Category: restaurants

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

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.

Statewide support expected for new 10 day culinary event

As restaurants begin to re-open for dine in service while continuing to offer take out a new culinary event “Arizona Restaurant Weeks: Dine in or Take Out” has emerged. The statewide 10 day event is produced by the Arizona Restaurant Association and is Arizona Restaurant Week with the new take out option. Restaurants will offer special prix- fixe menus from June 19th – 28th and September 18th – 27th. Participating restaurants will adhere to CDC guidelines including social distancing whether customers dine in or take out.

“We are so grateful for the support of our local dining community in the weeks that followed restaurant closures in March,” says Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO Steve Chucri. “The quick creation of Arizona Takeout Weeks and Arizona Restaurant Strong efforts could not have been possible without them. As Arizona Restaurant Weeks returns in a modified format to include dine-in, take out and liquor to-go options, we are hopeful that our wonderful community of food enthusiasts will continue to show their support in any way they feel comfortable.”

Like Arizona Restaurant Week, fine dining and casual restaurants will offer a unique 3 course menus for $33 or $44 plus wine during the 10 days. Restaurant goers tend to find new restaurants to check out or visit favorites for the dishes they aren’t used to having.

Short list of restaurants participating

New restaurants statewide have signed up to participate as have returning restaurants. New restaurants include The Dressing Room, Sel, Josephine, The House Brasserie, The Tuck Shop Kitchen & Bar and Stonegrill.

A few of the returning restaurants….

The Canal Club
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Christo’s Ristorante
The Covenant
El Chorro
Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort
Litchfield’s
Los Sombreros (Phoenix and Scottsdale)
Marcellino Ristorante
Match Restaurant & Lounge
The Market by Jennifer’s Restaurant and Bar
Ocotillo Restaurant
Pasta Brioni
PHX Beer Co.
Prado
Preston’s Steakhouse

To see a full list of participants and menus as they become available check out the website.

 

 

Phoenix area restaurants have Mother’s Day meals for takeout

Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, May 10th and Phoenix area restaurants are preparing for takeout meals. Prie-fixe meals, family style meals and a la carte options are be available but hurry up as time is running out to place your order.

Phoenix area restaurants celebrating mom

Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen is offering a 3-course, prie-fixe meals are available for $35 per person. Add a bottle or 2 of pre-selected wines for $15-$30 a bottle. Pre-order by calling 480-427-2264 for pick up Sunday between 2 – 7 p.m. 7303 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

The Roaring Fork gives mom the choice to choose from signature items with entrees, sides & dessert for up to 4 people. A la carte items are available too. Meals are $65- $75 and can be picked up Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. To order head to their website or call 480-947-0795. 4800 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

Fired Pie is giving discounts at all 21 of their Phoenix area locations.  $5 off orders of $20 or more and $10 off $40 orders. Only available with online ordering and not available on 3rd party deliveries.

Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley has created a special Mother’s Day menu from executive chef Chuck Wiley. A stuffed Roasted Chicken comes with salad, sides and dessert for $39 per person. Add a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label for $45 or a bottle of Prosecco & a bouquet of flowers for $55. Orders are being taken until Thurs. May 7th at 4 p.m. and can be made by emailing or calling the restaurant at 480-624-5431. Pick up between 11a. m. – 4 p.m. 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley 85253.

PHX Beer Co. celebrates mom on Sat & Sun. with $20 crowlers filled with Bloody Mary’s, Margaritas and Mimosa kits with oj & champagne. $10 of will be donated to Homeward Bound.

VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen has a “Beignets & Bubbly” family style meal that feeds 4. Orders can be place by calling 480-659-6145 or by heading to their website. Not available with 3rd party deliveries. 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106, in Tempe.

Chase’s Dinner is giving mom half off her entree all day long from its full menu. Pick up or have it delivered by Postmates and GrubHub. Call your order in at 480-855-3663. 2040 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85224.

Padre Murphy’s in Glendale has 3 course family meals of Chicken Marsala ($84.99) or Grilled Salmon ($99.99). Each can be had a la carte too along with beers and cocktails available for purchase. 24 hour notice is required and orders can be called in at (602) 547-9406. 4338 W Bell Rd Glendale 85308.

Downtown Chandler restaurants offering takeout

Crown Plaza San Marcos Resort in the heart of downtown Chandler has a 5 course family meal with main dishes, quiche and more. $125 plus tax and you can add a Mimosa drink pack for $15. Orders need to be placed by May 6th by calling 480-812-0900. One San Marcos Place, Chandler 85225.

Mingle & Graze offers a Mother’s Day Mingle Box charcuterie board, chocolates and more for $50 for four or dinner for 4 at $90. Orders are being taken until May 7th by calling 480-726-2264 or on their website. Pick up Sunday between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 48 S San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225.

SanTan Brewery has Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham and more by the pound on its special Mother’s Day menu. Call 480-917-8700 or head to their website to place an order. Pick up or delivery is on Sunday. 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225.

Serranos Mexican Restaurant will satisfy mom’s sweet tooth with churro donuts topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. 2 for $3.99 or 6 for $12. order on line or by calling 480-899-3318. 141 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler 85225.

The Hidden House offers  a al carte brunch with bagels $14, Mixed Berry French toast $14 and more from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. wanting more a celebratory dinner several family meals are available from 3 – 8 p.m. The Filet Family Pack ($150), Duck Breast Family Pack ($90), Chicken Breast Family Pack ($70) or a combination Family Pack ($115). Each family meal comes with two sides and a dessert. Call 480-275-5525 or order online. 159 W. Commonwealth Ave. Chandler 85225.

Peixoto Coffee has boxed pastry for her morning coffee. Call ahead of time for curbside pick-up at 480-275-2843. 11 West Boston Street, Suite 6 Chandler 85225.

Arizona Restaurant Association responds with Arizona Takeout Week

In a response to closing all restaurants ordered by Governor Ducey to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the Arizona Restaurant Association announces the start of an ongoing Arizona Takeout Week. Effective today restaurants can only serve food for takeout and delivery along with beer & wine. Some restaurants had already closed their dining rooms to focus on takeout and delivery.

The ARA thought up the idea as they organize the popular bi-annual Arizona Restaurant Week.

“We appreciate and thank Governor Ducey for his efforts in working with the restaurant industry to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus,” says Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “The Arizona restaurant family appreciates his work and that of all elected leaders in our state during this unparalleled time in our history.”

There are more than 200,000 jobs in the restaurant industry in Arizona and with locals ordering take out it’s the only way these restaurants can stay in business.

“At the end of the day, we are the industry of ‘happy’ — that is what the hospitality industry represents. We hope to bring a bit of happiness to Arizonans during this extremely difficult time through Arizona Takeout Week while keeping our employees and restaurants afloat,” Chucri says.

I’ve have 2 posts about restaurants around Arizona who are serving food and wine for takeout. Below are additional restaurants serving takeout meals around Arizona. For more information visit the Arizona Restaurant Association website and for any restaurants looking to participate in Arizona Takeout Week email them at takeout@azrestaurant.org

Federal Pizza
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
Phoenix City Grille
Jewell’s Bakery and Café
Pita Jungle
Little Woody
Wildflower Tucson
S&V Urban Italian
Blanco

Koibito Poke
Liberty Station
Provision
Trapp Haus BBQ
Original Breakfast House
Urban Margarita

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.

 

 

A drier Sunday at Devour Culinary Classic to end Devour Week 2020

Sunday brought out a mix of sun and clouds but no rain for the final event of Devour Week 2020. The second day of Devour Culinary Classic had a different line up of restaurants and resorts showing off their culinary expertise. Live art, DJs, a Mardi Gras Drum March and the natural beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden made sure the Devour Culinary Classic continues to be one of the best culinary festival in Arizona and throughout the southwest.

Enjoy the images and be sure to see more on my social media channels Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.  A few of Saturday’s many highlights can be found here.

Arizona Coyotes partners with Grand Canyon Brewing Co. for new beer

When the puck drops Saturday night at the Arizona Coyotes home opener fans will have a new beer to sip on at Gila River Arena. The team has partnered with Grand Canyon Brewing Company for Kachina Throwback Ale. The lighter styled beer is available in 12 oz. 6-pack cans at Albersons, Safeway and Total Wine for the upcoming hockey season. Restaurants serving it on tap include Brass Tap, the Ice Den and Angry Crab locations and at the brewery’s taphouse and restaurant in Williams.

“We are very excited to partner with Grand Canyon Brewing Company to introduce Kachina Throwback Ale to our fans this season,” said Coyotes President and CEO, Ahron Cohen. “Kachina Throwback Ale tastes great and we’re confident that our fans will love this beer as much as they love our Kachina jerseys.”

The beer is inspired by the team’s classic jersey of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, the team’s non-profit benefiting first responders, veterans and children’s charities.

Grand Canyon Brewing Company is the craft beer partner of the Arizona Coyotes with the team choosing them for their brand’s reputation and perfect for hockey fans.

“Here at Grand Canyon Brewing Company, we have been over the moon about our partnership with the Arizona Coyotes since it began in the 2018-2019 season,” said Alexander Phillips, Director of Sales and Marketing at Grand Canyon Brewing Company. “Their organization embodies many of the same principles as our own, with a focus on community involvement, education and the appreciation of our beautiful copper state.”

 

Downtown Tempe Brunch Crawl is back with more restaurants

Saturday August 10th is the return of the Downtown Tempe Brunch Crawl and it’s bigger and better than last year. The self-guided crawl goes from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. and has 14 restaurants serving up food and drinks. $5 Event Ticket gets you $7 food and drink options at all restaurants, FREE parking & sunglasses.  Check-in on the southwest corner of 5th & Mill and your on your way.

Tickets are selling quickly and can be purchased here and more information can be found on the website.

The 14 participating restaurants in the Downtown Tempe Brunch Crawl are……

  • Americana Burgers & Beer
  • Caffe Boa Bistro and Wine Bar
  • Daily Jam
  • Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
  • El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria
  • Morning Squeeze
  • Nékter Juice Bar
  • Original ChopShop Tempe
  • Pedal Haus Brewery
  • Pita Jungle
  • Rula Bula Irish Pub
  • Snakes & Lattes Tempe
  • Spinelli’s Pizza
  • Varsity Tavern

 

Mark your calendars for 2019 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

Hot off the heels of 2019 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week the Arizona Restaurant Association announces dates for Fall 2019. Foodies and foodies in training mark your calendars for Friday September 20th- 29th for 10 days of culinary discovery.

Arizona Restaurant Week showcases local restaurants creating special menus that offer 3 or 4 course prie-fixe menus. For $33 or $44 per person guests can visit restaurants  for dishes not served during the rest of the year. Wine pairing are extra.

“Consumer demand for restaurants in Arizona has been the highest it’s ever been and that’s why we see such support each year during both Spring and Fall Restaurant Week,” says Arizona Restaurant Association president and CEO Steve Chucri. “We are proud to be leading the charge in an initiative that helps diners discover some of the best local, chef-driven restaurants as well as support some of the most well-known restaurants in the state.”

This is the 12th anniversary of the twice yearly event with the list of participating restaurants growing every year. Over 70 restaurants around Arizona are confirmed to participate in 2019 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week. To see the list of restaurants participating & menus go to https://arizonarestaurantweek.com/. Restaurants are being added weekly so check back for updates. Photo courtesy of David Blakeman

 

Summer Cocktail Camp tickets on sale for cocktail mixing classes

If all classes were like the six offered at Summer Cocktail Camp I would’ve been an “A” student. For six weeks campers will learn the art of cocktail mixing from local mixologists while making cocktails from new recipes. For one Saturday in June and 5 Sunday’s in July and August from 1 – 3 p.m. classes will be held at restaurants around Phoenix.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://summercocktailcamp.com/ and are sold on first come, first serve basis. Last years camp sold out in only a few days. Phoenix Magazine editor Craig Outhier will be camp counselor for each weeks class along with a revolving list of mixologists. Each class is $38 and 2019’s Summer Cocktail Camp will be at…

  • June 29th (Sat)- The Gladly
  • July 7th- Social Hall
  • July14th- Mowry & Cotton
  • July 28th- Clever Koi (Gilbert)
  • August 4th- The Phoenician Tavern
  • August 11th- Chico Malo