Category: summer dining

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.

 

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 Cuisine– Almost 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 Pizzeria– Here 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 Jungle– 21 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 Food– The 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 Tavern– The 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’s– Daily 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.

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.

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.

Stroll downtown Mesa’s Taco Tuesday Trail next week

This Tuesday July 20th the Downtown Mesa Association is hosting a taco crawl with several restaurants including Tacos Chiwas, Mangos Mexican Café, Margaritas Mexican Grille, Que Chevere, Downtown 12 West Brewing and Desert Eagle Brewing Co. For $20 you get 7 tickets for specialty tacos from participating restaurants from 4-7p.m. Several restaurants will have specialty cocktails available for purchase during the event. To purchase your ticket(s) head to their Eventbrite link.

Childhood Memories dinner at Pillsbury Wine Co.

The Arizona winery’s tasting room in Cottonwood is hosting the 5 course dinner that will remind you of your childhood favorites eats. Taste the Wild chef’s foraged twist on Fish ‘n’ Chips, Corn Dog, Monte Christo, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Nuggets & a Pop Tart. The dinner on Fri. June 23rd starts at 6 p.m. and is $98 plus wine. To make reservation call 949-466-1054 or visit their website.

New “Summertime Sips” drinks specials available at Nonna Urban Eatery

Until August 31st guests can enjoy cool & refreshing cocktails and wine specials Wednesday. – Saturday’s. Spritz Day Wednesday — Every hump day, guests can enjoy a Spritz for just $8. Thirsty Thursday — Get an early start on the weekend with half off select bottles of wine. Friday Bubbles — Glasses of Cava and Prosecco are just $8 each all day. Sangria Saturday — Enjoy glasses of white or red for just $8 each. For more information about the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant visit their website.

Seasonal dishes and cocktails are on the new menu at Los Sombreros

The Mesa and Scottsdale locations recently added several dishes and cocktails to the menu to celebrate summer. Watermelon Salad and Grilled Norwegian Salmon with pineapple are a couple of the new dishes. New refreshing cocktails include a Mezcal Old Fashioned and Sangria. Too see all the new dishes, cocktails and more check out https://www.lossombreros.com/.

2021 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The 14th year of the popular 10-day ARW kicks off in just about 2 months. Local foodies and those new to the valley can experience special 3-course menus at dozens of restaurant starting Friday September 17th – 26th. Each unique meal has be created just for the twice a year event and is priced at $33 or $44 per person. A new $55 price is also being offered for those looking for a more elevated dining experience. Over 60 restaurants have already signed up to participate with more signing on everyday. To see participating restaurants and the menus they will be offering visit their website.

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.

Macayo’s Mexican Food returns to Scottsdale with new location

The 75 year old restaurant has opened its newest location at Loop 101 & Shea Blvd in Pima Crossing. Known for such dishes as Green Chile Pork Stew & Chicken Poblano the menu is the same as the other locations around the valley.

Summer Supper is back on the menu at Marcellino’s Ristorante

From now until Sunday September 15th guests can opt for the 3-course meal for $44. Several choices from the Antipasto and Second Course menu that include homemade pasta.

Their private dining room is available on Tuesday’s through July and Tuesday & Wednesday’s in August for dinner and a movie. Parties of 8-10 people can reserve the room at no cost but dinner service is required. Call 480-990-9500 to make a dinner reservation or to reserve the room.

Elote Pizza back by popular demand at Fired Pie

All 21 locations of the locally owned fast casual pizza concept has brought back the street corn inspired and topped pizza (and more toppings) for a limited time. The pizza can be made with tradition, cauliflower & gluten-free dough.

Summer cool down seasonal menu at Thirsty Lion Gastropub

The Phoenix area’s 4 locations will start serving the new dishes from July 8th – September 19th. Spicy Shrimp Ceviche and Seared Atlantic Sea Scallops are a couple of the new dishes. Cocktails including Raspberry Mint Mule-jito and Jalapeno Paloma Margarita are a couple of the new adult beverages available.

July 4th celebrations around Phoenix

As you can imagine many Phoenix restaurants and bars are celebrating the red, white & blue with traditional foods, beers and more. Have fun and stay safe. Happy birthday America.

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.

 

 

Back exploring food and more in Boston and Cape Cod

If you’ve followed this blog for a few years you would’ve seen a post or two from my visits to Cape Cod. Well I’m back for another visit by way of Boston for the week to escape the Arizona heat. After my first 3 days I have enough to tell you about from my morning in Boston to the days on The Cape.

Breakfast in Boston

I flew into Boston early Saturday morning and was greeted by my friend who re-located from Phoenix to the Boston area 20 years ago. It was pretty early so we decided to head into the city to wake up and made our way to the newly built Seaport District along Boston Harbor. On the south-side of downtown Boston the Seaport District is full of high rise office and apartment buildings, restaurants and attractions. The big attraction for us was the Harbor Walk that led us towards Boston’s North End for breakfast.

Italian market in Boston’s North End

The North End is Boston’s “Little Italy” neighborhood full of narrow streets lined with Italian markets and restaurants. We made our to Theo’s Cozy Corner for breakfast on Salem St. The small cash only breakfast joint serves up traditional breakfast fare at good prices. Eggs, pancakes, etc and good portions Theo’s was full of neighborhood regulars and a few of us outsiders looking to start our day. My friend and I both went with corned beef hash with 3 eggs, home fries and toast. A good choice leaving us both satisfied.

No trip to the North End is complete without a stop at Mike’s Pastry for cannoli for a my mid-morning snack. We also stopped into a traditional Italian market for sliced prosciutto and other meats and fresh bread.

After a walk back along the harbor to the car we headed to the south bay so I could continue down to the Cape.

Saturday and Sunday on the Cape

For years my family has been spending a few weeks every August in Harwichport which is on the south side on Nantucket Bay on a part of the cape that is considered Mid-Cape. A cute town we venture to restaurants to get our fill of fresh seafood. Whether it’s $1 oysters for happy hour at The Port or trying to find the “Best” lobster roll we have our favorites and are always on the lookout for new restaurants to try.

By the time I arrived in mid-afternoon Saturday I was ready to get my fresh seafood feast going. My nephew, brother-in-law and I went across the street to The Port for the $1 oysters from Chatham and Wellfleet. The week before I hear they polished off 90 oysters during one sitting but that wasn’t going to happen on this day as the restaurant was shorthanded with shuckers and we weren’t the only ones there for happy hour. 48 oysters were good enough to satisfy us on this day.

Oysters at The Port in Harwichport

Most days on the cape are lazy with a later start than had I been home in Arizona. Sunday morning started out foggy(the weather, not me) but by late morning the sun was out we’re off to Bank St. beach for a little sand and sun. After a few hours on the beach it was back to relax and decide where to do dinner. We decided it was time to get lobster rolls so we made our way to the Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis. Sesuit on the north side of the cape about a 15 minute drive from Harwichport. Like other “seafood shacks” on the Cape and in New England, Sesuit Harbor Cafe offers fried, broiled or raw seafood. Place your order, find a table outside and wait for the servers bring your food. It’s fast casual before fast casual became a restaurant trend.

Lobster rolls for most of us were served with fries and cole slaw, my nephew went with half a broiled lobster. All were happy as we sat among the sea gulls, marina plotting our next move. We saved room for desert and made our way for homemade ice cream at Schoolhouse Ice Cream in Harwichport.

Sunday or Monday its all the same

When you’re on vacation all the days run together and you realize the work week has begun when the weekenders head back. Not us as Monday has us sleeping in, getting coffee and starting the day. After coffee and my morning walk I made my way to Brew’s Coffee Bar & Beer Garden for breakfast. Disappointing as they stopped serving many of the breakfast sandwiches I remember from 2017.  Only 4 choices to choose from that we’re pre-made and warmed up. My egg and bacon burrito was good but not really worth the $9 I paid for it.

Lunch had me craving fried oysters so I drove down the road to the Original Seafood Restaurant in Dennisport. The place has been around since the 1950s and had the old school drive-in feel. Seafood, burgers, hot dogs and more, my fried oyster craving was fulfilled.

Oyster roll at The Original Seafood Restaurant in Dennisport

After a lazy afternoon walking off my lunch and visiting with family it was time to think about dinner. My nephew and I were on our own and debated which pizza place to go to. The debate was George’s or Ember Pizza and Wings. Ember won out since we’ve never been so we decided to try their coal fired charred pizza. Getting their early before the dinner rush we ordered boneless Buffalo wings which were chicken tenders tossed in Buffalo sauce. Not my idea of wings and going forward I will always order bone-in wings.

Since my nephew doesn’t eat anything green most vegetables were out so we went with the Meat Lovers Pizza. Topped with bacon, sausage, pepperoni and meatballs the thin crust pizza was good and service was good too. Time for a walk and a relaxing Sunday night before we start another day on the Cape.

Check back for more eating adventures and exploring for the next few days. For more images of my trip follow me on Instagram @SandyWass

 

 

 

Customers and staff help Liberty Market create 31 unique burgers

When you wake up tomorrow it will be August 1st or as Gilbert’s Liberty Market calls it “Burger Days”. For 31 days in August the restaurant serves a unique burger for their annual celebration of the American comfort food. For this years event executive chef David Traina created the list of burgers with input from loyal customers and staff.

Customers ordering a burger on a given day may find other than locally raised beef between the buns. Bison, elk and a veggie burger will be served and all will have unique flavor profiles and toppings. All burgers are a 1/2 pound and many will have an international spin.

Miso Sticky burger. All photos courtesy of Sarah Roberson

Customers save your receipts

Save your receipts from each burger visit as you will be rewarded with gift cards. A $50 Liberty Market gift card will be given to customers who eat 10 different burgers. If you stop by for all 31 burgers a $250 gift card is yours. Customers will have until the end of the first week of September to redeem their gift cards.

Here is the list of 31 burgers.

1- Short Rib – AZ raised beef patty, blue cheese sauce, roasted onion and arugula on onion bun.

2- Carne Asada – AZ raised beef patty, drunken beans, grilled green onions, cotija cheese, and guacamole on onion bun.

3- Buffalo Blue Cheese Fry* – bison patty, curly fries, buffalo cheese sauce, blue cheese, and chives on a pretzel bun.

4- French Onion – AZ raised beef patty, sherry caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, fresh garlic aioli, and au jus, on a Ciabatta bun.

5- Philly Cheese Steak – AZ raised beef patty, Cheese Whizz, roasted peppers, provolone cheese and onions on Ciabatta bun.

6- Torta Style – AZ raised beef patty, topped with adobo braised pork, beans, jalapeño salsa, crema, cotija cheese, avocado, and cabbage slaw, on a bollio bun.

7- The Issac – AZ raised beef patty, pesto aioli, fried fresh mozzarella, bacon, and tomato on an Italian rosemary bun.

8- Chicken Katsu – AZ raised beef patty, fried chicken, jalapeño aioli slaw, and Katsu sauce on a sesame bun.

9- Cajun Shrimp – AZ raised beef patty, roasted red bell peppers and onions, and Tabasco aioli on a Ciabatta bun.

10- Breakfast Nduja – AZ raised beef patty, sunny side up egg, grain mustard, Seahive cheese, and arugula on ciabatta round.

11- Anti-Pasto – AZ raised beef patty, fried mozzarella, salami, marinated artichoke, roasted red peppers, pesto, and arugula on a Kalamata olive bun.

12- Korean BBQ – AZ raised beef patty, Korean bbq sauce, cabbage nauc cham slaw, sesame seeds, rice wine cucumbers, on a brioche bun.

13- Whiskey Onion – AZ raised beef patty, BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese, and whiskey onions on fried cheddar cheese as the bun.

14- Hatch-Frito – AZ raised beef patty, brisket patty, pepper jack cheese, chipotle bbq aioli, and Fritos on a chili cheese bun.

15- Bourbon BLT – AZ raised beef patty, bourbon brown sugar bacon, oven dried tomato aioli, and butter lettuce on onion bun.

customers
Buffalo Blue Cheese burger

16- Piggly Wiggly* – AZ raised beef patty, hatch cheddar, pulled pork, sliced ham, fried onion straws, yellow BBQ sauce, and chicharrones on an onion bun.

17- Crab Salad – AZ raised beef patty, marinated crab salad, cambozola cheese, Tabasco aioli, and butter lettuce on a brioche bun with 9 grain topping.

18- Burrata Burger – AZ raised beef patty, truffle dressed arugula, bacon, tomato, and black pepper aioli on Italian olive oil bun.

19- Miso Sticky* – AZ raised beef patty, miso and maple glazed pork belly, pickled cucumber and carrots, red onion, thin jalapeño slices, butter lettuce, sesame seeds, and gochujang aioli, on a bollio bun.

20- Pepper Jack Sausage – AZ raised beef patty, Beehive Barely Buzzed cheese, roasted onions, cajun aioli on a ciabatta roll.

21- Ma’s Meatloaf – AZ raised beef patty bacon meatloaf, arugula, roasted garlic onion and horseradish aioli on a brioche bun.

22- Cuban Mojo –  house blend patty (orange, lime zest, garlic cumin oregano, cilantro, Fresno chiles) Manchego cheese, grilled yellow onions and Anaheim chiles, avocado, and tequila-lime aioli, on an onion bun.

23- Cheesy Tot* – AZ raised beef patty, onion dip ranch, tater tots, hatch chile cheese curds on an onion bun.

24- Crispy Carmen – AZ raised beef patty, chilaquiles, sunny side up egg, tomatillo salsa, cotija cheese, on a ciabatta bun.

25- Mac Daddy* – AZ raised beef patty, jalapeño bacon mac and cheese, BBQ short rib, grilled red onion, cheddar cheese, and sriracha aioli on a jalapeño Ciabatta bun.

26- Pastrami Style – AZ raised beef patty, sauerkraut, and 1000 Island dressing on marble rye.

27-Veggie – house made red bean and rice patty, Cajun tofu, and cashew butter on rustic bun.

28- Far East – AZ raised beef patty, topped with greens, wontons, hoisin aioli, tamarind-ginger glaze on seeded Kaiser roll.

29- Green Goddess – AZ raised beef patty, Green Goddess dressing, fried zucchini, roasted portobello mushrooms, lemon ricotta, and arugula on a rustic bun.

30- Lobster-Prosciutto* –  AZ raised beef patty, brie, Boston lettuce, classic aioli on a french bun.

31- Elk Burger – AZ raised beef patty, speck, peppadews, Gruyere cheese, spring mix, and whole grain mustard sauce on a garlic bun. 

Liberty Market is at 230 N. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert.

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

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