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Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Taste of Euro next Tuesday, May 20th at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The downtown Gilbert cafe has its next 3-course pairing dinner next week. A Spinach & Arugula Salad, Orzo pasta with vegetables and Chocolate Souffle are on the menu. The dinner is $48++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Phoenix City Grille offers Wine 101 this summer

The Uptown Phoenix restaurant is offering a monthly two-hour class starting on June 13th by introducing new wine drinkers to the basics about wine. The Friday night classes are from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. and is $40 per person and include a bottle of wine to take home.

The remaining schedule of classes include….July 18th Wines of the USA, August 22nd Riedel Glass Tasting Experience $89 per person, September 23rd Blind Tasting Challenge. Seating is limited and reservations are required and can be made by emailing privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

New summer specials at Pizzeria Virtu

Chef Gio Osso’s Old Town Scottsdale Napoletana-style pizzeria has two cool new specials all summer long. On Tuesday‘s indulge in a hand-crafted classic Margherita Pizza paired with two glasses of wine for only $30. Wine Wednesdays are here with 50% of all wine bottles (excluding the reserve list).

810 Entertainment offer new cocktail for Phoenix Mercury season

With the WNBA tipping off Saturday night in Downtown Phoenix, the concept in Cityscape offers the new Mercury Riser cocktail is made with Western Son Watermelon Vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice and is garnished with a lemon wedge. It costs $6 with a Mercury game ticket otherwise its $9.

Spring 2025 Arizona Restaurant Week is here

The popular twice yearly 10-day event starts today and goes through next Sunday, May 25th. Almost 200 restaurants statewide are offering a $33, $44 or $55 menu for the occasion. A list of participating restaurants and their menus can be found at the Arizona Restaurant Week website.

Wine club launch and events at Jamie’s Bottle Shop

Now that Jamie’s Bottle Shop has been opened for about two months, owner Jamie Hormel and her team of sommeliers are launching their new wine club and announcing upcoming wine tasting and educational events.

A wine club for every palate

Whether you are new to wine or are a collector their is a wine club for you with four levels to choose from. To join the you can sign-up in person at the Old Town Scottsdale shop or online.

Discovery Club, $55/month 

Build your taste and expand your confidence with the Discovery Club, where fresh styles, producers and regions will be introduced each month. Perks include: 

    • A curated selection of two wines — one white, one red — chosen to inspire and expand palates. 
    • 10% off all retail wine, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events. 

Jamie’s Wine Club $140/month

Designed for those who love the excitement of trying something new, perks of the Jamie’s Wine Club include: 

    • Three bottles of curated wine selections that include a white, red and the sommelier pick of the month.
    • 10% off all retail wine, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events.

Collectors Club, Inquire for pricing

For the advanced wine aficionado, the Collectors Club provides exceptional wines from Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s private reserve. Collectors Club membership is extremely limited and currently sold out. To join the wait list, please visit the website. Perks include: 

    • Quarterly allocations of 12 rare and unique bottles from Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s private reserve, featuring legendary producers and vintages. 
    • Personal wine concierge services. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events. 
    • 10% off all retail wines, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 

Annual Membership, $95/year

Want to choose your own wine adventure? Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s Annual Membership provides the advantages of the wine club while providing the freedom to explore your personal selections. Perks include:  

    • Early access to select wines.
    • Invitations to member-only events.
    • 10% off all retail wines, except Reserve Room selections.
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 

Upcoming tastings and educational events

Advanced Sommelier Katherine Janowiak hosts a weekly wine tastings and educational events every Friday at 6:00 p.m. It’s the next best way traveling to the world’s best wine regions without leaving Arizona. All events are scheduled on an ongoing basis and will emphasize individual wine regions and countries. For more information and book a class at the shop’s website.

Jamie’s Bottle Shop to open in Scottsdale next week

Old Town Scottsdale will welcome a new wine shop next Friday, March 28th when Jamie’s Bottle Shop opens at 7033 E. Main St. Owned by Jamie Hormel, she’s not new to the valley’s wine scene as she’s also the owner of the historic Wrigley Mansion and its extensive wine collection. The new shop will welcome “cork dorks” as well as new wine drinkers with more than 700 selections from $15- $15,000 that include rare wines, hidden gems and sustainable wines from around the world.

“As we crafted the vision for Jamie’s Bottle Shop, I knew that if the concept was going to have my name on the door, it needed to be a space where wine lovers can explore without the pretension — whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just starting your wine education journey,” Hormel said. “Jamie’s Bottle Shop is all about discovery, conversation and finding that next bottle you’ll absolutely love.”

What to expect at Jamie’s Bottle Shop

Weekly wine tasting and classes will be held in the Champagne Room and The Reserve Room will be separately temperature controlled to house rare and collectable wines. Expert staff have been hired to assist guests where they can take their wine home or enjoy at the shop pairing with scratch made bites including a Pressed Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Seasonal Market Salads and Charcuterie Boards. Jamie’s covers over 2,300 square feet designed by Scottsdale’s Mendil + Meyer Design Studio and will be stocked from floor to ceiling with wines. Natural wood elements, gold and green accents and temperature-controlled lighting will give the shop a refined and relaxed atmosphere.

“Jamie’s Bottle Shop is the come-as-you-are wine destination that will combine fine wine with friendly wisdom,” said Zephan Lachowicz, Wine Director and Sommelier. “Our focus is to make our guests feel comfortable while spreading the knowledge and love of wine, whether it’s by-the-glass or by-the-class.”

Jamie’s will be open Tuesday- Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Portillo’s “Beef Bus” rolls into Phoenix

The popular Chicago style food concept has its own food truck that will be at events around Phoenix until April 12th. Favorites such as Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago-style Hot Dogs, Maxwell Street Italian and Polish sausages and more will be served up in smaller versions. You can find the “Beef Bus” starting today at…

Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9 Phoenix Raceway (7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323); Event Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am–2pm, 4pm–8pm; Sunday 9am–12pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 21 – Sunday, March 23 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 28 Amadio Ranch (4701 W Dobbins Rd, Laveen, AZ); Event Hours: 10am–9pm; while supplies last

 Saturday, March 29  Uncorked Wine Festival Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (7555 North Pima Road, Phoenix, AZ 85258); Event Hours: 5:30pm–10pm; while supplies last

Tuesday, April 1 GCU vs. U of A Baseball, Grand Canyon University (3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017); Event Hours: 5pm–9pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 5 ASU Devilpalooza, Arizona State University (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 7:30pm–11pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 12 Pat’s Run, Mountain America Stadium (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 6am–1pm

**Dates and locations subject to change without notice**

Virtu Honest Craft to host Balcones whiskey dinner

Reservations are filling up fast for Chef Gio Osso’s five-course dinner paired with the Texas whiskey at his Scottsdale restaurant on Wednesday, March 19th. Kelli Burdick will be on hand to discuss each whiskey and their unique characteristics and pairings. Seats are $125++ per person for the 6:00 start and reservations can be made at OpenTable.

Poppy’s Office planning Westland Whiskey pairing experience

The North Scottsdale speakeasy is hosting a four-course dinner created by Keeler Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Anthony Apolinar. Westland’s Beer Cask, Wine Cask, American Single Malt and Colere whiskey’s will be poured alongside each dish. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19th and seats are $55++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Durant’s new owners donate unused food to St. Vincent de Paul

News broke last week that the Mastro family and business partner Scott Troilo had bought the iconic Phoenix steakhouse. The new owners are giving it a refresh and making minor changes in the kitchen in time to celebrate the restaurant’s 75 anniversary. Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro had students from their alma mater at Brophy Prep to load and unload the truckload of non-perishable food after last week’s final service before the changes begin.

New restaurant openings

Two new locations that were recently mentioned at Pulling Corks and Forks have now opened.

Macayo’s Family Mexican opened its relocated Tempe location and Lin’s Grand Buffet opened their new Metrocenter location in recent days.

Uptown Phoenix is new location for The Bar’s 2nd location

The popular Arcadia bar and restaurant The Bar, opened its second location in late February along 7th Ave. in Uptown Phoenix. Known for its laid-back vibe and throwback nostalgia to the 1990s- early 2000s the original location opened in 2019 by restaurateur Frank Vairo, owner of Nook Kitchen and other restaurants and bars in the area.

“Due to the success and popularity of The Bar Arcadia, we wanted to bring something similar yet uniquely its own to our diners in Uptown Phoenix,” said Vairo. “We are excited to present the neighborhood with a place to eat, drink, play, interact and just have a really great time in a welcoming and inviting space.”

The Bar Uptown offers a similar menu to Arcadia that includes award-winning wings, salads, Wisconsin cheese curds, potato skins and more. A selection of sandwiches and burgers are on the menu with the Smashburger expected to steal the show. Signature house cocktails were created by The Bar’s mixologist Elia Perez and include popular drinks from Arcadia.

Weekly specials and daily features from the kitchen and the bar are offered along with happy hour specials that include $2 off drafts, $2 off full-size appetizers, $7 Tito’s, $7 glasses of wine, $5 well drinks, $6 Four Roses, $7 “Jamos” and $7 house mules. Dollar Wing Night, a hit at Arcadia will also be offered at the Uptown location.

You won’t go board at The Bar Uptown as it features darts, a pool table, karaoke, bingo & trivia nights and tournaments will be held. A game room offers video games and more and on weekends a DJ pumps up the volume. The Bar Uptown is open daily from 12:00 p.m. until 2 a.m. and is at 5504 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Hask Kitchen raising money for Habitat LA with new Has# Pancake Trio

February is National Pancake Month and all seven valley locations celebrate with a new trio of Red Velvet, Pineapple and S’mores stacks. $2 of every trio sold in February will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and its disaster relief efforts.

Chula Seafood celebrates 6 years in Uptown Phx

The local seafood monger & restaurant celebrates the anniversary of its 2nd Phoenix area restaurant on tomorrow, February 1st with specials at all 3 locations. All locations will have “Two Buck Shucks” and each location will offer specials as follow….

Uptown

  • Tuna Katsu Sando featuring a fried panko-crusted ground tuna patty on wondrous white with cabbage and tonkatsu sauce, $16.
  • Polenta Shrimp App featuring 13 to 15 shrimp, guajillo-marinated, sauteed and served on top of polenta cakes with a lime gastrique, $14.
  • Whole Fried Thai Snapper—Crispy fried snapper with Thai basil salsa verde, herb salad and coconut rice, MP.

Rosie

  • Coconut Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $17 for a 3-piece/$20 for a 6-piece
  • Fried Shrimp with fries, choice of sauce and lemon, $15 for a 3-piece/$18 for a 6-piece – Sauce choices include sweet chili, spicy Kewpie, masago ranch and cocktail sauce
  • French Fries, $8
  • Green Chile Cheese Fries with cheddar cheese sauce, green chilies and cilantro, $14
  • A la Carte Coconut Shrimp Taco—A flour tortilla filled with spicy Kewpie, coconut shrimp, purple cabbage, pineapple serrano salsa and avocado, $12

Grayhawk

  • Filet O Fish—White fish brandade patty breaded in panko then deep fried and served with American cheese, malt vinegar tartar sauce, shredded iceberg and house-made pickles on a Noble slider bun. Served with a side of chips, $15
  • Lobster Grilled Cheese— Butter-poached lobster with a white cheddar mornay on toasted Noble sourdough and served with a side of tomato soup, $25
  • Tuna Bulgogi Kimchi Fries—Crispy French fries topped off with seasoned ground yellowfin tuna, caramelized onions, kimchi, American cheese and sesame mayo, $15

Let’s do lunch at…….

Fire at Will starting Monday, February 3rd from 11 a.m. – 4p.m. The Scottsdale restaurant will offer a daily menu with more than 20 Small Plates, Burgers and Sandwiches, Salads, Big Plates, Sides and Desserts to choose from. Highlights such as French Onion Dip, Italian Chopped salad, Bacon BBQ Burger and Shrimp & Grits will impress the lunchtime crowd with its locally sourced ingredients like the way the dinner menu has since it opened.

Cider Corps offers new late night hours February 3rd

The downtown Mesa cidery will be staying open later as we get into the Phoenix area’s busy season arriving. The new taproom hours will begin 7 days a week from 11 a.m. -until 10 p.m. Monday – Friday, until 12 a.m. Friday & Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sundays. Myke’s Pizza will be serving NY-style slices of Cheese, Pepperoni and Vodka Sauce with Jalapenos Friday & Saturday nights from 8 – 10 p.m.

Bourbon & Bones reschedule Rickhouse event to March, 1st

With Parada Del Sol taking over Old Town Scottsdale tomorrow the scheduled Rickhouse Bourbon event will take the day off so those can attend the western celebration. The event returns the first Saturday in March.

 

Arizona wineries partner with The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

Four Arizona wineries have partnered with The Wine Collective of Scottsdale to use the Old Town Scottsdale wine bar & shop as a tasting room. Two weeks ago owner Zoya Vora-Shah started pouring started pouring and selling wines from 1764 Vineyards, Omphalos Winery, Soaring Wines and Vino Stache Winery.

“We opened our doors with a mission to support Arizona wine and are so proud to be partnering with four amazing local wineries who don’t currently have a home within the greater Phoenix market,” said Shah.

Arizona wine drinkers will have four new flights, one from each new winery, to choose from in addition to other wines from Arizona and around the world. Guests who purchase any three bottles from the new wineries will not have to pay for their flights.

“Having the Wine Collective as a satellite tasting room and now being a part of the Scottsdale Wine Trail is going to be a huge asset in not only helping boost in-person sales for our winery, but also allowing us to educate so many more people on the amazing things the Arizona Wine industry has to offer,” said Brooke Lowry Ide, Owner and Winemaker of Vino Stache. 

For more information visit The Collective’s website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Paysan wines tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar welcomes the Central Coast winery that will pour 3 of their “French village inspired wines” on Thursday, September 12th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and guests get 20% off bottles from the nights tasting. Good news as Wine Club members are free, and reservations can be made here.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Château Léoville Poyferré dinner

Chef Ivan Jacobo creates a six-course dinner paired with at least 5 wines from the famed Second Grand Cru classified growth winery in Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. Learn about the winery dating back to 1638 and how they’ve adapted to changing times and continue to make world-class wine.  

The dinner starts at 6 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix restaurant and is $275++ with limited seating. Add a glass of Dom Perignon champagne for $75 and reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Daou Vineyards dinner coming to PCG

The new owners of Phoenix City Grille are picking up where was left off by founder Sheldon Knapp with a four-course wine dinner on Friday, September 13th at 6 p.m. The dinner starts with a glass of 2023 rose before dinner and pairing of…….

First Course: Crab Ceviche Tostada with avocado mousse, mango, coconut almond sauce, pickled ginger, micro cilantro and blue corn tortilla paired with Daou Bodyguard Chardonnay, 2021
 
Second Course: Charred Japanese Eggplant with lentils, Parisian cucumbers, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, sumac and mint paired with Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021
 
Third Course: Corey’s Duck Confit with Japanese sweet potato puree, tart cherry chimichurri and thyme paired Daou Sequentis Reserve Merlot, 2020
Fourth Course: House-Made Warm Donut with canela dust, blueberry compote and blood orange gelato paired with Daou Reserve Seventeen Forty Cabernet Franc, 2021.
Seats are $110++ and reservations can be made by calling Brittnee Reed at 602-510-7174 or emailing privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

Negroni Week Zephyr Gin dinner at Bourbon & Bones

The Old Town Scottsdale cocktail lounge invites guests to enjoy a 3-course dinner paired with specialty made gin cocktails on Thursday, September 19th at 6:30 p.m. Start the night with a Classic Negroni before dining on shrimp skewers, bacon wrapped filet and peanut butter banana cheesecake. Dinner is $100++ per person with reservations and more information is available here.

Hands on cooking class with Tracy Dempsey

Ever want to learn how to make gnocchi? If so good news as the chef/owner of Tracy Dempsey Originals teaches you on Saturday, September 21st from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at her Tempe shop. Learn how to make potato pillows with recipes and your creations to take home with you. Bring your own apron and refrigerated bag for the leftovers.

The cost is $75 per person unless your an ODV wine member for $68. RSVP by Friday, September 13th at Tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com with “gnocchi class” in the subject line.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Hot Dog Days returning to Joe’s Farm Grill next Friday

The popular month-long daily menu of unique hot dogs is back at the Gilbert restaurant & farm starting next Friday, August 30th – September 30th. All beef hot dogs and premium sausages from Phoenix’s Schreiner’s Fine Sausages set to be topped with ingredients from around the world. Daily dogs include…..

COUNTRY SAUSAGE GRAVY – Grilled dog piled with French fries and melty Wisconsin brick cheese, then smothered with Joe’s Farm Grill’s scratch-made sausage gravy and topped with one egg, any style
CRISPY BUFFALO – A split, breaded deep-fried hot dog dipped in Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, nestled on a bed of our crisp and creamy coleslaw and topped with homemade buttermilk ranch, blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery and carrot
REUBEN – Hand-sliced corned beef, melted fontina cheese and fresh sauerkraut piled on an all-beef hot dog, topped with Joe’s secret sauce
Hot dog days dogs are $14 each with a side or $21 for two dogs, one side.

$5 Gyros all day at Pita Jungle for National Gyro Day

All 23 Arizona locations celebrate the broiled beef & lamb Greek specialty all day on Sunday, September 1st. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a limit of 2 gyros at participating locations.

Labor Day dining deals

The “unofficial” end of summer is here despite the above normal temperatures we’re expecting this weekend. Several Phoenix area restaurants have some dining deals that may help keep you cool on Monday, September 2nd.

Roaring Fork– The Scottsdale restaurant offers their “Dinner on Us” promotion starting 4p.m. Buy one entree and get the 2nd for free with at least 8 wood-fired meals to choose from including the Big Ass Burger, Fish Tacos, Rainbow trout and more.

Fire at Will– Get their popular Hush Burger 1/2 off regular price at the Tatum & Shea restaurant. The legendary behemoth burger features American cheese, caramelized onion, pickles and fancy sauce on a soft Noble brioche bun.

STK Steakhouse & Kona Grill– The downtown Scottsdale steakhouse offers teachers, first responders & military personnel 50% off their meal. Additionally, Friends with Benefits members get a 50% dining credit and Konovore Rewards members get a $25 dining credit.

Marino’s Italian Kitchen– The North Phoenix restaurant is offering a bottle of house red or white wine & a choice of 4 crostinis for $28 all day long.

Organ Stop Pizza anniversary specials in September

All month long the Mesa restaurant celebrates its 52nd anniversary and has daily specials Sunday – Thursday. The specials are…..

Sunday: Sunday Funday – All Ice Cream Sundaes ordered on Sunday are 50% off

Monday: BOGO 50% Pizza offer – Buy one pizza at regular price, get a second one for 50% off.  The second pizza must be of equal or lesser value.

Tuesday: 50% off all appetizers

Wednesday: 50% off all salad bars

Thursday: BOGO 50% Pizza offer – Buy one pizza at regular price, get a second one for 50% off.  The second pizza must be of equal or lesser value.

Also until the end of September is the $60 Meal Deal that includes Two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (not including extra cheese), two appetizers (combo basket excluded), and two pitchers of soft drinks.  Please mention this deal when ordering.

JINYA Ramen Bar opens its new location in Uptown Phoenix

Bowls of hot ramen continue to see its popularity grow even during the triple digit temperatures of an Arizona summer. That’s no more obvious than the success with JINYA Ramen Bar that opened its first Arizona location in Chandler in 2021. Last week franchisees opened their second location in historical Uptown Phoenix expanding its ramen culture around the valley. The concept was started by Tomo Takahashi in 2010 and has over 50 locations with more set to open. The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen”, meaning “continuous improvement” has JINYA giving the best ramen guests to enjoy.

“Since opening our first location in Chandler, Arizona 2 years ago, we’ve felt so welcomed by the community,” says owner Daradee Olson. “We’re excited to be in such a lively part of the city with our newest location so close to all of the economic development in the Central Phoenix area. The JINYA experience is like no other, and we just can’t wait to continue sharing it with local residents and all the visitors that flock to Phoenix from all over the world.”

JINYA Ramen Bar
Spicy Tuna Tacos- All photos courtesy of JINYA Ramen Bar

At JINYA Ramen bar guests will experience a modern Japanese ambiance while enjoying their slow cooked ramen. The rich broth is simmered for 20 hours before being combined with noodles and toppings including chashu pork, a seasoned poached egg and more. The menu offers signature ramen bowls along with build your own bowls. Signature ramen bowls include Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Wonton and Spicy Umami Miso ramen. Vegetarian and gluten free bowls are also on the menu along with Small Plates and Chef Specials of Spicy Tuna Tacos, a JINYA Bun and Pork Spare Ribs. Rice and Curry Bowls are also popular dishes. A full bar is available to enhance the customer experience to pair with ramen or Japanese tapas.

The Phoenix location is at 5120 N. Central Ave. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and to view the menu visit their website.

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