Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.
Buy One Get One Free at Koibito Poke on Monday 9/28
All 5 Phoenix area locations are celebrating International Poke Day with a FREE bowl when you buy one.
October is National Pizza Month and Fired Pie is rounding up for PCH
From October 1st – 15th the quick casual pizza restaurant encourages its guests in the community to Round Up up their bill to an even dollar amount. The extra change collected will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. You can give back at any of the 21 locations.
Wake up to National Coffee Day on Tuesday 9/29
Local coffee roaster, Press Coffee is giving away a FREE 8 oz. drip coffee with each purchase at any of its 8 valley locations.
Buy one bag of U.S. Egg’s 10 oz. specialty coffee get another for free. A bag will cost you $10 at any of the 6 valley locations.
Community minded Barro’s Pizza partners with Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway
The local family owned pizzeria is seeking applications from students for a $10,000 towards college tuition and expenses. Students can submit an entry online until Dec. 14th. The giveaway is open to students 18 years and older. Find more information at the website.
Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant heads into October with new specials.
Customers can help test new dishes and give feedback to see if they are popular enough to stay on the menu. All 5 locations will offer these specials at special prices. 6 specials are on every part of the menu from drinks to dessert. Specials include Spiced Brandy Cider, Shrimp Ceviche Tostaditos, Pollo Serrano & Vegetable Salad, Barbacoa Bowl, Mexican Street Corn Lollipop and Caramel Apple Flan.
You can celebrate Happy Hour from the comfort of your own home with the new Happy Hour To- Go packs from Black Angus Steakhouse. Whether your’e watching the game or hanging with the family, score the new To – Packs every day from 3 – 9 p.m.
For just $29.99 you can get Black Angus Steakhouse favorite appetizers such as Loaded Potato Skins, Three Cheese Garlic Bread, Crispy Fried Garlic -Pepper Zucchini and a Steak Quesadilla. You can’t have happy hour without something to drink and choose a 4-pack of beer or bottle of house wine. For $5 more customers in Arizona and California can get small batch cocktails like Strawberry Lemonade and the Gold Strike Margarita. Cocktails serve 6-7 people each.
There are 4 Black Angus Steakhouse’s in Arizona in Arrowhead, Chandler, Goodyear and Superstition Springs. Other locations are in New Mexico, California, Washington and Hawaii.
You can order your To-Go Packs online or by calling each restaurant directly. To-Go Packs are available through the end of 2020.
It’s starting to feel like fall as local farmer’s markets start getting ready open back up. For this year’s season Momma’s Organic Market is adding two new locations to its west valley schedule. For over 10 years the market has been held at Arrowhead Town Center in Glendale offering locally made foods and more with a long list of vendors.
Starting Sunday September 6th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Momma’s will be in Surprise at The Sterling Grove Market. The market at 17193 W. Montpelier Street will run through May. Wednesday October 7th will bring the return of Momma’s to Peoria where it was for over a decade. The late afternoon market will be located at Park West at 9744 W. Northern Ave from 4 -7 p.m. weekly until May.
‘This is an incredible period of growth for us and we’re thrilled to bring our free market to two amazing neighborhoods,” says Christa Esquibel, owner. “Our expansion is a testament to the fact that Arizonans want to, and will continue to, support local. It is a collaborative effort between our location hosts, dedicated vendors and loyal customers.”
The Glendale market will continue to run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. All 3 markets are free, family friendly and will offer a rotating list of local vendors and food trucks. Cash and credit cards are accepted with trained and leashed dogs welcome.
A short list of Momma’s Organic Market local vendors.
TJ Farms, Udder Delights Dairy, Mama Olga’s Tamales, Mama Olga’s Tamales, Bella’s Candy Shoppe, Can I Get A Ruff Ruff, Tree Huggin’ Bakers, Willy’s Tomatoes and Chilies, My Flower Bed, Dukes Barkery, All About The Booch and Shannon’s Kitchen.
Many more vendors show up and a a complete list of weekly markets can be found at their website.
Father’s Day is coming up quickly on June 21 and restaurants know ties and tools aren’t much fun. They know dear old dad wants to eat & drink with friends and family. These Phoenix area restaurants (and a couple up north) are offering deals whether you’re dining in or taking it home.
Central Phoenix
Miracle Mile Deli– $100 of gift cards for only $80 to start until June 21st. Father’s Day meal deal specials include Breakfast In Bed (Feeds 4): Includes 4 Plain Bagels, Whipped Cream Cheese, Nova Smoked Salmon, Capers, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola. $55 Lunch At Home (Feeds 4): Customers can pick up of our Sandwich Kits – $45 Dinner For the Fam (Feeds 4-10): Customers can pick any of our Miracle Meal Deals – Prices range from $55-$95. See website for menu. Please call 602-776-0992 to place an order by 6 p.m. Sat. June 20th. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016
Joe’s Diner – The Number Two ($11.79) includes two eggs cooked any style, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage patties, two pancakes and a cup of Joe. Joe’s Diner, 4515 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. 602-535-4999.
Phoenix City Grille – Specialty Brunch menu item include Steak & Eggs ($19), mesquite grilled flank steak will be cooked to Dad’s preference served alongside chipotle chimichurri, Ramona Farms tepary bean puree, Kennebec breakfast potatoes and grilled Mama Lola flour tortillas. Dinner specials include Prime Rib ($37), a 12 oz. cut served with guajillo chile jus, smoked onion rings and horseradish whipped potatoes; and Seafood Pasta ($25), fresh pappardelle tossed with sautéed wild gulf shrimp, Chula seafood salmon, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes drizzled with lemon caper butter sauce. 5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. 602-266-3001.
Mora Italian– is offering a Father’s Day special for $60 dine-in per person and $50 carry out (carry out excludes liquor). The meal includes as 12 oz Niman Ranch Sirloin Steak with Bagna Cauda Frites. Dads will also receive a cigar and a selected choice of wine, whiskey, scotch or beer.
Downtown Phoenix
Trapp Haus – Father’s Day Gift Basket ($49.99) includes a curated mix of a shot of Maker Mark Bourbon, Helio Basin 602 Larger, PTG Championship Rub, PTG Rootbeer BBQ Sauce, cookies, PTG Pitmaster recipe cards, Trapp Haus Bananda and $10 Trapp Cash. 511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 480-664-4822.
PHX Beer Co. Tap Room and Brewery- make sure to enter your dad (or yourself if you are a dad) to win a free Traeger Mesa 22 Grill (value $500). Now through June 19th either text PHXBeer to 20300 or visit https://www.phxbeerco.com/traeger-contest for the chance to win. On June 19th, one winner will be pulled. One entry per email and must be 18 or older to enter. 3002 E. Washington St.
North Phoenix
Original Breakfast House – Specialty menu items include steak and Portobella Hash ($17), Chile en Nogada Omelette ($16), Shrimp and Grits ($14.50) and Carrot Cakes Pancakes ($11.50). 13623 N. 32nd St, Phoenix. 602-482-2328.
Glendale
Urban Margarita – Father’s Day weekend specialty menu, served all weekend, includes Lobster Flautas ($13), Pineapple Habanero Baby Back Ribs ($18) and Slow Braised C.A.B. Short Ribs ($25) and Jeremy’s Blueberry Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding ($11). For Father’s Day brunch, served until 1:30 p.m., the menu includes Fresh Grapefruit “Paloma” ($13), Sirloin Steak Ranchero ($16), Slow Braised Prime Rib Benedict ($17) and Bananas Foster French Toast ($13). 6685 West Beardsley Road, Glendale AZ. 623-561-6674.
North Scottsdale
Sol Cocina– Father’s Day Brunch Sat & Sun. June 20th & 21st served all day. Scottsdale Quarter -15323 N Scottsdale Rd. 85254 480-245-6708.
Liberty Station Terravita – 20% off all To-Go BBQ Orders OR $1 beers with purchase of any BBQ item (limit 2). 34522 N Scottsdale Rd #180, Scottsdale. 480-595-993
Moe’s Roadhouse – Roadhouse Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Firehouse Jalapeño Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Mango Habanero Wings, 8 wings ($8); Hard Milkshake served with a shot of JD/Jameson/ or RocknRye ($8); $2 Domestic Draft 16oz; $3 Specialty Draft. 16oz; $5 Rock n Rye Whiskey, Jack Daniels, Jameson and $5 Titos. 18251 N Pima Rd # F120, Scottsdale. 480-686-8908.
PHX Beer Co.- $4 PHX Beer Co. beers (limit two) for dad! Dad also gets to add free bacon to any entrée, sandwich or pizza. Dad still want to turn up the bacon? Dad’s Favorite Bacon & Beer Flight will be available for just $10. 8300 N Hayden Rd in Scottsdale.
The Americano– is celebrating in style with a Father’s Day “Wagyu, Whiskey and Cigar” menu for $85 per person. Guests will be greeted with choice of Zaddy’s Beer, Grand Canyon Prickly Pear Vodka, or Pacifico Clara Carreno Espadin with Chili-Salt. For appetizers, guests can choose Octopus Fritto, with pickled fennel puree and salsa peperoncino or Wagyu Meatball, with pomodora, parmesan and herb salad. The main course will consist of either Wood fired sirloin wagyu steak & frites, with truffle maitre’d butter and roasted garlic aioli or Pappardelle pasta with milk braised lamb, house-made tomato sauce, mascarpone and mint. Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert of tiramisu and a glass of Very Old Barton Kentucky Straigh Bourbon and cigar to take home. There is also an optional $35 wine pairing available.
More restaurants for dad
Downtown/ Old town Scottsdale
Merkins Vineyards– Merkin Vineyards in Old Town Scottsdale is offering a ‘Take & Grill’ option which will serve four and includes a choice of a main dish – Salmon Filet, Lamb Rack, or Stuffed Squash and comes with sides of Roasted Potatoes, Garden Peas, & Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for $79. For those who want to take dad out, the ‘Bottle & Board’ special will be offered for dining in, which includes four types of cheese or charcuterie items with bread and a bottle of Merkin Vineyards wine for $48.
LDV Winery – Father’s Day basket ($60) complete with a rich, complex 2015 Syrah from LDV Winery and locally made Super Chunk’s signature caramel corn with bacon and chocolate. 7134 E. Stetson Drive #110, Scottsdale. 480-664-4822.
Hotel Valley Ho– Treat dear old dad to the ultimate brunch or dinner experience at ZuZu with jaw-dropping savory menu items available all day long like the Double Steak Benedict with short rib ragout and poached eggs ($18), a 16 oz. Charbroiled Ribeye ‘Oscar Style’ with king crab hollandaise ($42), the #1 Juicy Lucy Burger with smoked blue cheese ($24), and last but certainly not least, the King Kong Bloody Mary with tempura-fried short rib grilled cheese, jumbo poached shrimp, an antipasti skewer, and more ($32). Wash it all down with penny beer pints, available with the purchase of any of the featured entrées. The seasonal brunch menu will also be served from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the seasonal dinner menu will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carefree
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse – Enjoy $1 draft beer or house wine with purchase of any steak (limit 2). 7212 East Ho Hum Road, Carefree. 602-374-4784.
Photo courtesy of Skyler Scott and Mountain Shadows Resort
Multiple locations
Press Coffee– World’s Greatest Dad blend is a limited supply is a balanced blend with nutty flavors and an overall sweetness. It is being sold at all eight Valley Press locations for $16 during the month of June and online. A gift set is also available which includes a bag of the World’s Greatest Dad blend ($16 Value) and a Press MIIR Camp cup ($25 Value) for $35.
Thai Chili 2 Go – Buy One, Get One Free price (all locations) all day. Entrees start at $11. Nine locations throughout the Valley.
Wildflower– Dear old dad gets 2 delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies with all orders.
Pedal Haus Brewery– This Father’s Day dads get a free set of logo’d beer glasses with the purchase of one of three dishes at Pedal Haus Brewery. Grilled Salmon with Israeli Cous Cous and asparagus ($16.25), Full rack of ribs with baked beans and coleslaw ($24.25) or the Double Cut Bone In Pork Chop with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus ($22.25). Tempe 720 S. Mill Ave, #102 85281. Chandler 95 W. Boston St.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria– Grimaldi’s has partnered with Tribute Wine for this Father’s Day meal deal that includes an 18″ traditional cheese pizza, large house or Caesar salad and bottle of Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon for $40. In addition, guests who purchase this select deal can choose from two Father’s Day themed Tribute Wine labels to customize their wine bottle. This deal is available Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st for dine-in or carryout.
Fired Pie– is selling par-baked take ‘n bake pizzas. Guests can order an of Fired Pie’s signature Pizza Creations for $14 and simply throw them on the grill to bake to perfection! Fired Pie will also be running a social media contest to giveaway a Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven.
Tempe
Voodoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen– Offers a family take out meal for dad for $84.95. Included are Hand battered Buttermilk Chicken Tenders, Cheese Grits, Gumbo, eight beignets and a six pack of Red Stripe. Those interested can preorder for pickup by visiting VooDoo Daddy’s website. 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106. 480-659-6145.
Northern Arizona
Cauceaus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– The Father’s Day package includes a bottle of Bittermilk Oaxacan Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer, a can of Puscifer Queen B Hard Cider, a container of Ramon Peña Bonita Tuna packed in Olive Oil, a bottle of Chili Beak Spicy Roasted Chili Oil, a bar of Goodnow Farms Putnam Rye Whiskey Special Reserve Dark Chocolate and a flight of five Caduceus Wines. This gift set is $69.95. Caduceus Cellars is located at 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Cowboy Club – Burger & Beer special ($12). Choose a Club Burger or a Crispy Chicken Sandwich served with traditional cut or sweet potato fries and a chilled 14-oz glass of beer (chose from any beer on tap). One cent refills up to two times. 241 North State Route 89A, Sedona. 928-282-4200
Even more restaurants
Downtown Chandler
SanTan Brewing & Spirits– If dad that loves to learn about the science and art of making his favorite libations, SanTan Tours is the perfect gift! Located at SanTan’s production facility off Warner & Arizona Ave in Chandler, the tour explores the similarities of both the brewing and distilling process. Samples are included and tickets are just $15 per person and will be offered every hour Saturday and Sunday from 12- 6 p.m.
To maintain social distancing, each tour will be limited to 10 attendees each hour. This is a 21+ over activity only and drink samples are provided. Book your tours today at link above.
Spirit House– There’s no better way to end your Father’s Day than with a night out at Spirit House Tasting Room & Cocktail Bar. Leave the kids with a sitter and join us for a complimentary dads-only tasting of the multiple award-winning Butcher Jones Arizona Straight Rye Whiskey. He’ll also enjoy a wide variety of hand-crafted cocktails include the signature Commonwealth Old Fashioned, Cherry Lime Highball, French 75 and many more.
Spirit House is located behind SanTan Brewing Company in Downtown Chandler at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Suite 106, Chandler, AZ 85225.
Chandler
Chase’s Diner – Meat Lover’s Special ($12.99), which comes with a generous helping of bacon, ham, sausage, two eggs and pancakes. Choice of coffee or tea.2040 N Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224. 480-855-3663
SanTan Spirits is launching an exclusive club for super fans called, Cask Club! This subscription-based membership is the perfect way to experience SanTan Spirits all year with a curated box of six bottles including Cask Strength and exclusive spirits. Your first box will be ready to pick up during Father’s Day Weekend.
Each new Cask Club subscription comes with your choice of two engraved Glencairn tasting glasses or a mixing glass + a membership sticker. Other Cask Club benefits include 20% off at the SanTan Tours tasting room, a free bottle of bitters on your birthday and $20 gift cards to the brewpub for membership referrals.
Mountain Shadows Resort– Savor brunch at Hearth ’61 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a special Braised Short Rib Hash ($16) or select any of the classics from the seasonal brunch menu. Prefer to have a memorable dinner experience instead? In addition to the seasonal menu, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe meal including Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab Cake, Oven-Roasted Barbeque Beef Brisket, and Key Lime Pie for $49 per person plus tax and gratuity. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and reservations are required. All menu items are available for dine-in and curbside pick-up. Please call 480.624.5458 for reservations and more information.
If dad is looking to hit the links and take advantage of the beautiful sights out on the greens, treat him to Birdies, Brews, and Views and play a round of golf while sampling craft beers. Then enjoy a Birdie Club Sandwich at Rusty’s, for $94 per person. Give dad the gift of golf all summer long with the Summer Unlimited Golf Pass valid through September 20 for $349 plus tax. For more information and tee times, please call 480.624.5433.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen– A three-course feast ($52/person) with the choice of a starter: American gulf shrimp, guajillo seared ahi tuna or tomato and burrata salad; a choice of an entrée: pecan wood fired grilled prime flatiron stead or boneless short ribs and green chili macaroni; and a choice of dessert: dark chocolate bread pudding or caramelized Nixon square fig and Madagascar vanilla creme brûlée. Service starts at 5 p.m. 10637 N Tatum Blvd suite 101 B Phoenix, AZ 85028 480-483-0009.
Salty Sow– Father’s Day weekend (Fri. – Sun.) get a signature 12 oz. Prime Rib with au jus, mashed potatoes and creamy horseradish for only $29 per person. For reservations call 602-795-9463 or go online. 4801 E Cactus Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85032
Surprise
Reel Pizza Pies– 25% off Meat Head specialty pizza for dine-in or take-out. 13953 W. Waddell Rd., #103, Surprise 85379. 623-800-0909
Kaleb Copenhaver, owner of the new Reel Pizza Pies had two passions growing up, pizza and music. So what do you do, you open a pizza restaurant with a great playlist. That’s what the 22 year old Copenhaver did with his new restaurant that opened May 20th in the Marley Park shopping center in Surprise.
“Reel Pizza Pies is a cool place to go with great music and great pizza,” says Copenhaver of his 1,200-square-foot, 15-seat restaurant that serves slices, whole pies as well as sandwiches and subs via counter-service style. “We set ourselves apart by using the best and freshest ingredients in an energetic and fun environment,” he adds.
Copenhaver started working in pizza restaurants at the age of 16 and has traveled the country tasting great pizza before opening Reel Pizza Pies. He uses 00 organic flour, fresh mozzarella and organic Bianco tomatoes in his New York style thin crust and thick Sicilian style pizzas and makes fresh bread and dough with a traditional approach. Pizza is baked in an Electric Deck Oven he calls the “pizza master”. He also makes subs, salads and desserts and meatballs using his grandmother’s recipe.
Starting at 11 a.m. Friday May 22nd the first 50 customers will receive a free cheese pizza with the purchase of a beverage. Saturday June 20th will be the official grand opening with a pizza tasting, games, prizes and more.
The restaurant is at 13953 W. Waddell Road, Suite 103 Surprise 85379. Delivery is available within specific boundaries. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. For more information and a complete menu, visit their website.
Cinco de Mayo won’t be the same this year with the coronavirus pandemic allowing for takeout tacos and more from local restaurants. Many restaurants will celebrate with family meals, build your own taco kits, margaritas to go and more and these 2 restaurants are doing the same. Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year so you can enjoy twice the fun from the comfort of your own home. How will you be enjoying this festive day?
PHX Beer Co. in Scottsdale celebrates May 5th with $5 Baja Fish Taco, $5 Pork Taco, $5 Chips and Salsa. Drink specials include $5 Pint of Mercado Mexican Lager (A.K.A. the Bird City Lager) and $3 Jell-O Shots. To place an order call 480-571-8645 or visit their website. PHX Beer Co. is located at 8300 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale.
Urban Margarita is making it easy for you to enjoying Cinco de Mayo from the safest place, your home. From 4 – 8 p.m. you can get $2 tacos and $5 house margaritas, as well as Urban Margarita’s specialty Cinco de Mayo party pack. Included is a “build your own” taco kit that serves up to six people for just $24 and a pitcher of house margaritas for $20. More items are available on their website. To place an order call 623-561-6674. Delivery is available with Uber Eats. Urban Margarita is at 6685 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale 85308.
While many local restaurants switched gears to pick-up, delivery and even selling groceries last month many shut down to assess the situation. Several of those that shut down are re-opening this week for pick-up and delivery. While it’s still unknown about the future of restaurants Gov. Ducey will meet with restaurants and the Arizona Restaurant Association in coming weeks to set a plan for re-opening dining rooms. These local restaurants have re-opened this week for takeout.
Hand Cut Chop House has re-opened with touchless takeout, curbside pick-up and free delivery from Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates & Grubhub. A limited menu of food and drinks are available daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Place an order by calling 480-494-2008. 7135 East Camelback Road #154 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Gilbert is offering a limited menu of a la carte offerings and family meals. Off the menu customers can choose from appetizers, salads, sliders, entrees and dessert. Larger portioned family meals of a Whole Chicken Meal, a All American Burger Meal and Three Cheese Mac & Cheese feed 4 – 8 people. Bottles of wine & liquor, cocktails & cocktail kits and growlers of beer are also available to go. You can order online or by calling (480) 476-8595. Pick up is available as is free delivery from Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates. The other locations will open at a later date. 323 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert 85234.
Little Miss BBQ‘s Sunnyslope location is testing drive thru pick up of limited amount of sandwiches and Green Chile Burritos today & Saturday. All orders must be placed online for pick up from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. No walk up and no delivery. 8901 N 7th St Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Comedor Guadalajara south of downtown Phoenix is back open for takeout. They have set up a drive thru in the parking lot. Phone orders are recommended and they ask if the line is busy please try calling back. 1830 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85004. 602-253-8299
MIXT opened in March and quickly shut down has re-opened at Scottsdale Quarter. The fast casual farm to table restaurant offer salads, protein bowls, Kombucha, sandwiches and more. Hours are daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 15125 N Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
Osteria Mia opened this week for takeout in north Phoenix. Pizza, homemade pasta and more Italian delights. 2530 W Happy Valley Rd Phoenix AZ, 85085. 623-434-4604
Pedal Haus Brewery re-opened its Tempe and Chandler brew pubs this week. A full menu along with award winning cocktails and beers are available to go. Food & drink specials are also offered daily. The Tempe location at 730 S. Mill Ave. #102, Tempe 85281 is open Wednesday & Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Chandler location at 95 W Boston St., Chandler is open Wednesday & Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kawaii Sushi in Glendale is open, their Peoria location is temporarily closed. 6530 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 112 Glendale, AZ 85310 (623)566-3888
Bottega Pizzeria Ristorante will open on May 5th for takeout. 19420 N. 59th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85308. 623-777-1868
As culinary events and food festivals get postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus a new festival is moving forward as planned. The first ever Rib Fest Showdown debuts April 25th & 26th 2020 in Surprise at Mark Coronado Park. The Throwdown pits Kansas City vs. Texas pitmasters to see who makes the best smokes meats. With the aroma of burning wood in the air festival goers will taste ribs and other smoked meats.
The city of Surprise was chosen as co-host of the event as it’s the Spring Training home of both Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals & Texas Rangers.
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Surprise to launch this exciting event,” said Landon Evans owner of HDE Agency. “Supporting the economic growth and working together to build a cornerstone event for the city that will come to be recognized as an annual program is both rewarding and awesome.”
LDE Agency is also producing the KNIX BBQ & Beer Festival on March 28th in Chandler and is taking every per-caution to make sure both festivals are safe, clean and happen as planned.
The family friendly festival also features a ‘Battle of the Bands” with local and national performers, a kid’s zone, food eating contests and more.
The Rib Fest Showdown goes from 12 – 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are on sale with 2 for $16, 4 for $30 or 6 for $40. Walk -up tickets the day of will be $10 each. VIP tickets and a Stay & Play overnight packages are available. A portion of the proceeds from the Rib Fest Throwdown will be donated to Mighty Change of Heart, a local non-profit that provides support for foster children.
Come early April fans of award-winning Aioli Gourmet Burgers can head to Fry’s Marketplace when they open their second location. The Litchfield Park location will be the first in the west valley after their Shea & 32nd St. location in Phoenix. Culinary Institute of America graduate Tommy D’Ambrosio started Aioli Gourmet Burgers in 2013 with childhood friends and a food truck.
“Our entire team is so excited to finally be opening a second location in partnership with Fry’s Marketplace. This has been almost a year in development, and we can’t wait for the store to open for our westside fans. We hope that this will be the first of many Fry’s Marketplace locations across Arizona,” said Kyle Hollenbeck, Co-Owner, Aioli Gourmet Burgers.
The unique chef driven burgers are popular on the food truck and festival scene with the White Truffle Swiss and Italiano. Loaded fries, milk shakes, beer battered onion rings and more are served at Aioli. Tommy’s won “Chopped” and has won “Best Burger” in The Phoenix New Times “Best of Phoenix” and in burger competitions. Before coming back to Phoenix to start the food truck Tommy apprenticed at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. The restaurant group has other food truck concepts that will become restaurants including Modern Tortilla and Oak Wood-Fired Pizza.
Chef Tommy D’Ambrosio
“We are looking forward to Aioli Gourmet Burgers joining the Fry’s family,” says Monica Garnes, President of Fry’s Food Stores. “It’s a great operation with an award-winning history, and we think our Litchfield Park customers are really going to enjoy the experience.”
Fry’s Marketplace is at 13730 W Camelback Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. For more information visit their website.
Local First Arizona’s popular Devour Week 2020 kicks off the celebration of Arizona restaurants with its first event in Peoria. Devour the World makes its west valley debut on Saturday February 15th at Peoria City Hall’s Centennial Plaza. Devour the World showcases the international cuisines, music and cultures found around Phoenix.
“From flavors that can only be found on the islands of Jamaica to the great vistas of the Navajo Nation, this is the perfect event to explore the rich diversity that makes Arizona so special and share it with friends, family, and community,” says, Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona Founder.
The four hour event starts at 11 a.m. and is a partnership of the City of Peoria, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Local First Arizona. Beers of the world will be poured in the beverage garden and over 24 restaurants and food trucks will be offer foods from over 12 countries. Music and dancing from different countries will be performed with cultural activities and workshops with local ambassadors are also featured.
A few of the restaurants participating include….
Cool Vybz Jamaican Restaurant- Chef Kelso Raymond
Everest Momo- Chef Subash Yadav
Salvadoreño Restaurant- Chef Yesenia Ramirez
Happy Buns- Chef Jay Kwan
“Peoria’s events scene continues to get better and better, and I am thrilled to have this multicultural, culinary experience coming to the heart of our city,” says Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat. “I can’t wait for family and friends to gather as they ‘Devour the World’ together.”
Tickets for Devour the World are $55 and include food samples and libations. Tickets can be purchased along with more information about other events at the Devour Phoenix website. Peoria City Hall is at 9875 N. 85th Ave. Peoria 85345.
