Phoenician Fall Fest brings BBQ and more to Jokake Inn

It doesn’t quite feel like Fall yet but hopefully buy Saturday, October 12th it will. That’s when the first ever Phoenician Fall Fest is taking place at the resort’s historic Jokake Inn at 5:30. The event will have BBQ served up from local food trucks, cocktails from Jack Daniels, a s’mores station, mechanical bull riding, line dancing and country music from Scottsdale’s Herndon Brothers. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Food and drinks are available for purchase and tickets for the Phoenician Fall Fest are $55 per person and a limited number of VIP packages are available for $1,000. VIP packages include entry to the party, food truck meal tickets and personal seating for up to 8 people at the firepit. Information and tickets can be found at the resort’s website.

 

Tequila and wine dinners at The Phoenician Resort

It doesn’t feel like summer is over in Phoenix but local restaurants and resorts feel like it is and are now planning specialty dinners and events through the end of the year. The Phoenician Resort & Spa is no different with wine and tequila dinners on the calendar in the coming weeks.

Tequila Herradura dinner at The Phoenician Tavern

The restaurant atop the Pro Shop of the resort’s famed golf course welcomes guests to celebrate Tequila Herradura’s 50th anniversary of the release of their first ever reposado with a dinner on Thursday, September 12th in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner kicks off their Tastes of the Tavern dinner series that show off the flavors and craftsmanship of the restaurant’s culinary team.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’ouvers followed by a 3-course dinner paired with Tequila Herradura.

The reception features small bites of citrus-glazed pork belly tostadas, shrimp aguachile, braised octopus, roasted vegetable toast, and a charred watermelon margarita made with Herradura silver. A starter of grilled fois gras is paired with Herradura double barrel reposada. The main course is a butter basted seabass, served with Herradura Legend extra anejo. The evening will finish with a dessert of fresas con crema cheesecake and Herradura ultra anejo. Guests will also have a chance to sample Herradura’s limited release anniversary tequila.
The dinner is $95++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting  http://www.thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern/.

Caymus Vineyards & Antinori Estates wine dinners at J &G Steakhouse

The acclaimed steakhouse with gorgeous views of the valley celebrate two world class wineries as they celebrate their 50th anniversary releases of wine. Executive Chef Jaques Qualin will prepare 4-course meals paired with wines from Napa Valley and Italy.

On Tuesday, September 17 guests will celebrate the 50th anniversary wine dinner of the famed Caymus Vineyards. The menu features a first course of smoked salmon tater tots and Mer Soleil Chardonnay; a second course of Hawaiian yellowfin tuna buttercup and Sea Sun Pinot Noir; a third course of grass-fed Wagyu filet mignon and Caymus California Cabernet; and a fourth course of poached pear gelee, chocolate mousse, paired with the anniversary wine, Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

A month later on Thursday, October 17th, Tuscany’s Antnori Estates wines will be poured along with a starter of red kabocha squash tortellini with Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay; followed by a crispy Artic char red wine risotto with Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva; a third course of 48-hours short rib and grilled prime New York strip steak with Antinori Tignanello 50th Anniversary; and to finish the evening, a dessert of warm chocolate cake with VinSanto Santa Cristina.

Both dinners begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Mountain View private dining room and representatives from both wineries will be on hand to speak about the wines and wineries storied histories. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.thephoenician.com/events/jg-wine-dinners/.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Rusty’s Beer Fest is back at Mountain Shadows Resort

Still looking for something to do this weekend, the annual beer festival returns to the golf grill at the Paradise Valley resort. This Sunday, April 23rd enjoy up to 20 tastes of cold beer including local beers, a beer paired food buffet and raffles. The Fest goes from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and tickets are $49 at https://www.mountainshadows.com/.

A Taste of Sicily next Friday at Dolce Vita restaurant

Sicilian born owner Fabrizo highlights his home island’s cuisine next Friday, April 28th with a special dinner at his Mesa market and restaurant. The three course dinner goes from 4 – 8 p.m. and includes Insalata Vastasa then Spaghetti with Swordfish and Eggplants OR Pasta Incasciata. For the main course choose from Involtini Messinesi OR Eggplant Swordfish Meatballs. For dessert stroll the cases filled with homemade gelato. Dinner is $60++ and includes wine, without wine the cost is $50. To make reservations, call 480-218-0225.

Kentucky Derby brunch at The Boulders Resort

The “Run for the Roses” is quickly approaching Saturday May 6th and the Carefree resort has a themed brunch planned. On the patio at The Grill Kitchen & Bar from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. guests will enjoy a mouth-watering special menu, cocktails and live entertainment with a golf course and desert views. Seats are $110 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-488-9020 or visiting http://www.theboulders.com.

Win beer for a year from Macayo’s

Get Cinco de Mayo started early by entering online “Macayo’s Beer for a Year Sweepstakes” until Friday, May 5th. Enter to win a Dos XX and Macayo’s branded cooler and 12 24-packs of Dos XX beer. The winner will be picked and notified on or around May 6th.

A home run of a deal from the Streets of New York

During the entire baseball season, anytime the Diamondbacks play guests can receive $5 off their order of $25 or more when they use promo code DBACKSPEC. The deal is available at its 16 locations throughout Arizona.

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.

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

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.

Wing Wednesday specials at The Bar in Gilbert

Have you heard the news, people are flocking to downtown Gilbert to get their hands on the flavorful, crispy & juicy John Blaze Honey Hot, Buffalo, BBQ, “Blow Your O-Ring” and Teriyaki wings. The Bar‘s grilling then fried wings are specially priced every Wednesday from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. for $9 for 6 wings or $14 for a dozen. Each order comes with celery & carrots and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Pillsbury Wine Co. and more pouring at Arizona Wine Festival

20 Arizona wineries and other vendors will make downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square home January 28th -29th. Beer and food trucks will also be on hand with tickets for $35 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday. Friday night will be a benefit for Horses Help and the festival starts at 11 a.m. on both days. Information and tickets can be purchased can be found at Eventbrite.

Outerbound Wines featured at Hyatt Scottsdale Winemaker Dinner Series

The Gainey Ranch resort and spa continues its Winemaker Dinner Series in 2023 with its first dinner on Thursday, January 19th. High end wines from Sonoma County will be paired with a five-course dinner from Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. and his team. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with Phillip Kube of Outerbound Wines followed by dinner at 7:00. Seats are $170 per person and can be reserved by calling 480-629-6231.

Save your receipts for 50% off at Koibito Poke

For the month of January purchase lunch between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. then return for dinner from 5 p.m. til closing and get half off. The “Save Your Receipt” promotion is good on the same day 7 days a week at all 4 locations.

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

Yulissa Acosta named Chef de Cuisine at Hearth ’61

Rising through the ranks can be the most satisfying and rewarding ways to earn a promotion. That’s how Yulissa Acosta earned her new title as Chef de Cuisine at Mountain Shadows Resort’s signature restaurant Hearth ’61. Acosta was part of the opening team at restaurant as a cook when it opened in 2017. Always looking to improve her culinary skills and with her culinary knowledge she was promoted to Sous Chef in 2018.

“We are delighted to have Chef Yulissa Acosta take the reins of our beloved Hearth ‘61 restaurant in her new role,” said Vice President & General Manager Andrew Chippindall. “With her unique culinary flare and working alongside Executive Chef Charles Wiley and Executive Sous Chef Alfred Muro, Chef Acosta will be the perfect person to continue elevating our cuisine by highlighting the best local ingredients.”

The Nogales Mexico born and Phoenix raised Acosta realized her passion for cooking in high school and was awarded a scholarship to Scottsdale’s Classic Cooking Academy upon graduation. From there she worked at Bink’s Midtown and Mirabel Golf Club before joining Hearth ’61.

Part of her new role is menu development and she will use her roots and love of Mexican-American & Southwestern cuisines and incorporate classic French cooking skills to the menu. She recently debuted Duroc Farm’s Pork Chop with Jacob bean ragu and black pepper glaze as well as the Two Wash Ranch Chicken Roulade with barley risotto, romanesco, and natural jus to the menu. She will also continue to follow the culinary standards set by Chefs Wiley and Muro.

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.

Pita Jungle offers an assorted Baklawa Box for the holidays

Whether for holiday parties or giving as a gift Baklawa makes for a delicious treat. The layered phyllo dough, honey and pistachio Mediterranean treat is made in house and available at all 23 locations starting at $16 through the holidays and into 2023.

“Die Hard” dinner at Found: RE Hotel

The downtown Phoenix hotel hosts a four course themed dinner of the blockbuster Bruce Willis film on Saturday, December 17th. The restaurant will be transformed into the 30th floor of Nakotomi Plaza for a fun evening with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Seats at $79++ per person and reservations can be made here. The menu is as follows….

Nakatomi Seafood Tower with lobster claw, jumbo shrimp and oyster with cocktail sauce and lemon mignonette  

Yippee Kai Yay MotherClucker Salad — mixed greens and napa cabbage salad with scallions, pea shoots, ghost chili-dusted wonton strips, roasted chicken and spicy sesame dressing 

The German Twins — pork and beef schnitzel with warm German potato salad and Jagerschnitzel sauce

“Sugar-enriched flour, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, polysorbate 60 and yellow dye No. 5. Just everything a growing boy needs” Cake — yellow sponge cake filled with buttercream frosting, Crunch bar pieces, broken sugar glass and raspberry sauce 

Taittinger Champagne dinner at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale

Thursday December 15th is when the celebrated champagne house’s bubbles will be paired with a 5 course meal. The dinner is part of the resort’s monthly Winemaker Dinner series held in Alto Ristorante with dinner curated by Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. The reception begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-629-6231 and seats are $170 per person. After dinner guests will have the opportunity to purchase champagne at a discount.

Pint for a Penny at PHX Beer Co.

Buy gift card of $25 or more at the local brewer’s Phoenix taproom or Scottsdale restaurant and get a pint of beer for one cent while you wait. The deal is available until Christmas Eve and is only available on location and at time of purchase.

Source to open December 19th in Gilbert

Monday December 19th brings the opening of the new upscale fast fine dining Mediterranean concept. Founders Akshat Sethi, founder of Thai Chili 2 Go, and Chef Claudio Urciuoli, of Palaphx and Noble Bread fame, will offer fresh baked breads, sandwiches, salads, tapas and more. Natural wines will be offered with your dishes and in the retail market. Come January opening specials will be announced with more details to come.

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

Camelback Inn to host a Winemaker Weekend with Paul Hobbs

The legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is welcoming winemaker & winery owner Paul Hobbs for a fun filled weekend next month. Taking place in the resort’s Lincoln Steakhouse on Friday and Saturday April 22nd & 23rd guests will have three opportunities to meet the winemaker and taste his wines. Enjoy 1, 2 or all 3 of the events at this 21 and older weekend.

-A welcome reception takes place at 5:30 p.m. Friday night with wine poured from Crossbarn, his Central Coast wines and from Hillick & Hobbs in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Hors d’ oeuvres and paired cheeses will be served for the two hour reception. Seats are $125.53 per person with a 2 person minimum can be reserved here.

-Looking to learn more about his wines, join Hobbs for a wine seminar in the Lincoln’s private dining room. The tasting and seminar will focus on his old world and new world wine along with ancient wines from Armenia. Seats are available at available at 3:45 & 4:00 p.m. for a $100. 17 per person with a 2 with a 2 person minimum and are available here.

-End the weekend with dinner on the restaurant’s patio enjoying the sunset and the best wines from his portfolio. Limited seating is available for the multi-course dinner that includes breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and is $188.93 all inclusive per person with a 2 person minimum and can be reserved here. The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is at 5402 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.

Chef Angelo Sosa to open Tía Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

Early April will see the debut of Tía Carmen, a contemporary Southwestern cuisine restaurant from Bravo’s “Top Chef” and HBO Max’s “Selena + Chef” Angelo Sosa. He and seasoned restaurateur Mark Stone’s new signature restaurant at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is named the after Sosa’s aunt. Chef Sosa learned alongside chefs Jean-George Vongerichten, Alain Ducasse, Stephen Starr and Masaharu Morimoto before opening his Michelin recommended Añejo Restaurant, a Mexican hotspot in New York City.

“Throughout my life, my Tía Carmen instilled in me a passion and love for cooking, teaching me the impact and the power that food can have when made from a place of pure love,” said Chef Sosa. “The discovery of traveling through the Southwest gave me the opportunity to explore the region through the lens of ranchers, potters, farmers, and artisans. I have always had a deep fascination and appreciation for Southwestern food traditions. It has been an honor and privilege to be able to contribute to this beautiful and rich culinary narrative.”

The menu from Chef Angelo Sosa

Serving dinner, Tía Carmen’s dishes will be made with regional ingredients from local purveyors prepared in a wood-fired grill. The menu will be written in three sections, light + fresh, maize + harina, and charcoal + wood + fire. Chef Angelo Rosa’s signature dishes will include Tuna Crudo with chilled corn coconut broth accented with jicama and garnished with dill; Southwestern style tri-tip kebabs garnished with Thai Basil, cilantro, pickles, and serrano chilis; Lamb Ragu with mesquite noodles; and Tía Carmen’s Chicken Guisado, a stew made with succulent pieces of thigh meat and seasoned with a mélange of cumin, annatto, arbol, and oregano.

Mitchel O. Bushell is creating a cocktail program emphasizing local herbs & spices, distilleries and ingredients for house made syrups and juices. Many of the cocktails will be prepared with artisanal agave spirits. The wine program is being curated by former Morimoto Restaurant Group’s Eduardo Dingler. Emphasis will be on wines from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe and other west coast wineries and emerging wineries in Europe.

The 130 seat restaurant is designed by Thomas Schoos and his L.A. based hospitality design firm Schoos Design. The “Earth meets Art” theme offers a clean and warm ambiance with natural forms from the local landscape. Plateware and the Southwestern tablescape from Phoenix’s Blue Door Ceramics was made exclusively for Tía Carmen. For more information and to stay up to date about the opening follow @TiaCarmen.Phx on Instagram.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Twosday 2/22/22 food specials

The iconic date is being celebrated by 2 local restaurants offering deals. All 19 Streets of New York locations are offering up slices of pizza for $2.22 (normally $4.15 per slice) for dine-in or take-out. Dine-in customers can also take advantage of more savings during Apps Hour from 2:30 – 6 p.m. for deals on Pizza Roll Ups, Meatball Sliders, beer & wine and more.

Koibito Poke celebrates with 2 small bowls for $22 when you’re dining in at their 4 Phoenix area locations.

Off the Vine Wine Festival tomorrow in Oro Valley

If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow make your way down to the historic Steam Pump Ranch to taste some of Arizona’s finest wines. Details are here at my featured post about the event.

Rombauer Vineyards is featured winery at Sunday Supper Club

Hearth ’61’s monthly supper features the Napa Valley’s family owned winery to be paired with Chef Wiley’s 5-course menu. Dinner is Sunday, February 27th and starts at 6 p.m. with reservation required for $189++ per person. To join the club click this link.

Simple Machine Brewing beers paired at dinner at Match Market & Bar

The signature restaurant inside the Found:RE hotel in downtown Phoenix hosts a four course menu paired with locally brewed beers. The dinner is next Tuesday, February 22nd at 7 p.m. Seats are $72 ++ per person and can be reserved here.

AZ Taco Festival cancels April festival

Organizers decided to cancel the two-day festival coming up at Salt River Fields. A new date in the Fall of 2022 is being planned and tickets purchased will be honored once announced. For more information visit their website.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.