Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Valentine’s Day under the stars with TLC eXperience

If you haven’t made you plans for next Tuesday, February 14th seats are still available for the 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by 3 course dinner. The Orchard at Agritopia hosts the locally sourced menu curated by Chef Tom and his culinary team. Seats are by reservation only and are $180 per person or $360 per couple. To view the menu and reserve you seats visit their website.

It’s a Schmoozetacular weekend in Scottsdale

The downtown Scottsdale coffee shop/cafe celebrates golf & football all weekend long.  Get 15% off all Bloody Mary’s and cocktail flights Fri, Sat & Sun. when you use promo code CHEERS15. Enjoy Schmooze after dark Friday & Saturday nights from 4 -10 p.m. and there is a Super Bowl Watch Party with light bites and cocktails on Sunday from 4-9 p.m.

New “Level Up” menu at Los Sombreros

Guests visiting the Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix Mexican restaurants can now experience new dishes to the menu. Enjoy The Molcajete features lobster, shrimp, chorizo and snow crab in a spicy broth. Beer battered Lobster Tacos, Wagyu Asada and Lamb Adobo also make up the new dishes.

Dirty Dough opens north Phoenix location

The Tempe cookie maker who mantra is “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” has opened its newest location in The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. One of a kind cookies with unique flavor profiles updates its cookie menu every Friday. Current favorites are Monster Mash, Candy Bar and Kitchen Sink cookies are available.

February specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations are serving up a margarita, entree and dessert specials all month long.

Rio Margarita: A house favorite since 2011, this handmade margarita is made with Hornitos Tequila, Hiram Walker Orange Curacao, lime juice and Agave triple sec. $9.99

Al Pastor Chicken Platter: Al pastor grilled chicken paired with fajita veggies, fried potatoes and a stuffed Anaheim pepper and served with a side of guacamole, roasted chipotle salsa and house-made tortillas. Choice of a cup of chicken tortilla soup or house salad to start.  $19.99

Strawberry Shortcake: Layered with vanilla sponge cake, strawberry puree and strawberry cheese cake, and topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumble. $7.99

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.

Barro’s Pizza replaces Chandler location with a new one

The locally owned pizza restaurant has been at its original Chandler location for over 20 years and the family felt it needed a change. They’re moving to a new location in the Ocotillo neighborhood at Queen Creek and Alma School Rd. beginning Tuesday January 24th. The closing location will be open right to the end closing at the end of service on the 23rd. The new modern decor will still have the comfy neighborhood feel customers have come to over 40 years.

Ling & Louie’s Lunar New Year celebration starts tomorrow

As featured last month the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant celebrates the Year of the Rabbit for 2 weeks. The celebration with food and drink specials start tomorrow with all details found in here.

Sunday grilled cheese pop up at Garden Bar

Fates Bread Co. will be making gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches every Sunday at the downtown Phoenix cocktail bar. Starting at 5 p.m. until they sell out guests can choose from a BLT Melt or The Secret Garden. Sundays also feature industry specials for hospitality workers. Reservations are suggested for all visits.

Jackson Family Wine dinner next week at Ling’s Wok Shop

If you haven’t made reservations for the 5 course dinner next Wednesday there is still time to do so. The Asian inspired dinner will be paired with wines from across the globe. For reservation details and to see the menu, see my post from earlier this month.

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.

GenuWineArizona celebrates its 5th birthday

Tomorrow January 14th the downtown Phoenix wine bar and retailer celebrates 5 years on Roosevelt Row with free wine samples, a DJ and Hot Sauce & Pepper Food Truck. Raffles will be awarded to attendees with the party going from 2 – 10 p.m.

3 course dinner next Tuesday at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Chef & owner Romeo Taus rings in 2023 with another of his monthly 3rd Tuesday 3 course dinner paired with wine. On January 17th the downtown Gilbert restaurant will feature Osso Bucco paired with a Portuguese wine as its main course. Chorizo and Papas will start the dinner and YAYA’s Chocolate Cake will give the dinner a sweet ending. Seats are $44 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Hundred Mile Brewing Company celebrates grand opening

The new Tempe brewery celebrates its Grand Opening from January 18th – 22nd. Daily specials on food & beer, a community charity drive, a Lap Around the Lake and more are planned from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PHX Beer Co. releases a new IPA dedicated to the “Zanjeros”

For over a hundred years Zanjeros would travel the state making sure the water flowed to our homes and farms. Without the “ditch riders” there would be no water to make beer and now the Phoenix brewery offers the new “Zanjeros” citrus fruit forward IPA. The beer is available at its downtown Phoenix brewery and Scottsdale restaurant.

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.

Jackson Family Wines dinner at Ling’s Wok Shop

The north Scottsdale flex casual restaurant Ling’s Wok Shop rings in the Chinese New Year with an Asian inspired five course dinner paired with Jackson Family Wines. The wines are sourced from Jackson Family Wines properties in California, Oregon and Italy. Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30 guests will celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with this one of a kind dinner for $88++ per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-801-6524.

FIRST COURSE
Dim Sum Sampler with Steamed Dumpling, Pork & Shrimp Dumpling, and Spicy Chicken Wonton
paired with Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay

SECOND COURSE
Cantonese-Style Sea Bass with Ginger and Lop Cheong
paired with Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay

THIRD COURSE
Peking Duck with Hoisin and Green Onion
paired with WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Noir

FOURTH COURSE
Char Siu Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus
paired with Hartford Family Russian River ZInfandel

HAPPY ENDING
Cheesecake with Vanilla-Orange Sauce
paired with Benvolio Prosecco

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.

High praise for Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion from Gayot Guide

Christopher Gross is no stranger to racking up accolades over the years for his cooking and restaurant’s experience. He can now add being named one of the “Best Restaurant’s in the U.S.” and “Most Memorable Meals of 2022” from Gayot- Guide to the Good Life to his resume. Sophie Gayot gave Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion an 18/20 score for his French/ Contemporary cuisine.

Gayot says “During my soirée at the 32-seat restaurant, my head spun at each of the modern French cuisine dishes presented to the table. There is no show, no eccentricity, just perfectly calibrated and balanced execution.”

Bubbles wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

Just in time to toast the New Year the downtown Phoenix wine bar hosts a tasting on Thursday, December 29th from 6- 8 p.m. 4 sparkling wines will be tasted for $10 with 20% off any bottles purchased that evening. Tickets are available here.

New Year’s Eve and Day at Ghost Ranch

The Tempe restaurant is offering its NYE Chef Series Menu on a first come, first serve basis until it sells out. The four course dinner offers chicken, seafood & Wagyu NY Strip before dessert. New Year’s Day enjoy specials on Bloody Maria’s, Birria Tacos & Burritos.

B & B Cocktail Lounge now serving weekend brunch

You can now check out weekend brunch from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the new lounge that opened earlier this year in Old Town Scottsdale. Bacon Steak & Eggs, B & B Breakfast Fries are included on the gourmet menu. You can even “Build Your Own” Avocado Toast with 25 toppings to choose from. For the sweet side there is Bourbon Coffee Cake, Sweets Board with fruit, bacon and sweet garnish.

Of course brunchy cocktails are served including Breakfast Bee, a bourbon-infused milky play on Honey Nut Cheerios, a Mimosa Flight with 9 juice options and Lemon Basil Squeeze with Haku Vodka, Chandon Rosé, lemon juice and more.

Hundred Mile Brewing releasing its first beers

The newly opened Tempe brewery started releasing its own beers the past couple of weeks. New beers include Natural Blonde Ale, Pinetop Pilsner, Infinite Coyote a West Coast IPA, Crowd Surfer a Mexican style lager and Desert Neon hazy IPA.

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.

The last Third Tuesday dinner of 2022 at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

A delicious wine pairing dinner ends the year at the popular downtown Gilbert restaurant next Tuesday, December 20th. Three courses including The Lafayette Kraut, Spuds Veggies & Pork and Chocolate Temptation Cake will be paired with wines from Washington, Oregon and California. Seats are $44 per person and the dinner starts at 6:30, for reservations call 480-962-4224.

Rooftop Disco Bash on New Year’s Eve at Pedal Haus

The downtown Phoenix restaurant hosts a fun and unique way to ring in 2023. A buffet, complimentary champagne toast, a disco ball drop and a Disco DJ will make this a memorable evening. General admission is $20 with guaranteed seating for 6 and all the amenities are $180. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Chompie’s offers Chanukah and Christmas catering meals

If the shopping is done it’s now time to focus on the food for next week’s holidays. All 4 locations are taking orders for meals for all 8 nights of Hanukkah and Christmas. 24 hours advanced order is required and 72 hours for whole turkeys and larger catering orders.

The Unforgettable Chanukah at Home Package features all the favorites. Choose from sliced brisket & gravy, roasted chicken or turkey breast with Challah stuffing accompanied with Matzoh Ball Soup, a choice of two sides, dinner rolls and one of Lovie’s Holiday desserts. The dinner is $249.99 and serves 8.

For Christmas choose The Traditional ($299.99) or The Basic ($249.99) dinners. XL whole oven roasted turkeys with homemade stuffing & gravy, cranberry relish, fresh baked dinner rolls and a two 9 inch pies (pumpkin and apple) make up The Basic. Add candied yams, mashed potatoes and home-style green beans and you’ve got yourself and family The Traditional dinner. Both dinners feed 12-15 people.

Scottsdale’s new ski lodge is now open

Wait what, a ski lodge in Scottsdale you say. Yes as Old Town Ski Lodge is open Thursday – Sundays from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. in the hideaway upstairs at Wasted Grain. Enjoy Après-Ski cocktails Smores Martini, a Jack Frost Martini and boozy snow cones and winter vibes all year long. The Ski Lodge atmosphere also offers a large selection of bourbon, whiskey and scotch to keep you warm. It’s available for private parties and events.

Barros’ Pizza raises a lot of money for St. Mary’s Food Bank

Last week’s 11th Annual Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight raised more than $415,000 almost $85,000 over last year’s fundraiser. All proceeds from all the day’s sales the 46 locations in Tucson and Phoenix were donated. Co-owner Mike Barro thanks loyal customers for coming out year after year that has raised more than $2.5 million dollars in the 11 years.

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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

The TLC eXperience returns with Friendsgiving at Agritopia

The monthly supper club is back after taking the summer off with its first dinner of the season Friday, November 18th at Agritopia in Gilbert. Seating is limited for the 4-course dinner created by Chef Tom Baumbach and his team. Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $150 per person and can only be purchased here.  Tables of 8 or 10 are also available for purchase.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. Craft Beer & Music Festival happens Saturday

Tomorrow November 5th welcomes NASCAR fans, country music lovers and beer drinkers to Bell Bank Park starting 6 p.m. The popular Hillbilly Deluxe is the headliner with DJ Jeffro and the Get Lit Dancers opens the show. VIP Happy Hour hosted by Michael starts with early entry at 5 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ older festival are available at BellBankPark.com or at Tixr.

Press Coffee opens today inside Sprouts

The first in-store location of the locally owned coffee roster is now open inside the Sprouts at 3320 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. All weekend long small drip coffees are $1 and all of the proceeds will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Give away will be happening on Saturday and Sunday with more details here.

Loco J’s Tacos & Tequila now open in Cave Creek

Navy veteran Jason Clouse opened his new taco joint in this week making it the first Mexican restaurant to open in town in a long time. He was the former owner of nearby Rosati’s Pizza and sold it to focus on Loco J’s. The restaurant is at 28260 N. Tatum Blvd. and opens daily at 3 p.m.

LDV Winery hiring for their Scottsdale tasting room

Looking to make some extra money for the holidays or keep up with inflation, put your wine knowledge and customer service skills to work in the fun and friendly atmosphere.  Submit your resume to info@ldvwinery.com and learn more about the winery at their website.

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