Category: restaurant

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Memorial Day deals around Phoenix

Kona Grill- All weekend veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families get 20% off their order. On Monday, All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers in the hospitality, retail & medical industries. Enjoy a $12 red, blue, and white margarita flight during the weekend.

STK Steakhouse- 20% Off for all Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families – available all weekend long. All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers – Hospitality, Retail & Medical – available Memorial Day only. Enjoy a $19.95 red, white, and blue steak topping – lobster tail, blue corn tortilla & garlic cream sauce.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria- All veterans and active military with i.d. will get 15% off their order on Monday, May 29th. All 7 Arizona locations are participating, not to be combined with other offers.

Lobster Fest returns to Pedal Haus Brewery June 1st

Lobstah or lobster regardless how you say it most love a good roll during the summer. Due to popular demand all 3 locations will be serving a Maine lobster roll, fries and mug of Day Drinker Light Lager for $25 during June and July.

Found: RE Phoenix has a Sip & Shop pop up June 3rd

The downtown Phoenix hotel invites guests and locals to enjoy the leisurely pop-up from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. next Saturday . The free event offers food & drink specials and brunch in Match Market & Bar, live music and stylish lifestyle brands from local vendors. RSVP at their Eventbrite page.

Coffee 101 is back at Press Coffee

The locally owned coffee roaster brings back their one hour interactive class at their Roastery and in Sprouts Farmers Market every Saturday at 9 a.m. Once completed you can impress your friends about how to smell, slurp and taste four delicious and distinctly different coffees from around the world and learn the nuances of farming, processing and roasting to determine flavors like the pros.

Bourbon & Bones now open in Peoria

The newest chophouse & bar is open 24985 N. 83rd Ave. Peoria 85383. It’s the Scottsdale based Square One Concepts third location in the Phoenix area.

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

Élephante, acclaimed coastal Italian concept coming to Scottsdale

Upscale restaurant hospitality group Wish You Were Here and Macerich, owner of Scottsdale Fashion Square announced that Élephante will be part of the south wing expansion of the mall’s luxury wing. Once opened the 12,000 square foot restaurant highly visible near Nordstroms and will be the first location outside of Los Angeles. Wish You Were Here has multiple concepts of upscale bars and restaurants in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City. Their unforgettable dining experiences are inspired traveling the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring Élephante to Scottsdale, a city that boasts a stunning landscape and a thriving culinary scene,” said Nick Mathers, Founder of Wish You Were Here Group. “With its vibrant community that appreciates elevated dining experiences, it’s a favorable market for restaurants, especially in Scottsdale Fashion Square”

What to expect at Élephante

Guests will experience an indoor-outdoor restaurant offering a multidimensional experience with a sophisticated cocktail lounge within the restaurant, something unique to Arizona. Inspired by the desert surroundings the restaurant will have a jungle vibe full of lush floral decor and towering cacti.

The menu will include wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and their well-known Whipped Eggplant Dip. A new grill section of the menu will include premium meats, consciously selected seafood and larger family-style dishes. The beverage program will include over 1,200 wine labels and expertly crafted cocktails.

“This year, we’re celebrating five years since Élephante opened its doors in Santa Monica, so we feel this is the perfect evolution of our brand. We have created an atmosphere that captures the essence of sophistication while preserving the organic, laid-back feel that defines our first location. With this unique blend, we invite guests to embark on a memorable journey that resonates with Scottsdale’s captivating charm.” says Mathers.

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

JINYA Ramen Bar opens its new location in Uptown Phoenix

Bowls of hot ramen continue to see its popularity grow even during the triple digit temperatures of an Arizona summer. That’s no more obvious than the success with JINYA Ramen Bar that opened its first Arizona location in Chandler in 2021. Last week franchisees opened their second location in historical Uptown Phoenix expanding its ramen culture around the valley. The concept was started by Tomo Takahashi in 2010 and has over 50 locations with more set to open. The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen”, meaning “continuous improvement” has JINYA giving the best ramen guests to enjoy.

“Since opening our first location in Chandler, Arizona 2 years ago, we’ve felt so welcomed by the community,” says owner Daradee Olson. “We’re excited to be in such a lively part of the city with our newest location so close to all of the economic development in the Central Phoenix area. The JINYA experience is like no other, and we just can’t wait to continue sharing it with local residents and all the visitors that flock to Phoenix from all over the world.”

JINYA Ramen Bar
Spicy Tuna Tacos- All photos courtesy of JINYA Ramen Bar

At JINYA Ramen bar guests will experience a modern Japanese ambiance while enjoying their slow cooked ramen. The rich broth is simmered for 20 hours before being combined with noodles and toppings including chashu pork, a seasoned poached egg and more. The menu offers signature ramen bowls along with build your own bowls. Signature ramen bowls include Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Wonton and Spicy Umami Miso ramen. Vegetarian and gluten free bowls are also on the menu along with Small Plates and Chef Specials of Spicy Tuna Tacos, a JINYA Bun and Pork Spare Ribs. Rice and Curry Bowls are also popular dishes. A full bar is available to enhance the customer experience to pair with ramen or Japanese tapas.

The Phoenix location is at 5120 N. Central Ave. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and to view the menu visit 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.

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.

Mochilero Kitchen to open new location in north Scottsdale

The world was in a state of a pandemic lock down in April 2020 when sister and brother Meliza Miranda and Jorge Cota opened their Mochilero Kitchen in Peoria. The duo and the world came through a tough few years and now they’re preparing to open a second location in Scottsdale. Once opened at Frank Lloyd Wright & Thompson Peak Pkwy the restaurant will be serving authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by Cota’s 2019 research trip to Mexico where he visited 23 out of 32 states.

“It was tough start, but we went day by day and in the end we persevered and learned a lot during those three years,” said Miranda. “Never did I think we would be opening our second location this soon but the response has been tremendous and we are so excited to show Scottsdale diners what our vibrant and authentic Mexican cuisine is all about.”

During his trip Cota, who’s worked as a chef at The Phoenican, Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott met with families & chefs and ate in restaurants, markets and homes of families tasting foods & dishes that he would use in his restaurant. “We went with the mission to get inspired so we could take the most popular and traditional dishes you find in those coastal towns and bring them home,” said Cota. “Here we’re able to put our own twist on the dishes and really create something special.”

On the menu at Mochilero Kitchen

In the kitchen at Mochilero Kitchen Cota will be making scratch made signatures dishes like Classic Mole, a dish his grandmother who was from southern Mexico would make. Other popular dishes are his version of tacos including a vegetarian mushroom taco. The popular Mariscos, raw seafood cooked in lime juice should also get rave reviews in Scottsdale. Miranda spent 10 years as a State Manager for Constellation Brands is excited to feature more than 30 types of tequila and mescals along with wine & spirits in Scottsdale.

“These are the most authentic and savory dishes you will find from the different various regions of Mexico,” said Miranda. “When you combine our cuisine with the atmosphere, I think we have created something that has a very traditional warm feeling and is family friendly and timeless all at the same time.”

The restaurant will have acoustic entertainment on some weekends and will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. Dinner service will start at 3 p.m.

Cota and Miranda are hiring new employees for the Scottsdale location and interested applicants can head to their website to fill out an application. Mochilero Kitchen will be at 14850 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in the Scottsdale Horizon Shopping Center.

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

 

Horse & Hyde brings a little bit of Nashville to Arcadia

With the success of his three Dapper & Stout Coffee, Cocktails & Eatery locations owner Aaron Lopo wanted his next concept to have a country bar vibe. Lopo recently opened Horse & Hyde Barroom Saloon along the restaurant friendly Indian School Rd. in Phoenix’s Arcadia Lite neighborhood. The Nashville- style country bar offers live music, cocktails with country kick and a simple menu.

“I’ve always all things country and I wanted to develop a concept that challenges the stigma of traditional country bars,” says Lopo, whose passion for and expertise in design and development is evident in every last detail of Horse & Hyde. “I love to build spaces and create something where people want to go every day. There is a lot of escapism coming into a restaurant. I like knowing that I get to be a part of our customers’ day and ensure they have the most memorable experience here.”

Food & drinks at Horse & Hyde

Lopo describes the menu as “simple Sonoran cowboy food” such as Wild West Nachos with your choice of open pit BBQ pulled pork or pulled chicken & toppings, a Hermosillo Dog with locally made chorizo and Braised Beef Panini. From the bar guests can enjoy classic cocktails, wines, beers on tap & in the can and hard seltzers. Signature cocktails include the Buckin’ Bronco with Maison Rouge cognac, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, demerara syrup and Dapper & Stout’s own Ensemble espresso and the City Slicker made with Whistle Pig six year rye, Antica sweet vermouth, Averna Amaro, orange and angostura bitters, barrel-aged with a hint of cacao.

Small in size at 1,200 square feet Horse & Hyde offers a lot with a stage, dance floor, bar, dining room and patio. A high quality sound system gives performers an easy plug & play set up with live music five nights a week and an open mic night on Wednesday’s.

Lopo already has his sights on opening other Horse & Hyde locations around the valley.

Horse & Hyde Barroom Saloon is open Tuesday – Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m. The Saloon is at 3730 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. For more information visit 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day at STK Steakhouse

Still looking for a restaurant to take mom on Sunday? The cool Scottsdale restaurant hosts a traditional tea starting with a glass of  champagne ($89 & $99) or prosecco ($69) followed by a selection of hot tea and tower of petite sandwiches, scones and desserts. Tea infused cocktails are offered for $21 each.

Over Easy celebrates National Mimosa Day

The breakfast cocktails are $2 off flights next Tuesday, May 16th at all 11 Arizona locations. Guests can choose 4 flavors including orange, peach, guava, mango, strawberry or raspberry during breakfast or lunch.

National Burger Month features at Kona Grill

The month of May and “America’s Favorite Grill” celebrates one of our favorite comfort foods with 3 burger features. A $7.99 lunch and take-out burger, Kona Sliders for $6 at happy hour and a Chophouse Burger are available throughout the month.

The much anticipated Course Restaurant is now open

Personal chef Cory Oppold’s new restaurant is open and taking reservations near Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd. The highly acclaimed chef and Food Network’s “Chopped” winner serves a 5 course tasting menu Tuesday and Wednesday’s for $135 and 10-course menu Thursday-Saturday for $190. Wines paired by sommelier Nick Padua are additional an additional charge. May 28th Oppold will debut his Sunday brunch, Morning Would. His take on brunch favorites will be served in 6-courses from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. for $75.

Spitz Mediterranean opens its first location Arizona

Desert Ridge Marketplace is where you can find healthy and modern Mediterranean street food found around Europe. Wraps, gyros, rice salads & bowls, falafel, hummus and more from this California based concept. Started almost 15 years ago when a couple of college friends who studied and traveled in Europe wanted to bring this type of food home to the U.S. Serving sangria, beer & wine Spitz is participating in DRM’s Sips & Stroll program allowing guests to take their drinks outside the restaurant. The fast casual restaurant is located on the east end near the AMC Theaters.

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

Festvin 2023, a 4-day wine festival returns to the Wrigley Mansion

Whether you’re an experienced wine drinker or a new to wine next weekend’s Festvin 2023 at the Wrigley Mansion is for you. 4-days of tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, dinners, a Grand Tasting and Sunday brunch happen May 18th -21st at the historical landmark in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood. Special guests will be traveling to Phoenix to take part in the event as will wine enthusiasts from near and far.

James Beard award winning chef Christopher Gross and his culinary team including Executive Chef David Brito and sommelier Jason Caballero are pulling out all the stops to this 21 and over event. A portion of Festvin 2023 proceeds will be donated to “Almost There: A Mom and Pup Rescue“.

Festvin 2023 schedule of events

The weekend kicks off with a exclusive dinner on Thursday evening where guests will have the rare opportunity to taste Louis XIII cognac.

May 18 and 19 features FIVE special dinners:
LOUIS XIII Cognac dinner: Taste the Gold at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion and take a bottle (and many more gifts) home (more than $4,400 value)
Throwback Dinner matching vintages and typical dishes from 1940s-1990s at Geordie’s Chefs Table.
Dom Perignon Dinner at Chefs Table.
Flight Club I where somms Jane Lopes & husband John Ross (of TV’s Uncorked series) face-off as guests vote on each of their pairings and declares one as Champion, Geordie’s dining room.
Grace Under Pressure, a Club Tresors (grower/producer) Champagne dinner, Geordie’s dining room.
May 20
A day of demos, master classes & a Grand Tasting Extravaganza with food, entertainment and adoptable puppies to snuggle.
May 21
Sparkly Sunday Roving Brunch, indoors and out with food, bubbles and entertainment.
Attendees will be able to purchase wines they’ve tasted and tickets to each event are sold separately in advance. To see the daily schedule of events, details of each and to purchase tickets visit 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.

Provision refocuses its concept at Uptown and Arcadia locations

When Daniel Suh first opened Provision in 2011 as a wholesale coffee roaster he envisioned building community through coffee, food & beverages. He then opened the first location on 32nd St. in Arcadia wanting a Austrian styled cafe to help achieve his vision, as it became successful he opened a 2nd location on 7th St. in Uptown Phoenix in 2022. Since the pandemic he’s noticed changes in what customers want at each location and is refocusing to meet their desires.

“Today, it’s no secret that many in the food and beverage industry are struggling — us included,” says Suh. “These industry-wide challenges pushed us to take a look at where we’ve been, where we are today and what our mission is for the future. We realized that we’re getting further away from the experience that really did make Provision so special over the years. After a lot of deliberation, we’ve got a brand new vision.”

The 7th St. location is now a restaurant and cocktail bar focused concept. The artisan coffee program has been changed and new dishes have been added to the always evolving menu. Beverages are now served in glassware & ceramic and wi-fi is being phased out to give customers a better experience.

The Arcadia location will focus on coffee and take-out with the change taking place over the next few months. The menu will be phased out with an emphasis on coffee & tea beverages along with light foods and pastries.

The changes are Suh’s way of staying committed to the customer experience and will continue to evolve when needed.

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

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