Category: prie fixe

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Arizona Restaurant Week is here

The popular 10 day event kicked off last night and runs through Sunday, May 28th. Over 100 Arizona restaurants are offering a special 3-course menu for $33, $44 or $55 per person. Sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association, representatives recommended that you make reservations so you don’t miss out. A full list of participating restaurants and their menus are at their website.

Miner Family Wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pairs 4 courses and dessert from Chef Anthony Apolinar with wines from the Napa Valley winery on Wednesday, May 24th. Starting at 6 p.m. guests will dine on scallops, sea bass, chicken & filet at the dinner with limited seating. A representative from the winery will be on hand to speak about the winery, wine and explain the pairings. Seats are $120++and seats can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 602-374-4784.

National Wine Day at LDV Winery

The “fruit of the vine” is celebrated next Thursday, May 25th and the Scottsdale tasting room is celebrating. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy a glass of Arizona grown & made Viognier, Rosé or Grenache for only $5.

Memorial Day at Phoenix area restaurants

Monday, May 29th we celebrate the brave men & women of our armed services.

Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork again offers their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get a second free starting at 4 p.m.

All 4 Chompie’s locations give active & retired members of the military 20% off their entree or retail purchases with military ID.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe, Phoenix and Chandler salute active and retired members of the military with ID with 15% off food, drink & merchandise. They’re also serving up a special Brat & Tots deal. The beer soaked brat is topped with whiskey BBQ sauce, bacon, chopped onions and shredded cheddar in a sweet toll bun. A select Pedal Haus beer comes with it to wash it down all for $14.

Summer hours start at Santé

The north Scottsdale restaurant is now closed for lunch, opening at 4 p.m. Tuesday -Friday. Saturday’s they’re open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for brunch and 4 -10 p.m. for dinner. On Sunday’s they’re open for the same hours for brunch then closed for dinner. They are closed all day on Monday’s.

Larger catering orders and private parties for lunch will be fulfilled and you can email them at bobbym@lovesante.com for information.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Prix Fixe Weekend Brunch menu now at Francine Restaurant

Chef Owner Laurent Halasz and Executive Chef Connor Harmon have designed a new Prix Fixe Weekend Brunch menu at their Scottsdale Fashion Square restaurant. The upscale bistro serving French cuisine with a Mediterranean twist opens every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with the new menu offered at $46 per person. The regular brunch and lunch menus are also available during the weekend.

Halasz and Harmon designed the menu to emphasize the flavors of the Spring and Summer season like one would find dining in the south of France. The Prix Fixe Brunch menu includes bottomless coffee, tea or 1 Bloody Mary, mimosa or glass of sparkling wine. The two course menu offers over 10 dishes to choose from. Start with flat bread, Pea Soup en Croute or Hummus before your entree. Entrees include Omelet Francine, Quiche Lorraine, Croque Madam & Moulon Frites. The Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich is an additional $5 and the Faroe Island Salmon and Copper State Reserve Prime Steak Frites is an additional $10.

Reservations are not required but encouraged for the Prix Fixe Brunch and can be made by calling 480-690-6180 or by visiting their website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

Summer Supper returns at Marcellino Ristorante

When downtown Scottsdale’s Marcellino Ristorante returns next Thursday August 4th after a couple weeks of rest and relaxation so will their Summer Supper dining experience. Guests can enjoy a three course for only $49 per person choosing from antipastos, award-winning handcrafted pastas and ending with house-made biscotti for dessert. Imagine a Caprese salad with imported mozzarella or entrees Gnocchi Sorrentina or Filetto Di Maiale without leaving Arizona. The Summer Supper is available nightly from 4 p.m. til closing for parties up to 6 people.

Also returning is their weekly Dinner and a Movie program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening through the first week of September at 5:30 p.m. guests can enjoy dinner from the menu or the Summer Supper menu. Enjoy the private dining room with others for a date night, girl’s night out or just letting Marcellino do the cooking. Admission is free but dinner and reservations are  required.

The movies are as scheduled.

August 9; and August 24: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
August 10; and August 30: “Only You”

August 16; and August 31: “Roman Holiday”

August 17; and August 23: “Eat, Pray, Love”

August 28; and September 7: “When in Rome”
September 6: “The Big Night”
Reservations are suggested for the Summer Supper. To make a reservation call 480-490-9500. For more information and to view their menus visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new menu

Earlier this week the locally owned pizzeria group debuted its new Fall seasonal menu. Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Green Apple Sangria, Caramel Apple Cheesecake and a Vodka Peach Mule are just a few of the new dishes & cocktails available until December 6th.

Creamistry to open first West Valley location

The ice cream shop that uses liquid nitrogen to make their delicious desserts opens at Park West, Saturday September 18th. Customers who show up between 12 – 2 p.m to the Peoria’s Park West entertainment center get a free small ice cream. There are 2 other locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, no free ice cream though.

Don’t forget National Hamburger Day Saturday

The popular comfort food is being celebrated September 18th around town with specially made burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar and other burger joints around Phoenix.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe 3rd Tuesday wine dinner is happening

3 courses paired with wines from New Zealand and California at Romeo’s monthly dinner is next Tuesday the 21st. Reservations are needed for dinner at the downtown Gilbert restaurant. Dinner is $39 per person.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

For the next 10 nights, restaurants feature specially created 3 course menus at $33, $44 or $55. 150+ restaurants are participating the Fall 2021 culinary event. Reservations are highly recommended and a full list of restaurants and their menus can be found at their website. The Arizona Restaurant Association has partnered with the HonorHealth Foundation to raise money for Desert Mission Food Bank during the next 10 days.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion is opening soon

One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the last couple of years is happening as James Beard award- winning chef Christopher Gross is getting ready to open Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion. The opening will be next Tuesday March 23rd with reservations being taken for dinner service.

The restaurant is next to the mansion and offer guests 180- degree views of the valley from it’s hilltop setting. Floor to ceiling glass windows and a retractable roof will give guests a feeling of dining outside as weather permits. The intimate setting allows for only 26 seats in the 1,500 square foot restaurant and is part of the Wrigley Mansion’s new look that re-opened last November. Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion was designed by architect Wendell Burnett and features a custom build wood fired oven as the late artist Yves Klein works adorn the restaurant along with Soleri Bells from Arcosanti.

Dining at Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion

The finest seasonal ingredients are sourced for Gross’s eight-course tasting menu that will showcase his passion for food and gastronomy.

“Gastronomy has led me around the world learning, creating, exploring, experiencing, and embracing my love of food, wine, and hospitality,” says Chef Christopher Gross, Executive Chef and Director of Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion.

“As we focus on providing an extraordinary experience for our guests, we consider all options. A tasting menu is exciting; an experience filled with wonder and anticipation. But we are also aware that sometimes we want to enjoy a simpler yet distinctive meal. In addition to our tasting menu, we will soon offer Christopher’s Classics on Sundays and Mondays, and a lighter tasting menu as our Bistro Lunch, Tuesdays through Saturdays.”

Dinner is served Tuesday- Saturday from 5-10 p.m. with for $250 per person. Wine pairings are an additional $230. For more information visit their website.

 

Let Chompie’s cook your home bound Passover and Easter feast

Holidays Passover and Easter don’t get cancelled because of the coronavirus, just with no large gatherings of celebration and cheer. In home traditions and meals will still be enjoyed with family and that means cooking a small feast. All 7 Chompie’s locations are preparing meal packages for delivery and pick up for the week long Passover from April 8th – 16th and Easter Sunday on the 12th. Below are several meal packages with pick up & delivery options for both holidays.

The following Passover Meal Box options are available via Door Dash Delivery only (not for takeout or curbside):

Turkey Dinner with Matzo Stuffing including roasted potatoes, home style green beans, a pint of matzo ball soup and three macaroons, $25.99

Brisket Dinner with a potato pancake, home style green beans, a pint of matzo ball soup and three macaroons, $25.99

Pre-packaged items include:

Matzo Box – $7.50

Honey Cake $12

Marble Sponge, $10

Half pound of Vanilla Macaroons, $10

Half pound of Vanilla Meringues, $10

The following Passover Dinner To-Go options are available for curbside pickup:

INDIVIDUAL MEALS (minimum six people for takeout pre-order), $34.95 each —

Choice of one starter:

House made Chopped Liver
Gefilte Fish with Horseradish

Choice of one soup:
Chicken with Matzo Ball
Sweet & Sour Cabbage

Choice of one entree:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of one potato:
Large Crisp Potato Latke with applesauce
Roasted Potatoes with caramelized onions

Choice of one vegetable:
Home style Green Beans
Old World Tzimmis

Dessert:
A fine assortment of holiday cake

BASIC DINNER (serves 8), $235 —

Choice of two entrees:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of two side dishes:
Potato Latke
Roasted Potatoes
Old World Tzimmis
Home style Green Beans

Choice of two desserts:
Loaf Marble Sponge Cake
Loaf Honey Cake
8 Assorted Macaroons

FULL TRADITIONAL MEAL (serves 8), $279 —

Choice of one appetizer:
House made Chopped Liver
Gefilte Fish with Horseradish

Choice of one soup:
Chicken with Matzo Ball
Sweet & Sour Cabbage

Choice of two entrees:
Half Roasted Chicken with Matzo Stuffing
Braised Brisket of Beef with Gravy
Roasted Turkey Breast with Matzo Stuffing & Gravy

Choice of two side dishes:
Potato Latke
Roasted Potatoes
Old World Tzimmis
Homestyle Green Beans

Choice of two desserts:
Loaf Marble Sponge Cake
Loaf Honey Cake
8 Assorted Macaroons

Easter Sunday home cooking from Chompie’s

The following options are available for takeout and curbside pickup Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12: 

Easter Brunch (serves four) — Scrambled eggs, bacon slices, ham steak slices, home fries, bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad and a muffin loaf, $59.99

The Feast (serves eight) — Scrambled eggs, bacon slices, ham steak slices, home fries, bagels, cream cheese, fruit salad and a muffin loaf, $109.99

Á la carte additions include the Smoked Salmon Package with tomato and red onion for $24.99;
Mimosa Package with one bottle of champagne and one gallon of orange juice for $29.99 and more

For large catering orders, Chompie’s Catering Co. delivers directly for orders of $150 minimum. The preferred method to order is calling 480-348-CATR (2287), but guests may also order online via www.ezcater.com/brand/pvt/chompies-catering. For details on Chompie’s Catering, visit www.chompies.com/catering/.

For more and to find a Chompie’s near you visit www.chompies.com.

New restaurants join the line-up for Arizona Restaurant Week

If you score a reservation for the 13th year of Arizona Restaurant Week you’ll be lucky you did as its one of the most popular culinary events on the Arizona food scene. Spring 2020 ARW starts Friday May 15th until Sunday May 24th where foodies can try new dishes at favorite restaurants or visit a new restaurant. Over 40 restaurants have signed to date with 7 restaurants making their debut on the list.

Twice a year (Save the date Sept. 18th- 27th 2020) the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts ARW to showcase chefs and culinary accomplishments of restaurants big or small. Each restaurant prepares a 3 or 4 course menu exclusively for the week for only $33 or $44. Several restaurants include wine or cocktail pairings for an up charge.

Returning and new restaurants

New to this year’s line- up include….Josephine, Sel, Meritage Urban Tavern, The Dressing Room, House Brasserie & Tuck Shop Kitchen and Bar. They join those returning ….Los Sombreros, Alexi’s Grill, Arrowhead Grill, Salty Sow, Urban Margarita & ZuZu Restaurant to name few.

“We are so proud that Arizona Restaurant Week continues to be such as a popular and well-attended event that our locals and out of town visitors look forward to each Spring and Fall,” says Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO Steve Chucri. “ It is our privilege to have a hand in bringing Arizona’s culinary excellence to the forefront for 10 delicious days and to give our local restaurants a platform to present some unique and creative dishes that aren’t always offered on their daily menus. We feel this gives chefs a chance to really showcase their creativity in new ways.”

To see the full list of restaurants visit the Arizona Restaurant Week website. The list is being updated daily and menus will be uploaded once finalized.

 

 

Fashion A’ Fare celebrate’s food, fashion and floral creativity

Scottsdale Fashion Square will be showing off all things edible, fashionable and floral over their 4-day Fashion A’ Fare weekend. Thursday March 5 – Sunday the 8th will see events throughout the mall with several in the new luxury wing. Foodies will want to attend on Saturday and Sunday for chef demos, a cooking competition, Sunday brunch and a farmer’s market.

On Saturday, well renowned chefs from the mall’s new restaurants Toco Madera, Nobu, Ocean 44 and others will demonstrate edible art in the new luxury wing. Guests can watch students from the Arizona Culinary Institute compete in a Food Network styled cooking competition and awards ceremony.

Sunday brings a pop-up farmer’s market to the new Grand North Entrance. Whether you’re looking for a yoga demonstration, to shop or Sunday brunch this will be the place to be. Brunch will feature dishes with de-constructed produce along with prie-fixe brunch and lunch menus at the new restaurants. Champagne bars, DJ spin- art and flower crown making are put of the celebration.

Scottsdale Fashion Square is at 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251. The luxury wing is on the north side off Goldwater Blvd. For more information and to stay up to date about Fashion A’ Fare head to their website.

 

Robert Sinskey Vineyards and Huss Brewing dinners coming to Quiessence

February is quick upon and social calendars are filling up. Quiessence at The Farm is hosting two special dinners’ pairings its seasonally grown vegetables, herbs and edible flowers with food friendly wine and beer. Chef’s Dustin Christofolo’s Tasting Menus pairs with wines from Robert Sinskey Vineyards followed a week later with beer from Huss Brewing Co. Robert Sinskey Vineyards

Robert Sinskey Vineyards dinner

Thursday January 30th at 6:00 p.m. the Napa Valley winery food driven wines will compliment Chef’s menu with much coming from the farms own Seed to Soil Garden. The five course meal is $95 per person plus tax & 20% gratuity.

First Course paired with 2016 Abraxas

Cauliflower Soup- Poached Scallops, Braised Greens, Currants

Second Course enjoyed with 2016 Vin Gris

Arizona Aged Beef Carpaccio -Bread Spoon, Parmesan Aioli, Pickled Shallots, Tempura Herbs

Third Course pairs 2014 Pinot Noir

Tortelli di Zucca- Rabbit Confit, Crushed Hazelnuts, Borage Flowers

Fourth Course paired with POV

Guinea Hen Roulade- Wrapped In Tessa, Crimson Lentils, Wild Mushrooms,  Grilled Daikon Radish, Red Pepper Jam, Fried Sage

Fifth Course paired with Pinot Gris Late Harvest  

“The Farm At South Mountain” Preserved Apple Pie- Vanilla Ice Cream, Lavender Honey Drizzle

Huss Brewing Co. beer pairing dinner

Huss Brewing’s Brewmaster Jeff Huss will join guests for this dinner on Thursday February 6th at 6:00 p.m. Starting on the patio with a beer cocktail and passed appetizers. The Arizona Beer Week celebration moves to the solarium for dinner. Limited seating is available for $85 per person plus tax & 20% gratuity.

1st Course Paired with Scottsdale Blonde

Wild Shrimp And Carrot Risotto- Roasted Carrots, Tomato Vinaigrette, Parsnip Chips, Chervil

2nd Course paired with Koffee Kolsch

Smoked Diver Sea Scallops Dusted With Espresso- Sunchoke Puree, Fingerling Potato Chips, Tempura Button Mushrooms, Koffee Kolsch Gastrique

3rd Course paired with Papago Desert Sage

Two Wash Ranch Chicken Fried Cornish Hen- Herb Aioli, Sous Vide Turnips, Preserved Farm Buddha Hand Citrus, Kale

4th Course paired With Copper State IPA

Artisanal Cheese Board- Nuts And Savory Jams Served With Grilled Noble Bread And Lavosh Crackers

Seats are limited for both dinners and can be reserved by calling (602)276-0601 or going to the Open Table links for the Sinskey dinner and for the dinner with Jeff Huss. Quiessence at The Farm is at 6106 S. 32nd St. Phoenix 85042.

 

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