Category: Mexican restaurant

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Summer specials at The Mexicano

The popular Paradise Valley & Chandler restaurant from The Maggiore Group offers new summer food & drinks specials.

All-Day Happy Hour specials include: (available in the bar area)

  • $4 Clásico Margaritas, Modelo drafts & well drinks
  • $8 Bar Nachos
  • $10 Jalapeño Poppers
  • $12 Shrimp Ceviche
  • $12 Pastor Chicken Wings
  • $9 Mini Chimis, Tinga Burrito & more

All-You-Can-Eat-Taco-Tuesdays in the bar for only $8.88 on Thursdays, choose from potato, al pastor, shrimp & crunchy beef.

Weekly specials include…..

  • Margarita Mondays – 50% off all margaritas
  • *Best F#%ing Taco Tuesday – $2 tacos (dine-in only)
  • $3 tacos available all day, every day

New Happy Hour specials at Source

The restaurant at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert just rolled out new Happy Hour specials available Wednesday – Friday from  3- 6 p.m.

  • Snack: Chickpea Hummus with pickled veggies and za’atar flatbread, $11
  • Pizza: Mozzarella with tomato, oregano and Decimi extra virgin olive oil, $10
  • Natural wines: $7 per glass or $25 per bottle
  • Beer: $5 each

Third Tuesday Tasting Dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The Downtown Gilbert cafe will be serving up another of its popular 3-course wine dinners next Tuesday, June 17th. Dinner starts with a Watermelon Wedge Salad followed by Chicken Breast stuffed with hearts of palms and prosciutto and ends with Black Forest Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. The dinner is $48++ per person, and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry relocating

The Old Town Scottsdale shop specializing in locally made artisan foods and more is making an unexpected relocation this summer due to a change in their lease. No address has been announced yet but as you can imagine relocating during the slow summer season is especially difficult.

Co-owners & mother and daughter Sharyn & Rebecca Seitz are looking to remind everyone of the continued support for them and other local businesses during the summer months. Ways to help are to visit the store Monday- Saturday 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m., placing an order online, sharing stories about the shop or donating.

Summer Passes at GenuWine Arizona

The wine bar/shop in Downtown Phoenix is offering two Summer Passes for wine and beer lovers. The Wine Lover Summer Pass is $40, and the Beer Lover Summer Pass is $20. Enjoy discounted glasses of wine or beer all summer long with each pass offering 5 tastes and one can be redeemed per visit through August.

151 Hospitality opens The Mercer at the Esplanade

When the Little Pickle opened last month in the Esplanade at 24th St. & Camelback Rd. it marked the first of three new concepts for 151 Hospitality. The fast casual deli serving bagels sandwiches, eggs, a Hand Cut Hot Pastrami sandwich, and more is now joined but the group‘s second concept The Mercer.

The American bistro housed in the former Merc Bar offers guests lunch and dinner comfort food with menus filled with seafood, meats, salads, a raw bar, sushi and more in the wood lined dining room and bar. Dishes such as Salmon Tartare, a Prime Rib French Dip sandwich, Linz New York Strip and Brick Chicken.

Like its predecessor, cocktails are taken seriously and  award-winning mixologist Jason Asher was brought in to oversee the beverage program and create a menu of Martinis and classic cocktails including a Pisco Sour, Negroni and a Sidecar.

3 concepts, one kitchen for 151 Hospitality

Opening three restaurants at one of the, if not the most highly visible intersections in the valley doesn’t come at a discount amidst high rises filled with law firms, financial advisors and Fortune 500 companies. To help keep the high cost of kitchen equipment and labor down partners Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn use one kitchen for both restaurants and later in the year their high-end Mexican concept, Camello will have its dishes prepared from there as well.

The idea for one kitchen isn’t new as hotels have done it for years but it’s not often to see smaller restaurants groups with two full service and a fast casual concept so close together that they can make it happen. The kitchen staff doesn’t care about which restaurant the food is for, they just see food being ordered and it will be for the expediters to get the plate ready and direct traffic as the food goes out to guests. No small task that is overseen by Executive Chef Fidencio Alatriste, who’s worked around the valley at The Mission and with local restaurant groups including Fox Restaurant Concepts, Evening Entertainment Group and The Maggiore Group. Both Phillips and Hearn, feel this is the best way to offer high quality food in an upscale atmosphere and keep labor costs low. At the end of the day, they want the food and cocktails to tell the story.

The pair opened The Merc Bar, in New York, and in 1996 came to Phoenix to open a second location. Hearn left for a while to work with his college friend, Sam Fox before reuniting with Phillips to bring these concepts to life. Phillips concentrated on The Merc Bar and food festivals over the years before deciding it was time to close one chapter and start the next.

The two speak highly of each other and their decades old friendship with Phillips calling Hearn a “very inspiring, cultlike figure” who seeks out those who look to grow and have a career in the hospitality industry.

Camello coming later this year

Still under construction and in no hurry to open (in the summer) Camello “camel” will bring high end Mexican food inside and on the patio with views of The Biltmore Fashion Park and the peaks of the Phoenix Preserve. Not many details are available yet, but Hearn says, “it will be like a pool party, without the pool”. Stay tuned.

The Mercer is open 7 days a week at 11a.m. with menus and more information at their website.

 

 

 

Circle K and Burrito Express expand in-store partnership

What started in February with a hybrid location in a Gilbert Circle K, Burrito Express and its partnership with the global convenience store is expanding around the Phoenix Metro area. Currently there are 5 new Burrito Express Fast & Fresh locations are in the planning stages with 4 in the East Valley and 1 in Maricopa.

“At Circle K, even as we have grown into a global brand, our roots here in the valley run very deep, which is why it’s important to us to collaborate with local innovators in bringing new value to our customer experience,” said Morten Jensen, vice president of operations for Circle K’s Grand Canyon Business Unit. “Burrito Express enjoys a tremendous following and adds an exciting new dimension to the Circle K food offer. We’re very pleased to be partnering with them in serving up some of the best-tasting burritos you can find in the valley.”

The partnership highlights the quality of fresh food Burrito Express prepares and the customer service they provide. The partnership is part of the global convenience stores hub and spoke model. Each location’s kitchen acts as the hub preparing fresh food. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Circle K and to make our fresh, wholesome burritos available to a broader clientele,” said Angel Marin, co-owner of Burrito Express with his brother Mark Marin. “We look forward to the strategic expansion of Burrito Express Fast and Fresh in hubs throughout the valley and beyond.”

Each location will serve 4 breakfast burritos and 4 lunch burritos from 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday and 7a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit Burrito Express’ website.

  • Breakfast Burrito Supreme
  • Steak and Egg Burrito
  • Potato and Egg Burrito
  • Chorizo and Egg with Potato Burrito
  • Steak Potato and Cheese Burrito
  • Burrito Supreme
  • Chicken, Potato and Cheese Burrito
  • Bean and Cheese Burrito

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

Chandler welcomes the second location of The Mexicano

Chandler Fashion Center is the second location of The Maggiore Group’s popular concept The Mexicano and guests can start dining there today. The opening comes a couple months after the re-opening of the flagship location in Paradise Valley that was closed due to a kitchen fire last October. Guests will find that the new location will have the same elevated menu from Chef Joey Maggiore along with an interactive dining experience that includes the build-your-own-margarita bar.

“Our Chandler location will be the same fun, energetic, delicious Mexicano our guests know and love,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We are thrilled to be bringing our second location, and the party, to the Easy Valley next month.”

On the menu guests will find Instagram worthy dishes such as the guacamole and salsa Ferris wheel, birria bao buns, margaritas and other traditional Mexican dishes with Chef Joey’s modern fusion of ingredients. The new restaurant will also feature a daily happy hour, Taco Tuesdays with $2 cochinita pibil and chicken tinga tacos, and Margarita Mondays featuring half off all margaritas.

Celebrating the Chandler grand opening

The interior was designed by Christina Maggiore that will showcase the bright colors of its Mexican City roots & culture and authentic imported wood furniture. A DJ will be there seven days a week spinning Latin music and you may catch a live performance from a Mariachi band. The celebration starts today at 4:00 p.m. and the first 200 people at The Mexicano in Chandler will receive special SWAG and one lucky winner will win a $500 gift card. During today’s fiesta like atmosphere there will be traditional dancers, a Mariachi band and more entertainment throughout the evening.

The Mexicano Chandler is at 3905 W. Chandler Blvd. 85226. and opens daily at 11 a.m. For more information 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.

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.

The Mexicano re-opening after kitchen fire last fall

Guests will be welcomed back to North Phoenix’s The Mexicano restaurant on Friday, January 31st with fresh new look after a kitchen fire closed the restaurant a few months ago. Chef Joey Maggiore and his wife Christina will present “The Mexicano 2.0” with a grand reopening celebration starting at 3 p.m.

Guests can expect the same chef driven menu of authentic Mexican cuisine given a modern twist with Chef Joey’s signature dishes. Since debuting in 2021, the restaurant that has been come to be known for its guacamole & salsa Ferris wheel and the new look will include a build-your-own-margarita bar and new dishes including “The Best F#%king Fries Quesadilla Taco”, “Pork Osso Bucco Molcajete”, and “Chorizo Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms”. A new tortilla making station has been added bringing an authentic feel to the restaurant. New cocktails created by Phoenix mixologist Jason Asher who is well known around the world for his creative and unique libations will also make their debut.

Christina Maggiore designed the interior that includes an open airy feel with greenery, sleek furnishings and a covered patio. “We are so thankful for the incredible reception and support we received the first time around, and we are beyond excited for what’s to come with The Mexicano 2.0,” says Joey Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “This second round will match the energy of the original, but with an elevated, vibrant, and sexy new décor. Plus, the immersive experience that we’ve been working on will take it to the next level. The greenery and flowers come to life for the most spectacular experience for our guests. “

Attending the The Mexicano grand re-opening

The first 100 guests on the 31st will get a $30 gift card to use that evening or on a future visit and anybody attending the opening weekend will get a chance to win a VIP pre-party at the newest location opening in Chandler in the next few months.

The Mexicano is at 4801 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix and for more information can be found at 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.

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.

 

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Chula Seafood partners with Goldwater Brewing for Hop Chowda Day pop-up

The two locally owned businesses get together on Saturday, December 14th (tomorrow) from 2-7 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale brewery. Five Hop Chowda beers will be tapped including Original, XL Imperial, Pineapple, Orange & Guava with Chula outside serving up Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips, Chowder Fries and cups of Chowder. Armada Sounds will be spinning tunes and raffles will be drawn for prizes at 6 p.m. including a stocked beer fridge and merch.

Bubble tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Join the Roosevelt Row wine bar on December 19th to taste three selections from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10. Get 20% off bottle purchases from the selection poured that evening. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Miracle Mile Deli special Hannukah & Christmas menu is available

The Jewish holiday starts on Christmas Day for 8 nights and the Central Phoenix restaurant has family meals including brisket & turkeys, potato latkes & apple sauce and more for both holidays. Individual entrees and single servings of matzoh ball soup, brisket & turkey, signature deli meats, desserts and more are all available for the holidays. Miracle Mile Deli will be open on Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) from 11 a.m – 4 p.m for pick-up.

Holiday desserts at local restaurants for dine-in or take-out

Sugar & spice and everything nice is what they say, and several Phoenix area restaurants have them all.

The Sicilian Baker– Has new Snickerdoodle and Andes Mints cannolis available along with traditional Sicilian Baked Cassata.

  • Holiday Cake Details: 10” cake for $85, Pre order only 72-hour notice
  • Holiday Cannoli Gift Packs: Regular Cannoli: 12-pack $79, Mini Cannoli: 20-pack $65, Mini Cannoli 30-pack $90.

Pita Jungle– The popular made in house Baklawa Box is available online or in-store for $20.

Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club & Mastro’s Steakhouse- The decadent Butter Cake gets a seasonal twist with the Cinnamon & Pecan Butter Cake made with brown sugar, cinnamon swirl, pecans, crème anglaise, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, sea salt toffee and caramel sauce.

The Mexicano Pop- Up has the “Ultimate DIY Gingerbread Cake” available through the holidays. The gingerbread sponge cake in white chocolate cream sauce and over 25 toppings for you to choose from for your customized cake.

Los Sombreros holiday tamales are available

Order online for pick up at their Scottsdale or Mesa restaurants available in chipolte pork, green corn, red chile beef and chicken tomatillo. Cost is $5 per dozen and mix & match in 4x4x4 or 6×6 is permitted.

 

ASU’s Cameron Skattebo signs NIL deal with Burrito Express

Now that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL), Arizona State University running back Cameron Skattebo has signed a deal with locally owned Burrito Express. Brothers Angel and Mark Marin co-own Burrito Express and are ASU alumni presented Skattebo with his first NIL deal. He has since turned down other lucrative offers since signing with Burrito Express.

“We are extremely excited to work with Cam and offer him his first NIL deal,” said Angel. “And we’re humbled by the fact that despite other companies’ best efforts to lure him away from our contract, he has chosen to remain loyal to the Burrito Express family.”

ASU running back Cameron Skattebo

This isn’t the first NIL deal for the community minded Marin brothers who have long supported local sports and will continue to collaborate with ASU athletes. In its 30 years Burrito Express has provided thousands of free burritos to high school sports programs throughout the valley.

With the signing of Cameron Skattebo comes a signature burrito available at all 7 Burrito Express locations. The Boo-ritto is a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice for $11.88. To find a Boo-ritto near you or see about their community involvement visit their website.