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Bitter & Twisted and Aioli Gourmet Burgers partner for new in-house menu

Downtown Phoenix’s Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour has joined forces with the award-winning Aioli Gourmet Burgers for a new menu to pair with their cocktail program. The newly re-vamped menu was created by Aioli’s Executive Chef Vicktor Velez.

“Bitter & Twisted has always been committed to innovation and constant evolution with the ultimate goal of providing a world-class cocktail lounge experience here in Phoenix. With their food truck roots and success now as top flight restaurateurs, I knew Tom and Kyle were the perfect partners for the B&T kitchen, and Chef Vicktor has created some amazing new dishes and flavors,” says proprietor Ross Simon, who also notes that B&T founding chef, Bob Tam, remains a partner at B&T, while also having more “freedom and opportunities to concentrate on his other businesses and partner projects.”

New dishes at Bitter & Twisted

Chef Velez’s new menu is inspired by his travels through Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines while still keeping with Aioli’s co-owners Tommy D’Ambrosio and Kyle Hollenbeck vision of sourcing fresh, seasonal & local ingredients. Guests to Bitter & Twisted can enjoy dishes such as Togarashi Tuna Tataki, one of Velez’s favorites on the new menu, along with Korean French Fries, Korean Loaded Nachos, Truffled Mac & Cheese and of course an Aioli burger.

“It’s a huge honor for us to have this opportunity to partner with Ross at Bitter & Twisted. I’m proud to see Chef Vicktor’s growth and development in this role as he continues to create new and innovative dishes,” said Tom D’Ambrosio, Owner/Chef of Aioli Gourmet.

The award-winning cocktail bar has also updated their hours of service from Tuesday through Thursday (4 – 11pm food served till 10pm) and Friday and Saturday (4pm – 1am food served till 10pm), with Happy Hour served Tuesday through Friday (4 – 6 pm). Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is located at 1 W. Jefferson St. (Jefferson & Central) Phoenix. For information check 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.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new menu

Earlier this week the locally owned pizzeria group debuted its new Fall seasonal menu. Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Green Apple Sangria, Caramel Apple Cheesecake and a Vodka Peach Mule are just a few of the new dishes & cocktails available until December 6th.

Creamistry to open first West Valley location

The ice cream shop that uses liquid nitrogen to make their delicious desserts opens at Park West, Saturday September 18th. Customers who show up between 12 – 2 p.m to the Peoria’s Park West entertainment center get a free small ice cream. There are 2 other locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, no free ice cream though.

Don’t forget National Hamburger Day Saturday

The popular comfort food is being celebrated September 18th around town with specially made burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar and other burger joints around Phoenix.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe 3rd Tuesday wine dinner is happening

3 courses paired with wines from New Zealand and California at Romeo’s monthly dinner is next Tuesday the 21st. Reservations are needed for dinner at the downtown Gilbert restaurant. Dinner is $39 per person.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

For the next 10 nights, restaurants feature specially created 3 course menus at $33, $44 or $55. 150+ restaurants are participating the Fall 2021 culinary event. Reservations are highly recommended and a full list of restaurants and their menus can be found at their website. The Arizona Restaurant Association has partnered with the HonorHealth Foundation to raise money for Desert Mission Food Bank during the next 10 days.

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.

Merkin wines and gelato pairing at GenuWine Arizona

The Roosevelt Row wine shop is giving you 2 chances to taste Arizona’s Merkin Vineyards wines with Merkin’s homemade gelatos. Next Tues Aug. 17th or Thurs. the 19th pair 3 wines with 3 gelatos for dine-in or take-out. To place an order or save a seat head to their website.

Free Mimosa for early diners at Z’ Tejas

Did you know the Southwestern restaurant serves brunch?? Daily starting a 9 a.m. in Scottsdale and on weekends in Chandler starting at 9 a.m. Join them at either location between 9 -10 a.m. and get a free Mimosa with the order of any entree.

Catch a flight at Renata’s Hearth

The Arizona Biltmore’s signature restaurant is offering several new flights of Mezcal & Tequila, Cocktails and a Vermouth flight. Each flight consists of 4 samples starting from $33 -$275 depending on the uniqueness and the limited availability of each spirit. For more information visit their website.

Napa’s Duckhorn Vineyards wine pairing dinner at Tommy V’s

Join Zoran at his downtown Scottsdale restaurant for an evening of wine & food on Thursday Aug. 26th. The 5 course dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and pairs white and red wines from the popular winery with seafood, lamb and vegetable dishes. The dinner is $100++ per person and to see the menu and make your reservation visit their website.

National Sandwich Month continues with weekly specials at Miracle Mile Deli

You still have 2 weeks to enjoy a favorite deli sandwich and save a few $$s in August. The central Phoenix deli is offering its Pastrami & Corned Beef Combo for $11 from Mon. Aug. 16th -21st. From Mon. Aug. 23rd – 28th get The Straw also for only $11. Each sandwich comes with a side and pickle spear and is available for dine-in or take-out.

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.

Roaring Fork starts all night happy hour

Memorial Day is the un-official start of summer but the official start of the Scottsdale restaurants popular summer promotion. Every Sunday- Thursday until labor Day, September 6th, guests can 10 dishes at $12.50 or less in the bar or saloon. $6 wines by the glass and $7 Roaring Cocktails are also being offered.

National Donut Day at Chin Up Donuts & Coffee

One of America’s favorite pastries is celebrating its day on Friday June 4th. The artisan donut shop has collaborated with Fired Pie and Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles to offer unique donut creations. The Fired Pie donut has a marinara sauce glaze, shredded mozzarella and their signature curling pepperoni – torched to crispy perfection. Lolo’s donut is a maple glazed brioche donut topped with Lolo’s crispy fried chicken and slice of waffle. A Creme Brulee donut has also been created for the occasion.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar to donate Navy Seals this weekend.

Starting today through Memorial Day the burger joint with locations in Scottsdale & Phoenix (and all other locations) will donate a part of sales from all sales to the Seal Legacy Foundation.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze in June

All kids 12 and under get a free meal from The Squeeze’s Kids Menu from June 1st-30th. Each meal comes with soda, juice or milk with each meal normally costing about $8.

Koibito Poke launches Signature Bowls

4 locations in Scottsdale, Arcadia and Chandler have added 2 new signature bowls for $13.99. Customers can get the new Koibito Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Salmon, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sriracha Aioli topped with Cilantro, Edamame, Cucumbers, Seaweed Salad & Sesame Seeds. Tuna Trio Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Spicy Tuna, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sweet Chili Lime Sauce topped with Edamame, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Pineapple, Sesame Seeds & Masago.

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.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria appreciates our nurses and teachers

Starting today all 7 locations in Arizona are offering 15% off for all the hardworking teachers and nurses for Nurse & Teacher Appreciation Week. Must show school or medical id to take advantage of this offer.

Tickets on sale for final TLC Experience dinner of the season

The May dinner goes indoors before they take the summer off on Sunday May 30th. The menu for the multi-course dinner is a surprise to guests but we do know as many locally sourced ingredients are used. Dinner at The Herberger Theatre Center in downtown Phoenix starts at 5 p.m. Single tickets are $150 and tables of 8 are $1,000. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat.

ARIDUS Wine Company offer 2 for 1 Sauvignon Blanc today only

Today is International Sauvignon Blanc Day and the Arizona winery selling its 2019 SB with a deal to celebrate. For $28 get 2 bottles of the crisp, white wine perfect for the warm weather ahead. Only available today, May 7th.

Miracle Mile Deli celebrates its 72 years in business with sandwich deal

Monday May 10th marks the milestone for the central Phoenix deli. All sandwiches (except the Triple Decker and Jax Special) for Miracle Mile Deli Day are $11 all day and every hour a $100 gift card will be given out from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donate to The Phoenix Theatre Company.

Happy Mother’s Day

Saving the best for last, wishing all the mothers a great day. The Phoenix restaurant community is rolling out the red carpet for mom on Sunday. Too many to mention but I’m sure her favorite restaurant is doing something special.

Dining out or take-out for Valentine’s around Phoenix

February 14th to some Valentine’s Day to others is coming up fast and those looking to celebrate with Cupid its time to make a plan for you and your significant other. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year and some local restaurants and wine bars are celebrating all weekend long. These establishments are serving up dinner for 2 whether you’re dining out and for take-out.

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix- Fri., Sat. & Sun. Pizza, house salad & a bottle of wine for $35. 2 entrees, house salad, dessert & a bottle of wine for $55. Dine- in & take-out.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree- Specially prepared passionate starters, entrees and dessert on Sunday starting at 4 p.m. Dine-in.

Hotel Valley Ho– Old Town Scottsdale- 3 – course dinner on Sunday $55 – $75++ per person depending on entrees selected. Reservations required.

Hearth ’61– Paradise Valley- Saturday & Sunday a 3 – course seasonal prix fixe dinner $89 per person. Reservations required.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Phoenix- Fri. & Sat. 3 course Sweetheart Menu for dine-in menu is $62++per person. Sunday a special menu for dine-in at $82 ++per person. Special to-go menu available for $82++ per person.

Cowboy Club– Sedona- Slow Smoked Prime Rib & Cold Water Lobster Tail on Sunday for dine-in. $40 for 10 oz. prime rib, $49 for 14 oz. prime rib.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations- Fri., Sat, Sun, and Mon. 3 – course Prime Surf & Turf for 2. $240++ for 2 people. Dine-in & take-out.

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix- Several special dishes available for lunch & dinner on Sunday.

Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain– Paradise Valley- 4-course prix fixe menu on Sat. & Sun. for $149++ per person. Reservations required.

JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley – Special dinner on Sat. & Sun. at Rita’s Cantina and Bar. Complimentary champagne tasting on Valentine’s Day.

L’ Auberge de Sedona- Sedona- Hotel guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner from Executive Chef Frank Desplechin on Sunday. $165++ per person, $220 with wine pairings. Reservations required.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe- A romantic dinner for 2 or prepare a dinner together with ingredients and recipes provided for $90. Pre-order by 11a.m. on Thursday February 11th for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wine available by request.

Vicinos Local Italian- Scottsdale- Saturday and Sunday enjoy a 3 course prix fixe menu for $79.95++ for 2. Reservations highly recommended when dining out.

Los Sombreros– Scottsdale & Mesa- Enjoy a starter, 2 house specialties and dessert for $50++ on Sunday. Dine-in or take-out with reservations highly suggested for dining out.

STK Scottsdale– Scottsdale- Several opportunities to dine for brunch, dinner and date night leading up to Valentine’s Day weekend. Dining out or take-out available.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants- Multiple locations- The downtown Chandler location has a special Comedy Dinner with Cory McCloskey. Seating’s at 5 & 7 p.m. on Saturday the 13th with with a 3-course dinner for 2 for $125++. Reservations required.

A Sizzling Dinner for Two is available at all locations on Saturday the 13th. A three course dinner is available for dine-in and to- go for $45++ per couple.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse– Scottsdale- Chateaubriand for 2 for $65 on the 14th. Add 2 lobster tails for $40 and a bottle of Cristal for $200. Not available tepanyaki tables.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix- Kids eat free with with adult entree purchase on Saturday the 13th.

Jalapeno Inferno– Multiple locations- A “South of the Border” 3 course dinner for 2 for $48. For dine-in or take-out.

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale- 4-course prix fixe dinner with Stuffed Dover Sole or Surf & Turf as your entree for $85 per person.

R + W Modern Bistro and Wine Market– Scottsdale- Enjoy a 3- course dinner with a reception to start at 5:30, dinner at 6 p.m. Limited seats are available for $85 per person++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-478-6999.

Nonna Urban Eatery– Scottsdale- An exclusive dine-in 3- course dinner for $48++. Reservations can be made by calling 480-663-3296.

Urban Margarita– Glendale- Fri., Sat., & Sun enjoy a 3-course dinner for $29++.

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix- Date night dinner for 2 on Sunday. Spring Salad, Short Rib Pot Pie or Seafood Pot Pie  and Bourbon-Glazed Chocolate Coconut Bread Pudding for $46.99 for 2. For dining out or take- out on Sunday. Call 602-466-5642 to order.

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- Enjoy a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine, charcuterie board for 2 and 6 chocolate dipped strawberries for $60. Available ion the 14th for dine-in or take-out.

ComicX– Desert Ridge Market Place- Valentine’s Day Couple Dinner: 2 entrees (reg menu), choice soup or salad, Churro Bowl with Chocolate hearts. It includes 2 bar drinks all for $65.

The Boulders Resort & Spa– Carefree- A 3-course dinner is being served at The Grill Kitchen & Bar on Valentine’s Day. $78++ per person. For reservations call 480-595-4621.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace- A 3-course Dinner for two with a bottle of Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay for $99 on Fri., Sat. and Sun. Reservations suggested.

Restaurants & shops are offering single item Valentine’s Day specials.

Soda Jerk– High Street

Crumbl Cookies– Multiple locations

Tikka Shack– Desert Ridge Marketplace

Sizzle Korean BBQ– Desert Ridge Marketplace

Genghi’s Grill, Mojo Yogurt, Portillo’s, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory-Tempe Marketplace- Tempe

 

A new culinary team takes over when Ghost Ranch re-opens.

When the popular south Tempe restaurant re-opens in mid-January guests will see new faces in the front and back of the house. Executive Chef David Mora, Sous Chef Tyler Moonsoo and Pastry Chef Lisa Graf are new culinary team and General Manager Ashleh Robles runs the front of the house.

Mora will run the kitchen was born in Colombia and raised in Florida where learned to love the diversity of food. He started his restaurant career in Miami before making his way to Arizona. He’s worked at Flagstaff’s Copa Cafe, Mariposa in Sedona and was sous chef at Palo Verde and chef de Cuisine at The Spotted Donkey at The Boulders in Carefree. “I’ve spent more than a decade exploring the complexity of southwest cuisine and I am thrilled to bring what I’ve learned to Ghost Ranch,” Mora said. “I know the restaurant has quickly become a staple in the Tempe community and I hope to continue serving the area authentic dishes with innovative twists.”

Sous Chef Monsoo will help Mora develop and execute the dishes of Ghost Ranch. He has over 15 years of experience in Arizona at The Boulders, Ah-So Sushi and Steak, Obon Sushi and Ramen and Wrights Kitchen at The Arizona Biltmore from Waldorf Astoria.

Pastry Chef Graf rounds out the new culinary team. A native of Colorado, Graf draws inspiration from traveling as a teenager through Europe, learning and tasting local foods. Back in the states she re-located to Santa Fe, New Mexico to launch her culinary career as a pastry chef. After earning her pâtissier certificate she ran pastry programs at James Beard Foundation recognized restaurants La Boca and the Compound. She’s also worked at Mama’s Fish House in Maui and Scottsdale’s Roka Akor and Hotel Valley Ho.

Tempe native Robles takes over as General Manager running daily operations and administration. Starting her career in the hospitality industry at 17 she’s dedicated her career to to customer satisfaction and enjoyment. Her experience in psychology, finance and event planning give her know how to continue to keep customers happy. Customers will notice her creative cocktails, menu pairings and attention to detail in the dining room. She’s worked for more than 10 years in in several roles in high-end lounge, club and bar settings around town.

Ghost Ranch is at 1006 E. Warner Rd. Suite in Tempe. For more information visit their website.

Take-out or dine-in on Thanksgiving Day from local restaurants

Everybody’s favorite food holiday is just over 2 weeks away (Thursday November 26th). With Thanksgiving 2020 giving us new challenges cooking shouldn’t be one of them. This list offers restaurants(and a local retailer or 2) in the Phoenix area who are preparing traditional and non-traditional meals for dining in or preparing take-out to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Click on each restaurants website to see the menu, pricing and ordering instructions and deadlines.

Dine-in

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse– Carefree

The Boulder Resort & Spa– Carefree

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilhttps://paulmartinsamericangrill.com/promotions/thanksgiving/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Thanksgiving2020bert

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse– Multiple locations

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary Italian Cuisine– Scottsdale

Take-out

Chompie’s– Multiple locations

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix

Liberty Station Tavern– Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)

Cowboy Club– Sedona

Fuel to Fit– Tempe

Wildflower– Multiple locations

Sprouts Farmers Market– Multiple locations

SanTan Brewing Company– Chandler

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix

Z’Tejas– Chandler & Paradise Valley

Trapp Haus BBQ– Downtown Phoenix

Tracy Dempsey Originals– Tempe

Kona Grill– Scottsdale & Gilbert

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale

Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine– Scottsdale

Phoenix City Grille– Phoenix

Alice Cooper’s non-profit & Ailoi Burgers team up for teen burger contest

Culinary inspired teens aged 12-20 have until October 16th to submit their burger and or shake recipe to win gift cards and bragging rights. Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers will benefit from the winning recipes and partners with Aioli Gourmet Burgers as host and chef Tommy D’Ambrosio as mentor.

“I can’t wait to see what fresh new ideas the kids come up with and I’m very excited to partner with Alice Cooper’s Teen Centers. I was once a culinary student too, so I know how fun it can be to have opportunities like this. Plus, we’re thrilled to support a great organization that offers free arts programs for teens,” said Tommy D’Ambrosio, Chef, Aioli Gourmet Burgers.

3 winners will be announced on October 19th based on emailed recipes to info@aioliburger.com. Online public voting takes place October 20-28th with winners announced October 29th during a live concert at Ailoi’s 32nd St & Shea location. The winning burger and shake will be featured on the menu at all 3 Aioli locations in November with 10% of sales donated to Alice Cooper’s Rock Solid Teen Centers.

“Experiences like this are so valuable and vital for teenagers in the community” said Randy Spencer, Partnerships and Development, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers. “We love providing unique opportunities like this for the youth we serve with great brands like Aioli Gourmet Burgers. Alice and Sheryl Cooper, our staff and board members are excited to try the burger and shake that the winning teens create!”

First place winners win a $200 gift card, cook with Tommy and menu feature. Second and third place winners will win a $100 and $50 gift card. For more information visit their website.

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

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.