The 2nd annual PHX Vegan Food Festival will be returning to the Phoenix Art Museum next Saturday Feb. 25th with a larger space to accommodate more food vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and an upgraded VIP Experience. This family friendly event will be held outside from 11 a.m. – 5p.m.
There will also be chef demos and presentations from industry experts including Chef Jason Wyrick of The Vegan Taste, Kristin Lajeunesse, Blogger and Author of Will Travel for Vegan Food, and Author, Wellness Coach and Vegan Chef, Tess Challis. A kids activity area will be available hosted by Free Arts of Arizona.
In attendance will be local vegan and vegan friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors including 24 Carrots, Café Lalibela, The Coronado, Juice Core, Local Lunchbox, Mi Vegana Madre, Pomegranate Café, Urban Beans, Simon’s Hot Dogs, and Southern Fried Vegan. Guest will be able to enjoy samples of food as well as speak with the vendors about their vegan friendly products and services.
Davisson Entertainment is the organizer of the PHX Vegan Food Festival and according to Daniel Davisson, founder “We were blown away by the reception we received from the first PHX Vegan Food Festival, proving that the Valley has been hungry for this type of event. We learned a lot from the inaugural event, so the second annual festival promises to be even bigger and better, creating more excitement and awareness for the vegan community,”
General admission tickets are $25 and include access to the entertainment, vendors & food samples and the VIP admission is $50 and has early entry an hour earlier, 2 beverage tickets, reserved seating for demos and complimentary parking for the first 150 guests. Kids 12 and under are free.
Mark your calendar for next Thursday February 9th as it’s a day to celebrate at Chompie’s Delicatessen. They will celebrate National Bagel Day and their 38th anniversary with a little #BagelLove as all 5 Phoenix area Chompie’s will be giving away a FREE bagel w/ cream cheese with any Take-A-Way purchase…. that can include buying just a cup of coffee.
With over 30 bagel & bialys varieties and 13 handmade cream cheese flavors to spread on your bagel, guests will have a hard time deciding which combination to choose. The daily made bagels go quick and when there all gone so is the giveaway. A one bagel per person rule applies.
The New York style bagels made by Chompie’s are lightly crisp on the outside with a chewy & soft inside making for a favorite boiled and baked treat that helped put Chompie’s on the map back in 1979 when they opened their 1st location at 32nd St. & Greenway Rd. in north Phoenix. Now with 5 full service restaurants, deli counters, catering and a bagel factory the Borenstein family sure know how to share the #BagelLove.
To get your #BagelLove on Feb. 9th head to your favorite Chompie’s location. http://www.chompies.com/
Scottsdale: 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 85260 480-860-0475
Tempe: 1160 E. University, Tempe 85281 480-557-0700
Phoenix: 4550 E. Cactus Rd. 85032 602-710-2910
Chandler: 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 85226 480-398-3008
Glendale: 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center 623-344-3104
Calling all home chefs, if you’re looking for new recipe ideas and cooking techniques chef/ owner Michael Rusconi of Rusconi’s American Kitchen is teaching a cooking class & luncheon this Saturday Jan. 28th. The theme for the 3-course meal & lunch is “A Sonoran Winter Harvest Lunch” and will feature 3 of Rusconi’s signature dishes and instructions as how to prepare and cook them.
Guests will learn to use the unique ingredients that chef Rusconi uses to give his dishes his signature flair. After learning to make the dishes guests will dine on the creations of a menu of Butternut Squash Soup, Pan roasted chicken with green chile mac & cheese, agave glazed carrots and Cranberry & White Chocolate Crème Brûlée;
The class will start at 10am and go lunch will conclude at 1:00pm. The cost is $65 per person and includes, cooking instruction, recipes and 3 course lunch. Wine can be paired with lunch for an additional $12. Space is limited, to save your seat call 480-483-0009.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen is at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. http://rusconiskitchen.com/
If you’re like me, an early riser who eats breakfast well before the sun rises during the winter months, it means you probably want lunch when some still have not had breakfast. This common occurrence is best served on weekends when many restaurants serve brunch to appease both the early & late risers. Now you can enjoy brunch at MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails on Sat. & Sun. from 10:20 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
MATCH Cuisine photos courtesy of Je-Hyen Valdez
Inside the FOUND:RE Hotel in Phoenix MATCH Cuisine started 2017 by serving brunch that will evolve over time to include Executive Chef Akos Szabo’s take on Dim-Sum but currently includes a menu that is inspired by food from around the world with ingredients that come from closer to home. A few of the delicious brunch menus dishes include……
Filipino Chile Relleno with longanisa sausage, mozzarella, charred tomato, cojita cheese and Mexican oregano, $14
Adela’s Enchiladas with top knot farm chicken, salsa verde, avocado crema and crisp lettuce
Braised Korean Rib Lettuce Wraps with pickled carrots, coriander, Thai basil, gochujang aioli, lime and salted cashews, $15
Not Your Basic Chick with a sweet potato waffle, crispy fried chicken and Caribbean hot sauce, $13
Additional menu items include organic yogurt & granola parfait with seasonal berries at $9 and the Plato Paisa with wood grilled steak, plantains, crispy chicharrones, longanisa sausage, avocado, black beans, crema and fried eggs ($21).
MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails and FOUND:RE Hotel is at 1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85003. http://www.MatchPHX.com
As the new years rolls in Phoenix’s Burger Theory rolls out new menu items for those who will quickly forget their new year’s resolutions. Burger Theory already puts unique twists on the classic burger and with these additions they will be spicing it up with the Ultimate Sriracha burger and the On the Border burger. A Breakfast burger has also been added for those who like breakfast all day.
All the burgers on the menu use Angus chuck, brisket and short rib beef for their single and double patty burgers.
New non-burger menu items include Crispy Fish Sandwich, Sriracha Steak Salad and Nacho Fries and the sweet signature dessert Apple Crumb Mason Jar. Over 30 local craft beers are poured to wash down your burger, salad or sandwich.
Below is a list of all the new menu items at Burger Theory.
Nacho Fries – Creamy nacho cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and served with ground beef or chicken. 9
Sriracha Steak Salad – Mixed greens, tomato, red onions, cucumber, bleu cheese and Sriracha ranch dressing. 13
On the Border – Angus chuck, brisket and short rib patty, melted pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, grilled onions, guacamole, lettuce and KGB sauce. 11
Wake up folks & shake off that holiday hangover, things are about to rock n roll on metro Phoenix’s restaurant, wine, beer & cocktail scene in 2017. One of the 1st events is the Meyers Family Cellars Wine Dinner at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s on Wed. January 11th.
Photo courtesy of Meyer Family Cellars
Wine and food pairings
The 5 course family style dinner will pair white & red wines from Meyer Family Cellars with a delicious sounding menu from Jennifer’s loaded with vegetables, meats and seafood from locally sourced purveyors. Here is a peek at the menu.
Meyer Family “Fluffy Billows”- Miso marinated + red wine braised short ribs + roasted baby tri-colored carrots + cipollini onions + broccolini + crispy shallots
Meyer Family “Spitfire”- Sharp cheddar + pistachio + honey. Danish blue + pear + mache. Comte + dried fruit + caramelized pecans
Meyer Family Cellars
Like many small wineries it’s a family affair started at a young age, which is how Matt Meyer caught the wine bug. Hanging around his families winery & vineyard at Silver Oak down in Napa Valley, Matt realized he would carry on the family love for northern California and wine making.
Matt and his wife Karen share wine making responsibilities at the Mendocino county winery. Karen got hooked on wine after working a harvest in Margret River near her childhood home of Perth, Australia. The couple met in 1999 when both were working crush at Argyle Winery in Oregon.
Matt’s mom Bonny runs the business side of the winery much like she did in the Silver Oak days. She is Bonny from the famed “Bonny’s Vineyard” bottling from Silver Oak.
Reserve your seat
This dinner starts at 6:30 and costs $70 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 602-579-5327. The Market is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Suite A. Phoenix 85018. http://themarketphx.com/
As we are about to close the book on a memorable 2016, we turn the page to start to look at what 2017 will have to offer the sunny and warm Phoenix area in coming months. As the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction, The Waste Management Phoenix Open & the NCAA Final Four bring out of town guests to our desert, we look for more intimate and local inspired events. After our holiday hangover wears off we look forward to 7th Annual Grape Arizona Wine Event on Sun. January 29th at downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square.
This years event has 16 Arizona wineries paired with bites of food from 10 local restaurants all raising money for the Phoenix Rotary Club Charity Youth Programs. A few of the wineries and restaurants include Dektown Cellars, LDV Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Co., Leoni’s Foccacia, Urban Table, The Herb Box and Vincent’s.
“This is a great opportunity for wine lovers to taste the best of what Arizona wineries have to offer — all in one place, while supporting a great cause,” says Barbara Katz, the event’s co-chairperson.
Money raised will go to the Rotary’s initiatives that support youth leadership and Interact Service Club and Rotary youth Exchange.
The Grape Arizona Wine Event runs from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm with early bird tickets on sale for $55 & include 20 wine tasting tickets, food samples, a silent auction, raffles with thousands of dollar of prizes and purchase wine related merchandise. Tickets are available at http://www.grapearizonawineevent.com/
It’s 10 days until we can kiss 2016 good bye and welcome the excitement 2017 will bring us. Those that like to ring in the new year in style can find plenty of places around Phoenix to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Below is a list of several restaurants that are offering dinner on the big night.
The EVO salad photo courtesy of EVO
Pomelo at The Orchard
Chef Javi Perez will be serving dinner from 5pm – 10pm on New Year’s Eve with limited seating for the prie fix menu. The cost is $120 per couple with 2 glasses of Veuve Cliquot champagne included. To make reservations call 602-633-2600.
Starters (one to share)
Calamari & Shrimp Fritti—Crispy calamari and shrimp served with pomodoro and buttermilk dressing.
Chef’s Board—Assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses with toasted baguettes.
Wedge—Half head of iceberg lettuce, bleu cheese buttermilk dressing, crispy bacon, hard-boiled egg and tomato confit. (suggested wine pairing) Saint Louis Sancerre | 2014, Loire Valley
Specialties (one per person)
New York Strip *MR—(12 oz.) angus beef grilled over Arizona Mesquite served with shrimp in a parmesan sauce, seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes.(suggested wine pairing) Poggio alla Guardia Super Tuscan | 2012, Tuscany, Italy
Short Ribs—Braised to perfection served with a peppercorn demi glaze sauce and served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes (suggested wine pairing) Milbrandt Merlot | 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington
Salted caramel cookie—Warm salted caramel over shortbread cookie served with vanilla gelato, chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. (suggested wine pairing) Veuve Clicquot Rose | NV, Reims, France
Pomelo at The Orchard is part of The Orchard PHX, a two acre venue located at 7100 N 12th St. in Phoenix. http://www.pomelophx.com
Sorso Wine Room
North Scottsdale’s Sorso Wine Room will offer 2 seating’s for their celebration at 6:30 & 8:30. Chef Paige Murphy will prepare a 5 course prie fixe menu with a wine or beer pairing. The cost is $100 per person and includes tax & gratuity. Additional bottles of wine are 1/2 all night. To make a reservation call 480-951-4344. The menu may include the following….
Zuzu will over 2 seatings at 5:30 for $75 per person and 8:00 for $95 per person for a 3 course dinner. Those who attend either dinner are invited to a complimentary rooftop Champagne toast at midnight. Tax, gratuity and alcohol are additional at dinner.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho
A few of the options for dinner include a choice of a starterhttps://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/new-years-eve, entrée and dessert from a special menu. Delicious options include Lobster Bisque with crème fraiche and brioche croutons, Herb Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin with roasted fingerling potatoes, and Huckleberry Crème Brulee.
New Year’s Eve at Tavern Americana will be served from 5pm- 10 pm with a course dinner for $55 per person ++ with limited seating available. To reserve your seat call 480-502-6740.
1st Course
Caesar Salad | Parmigiano Reggiano | Lemon | Brioche | Black Pepper
EVO ends 2016 with a 4 course Italian feast starting 4pm going til 2am for $55 per person. The menu below will be the only menu served on New Year’s Eve and those in the bar can order a la carte. To RSVP call 480-265-9814.
CHEESE PLATE- GORGONZOLA/ POACHED PEAR/ BRIE/ DATE JAM/ DRUNKEN GOAT/ BLUE SKY HONEY
EVO 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480-265-9814 www.evoscottsdale.com
Joe’s Midnight Run
3 seatings will be available on New Year’s Eve at Joe’s Midnight Run in central Phoenix. 5:00 & 7:30 seatings are $65 per person and the 10:00 seating is $75 per person and will include party favors and a champagne toast. Reservations can be made by phone at 480-459-4467 or by email at info@joesmidnightrun.com
Opening Course: Choose 1
Pulpo-grilled fingerling potatoes, paprika oil, garlic and lemon
Two weeks from today many of us will be waking up with cob webs in our head while waiting for the coffee to kick in after ringing in 2017. New Year’s Day 2017 falls on a Sunday and it’s also National Bloody Mary Day. There’s no way better to cure the hangover while continuing the celebration than with the traditional hangover cocktail. Put your New Year’s resolution to get in shape or drink less on hold for another day or 2 and head to these restaurants that will be offering Bloody Mary’s with twist.
Vintage 95’s Miss Mary
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Locally owned Grimaldi’s Pizzeria recently launched a cocktail menu that has a Bloody Mary made with their secret pizza sauce. The Grimaldi’s Bloody Mary is made with Grimaldi’s famous pizza sauce and is combined with New Amsterdam Vodka, Demitri BM mix and is served ice and topped with a medley of pizza toppings. To find a Grimaldi’s near you visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
Vintage 95 The Miss. Mary is Vintage 95 Wine Lounge’s nod to the classic morning drink. Created with house made Bloody Mary mix that includes horseradish, Worcestershire, Sriracha and tomato juice to give the drink a nice spicy kick. Mix in Svedka vodka and garnished with Beeler’s bacon, olives and a lime wedge makes this drink a standout. $5.00 For information visit www.vintage95.com.
Twin Peaks If you like a drink that will put a bit of hair on your chest, Twin Peaks has the Bloody Mary for you. Absolut Peppar Vodka mixes with tomato juice for a spicy concoction that’s garnished with celery, an olive, and of course, bacon. www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com.
Thirsty Lion The Gastropub offers two Bloody Mary’s on their menu. Try the Sriracha Bloody Mary Vodka made with sriracha sauce, tomato juice and Demitri’s spices. If you want something even spicier try the Wasabi Bloody Mary made with wasabi, tomato juice and Demitri’s spices! For Thirsty Lion locations visit www.thirstyliongastropub.com.
If you’re planning on visiting with family & friends over the next couple of weeks, there’s no better way to arrive than with a delicious dessert to share. This delicious and simple dessert from The Crepe Club, who with 3 days notice, will make from scratch their Buche de Noel, also known as a Yule Log.
The Buche de Noel is a traditional European dessert cake made from rolled sponge cake and decorated like a log with Christmas symbols that is served around the holidays. It’s been a family tradition of the Tarabichi brothers who own The Crepe Club and wanted to share it with their guests.
The cakes are made in chocolate or vanilla, serve 8-10 people and will be made fresh at their bakery in Tempe. Cost for the cake is $49.95 and will be available for pick up before Christmas Day when you pre-order with 3 days notice. To order a Buche de Noel you can call The Crepe Club at 602-956-0087 and more details can be found at www.TheCrepeClub.com
The Crepe Club is at 2502 E. Camelback Rd #130 Phoenix 85016 (in Biltmore Fashion Park) for pick up.
