Category: takeout

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Park West’s “Follow the Fork” event is tomorrow

West valley foodies can join Jalapeño Inferno and over a dozen more restaurants for a progressive dining experience from 6 – 9 p.m. Live music from Rock Lobster, interactive art and more will help to raise money for the Peoria Education Foundation.

National Taco Day is Tuesday October 4th

Next week’s Taco Tuesday has more tacos than most days as its National Taco Day and there are some deals to be had. Agave del Scottsdale has Happy Hour tacos all day. Z’Tejas offers 1/2 off Gringo Tacos all day with 3 beef tacos & toppings only $7.

Farmer’s Markets return this weekend

October bring the return of the popular community gathering spots that feature local produce and more. The High Street market returns to North Phoenix on Sunday’s from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Park West is at the Loop 101 & Northern on Saturday’s starting at 9 a.m. Also on Saturday morning’s is the Old Town Scottsdale farmer’s market returns tomorrow at 8 a.m.

October is National Pizza Month

The Streets of New York is celebrating all month long at their 16 locations with a 16″ one topping pizza for $20. You can save almost $4 when dining in, taking-out or for delivery, make sure you mention when ordering in use promo code $20PIZZA when ordering online. The restaurant is also launching its new seasonal menu from October 10th – December 31st. Enjoy Beer Cheese w/ Passion bread for $9, Baked Mac & Cheese for $12 and Pumpkin Cannoli for $4.

Halloween specials at Morning Squeeze

All 3 locations in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale start October with a couple of new specials all month long. Pumpkin Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast ($14) is a twist on the restaurant’s annual pumpkin themed dish. The pumpkin sauce is made in house and comes topped with pumpkin granola. The Spooky Brunch Punch ($10) combines tequila, amaretto, lime and orange juice then tops it with an eyeball garnish. A syringe of raspberry puree comes on the side to drizzle into the drink or add appropriate bloodshot effects to the ghoulish eye. 

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.

Gastromé Market bringing specialty wine & cheese to Gainey Ranch

The finishing touches are being taken care of for new wine and cheese market in Scottsdale’s Gainey Ranch neighborhood. Gastromé Market will open on Saturday September 10th with a grand opening celebration from co-owners Jenny Le and Tiffany Chavez. Over 5,000 square feet will include the market, a restaurant, a temperature controlled Eurocave for wine and a classroom. Come mid-Fall the outdoor patio will be available to enjoy our beautiful weather.

“This has been a true labor of love for us, and we can’t wait to get the doors open and meet the community,” says Le. “We’ve worked hard to create an inclusive environment where you can feel free to ask whatever you want – you won’t find any stuffiness or intimidation here.”

The inviting space will encourage guests to grab a bottle of wine and more to enjoy in one the nooks and alcoves throughout the market. For those on the run, the grab-n-go counter will let customers take lunch or dinner with them. Cheese cases will showcase domestic and international cheeses, the bakery offers pastries from around the world and a gift basket station will let you create the perfect gift.

Passionate experts will assist customers with choosing boutique wines, curated meats & cheeses and handcrafted items from local artisans. Gastromé Market will offer fun classes and seminars including food & wine pairings and how to build a charcuterie board.

Grand opening at Gastromé Market

The open the doors at 10 a.m. on the 10th and the first 100 guests through the doors will enjoy a champagne toast on every visit once a week for up to four people for a year. Throughout the event guests can sample wine & cheese, speak with the vendors and shop the wide range of goods.

“Whether you’re in search of something specific or you just want to see what we’re all about, stop by this September and we’ll show you around,” Chavez said. “We’re wine and cheese lovers ourselves, and we’re really passionate about food and drink, in general. Our goal is to make you as excited about it as we are, and if we can get you to try something new, even better!”

Gastromé Market is at 7704 Doubletree Ranch Rd. The market opens at 10 a.m. and the restaurant at 11 a.m. For more information 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.

 

Birdcall opening its first Arizona location in Scottsdale next month

The Denver-based fast casual restaurant Birdcall will be opening its first all-natural chicken restaurant in Scottsdale in April. Once opened in the former Jason’s Deli near the northeast corner of Scottsdale & Shea it will be the first of 10 planned locations in Phoenix. The company was founded in 2016 and the Scottsdale location will be the company’s ninth location.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Peter Newlin said that the new Phoenix area locations align with the company’s growth strategy. “We’re trying to change the way that people look at fast food,” Newlin said. “We’ve incorporated cutting-edge technology to deliver delicious natural foods and beverages quickly, without sacrificing quality. Our customers appreciate the fact that they can either grab a meal to-go or dine in with family and friends in a casual, hip setting that conveniently works around their schedules and any time constraints.”

Once opened, Birdcall will serve lunch and dinner that will feature 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, fresh salads, crispy tenders, gluten & dairy free chicken nuggets along with vegetarian options. Phoenix’s Noble Bakery will provide fresh buns and sauces will be made from scratch in-house using 100% all natural ingredients. Local beers from SanTan Brewing and Greenwood Brewing will be served as will organic teas & sodas and milkshakes.

A community minded Birdcall

Birdcall is very focused on the communities it enters and gives back at least 1% of sales to the community. “Community is the heart and soul of everything we do at Birdcall,” Newlin said. “We want to be measured by the impact we create, not the money we make, and that’s why our beneficiaries range from local street artists and musicians to schools and nonprofits.”

Inside will be spacious with a contemporary design and outside will be a mural inspired by Arizona and shaded tables on the dog-friendly patio. Technology will make ordering easy with kiosks for dine-in & take-out and a double lane drive-thru is available for those on the go. A second location at  SanTan Village is planned for Fall 2022 and a Phoenix location planned in early 2023. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Trapp Haus BBQ owner expanding and rolling out new food trucks in 2022

Phil “The Grill” Johnson, award-winning pit master & owner of the downtown Phoenix BBQ joint is expanding the size of the restaurant. When completed in January 2022 guests will enjoy a better dining experience with easier ordering, a pick-up window, full bar and more. In the Spring he launches 2 new food trucks that will feature the foods of his native NYC and east coast.

Not busy enough he’s also starting a business to build food trucks and help first time food truck owners get started. Listen to Phil’s story on Episode 41 of The Podcast.

First drive-thru only Mesquite Fresh Street Mex to open

The locally owned authentic Mexican concept continues to grow in 2022 with the opening of its first drive thru only location Gilbert in February. It’s the ninth location with three more drive-thru only locations coming later in the year.

Koibito Poke now offering side dishes

Four new side dishes were recently introduced at all 4 Phoenix area locations including Seaweed Salad, Cucumber Salad, Crab Mix and Spicy Crab Mix. Enjoy the 5oz. sides with your bowl or by itself. The also recently introduce Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 4 -6 p.m. and all day on Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy specials on beer, wine, sake & seltzers and $2.00 off Signature Bowls.

New Year’s Eve free rides from Valley Metro

Local beer distributor Crescent Crown and Coors Light are footing the bill through a donation for free rides on all bus routes and light rail Friday December 31st from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m Saturday January 1st 2022.

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

What’s going on in the Phoenix food & beverage scene?

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers celebrates 10 years with $10 burger & beer deal

Every Monday – Friday from 3 p.m. –  6p.m. in November the locally owned burger & beer joint is celebrating a milestone anniversary with a deal hard to pass up. All 12 Phoenix area locations are ready to welcome customers with this deal which includes an All-American Burger, chips & domestic draft beer.

Pedal Haus Brewery opens 3rd location in Phoenix

Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix is where Julian Wright decided to open the third location of his popular taproom. The award-winning beers will be delivered daily from the Tempe brewery and guests can expect signature dishes including Haus smoked wings, a giant Bavarian pretzel and more like that found at the Tempe & Chandler locations. An extensive vegan and gluten-free menu offered in Tempe will be rolled out in coming months in Phoenix.

Pork on a Fork awaiting new restaurant opening with Food Truck Friday

Every Friday from 5- 8 p.m., or until they sell out, the food truck will hit the brakes in the parking lot of its future brick & mortar location in Chandler. $200 worth of gift cards will be given away and future food truck events will be announced. The new restaurant will be at 1972 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85224.

Chompie’s offering to-go Hanukkah meals

Just when you’re tired of turkey Hanukah starts Sunday, November 28th and Chompie’s Deli locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe & Chandler are offering deli platters and dinners for curbside pick-up. A minimum 24 hours’ notice is required and all pre-orders can be made by calling 480-348-2287, online or in person.

Dapper & Stout Coffee Company now open in Uptown Phoenix

The third location of has opened in at Uptown Plaza offering everything from coffee to food to cocktails. They open bright and early at 6 a.m. seven days a week and stay open til 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. Happy hour is daily from 3 – 6 p.m. with special on cocktails, wine & beer and $2.00 of Small Bites.

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.

Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week launches mid-September

Two of the valley’s vegan advocates have come together to launch the first Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week September 12th- 18th. Chef & author Jason Wyrick and vegan taste maker and owner of Phoenix Vegan Jozh Watson launched the week long culinary event to bring more attention to plant- based restaurants, foods & cooking.

According to Wyrick, “Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week is a celebration of plant-based cuisine in Phoenix. We want to raise awareness about everything vegan that’s now available in our city, get everyone excited, and out-and-about trying all of the great dining options.”

Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week
Simon’s Hot Dogs. Feature photo Maya’s Cajun Cuisine’s Po’ Boy

How Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week works?

The pair are encouraging restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks and others to showcase their plant-based cooking and more. During the week participants will be offering a specially created menu with breakfast & lunch offering at $20 and a 3-course dinner menu at $30.

“We want to position Greater Metro Phoenix as a premier, inclusive dining destination,” said Watson.

During the week diners can experience the growing Phoenix plant-based food scene visiting new establishments or returning to familiar ones. A a few of the participating eateries include: Beaut Burger, Brunch & Sip, Chilte, Dilla Libre, Early Bird Vegan, Earth Plant-Based, Giving Tree Café, Ground Control, Hot Sauce & Pepper, Maya’s Cajun Kitchen, Pachamama, Positively Frosted, Salvadoreno Restaurant, Shameless Burger, Simon’s Hot Dogs, The Nile Coffee Shop, Urban Beans Café, Tesoro Vegano, The Vegan Taste, Verdura, and Wok this Way.

According to Wyrick, “Restaurants are experimenting more with vegan cuisine and showcasing some really great offerings. Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week allows them to cater to a growing clientele and test the waters for expanding their vegan selections.” For more information and to see additional participants head to their website.

Woo Woo Burgers launches ghost kitchen from Z’ Tejas

The team behind Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill launched its new ghost kitchen concept, Woo Woo Burgers at the end of May. Currently coming from its Chandler location’s kitchen, burgers and more are available for curbside pick-up or third party delivery. “We’re excited to launch this new concept,” said Robby Nethercut chief operating officer. “Woo Woo Burgers is a passion project of ours. It’s the delicious, simple type of food that we love made with the best ingredients.”

The simple menu offers 1/3 lb 80/20 Angus chuck & brisket for its Woo Woo Burger, Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheeseburger. The Woo Woo Chicken Sandwich comes with bacon and cheese. Several variations of the chicken sandwich are also available. All come dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and mayo and sides, sauces and drinks are also available.

“Burgers represent American culture – backyard gatherings, BBQs, nostalgia of the good ‘ol days,” said Diego Bolanos, executive chef. “I see Woo Woo Burgers as a great opportunity to connect to the community and our guests.”

Through Sunday June 6th 10% of all sales will be donated to Phoenix-based Living Hope Cancer Foundation. The non-profit is dedicated to providing cancer patients and caregivers support through lifestyle coaching and advocacy. Living Hope was founded by cancer survivors and more information can be found on their website.

To place an order head to their website.

Rift Tap and Wine Bar opening in south Scottsdale

If all goes as planned with the expiration of the current Covid-19 lock down on Monday July 27th south Scottsdale could have a new beer and wine bar in early August. Regardless of the lock down Rift Tap and Wine Bar opens for curbside pick-up and delivery that same Monday. Rift is the brainchild of owners Damien Kanser, a wine industry veteran and friend Jon Coppins, the winemaker at Su Vino Winery.

Named after a Phish album that inspired Kanser since his childhood, Rift converted a spot that was a convenience store at Fillmore and Scottsdale Rd.. With little or nothing for craft beer and wine between old town Scottsdale and Tempe they felt this would be the perfect location for their neighborhood bar. The neighborhood is home to many service industry people and young professionals who have had nowhere to gather since Papago Brewing Co. closed a few years ago.

Rift will feature affordable wines and beers from local brewers and wineries and from across the country and the world. 25 beers on tap will be poured along with wines by the glass as guests gather at the 23 seat bar, high top tables or couches. Food trucks will be scheduled for guests to enjoy a bite to eat with their beer and wine. Coolers will house cold beers to go along with a few racks of retail wines. Kanser envisions Rift’s retail component as a quick grab n go for people to purchase on a regular basis to enjoy with dinner or by the pool. They’re sourcing limited production small batch beers directly from brewers giving the shop a unique selection by the bottle and tap.

Rift owners Damien Kanser and Jon Coppins

The wine club at Rift Tap and Wine Bar

This fall Rift will house a studio for their “Spilling the Truth” podcast they started in late 2018. Windows to the studio will allow guests to view podcasts live with brewers and winemakers joining the podcast.

Two wine clubs will be offered featuring local wines and wines to a national audience based on wineries visiting the podcast.

Rift is at 431 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85257. For updates check out their Facebook page.