Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

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

Summer specials return to Marcellino Ristorante

With return of the summer heat come incentives for locals to relax and let someone else do the cooking and Marcellino Ristorante is giving those braving the heat the return of two popular summer specials.

From now until September 6th guests can experience a Marcellino’s fine dining for a good value with his “Summer Supper Special”. The three course prie-fixe meal is served Tuesday thru Thursday from 4 p.m. until closing for up to 6 people per party for $49++ per person. Offered are a variety of antipasto, house made pastas and a decadent dessert. Choose from Caprese with fresh mozzarella or fresh mussels in white wine to start then move on to entrees such as Gnocchi Sorrentina, Salmone Con Cognac or the Pollo Saparito. Save room for the delicious Tiramisu to end your meal. Although not required, reservations for the Summer Supper are recommended and can be made by calling 480-990-9500.

“Dinner and a Movie” summer special

Starting next Tuesday, June 20th catch “Dinner and a Movie” in the restaurants private dining room. Starting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday enjoy the fore mentioned Summer Supper or order off the regular menu and settle in for an award-winning movie selected for their beautiful Italian setting. The room seats up to 10 people and there is no cost for the movie but dinner service and reservations are required. The schedule of movies include….

June 20; August 9; and August 29: “Only You”
June 21; June 27; September 6: “When in Rome”
June 28; August 8; and August 23: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
July 11; August 16; and August 22: “Eat, Pray, Love”
July 12; and August 30: “Roman Holiday”
July 15; August 15; and September 5: “The Big Night”

Live music will continue every Thursday and Saturday through June and then every Saturday in July and August. The line-ups of musicians alternate between jazz, old time classics, contemporary hits, adult R & B and acclaimed tenor Daniel Hendricks who performs exclusively at Marcellino’s. The restaurant will close for a brief summer break starting July 16th and re-opening August 3rd. For more information on the summer specials visit the restaurant’s website.

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

Sip & Shop returns with celebrity chef dinners at Hotel Valley Ho

Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho brings back its popular Sip & Shop Summer Market Series in June, July & August and adding three celebrity chef dinners in conjunction with each event. The indoor market will be in Sands from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday June 17th, July 15th and August 19th and will feature local chefs and artisan purveyors. Guests will be given a wristband for six tastes of beer, spirits or wine and a 20% off voucher for a meal at Zuzu within 30 days. Live music from J Forte will entertain guests at the free event and guests will be able to purchase food from local chefs and sweets from the hotel’s pastry Chef Maria Arenas.

Sip & Shop celebrity dinners

The celebrity chef dinners will be a collaboration between the hotel’s Executive Chef Russell LaCasce for a 3 course meal paired with wines. The chef’s will also be in action at the market where they will be doing cooking demonstrations.

June 17th– Chef Lindsey Autry comes to Scottsdal to join Chef LaCasce. The three time James Beard Award nominee and finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef has two restaurants in Florida, The Regional in West Palm Beach and Honeybelle at PGA National Resort. The meet & greet reception starts at 6 p.m. and is $199 per person. See Lindsey at the demo station that morning in the market.

July 14th– Celebrity chef, author, philanthropist and host of Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible”, Robert Irvine joins Chef LaCasce Friday night for dinner and then on Saturday at the market at the demo station. Mingle with the chefs at starting at 6 p.m. for $299 per person.

August 18th– Local celebrity chefs Rene “Chito’ Andrade and Beau MacMillan mix it up at Friday night’s dinner and then on Saturday at the market. Meet the chefs for dinner starting at 6 p.m. for $199.

You can reserve your seats for the dinners at the hotel’s website and get your free tickets for Sip & Shop Summer Market at Eventbrite.

Hear Chef LaCasce’s story on Episode 26 of Pulling Corks and Forks: The Podcast.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Summer focused special’s at Serrano’s Mexican Food in August.

The family owned Mexican restaurants is offering 3 refreshing lighter food and drink specials at all locations this month. The Sangarita ($8.99) is their version of sangria & a margarita in one. Fresh fruit and an orange garnish make a great way to cool off. Carolyn’s Pronto Salad ($13.99) Crispy lettuce & cabbage topped with carne asada, fajita vegetables and more tossed with guacamole cilantro ranch dressing. Key Lime Margarita Ice Cream ($7.99) homemade margarita no churn ice cream with a graham cracker mix-in.

Inflation busting Happy Hour deals at Pedal Haus Brewery’s Phoenix location

Every Monday – Friday from 3- 6 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix location guests can save a few bucks on food & drinks at the locally owned brew pub. All food & drink specials sold separately.

$3 Day Drinker beer & Bacon Popcorn- fresh popped in bacon fat, seared bacon pieces, and bacon powder. $4 Select Haus Beers & Haus Mac & Cheese – add green chili +$1, add bacon +$2 vegan + $2. $5 Well Drinks & Loaded Fries – mushroom gravy, ground beef, beer cheese, sour cream, goat cheese, chives. $6 Haus Margs/Haus Wine & ½ lb of Haus Smoked Chicken Wings. $7 Steins & Happy Burger – 6oz beef patty, American cheese, haus sauce, diced onions, pickles.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze

Monday- Friday in August kids under 12 years old eat for free. Choose from Kid’s Menu dishes Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Fries, Eggs, Bacon & Potatoes, French Toast Sticks and a Mouse Pancake. All items come with a choice of soda, juice or milk. Available at all 3 locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Huss Brewing serving Hulu’s “The Bear” inspired sandwich

The downtown Phoenix location is serving the classic Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich for a limited time. The popular sandwich on social media is made from slow braised beef with Italian seasonings and sweet peppers then topped with melted sharp Provolone cheese and giardiniera on a crusty roll for $15.90. It comes with Sidewinder fries and is served during lunch and dinner while supplies last.

Aloha Spirit specials return to Original Breakfast House.

The north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant rolled out new tropical inspired specials. Enjoy Short Rib Loco Moco ($16), Kalua Pork Benedict ($16), Spam & Eggs ($13.75), Tropical French Toast ($13.75), Kona Coffee Shrimp & Grits ($16.50) and a Hawaiian Lunch Plate for $13 or $14 depending on meat.

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.

Summer Supper returns at Marcellino Ristorante

When downtown Scottsdale’s Marcellino Ristorante returns next Thursday August 4th after a couple weeks of rest and relaxation so will their Summer Supper dining experience. Guests can enjoy a three course for only $49 per person choosing from antipastos, award-winning handcrafted pastas and ending with house-made biscotti for dessert. Imagine a Caprese salad with imported mozzarella or entrees Gnocchi Sorrentina or Filetto Di Maiale without leaving Arizona. The Summer Supper is available nightly from 4 p.m. til closing for parties up to 6 people.

Also returning is their weekly Dinner and a Movie program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening through the first week of September at 5:30 p.m. guests can enjoy dinner from the menu or the Summer Supper menu. Enjoy the private dining room with others for a date night, girl’s night out or just letting Marcellino do the cooking. Admission is free but dinner and reservations are  required.

The movies are as scheduled.

August 9; and August 24: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
August 10; and August 30: “Only You”

August 16; and August 31: “Roman Holiday”

August 17; and August 23: “Eat, Pray, Love”

August 28; and September 7: “When in Rome”
September 6: “The Big Night”
Reservations are suggested for the Summer Supper. To make a reservation call 480-490-9500. For more information and to view their menus visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Hotel Valley Ho’s next Sip + Shop is next week

Tickets for the Olé! Latin Flavors themed marketplace is available at Eventbrite for next Saturday July 16th. Entry is FREE to taste local foods and shop for artisan goods. It happens once at month from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Next Thursday July 14th is their monthly Versus Series Dinner with a Bastille Day celebration. Executive Chef Russell LaCasce pairs each course with a beer from Greenwood Brewing and wine from Eco Terreno Wines. Founder Megan Greenwood and Winemaker Mark Lyon will be joining the French inspired dinner. Seats are $109++ and dinner starts at 6 p.m. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Summer beer tours at PHX Beer Co.

Beat the heat with a cold beer and 30- minute tour of the local brewery at 3002 E. Washington in Phoenix. Tours are for those 21 and over and offered on Sundays at 1:00 or 3:00 p.m. The tour is $29 per person and includes a beef flight, an order of pretzel bites with beer fondue and a t-shirt.

Margarita’s to-go from Z’ Tejas

Join the new Jug Club and take home gallons of their famous margaritas for cool summer drinking. Two memberships are available with packages starting at $500 for a monthly gallon 12 times a year. A weekly membership is $2000 for the year gets you 52 gallons (a gallon a week). Each gallon serves 10-12 people and comes with chips and salsa. If you’re not ready to join single gallons are $60 with a “Beat the Heat” deal, they’re usually $80, Skinny, organic and top shelf margaritas are available at various prices. Jugs can be picked up at their Scottsdale or Chandler locations.

Cider Corps hours at new Gilbert taproom

The new taproom serving award-winning ciders are Tuesday -Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Brightside Burgers are available during those same hours. The taproom is at 685 S. Gilbert Rd.

B & B Cocktail Lounge now open in Scottsdale

The new cocktail lounge is open Wednesday-Saturday at 5 p.m. is next to their sister concept Bourbon & Bones Chophouse on Scottsdale Rd.

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

Summer food and drink menus & specials at Phoenix area restaurants

Lighter fare and staying hydrated is one way to keep cool this summer as local restaurants offer summer food and drink menus & specials.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American CuisineAlmost every day of the week and weekly the Scottsdale restaurant has something to offer.

  • Happy Hour — Guests can enjoy special discounts on food and beverage Wednesday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Burger and Beer Special — Get through the mid-week hump with a scrumptious burger and a beer for $19 every Wednesday
  • Bottle and a Board (Pizza) — Every Thursday diners can choose a bottle of wine to pair with one of Gabriella’s popular pizzas such as the Short Rib or Wild Mushroom for just $25
  • Fried Chicken Fridays — Every Friday except for the first Friday of each month, fried chicken lovers can get their fill of this classic comfort food for $25
  • Beef Wellington Night — This traditional hearty feast is served on the first Friday of the month, $50.
  • Senior Citizen Day — The first Thursday of each month is dedicated to the seniors! Senior citizens receive a 10 percent discount all day long.

Grimaldi’s PizzeriaHere are a few of the new dishes on their summer menu.

  • Barbecue Chicken Pizza – A spin on Grimaldi’s traditional pizza with Sweet Baby Ray’s® Barbeque Sauce, oven-roasted chicken, smoked bacon, and red onion, garnished with fresh cilantro​.
  • Blueberry Cheesecake – A vanilla cheesecake laced with blueberry swirl, topped with fresh blueberries, and garnished with granola and whipped cream.
  • Strawberry Cheesecake – Creamy strawberry cheesecake served with fresh, sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
  • Strawberry Lemonade Smash- New Amsterdam vodka, lemonade, muddled fresh strawberries, and fresh basil shaken and served over ice.

Match Market & Bar- Has a “Grill to Go” take-out special. A serving of 4 is $29.99, a serving for 8 is $49.99. Included is 7 oz. Angus Beef Patties, Brioche Buns, American Cheese, Muenster Cheese, LTO, Pickles, Match Beef Spice, Chef Sauce, Mayo, Bacon BBQ, Potato Salad, Fresh Assorted Melon. Pick-up is available daily after 10 a.m. through Sept. 5th. Visit their website or email or call 602-875-8080 to place your order.

Pita Jungle21 locations (not available at GCU and Scottsdale Fashion Square) are serving their “Summertime and the Eating is Healthy” for dine-in, take-out and delivery. It’s part of their rotating Seasonal Kitchen Crafts Menu.

  • Moroccan Gazpacho – Tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cucumber, onion, cilantro, celery, jalapeno, lemon juice, golden raisins, seasonings. Served cold with pine nuts and pita chip. Served vegan with cucumbers. (Gluten-free, vegetarian)
  • Labneh Dip Mezze Veggies & Chips– Labneh blended with za’atar-thyme mix, tomato, Persian cucumber, kalamata olives, fresh mint, evoo, toasted pita. Made gluten-free with gluten-free pita. 
  • Chicken-Asada Super Greens ‘n Grains Southwest Bowl– Juicy Mediterranean dark meat chicken-asada, tossed in a chopped salad of {red quinoa, avocado, tomato, roasted jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, parsley, sumac, a squeeze of lemon juice and evoo}, on a bed of {romaine lightly tossed in a freshly made red wine vinaigrette}. Garnished with jicama sticks. Made vegan or vegetarian with tofu. (Gluten-free)
  • Levantine Lentils & Greens Stir Fry Salad Bowl– Stir fry of lentils, spinach, Tuscan kale, baby arugula, and caramelized onions, atop a freshly tossed salad with seasonal mixed greens, tomato, Persian cucumber, yellow and red bells, radish, red onion, mint, sumac, a squeeze of fresh lemon, red wine vinegar and evoo. (Vegetarian)
  • “High Plains Mediterranean Drifter” Garbanzo Tostada– Twice-boiled garbanzo, yogurt-tahini crema, avocado, yellow bells, tomato, Persian cucumber, celery, red onion, jicama, roasted jalapeno, on a pita tostada, with pine nuts, cilantro, parsley, mint and a lemon squeeze. Made gluten-free with gluten-free pita. (Vegetarian)
  • Gyro Super Hero– Plant-based high protein gyro, vegan tzatziki, seasonal mixed greens, tomato, red onions, Mediterranean pickles and a Greek pita. Made gluten-free with gluten-free pita and vegan with regular pita. (Vegetarian)
  • Very Chicken Vindaloo– Mediterranean dark meat chicken-asada in a spicy vindaloo sauce, turmeric brown rice, honey glazed cabbage-kale super greens and green onions. (Gluten-free)
  • The Amazing [Hummus & Chicken] Pita– Mediterranean dark meat chicken-asada, freshly made hummus, chipotle-tahini based cabbage-kale super greens, avocado, tomato, Mediterranean pickles, red onions, pine nuts, lemon juice and pita. Can also be served as a bowl with turmeric brown rice. Made vegan and vegetarian with tofu, gluten-free with gluten-free pita. 
  • Kataïfi Cookie – A gooey cookie of shredded filo dough and crushed walnuts.

Macayo’s Mexican FoodThe 8 locations are are offering these summer food specials until Sept. 30th.

  • Summer Ceviche — Prepared daily with diced tomato, onion and serrano; served inside red chile corn tortilla shells and topped with diced avocado and seafood hot sauce, $9.99
  • Jicama Shrimp Tacos — Guests’ choice of grilled or fried shrimp topped with fresh fruit salsa on jicama shells, $13.99
  • Strawberry Chipotle Chicken Salad — Featuring crisp romaine, fresh fruit salsa and Jack cheese tossed in scratch-made strawberry vinaigrette dressing and then topped with chipotle grilled chicken, red chile corn tortilla strips and fresh strawberry, $12.99
  • Stuffed Poblano — Roasted poblano chile stuffed with choice of grilled chicken or calabacitas mixture with spinach and Jack cheese. Served on fire-roasted tomatillo sauce and Macayo’s famous Baja sauce with cilantro white rice and black beans, $14.99
  • Armando’s Shrimp — Guajillo-marinated grilled shrimp with cilantro white rice and black beans, $15.99
  • Pineapple & Coconut Tamale — Served with vanilla ice cream, fresh pineapple, Mexican caramel and toasted coconut $6.99
  • Bunuelos A La Moda — Cinnamon and sugar coated bunuelos served with vanilla ice cream and topped with choice of Re’al infused syrup such as guava, strawberry, blackberry, pineapple or mango, $4.99

Liberty Station TavernThe DC Ranch location offers these special through Sept. 5th.

  • Green Chili Hummus with roasted green chili peppers, cilantro and garlic; served with grilled ciabatta bread & veggies, V/RGF, $15
  • Black Bean Veggie Burger featuring black beans, fresh bell peppers, garlic and flax seed flower, V/RGF, $16
  • Baja Shrimp Tacos filled with tempura battered shrimp, slaw, red chili and avocado crema, $15
  • Shrimp Scampi featuring tiger shrimp, linguine, garlic, basil, bacon, crushed red pepper and tomato lemon butter sauce, $32
  • Baja Seabass served with green beans, Yukon smashed potatoes and creole beurre blanc, $34
  • Poppy’s Pasta Bolognese — A Keeler family tradition featuring PK’s favorite trinity meat blend, crushed tomato and shaved parmesan, $24

Chompie’sDaily and weekly specials for dine- in and to-go.

Dine-in

  • Weekday Special — Choice of buttermilk pancakes or French toast for $4.99; add two eggs any style and choice of bacon, ham and turkey sausage for an additional $3.99 or add fresh blueberries and strawberries for $2. Available until 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Happy Hour — At Chompie’s Phoenix location on 32nd St. and Cactus Rd., guests at the bar and throughout the restaurant can take advantage of the happy hour menu featuring $5 bottled beers and $6 glasses of wine from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
  • Jewish Slider Combo — Featuring two Jewish sliders, a cup of soup and a coleslaw nosh, this hearty and delicious special is available at all locations.
  • Mimosas and Bloody Marys — Cool down with a summer sip such as a mimosa or a Bloody Mary to start the day off right!

To-Go

  • Mondays and Fridays — On Mondays and Fridays beginning July 11 through Aug. 26, the Lox, Bagels and Cream Cheese special is just $19.99 and includes eight ounces of Nova Lox, six bagels (two plain, two sesame and two onion bagels) and eight ounces of plain cream cheese.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays — Receive a Baker’s Dozen of bagels for just $8.88 until 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 12 through Aug. 25.
  • Wednesdays — All year long on “Bagel Wednesdays” bagel lovers can receive six free bagels with the purchase of 12 bagels.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Angry Crab Shack to donate to veterans in July

All 15 Arizona locations will donate $.25 from every dine-in guest to Arizona Housing Coalition’s Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance. Their goal is to raise $75,000 during their 6th annual “You Dine, We Donate” campaign until July 31st. Guests can also purchase merchandise with a portion of the proceeds donated as well.

Throwback Tiki Tuesday party at Liberty Station Tavern

The DC Ranch restaurant is hosting the tropical party on Tuesday July 12th from 5-9 p.m. Special guest bartenders will be Garrit Guthrie and Kyla Hein will be mixing up refreshing tropical cocktails.

$1 Monsoon IPA when it rains at PHX Beer Co.

Until the end of September the Scottsdale and Phoenix locations celebrate monsoon season when a measurable amount of rain falls at Sky Harbor Airport. Your first pint of the locally brewed IPA is only a buck.

Make the drive to Queen Creek Olive Mill and save $10

The rising gas prices may be putting the brakes on driving to your favorite local retailer. Those driving out to the East Valley on Saturdays and Sundays can save $10 on purchases the Mill’s branded products of $50 or more. Extra virgin olive oils, spices, sauces and more are available for purchase.

Macayo’s opens newest restaurant in Chandler

Las Tiendas Village is where the locally owned restaurant has opened its doors for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Indoor and outdoor dining is available at the popular retail center at Alma School & Queen Creek Rds. which also welcomed Lou Malnati’s in May.

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.

” Cool, Cool Summer” patio parties at Los Sombreros

All 3 locations are cooling things down this summer with Oaxacan- inspired patio parties. DJs, a taco bar, Margarita specials and giveaways will be featured at all events.

The Uptown Phoenix location hosts Los Amigos Brunch Party on Sunday June 25th & July 28th.

Extended Happy Hour in Mesa from 4 – 9 p.m. Thursday’s June 23rd and July 21st.

Scottsdale Extended Happy Hour also from 4 – 9 p.m. on Thursday’s June 30th & July 28th.

Sand Reckoner wine tasting tonight at GenuWine Arizona

A free wine tasting tonight from 6-9 p.m. during Roosevelt Row’s First Friday. 20% off any bottles purchased tonight too.

Wagyu specials at STK Steakhouse in June

In celebration of National Steakhouse Month the Scottsdale steakhouse is offering premium cuts of Wagyu from Japan, Australia and America.

Choose your choice of Wagyu – Masami Ranch Roasted Bone Marrow ($33), A5 Wagyu Spinalis ($99), A5 Kumaou Wagyu ($39 Strip / $44 Filet) Hanger Steak ($79), Picanha ($84), Rosewood Ranch Gold Ribeye ($134), or Tomahawk ($139).

Select your topping – Unami A5 Butter, A5 Miso Bacon Butter, Wagyu Tallow Caramelized Onions, Bourbon Bacon Marmalade ($12).

Meet the Winemaker at Scottsdale Wine Collective

Sam Pillsbury will be pouring his wines and telling his story on Thursday June 9th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved here.

2 Summer Clubs offered at LDV Winery

The Arizona winery is hosting 2 monthly non-club member events at their Scottsdale tasting room starting in June.

Summer Wine Circle offers guest new Arizona wines and compare it to an LDV wine. Taste and talk with bites to eat on June 8th, July 13th, August 10th & September 14th from 6 – 7 p.m. Cost is $75 per month.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club- Only 20 seats are available for this popular multi-course dinner prepared by Benedict’s Catering & Events with LDV wine pairings. Each dinner is $140 per person and is all inclusive. Dinners start at 6 p.m. June 16th, July 21st (Peggy & Kurt do the cooking), August 18th and September 22nd. Reserve your seats for each months events by calling 480-664-4822 or emailing info@ldvwinery.com

Several of the above establishments and people in this week’s Sips & Bites have been guests on my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman. 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.

Enjoy the dog days of summer with a new Trapp Dawg at Trapp Haus BBQ

The downtown Phoenix BBQ joint is offering 3 new all beef brisket hot dawgs for a limited time starting Monday August 2nd. These dawgs are available 7 days a week for $7.99 each. The Lou — topped with potato salad and crispy fried onions. The Jersey — topped with crispy potato and cheddar cheese sauce. The Village — topped with BBQ baked beans and jalapeño honey slaw.

Hearth ’61 Sunday Supper Club with guest chef Sean Currid

The Maple & Ash Executive Chef will join Chef Chuck Wiley’s team to create a 5-course menu paired with Australian wines from Barossa Valley selected by Mountain Shadows F & B manager Jim Gallen. Reservations  are required for the Sunday August 15th dinner that starts at 6 p.m. Seats are $149 ++ per person and can be made by calling 866-572-8774. To see the pairing menu visit their website.

Chompie’s hiring fair for new Phoenix location and other locations

All four valley locations and the soon to open north Phoenix location is looking to hire back & front of the house help. They are holding a 3 day job fair at the Embassy Suites at 4415 Paradise Village Pkwy S. Phoenix 85032. 80 employees are needed for the new location with additional employees needed to support the growth at other locations. The job fair is Monday, August 2nd 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. & Wednesday, August 4th 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidates should come prepared with a resume and be prepared to interview with hiring done on the spot.

Eat Up Drive- In is now open for lunch.

The fast casual Arcadia Lite restaurant that opened in March is now open for lunch and extended their hours 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant features individual and family style meals for dine-in or to-go.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to support the American Heart Assoc. in August

For all 31 days in August guests who donate $5 will get a $5 Bounce Back card to use at any Grimaldi’s nationwide (except To-Go locations in Austin TX & Scottsdale AZ and NYC, NJ & CT locations) until Dec. 31st 2022. Guests can donate up to $25 to get $25 Bounce Back per visit.

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.