Category: west valley

Haymaker opens fourth location in the West Valley

Westside Concepts opened its newest breakfast, lunch and dinner concept Haymaker at Sunrise Market in Buckeye’s Verrado neighborhood last week. Known for its family recipes with an all-day breakfast menu that features Country Fried Steak & Eggs, 100% Angus Chuck beef burgers and signature dishes such as the Haymaker Benedict and Pulled Pork Skillet. The restaurant is also known for its large selection of whiskeys. The new Verrado location joins two in Peoria and in Goodyear.

“Haymaker is extremely special to us at Westside Concepts and to my family,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “It was our first concept, and it has propelled the entire company and its growth.  We couldn’t be more excited to bring a brand no reimagined design and location to North Peoria, and a completely new location to great neighborhood of Verrado.”

The rustic farmhouse setting was designed Social Design Studio has 4,800 square feet features the main dining room, bar and outside patio. The open dining room offers natural wood finishes with a modern look.

The new Haymaker is at 20990 W. Sentinel Dr. #101 Buckeye. Visit their website for more information and to see the menu.

 

The Chocolate Affaire returning to Downtown Glendale

Chocolate lovers can circle Saturday & Sunday, February 15th & 16th 2025 on their calendar for the return of The Chocolate Affaire. Produced by Steve LeVine Entertainment (SLE), the popular event drew over 12,000 people to last year’s event and is expanding this year’s event to accommodate even more people. Almost as good as all the delicious chocolate is that the event is free to attend and there will be free parking.

“Every year, we look forward to The Chocolate Affaire here in Glendale. It’s so exciting to see all the incredible local favorites bringing their best sweets and treats for the community,” said Director of Economic Development Jessi Pederson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the joys of chocolate around Valentine’s Day.”

A variety of chocolate vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and interactive family friendly experiences will be a part of the event that goes from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information about participating or sponsorship opportunities visit the website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates as the event approaches.

sneakybird to open first West Valley location

Scottsdale based sneakybird is opening their first West Valley location this Saturday, November 23rd in Surprise. It’s the fast casual concepts third location with three more openings planned in the next six months. The grand opening celebration starts at 10 a.m. at the Village of Prasada and has prizes, photo opportunities, music and more.

“The secret to the success of sneakybird, spelled with all lowercase letters by design to underscore its sneaky-good and sneaky guilt-free product, is the combination of a specially designed oven and innovative breading recipe that blends panko flatbread as well as aged parmesan that together combine to give the crunch and flavor of fried chicken,” said Dan Chaon, founder of the sneakybird.

Known for their “never-ever fried” recipes since 2022, sneakybird offers oven-roasted chicken sandwiches, wraps, tenders and wings in their dry rubs that include ancho lime, smoky honey peach, salted maple and more. Those that prefer breadless chicken can have their chicken “naked” (grilled) with salt, pepper and garlic. The flavorful chicken taste doesn’t stop with the dry rubs as there are several sauces available for dipping and topping your chicken. Sauces include “Sneaky”, their signature Buffalo style, “Soko”, Asian sweet & heat, “Music City Hot”, Nashville hot, “Fool’s Gold”, golden mustard & smokey BBQ sauce and “Teriyaki”.

“sneakybird also features handcrafted flatbreads – chicken pesto, pepperoni, and the Islander, which features honey-chipotle sauce, mozzarella, pineapple, capicola, and fresh cilantro – as well as three epic options for tater tots, including a sweet potato alternative, salad, coleslaw, and even a chilled vegetable medley,” said co-owner Jordan Strasser. “There are also copious options for kids, all focused on the same craveable philosophy.”

sneakybird Surprise is at 16430 W. Waddell Rd. and is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Bao and fried chicken festival returning for 7th time

The 7th annual Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival with the Fried Chicken and Wing Festival returns to Peoria’s Centennial Plaza Park on Saturday and Sunday, January 25th & 26th 2025. Over 20 vendors from all over the valley will feature festival exclusive sweet & savory foods with the goal of the festival to showcase local small businesses helping them grow and a place for people to discover and try new foods.

What is bao? According to Food Republic they are a “complete meal conveniently packed away in a white, warm, soft bun.” They are a type of dumpling like takoyaki and potstickers. With fried chicken being served all over the world, each culture has its own take of the comfort food favorite. With one ticket you can try a variety of bao, dumplings, fried chicken, wings and more.  Expect to see dishes from Hot Bamboo, Happy Buns, Flippin Rice, Boka Grindz and others serving hot and delicious foods. Live performances will keep people entertained and merchandise will be available for sale.

Tickets for the 7th annual Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival are $14 for Early Admission at 11 a.m., $8 for General Admission at 12:30 p.m. and $6 Happy Hour admission at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for both days are available as are ticket bundles with merchandise and more. Parking is free and tickets can be purchased at Ticket Tailor.

 

 

Lakeside Bar & Grill unveils a new look and new menu

With the Northwest Valley seeing a boom in new locally owned restaurants, Lakeside Bar & Grill has been serving guests since 2008. The owners figured 2024 would be a good time to do some renovations and make the popular hangout more inviting. The new modern look comes just as the restaurant rolls out a new menu of appetizers, sandwiches, cocktails and more.

The newly redesigned Lakeside Bar & Grill has removed and lowered walls for a more open feel, exposed the brick walls, installed new modern light fixtures and new floors. New state-of-the-art TVs have been installed around the restaurant and more seating options are available. New windows will allow for more natural light to show off the new features.

What’s new on the menu at Lakeside Bar & Grill

Don’t worry customer favorite wings, burgers and the all-you-can-eat-Friday-Fish-Fry are still available, but guests will notice new dishes throughout the menu. “We’re excited to share these new creations with our guests,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods, the restaurant group that owns and operates Lakeside Bar & Grill. “We aim to deliver fresh, flavorful dishes that our community will love, and we believe these new specials are a perfect reflection of that.”

New to the appetizer section is two new flavors of wings, Zesty Lemon Pepper and a fiery tropical heat rub. Buffalo Shrimp is spicy and the Lakeside Ribs offer a half rack in a sweet heat sauce. For seafood lovers there’s the new Shoreline Calamari, hand breaded and served with lemon and house-made remoulade sauce.

Burger lovers will want to wrap their hands around the new double meat patty Smash Burger. New sandwiches include The Cuban, Shrimp Po’ Boy with beer battered shrimp & garlic caper remoulade and the Chipolte Chicken Sandwich.

Those looking for entrees will see the new Sweet Heat Shrimp Bowl, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Crispy Roasted Chicken and Shrimp Skewers on the menu. The cocktail menu has also gotten a fresh look with new margaritas and more. Sizzlin’ Strawberry Pineapple and the Blueberry Coconut Blast margaritas join Mama’s Root Beer Martini and XO Espresso Martini as a few of the new cocktails.

The family friendly sports bar has also added Whiskey Wednesday as a daily special. All day you get $5 off Bulleit, Jameson and Bulleit Rye cocktails and $2 off all burgers.

“We are proud to have served the amazing Northwest Valley neighborhood for more than 16 years as one of the original businesses at The Four Corners district,” says Toole. “It’s our pleasure to have connected with so many families over the years, and it’s exciting to be part of the rapid growth in the West Valley.”

Lakeside Bar & Grill is at 9980 West Happy Valley Pkwy. Peoria 85383. For more information and to view the entire menu visit their website.

Cooper & Sage to open 2nd location in Goodyear

Westside Concepts has announced the opening of their newest location of Copper & Sage in downtown Goodyear on Tuesday, October 1st. It comes less than a year after the first location opened in Uptown Phoenix in November 2023. The southern influenced gastropub with innovative cocktails and a swanky vibe will be the one of the first to open at GSQ, a 150-acre destination with high quality restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. It’s one of several concepts from Westside Concepts that include Haymaker, NW Coffee and Maple & Rye.

“Vintage and warm are good words to describe Copper & Sage,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “Whether it’s Tuesday night and you want great bar food or it’s your anniversary and it’s a special night out, this is the place. We’re really excited to be opening in Goodyear at GSQ. It’s more of what we need in the West Valley. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire Valley.”

Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations Chef Evon Profitt has created the southern style menu that includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickles & Pimento, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and Chicken Gings for starters. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits topped with bacon and mushrooms, Bayou Mussels and Fried Chicken and Beignets.

Copper & Sage will cover 4,500 spacious square feet with a large dining room, full bar and patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and is at 1975 N. Globe Dr. Goodyear 85395. For more information and to apply for a job visit their website.

 

O.H.S.O Brewery opens first West Valley location in Surprise

The popular O.H.S.O. Brewery has opened its first restaurant and brewery in West Valley with the opening of their Surprise location. The new location is in response to customers’ demand for a location closer to their West Valley homes. The opening also marks the first location from Kind Upper Room Ventures LLC.

The new LLC a three-way partnership between Kind Hospitality, Upper Room Hospitality and its owners Derek and Gloria Boettchner and B.A.D. Ventures and owner Brian Duertte. Derek Boettchner was Kind Hospitality’s V.P. of Operations before starting Upper Room and Duertte is the executive V. P. of Accounting for Kind Hospitality.

“With our Valley’s population growing and the city of Surprise’s population increasing rapidly, we are beyond excited to open this facility for all residents in the West Valley,” said Derek Boettcher, owner and Operator of Kind Upper Room Ventures LLC. “We are thankful for the support of the community and look forward to serving the longtime loyal guests of O.H.S.O as well as new guests and families in the area. We are also thankful to Brian Roerich, and Jon Lane for their trust in us representing their brand to the residents of the west Valley, as well as their support during our training and opening of the restaurant.”

What to expect at the new O.H.S.O Brewery

Like the other locations around the valley O.H.S.O Surprise offers an elevated menu of bar cuisine, a variety of craft beers along with seasonal and specialty beers on tap and brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. The layout of the restaurant will be the same 2,000 square foot dog-friendly misted patio that is popular with guests and 4,500 square feet inside that can accommodate up to 350 guests.

O.H.S.O Surprise is at 13434 N. Prasada Pkwy. and is open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. – Midnight, Saturday from 9 a.m. – midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information visit there website.

Arizona Cardinals and Spinato’s team up for fresh hot pizza

When the Arizona Cardinals start the 2024 football season, fans attending home games at State Farm Stadium will have new choices for delicious local foods. Some of those new foods was announced with a new partnership for the “Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals” with Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. It’s part of the family-owned pizzerias 50th anniversary and also marks the pizzeria’s first location in the west valley.

“We are thrilled to announce Spinato’s as the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals and to welcome the Spinato’s family as our Proud Partner,” said Wade Martin, Arizona Cardinals senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “Bringing in beloved, local food and beverage companies is important to us, and I couldn’t think of a better representation of that than Spinato’s. We are excited for our fans to enjoy delicious, locally owned pizza on gamedays this season.”

Come September fans will be able to order three kinds of pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and more at four concession stands throughout the stadium. Spinato’s has also partnered with Phoenix’s Cactus Corn to offer “Mamma’s Signature” pizza flavored popcorn. Featuring spinach spice & sweet tomoto, the new flavor will join two other popcorn flavors offered and will be announced soon.

Collaborating on The Red Zone Pizza

The two-family owned businesses have collaborated on the new The Red Zone pizza available at all 6 pizzerias starting September 8th (Week 1 of the regular season). Made with Spinato’s signature sauce, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella and spinach spice. “The Canadian bacon and roasted red bell peppers bring a red element to the pizza, while the pepperoncini bring a little spice for our Arizona heat,” says Anthony Spinato, Spinato’s CEO.

The made fresh, never frozen pizza will range from $17.75 for a small pizza, $23.75 for a medium pizza and $29.75 for a large pizza at Spinato’s locations. At State Farm Stadium, the price of an eight-inch “The Red Zone” pizza will be $15.50. Fans can also purchase an eight-inch cheese pizza for $13.50 or an eight-inch pepperoni pizza for $14.50.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver what we call ‘the Spinato’s experience,’ to our guests. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel like part of a big family. We’ve grown to six locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. This partnership marks our first entry into the West Valley, and we could not be more excited to do it with such a beloved sports team,” Spinato said.

For more information visit Spinato’s and the team‘s websites.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Memorial Day deals around Phoenix

Kona Grill- All weekend veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families get 20% off their order. On Monday, All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers in the hospitality, retail & medical industries. Enjoy a $12 red, blue, and white margarita flight during the weekend.

STK Steakhouse- 20% Off for all Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families – available all weekend long. All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers – Hospitality, Retail & Medical – available Memorial Day only. Enjoy a $19.95 red, white, and blue steak topping – lobster tail, blue corn tortilla & garlic cream sauce.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria- All veterans and active military with i.d. will get 15% off their order on Monday, May 29th. All 7 Arizona locations are participating, not to be combined with other offers.

Lobster Fest returns to Pedal Haus Brewery June 1st

Lobstah or lobster regardless how you say it most love a good roll during the summer. Due to popular demand all 3 locations will be serving a Maine lobster roll, fries and mug of Day Drinker Light Lager for $25 during June and July.

Found: RE Phoenix has a Sip & Shop pop up June 3rd

The downtown Phoenix hotel invites guests and locals to enjoy the leisurely pop-up from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. next Saturday . The free event offers food & drink specials and brunch in Match Market & Bar, live music and stylish lifestyle brands from local vendors. RSVP at their Eventbrite page.

Coffee 101 is back at Press Coffee

The locally owned coffee roaster brings back their one hour interactive class at their Roastery and in Sprouts Farmers Market every Saturday at 9 a.m. Once completed you can impress your friends about how to smell, slurp and taste four delicious and distinctly different coffees from around the world and learn the nuances of farming, processing and roasting to determine flavors like the pros.

Bourbon & Bones now open in Peoria

The newest chophouse & bar is open 24985 N. 83rd Ave. Peoria 85383. It’s the Scottsdale based Square One Concepts third location in the Phoenix area.

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

Mochilero Kitchen to open new location in north Scottsdale

The world was in a state of a pandemic lock down in April 2020 when sister and brother Meliza Miranda and Jorge Cota opened their Mochilero Kitchen in Peoria. The duo and the world came through a tough few years and now they’re preparing to open a second location in Scottsdale. Once opened at Frank Lloyd Wright & Thompson Peak Pkwy the restaurant will be serving authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by Cota’s 2019 research trip to Mexico where he visited 23 out of 32 states.

“It was tough start, but we went day by day and in the end we persevered and learned a lot during those three years,” said Miranda. “Never did I think we would be opening our second location this soon but the response has been tremendous and we are so excited to show Scottsdale diners what our vibrant and authentic Mexican cuisine is all about.”

During his trip Cota, who’s worked as a chef at The Phoenican, Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott met with families & chefs and ate in restaurants, markets and homes of families tasting foods & dishes that he would use in his restaurant. “We went with the mission to get inspired so we could take the most popular and traditional dishes you find in those coastal towns and bring them home,” said Cota. “Here we’re able to put our own twist on the dishes and really create something special.”

On the menu at Mochilero Kitchen

In the kitchen at Mochilero Kitchen Cota will be making scratch made signatures dishes like Classic Mole, a dish his grandmother who was from southern Mexico would make. Other popular dishes are his version of tacos including a vegetarian mushroom taco. The popular Mariscos, raw seafood cooked in lime juice should also get rave reviews in Scottsdale. Miranda spent 10 years as a State Manager for Constellation Brands is excited to feature more than 30 types of tequila and mescals along with wine & spirits in Scottsdale.

“These are the most authentic and savory dishes you will find from the different various regions of Mexico,” said Miranda. “When you combine our cuisine with the atmosphere, I think we have created something that has a very traditional warm feeling and is family friendly and timeless all at the same time.”

The restaurant will have acoustic entertainment on some weekends and will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. Dinner service will start at 3 p.m.

Cota and Miranda are hiring new employees for the Scottsdale location and interested applicants can head to their website to fill out an application. Mochilero Kitchen will be at 14850 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in the Scottsdale Horizon Shopping Center.

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