Eat: Reindeer Sausage Scramble on the menu at Original Breakfast House for the holiday season

Tis the season to EAT, drink and be merry and the Original Breakfast House in Phoenix has the “eat” part covered for you. OBH owner John Stidham has added several seasonal items to his breakfast menu including Reindeer Sausage Scramble ($10.95), Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes($9.95) try saying that 3Xs after some Eggnog, Coconut Macaroons ($2.25) and Gluten Free Brownies ($3.25).

Reindeer Sausage Scramble photo courtesy of Joanie Simon

The unique & tasty sounding Reindeer Sausage Scramble comes with Smoked Gouda Cheese and roasted red peppers.

Original Breakfast House’s Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes photo courtesy of Joanie Simon

Original Breakfast House is at 13623 N. 32nd St (at Thunderbird) Phoenix 85032. 602-482-2328 & is open 7 days a week from 6:30 am – 2pm http://www.obhphx.com/

 

 

Sandbar Mexican Grill rolls out holiday menu and festive cocktails

If you didn’t get enough of the turkey and its trimmings this week now is the time to head to Sandbar Mexican Grill which is offering a traditional holiday menu with a Mexican twist and festive holiday cocktails through January 1st.

Turkey tacos photo courtesy of Sandbar Mexican Grill
Turkey tacos photo courtesy of Sandbar Mexican Grill

New menu items include turkey tacos ($13) with turkey tinga, cranberry chutney and Mexican cornbread stuffing with Chorizo, apples and raisins wrapped in a warm corn tortilla. Homemade Holiday Tamales ($12) are available to go by the dozen or to eat at Sandbar. Green chile chicken or red chile pork will have you tasting the family tradition. To sip on several new cocktails are available to toast the holidays with your friends and co-workers.

Photo courtesy of Sandbar Mexican Grill
Photo courtesy of Sandbar Mexican Grill

Holiday Cocktails $9

Salted Caramel Martini: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, RumChata, Liqueur 43 & Caramel with Salted Rim

Pumpkin Spice Martini: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Nutmeg, Pumpkin-Spiced Agave Nectar, Whipped Cream

Caramel Apple Mimosa: Stoli Salted Caramel Vodka, Apple Cider, Champagne & Caramel with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim

 Winter Warmers $7

Ho-Ho Joe: RumChata, Amaretto Liqueur, Patron XO & Hot Cocoa

Chocolate Raspberry Truffle: Patron XO Coco, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Hot Cocoa

Grandpa’s Cider: Tuaca Vanilla Liqueur, Jack Fire, Hot Apple Cider

Sandbar Mexican Grill has 2 locations in the Phoenix area at 7200 W. Ray Rd. Chandler 85226 (480) 961-1700 & 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.(Desert Ridge) Phoenix 85050 (480)585-5900

 

 

Chompie’s offers Chanukah & Christmas meals to “take out” or “dine-in”

It’s going to be one busy week in the kitchens at the valley’s 5 Chompie’s Deli’s as both Chanukah and Christmas fall on the same week, something that happens every few years. Christmukkah as Chompie’s is calling it will be celebrated with meals for both holidays being available for take-out and dine-in.

Photo courtesy of Angela Muniz & Evolve Marketing
Chompie’s Chanukah meal. Photo courtesy of Angela Muziz & Evolve Marketing

Chanukah take out meals

The Borenstein’s family recipes create a Chanukah meal available to enjoy in your home with your family. The $149- meal generously serves 8 and includes:

  • Matzo Ball Soup
  • Choice of sliced Beef Brisket or Roasted Chicken
  • Choice of two sides (latkes, roasted potatoes, homestyle green beans, and a broccoli-carrot medley)
  • Lovey Borenstein’s Holiday Dessert (apple and cherry strudel).

Those who want side & desserts for their family meals, the restaurant’s Chanukah favorites are also available for take-away by the pint, pound or piece. These include:

  • Raisin Challah Bread ($6.50)
  • Jewish Rye Bread ($4.99)
  • Matzo Ball Soup ($8.99 / qt)
  • Homemade Brisket Gravy ($3.99 / pt)
  • Applesauce ($4.99 / pt)
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes ($4.99 / lb)
  • Black & Whites ($5.99 / 6 pack)
  • Chocolate Bobka ($8.99)
  • Chanukah Cookies ($2.25 each)
Photo Courtesy of Angela Muniz & Evolve Marketing
Photo Courtesy of Angela Muniz & Evolve Marketing

Traditional Holiday take out meals

Whether you choose to dine-in or take-out Chompie’s is prepared to serve you. A take-away family meal can be pre-ordered as are sides and desserts. The meals serve 12 people and include a whole oven roasted turkey, fixings, sides and pie.

  • The Traditional Full Meal Package (serves 12-15 generously)  – $209.99
  • Holiday Dinner (for dine in or to go) – $18.99 per person / $9.99 for children under 10
  • Extra Large Whole Oven Roasted Turkey – $99.99  * Carved for $124.99
  • Fresh Baked Apple or Pumpkin Pies – $12.95 ea.
  • Fresh Baked Deluxe Pies – $14.95 ea
  • Homemade Stuffing – $6.99 / lb
  • Matzo Ball Soup – $8.99 / qt
  • Candied Yams – $5.99 / lb

Christmukkah Dine In menu

If you want to leave all the cooking and cleaning to Chompie’s, Christmas and Chanukah dinner are available for dine-in and includes soup or salad, an entrée choice of turkey breast with stuffing and cranberry relish, beef brisket with gravy, stuffed cabbage rolls, filet of salmon or Chicken Schnitzel, two sides, rolls and dessert. It is $20.99 per person and $10.49 for children under 10. It is available every day from December 24 – January 1 from 11 am – close.

Chompie’s holiday hours

In addition to preparing all the take out meals Chompie’s will be open for Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. Below is their holiday hours.

  • Christmas Eve Day:         6 am – 8 pm        (Tempe closes at 3pm)
  • Christmas Day:                  7 am – 9 pm        (Tempe closes at 3pm)
  • New Year’s Eve Day:       6 am – 7 pm        (Tempe closes at 3pm)
  • New Year’s Day:               7 am – 9 pm

Chompie’s locations

To pre-order your take-out meals or to dine in this is where you can find a Chompie’s near you.  http://www.chompies.com/ 

  • Scottsdale:          9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 85260   // 480-860-0475
  • Tempe:                1160  E. University, Tempe 85281    // 480-557-0700
  • Phoenix:              4550-324 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix 85032   // 602-710-2910
  • Chandler:            3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 85226    // 480-398-3008
  • Glendale:            7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center #1145 // 623-344-3104

 

Leave the Thanksgiving cooking to someone else with “To Go” meals

If you’re like me and prefer to leave the cooking to others and show up with a few bottles of wine on Thanksgiving Day but it’s your turn to host dinner and you prefer to spend time with your guests or watching the football games on TV rather than in the kitchen. This is where Miracle Mile Deli, Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Luci’s at The Orchard can help you out with preparing Thanksgiving meals to-go.

With less planning than if you were cooking dinner yourself you could have a great meal and still have time to enjoy the holiday festivities.

miracle mile deli’s “everything but the Bird”

If you still like the tradition of cooking the turkey with the family recipe but don’t want to do all the side dishes the Miracle Mile Deli has the plan for you. Over 18 side dishes and dessert along with deli standards are available for pick up on Wed. the 23rd if ordered no later than 2pm on Tues. the 22nd. Below is the list of sides available to order.

Quart of Homemade Mashed Potatoes (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Gravy (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Stuffing (serves 3 to 4) – $7.49

Pound of Cranberry Sauce (serves 3 to 4) – $4.79

Quart of Potato Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Cole Slaw (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Pasta Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

One Dozen of Kaiser OR Onion Rolls – $10.20

Big Loaf of Rye Bread (24 slices) – $8.99

Regular Loaf of Rye Bread (12 slices) – $4.79

Pound of Hot Pastrami (serves 3 to 4) – $15.98

Pound of Corned Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Pound of Hot Brisket of Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Order of 3 Potato Pancakes (with applesauce and sour cream) – $7

Pint of Horseradish – $6.99

Pound of Dill Pickles (approximately 10 spears) $3.79

Quart of Homemade Soup (serves 2) – $9.49

Whole Pie (Pumpkin, Pecan, Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Boston Cream, Blueberry) – $14

To place your order call 602-776-0992 or http://miraclemiledeli.com/  Pick up your order at 4433 N. 16th St. Phoenix

Luci’s healthy Marketplace & Luci’s at The orchard Full meals or a la carte

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Luci’s at The Orchard is giving several “to go” options for Thanksgiving whether you want them to prepare the whole meal, just sides dishes or if you just want them to prepare dessert. All you have to do is re-heat what you pick up. Place your order anytime with any cancellations needed by Nov.18th or you won’t get a refund.

Complete Meal $169.99 (Feeds 6-8)

12-14 Lbs. Pre-Cooked Premium, All-Natural, Locally-Roasted Turkey

1 Quart Turkey Gravy

1 Pint of Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

1 Dozen Dinner Rolls (Vegetarian)

1 Pumpkin Pie (Vegetarian)

Side Item 1 – 3 Lbs. Cornbread Stuffing

Side Item 2 – 3 Lbs. Seasonal Vegetables (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Side Item 3 – 4 Lbs. Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes (Gluten Free)

Substitute one of the three Side Items for our Seasonal Fall Salad (Butternut Squash, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Roasted Corn and Field Greens served with Citrus Vinaigrette)

A’la Carte Items

Corn Bread Stuffing – $8.99 per Pound

Seasonal Vegetables – $9.99 per Pound

Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes – $8.99 per Pound

Turkey Gravy – $7.99 per Quart

Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey – $7.99 per Quart

Seasonal Fall Salad (Feeds 6-8 People) – $49.99

Just “The Bird”

$7.49 per Pound (approx. 12-14 Lbs.)

A’la Carte Desserts

Pumpkin Pie – $12.99

Pecan Pie – $14.99

To place an order from Luci’s Healthy Marketplace call 602-773-1339 or http://www.lucishealthymarketplace.com/ pick up is at 1609 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix 85014

For Luci’s at The Orchard orders call 602-633-2442 or http://lucisorchard.com/ with pick up at 7100 N. 12th St. Bldg #2 Phoenix 85020

 

TEXAZ Grill gives thanks with Chicken Fried Turkey

TEXAZ Grill is known for its Chicken Fried Steak having sold almost 1 million in the restaurants 31 years and with Thanksgiving almost here owner Steve Freidkin thought it would be a good idea to combine the two giving his signature meal a Texas twist. From Nov. 20-23 diners can order Chicken Fried Turkey for lunch and supper.

Photo courtesy of TEXAZ Grill
Photo courtesy of TEXAZ Grill

At lunch ($10) diners can order the seasoned and lightly breaded turkey cutlets that is fried to a golden, tender and crisp perfection. Top it with a savory, slow cooked brown gravy and serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce and you’ll start your Thanksgiving holiday off early with a unique meal to the traditional. At supper ($15) your Chicken Fried Turkey comes with fresh bread & butter and a side salad.

With a day or 2 to come out of your turkey coma you’ll be ready for your traditional Thanksgiving feast with friends and family.

Chicken Fried Turkey will be available 10am-10pm on Sun. Nov. 20th and from 11am-10pm on Mon., Tues. & Wed. TEXAZ Grill will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

TEXAZ Grill is at 6003. N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016 (602)248-7827 http://www.texazgrill.com

 

 

Black Friday restaurant deals around the Phoenix area

2 weeks from today the madness that is Black Friday (Nov. 25th) will be here. Retailers aren’t the only one offering the deals, many of your favorite restaurants around the Phoenix area are offering deals to those that prefer to eat and drink than shop. Below is a list of where to find the restaurant deals around the Phoenix area and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Scottsdale.

Ticoz Latino Kitchen

All day on Black Friday November 25, Ticoz Latin Kitchen will offer 1/2 off appetizers and “Weary Shopper Sangria” for 1/2 off. Additionally, their Corona, Corona Lite and Imperial beers by the bottle will be 1/2 off all day.

5114 North 7th Street. More information available online at www.ticozaz.com or by calling 602-200-0160.

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Eklectic Pie – 2 locations

Buy one 11 inch pizza, get one free. (limit one per person, may not be combined with other offers)

PLUS by four, $10 gift cards, get one $10 gift card free

Both locations open daily at 11:00 a.m.

eklecticpie.com

Eklectic Pie Mesa

1859 South Stapley Drive

480-207-1613

Eklectic Pie Chandler

2990 East Germann Road

480-855-7342

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El Palacio

Enjoy special offers including half off gift cards, $3 margaritas and $4 Fire & Rice (drink made with rumchata and fireball whiskey)!

El Palacio

2950 E Germann Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249

(480) 802-5770

http://www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

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Drexyl Modern American Restaurant

Enjoy happy hour all day on Black Friday.

Drexyl

8877 North Scottsdale Road

480-840-1861

http://drexylusa.com

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Tavern Americana

Celebrate Black Friday, November 25th with a gift card special. Buy $100 in gift cards and get $25 extra!

Tavern Americana

20469 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale

(480) 502-6740

http://urbantaverngroup.com/tavernamericana/

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The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

All Day Happy Hour!

20% Off All Local Retail (THE MARKET IS A PROUD MEMBER OF LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA)

Black Friday Power Lunch $24.99 11am – 5pm

First Course

Butternut Squash Bisque

Second Course

choice of

Cuban Sandwich

Bolognese

Chicken

Sweet

choice of

Bread Pudding

Chocolate Mousse

Plus, a glass of house wine

The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

3603 E. Indian School Rd., Ste A

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-579-5327

themarketphx.com

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SCOTTSDAZZLE

Christmas Tree Lighting, Soleri Bridge: 5:30 p.m., November 25, sweet treats and cocoa will be offered, live music and more! Mayor Jim Lane and members of the Scottsdale City Council will be on hand to light the one-of-a kind to Arizona tree, imported from Italy. The tree boasts over one million customizable lighting options and will glow nightly on the Soleri Bridge.

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Marcellino Ristorante

Marcellino Ristorante will offer their “lite bites and sips” menu from 12 noon until close on Friday, November 25.  (menu is normally offered from 4 pm – 6 pm) The Lite Bites menu includes appetizers and drinks ranging from $6-$10.

Marcellino Ristorante

7114 E Stetson Drive

Scottsdale

480-990-9500

www.MarcellinoRistorante.com

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WINK 24:

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend and Black Friday at Wink 24.  Wednesday, Nov 23 and Friday Nov 25, Purchase a single serving bottle of Tattinger Champagne and second bottle is a penny!

Biltmore Fashion Park

2502 E. Camelback Road

Phoenix, 85016

602-954-5278

http://www.wink24.net

 

 

 

James Beard winner Alex Stratta joins The Herb Box

James Beard award winner and Michelin starred chef Alex Stratta brought smiles to the faces of foodies around the Phoenix area earlier this year when he announced he was returning to Phoenix after spending several years strutting his stuff in Las Vegas. The corporate job that brought him back didn’t work out the way he had planned and was short-lived. Fortunately it was culinary gold for The Herb Box who hired Stratta as Director of Culinary.

Stratta will oversee all 3 locations (Southbridge & DC Ranch in Scottsdale and The Colony in central Phoenix) menus as well as their grab and go market and catering operations. His first order of business was to roll out a new Fall dinner menu. The menus will continue to be unique and use seasonal & local ingredients with vegetables playing a major part. The dinner menu rolled out in late October and a Fall lunch menu is planned for an early November roll out.

The Herb Box owner Susan Wilcox wasn’t looking to hire for a new position but she knew of Stratta’s reputation and with the help of mutual friends the 2 were connected, Wilcox says “Alex and I had a meeting of the minds. Our passions and vision for the growth of the company perfectly aligned.”

Stratta will also focus on the kitchen’s business operations which is one of his strengths. This will include developing and training the back of the house, refine procedures, ensure menu consistency in all with all 3 locations and expand catering and the grab and go market which will maximize the long-term growth of the restaurants. While no new restaurants are planned, Wilcox is open to expansion if the right location and opportunity become available around the valley or outside of Arizona. According to Stratta, “I’m bringing the same intensity and same heart from the fine dining arena to The Herb Box.” http://www.theherbbox.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Midnight Run starts “It’s Midnight Somewhere” weekend brunch menu.

Along the busy restaurant corridor of 7th St. in central Phoenix, Joe’s Midnight Run kicks off its “It’s Midnight Somewhere” weekend brunch menu with drink and food specials every Saturday & Sunday from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Joe's Midnight Run
Photo courtesy of Joe’s Midnight Run

its midnight somewhere’ brunch menu

Start off the morning with $3 Bellinis or Mimosas, $8 Bloody Mary’s, signature cocktails and more while you decide to soak it up with Chef Michael Smith’s Banana French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy or Shrimp & Grits just a few of the new brunch menu items.

For those that prefer the lunch side to the brunch menu they can order Notorious BIG Burger( made with braised pork, beef and chicharones), Milanesa Sandwich, salads, flatbreads and more.

photo courtesy of Joe's Midnight Run
photo courtesy of Joe’s Midnight Run

Joe’s Midnight Run is at 6101 N. 7th St. Phoenix, 85014 (480)459-4467 http://www.joesmidnightrun.com

 

 

New Beer Buzz: Sierra Bonita Grill 1st in Phoenix area to sell Dog Tag Legacy Lager

Central Phoenix’s Sierra Bonita Grill is the 1st Phoenix area restaurant to sell Dog Tag Brewing Foundation’s Legacy Lager at their 16th St. restaurant. The beer was created to honor the legacy of men & women in the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice with all profits going to support their Gold Star families. You can enjoy the beer at Sierra Bonita Grill or take it home with you for $10 a can.

Dog Tag legacy lager. Photo courtesy of Leslie Chou
Dog Tag legacy lager. Photo courtesy of Leslie Chou

Dog tag Brewing Foundation

The Bozeman MT, Dog Tag Brewing Foundation http://www.dogtagbrewing.org/ uses all profits to support building projects in the communities of the Gold Star Families through grants, consulting with charities and public awareness of the service and sacrifice made by the fallen soldiers. In addition much of the packaging is dedicated to each Fallen Warrior who family has been a recipient of a Dog Tag Brewing Foundation Legacy Grant.

Sierra Bonita Grill donates sales

Sierra Bonita Grill will continue to support Dog Tag Brewing Foundation causes by donating 50% off the purchase price of each beer to Dog Tag sold. According to Sierra Bonita Grill’s Bar Manager, Miguel Lerma, “Honoring the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice is a privilege that Sierra Bonita Grill is humbled by. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Dog Tag Brewing’s beer.”

Sierra Bonita Grill is at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. 602-274-0700 www.sierriabonitagrill.com.

 

 

 

2016 Slider Throw Down for charity set for November 13th at Kierland Commons

Who doesn’t like tasting the delicious flavors of tacos, pizza & burgers to satisfy your appetite, not this guy. While typing this post for the up-coming 2016 Slider Throw Down, I’m building an appetite for day 2 of taco judging. We enjoy tasting food prepared by full time restaurant chefs along with weekend chef and their taco or slider creations. The Slider Throw Down is set to take place at Kierland Commons on Sunday Nov. 13th from 12 noon – 3pm to benefit Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF)

Photo courtesy of Knife and Fork Media
Photo courtesy of Knife and Fork Media

slider throw down food trucks

This years Slider Throw Down will have local food trucks such as Butta Burger, Spice It Up and Phil the Grill preparing sliders for festival goers who contribute $25 for admission and 1 slider from each truck. All proceeds got to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Slders will be judged by local “slider experts” and attendees who can vote for the “People’s Choice”

Arizona friends of foster children foundation

The AFFCF helps support children in foster care by letting them enjoy their childhood, according to Kris Jacober, Director of the AFFCF says, “We help these children through difficult circumstances by providing them with resources and allowing them to take part in enjoyable activities that promote self-esteem.” The AFFCF has awarded over $5 million dollars to children in foster care and yet there are still thousands of kids awaiting their help. By purchasing a ticket to the Slider Throwdown you can do your part to help. Purchase tickets here https://fs25.formsite.com/AFFCF/form18/index.html