Category: north Scottsdale

The Mick Brasserie & Bar, a welcome addition to McCormick Ranch

Any restaurant that’s opened in 2020 faces more challenges than the day to day challenges associated with the restaurant industry. Open in an Arizona summer and you could be behind the eight ball even more. Those challenges haven’t seemed to put a damper on the opening of The Mick Brasserie & Bar in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood. The modern French inspired restaurant opened last August and on a recent Wednesday night guests seemed to be enjoying as if were 2019.

The Mick Braaerie & Bar
Pate de Campagne. All photos courtesy of Shoshana Leon

Owners John Krause and Chef Brent Menke are serving colorful, small and shareable plates that’s globally inspired and locally sourced. The menu aims to please all with vegan and vegetarian dishes along with plenty for meat and seafood lovers. The two longtime friends date back to The University of Arizona where they were fraternity brothers before both wound up in Rhode Island. Menke cooked on yachts before opening The Farm Table in northwestern Massachusetts. Krause has had several careers and this is his first foray in the restaurant business.

The Mick Brasserie & Bar menus

On my recent visit my guest and I arrived towards the end of happy hour and enjoyed glasses of house wine with our Pate de Campagne, a healthy portion of pork pate wrapped in bacon with pistachios, Shiitake mushrooms and foie gras. Served with pickled red onions, stone ground mustard, cornichons and toasted sourdough bread. A fan of wild mushrooms we ordered Wild Mushroom Napoleon which I was left to enjoy myself as my companion isn’t a fan of the earthy delights. The Bacon Tarte was plentiful and filling.

We split the Duck Confit Moroccan Pastilla which we both wished we had all to our self. The pickled pineapple was unique touch to the filo wrapped duck, julienne vegetables and agrodolce. In typical European style The House Julienne Salad was brought after our meal. Chef Menke loves to say, “Food is better when shared.”

The Mick Brasserie & Bar
Duck Confit Moroccan Pastilla

The Mick has an extensively researched wine and craft beer list from around the world including 50 wines by the glass and 24 beers on tap. Four retail refrigerators allow for wines and beers can be sold to take home with you. The spacious patio allows for comfortable outdoor dining while the modern art filled indoor interior offers a well-lit enjoyable dining experience.

The Mick Brasserie & Bar is at 9719 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85258. Hours are Tues.- Fri. 3 p.m. -9p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m. – 3p.m. Brunch is served early on weekends and happy hour is from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. To view the menu and more information check their website.

 

Take-out or dine-in on Thanksgiving Day from local restaurants

Everybody’s favorite food holiday is just over 2 weeks away (Thursday November 26th). With Thanksgiving 2020 giving us new challenges cooking shouldn’t be one of them. This list offers restaurants(and a local retailer or 2) in the Phoenix area who are preparing traditional and non-traditional meals for dining in or preparing take-out to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Click on each restaurants website to see the menu, pricing and ordering instructions and deadlines.

Dine-in

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree

The Boulder Resort & Spa– Carefree

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilhttps://paulmartinsamericangrill.com/promotions/thanksgiving/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Thanksgiving2020bert

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine– Scottsdale

Take-out

Chompie’s– Multiple locations

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Cowboy Club– Sedona

Fuel to Fit– Tempe

Wildflower– Multiple locations

Sprouts Farmers Market– Multiple locations

SanTan Brewing Company– Chandler

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix

Z’Tejas– Chandler & Paradise Valley

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix

Tracy Dempsey Originals– Tempe

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilbert

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen opens in north Scottsdale

You can’t keep the valley’s restaurant scene down as new restaurants continue to open. In October we saw the opening of Chantico in central Phoenix and Match Market & Bar in downtown Phoenix among others. New to north Scottsdale is The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen with Chef Christopher Nicosia running the kitchen.

Foodies should remember Chef Nicosia from the closed Italian restaurant Sassi and his induction into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. “Our menu is unlike anything even seasoned foodies have seen before,” said chef Nicosia. “The Craftsman puts a modern twist on conventional American dishes. From infusing dishes with craft beer and in-house distilled spirits, to including as many locally grown ingredients as possible, this menu allows me to pair quality with creativity.”

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen
Chef Christopher Nicosia

Situated in a bustling retail center at Hayden Rd. and Thompson Peak Parkway, The Craftsman serves up traditional American fare with global flavors is inspired by a hard working farmer and grandfather who loved his family, the land and working with his hands.

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen dishes and spirits

On a recent visit for happy hour I couldn’t stop eating the house-made chips with queso dip, wished I’d ordered more than two AZ Hot Chicken Lollipops with barrel aged hot sauce and tasty blue cheese slaw and Scallop Toast. A full menu of innovative dishes includes Bone-In Volcano Pork, Tuna Poke Sandwich and Lamb Belly Sausage Flatbread.

AZ Hot Chicken Lollipops courtesy of Tara Schultz

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen also offers its own line of distilled spirits. Vodka, gin, rum, barrel aged amaro, bourbon and coffee liquor are available to sample and purchase. Currently distilled off-site they will soon distill the spirits in-house. Craft beers and wines are available in what will be a go-to neighborhood joint for good food, drinks and atmosphere.

The Craftsman Cocktails and Kitchen is at 20469 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale AZ 85255. For more information visit their website.

Support the troops, active and retired on Veteran’s Day

One thing we all agree on is that we support the troops of our military. Whether active or retired when Veteran’s Day arrives on November 11th these Phoenix area restaurants and watering holes offer deals on food & drink to our veterans and active military personnel.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar- The Scottsdale and Camelback locations give all veterans and active military personnel a free classic burger or cheeseburger. Offer is for dine-in or on-line ordering for take-out and military ID required for those in uniform.

Angry Crab Shack- 10% off at all locations with valid military ID.

Fired Pie- Free entree to all military with valid ID. Not available for 3rd party delivery.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria– 15% year round and 25% off on Veteran’s Day for active & retired military.

S & V Urban Italian- Show military ID at the Scottsdale restaurant for a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill- Show your military ID at any of the 4 locations around Phoenix and get free entree with a non-alcoholic beverage purchase.

Roaring Fork– Bring your military ID when you dine-in for 15% off your entire order.

Original Breakfast House- All military personnel get a free meal at this north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli- The central Phoenix deli offers veteran’s 10% off year round. On Veteran’s Day they give 20% off.

Cider Corps– The veteran owned downtown Mesa cidery offers 10% to all military year round. This year they’re open for take-away only with 15 ciders on tap.

Angel’s Trumpet House- All food is 10% off from 3-9 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix gastropub with military ID.

Morning Squeeze- Get a free drip coffee at the Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants open for breakfast and lunch.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse- All military personnel get 50% off their entree at the north Scottsdale restaurant open for dinner.

Pedal Haus Brewery- Take 20% off all food and drink and half off all merchandise at their Mill Ave. and downtown Chandler locations.

Voodoo Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen- Dine-in and get a free entree with proof of service at the south Tempe Cajun restaurant.

Macacyo’s- Get a free meal on the house whether you dine-in and take-out at any location.

 

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

Quick sips of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.

20% off your at OHSO Brewery Arcadia donated to AAWL

To celebrate Oktoberfest the brew pub with dog friendly patio will donated 20% of sales from 4-8 p.m. Sunday October 18th to the Arizona Animal Welfare League. AAWL is the state’s largest & oldest no-kill shelter saving thousands of lives.

Local pumpkins sourced for Los Sombreros dishes

Abby Lee Farms and Crooked Sky Farms have provided all three of the Mexican restaurants with pumpkins for 2 seasonal dishes. Pumpkin Soup ($10) and Pumpkin Flan ($8) will be available until October 31st. The feature is part of the restaurants Los Local Love program helping to support Arizona farms and foods.

Fall weather brings seasonal food to Trapp Haus BBQ

With the return of cool weather the popular downtown Phoenix BBQ joint has brought back its popular Texas Burnt End Chili. $6.99 gets you cup and $9.99 gets you a bowl of the juicy & tender beef brisket ends. Wash it down with a Wicked Caramel Apple Cider cocktail for $10. The Fall favorite is made with cinnamon whiskey, apple cider and a caramel drizzle.

Burnt End Chili

Chase’s Diner dishes out Pumpkin Pancakes in October

If pumpkin spice your seasonal favorite head to the Chandler diner who is serving up stacks of their pancakes made with the ingredient. The rich & fluffy pancakes are dusted with powdered sugar and served with real whipped cream sweet butter and maple syrup. A short stack of 3 is $8.79 and a combo plate with 2 pancakes, 2 eggs and bacon or sausage is $8.39.

Twin Peaks Restaurant is raising money for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Donate by putting a name of someone on a pink ribbon to be put on the dining room wall of the 3 locations around Phoenix. All money collected in October will be donated locally to the Phoenix chapter of the American Cancer Society. On October 24th the restaurants participates in Strides Ride for Phoenix.

 

Vicinos Local Italian brings food & hospitality to the neighborhood

Steve & Maria Winters and David & Debi Henry have been friends and colleagues for over 25 years before they decided to open Vicinos Local Italian together in early 2020. They have over 100 years of restaurant experience and it shows in their hospitality whether you’re joining them for a meal or a glass of wine. “Vicino” means “neighbor” and it’s like they’re welcoming you into their home at their north Scottsdale restaurant.

Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. for lunch, happy hour and dinner Vicinos Local Italian, formerly Vito’s, keeps it simple serving classic Italian dishes and pizzas made fresh and with the highest quality of ingredients. The restaurant re-opened in mid- September with a new menu and a few of David’s favorites are Fettuccine Alla Bolognese, Pork Chop, any of the hand stretched pizzas, Bruschetta Burrata & the Calamari Fritti.

Ribeye. All photos courtesy of Vicinos Local Italian

A reasonably priced and extensive wine list with selections from around the world will complement any meal. Tuesdays and Wednesdays guests can enjoy a bottle of wine for half off any bottle priced at $50 or less. On Monday’s guests who dine-in get a free appetizer with 2 entrees. Happy Hour is offered 7 days a week from 3 p.m.- 6:30 Tuesday – Saturday and all day Sunday and Monday.

Catering at the restaurant or in the comfort of your own home, delivery & pick up is available. Vicinos Local Italian is at 10999 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale 85259. (480)664-8260. To view the menu and for more information visit their website.

 

Safety measures in place as Scottsdale approves Polo Classic

The city of Scottsdale approved safety measures for the 2020 Stella Artois Polo Classic scheduled for Saturday November 7th at Westworld. In addition to the safety measures being taken, this year’s event will include the Morehouse College Polo Team vs. Women’s All-Stars playing in the final match and a concert by Roger Clyne after the match. Morehouse College is a private historically black men’s college in Atlanta and where Martin Luther King Jr. attended

Attendees will notice the popular tents are now open air with umbrellas & lattice fences and safety measures include mandatory mask wearing, social distancing & enforcement team, hand sanitizer stations and temperature checks. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. with the first match between the Arizona Polo Club & Denver Polo Club at 11:30 a.m. Between matches enjoy The World’s “Longest” Fashion Show, Canine Coture, A Dog Fashion Show Like No Other and of course, people watching.

“From the exciting new match-ups, to the charity endeavors to a new site plan with extensive seating options, 2020 will certainly be a year like no other and gives people looking to get outside and enjoy sports a new way of viewing a sporting event while staying distanced,” said Jason Rose, co-founder and co-owner of the event. After the matches end adjacent to the polo field, rock legend Roger Clyne will perform live. Tickets to the concert can be purchased separately. A schedule of events, tickets and more information can be found at http://thepoloparty.com/

 

Farmers markets heat up as the weather cools down

A sure sign of the change of seasons and cooler weather is the re-opening of farmers markets across the valley. Farmers markets feature locally grown produce and other food products and crafts and have become very popular in recent years. Several feature coffee, food trucks and have local restaurants preparing ready to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. Others offer cooking demonstrations and seminars for the communities benefit. 2020/21 markets are following CDC guidelines with social distancing and wearing of masks to keep everybody safe and healthy. Many welcome dogs as long as they are on leashes. Markets if not running year round usually end before the summer heat kicks in in May.

The this Saturday October 3rd brings the re-opening of the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. The popular market starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 1p.m. at 2nd St. and Brown.

The return of north Phoenix’s High Street Farmers Market is set for Sunday October 25th. Over a 100 vendors will be selling food, arts and more from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Some farmers markets haven’t waited for the weather to cool down such as Momma’s Organic Market in Surprise. The new market started up at The Sterling Grove Market on Sunday September 6th. Momma’s market at Park West in Peoria kicks off Wednesday October 7th at 4 p.m. Their Glendale market at Arrowhead Town Center is open on Saturday mornings.

Arizona Community Farmers Markets organizes 10 markets in the Phoenix area including the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. For information and their locations visit their website.

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

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.

Buy One Get One Free at Koibito Poke on Monday 9/28

All 5 Phoenix area locations are celebrating International Poke Day with a FREE bowl when you buy one.

October is National Pizza Month and Fired Pie is rounding up for PCH

From October 1st – 15th the quick casual pizza restaurant encourages its guests in the community to Round Up up their bill to an even dollar amount. The extra change collected will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. You can give back at any of the 21 locations.

Wake up to National Coffee Day on Tuesday 9/29

Local coffee roaster, Press Coffee is giving away a FREE 8 oz. drip coffee with each purchase at any of its 8 valley locations.

Buy one bag of U.S. Egg’s 10 oz. specialty coffee get another for free. A bag will cost you $10 at any of the 6 valley locations.

Community minded Barro’s Pizza partners with Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway

The local family owned pizzeria is seeking applications from students for a $10,000 towards college tuition and expenses. Students can submit an entry online until Dec. 14th. The giveaway is open to students 18 years and older. Find more information at the website.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant heads into October with new specials.

Customers can help test new dishes and give feedback to see if they are popular enough to stay on the menu. All 5 locations will offer these specials at special prices. 6 specials are on every part of the menu from drinks to dessert. Specials include Spiced Brandy Cider, Shrimp Ceviche Tostaditos, Pollo Serrano & Vegetable Salad, Barbacoa Bowl, Mexican Street Corn Lollipop and Caramel Apple Flan.

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

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.