Category: spirits

The Dessert Room to offer after hours vibe at Shiv Supper Club

Riot Hospitality Group announced in December that they were transforming The Mint nightclub into an upscale Shiv Supper Club and opening day is set for later in April. One of the highlights will be The Dessert Room, a Friday and Saturday night after-hours spot opening at 9:30 p.m.

“At Shiv, we wanted to create something truly special—an experience where dessert isn’t just an afterthought but the highlight of the night,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “The Dessert Room was born from my vision to transform our supper club into a seductive, late-night escape, featuring bold culinary creations, indulgent cocktails, and a vibe that makes the night feel unforgettable from start to finish.”

Dramatic sweets in The Dessert Room

Details are emerging of what late night enthusiasts can expect including 12 signature desserts from acclaimed pastry chef Nundi Harris, exclusively available during late night hours. Here are a few of the desserts one can expect once inside.

  • Dessert Caviar Service – A whimsical reimagining of classic caviar service featuring fruit-based pearls over basil panna cotta, paired with coconut crème fraîche and shortbread—playful, refined, and unexpected.
  • Fruity Pebbles-Inspired Pearl Cake – Inspired by nostalgic cereal, this shimmering entremet layers cereal-infused sponge, milk mousse, and a crunchy feuilletine base, all glazed to resemble an iridescent pearl.
  • Bananas Foster Baked Alaska – A showstopping fusion of Bananas Foster and Baked Alaska, featuring vanilla ice cream and caramelized banana atop rum cake, dramatically flambéed tableside in banana-infused rum.
  • PB Cube (pictured) – A sleek chocolate cube filled with peanut butter mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, and praline crunch—finished with a glossy ganache mirror glaze for ultimate decadence.
  • Deconstructed Tropical Cheesecake – A deconstructed take on cheesecake with vanilla bean mousse, spiced pineapple, cherry compote, and a crunchy crumble—each bite a playful escape to the tropics.

Of course, dessert cocktails will be available for you to indulge in such as The Mint Chocolate Truffle and The Powder Room Nightcap. Take your late-night experience to the next level with table side champagne service and a premium selection of spirits.

“Shiv’s Dessert Room deliberately challenges expectations,” explains Dustin Cooke, Culinary Director of Riot Hospitality Group. “We’re blending savory techniques with sweet components, incorporating unexpected textures, flavors, and presentations. Guests aren’t just eating dessert — they’re experiencing it through theatrical service, multi-sensory elements, and storytelling. We’ve reimagined dessert as a destination rather than a meal’s conclusion.”

Reservations for The Dessert Room will be separate from Shiv and reservations and more information can be found 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.

Fish Fry Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

Keeler Hospitality Group introduces new Beverage Director

Keeler Hospitality Group, the owners of Liberty Station American Smokehouse & Tavern, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and Poppy’s Office has announced that Tait Ludwick as the group’s new Beverage Director. Ludwick was hired five years ago at KHG as a busser and worked his way up to a server, bartender, bar manager and restaurant manager before taking over his new role this month.

“We have seen Tait grow with our company over the last several years,” said Matt Keeler, KHG’s CEO and co-owner. “We are confident he has the talent, work ethic and dedication to excel in this role and look forward to supporting his efforts.”

In his new role Ludwick sees his job from not just from a business perspective for Keeler Hospitality Group but also from the guest’s perspective. His goal is to bring the “taste and experience” and plans to elevate the guest’s experience while introducing guests with new ideas and flavors they haven’t seen in cocktails. “I am grateful I have been given the tools at Keeler Hospitality Group to improve myself and my skills,” said Ludwick. “Whether it’s tasting new spirits and wine to gain more knowledge or the fact that there is always something to learn and improve on, this company makes me feel at home.”

His first order of business is to add new bourbon selections at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and to introduce a new cocktail menu based on guest’s preferences at both of Liberty Station’s Scottsdale locations.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Arizona Cocktail Weekend is here

Signature events including The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars and Last Slinger Standing kick off in Downtown Phoenix on Saturday with other events and pop-up around town at bars and restaurants. For more information read my post from earlier this month.

J&G Steakhouse to host Tequila Corrido dinner

The signature restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa hosts a 3-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jacques Qualin on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m. A reception starts the evening that will feature Lime Gulf shrimp and Black Opal Wagyu skirt steak that is prepared and paired with different Tequila Corrido cocktails. Reservations are required and are $125++ and can be made by calling 480-214-8000 or visiting the resort’s website.

LDV Winery offers Wine Charcuterie class in March & April

The Downtown Scottsdale wine bar will offer 4 classes led by She Shed Chef on Tuesday, March 11th & 25th and Tuesday, April 15th & 29th from 6- 7:30 p.m. Sip on LDV wine(s) as you build your board for $60++ per session which includes a glass of wine. To reserve your seat, call 480-664-4822 or visit their website.

Devour Culinary Classic award winners announced

After another successful event, Local First Arizona announced the winners of this past weekend’s event. Judging the dishes were. Bahar Anooshahr, Christopher Gross, Lori A. Hashimoto, Howard Seftel and Janos Wilder. A full list of medal winners can be found at their website.

Best in Show

  • TPC Scottsdale: Al Pastor Pork Belly Taco, Chef Matthew O’Harris

Runners up:

  • Chilte: Prawns with Peanut Mole, Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith
  • The Gladly: Cactus Ham with Chicharron and Napoles, Chef Bernie Kantak
  • Valentine: Sonoran Hot Dog, Chef Donald Hawk

Best Use Of Heritage Food

  • Litchfield’s at the Wigwam: Buffalo and Tepary Bean Stew
  • Runner up: Nella’s Innovative Kreations’ Corn Tortilla with Tepary Bean Hummus, Prickly Pear and Sonora White Wheat Berries

People’s Choice Awards

  • Best Savory Bite: Tie between Clever Koi’s Pork Chashu Gordita and Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) Chefs’ Sonoran Beef Roulade
  • Best Sweet Bite: Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT) Chefs’ Seville Orange and Prickly Pear Verrine
  • Best Sip: Iconic Cocktail Co.

Press Coffee purchases Panama coffee plantation, first estate coffee now available

The Phoenix based coffee roaster began selling its’ own coffee from a newly acquired plantation in the Volcan Valley near the Panama and Cost Rica border. The Press Estate whole bean coffee is now available online.

Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns for its 13th year

The eyes of the cocktail world will be on Phoenix as the 13th Annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns February 27th – March 3rd 2025. Mixologists representing both local and international establishments will be concocting beverages at several events in Downtown Phoenix and at nearby venues, hotels and cocktail bars. The Arizona Cocktail Weekend is the longest running cocktail event in the Southwest.

Events for Arizona Cocktail Weekend

Tickets are now on sale for those 21 & over for individual events starting at $40, depending on the event.

The Cocktail Carnival

The weekend starts on Saturday, March 1st with The Cocktail Carnival at the newly remodeled Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix. This brand showcase event will offer attendees interactive experiences, innovative cocktails and entertainment. Attendees will have access to over 30 crafted cocktail samples.

Top Bars

On Sunday, March 2nd Top Bars welcomes attendees and over 40 representatives from bars around the world  from as far as London, Japan & Hong Kong) to one of the most popular events of the weekend. At Downtown Phoenix’s Warehouse 215, pop-up bars will be built so that mixologists can create their most popular signature cocktails.

Last Slinger Standing

16 of Arizona’s top mixologists battle it out on Monday, March 3rd for this friendly competition at Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) event center. Judges will decide who the winner is for 2025 are participants will use secret ingredients during each round of the competition.

For the second year throughout the week, bars and restaurants throughout Arizona will feature signature cocktails using spirits from brand sponsors. For more information, to purchase tickets and to sign up for email updates visit their website.

 

Spirit of Mexico to showcase authentic Nayarit foods and cocktails

When the Spirit of Mexico returns to downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square it will showcase the foods, drinks and culture of the coastal state of Nayarit. Located on the Pacific Ocean between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, seafood and agave reign supreme and for two days festival attendees will be able to sample agave cocktails and learn how to make authentic dishes such as ceviche and the smoky pescado zarandeado (grilled fish) from expert chefs.

Festival highlights for foodies will be cooking classes, Nayarit inspired mixology classes, guided tastings of agave spirits such as Tequila and Mezcal, Bacanora and Sotol. There will also be live music and performances, dancing, food trucks, cultural exhibits, artists and vendors. The festival will be on Saturday and Sunday, March 22nd and 23rd and General Admission ($10) and VIP Experience ($45) tickets are now on sale and kids under 12 are free. The VIP Experience at the Spirit of Mexico Festival gets access to registration to the cooking and spirits classes and 10 coins for the agave distillate tasting. For more information, festival updates and to purchase tickets visit the Spirit of Mexico 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.

 

 

 

 

Taste of the Tavern Beer Fest happening in two weeks

SanTan Brewing & Spirits and Loc-Ale Beer Co. will be featured on the evening of Thursday, November 14th at The Phoenician Tavern for their Taste of the Tavern Beer Fest. The outdoor event will overlook The Phoenician Resort & Spa’s golf course and will pair the locally brewed and distilled beers & spirits with the Tavern’s culinary creations at five food and beverage stations.

In addition, the Taste of the Tavern will have a glow in the dark putting contest, raffles for prizes, cigars for purchase, live music and gift bags for attendees. Beer and spirits will be available for purchase for you to enjoy at home.

Food and beverage pairings include…

-Seared New York with malted caramel and chili, paired with AZ Loc-Ale Toasty Amber Lager and SanTan Caramellow Salted Caramel Whiskey.
 
-Sea Bass Ceviche with Meyer lemon, cilantro, and Fresno, paired with SanTan Juicy Jack Hazy IPA and Saint Anne’s Citrus Rose Gin.
 
-Bacon wrapped dates with maple whiskey reduction and chili goat cheese, paired with SanTan LumberJack Oatmeal Amber and CinnaMaple Whiskey. 
 
-Roasted vegetable tart with roasted red onion, baby carrots, asparagus, oven-dried tomatoes, and queso fresco, paired with SanTan Playlist Kolsch and Sacred Stave American Single Malt Whiskey. 

-Tiramisu paired with SanTan Winter Warmer Strong Ale and Sacred Stave American Single Malt Whiskey.
The event goes from 6-9 p.m. and tickets are $75++ and can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting the resort’s website.

Tropical cocktails & island life coming up at 2023 Arizona Tiki Oasis

The trade winds of the south Pacific breeze into Scottsdale for 4 days at the laid back Arizona Tiki Festival April 27th – 30th. The annual event return’s to the Hotel Valley Ho where attendees can chill out with tropical cocktails poolside, wander from suite to suite checking out the tiki marketplace and learn about Polynesian culture with a schedule of seminars. The weekend is free and open to the public with purchased tickets needed for specific events and seminars.

The weekend starts Thursday evening with a traditional luau and pig roast by Executive Chef Russell LaCasce and his culinary team. Three guest bartenders will join the fun and setting the mood creating tropical cocktails just for the evening. Seats are limited and are $139 per person. A opening night Mix n Mingle and pop up art show also help get things going.

Throughout the weekend enjoy live music of bands flown in from across the country including Lushy, Project: Pimento, Aloha 86 and Phoenix’s Moonlight Magic. Over 10 DJs will set the beat at the mid-century modern hotel in downtown Scottsdale. Tiki and mid-century seminars include topics such as architecture, fashion, Walt Disney, tropical cocktails and more. Seminars cost from Free – $50.

Tickets include the Evening Resort Pass for $139 in advance and $149 at the door. Include are Thursday’s Mix n Mingle, Suite Soirees, tasting of spirits and more. The Deluxe Evening Resort Pass is $299 in advance only and for those 21 and over. All the perks of above and a limited edition mug and exclusive entry to cocktail parties are included. More information and tickets can be purchased at the Tiki Oasis website.

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

Liquor store looks to revolutionize the customer experience

Trevor’s Liquor, popular south Scottsdale liquor store and beer & wine bar opened its second location recently and its owner are looking to give customers a more engaging and unique experience. The opening of the new Mayo Blvd. store come less than 3 years after the opening of their McDowell Rd. store.

“We are eager to build a community around our store, whether people come to Trevor’s to shop their favorite products or just to have fun,” said Jeff McDonald, owner and partner of Trevor’s Liquor. “Our team is proud to shake up the liquor store industry in Arizona to become more immersive and add elements of fun.” The Mayo Blvd. store comes after a very successful three years in which sales increased by over 28% in 2022 over 2021 sales despite opening during the pandemic.

The new 15,000 square foot store has not only a large selection of beer, wine & spirits but a tasting booth, a full bar offering beer, wine & cocktails, games, a luxury champagne room and two golf simulators. Cigar enthusiasts will find a walk-in humidor and a trendy cigar lounge along with a collection of rare and hard to find spirits.

Unlike their first location, the new location has an artisanal pizza kitchen where Executive Chef Parker Rosbrook will dish -up made from scratch pizzas and salads. Award winning mixologist and beverage director Jordan Chandler crafted their signature cocktail list using high quality ingredients and spirits. Both locations have a full calendar of events and online shopping is available on 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.