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.

Over Easy and Hickman Family Farms raising money for United Food bank in April

Starting today and all month long, the 11 locations are matching customer donations dollar for dollar and the farm will donate a dozen eggs for each donation. The two local businesses have a goal of donating $20,000 and 10,000 dozen eggs. Customers will see a prompt when paying their bill asking if they want to make a donation to United Food Bank.

March Madness at Koibito Poke this weekend

College basketball fan or not score $4 off your order when ordering online or on their app. Use promo code FINAL4 this Saturday and Sunday for this Final Four deal.

Rusty’s Beer Fest is this Sunday

Enjoy cold beers on the patio overlooking The Short Course and Camelback Mountain at Mountain Shadows Resort’s bar & grill. All the details and how to get tickets are here.

Raise a glass of rosé at Match Market & Bar

The downtown Phoenix restaurant in the Found:RE Hotel hosts its Monthly Guide to Wine featuring the perfect wine for Spring and Summer. Join the fun tasting and discussion about rosé Wednesday, April 6th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes light fare with tickets available here.

Leila’s Empanadas celebrates National Empanada day with 2 events

Next Friday, April 8th the locally owned artisan maker of the Latin American hand held food celebrates from 4-6 p.m. at Sam’s Frozen Yogurt located at 3434 W Anthem Way, Suite 140, Anthem, AZ 85086. On Saturday Leila will be serving them up from 10 AM – Noon at Lil Miss Butcher 4705 E Carefree Hwy. Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

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.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards opens Scottsdale tasting room

Phoenix area wine drinkers now have the opportunity to taste and buy award-winning wines from Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. This Friday January 7th the doors to their new Scottsdale tasting room will open welcoming Archive Club members and the public starting at 11:30 a.m. They already have a popular tasting room in Cottonwood and the Scottsdale location will be the 6th tasting room along the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown and Old Town Scottsdale.

Winemaker Jason McCluskey uses grapes from the winery’s Bonita Springs Vineyard near Willcox for their red, white and rose wines. Two newly released wines are being poured for the grand opening and select food items will be served along with specials on charcuterie boards. In addition to Arizona Stronghold wines, the winery makes Provisioner Wines in white and red.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards’ Scottsdale tasting room is at 4225 N. Marshall Way 85251 and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. For more information 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.

Downtown Tempe Brunch Stroll Saturday 6/19

Tomorrow from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. visit up to 14 local restaurants for specially made bites and drinks. Purchase a $5 pass and check-in at the kiosk then stroll at your own pace as you check out the Mill Ave. and downtown Tempe food scene.

Stick around for the first Park After Dark of the season at the 6th Street Park. Pedal Haus Brewery will be on-site with a beer & wine garden and take-out food is welcome. Live music, spoken word by Sean Avery and more theatrics kick off the season from 7-10 p.m. every Saturday until September 11th.

Spirit House celebrates 2 years with ice cream truck inspired cocktails

The downtown Chandler cocktail bar has created several cool & refreshing beverages reminiscent of the ice cream trucks of our youth. From June 22nd – 27th stop in and enjoy favorites such as the Bomb Pop, Snow Cone, Dream Bar and my favorite Strawberry shortcake to name just a few.

Enjoy rosé all summer at FRANCINE

Throughout the summer the south of France inspired restaurant offers guests the chance to cool off with a glass or bottle of the refreshing and food friendly pink wine. During weekend brunch (10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) and happy hour (3 – 6 p.m.) enjoy a glass for $8 or a bottle for $30.

$1 smoothies all day at Tropical Smoothie Cafe

All valley locations are celebrating National Smoothie Day on Monday June 21st for only $1 to members of their loyalty club. Those who sign up for the program on the 21st will receive an extra $1 sign up offer. Add ins and supplements are extra and $1 smoothies only available on the 21st.

Phoenix restaurant community celebrates Father’s Day

This Sunday June 20th is Father’s Day and with so many restaurants offering dad specials I’m pretty sure his favorite restaurant will make sure he enjoys his day with discounts or a free meal.

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.

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.

It’s OK to drink pink on National Rosé Day

You don’t need a reason to drink rosé but if you do tomorrow June 12th is the day. These restaurants are celebrating the light & refreshing wine. 1/2 price bottles all day at Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Humble Bistro, 25% off bottles at The Montauk and 10% off bottles & 50% off glasses all day at LDV Winery.

International Falafel Day at Pita Jungle

Rosé goes great with falafel and Saturday the 12th celebrates the Mediterranean dish and the locally owned fast casual restaurants offers 3 dishes, Falafel Pita, Falafel Bowl and a Falafel Salad.

Saturday June 12th is also World Gin Day

The aromatic & botanical white spirit know for Gin & Tonics, Martinis and more is being hailed around Phoenix area restaurants and bar. Head to Zinqué, Blue Clover Distillery, Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos and The Wine Store to raise your glass. Cheers!!

The above establishments will also be celebrating National Bourbon Day a couple days later on Monday June 14th. Phoenix City Grille celebrates with a $12 Bourbon Luxardo Smash.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria its seasonal summertime menu

All locations recently rolled out the new menu that is available until September 7th for dine-in, take-out or 3rd party delivery. Enjoy the Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Cheesecake and cocktails that include a Watermelon Mule and Summertime Sangria.

Match Market & Bar celebrates National Pride Month all month

The signature restaurant, market & bar inside the Found:RE Hotel in downtown Phoenix is cooking up and serving a colorful rainbow cake for June. Slices of the multi layered white cake are $15 with portion of sales going to the local Pride Chapter, Phoenix Pride.

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

 

 

Oysters are 1/2 off at happy hour as Ocean Prime re-opens

Popular seafood restaurant Ocean Prime re-opened last week after plumbing repairs and a new look to its dining room. The north Phoenix restaurant located at High Street also added more seating to accommodate the areas growth and restaurants popularity. To thank their patient customers the restaurant is offering 1/2 off oysters during happy hour.

Every Monday until September 16th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. guests can enjoy a half dozen of the days featured oysters with frozen granita for $13. Pair your oysters with a glass of Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs for $8.50 a glass or $42. 50 a bottle. Enjoy Schramsberg Rose for $10.50 a glass or $52.50 a bottle.

Other Ocean Prime specials include wild and fresh caught Alaskan Halibut($48) paired with Cakebread Chardonnay. The white, flaky fish is in season and is prepared with seasonal ingredients including celery root puree, spring peas, asparagus, fava beans and buttered lobster claw. The fish is finished with a lemon pesto vinaigrette. “The mix of spring vegetables complements the fish well, and the citrus-forward vinaigrette with the lobster elevates the entire dish,” says Ocean Prime Regional Chef Ian Rough.

Beverage Director Andrea Hoover chose the family owned Cakebread Chardonnay for its citrus and orange-blossom flavor profile. “Chardonnay is weighty on the tongue, yet well-balanced with acidity, complementing the dynamic nature of this dish,” says Hoover. The chardonnay is available by the bottle.

From July 31st – August 10th guests can purchase Ocean Prime gift cards online of $100 or more and receive 20% off when using promo code Prime19.

Ocean Prime is at 5455 E. High Street, Phoenix 85054.

Mora Italian introduces a new tasty Happy Hour menu

If you haven’t made your way to Mora Italian yet like me, their new happy hour menu might convince you to head there today. Monday – Friday from 4-6 p.m. you can save some dough on pork ribs, veal meatballs, salumi & cheese and more.

For $20 choose from combos including a Rimini pizza or Salumi Board with a bottle of rose or a carafe of an Aperol Spritz.

Italian
Artichoke soup

Cocktails are also included on the new menu including Sangria & Aperol Spritz for $5, an Americano for $7 and more.

Mora Italian new summer dishes

Celebrity chef & restaurateur lends his culinary creativity to Mora Italian and is showcased in three new dishes for summer. Chef Matt Taylor and his team execute the menus in the kitchen. These new dishes are perfect for lighter and cooler summer dining.

Artichoke Soup with truffle, Parmesan bread and pignoli.

10 oz. Prime Niman Ranch NY Strip with charred potato panzanella and grilled ramp vinaigrette.

Roasted Summer Squash with smoked yogurt, Feta and neonata.

10 oz NY Strip

The Phoenix restaurant offers guests a modern osteria experience with Neopolitan pizzas, pasta dishes, satisfying entrees and delicious desserts. Progressive cocktails and a wine list round out the experience.

Mora Italian is at 5651 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014. (602)795-9943

Ocean Prime offers 1/2 off Veuve Clicquot Rosé every Friday

Happy hour never tasted so good especially when you’re sipping on a cold, crisp and refreshing glass of rosé. Ocean Prime on High Street in northeast Phoenix offers up Veuve Clicquot during happy hour every Friday from 5-7p.m. until August 31st.

“Stop and Sip the Rosé” offers guests the opportunity to sip the Veuve Cliquot along with other rosé a reduced prices good for any rosé drinker.

Choose from sparkling, still, domestic or French                                               Miner Rosé, $16 glass/$64 Bottle                                                                              Chandon Rosé, $13 glass/$58.50 Bottle                                                 Veuve Clicquot Rosé $28 glass/$126 Bottle                                                       Notorious Pink Rosé $11 Glass/$44 Bottle

Oysters make for a perfect pairing with rosé  so the award-winning Ocean Prime offers oysters on the 1/2 shell for 1/2 price by the half-dozen for $11. Other happy hour offerings will also be available.

Ocean Prime is at 5455 E. High St. Phoenix 85054. For more information and to find an Ocean Prime near you visit https://www.ocean-prime.com/