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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.

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

Provision refocuses its concept at Uptown and Arcadia locations

When Daniel Suh first opened Provision in 2011 as a wholesale coffee roaster he envisioned building community through coffee, food & beverages. He then opened the first location on 32nd St. in Arcadia wanting a Austrian styled cafe to help achieve his vision, as it became successful he opened a 2nd location on 7th St. in Uptown Phoenix in 2022. Since the pandemic he’s noticed changes in what customers want at each location and is refocusing to meet their desires.

“Today, it’s no secret that many in the food and beverage industry are struggling — us included,” says Suh. “These industry-wide challenges pushed us to take a look at where we’ve been, where we are today and what our mission is for the future. We realized that we’re getting further away from the experience that really did make Provision so special over the years. After a lot of deliberation, we’ve got a brand new vision.”

The 7th St. location is now a restaurant and cocktail bar focused concept. The artisan coffee program has been changed and new dishes have been added to the always evolving menu. Beverages are now served in glassware & ceramic and wi-fi is being phased out to give customers a better experience.

The Arcadia location will focus on coffee and take-out with the change taking place over the next few months. The menu will be phased out with an emphasis on coffee & tea beverages along with light foods and pastries.

The changes are Suh’s way of staying committed to the customer experience and will continue to evolve when needed.

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.

Cooper’s Hawk to open its 3rd Arizona restaurant in Gilbert

The Illinois based restaurant and winery has set May 8th as its opening day at its newest location in Gilbert. It joins the Scottsdale and Chandler locations serving a seasonal menu daily for lunch and dinner with happy hour Monday – Friday. The vast menu offers something for everybody including vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s options. A retail shop and wine bar welcomes you offering tastes of CH wines, to purchase bottles to go and to join their popular wine club. A 4th Arizona location in Surprise is set to open in the near future.

Limited edition Shazaaam! IPA available at PHX Beer Co.

The Phoenix brewery is honoring Phoenix Suns announcer Al McCoy with the release of Shazaaam! Valley Style IPA today, April 14th. 51 cases were brewed and their Phoenix taphouse will sell 4-pack cans to-go and have it on tap along with it on tap at their Scottsdale restaurant. McCoy announced his retirement at the end of this season after 51 years of announcing Suns games.

Taste of Argentina dinner at Zuzu next Thursday

A taste of South America comes to the signature restaurant at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho next Thursday, April 20th. Argentinean wines will be paired with a multi-course menu from Chef de Cuisine Alejo Candia and Pastry Chef Maria Arenas. Courses include empanadas, Asado over hardwood and charcoal and more. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and seats are $119++ per person and you can reserve your spot by calling 480-421-7997.

Pedal Haus to celebrate its Lucky 7 anniversary

The Tempe, Phoenix and Chandler locations will celebrate the lucky anniversary on Saturday, April 29th from 12 noon – 7 p.m. Since opening its Tempe location the brewery has won over 40 medals in national and international beer competitions. $7 anniversary specials include Steins, 2 Day Drinkers, Burgers & Brats and Margaritas. Guest can purchased custom scratch off tickets to win prizes with all tickets sales being donated to local dog non-profit, Almost There Rescue.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers donates over $4,000 to local K-9 non-profit.

All 14 locations sold over 17,000 pints of Four Peaks draft beer in March as part of the restaurant’s Cold Beer Cares program. $4,300 was raised for Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), which helps train and support canine teams throughout Arizona. ALECA is the largest non-profit public safety K9 organization in the country.

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

7th Annual Phoenix Pizza Festival returning to Downtown Phoenix

Tickets are now on-sale for what has become one of the most popular food festivals in all of Arizona, the Phoenix Pizza Festival. Over 8,000 pizza lovers came to Downtown Phoenix last year when the festival was the first to return to Margaret T. Hance Park after the pandemic that returns to the park on Saturday and Sunday November 12-13th.

Festival goers can expect much of the same as organizer have found the right recipe for success. 15-20 pizza makers, dessert food trucks, more food vendors, lawn games and live music are lined up for the two day event. The list of pizza makers is still being compiled but you can bet it will be some Arizona’s best. Thin crust, thick crust, NYC style, tavern style and more will be sold by the slice or by the pie. Last year had Lou Malnati’s, Hot Daisy, Sloth Pizza and D’Amico were just a few serving it up. Local craft beers will be available for purchase to go with your pizza.

More than 6 bands including The Sugar Thieves and Mississippi Nova will take the stage to entertain attendees. The Phoenix Pizza Festival has again partnered with Downtown Phoenix Inc. as beneficiary. DPI promotes the revitalization of downtown by supporting events and local businesses.

A limited amount of tickets are available each day and can only be purchased online for $16 with kids 5 and under free. Margaret T. Hance Park is easily accessible by light rail, car and those on bikes can have their bike checked by bike valet, Phoenix Spokes People. Hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4p.m. on Sunday. Margaret T. Hance Park is at 1202 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85004.

Spinato’s & Beer Research Institute collaborate with influencer

Locally owned Spinato’s Pizzeria and brewer Beer Research Institute (BRI) are about to release a new pizza and beer pairing with influencer Wizard of Za. Friday September 2nd’s kick-off will be celebrated at the pizzeria’s Tempe location with the pairing available at all Spinato’s locations during the month. The happy hour event will be from 4-6 p.m. and will feature raffles, give a way’s and pizza. Special glassware will be given out while supplies last and the Wizard of Za, representatives from BRI and the Spinato’s family will be in attendance.

“The Wizard of Za has become a go-to-guide for the best local pizza and beer experiences in Arizona. We’re excited to introduce this signature Za along with a special beer made specially to complement the flavors by one of our favorite local breweries, The Beer Research Institute,” says Ken Spinato, owner and patriarch of Spinato’s. It’s the first time the pizzeria has collaborated with an influencer.

The “WOZ- Inspired Pizza” is an Chicago style tavern pizza with the pizzeria’s secret sweet sauce, Italian beef, sweet peppers, hot giardiniera and red onion. BRI’s created a fire and rice light lager can be paired with the pizza. The beer uses experimental hops called “Altus”. A large pizza is $28.50 and a pint of lager is $7.

There are 6 locations to enjoy this limited time pairing in Central Phoenix, North Phoenix, Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Tempe and Ahwatukee. 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

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

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

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

Summer beer tours at PHX Beer Co.

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

Margarita’s to-go from Z’ Tejas

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

Cider Corps hours at new Gilbert taproom

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

B & B Cocktail Lounge now open in Scottsdale

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

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment

Putts and Pints Charity Golf Tournament returns in August

Golfers and beer drinkers get ready to tee it up for a good cause at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery’s annual golf tournament on Saturday, August 27th. This year’s Putts and Pints Charity Golf Tournament benefits the Williams High School Athletic Department will be held at Elephant Rock Golf Course.

“This event is really special to me, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy a fun day of golf while raising money to support a fantastic local group who are doing great things for the youth in our community. I hope everyone who loves craft beer and golf will sign up to join us on August 27th,”  says brewery founder John Peasley.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with the shotgun start at 8 a.m. with a 50/50 raffle and prizes for golfers. Registration is open for individuals and foursomes for $150 for individuals and $500 per foursome if registered by July 24th. After July 24th foursomes will be $600. Sponsorships for Putts and Pints is available by emailing info@grandcanyonbrewingco.com. Elephant Rock Golf Course is at 2200 Country Club Dr. Williams 86046.

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.