Category: lunch

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Tickets available for this weekend’s Arizona Wine Festival in downtown Phoenix

Heritage Square will host the two-day festival this Saturday & Sunday. Admission is free with Early Bird tickets available for those looking to taste wine from over 20 Arizona wineries. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and an official announcement for a $6 million donation to Cochise Community College for its new Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture program and wine making scholarships will be made at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The generous donation was made by Ann Marie Stephens.

Sunday Supper at Hush Public House with Sonoran Pasta

The two local owned businesses pair up this Sunday, January 26th for a four-course family style supper that includes…

  • Barrio Bread Focaccia with whipped ricotta and honey
  • “The Best Damn Ceasar”—enough said!
  • Sonoran Pasta Rigatoni with Sunday sauce, meatballs, sausage and braciole
  • Cannoli with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips

This experience goes off between 5 – 9 p.m. at the North Scottsdale restaurant for only $60++ per person and reservations can be made here.

Rombauer wine dinner at Tommy V’s

Owner Zoran Klisara welcomes guests to his Downtown Scottsdale restaurant on Thursday, January 30th pairing dishes from his kitchen with wines from Napa Valley and other northern California wine regions. The five-course dinner starts at 6 p.m. and features Seafood Cannelloni, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Filet Mignon. Seats are limited at $135++ and can be made at the restaurant’s website.

LDV Winery wins awards for 3 wines from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The prestigious competition awarded the wineries 2017 Petite Sirah- Bronze, 2023 Rose-Silver and 2022 Viognier- Bronze at the 25th anniversary event. Over 50 judges tasted more than 5,500 wines from over 950 North American wineries.

“It is an honor to be judged by the industry’s most notable wine connoisseurs and to be ranked among the continent’s best wines,” says Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery. “We will continue to put all our efforts and passions into producing the best wines we can and putting Arizona on the map as a true wine destination.”

Eggstasy now open in Queen Creek

The 8th location of the Arizona-based company opened in the East Valley this week at 20735 E. Maya Rd. Favorites such as The Angus Skirt Steak & Eggs, Caprese Benedict, Cookie Butter Crepes, coffee drinks and more are available everyday start at 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. during the week and 3 p.m. on weekends.

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 pop-up at Chula Seafood’s “Rosie” location

Saturday 1/11 at 11 a.m. at the south Scottsdale location a.k.a “Rosie” is hosting a fried fish pop-up that includes Chula Seafood Alaskan cod, fish n chips, crispy cod tacos and more.

Hot Pastrami & Pie Week returns to Miracle Mile Deli

From Monday, 1/13- Saturday 1/18 guests can take advantage of a deal at the Central Phoenix deli. Choose from a Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo sandwich, a side of fries & a pickle and slice of pie for only $19.49.

OverEasy kicks off 2025 with new seasonal dishes

The breakfast and lunch spot with 16 locations throughout Arizona starts the year with two new sweet & savory dishes and a latte. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery the new menu items are…..

  • Red Chile Tostadas – Two crispy corn tortillas, carnitas, feta cheese, onions, black beans, crema, smothered in red chile sauce served with a sunny side up egg
  • Cannoli French Toast – Sweet cannoli cream, cinnamon swirl bread, cannoli streusel, orange zest
  • Caramel Cold Brew Latte $6.49 (Spike It +$3) – Press Cold Brew, cream, house made caramel sauce, whipped cream

Macayo’s closing Tempe location to open a new one nearby

The Mexican restaurant and cantina is closing their location at Rural Rd. & Loop 202 as its lease expires at the end of January. Fear not Mexican food fans, their new location will be just down the road closer to ASU in The Cornerstone on the southeast corner of Rural & University. Expected to open in mid-February it will be more convenient for ASU students & the community and have an outdoor patio.

The restaurant is hiring front and back of the house team members at a hiring fair with on-site interviews on Monday 1/13 until Wednesday 1/15. For more information visit their website.

Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price Taco Tuesday at Ghost Street Asian Taqueria

The virtual kitchen inside Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill offers this weekly deal at their website or through their app when you use promo code TACOTUESDAY at checkout.

 

 

 

 

Lin’s Grand Buffet to open near Metrocenter in January

All-you-can-eat family friendly restaurant, Lin’s Grand Buffet is bringing a new modern look to its newest location opening next month in Phoenix. It will be the 17th location in the southwest offering classic Asian American dishes such as Orange Chicken, Beef & Broccoli and Sesame Chicken along with fresh seafood, sushi, and made-to-order- steaks.

“We’re thrilled to expand our footprint with this refresh design here in Phoenix,” says CEO Frank Lam. “Since our founding in 2002, Lin’s Grand Buffet has been dedicated to serving our communities with quality food and friendly service. This location’s vision aligns perfectly with the revitalization of Metrocenter, and we’re excited to contribute to transforming this area into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.”

At over 10,000 square feet the Lin’s Grand Buffet can accommodate over 370 guests with a large selection of dishes for every taste. Opening in late January the restaurant at 10021 N. Metro Pkwy. 85051 will be the seventh in Arizona and will have a family friendly grand opening with ribbon-cutting, dragon dances and more with the opening date being announced in early January. 2025 will also see more expansion for the company in Arizona.

“In today’s challenging economic climate, our mission remains the same: to provide an affordable dining option where families and friends can gather, celebrate, and enjoy quality food without compromise,” Lam added. For more information and updates visit their website or follow them on social media.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Skysill Rooftop Ski Chalet pop-up at Westin Tempe

This is the last weekend for beautiful views of the valley while enjoying festive holiday cocktails and seasonal treats (fondue, gingerbread cookies and macaroons) at the downtown Tempe rooftop bar. $29 gets you a reservation, cider and cake pop with the 360-degree view. Friday and Saturday are 21+ and Sunday is open to all ages and guests are invited to bring an unopened new toy for Toys for Tots. For information and menus for about holiday and NYE dining at their signature restaurant Terra, visit their website. Reservations for the Skysill pop-up can be made at OpenTable.

Rusty Spur Saloon takes money off the wall for charity

The country western bar in Old Town Scottsdale known for its walls full of dollars started a tradition every December by removing the bills and donating them to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. This year they received $6,000 ($5,742 from wall, $248 from owner POV Foods) topping last year’s collection of $5,000. “These dollar bills symbolize not only the memories made here but also the potential to make a difference in our community,” said Janeth Moore, operations manager of Rusty Spur Saloon.

Flour & Thyme is now open for dinner and lunch is coming next week

Good news, Chef Ivan Jacobo’s new restaurant in downtown Phoenix is now open for dinner and starting Thursday, December 26th will start lunch service. F & T is in Jacobo’s former fine dining restaurant Anhelo Restaurant that is relocating to Scottsdale and is expected to open in early 2025. On the menu is handmade pastas, a short rib blend burger, veal tomahawk, duck breast, seafood and more. Lunch is served fro 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5 p.m.

 

Randy’s Restaurant new owners to keep neighborhood diner feel

Those that frequent Randy’s Restaurant at Chaparral and Hayden Rds. in Scottsdale probably didn’t know the 43-year-old restaurant took on new owners after almost a year in the making. The biggest change customers will notice is not in the food, decor or service but in the way you pay for your meals. When Bradley and Amber Deane took over the popular restaurant in September 2023 you could only pay for your coffee or meal with cash but now for the first time you can pay with credit cards. Other than that, the Deane’s are committed to maintaining the nostalgia of their beloved neighborhood diner.

“We are thrilled to continue the legacy of Randy’s Restaurant in Scottsdale. Over the past year we have loved getting to know the loyal patrons who have been coming here religiously for 42 years,” said Bradley, who, along with Amber, brings many years of hospitality experience to the table. “We’re dedicated to serving them the same incredible dishes they have come to love and expect, and we look forward to welcoming new clientele who have yet to discover this special Scottsdale institution.”

On the menu at Randy’s

Since 1981 Randy’s Restaurant has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from the large menu diner goers are used to reviewing trying to decide. The delicious, value driven dishes and personal service has many customers coming in several times a week for years to enjoy their meals and meet up with neighborhood friends.

Randy’s Breakfast Favorites boasts 28 dishes to choose from including build-your-own-omelettes, skillets, griddle dishes and plenty of side dishes. Lunch will find diners enjoying, salads, wraps, signature burgers & sandwiches and soup & chili. The traditional dinner menu is offered at 4 p.m. and all-day Sunday loaded with the likes of homemade meatloaf, chicken fried steak, broiled salmon, ground chuck steak and lots more. Each dinner entree comes with a vegetable and guests’ choice of two sides.

Holiday Pies at Randy’s Restaurant

Saving room for dessert? Randy’s Ice Cream Creations use Blue Bell Premium Ice Cream for decadent desserts and sweet treats. Pies are on the menu with slices and pies available for dine-in or take-out with seasonal pies available to order for the holidays.

The scratch made pies are now available to pre-order for pick up. Pie flavors include, Apple, Cherry, Pumpkin(seasonal), Rhubarb, Peach, Pecan and Dutch Apple. Fruit pies are $21.99 and cream pies are $24.99 and ice cream pies are available and one should call for specific flavors.

Randy’s Restaurant is open Monday- Saturday from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is at 7904 E. Chaparral Rd. Scottsdale 85281.

Eggstasy opens newest location in Phoenix at The Colony

The 7th location of the popular brunch spot, Eggstasy has opened along 7th St. at The Colony in Uptown Phoenix. Known for their inventive takes on breakfast and lunch classics, the locally owned brunch spot looks forward to serving its high-quality dishes that use locally sourced ingredients.

“We’re really excited to join the Uptown Phoenix neighborhood and we couldn’t ask for a better spot than The Colony,” said Eggstasy owner Peter Verros. “The eclectic mix of retail, dining and residential is the perfect setting for the morning enthusiasm we bring with our food, atmosphere and staff at Eggstasy.” Verros opened the first location in 2008 using his years of experience in the kitchen and management as his inspiration.

The menu at Eggstasy is full of classic brunch dishes such as pancakes, crepes, omelets and burgers. Signature dishes include Skirt Steak & Eggs which covers both breakfast and lunch cravings, Caprese Benedict and the Sunrise Sandwich with layers of egg frittata, chicken sausage, kale, Swiss cheese and pesto.

Golden Pancake grand opening at Eggstasy

Now opened, the official grand opening is Saturday, October 12th and 3 guests can win pancakes if they find the Golden Pancake in their stack. Order a stack of one of their specialty pancakes or choose pancakes on the side for chance to win pancakes for life at any Eggstasy location.

Eggstasy opens 7 days a week at 7 a.m. and is open until 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and until 3 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. The Uptown Phoenix location is at 5538 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.

Mox Boarding House opening in Chandler

A unique restaurant and board game store opens this week in Chandler as Mox Boarding House welcomes foodies and board game enthusiasts. The opening is the first in Arizona for the Seattle based restaurant that opened in 2011 which has other locations in Bellevue WA. and Portland OR.

“We’ve been working on this project since 2021, and we’re so excited to open our doors and welcome the Chandler community,” said Jorel Miller, Vice President of Mox Boarding House. “Our goal has always been to create a space where people can come together to play, eat, and enjoy themselves. We can’t wait to share this experience with our new neighbors.”

The menu at Mox Boarding House offers house made gastro style dishes including the popular Tavern Mac and can accommodate various diets including vegan and gluten-free. The full-service bar offers beer, wine, ciders and craft cocktails. A vast library of board games are available to entertain guests for free and hundreds more for sale including Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering. For those looking to host gaming events, an event hall is available and can accommodate up to 64 people.

The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Chandler mayor Kevin Hartke on Friday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m. Events will be held all weekend long where guests can win prizes, enjoy in-store promotions & discounts and a MTG Duskmourn pre-release on Saturday. Mox Boarding House will be open Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is located at 1371 N. Alma School Rd. 85224. For more information and to stay up to date on events visit their website.

Cooper & Sage to open 2nd location in Goodyear

Westside Concepts has announced the opening of their newest location of Copper & Sage in downtown Goodyear on Tuesday, October 1st. It comes less than a year after the first location opened in Uptown Phoenix in November 2023. The southern influenced gastropub with innovative cocktails and a swanky vibe will be the one of the first to open at GSQ, a 150-acre destination with high quality restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. It’s one of several concepts from Westside Concepts that include Haymaker, NW Coffee and Maple & Rye.

“Vintage and warm are good words to describe Copper & Sage,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “Whether it’s Tuesday night and you want great bar food or it’s your anniversary and it’s a special night out, this is the place. We’re really excited to be opening in Goodyear at GSQ. It’s more of what we need in the West Valley. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire Valley.”

Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations Chef Evon Profitt has created the southern style menu that includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickles & Pimento, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and Chicken Gings for starters. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits topped with bacon and mushrooms, Bayou Mussels and Fried Chicken and Beignets.

Copper & Sage will cover 4,500 spacious square feet with a large dining room, full bar and patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and is at 1975 N. Globe Dr. Goodyear 85395. For more information and to apply for a job visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Sandwich Month at Arizona’s oldest deli

Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, Miracle Mile Deli celebrates them with weekly specials in August. Starting next Monday August 5th-10th get The New Yorker (hot pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Miracle Mile’s signature dressing); the incredible Brisket of Beef Sandwich the week of Aug. 12-17; the Combo (hot corned beef and hot pastrami piled high) Aug. 19-24; and the famous Straw sandwich (hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut) Aug. 26-31.

Enjoy each sandwich for just $17.50 and get golden hot fries (or another side item of their choice), a kosher dill pickle and a slice of fresh baked pie. Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Boston Cream.

New tasting menu coming to Rusconi’s next week

Starting Wednesday, August 7th the Paradise Valley restaurant introduces a new four-course menu for $60++ with wine pairings optional for an additional $30. The menu is……

Tomato and Buratta Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet. Optional pairing: 2022 Squealing Pig Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus. Optional pairing: 2022 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River
 
Pecan-wood Grilled Lamb Porterhouse with warm herbed fingerling potato salad and red wine reduction. Optional pairing: 2021 Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
 
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces. Optional pairing: Chef’s selected dessert wine

August events at Tracy Dempsey Originals

The Tempe bakery/wine shop has several events coming up this month and all have limited space and require RSVPs to, tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com and you can find more information at the website.

  • Saturday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.. Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Take a Walk on the Chilled Side: Summer Soups & Salads $70 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 9.

  • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.  Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Friday, August 30, 12 to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn $50 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 23.

  • Saturday, August 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Wine Talk 101 $20. RSVP by Saturday, August 17.

New sangrias, spritzes and mocktails at Grimaldi’s

All 6 Arizona locations of the popular pizzeria has introduced 7 new beverages to their menu.

SANGRIAS

BERRY SANGRIA – Beso Del Sol red sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, strawberry purée, lemon juice, fresh strawberries

PEACH SANGRIA – Lolailo white sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, peach purée, peaches, lemon juice

SPRITZES

SICILIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ – La Marca Prosecco, Aperol, Winter Citrus syrup, lemon juice

CITRUS HERB SPRITZ – The Botanist gin, Winter Citrus syrup, lime juice, soda

MOCKTAILS

PEACHY KEEN – Diced peaches, peach purée, Winter Citrus syrup, citrus juices, soda

PURPLE TWILIGHT FIZZ – Starry, Desert Pear syrup, lemon juice

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE – Lemonade, fresh strawberries, basil, strawberry purée, lemon juice

New lunch special at GenuWine Arizona

You can join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for lunch and enjoy a Chicken Pesto Panini and chips for just $9.99. They also have free WIFI so you can stay connected and a selection of both non-alcoholic beverages and wine & beer.

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.

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