Category: old town Scottsdale

Parking lot eats and social distancing in south Scottsdale

A week into the Covid-19 pandemic and restaurants only serving takeout I’ve been making my way to my neighborhood “Go to” restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are plenty of great restaurants in south Scottsdale and I’ve been to my share but rarely do I dine in the parking lot. With takeout only available I rarely take the food more than a few feet from where I pick it up from. With so many great lists of restaurants serving takeout I wanted to put a list together of my neighborhood parking lot eats that I’ve been supporting before we started social distancing. parking lot eats

I haven’t found the need to travel far from home during this time so most are in 85257/857251 that I can walk or bike to but occasionally I make my way into Phoenix or Tempe.

Follow me on Instagram for real time #ParkingLotFoodPic and check back as update the list of my parking lot eats.

Inner Circle Cafe cheerfully serving coffee breakfast & lunch.

Defalco’s Italian Deli & Grocery– A favorite for sandwiches, wine, pizza and more. The Il Purista is one of the “Best Sandwiches” in town says me.

Losbeto’s on Hayden north of Thomas has 24/7 drive thru.

George’s Famous Gyros– The best gyros, lots of meat!!!

Los Sombreros– Mexican food and Steve-O-Ritas to go at this south Scottsdale staple.

Clancy’s Pub for St. Patrick’s Day, my last dine-in before shutdown.

Gus’s NY Pizza– A coupla slices always taste good.

Tocaya Organica– Healthy food at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Spinato’s Pizza in Tempe on Rio Salado.

Starlite BBQ– Smoked meats and whiskey while you wait.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning for breakfast.

Spinatos Meatball sandwich

Arizona Restaurant Association responds with Arizona Takeout Week

In a response to closing all restaurants ordered by Governor Ducey to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the Arizona Restaurant Association announces the start of an ongoing Arizona Takeout Week. Effective today restaurants can only serve food for takeout and delivery along with beer & wine. Some restaurants had already closed their dining rooms to focus on takeout and delivery.

The ARA thought up the idea as they organize the popular bi-annual Arizona Restaurant Week.

“We appreciate and thank Governor Ducey for his efforts in working with the restaurant industry to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus,” says Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “The Arizona restaurant family appreciates his work and that of all elected leaders in our state during this unparalleled time in our history.”

There are more than 200,000 jobs in the restaurant industry in Arizona and with locals ordering take out it’s the only way these restaurants can stay in business.

“At the end of the day, we are the industry of ‘happy’ — that is what the hospitality industry represents. We hope to bring a bit of happiness to Arizonans during this extremely difficult time through Arizona Takeout Week while keeping our employees and restaurants afloat,” Chucri says.

I’ve have 2 posts about restaurants around Arizona who are serving food and wine for takeout. Below are additional restaurants serving takeout meals around Arizona. For more information visit the Arizona Restaurant Association website and for any restaurants looking to participate in Arizona Takeout Week email them at takeout@azrestaurant.org

Federal Pizza
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
Phoenix City Grille
Jewell’s Bakery and Café
Pita Jungle
Little Woody
Wildflower Tucson
S&V Urban Italian
Blanco

Koibito Poke
Liberty Station
Provision
Trapp Haus BBQ
Original Breakfast House
Urban Margarita

Governor shuts restaurants & bars leaving them to offer take out & delivery

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey closed restaurants and bars that were still offering their customers the option to dine in. Many restaurants had voluntarily closed their dining rooms but continued to prepare meals for delivery or pick-up. If restaurants want to continue serving customers it will only be for take-out or delivery going forward. Many restaurant owners have had to make one of the toughest decisions of their life and lay off staff.

Governor Ducey is allowing restaurants that served wine or beer in their restaurant to sell packaged goods so customers can take with them.

Continuing to #supportlocal is very important so this post will add more restaurants preparing food for pick-up or delivery. See my previous post for other Phoenix area restaurants still serving. This post will be updated daily.

Los Sombreros– The Scottsdale location is serving curbside take out with favorites on a limited menu and a drive thru menu of tacos, sides and more. Meal kits and groceries to go also available. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of their famous Steve-O-Rita margarita to wash down lunch or dinner. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 2534 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85257. (480) 994-1799

Mastro’s City Hall, Ocean Club & Steakhouse– Full menus to go with 10% discount and family dinners home steak kits with 28 day aged steaks and more for 2 or 4 people.

Liberty Market- Gilbert’s popular restaurant is doing breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, coffee and more to go. They will also be selling ingredients such as tomato sauce, pancake mix and more so you can make at home. DoorDash & Postmates for delivery in addition to pick up. Accepting only credit cards. 11 a.m – 7 p.m. 230 North Gilbert Road Gilbert. 480-892-1900

Padre Murphy’s- Wed. – Sun. from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. limited menu of wings, Caesar Salad, Sandwich, canned beer, craft beer & margarita crowlers and Fish Frydays available for curbside pick-up when calling 602-547-9406. credit cards only. 4338 W. Bell Rd. Glendale 85308.

Queen Creek Olive Mill stores– Queen Creek (480-400-2302) & Kierland Commons (480-361-9860) stores stocked with groceries, bread, meals to go, eggs, pasta, cleaning supplies & home goods and more from local suppliers.

Jewel’s Cafe– at Thomas & 40th St. is open for take-out & delivery. They are also providing a lot of support for out of work hospitality workers too. To place an order call (602) 714-5243. Located at 4041 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix 85018.

That Place Projects- Flagstaff’s Tinderbox Kitchen and All Day Tourist Cafe are offering pick-up and delivery for their menu items.

Inner Circle Cafe– The south Scottsdale serves coffee, breakfast and lunch and will continue to do so with take-out & delivery.

Hot Noodles Cold Sake in north Scottsdale is open for takeout, now serving beer and sake for takeout. Grubhub, Postmates, and by calling 480-432-9898

Sol Cocina– is offering $10 off orders of $35 or more for pick-up. Only for phone & walk in orders, must mention offer. No delivery or online ordering.

Original Breakfast House– is open for take-out (no delivery) and doing a To Go BBQ on Sat. 3/21 to raise money for staff from 7am-12pm.

Hot Bamboo– Recently opened in Chandler, this Asian street food favorite is offering frozen Bao and other dishes for curbside pick-up & take-out.

Beckett’s Table -The Arcadia restaurant is serving its dinner menu to go and can sell you bottles of wine to go with it. Call 602-954-1700 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Southern Rail– Southern food & wine in the comfort of your own home. Call 602-200-0085 to place an order for curbside pickup. Postmates will deliver too!

Craft 64 Chandler– is offering curbside & to go orders of pizza, wine & more.

Frasher’s Tavern– Old town’s newest restaurant is offering their full menu for pick-up for guests who wish to dine at home. Please call (480) 429-9545 to place your order. Local delivery available too.

92nd St Cafe– Full menu is available for pick-up, as well as a wide variety of bottles of domestic beer, wine, and liquor. Give them a call at 480-860-4003 to place your order.

Copper Mule– The north Scottsdale restaurant had a modified menu for pick up or delivery along with wine to go specials. To order call 480-573-6853.

Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria- Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. Dining room and bar closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 1001 N. Main St., Cottonwood AZ 86326

Merkin Vineyards Pizza Wagon – Serving the public for walk-up service in Old Town Cottonwood at the corner of Main St. and E Pinal. Hours: Noon to 8 p.m., daily

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale– Available for to-go food orders and wine by the bottle. The dining room and bar are closed to the public until further notice. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. 7133 E. Stetson Dr. #4, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– Available for wine by the bottle to-go sales. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 158 Main St., Jerome, AZ 86331

The Thumb– Limited menu for Drive-Thru BBQ & catered delivery(48 hour notice for catering call (602) 686 1629 or email catering@thethumb.com) from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Call ahead at (480)513-8186.  9393 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale 85255.

24 Carrots Cafe– Vegan meals can be pre-ordered family style for pick-up Sunday, Wednesday & Friday’s. Each meal feeds 4-6 people and menus are posted on their Facebook page and ordering can be done at their on-line store. Check their other social media platforms for specials and more. Meals can be picked up or delivered through Postmates Grubhub & DoorDash. 1701 E Guadalupe Rd. Tempe, Arizona 85283.

Spirit of Arizona Tours announces wine tours to Scottsdale & Verde Valley

Bookings are now being taken for Spirit of Arizona Tours new experiences to old town Scottsdale and to the Verde Valley.

The Verde Valley Winery Tour includes spending the day visiting 3 wineries between Jerome and Sedona, visit Cottonwood for shopping, lunch and more wine tasting and an interpretive tour of of the Sonoran desert and the Verde Valley. Tours leave the Phoenix area at 8:30 a.m. and return between 6 – 7 p.m.  Cost is $129 per person.

The Scottsdale Wine Tasting Experience visits up to 4 tasting rooms, checking out Scottsdale landmarks & points of interest and time to do a little shopping. Drop off and pick up is available when per-arranged. The tours are 3 hours long and are multiple times a day for $60 per person.

Wine tastings are not included in price as individuals can determine what and how much they want to drink. To book these or any other Spirit of Arizona Tours visit their website.

 

New Allocation coffee line from Press Coffee offers the best of the best

They say the cream rises to the top but you may not want to put cream in a new line of coffees from Press Coffee. The local specialty roaster will start offering limited quantities of its new Allocation line of coffee beans in March. As a specialty roaster, Press only offers coffee and beans that score 80 of 100 points by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Their new Allocation line will offer the best of those beans that score 90 points or above.

To be considered Specialty coffee, beans must be grown in higher elevation regions along with being evaluated. Soil, growing conditions and harvesting are considered when evaluating the beans that must have minimal defects, taste clean and be consistent. The coffee is scored on aroma, flavor aftertaste, acidity, body, balance and other criteria.

“We are thrilled to launch this specialty coffee program,” said Will Andrews, lead roaster of Press Coffee. “Tasting and experiencing these unique coffees is very rare. We want to give this opportunity to our staff and customers as it is our passion to enjoy and immerse ourselves in the best coffee in the world.”

The first quarterly allocation is set for March 15th with a limited quantity from a micro-mill in central Costa Rica. Online subscribers will have first shot at the beans that will be $26 for a six ounce bag. A small amount of the allocation will be sent to each location for cups of pour over coffee for customers and the remainder, if any will be sold on Press’s website. To make sure you get the best of the world’s coffee head make sure you check their website for availability.

The Arizona Native Edible Experience is coming to Scottsdale

Arizona’s Native American tribes will be showcasing foods and culture at the Arizona Native Edible Experience. The cocktail style tasting on Saturday February 8th will be at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West from 6-8 p.m. The annual event is hosted by the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA)and will feature native art and a silent auction in addition to food tastings.

“This event gives us an opportunity to showcase the dynamic Native communities and multitude of tribes thriving here in Scottsdale today and also allows us to educate the residents and visitors of Scottsdale about these tribes and their important role in the City’s rich heritage,” said Geri Hongeva, President of the AAITA. “We are proud to represent such a vibrant group of peoples and share their stories that have shaped the past.

Arizona Native edible experience
Photos by Haile Sutton
Native chef tasting stations will offer traditional foods as well as modern tastes and cocktails. Featured chefs and guests include San Carlos Apache forager & Ancestral Food Archivist Twila Cassadore, Brian Yazzie aka “Yazzie the Chef”, Renetto – Mario Etsitty and Andrew Humeyumptewa.
The Experience is part of Scottsdale’s Western Week and the Arizona American Indian Festival 2020 being held over the weekend. Tickets for the Arizona Native Edible Experience are $25 and can be purchased at http://www.arizonanativeexperience.com. The Museum of the West is at 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale 85251.

Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen pairs food with Orin Swift wines

Downtown Scottsdale’s Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen will be hosting a wine pairing dinner on Thursday, December 19th with wines from Orin Swift.

The popular California winery was founded by Dave Phinney in 1998 with a couple of tons of Zinfandel after studying in Italy and working harvest at Robert Mondavi Winery. Today the winery makes 15 wines with four of them being poured during this 5-course dinner.

Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m and is $90 per person plus tax & gratuity. To make a reservation call 480-427-2264. The locally owned Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen is at 7303 E. Indian School Rd. Scottsdale 85251. For more information visit their website.

Served that night will be……

1st Course-Seafood Salad
Octopus, Calamari & Scallops
Orin Swift ‘Blank Stare’ Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River
2nd Course-Tortellacci
With Butternut Squash in Butter Sage Sauce
Orin Swift ‘Mannequin’ Chardonnay, California
3rd Course Eggplant Involtini
Eggplant stuffed with ricotta topped with a light tomato sauce
Orin Swift ‘8 Years in the Desert’ Zinfandel Blend, California
Entrée-Surf & Turf
Small Filet with Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Tomatoes
Orin Swift ‘Palermo’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Dessert-Chocolate Temptation
Chocolate and hazelnut cream with hazelnut crunch, finished with chocolate glaze
Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling, Columbia Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veteran’s Day meal deals at Phoenix area restaurants

As we get ready to salute veterans on Monday November 11th a handful Phoenix restaurants are offering these Veteran’s Day deals.

Arcadia Tavern is offering 25% off all day Monday. Stop in for lunch or come by to watch Monday Night Football. 4801 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018.

Angry Crab Shack gives 10% off to all military with ID. All locations are participating.

Original Breakfast House is offering a FREE meal along with live entertainment from 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. 13623 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, 85032

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria offers 15% off to all active, retired and veterans all year round. On Veteran’s Day they offer 25% off at all restaurants.

Twin Peaks is offering a FREE entree from a special menu to all members of the military. There are three Valley locations located at 2135 E Camelback Rd. in Phoenix, 8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale, and 6922 N. 95th Ave. in Glendale.

Fired Pie offers those military personnel in uniform or with military ID a FREE entree to show their thanks. They offer 10% off all year to military personnel. To find a location near you head to their website.

New menu and new look as a re-vamped Zuzu re-opens

Hotel Valley Ho’s Zuzu is back open after getting a new look and menu. Hotel guests and locals will notice the restaurant’s new mid-century modern look is in-line with the hotels 1950’s style. Designed by Mendil + Meyer Design Studio, new features include a Zuzu neon sign, 1950’s inspired wood screens and new lighting. The lounge and dining room has been combined for welcoming space and the hotel’s signature circle design is noticeable.

“We are beyond excited to re-introduce ZuZu, not only to our wonderful Scottsdale community, but also to the guests of Hotel Valley Ho,” said Executive Chef Russell LaCasce. “Our new menu is meant to surprise and delight, while still satisfying those classic cravings.”

look
Crispy Pork Shank. All photos courtesy of Kristin Heggli at Hotel Valley Ho

Look at the new menu

LaCasce’s new menu features smaller, shareable plates with a few guests’ favorite dishes remaining. Many of the menu’s ingredients come from the restaurant’s new 240 foot herb and vegetable garden. Zuzu continues to work with local farmers and purveyors including Pinnacle Farms, Schreiner’s Fine Sausage and Hickman’s Family Farms.

New signature dishes include Oxtail Pappardelle with foie gras & Parmesan and Crispy Pork Shank with sour apple molasses glaze, cucumber tarragon yogurt and pita. Two new monthly revolving dishes will be available….. Cut of the Moment will be a savory dish with a unique plating design and Farmer’s Plate will offer seasonal vegetables making for a great vegetarian meal. Those looking for a unique dining experience can let LaCasce Take the Wheel. For $75 per person chef will create a hand selected meal. Weekend brunchers will notice a few changes and brunch is now served all day during the week.

Zuzu Chocolate Bar

Save room for dessert as Zuzu’s famous Show Stopper Shake is still available along with new desserts. Le Cordon Bleu trained Pastry Chef Clarissa Robinson brings her chocolate expertise to new desserts Zuzu Chocolate Bar, a Donut Sundae and Buttermilk Pie. Adults can add their favorite spirit to dessert to spike it up.

Private dining, wine room and more

Speaking of spirits new cocktails have been added including the Zuzu Mango Tango along with a new wine room. The new “Vine Vault” house wines from around the world. “The Rosie Room” is a new hidden private dining room named for Rosalyn “Rosie” Bennett Lyon, the matriarch of the family that owns the hotel. Her grandchildren called Rosie “Zuzu” and the inspiration for the restaurant comes from her cooking and warm hospitality.

I’ll be visiting Zuzu next week to check out the new menu and more. Be sure to follow me on Instagram @SandyWass for pictures.

Zuzu and Hotel Valley Ho is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251.

1/2 off Signature Cuts at Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse

“Out with the old and in with the new” they say and Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse is doing just that next week. Tuesday October 1st is not just the start of a new month but the day the restaurant at the Scottsdale Waterfront rolls out its new menu. Most sections of the menu will see new dishes including appetizers, salads, pastas, Signature Cuts (entrees) and dessert. To celebrate the new menu the evening of the 1st give guests the chance to order any of their signature “Cuts” for 1/2 off.

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner that starts at 6 p.m. on this special evening. Select bottles of wine will be 1/2 off during the night as well.

Pesto Pasta. Photo credit Riot Hospitality Group- Aaron Bowman

New dishes

  • Grass Fed Meatballs – Arizona grass fed beef meatballs baked in a red pepper tomato sauce with burrata cheese and served with garlic bread
  • Crab Cakes – Lump crab cakes, fresh herb cucumber salad finished with avocado lime vinaigrette
  • Baby Iceberg Wedge – Baby iceberg, Monforte blue cheese, Campari tomato, pickled shallots, crumbled bacon with a buttermilk basil dressing
  • Vegetable Chopped Salad – Chopped romaine, candied tomato, red pepper, crow’s dairy goat cheese, grilled artichokes and shaved cauliflower in a red wine vinaigrette
  • Beets and Brussels Sprout Salad – Roasted brussels sprouts, golden beets, parmesan cheese, shaved red cabbage, garlic dressing and herb croutons
  • Filet Sandwich – Spice rubbed filet served sliced with melted blue cheese, bacon jam and arugula pesto
  • Bone-in New York Steak –18 ounce Cedar River Farms bone-in, grilled with a side of signature Hand Cut steak sauce
  • Bison Loin – 8 ounce pasture raised bison loin, spice rubbed and served with hibiscus butter sauce
  • Seasonal White Fish – Served sautéed with lemon herb chardonnay sauce
  • Scallops and Mushroom Fettuccine – Roasted wild mushrooms, scallops and egg fettuccine in a white wine mascarpone sauce
  • Crab Mac and Cheese – Lump crab, parmesan cream, cavatappi pasta, chili breadcrumbs and fresh herbs
  • Meatball Mac and Cheese – Cavatappi pasta, red pepper cheese sauce, grass-fed meatballs and crispy basil
  • Fettuccine Genovese– Imported Genovese pesto, parmesan cheese, slow roasted tomato with egg fettuccine
  • Seasonal Cheesecake and Affogato

New cocktails too

Their award-winning cocktail menu will also be adding new cocktails that include two new dessert cocktails. New cocktails include….

  • Barrel Aged Manhattan – Bulleit Bourbon, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth and Angostura Bitters aged in French Oak.  Served up but can be served on the rocks upon request.
  • Scottsdale Sunset – Bombay Sapphire Gin, fresh lemon juice, Simple Syrup, egg white, Angostura Bitters and topped off with a touch of Cabernet.
  • Kir Royale – Poema Cava Brut, blackberry syrup, vanilla Bean, Yucatan Honey Shrub
  • Cold Brew Martini – Fugu Horchata Vodka, Passport Cold Brew Coffee, in house cinnamon syrup and almond milk
  • Key Lime Martini – Smirnoff Vodka, Vanilla Giffard, pineapple syrup, condensed milk, fresh lime juice, finished with a graham cracker rim

Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse is at 7135 E. Camelback Rd. # 154 Scottsdale 85251. To make a reservation call 480-494-2008.