Category: seasonal menu

2025 Summer Chef Series from Devour Phoenix

We’re still a month away from the official start of summer 2025 and no matter how hot it gets, you still must eat. So why not let four of the best chefs from around the valley cook for you once a month. If that sounds good to you, the 2025 Summer Chef Series dinners are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month from May to September with each dinner featuring two valley chefs who will create a seasonal 4-course menu to celebrate community and showcase local culinary creativity.

Each month’s dinner starts at 6 p.m. and tickets for the Dinner Series are an all-inclusive $1,250 per person ($250 per dinner) and come with curated drink pairings. Heading out of town to cool off, don’t worry the tickets are transferable and they make great gifts for your favorite foodie or split with friends. There will be no refunds. One guest at each dinner will win a pair of tickets to the 2026 Devour Culinary Classic. The series is a partnership with Local First Arizona and In Good Spirits Hospitality with the schedule below.

  • Monday, May 19 – Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at The Larder + The Delta
  • Monday, June 16 – Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
  • Monday, July 21 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
  • Monday, August 18 – Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at  Hana Japanese Eatery
  • Monday, September 15 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

For more information and to reserve your seat visit their website.

 

Ocotillo Restaurant launches Arizona inspired Spring menu

Set among Palo Verde trees and Spring flora that adorns the property, Central Phoenix’s Ocotillo Restaurant has rolled out its new Spring menu and hasn’t looked far for inspiration. Chef Michael Shirilla’s New American menu is inspired by Arizona and its local and seasonal ingredients for more than a dozen new dishes.

“I’m excited to introduce these delicious new dishes to our guests. We’ve worked hard to develop innovative flavor combinations for a new twist on familiar comfort foods,“ said Shirilla.

In addition to the new dishes Ocotillo Restaurant also has a new beverage program that includes dozens of new crafted cocktails, a larger wine list and more beers from local brewers. Below are a few of the highlights from the new Arizona Influence menu.

  • Thick-cut bone-in pork chop, served with green beans, miso-mustard vinaigrette, citrus-honey sambal glazed fingerlings, scallions, herbs, and chiles.

  • Grilled octopus with romesco sauce, crispy fingerlings, artichoke hearts, grilled lemon, and chimichurri.

  • Orecchiette – sausage, greens, garlic, shallots, tomatoes, Calabrian pork jus, basil, oregano, and parmesan.

  • Bucatini with green olives, capers, eggplant, shallots, artichoke, lemon sauce, herbs, basil oil, and crispy garlic.

Ocotillo is at 3243 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85012. For more information and to view the entire menu visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Skysill Rooftop Ski Chalet pop-up at Westin Tempe

This is the last weekend for beautiful views of the valley while enjoying festive holiday cocktails and seasonal treats (fondue, gingerbread cookies and macaroons) at the downtown Tempe rooftop bar. $29 gets you a reservation, cider and cake pop with the 360-degree view. Friday and Saturday are 21+ and Sunday is open to all ages and guests are invited to bring an unopened new toy for Toys for Tots. For information and menus for about holiday and NYE dining at their signature restaurant Terra, visit their website. Reservations for the Skysill pop-up can be made at OpenTable.

Rusty Spur Saloon takes money off the wall for charity

The country western bar in Old Town Scottsdale known for its walls full of dollars started a tradition every December by removing the bills and donating them to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. This year they received $6,000 ($5,742 from wall, $248 from owner POV Foods) topping last year’s collection of $5,000. “These dollar bills symbolize not only the memories made here but also the potential to make a difference in our community,” said Janeth Moore, operations manager of Rusty Spur Saloon.

Flour & Thyme is now open for dinner and lunch is coming next week

Good news, Chef Ivan Jacobo’s new restaurant in downtown Phoenix is now open for dinner and starting Thursday, December 26th will start lunch service. F & T is in Jacobo’s former fine dining restaurant Anhelo Restaurant that is relocating to Scottsdale and is expected to open in early 2025. On the menu is handmade pastas, a short rib blend burger, veal tomahawk, duck breast, seafood and more. Lunch is served fro 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5 p.m.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Chula Seafood partners with Goldwater Brewing for Hop Chowda Day pop-up

The two locally owned businesses get together on Saturday, December 14th (tomorrow) from 2-7 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale brewery. Five Hop Chowda beers will be tapped including Original, XL Imperial, Pineapple, Orange & Guava with Chula outside serving up Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips, Chowder Fries and cups of Chowder. Armada Sounds will be spinning tunes and raffles will be drawn for prizes at 6 p.m. including a stocked beer fridge and merch.

Bubble tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Join the Roosevelt Row wine bar on December 19th to taste three selections from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10. Get 20% off bottle purchases from the selection poured that evening. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Miracle Mile Deli special Hannukah & Christmas menu is available

The Jewish holiday starts on Christmas Day for 8 nights and the Central Phoenix restaurant has family meals including brisket & turkeys, potato latkes & apple sauce and more for both holidays. Individual entrees and single servings of matzoh ball soup, brisket & turkey, signature deli meats, desserts and more are all available for the holidays. Miracle Mile Deli will be open on Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) from 11 a.m – 4 p.m for pick-up.

Holiday desserts at local restaurants for dine-in or take-out

Sugar & spice and everything nice is what they say, and several Phoenix area restaurants have them all.

The Sicilian Baker– Has new Snickerdoodle and Andes Mints cannolis available along with traditional Sicilian Baked Cassata.

  • Holiday Cake Details: 10” cake for $85, Pre order only 72-hour notice
  • Holiday Cannoli Gift Packs: Regular Cannoli: 12-pack $79, Mini Cannoli: 20-pack $65, Mini Cannoli 30-pack $90.

Pita Jungle– The popular made in house Baklawa Box is available online or in-store for $20.

Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club & Mastro’s Steakhouse- The decadent Butter Cake gets a seasonal twist with the Cinnamon & Pecan Butter Cake made with brown sugar, cinnamon swirl, pecans, crème anglaise, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, sea salt toffee and caramel sauce.

The Mexicano Pop- Up has the “Ultimate DIY Gingerbread Cake” available through the holidays. The gingerbread sponge cake in white chocolate cream sauce and over 25 toppings for you to choose from for your customized cake.

Los Sombreros holiday tamales are available

Order online for pick up at their Scottsdale or Mesa restaurants available in chipolte pork, green corn, red chile beef and chicken tomatillo. Cost is $5 per dozen and mix & match in 4x4x4 or 6×6 is permitted.

 

M Culinary Concepts introduces ” A Taste of Two Seasons” menu

Those looking for innovative private dining experiences can consider the new seasonal menu, “A Taste of Two Seasons” from M Culinary Concepts. The new menu from the valley’s premier event catering and hospitality company has a strict emphasis using exclusively in-season winter and spring ingredients for the menus intriguing entrees & hors d’oeuvres, satisfying small plates and delicious desserts.

The exciting new menu comes from M Culinary Concepts Director of Culinary Operations Cody Abrams and Pastry Chef Kurt Karaffa. “Everything we do at M Culinary is exemplified by the A Taste of Two Seasons menu,” Abrams said. “Seasonal ingredients translate to the freshest ideas and finest quality, and we are eager to debut this new menu at your next event.” 

M Culinary Concepts new seasonal menu

Dishes can be paired together or with signature dishes to create a custom menu for any dietary needs and restrictions. The new menu features…..

Hors D’oeuvres 

  • Artisan Crostini – Herbed goat cheese, toasted pistachio, cranberry. Vegetarian contains nuts. 
  • Poutine – potato pancake, cheese curds, brown gravy, chives.
  • Lingonberry Brie Cone – Brie mousse, lingonberry jam, granny smith apple. Vegetarian. 
  • Strawberry Feta Spoon – Whipped feta, macerated strawberries, black pepper, micro basil. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 

Entrées

  • Coq au Vin Chicken Thigh – Roasted fingerling potatoes, leek and carrot sauce, red wine reduction, herb oil. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 
  • Cider Mustard Glazed Pork Chop – parsnip purée, roasted brussels sprouts & pearl onions, pickled carrot ribbons. 
  • Honey Glazed Duck Breast – Fava beans, spring peas, wild rice and beet pilaf, toasted almonds. Gluten-free, dairy-free, contains nuts. 
  • Crispy Skin Arctic Char – Truffled asparagus purée, smashed confit potatoes, lemon spring herb gremolata. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 

Small Plates

  • Seasonal Tortellini – Peas, stracciatella, brown butter, crispy prosciutto. 
  • Chimichurri Cauliflower Taco – Mango salsa, pomegranate seed, cotija. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 
  • Winter Squash & Shallot Tarte – Arugula, manchego. Vegetarian. 
  • Dill and Feta Crusted Salmon – spring radish and haricot vert salad, lemon dressing.

Desserts 

  • Fire & Ice – Banana pineapple sorbet, fruit consommé, jalapeño syrup, roasted pineapple. Vegan, gluten-free. 
  • Blueberry Financier – Strawberry ice cream, seasonal fruit, raspberry meringue. Vegetarian.

For more information or to book an event please visit their website.

Poppy’s Office launches the 12 Drinks of Christmas on Friday

There’s still time to get in the holiday spirit with a glass filled with your favorite spirits and North Scottsdale’s hidden gem, Poppy’s Office is giving you 12 reasons too. Starting this Friday, December 13th and through Christmas Eve a new cocktail will be offered each day.

The 12 Drinks of Christmas at Poppy’s Office are (feel free to sing along with your true love)….

On the 1st Day of Christmas: St. Nicholas is made with cognac, crème de cassis, agave, Quinquina, Angostura bitters and Xocatl Mole Bitters.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas: Jingle Juice with Benchmark bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, Giffard Apricot, cinnamon simple, Giffard Gomme syrup and Angostura bitters.

On the 3rd day of Christmas: Mr. Narwhal featuring Miles gin, sweet vermouth, Amaro Lucano, Aperol, Angostura bitters and toasted almond bitters.

On the 4th day of Christmas: The Naughty List made with Benchmark bourbon whiskey, Pandan simple, Xocatl Mole Bitters and black walnut bitters.

On the 5th day of Christmas: North Pole Smash featuring Piggyback Rye, Amaro Nonino, Amaro Lucano, crème de cacao, cinnamon simple and lemon juice.

On the 6th day of Christmas: Fireside Old Fashion with Reposado Tequila, cinnamon simple, black walnut bitters and Peychauds Bitters.

On the 7th day of Christmas: Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins with Amaro Braulio and hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallow.

On the 8th day of Christmas: Grinch’s Heart featuring Selva Rey, lime juice, pineapple juice, Crème de Mure, Coconut Alchemist and orgeat.

On the 9th day of Christmas: Silver Bell made with Tommy Rotter Barrel Aged Gin, lemon juice Pamplemousse, cinnamon simple and a crème de mure float.

On the 10th day of Christmas: The Forghetti with Fernet Branca and Borghettis and a lemon twist.

On the 11th day of Christmas: Red-Nosed Negroni with Miles Gin, cacao nib-infused sweet vermouth and Hibiscus Campari.

On the 12th day of Christmas: Adam and Eve featuring Adam’s Hot Buttered Rum with whipped cream, a candy cane and powered cinnamon.

 

 

 

 

Winter Wonderland holiday cocktails at The Montauk

The Downtown Scottsdale lounge and restaurant offers two new coffee drinks and seven new cocktails to keep you warm this holiday season. With a “ski lodge” vibe, these winter wonderland inspired coffees & cocktails will put you in the holiday spirit. These Winter Wonderland beverages will be available until the end of December.

Holiday Coffees: (available hot or iced)

    • White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte – Garnished with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie.
    • Peppermint Mocha Latte – Topped with peppermint cold foam and sprinkles.
  • Ski Lounge Cocktails:
    • Maple Old Fashioned – Bulleit Bourbon, Pure Maple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
    • Toasted Marshmallow Espressotini – Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Bailey’s S’mores, Café Borghetti, Cold Brew
    • Berry Merry Martini – Belvedere Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Elderflower, Lime Juice)
    • Apple Spritz – Seagrams 7, Lime Juice, Apple Pucker, Apple Cider, Soda Water, Chandon Brut)
    • Alpine Spritz – Ketel One Vodka, Chandon Spritz, Ginger Beer, Fresh Orange Juice, Ground Cinnamon)
    • Fresh Powder – Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Passionfruit, Lemon, Chandon Brut)
    • Veuve Clicquot Brut Glass – $15 | Bottle – $175

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Ember Lounge holiday experience kicks off tonight in North Phoenix

The popular pop-up at Desert Ridge Marketplace starts its 2024 season tonight through January 12th, 2025. Inside the District Dome guests can enjoy shareable plates and themed cocktails from Copper Blues Live that include Open Fire Meatball Skillet, Harvest Bread Boule, Smoked Campfire S’mores, The Ice Hotel & The Northern Light.

Ember Lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday and the new Dome After Dark starts at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday’s. Guests will enjoy live entertainment nightly that will include live music and DJs for late night fun. The Ember Lounge sold out last year so be sure to get your tickets at this link.

Tis the season for tamales at Diego Pops

A staple in the southwest during the holidays are tamales and the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has them for dine-in guests and packaged to-go. Options include…

  • Tia’s Tamale Plate – Tamale lovers can dine in at Diego Pops this holiday season and choose from the classic tamale flavors of red beef machaca or green chili chicken! The tamale plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, fresno pepper and cabbage. Served with a side of rice and beans of your choice. Limited availability.
  • Take Home Tia’s Tamales (1 dozen to-go) – Take the flavors of Diego Pops to your friends and family and pick up a dozen to take home with your choice of red beef machaca or green chili chicken. Take-out tamales include your choice of rice and beans. Limited availability.

Diego’s sister restaurant, Arcadia’s (Phoenix) Eat Up, Drive In is offering a dozen red or green tamales available for pick-up throughout the holidays.

Macayo’s to offer weekly tamale tutorial and lunch

Looking to learn how to make tamales yourself well Macayo’s has your back. Starting next Saturday, November 16th, through Saturday, December 21st you can learn how to make them. Classes start at 3 p.m. at locations below and include a Top Shelf Margarita, a 3-course lunch and tamale making tutorial for $60 per person and you can take home the tamales you make. A maximum of 4 people per group and a class of 40 people will offer an intimate and enjoyable experience. Tickets can be purchased at Macayo’s website.

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

Saturday, Nov. 23 at Macayo’s Mesa Dobson

Saturday, Dec. 7 at Macayo’s Goodyear

Saturday, Dec. 14 at Macayo’s Chandler

Saturday, Dec. 21 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

New seasonal pizza available at Myke’s Pizza

The downtown Mesa artisan pizza maker is now making a Butternut Squash pizza through December 1st. Made with locally sourced butternut squash, mozzarella, buttered pecans, pickled red onions then finished with a drizzle of citrus-chile puree is $21. It’s one of his seasonal pizzas and allows Myke and his team to support local farmers and vendors.

STK Steakhouse offer steak tailgate from

With football season in full swing the Downtown Scottsdale is offering USDA Prime steaks for home grilling. The STK Meat Market will cut your steak to order then flash freeze the deliver them to your home ready to be prepared. Cuts include Wagyu and STK’s signature cuts and can be ordered at their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Streets of New York offers new seasonal dishes

All 15 Arizona locations of the family-owned Italian restaurant and pizzeria have 4 new dishes for their “Fall Features” menu. The new menu is available until the end of November for dine-in, take-out and delivery and $1 from every cheesecake will be donated to Childhelp. Their mission is to help heal the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. The 4 new dishes are……

  • Burrata and Tomato – Rich and creamy Burrata paired with balsamic glazed heirloom tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh basil and drizzled with Tuscan
    olive oil. Served with toasted, garlic buttered crostinis.
  • Penne alla Vodka with Burrata – Al dente penne pasta in a rich vodka sauce, topped with a creamy Burrata ball and fresh basil, drizzled with Tuscan olive oil.
  • Sausage + Calabrian Chili Pizza – House made vodka sauce, mozzarella, crumbled Italian sausage, Calabrian chilis, whipped ricotta and Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake – A fall-inspired treat with a graham cracker crust, layered with velvety pumpkin cheesecake and light pumpkin mousse. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

LDV Winery has new Noshing Shareables Boards and hours

The downtown Scottsdale tasting room has new hours that are Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday Noon- 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Starting Monday, October 14th new LDV wine-infused shareable boards snacks will be available for purchase to enjoy with your wine.

The Sicilian Baker offer new autumn inspired sweets & treats

Fans of cannoli and other Sicilian inspired desserts can now get them at the Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria locations. Flavors such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice can be found in the four new treats.

  • Pumpkin Spice Cannoli – Sweet ricotta cream with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cake – Pumpkin Spice cake topped with pumpkin cream cheese mousse, caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – Chocolate buttermilk cake topped with chocolate hazelnut mousse, feuilletine Nutella crunch and caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Caramel Tart – Chocolate tart shell filled with caramelized white chocolate cremeux and dark chocolate whipped cremeux

The TLC eXperience is back with the Harvest Fundraiser Dinner

Dine under the stars in the orchard at Agritopia Farm in Gilbert on Friday, November 8th at 5 p.m. as they partner to raise money for the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation. Chef Tom and his culinary team are preparing a menu that uses locally sourced and grown ingredients for the multi-course dinner that never disappoints. The 4-hour dinner experience is $150 per person and the menu and reservations can be seen and made here.

Aridus Wine Company re-opens Scottsdale tasting room

After a little remodel, repairs and restocking of wine the Old Town Scottsdale tasting room is now open.