autumn inspired sweets & treats

Fans of cannoli and other Sicilian inspired desserts can now get them at the Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria locations. Flavors such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice can be found in the four new treats.

  • Pumpkin Spice Cannoli – Sweet ricotta cream with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cake – Pumpkin Spice cake topped with pumpkin cream cheese mousse, caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – Chocolate buttermilk cake topped with chocolate hazelnut mousse, feuilletine Nutella crunch and caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Caramel Tart – Chocolate tart shell filled with caramelized white chocolate cremeux and dark chocolate whipped cremeux

The TLC eXperience is back with the Harvest Fundraiser Dinner

Dine under the stars in the orchard at Agritopia Farm in Gilbert on Friday, November 8th at 5 p.m. as they partner to raise money for the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation. Chef Tom and his culinary team are preparing a menu that uses locally sourced and grown ingredients for the multi-course dinner that never disappoints. The 4-hour dinner experience is $150 per person and the menu and reservations can be seen and made here.

Aridus Wine Company re-opens Scottsdale tasting room

After a little remodel, repairs and restocking of wine the Old Town Scottsdale tasting room is now open.