Category: Phoenix

Uriel Telix promoted to Executive Chef at PCG

Phoenix City Grille’s owner Dennis Shaw has announced changes to its culinary team including promoting longtime employee Uriel Telix to Executive Chef. Other promotions included of Corey Azure to Executive Sous Chef and hiring Severo Hernandez as Sous Chef. Shaw himself is relatively new to PCG as he became a partner in 2024 as founder and owner Sheldon Knapp semi-retired.

“We are pleased to welcome Severo as our new Sous Chef and to promote Uriel to the position of Executive Chef as well as appoint Corey to Executive Sous Chef,” said Shaw, “The talents of these three chefs are sure to be noticed by our diners and we will continue focusing on consistent excellence while also presenting new and exciting experiences for our guests.”

Telix has been with PCG for 19 years hired as a line cook before being promoted to Sous Chef then Chef de Cuisine before his recent promotion to Executive Chef. He’s looking forward to growing as a leader of the culinary and honing his craft. “I’m looking forward to inspiring and leading our talented culinary team to carry on the tradition and legacy of Phoenix City Grille,” Telix said, adding, “Our guests can continue to expect fresh, creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. I’m excited to evolve the menu with innovative ideas while staying true to the spirit of Phoenix City Grille.”

Joining Uriel Telix at PCG

Severo Hernandez is new to PCG and hails from Oaxaca, Mexico where he helped preparing family meals for his large family and enjoys bringing people together with food and making them happy. He’s previously worked as sous Chef at Sierra Bonita Grill and North Italia where he’s enjoyed motivating others to their fullest potential. “I’m excited to be part of the PCG team and look forward to being part of a growing business,” said Hernandez, “In this role, I strive to show my passion for cooking and will go out of my way to guide others to do the same.”

Corey Azure started at PCG in 2005 as Sous Chef after studying culinary arts at the Art Institute of Phoenix and Le Cordon Bleu in London and Paris. With a back round in French cooking he’s learned much about Mexican cuisine from working with Uriel Telix. “Being able to execute an idea and seeing the reaction to a good recipe is very rewarding,” says Azure of his passion for cooking. “My cooking is inspired by tasting other cuisines and trying to learn new flavors.”

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Portillo’s “Beef Bus” rolls into Phoenix

The popular Chicago style food concept has its own food truck that will be at events around Phoenix until April 12th. Favorites such as Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago-style Hot Dogs, Maxwell Street Italian and Polish sausages and more will be served up in smaller versions. You can find the “Beef Bus” starting today at…

Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9 Phoenix Raceway (7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323); Event Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am–2pm, 4pm–8pm; Sunday 9am–12pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 21 – Sunday, March 23 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 28 Amadio Ranch (4701 W Dobbins Rd, Laveen, AZ); Event Hours: 10am–9pm; while supplies last

 Saturday, March 29  Uncorked Wine Festival Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (7555 North Pima Road, Phoenix, AZ 85258); Event Hours: 5:30pm–10pm; while supplies last

Tuesday, April 1 GCU vs. U of A Baseball, Grand Canyon University (3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017); Event Hours: 5pm–9pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 5 ASU Devilpalooza, Arizona State University (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 7:30pm–11pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 12 Pat’s Run, Mountain America Stadium (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 6am–1pm

**Dates and locations subject to change without notice**

Virtu Honest Craft to host Balcones whiskey dinner

Reservations are filling up fast for Chef Gio Osso’s five-course dinner paired with the Texas whiskey at his Scottsdale restaurant on Wednesday, March 19th. Kelli Burdick will be on hand to discuss each whiskey and their unique characteristics and pairings. Seats are $125++ per person for the 6:00 start and reservations can be made at OpenTable.

Poppy’s Office planning Westland Whiskey pairing experience

The North Scottsdale speakeasy is hosting a four-course dinner created by Keeler Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Anthony Apolinar. Westland’s Beer Cask, Wine Cask, American Single Malt and Colere whiskey’s will be poured alongside each dish. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19th and seats are $55++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Durant’s new owners donate unused food to St. Vincent de Paul

News broke last week that the Mastro family and business partner Scott Troilo had bought the iconic Phoenix steakhouse. The new owners are giving it a refresh and making minor changes in the kitchen in time to celebrate the restaurant’s 75 anniversary. Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro had students from their alma mater at Brophy Prep to load and unload the truckload of non-perishable food after last week’s final service before the changes begin.

New restaurant openings

Two new locations that were recently mentioned at Pulling Corks and Forks have now opened.

Macayo’s Family Mexican opened its relocated Tempe location and Lin’s Grand Buffet opened their new Metrocenter location in recent days.

Uptown Phoenix is new location for The Bar’s 2nd location

The popular Arcadia bar and restaurant The Bar, opened its second location in late February along 7th Ave. in Uptown Phoenix. Known for its laid-back vibe and throwback nostalgia to the 1990s- early 2000s the original location opened in 2019 by restaurateur Frank Vairo, owner of Nook Kitchen and other restaurants and bars in the area.

“Due to the success and popularity of The Bar Arcadia, we wanted to bring something similar yet uniquely its own to our diners in Uptown Phoenix,” said Vairo. “We are excited to present the neighborhood with a place to eat, drink, play, interact and just have a really great time in a welcoming and inviting space.”

The Bar Uptown offers a similar menu to Arcadia that includes award-winning wings, salads, Wisconsin cheese curds, potato skins and more. A selection of sandwiches and burgers are on the menu with the Smashburger expected to steal the show. Signature house cocktails were created by The Bar’s mixologist Elia Perez and include popular drinks from Arcadia.

Weekly specials and daily features from the kitchen and the bar are offered along with happy hour specials that include $2 off drafts, $2 off full-size appetizers, $7 Tito’s, $7 glasses of wine, $5 well drinks, $6 Four Roses, $7 “Jamos” and $7 house mules. Dollar Wing Night, a hit at Arcadia will also be offered at the Uptown location.

You won’t go board at The Bar Uptown as it features darts, a pool table, karaoke, bingo & trivia nights and tournaments will be held. A game room offers video games and more and on weekends a DJ pumps up the volume. The Bar Uptown is open daily from 12:00 p.m. until 2 a.m. and is at 5504 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. For more information visit their website.

Joe’s Diner trying again for world record pancake stack

Joe Seriale is trying to break a Guinness Book World Record set in 2016 as he will be trying to build the World’s Tallest Stack at his Phoenix diner. Tuesday, March 4th at 7:30 a.m. at Joe’s Diner, press, guests and others will be on hand to see Joe build a stack of his scratch made buttermilk pancakes to a height they’ve never been beating the current world record of 3 ft. 4 in. that took 213 pancakes to build.

“I made it to about two and a half feet last year with around 100 pancakes and after doing a few practice rounds over the last year, I’m ready to take another go at it,” said Joe Seriale, owner of Joe’s Diner.

Joe’s been making some of the Valley’s best pancakes 7 days a week since 2010. He loves serving up stacks to his customers and now it’s time to see if he can make the tallest stack in the world. Joe’s Diner is at 4515 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Arizona Cocktail Weekend is here

Signature events including The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars and Last Slinger Standing kick off in Downtown Phoenix on Saturday with other events and pop-up around town at bars and restaurants. For more information read my post from earlier this month.

J&G Steakhouse to host Tequila Corrido dinner

The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa hosts a 3-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m. A reception starts the evening that will feature Lime Gulf shrimp and Black Opal Wagyu skirt steak that is prepared and paired with different Tequila Corrido cocktails. Reservations are required and are $125++ and can be made by calling 480-214-8000 or visiting the resort’s website.

LDV Winery offers Wine Charcuterie class in March & April

The Downtown Scottsdale wine bar will offer 4 classes led by She Shed Chef on Tuesday, March 11th & 25th and Tuesday, April 15th & 29th from 6- 7:30 p.m. Sip on LDV wine(s) as you build your board for $60++ per session which includes a glass of wine. To reserve your seat, call 480-664-4822 or visit their website.

Devour Culinary Classic award winners announced

After another successful event, Local First Arizona announced the winners of this past weekend’s event. Judging the dishes were. Bahar Anooshahr, Christopher Gross, Lori A. Hashimoto, Howard Seftel and Janos Wilder. A full list of medal winners can be found at their website.

Best in Show

  • TPC Scottsdale: Al Pastor Pork Belly Taco, Chef Matthew O’Harris

Runners up:

  • Chilte: Prawns with Peanut Mole, Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith
  • The Gladly: Cactus Ham with Chicharron and Napoles, Chef Bernie Kantak
  • Valentine: Sonoran Hot Dog, Chef Donald Hawk

Best Use Of Heritage Food

  • Litchfield’s at the Wigwam: Buffalo and Tepary Bean Stew
  • Runner up: Nella’s Innovative Kreations’ Corn Tortilla with Tepary Bean Hummus, Prickly Pear and Sonora White Wheat Berries

People’s Choice Awards

  • Best Savory Bite: Tie between Clever Koi’s Pork Chashu Gordita and Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) Chefs’ Sonoran Beef Roulade
  • Best Sweet Bite: Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) Chefs’ Seville Orange and Prickly Pear Verrine
  • Best Sip: Iconic Cocktail Co.

Press Coffee purchases Panama coffee plantation, first estate coffee now available

The Phoenix based coffee roaster began selling its’ own coffee from a newly acquired plantation in the Volcan Valley near the Panama and Cost Rica border. The Press Estate whole bean coffee is now available online.

Patsy’s New York Delicatessen coming to Paradise Valley

Hot off the grand reopening of The Mexicano, chef and restaurateur has announced his newest restaurant, Patsy’s New York Delicatessen opening this spring. The location should be familiar to many as it will be the newest concept in the former The Rosticceria restaurant and temporary home of The Mexicano pop-up. And if you’re familiar with Chef Joey’s other concepts you know there will be a signature attraction you haven’t seen in other restaurants.

“We’re bringing Arizona its first one-of-a-kind bagel bar, featuring 14 uniquely flavored cream cheeses—from artichoke & spinach dip to Nutella, and even a signature pastrami lox schmear,” says Chef Joey Maggiore, co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “Our New York-style bagels will be made fresh in-house daily, using authentic New York water for that perfect bite.”

Named after Joey’s grandfather’s nickname when he was a butcher in The Bronx, Patsy”s New York Delicatessen will offer classic Jewish deli food with Joey’s modern touch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant will offer both a fast casual counter for those on the go along with a full-service dining room serving breakfast sandwiches & platters, house smoked & cooked deli meats and towering NY style deli sandwiches. Potato knishes, sugar cookies, NY style cheesecake and Black & White cookies will give the deli a taste of NY nostalgia. A custom soda bar where diners can craft their own egg cream will catch diners’ attention.

Christina Maggiore is bringing Manhattan to Arizona with her interior design that includes an immersive art installation, diner red accents and an old school charm atmosphere with staff donning vintage dining hats. Patsy’s will soon be hiring for dozens of positions in the near future and an announcement will be made. Patsy’s New York Delicatessen is at 12811 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and updates follow the on social media at @patsysdeliicatessen

 

 

 

Smashed and Seared culinary event coming to Found:RE Hotel

With the start of Arizona Cocktail Weekend next week several cocktail and culinary experiences are scheduled around town. Downtown Phoenix’s Found:RE Hotel is hosting the cocktail-centric Smashed and Seared on Saturday, Mach 1st from 8 p.m. until midnight partnering with Maker’s Mark and The Good Food Table.

Chefs Devan Cunningham and Drew Keane show off their culinary talents that were featured on the Food Network’s “Ciao House” with Keane becoming the seasons winner. The theme of “Smashed and Seared” is pairing smahburgers with Maker’s 46 with guests having the chance to taste unique crafted cocktails and smashburgers from Cunningham and Keane.

“Guests can expect an unforgettable evening of gastronomy as we honor Arizona Cocktail Weekend at the FOUND:RE,” said Chris Genung, general manager of the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. “We are thrilled to partner with Maker’s Mark and The Good Food Table to host this celebration of flavor, creativity and the art of pairing.”

Chef Cunningham is the founder of The Good Food Table and co-owner of Phoenix’s CC’s on Central where he’s built a reputation for featuring southern flavors with influences from around the world and combines nostalgic dining experiences with traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Keane is the Executive Chef at Chicago’s Gibson’s Italia where he has a reputation for cooking with classic Italian techniques in a modern steakhouse environment.

Admission to Smashed and Seared is free and is one of several events at the hotel in conjunction with Arizona Cocktail Weekend.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

2nd anniversary specials at sneakybird

Saturday, February 15th is a day of celebrating at all 3 locations in Scottsdale, Gilbert & Surprise. Free cookies to the first 200 people, double sneakybird rewards points and giveways will be happening. It’s the official launch of Camp Sneaky, its new community giving arm that focuses on supporting education at all levels.

February’s Third Tuesday tasting & dinner at Romeo’s

The Downtown Gilbert cafe has its 3-course dinner and wine pairing dinner next Tuesday, February 18th. The main course is a pan seared pork chop paired with a Italian red blend. The dinner is $48++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

New “eggrything” bagel now available at Chompie’s

All 4 locations in, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Glendale rolled out the newest bagel this week. The egg-based bagel is seasoned with seeds throughout the bagel and is also topped with them and is available with their popular Mix & Match Box, a baker’s dozen for $14.99.

Huss Brewing is the Official Craft Beer of Sun Devil Athletics

The Sun Angel Collective announced the partnership with Huss Brewing going into the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Huss’s Devils Halo Angel Ale will be available at ASU sporting venues, at select retailers and on tap in local bars and restaurants. Proceeds will support the Sun Angel Collective to help support student athletes.

February case special at Aridus Wine Company

All month long get the 2020 Fume Blanc for $144 for a case ($12 a bottle) for non-members and only $96/case ($8 a bottle) for members. The case(s) can be picked up at their Scottsdale tasting room or delivered for $15. To order and join the wine club 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.

Martini Hour & “The Bachelor” at Match Market & Bar

The Downtown Phoenix restaurant inside the Found:RE Hotel offers up a selection of martinis and food specials during the 29th season run of the show. All day Monday (the night the show airs) and from 2 -6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday guests can enjoy $12 Chopin Vodka or Roku Gin martinis and $2 off house martinis. The following food specials are available to complement the cocktails.

  • Bruschetta Trio—Choices include fresh mozzarella caprese; olive tapenade and Manchego; goat cheese and strawberry; and ricotta, pesto, pear and Marcona, $15
  • Chicken Wing Sampler—Featuring chicken wings in house hot sauce and bacon-balsamic BBQ, $12
  • Spanish Croquetas De Jamon, $8
  • Lamb Meatballs, $8
  • Brussels Sprouts Almondine, $6
  • Patatas Bravas, $5

Pastrami sliders on sale at Miracle Mile Deli

If you love pastrami the way I do, then head to the Central Phoenix deli who is offering up a pair of its popular pastrami sliders and a side for only $12 next Monday- Saturday.

Stolpman wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The Central California winery will have their “Love You Bunches” wines poured next Thursday, February 13th from 6-8 p.m. at the Roosevelt Row wine bar. Tickets are $10 and all wines poured during the tasting are 20% off bottles. Tickets can be purchased here.

73rd Laveen BBQ happeing on February 22nd

Looking for some slow cooked pit BBQ then plan on atteneding from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Caesar Chavez Park. The annual fundraising event put on by the Laveen Community Council raise’s money for other community events, scholarships for high school seniors, youth programs and community organizations. Entry is free and food and more will be available for purchase and this year there will be a Fun Zone for the family-friendly event.

Meatloaf specials at Chompie’s through April

Craving some comfort food meatloaf the way mom used to make? If so, all 4 locations are serving up these four meatloaf specials from now until April 30th.

  • Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99
  • Traditional Meatloaf Plate topped with onion strings, mashed potatoes, homestyle green beans and a cocktail roll; served with gravy on the side for $19.99
  • Traditional Meatloaf Sandwich with bacon, tomato and jack cheese on grilled parmesan sourdough bread; served with fries for $17.99
  • Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf Sandwich with tomato, red onion, green leaf and mayo on sourdough; served with fries for $16.99.

Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns for its 13th year

The eyes of the cocktail world will be on Phoenix as the 13th Annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns February 27th – March 3rd 2025. Mixologists representing both local and international establishments will be concocting beverages at several events in Downtown Phoenix and at nearby venues, hotels and cocktail bars. The Arizona Cocktail Weekend is the longest running cocktail event in the Southwest.

Events for Arizona Cocktail Weekend

Tickets are now on sale for those 21 & over for individual events starting at $40, depending on the event.

The Cocktail Carnival

The weekend starts on Saturday, March 1st with The Cocktail Carnival at the newly remodeled Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix. This brand showcase event will offer attendees interactive experiences, innovative cocktails and entertainment. Attendees will have access to over 30 crafted cocktail samples.

Top Bars

On Sunday, March 2nd Top Bars welcomes attendees and over 40 representatives from bars around the world  from as far as London, Japan & Hong Kong) to one of the most popular events of the weekend. At Downtown Phoenix’s Warehouse 215, pop-up bars will be built so that mixologists can create their most popular signature cocktails.

Last Slinger Standing

16 of Arizona’s top mixologists battle it out on Monday, March 3rd for this friendly competition at Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) event center. Judges will decide who the winner is for 2025 are participants will use secret ingredients during each round of the competition.

For the second year throughout the week, bars and restaurants throughout Arizona will feature signature cocktails using spirits from brand sponsors. For more information, to purchase tickets and to sign up for email updates visit their website.