Category: now open

Liquor store looks to revolutionize the customer experience

Trevor’s Liquor, popular south Scottsdale liquor store and beer & wine bar opened its second location recently and its owner are looking to give customers a more engaging and unique experience. The opening of the new Mayo Blvd. store come less than 3 years after the opening of their McDowell Rd. store.

“We are eager to build a community around our store, whether people come to Trevor’s to shop their favorite products or just to have fun,” said Jeff McDonald, owner and partner of Trevor’s Liquor. “Our team is proud to shake up the liquor store industry in Arizona to become more immersive and add elements of fun.” The Mayo Blvd. store comes after a very successful three years in which sales increased by over 28% in 2022 over 2021 sales despite opening during the pandemic.

The new 15,000 square foot store has not only a large selection of beer, wine & spirits but a tasting booth, a full bar offering beer, wine & cocktails, games, a luxury champagne room and two golf simulators. Cigar enthusiasts will find a walk-in humidor and a trendy cigar lounge along with a collection of rare and hard to find spirits.

Unlike their first location, the new location has an artisanal pizza kitchen where Executive Chef Parker Rosbrook will dish -up made from scratch pizzas and salads. Award winning mixologist and beverage director Jordan Chandler crafted their signature cocktail list using high quality ingredients and spirits. Both locations have a full calendar of events and online shopping is available on 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.

Little Pickle NY style deli pop-up opens at The Esplanade

A taste of New York has popped up serving deli sandwiches, pastries, lox and more for breakfast and lunch for a limited time. The Little Pickle is from Merc Bar owner Rick Phillips and friend celebrity chef Aaron May. Phillips missed Jewish deli food found in such New York delis Katz’s and Zabar’s so he and May got to work to open one on a small scale and for a limited time.

Phillip’s taught himself to how to make smoked salmon and would serve flown in bagels with his homemade lox to friends and family and the Little Pickle was born. Named for what Phillip’s mother would call him growing up he thought it would be great name for a deli and has since passed on the nickname to his daughter.

On the menu at the Little Pickle

“Perfecting our recipes and opening Little Pickle has helped bring tastes of NYC to the Valley.” says May who joined his fellow east coaster in making a pastrami palace. During breakfast guests can expect perfectly prepared smoked salmon and a bagel, Challah French Toast, blintzes, overnight oatmeal and chia seed pudding. For lunch the mouth-watering Pastrami Reuben is the go to sandwich along with over 10 other sandwiches and fixins’. Scratch made Matzoh ball soup will be served during the winter and pan fried latkes are also a hit with customers.

“We are thrilled to have the Little Pickle pop-up open at the Esplanade expanding our options for breakfast and lunch for tenants and visitors,” said Robert Marino, Vice President of Asset Management for Tourmaline Capital Partners. “Passionate operators with chef driven concepts translates to great food and the partners we want to work with to continue to build an amenity rich environment here at the Esplanade.”

The Little Pickle is open through Passover (September) Monday- Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. with coffee and pastries available after 2 p.m. Catering is also available for meetings, family gathering or any group function. For more information and to view the menu visit 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.

 

The Blue Heron opens alongside Crust Simply Italian in Gilbert

Crust Simply Italian continues their expansion with their newest location in the Verde at Cooley Station development in Gilbert. With the new opening comes the new speakeasy themed cocktail bar, The Blue Heron. It’s not owner Mike Merendino’s first dual concept as his Chandler location of Crust also houses The Ostrich cocktail bar downstairs.

“We have been looking in Gilbert for some time now, and when we found the Verde project in Cooley Station we fell in love with the neighborhood,” says owner Merendino. A Mesa location is expected to open in mid-2023.

The East Coast Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes and pizza Merendino used to make in his father’s pizzeria on New York’s Long Island. Authentic pasta dishes, Italian style Rustica shaped pizza’s and craft cocktails are signature to Crust. Happy hour happens Monday -Friday from 3- 6p.m. and offers specials on their popular appetizers and cocktails.

“Crust Simply Italian is looking forward to serving the local Gilbert community with delicious authentic East Coast Italian food! We want our customers to come in as friends and to walk away feeling like family!” says Merendino.

“Dealer’s Choice” at The Blue Heron

The Blue Heron specializes in craft cocktails and the popular “dealer’s choice” cocktail. The “dealer’s choice” is perfect for those aren’t sure what they want to drink so the bartenders create custom cocktails based on the customer’s preference of ingredients. Merendino continues his Birds of a Feather theme in naming The Blue Heron, a native bird to Arizona. Doors open daily at 5 p.m.

Both Gilbert locations offer catering and have space for private dining and events. Crust opens daily at 11 a.m. and is at 2470 S Recker Rd #101,Gilbert AZ 85296.

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

 

 

YC’s Mongolian Grill opens a new Scottsdale location

Locally owned YC’s Mongolian Grill returned to Scottsdale last week with the opening its new Loop 101 & Raintree location. Loyal customers couldn’t wait to get back to building their own stir fry bowls as was evident when I visited with owner Geoff Stansic recently. The previous Scottsdale location was at The Pavilions but was shut down with the other 4 locations due to the pandemic. As the pandemic waned and the economy improved Stansic decided to re-open 3 of the locations in Gilbert, Tempe and Scottsdale with a 4th location slated to open sometime in 2023.

“After a tough few years of working through adversity during the pandemic and beyond, we are ready to open the doors to an all-new YC’s experience and reconnect with our Scottsdale customers,” Stanisic said. “We take pride in the food we serve and love being able to provide our customers with the best ingredients and a bowl full of authentic flavor.”

Stansic took over in 1996, five years after the first location in Tempe was opened by the original owner YC. He knew a thing or two about the restaurant business as he was kitchen manager for Hyatt Hotels and Houston’s before going into business for himself. It shows as he greets his returning customers by name, knows what bowls they will build and sauces they will have them tossed with. He even has a few signature sauces named for long time customers. He credits much of the success to his attentive staff, several who have been with since before he took over almost 30 years ago.

YC's Mongolian Grill
Beef & Broccoli bowl

What is YC’s Mongolian Grill?

Folklore has it that in the days of Genghis Khan, his army would cook their food on their shields over a hot fire, similar to how it’s done at YC’s. In each location after you’ve piled high your meats, vegetables, noodles and sauces the cooks will grill them on 600 degree circular flat top grill in full view. During peak times 4 cooks will toss the ingredients on the grill rotating around the grill.

There is no one demographic at YC’s Mongolian Grill as the food has something for everybody. Vegan and gluten free diets can be accommodated as there are plenty of vegetables, noodles and sauces for all.  Want meat in your bowl, add white or dark meat chicken, pork and or beef with shrimp available during dinner. Don’t be afraid to pile your ingredients high, it’s encouraged. Their signature noodles are sourced from Chinatown in L.A. with vegetables coming from local distributors.

A separate bowl is used combine ingredients for your Asian inspired sauce. A menu board offers several signature sauces recommending how much and which water based sauces and rice wines to use. The staff is always nearby to help create your sauce before grilling making tastes and combinations endless.

Free Stir Fry Day

To celebrate the new location, customers coming in Wednesday, November 2nd will get free small bowl from 11 a.m. – 7p.m. The new location is at 14850 N. 87th St., Scottsdale, AZ. For more information visit their website.

The Uncommon brings 70s, 80s, & 90s nostalgia eatery to Chandler

Baby boomers and Gen X’s will reminisce strolling down memory lane surrounded by life size video games, pinball machines and music from classic rock to new wave at the new eatery and arcade The Uncommon. Downtown Chandler welcomed the opening last month to the sister concept from the Tipsy Egg.

“The amount of detail that has been packed into The Uncommon has been overwhelmingly received with smiles and laughter brought on by the memories of childhood,” said Niels Kreipke, The Uncommon owner. “The space is unrivaled in the Valley and is truly special.”

Common food at The Uncommon

Guests will enjoy scratch made comfort food with an uncommon spin from executive chef Schuyler Estes. The “Sloan Peterson” (Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend) is a smoked salmon BLT, made with avocado and garlic aioli on sourdough bread. The “Inigo Montoya” (of Princess Bride fame) is burger that’s served on a freshly made English Muffin with white American cheese, bacon, pickles, arugula, red onion and garlic aioli. “There isn’t a menu item that shouldn’t be tried here,” said Estes. “A well balanced and perfectly executed blend of offerings is key to the success of this menu.”

The cocktail menu from General Manager Nick Kadkec has as much creativity as the food. Popular cocktails including Poppin Cherry Limeade,” made with Smirnoff cherry vodka, lime juice, Sprite, grenadine and a cherry. The “1.21 Gigawatts,” is made with Basil Hayden whiskey, simple syrup and orange bitters. The “We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat” is a cocktail for two that comes in a blue ceramic fish and is served with Candy Fish and Nerds in the bottom. Over 30 craft beers are on tap from local brewers and throughout the country.

Have fun playing the games including Skeeball, shufflebaord and more in the arcade. A stage for up to 3 musicians to play on weekends with DJs spinning the classics during the week. Currently serving dinner starting at 4 p.m. for all ages The Uncommon becomes 21 and over nightly at 10 p.m. The Uncommon is at 1 E. Boston St. Chandler, for more information and to see the menu 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.

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.

50 days to celebrate 50 years at Organ Stop Pizza

From Saturday August 20th through Saturday October 8th guests can help celebrate this monumental anniversary with food specials. The $50 meal deal gets you two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (not including extra cheese), two appetizers (combo basket excluded) and two pitchers of soft drink. There will also be nightly food and merchandise giveaways and Sundae Funday with 50% off small and large sundaes.

Spanish Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

Thursday August 25th join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for 4 unique Spanish wines from 6-8 p.m. It’s free for wine club members and $10 for non-members. The 4 wines will be 20% off during the event. You can RSVP here.

Pork on a Fork finally opens Chandler restaurant

BBQ fans can now get their fill as the long delayed opening happened this month. The official grand opening is Wednesday September 7th with the first 50 guests getting a free swag bag. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Sunday at 11 a.m. and located at 1972 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85254.

Pumpkin is back at Dunkin

The un-official sign that Fall is just around the corner, Dunkin introduced several pumpkin flavored drinks and foods this week. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, a Pumpkin Spice Latte and new Nutty Pumpkin Coffee are on the beverage side. A glazed pumpkin donut, Pumpkin Munchkins donut holes and a pumpkin muffin are available to snack on. Other seasonal flavors include a Blood Orange Refresher, a Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich and Maple Sugar Snackin’ Bacon.

Anoche Cantina now open

The new Mill Ave. restaurant and nightclub is now open daily at 11 a.m. until late in the night. Read about what to expect at my post earlier this month.

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.

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.

A new modern look at Federico’s 25th location in Tolleson

The locally owned Mexican fast food restaurant shows off a new modern look and the same classic tacos, burritos, tortas and more. The new location at 220 N. 83rd Ave. is open 24 hours a day offering daily and Taco Tuesday specials. Co-owners Isidro Araiza, Ricardo Araiza and Carlos Vazquez opened the first Federico’s in 2005 with other locations throughout the Phoenix area, Arizona and New Mexico.

3rd Tuesday dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Three courses paired with California wines is how Chef Romeo Taus shows off his popular dishes and his next dinner is Tuesday August 16th. $39.00 gets you a seat at the table; reserve your seat by calling 480-962-4224.

Walter Station Brewery’s Ale Wagger to raise funds for life saving pet programs

The local brewer and Arizona Animal Welfare league (AAWL) team up for the new Ale Wagger for the rest of the summer or while supplies last. On Saturday August 20th celebrate with a launch party from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to load up on some beer, food and puppy cuddles. A portion of the proceeds will go towards vet services, vaccinations, pet education and more.

Back to school deals at Picazzo’s in August

Every Monday this month Buy One, Get One 50% off lunch combos and Kid’s Eat Free on Wednesday’s. Lunch is from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and kid’s 12 and under get a free Junior Meal with a purchase of $25 or more. Available at all 6 locations in Phoenix and Sedona.

White Castle opening 2nd Arizona location

Love them or hate them, east coast and mid-westerners have an affinity toward these sliders. A new Tempe location has been announced with a mid-2023 opening planned. The first Arizona location opened in 2019 on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation off the Loop 101 in Scottsdale.

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.

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.

Day Drinker Devil Ride takes place Saturday July 30th

Bike riders and day drinkers meet up next Saturday at Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe for a 10-mile ride starting at 8 a.m. The 2nd annual ride raises money for the non-profit Rob Dollar Foundation that helps bring awareness for bike safety. The “fun” ride goes through Papago Park and mid-way through there will be a hydration station.

Tickets are $5 with your first Day Drinker Light Lager & hydration station beverage included. $15 gets the above and a commemorative ” I Survived the Devil Ride” t-shirt. Happy Hour at Pedal Haus is from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a raffle at 12:30 p.m.

Dairy Queen’s “Miracle Treat Day” benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Thursday July 28th over 80 Dairy Queen’s around Phoenix, central and northern Arizona donate $1 of every Blizzard sold to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. PCH is the local hospital to benefit from the nationwide event. The 2022 goal is $90,000 for the hospital’s Hope Fund.

French wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

The wine bar in downtown Phoenix invites guests to join them between 6 – 8 p.m. to taste and learn about French wine. The July 28th tasting is free to wine club members and $10 to non-members. Four wines will be poured and any bottles purchased of the four will be 20% off that night. Click here to RSVP.

Savor a 5-course prix-fixe meal at Francine

The Scottsdale restaurant showcasing the cuisine of the south of France offers guests a special summer menu Sunday – Thursday’s until August 31st. The $45 per person meal will transport you to the Mediterranean that features gazpacho, grilled octopus, caccio e pepe linguini and more to choose from. To reserve your seat call 480-690-6180.

Press Coffee opens newest location in Ocotillo

To celebrate the new location today through Sunday the local roaster will donate $1 of all drip coffee’s to HopeKids. The local non-profit helps children and their families battling life threatening diseases with hope and support. The new location is located at 1085 W. Queen Creek Rd. Chandler.

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.

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.

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen offer Healthy Hour menu

All 6 locations (5 in Phoenix area and 1 in Sedona) kicked off the new summer Healthy Hour recently. Daily from 3 -6 p.m. enjoy popular food items and cocktails such as Baked Wings, Mama’s Meat-Za-Balls and Baked Brie for $8. Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip and Avocado Toast are $7 and Cheese Bread is $6.

Wash them down with $4 Local Drafts, glasses of house wines for $5 and Zo’s House Made Sangria for $6. Signature cocktails including the Prickly Pear Margarita and Smoky Cadillac are $7 and both use the locally owned Shrubwell‘s rimming salt.

 Dole Whip only $2 on Monday at Koibito Poke

Cool off on National Pineapple Day at the Gainey Ranch location of Koibito Poke with the the popular frozen treat. The 5 oz. Dole Whip is available all day from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Chef Brett Vibber and Pedal Haus Brewery team up for beer paired dinner

Master Brewer Derek Osborne and Wild Arizona chef Brett Vibber team up for a five-course dinner on Thursday June 30th. Dinner will take place at the brewer’s downtown Phoenix location at 214 E. Roosevelt St. starting at 6 p.m. Foraged and locally sourced dishes including Wild Mushroom Potstickers and Arizona Wagyu Brisket will be paired with Mexican Amber Lager and Haus IPA. Seats are limited and are $120 and can be reserved here.

Venezia’s Pizza in Chandler now open

The 6th location of the poplar locally owned restaurant I featured last month is now open for business. Known for pizza and wings they offer daily lunch specials and the “Slice of the Day”. Owner Domenick Montanile opened his first location in Tempe in 1998 right after graduating from ASU.

Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar now open at Chase Field

When it was announced in February that Guy Fieri would we be opening a new restaurant at Chase Field little information was known. Now we know that “Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen +Bar” has opened this week inside the new Caesars Sportsbook. Executive Chef Kayla Laasko offers scratch made food along with classic cocktails, beer & wine. Several of Fieri’s classic dishes including Trash Can Nachos and the popular Bacon Mac n Cheeseburger are on the menu along with new dishes.

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.

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.

TLC eXperience dinner partners with non-profit

Limited seating is available for the next supper club on Friday May 20th that  returns to Ahwatukee at Lights, Camera, Discover!‘s new venue. Chef Tom and his team’s menu is always a mystery until you arrive but you won’t be disappointed. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Seats are $175 per person and can be reserved here.

Dominick’s Steakhouse host Fitz’s Supper Club

There’s still time to get your tickets for next Tuesday May 10th’s VIP Reception and Dinner to benefit the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation. The former Arizona Cardinal’s wide receiver hosts the dinner and is joined by former teammates and local celebrities to raise money for underrepresented communities across the United States and around the world. It helps children with what they need to feel confident growing up and to support women and men affected by breast cancer. Larry’s mother passed away from breast cancer in 2003 and when he started his foundation in 2005 he said its deeply rooted in his mission.

The VIP Reception starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Seats can be reserved here.

Free hummus during happy hour at Pita Jungle

Friday, May 13th is International Hummus Day and from 3-6 p.m. participating locations will give guests a free small hummus dip with purchase of an entree. Choose from Classic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper or the spicy Cilantro Jalapeño.

Tia Carmen opens at JW Marriott Desert Ridge

“Top Chef” Angel Sosa recently opened his contemporary southwestern restaurant at the north Phoenix resort. The resort’s signature restaurant serves breakfast and dinner and has partnered with local partners and purveyors. Read the full story at my post from March.

New brunch menu at PHX Beer Co.

The Scottsdale restaurant is introducing new dishes on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Guests can choose from such dishes as Corned Beef Hash Skillet, French Toast Platter, Avocado Toast, a Breakfast Burrito and more.

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.