Category: Phoenix

2nd annual Phoenix Pizza Festival is a slice of heaven

It’s food festival season here in the Phoenix area with restaurants, food trucks, bartenders & foodies prepping their favorite food & drinks for the masses on a weekly basis. Saturday November 19th brings us the 2nd Annual Phoenix Pizza Festival as it converges on Margret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix.

Logo courtesy of Phoenix Pizza Festival
Logo courtesy of Phoenix Pizza Festival

festival pizza makers

15 pizza makers including Fabio on Fire, SuperFarm SuperTruck, La Piazza Al Forno Phx and Dough Mama will give the estimated 3,000+ festival attendees the opportunity to buy slices, full pies and more. Craft beers from Helio Basin Brewing Co, That Brewing Co. and other brewers along with wines will be available to pair with your pizza. Lawn games and live music will be adding to the festive food atmosphere.

downtown phoenix Inc.

Part of the proceeds from the pizza festival will be given to the Downtown Phoenix Inc. as it continues to promote the development & re-vitalization of downtown Phoenix with events and strategic partnerships.

tickets and info

Tickets for the Phoenix Pizza Festival are $10 and only available on online at http://www.phoenix.pizza and are limited. The festival runs from 11am- 5pm & Margret T. Hance Park is at 1202 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85004. Free parking is available around the park and light rail stops 3 blocks from the park.

 

 

Windsor rolls out 4 new Fall inspired cocktails.

When mornings start getting cooler and weekends being dedicated to football we know the seasons have changed and Fall is upon us. With this seasonal change we also see the change on restaurant menus and cocktail list using seasonal ingredients and flavors. Central Phoenix’s Windsor has created 4 new cocktails with shorter days and longer nights in mind.

Photo courtesy of Upward Projects
Photo courtesy of Upward Projects

windsor cocktail’s no. 36, 40,77 & 83

With no pumpkin spice in sight, Upward Project’s Beverage Director Brent Karlicek has created 4 new numbered, not named, cocktails that uses artisan spirits with the bold flavors of Autumn.

No. 36 is a Manhattan with Karlicek’s personal touch combining Bourbon, red Vermouth, spiced honey, Lustau Sherry & garnished with a spiced honey lollipop.

No.40 uses Dominacan & Demerara rum, this inspired cocktail from a 120 year old recipe blends strawberry syrup, a bold Cocchi Barolo Chinato red wine, Sombra Mezcal, fresh lime juice and a strawberry garnish is “just plain dreamy” as an Italian styled dessert wine.

No.77 is a savory blend of Bourbon, Cutty Sark Scotch, Fernet Branca, lime juice, ginger syrup, Redd’s Ginger Brew and a candied ginger garnish. It’s 27 secret ingredients offer complexity and character.

No.83 uses infused spirits such as Chamomile infused Bourbon, gin, lime juice, house made Mango syrup, Reed’s Ginger Brew and Luxardo Amaro with a mint sprig garnish for a layered cocktail that can also refresh your taste buds.

These new cocktails are now available at Windsor 5223 N. Central Ave Phoenix, 85012 (602)279-1111 http://www.windsoraz.com

 

Local chefs compete for best burger at Okra Cookhouse & Cocktail’s Burger Battle

Burgers, burgers and more burgers is what’s on the menu the next 4 Sundays in October as Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails hosts a weekly Burger Battle. 6 local chefs will be competing to see who has the created the tastiest burger. Starting this Sunday October 9th and for the 2 Sundays following, diners can watch the fun and taste the burgers created that will be judged by celebrity judges. Each weeks winner will compete on Sunday October 30th to see which chef has created the best burger.

Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails

Burger battle participating chefs

Here are the 6 local chefs competing and the schedule with the fun starting every Sunday at 3pm.

October 9th features Kelly Fletcher from the soon to be open Zen Culinary going up against Gio Osso of Virtu & Nico

October 16th has host Cullen Campbell of Crudo & Okra doing battle against Doug Robson of Otro.

Ocotber 23rd pits Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail against Upward Projects Chris Newstrom

October 30th is the finals for the 3 winners.

Burger Battle and brunch for C-cap

Okra will also be serving their regular Sunday specials that include all day happy hour, 1/2 off bottles of wine and mixologist Micah Olson will be creating a special cocktail & punch with Tito’s vodka for the Burger Battle. Part of the proceeds from each weeks event will go to C-CAP , a non-profit that helps get young men and women get started in their culinary arts career.

Okra is at 5813 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014 (602)296-4147 http://www.okraaz.com

 

Huss Brewing Company announces new Phoenix taproom and purchase of Papago Brewing Company.

It’s been a busy couple of months for Jeff and Leah Huss, owners of Tempe, Arizona based Huss Brewing Company as they announced in August their plans for a new taproom in Phoenix then a September announcement that they purchased Scottsdale’s Papago Brewing Company.

huss-logo-3371b007-96c5-4cbe-81f9-2483b1d14ee9Huss Brewing company Phoenix taproom

The Huss’s anticipate a December opening of their flagship Uptown Taproom in newly re-designed Uptown Plaza in central Phoenix. Huss Brewing’s craft beers will be the focus of the Phoenix taproom and will include award-winning beers such as Scottsdale Blonde & Husstler Milk Stout. New beers will be made exclusively for the Phoenix location. According to Jeff “I think it’s cool that we can have some beers only available at the Tempe Taproom, and now have unique selection(s) at the Uptown Taproom”. Jeff also serves as Huss’s brewmaster.

Proximity to Uptown Plaza Restaurants

The Uptown Taproom will be close to Lou Malnati’s Pizza and other restaurants including Shake Shack in the Uptown Plaza. According to Leah, “Just like our Tempe Taproom, we wanted to create a comfortable space where people can relax, enjoy our beers and enjoy food from a multitude of area restaurants, it’s almost like relaxing at home an ordering delivery.” The taproom will have a kitchen that will serve light bites.

Photo courtesy of MMPR Marketing
Photo courtesy of MMPR Marketing

Acquiring of Papago Brewing Company

In early September the Huss’s announced they were acquiring the Papago Brewing Company’s brand of beers that include the best-selling Orange Blossom wheat beer. With the acquisition of Papago Brewing, Huss’ newly formed Huss Family of Beers will be Arizona’s 3rd largest brewery after Four Peaks and SanTan. Huss Brewing has brewed the beers for Papago Brewing for several years as the did not have enough space at their Scottsdale bottle shop and taproom which Leah was co-owner and operator of for 14 years. The Scottsdale taproom was not part of the acquisition.

“Most important, ” says Leah Huss, “acquiring the Papago beer brands ensures that the brand will stay in Arizona and not be bought by an out-of-state or international conglomerate.”

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Murder Mystery Theater just one of the upcoming events at Coup Des Tartes in October

Coup Des Tartes, the central Phoenix French styled bistro is stepping out of its comfort zone to bring customers not only delicious food but a murder mystery dinner theater, a burlesque dinner show and an Italian wine dinner over a 3 week period in October.

Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes
Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes

Mafioso Murder mystery dinner

This 3-course dinner scheduled for Sat. Oct. 8th will let diners figure out who ordered the “hit’ when the godfather and his mob pull back the curtains. The dinner costs $65 per person and consists of….

1st Course

Anti-Pasto (cheese & Meat)

2nd Course (choice of)

  • Greek Sea Bass, Israeli Cous Cous, Sautéed Spinach with Fresh Blueberry-demi-glaze
  • Moroccan Lamb, Stone Fruits, Veggies and Couscous
  • Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Garlic, Thyme, and Lemon Risotto
  • Short Rib Pappardelle with Creamy Pancetta Sauce

3rd Course

Homemade Cannoli

Alto Adige wine dinner

Tues. Oct. 18th brings you an Italian wine dinner featuring the wines from Alto Adige, the northern Italian region known for its white wines. The dinner starts at 6pm and costs $80 per person or $150 per couple and includes 4 courses plus dessert paired with wines. The menu consists of…

1st Course

Risotto With Rock Shrimp and Fire-Roasted Tomato

2nd Course

Lolla Rossa Lettuce, Grilled Apricot, Gorgonzola Salad

3rd Course

Fresh Pappadelle Pasta, Tomato, Shaved Grana Padano, Fresh Basil

4th Course

Rack of Lamb, Sweet Potato, Golden Raisins, Pine Nuts, Baby Kale, Chianti Glaze

Dessert

Lemon Panna Cotta, Fresh Berries, Crème Anglaise

high-end burlesque and live variety dinner show

On Sat. Oct. 22nd diners can enjoy an evening filled with music and entertainment that includes burlesque styled performance. The evening is for those 21 and over dinner starting at 7pm and curtain to drop at 8:30. Cost is $90 per person an includes a 3 – course prix fixe dinner and glass of sparkling wine.

For reservations for any of these 3 exciting night please contact Coup Des Tartes at (602) 212-1082 or http://www.nicetartes.com/

Coup DesTartes is at 1725 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

 

Mojo Yogurt & The Mollen Foundation’s “Create A Healthy T-Shirt Design” contest

Mojo Yogurt and The Mollen Foundation have partnered for the 1st “Create a Healthy T-Shirt Design” contest on Saturday, September 24th from 12 noon 2pm at Mojo Yogurt’s Mill Ave. & Tempe Marketplace locations.

Photo courtesy of Mojo Yogurt
Photo courtesy of Mojo Yogurt

Winning Design

The winning design will be featured on all T-shirts for the Mollen Mile and must include a picture of a vegetable, an exercise and include the words “Mollen Mile”. The contest is open to all kids from 3-12 years of age. The winner will also win free Mojo yogurt for the whole family. Kids can enter also enter online by emailing their design to paigemollen@mollenfoundation.org

phoenix-half-marathon-logo-image002The Mollen Mile and The Mollen Foundation

The Mollen Mile is a mile long run for kids as part of the 3TV Phoenix 10K & 1/2 Marathon. Phoenix Dr. Art Mollen started the Phoenix 10K 40 years ago to promote healthy eating and exercise through community involvement. Dr. Mollen is also the founder of The Mollen Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages healthy living for children and their families by adopting healthy living activities including healthy eating and physical activities both of which have life long benefits. This years 10K and 1/2 Marathon will be held on Sunday Nov. 6th 2016. You can register at https://register.chronotrack.com/r/18466

Mojo yogurts donation

Mojo Yogurt will be donating 20% of all sales on September 24th to the Mollen Foundation. The 2 participating Mojo Yogurts are at Tempe Marketplace 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1065 Tempe, AZ 85281 & Mojo Yogurt ASU 411 S Mill Avenue # 102 Tempe, AZ 85281

 

LOLA wine dinner at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s with winemaker Seth Cripe to host

As the cool weather gets closer and closer it’s not only the snowbirds that will be returning to Phoenix but winery owners, winemakers and others returning to our sunny state. It is for that reason The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s will be hosting a LOLA wine dinner with founder & winemaker Seth Cripe flying in from his California winery to host the event.

Photo courtesy of LOLA
Photo courtesy of LOLA

About lola

LOLA was founded in 2008 after Florida native Cripe traveled the world at the age of 17 to work harvest and learn how to make wine before settling in Napa Valley. Currently this boutique winery make about 8,000 cases of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Dry Riesling. The winery works with sustainable and natural methods in an effort to protect the environment for years to come.

Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer's
Photo courtesy of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s

the menu pairings

The dinner will be on Thursday, Sept. 22nd at 6pm with dinner being served at 6:30 and costs $95 per person. The 6-course menu is as follows.

Amuse Bouche
Raviolo al Uobo + brown butter + fried sage + black opal platinum caviar
1st course LOLA Dried Riesling * TBD
Corn soup + curry + citrus beurre poached crab + apple slaw
2nd course LOLA Chardonnay * TBD
Little neck clam + housemade linguini +  sauce au vin blanc + Hawaiian Black go lb salt  + Italian parsley + focaccia crumbs + Anna Maria Cortez Battarga
3rd course LOLA Pinot Noir * Russian River
Plank Patagonia salmon  + vanilla + Swiss chard + chanterelle mushroom + extra virgin olive oil
4th course LOLA Pinot Noir North Coast
Blackberry glazed lamb chops + white beans + kale + extra virgin olive oil + cracked pepper + Go lb. salt + demi glace
Dessert- Ice + Earth + Decadence
Wild raspberry sorbet + stilton + strawberry + valrhona chocolate chunk cookie
The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018 (602)626-5050 http://www.themarketphx.com/

 

Crudo to host 3 Italian winemakers at dinner on Sept. 21st

Whats goes better with Italian food paired with Italian wine, not much unless you’re in the company of 3 Italian winemakers who will discuss their wines being poured and paired that evening. This will be the reality on Wed. Sept 21st when Cullen Campbell, executive chef & co-owner of the award-winning Crudo hosts a 4 course Italian wine dinner with the wines imported by Kobrand.

Attending winemakers

It’s always a treat when you get to hear the inspiration and philosophy of winemakers about the complexity that goes into making wine. With that in mind Ernes Scardova of Medici Ermite, Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponit and Giovanni Folonari of Tenuta Di Nozzole & Camp Al Mare will all be flying in from Italy to enjoy the company of attendees and share their passion for Italian food and wine.

Crudo menu pairing

The 4-course dinner will cost $75 ++ per person and will start at 6pm and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 602-358-8666 http://www.crudoaz.com. The menu is as follows…

1st Course
Albacore Crudo | Fermented Chili & Citrus Paste| Garlic Chives
Campo al Mare Vermentino di Toscana 2014
2nd Course
Butcher’s Pate|Truffle Conserva| Noble Bread
Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco 2015
3rd Course
Gargati |Two Wash Farm Ragu|Basil
Tenuta Sette Ponti “Crognolo” 2014
4th Course
Teres Major Steak|Oxtail| Roasted Fingerlings| Salsa Delle Erbe
Tenuta di Nozzole “La Forra” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012

Arizona Restaurant Week returns for Fall’16 edition

We’re just 1 week away from Arizona Restaurant Week Fall ’16, a week where foodies and wanna be foodies make reservations at their favorite restaurants for a special restaurant week menu or the opportunity to try one of the many restaurants on their restaurant “to-do” list. This years ARW runs from Fri. Sept 16- 25th.

T. Cook's Whiskey Brownie Sundae
T. Cook’s Whiskey Brownie Sundae

Special Menus for Arizona restaurant week

With more than 200 restaurants(Rancho Pinot Grill, Chistopher’s, Ajo All’s, Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn, Tonto Bar & Grill, The Stockyards, Posh Improvisational Cuisine, Liberty Market, Craft 64 and more) participating chefs have been preparing special 3 course prix-fixe menus for several months in anticipation this week. Menus offer diners a meal they wouldn’t be able to eat had it not been ARW offering them a unique dining experience whether they are a regular at the restaurant or visiting it for the 1st time. Each dinner costs $33 or $44 not including drinks, taxes or gratuity.

Cafe Zuzu's Mustard Crusted NY Strip
Cafe Zuzu’s Mustard Crusted NY Strip for Arizona Restaurant Week

Arizona restaurant association

The Arizona Restaurant Association has been coordinating ARW every Spring & Fall for 9 seasons too much success according to Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO Steve Chucri said, “Arizona Restaurant Week unites Valley diners around one of our most common bonds, food. Restaurants bring their A-game and diners are the direct beneficiary, it’s truly a win-win.” ARW came about to increase national exposure to Arizona’s restaurant industry and to assist in helping Arizona become a restaurant destination.

Coup des Tarte's Moroccan Lamb Shank
Coup des Tarte’s Moroccan Lamb Shank

Where to go

Reservations are almost a must for the 10 days of ARW and many restaurants sell out the entire week. For a full list of participating restaurants check  http://www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com




Fired Pie celebrates National Cheese Pizza Day & supports No Kid Hungry campaign.

As Americans we love our pizza, some of us more than others, so much so we eat about 350 slices of pizza per second. That’s the reason why all 15 Phoenix area locations of Fired Pie will be celebrating National Cheese Pizza Day on Monday Sept. 5th with 1/2 off Cheese Pizzas with the purchase of a drink.

Photo credit Kris Moony
Photo credit Kris Moony

Donate & get a free Pookie

All through the month of September you can help a hungry kid as Fired Pie will be participating in the No Kid Hungry campaign. For every $2 you donate to No Kid Hungry, Fired Pie will give you a voucher for a FREE Pookie on your next visit. You will have 2 months to redeem your voucher.  Last year Fired Pie raised $8,000.00 for No Kid Hungry

No Kid Hungry

No Kid Hungry connects kids to good meals at school or at home and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals. The No Kid Hungry network consists of private citizens, non-profits, public officials and business’s to provide innovative ways to solve the hunger issues of today’s youth. www.nokidhungry.org

Fired Pie

The locally owned Fired Pie allows you to build your own pizzas by picking the dough, sauce and toppings then bakes the pizza for you. There are currently 15 restaurants in the Phoenix area with a new Mesa restaurant open before year’s end. There are 2 locations in Tucson with their 1st out-of-state restaurant set to open in Las Vegas next year. www.firedpie.com