Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Coffee Day is this Sunday, September 29th

Need your daily fix of caffeine then head to……

Noble Ground Coffee for any hot or cold drink for just a $1. This includes new Fall flavors such as Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pancake.

Randy’s Donuts if you’re a loyalty member for a free cup of Randy’s Roast or iced coffee. No purchase is necessary, and the free drink will appear in the member’s account. Randy’s Donuts has two locations in Phoenix at 5709 N. 7th Street and 17405 S. 40th Street. Both locations are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Press Coffee is offering 25% off a yearlong coffee subscription all weekend long.

Chula Seafood Uptown celebrates Oktoberfest with schnitzel

For all 31 days in October the Uptown Plaza location celebrates the German festival with a seafood twist. The Swordfish Jägerschnitzel is served with a scrumptious mushroom leek gravy with brown apple butter spaetzle and German braised red cabbage. It’s available for both lunch and dinner for $28++.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Burgundy wine dinner October 4th

The downtown Phoenix restaurant will welcome guests next Friday to enjoy a six-course dinner featuring the wines of Domaine Anne et Hervé Sigaut that dates to the 19th century. The dinner is $265 per person and for an additional $100 a glass of their coveted Domaine Sigaut’s 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. is available. Prefer champagne, a glass of Dom Perignon is available for $75. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. with limited seating and seat can be purchased at OpenTable.

Grand opening celebration for 3rd Stemistry location

Saturday, October 5th marks the newest coffee lab & flower shop from Dylan Capshaw at the Roadrunner Apartments at 6601 E. McDowell Rd. Scottsdale 85257. From 9-11 a.m. guests can get a $1 drip coffee, a free stem with purchase, light bites and entertainment. Additionally monthly flower subscriptions will be 20% with a 3-month minimum.

New dishes on the menu at Ling & Louie’s

The Asian bar & grill on Shea Blvd. just east of 92nd St. in Scottsdale has just released new dishes on the menu. New dishes include Almond-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Louie’s Bao Buns, Louie’s Donut Holes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

A busy week for Chef Joey Maggiore

The chef and owner of several popular restaurants is celebrating this week’s release of his book, Brunch King that is filled with recipes from his Hash Kitchen. And today’s the opening of his newest restaurant, The Italiano at Shea Blvd. and 92nd St.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular twice-yearly celebration of local restaurants kicks off 10 days (thru Sunday, 9/29) of specials menus around the state. Well over 100 restaurants have created 3-course menus for $33, $44 or $55. Reservations are suggestive and a list of restaurants and menus can be found here.

Family Tuesdays at Red, White & Brew

With the rising costs of dining out POV Foods wants to make it affordable for families to eat out. Starting this week Tuesdays at their Mesa and Prescott restaurants kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Chimichanga Day at Macayo’s

All locations will be celebrating on Thursday, September 26th with specials, giveaways, a pinata smash and more. Specials include….

BOGO Chimis! Buy one a la carte chimi and get one free with the purchase of two beverages (plus, add a side of rice, beans, guacamole or Macayo’s famous Baja sauce for just .78 cents each!). Samples of Dos XX and Don Julio tequila will also be available.

National Dumpling Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

Thursday, September 26th is also National Dumpling Day and TC2GO rewards members get a 6-piece dumpling order for $1 with the purchase of a 6-piece order. orders need to be made on the TC2GO app or online and are available at all locations.

Fall flavors return at STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill

The two Scottsdale restaurants add new menu items to savor the flavor of the season. The new menus include cocktails, entrees, sides and desserts.

Kona Grill– Welcome Back Pumpkin menu- Pumpkin Spice Margarita, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli & Duck Empanadas, Roasted Acorn Squash and Pumpkin Pie.

STK Steakhouse- Pumpkin Menu- Pumpkin Bourbon Smash, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli & Lobster, Pumpkin Potato Gratin and Pumpkin Pie. Wagyu lovers can enjoy Masabi Bone Marrow and A5 French Dip.

Seafood specials for happy hour at Chula Seafood

Chula Seafood, the popular fish monger and restaurant has announced happy hour specials at their Uptown, North Scottsdale and South Scottsdale locations. You will have to visit each location on Monday-Saturday from 3 – 5 p.m. and all day on Sundays to experience each location’s unique seafood specials that are updated often.

The North Scottsdale (Grayhawk) location at Hayden & Thompson Peak Pkwy offers $1 off grilled & raw oysters, $6 grilled street tacos and a $15 soft shell crab sandwich. Drink specials include $8 Chula Ritas and Chula cocktails, wine by the glass for $3 off and $5 draft beers.

The Uptown Plaza location offers Chef’s Ceviche for $9 and $5 beers and $3 off wines by the glass including 6 oz., 9 oz. and 1/2 bottles.

Get Spam Musabi & confit tuna with kimchi onigiri for $6, shrimp cocktail for $4 each and raw oysters for $3 at their original location at Hayden & Roosevelt location in South Scottsdale.

Stay up to date with their fresh fish list and changing specials at their website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

September is National Potato Month at Eat Up Drive In

Whether you like your potatoes baked, fried or boiled, it’s hard to resist the spuds and the Arcadia fast casual restaurant knows that. All month long your 6th baked potato free after you’ve purchased 5 of them. Choose from these six options Braised BBQ short rib, Plain, Loaded, Turkey Chili, Vegan Chili and Broccoli & Cheddar.

Mexican Independence Day at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina & restaurants celebrates next Monday, September 16th starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hours specials from 3-6, live music and tequila tastings starting at 4. Free SWAG will also be given out.

Mollydooker Winery dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pours the Australian wines with a 5-course dinner created by Chef Anthony Apolinar next Wednesday, September 18th at 6 p.m. Monica Teligades from Mollydooker will pour the wines & discuss them and how the winery came to be. Menus and pairings are as follows….

1st Course: Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with 2022 Summer of ’69 Verdelho
2nd Course: Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with 2021 Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd Course: Grilled Lamb Chop with mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with 2022 The Boxer Shiraz
4th Course: Grilled NY Strip with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and asparagus paired with 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
5th Course: Maria’s German Chocolate Cheesecake paired with 2021 Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz
Seats are $145++ per person and seats a limited and the required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784

$10 bacon cheeseburgers at Native Grill & Wings

Next Wednesday, September 18th the 6 locations around Phoenix celebrate National Cheeseburger Day all day and guests can get a hearty & juicy cheeseburger for only $10.

Cheers to the 14th Annual Grenache Day

Call it Grenache, Garnacha or Cannonau or whatever you want as long as your glass is full next Friday, September 20th. wine drinkers around the world will celebrate #GrenacheDay enjoying a glass with food or by itself.

Tequila and wine dinners at The Phoenician Resort

It doesn’t feel like summer is over in Phoenix but local restaurants and resorts feel like it is and are now planning specialty dinners and events through the end of the year. The Phoenician Resort & Spa is no different with wine and tequila dinners on the calendar in the coming weeks.

Tequila Herradura dinner at The Phoenician Tavern

The restaurant atop the Pro Shop of the resort’s famed golf course welcomes guests to celebrate Tequila Herradura’s 50th anniversary of the release of their first ever reposado with a dinner on Thursday, September 12th in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner kicks off their Tastes of the Tavern dinner series that show off the flavors and craftsmanship of the restaurant’s culinary team.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’ouvers followed by a 3-course dinner paired with Tequila Herradura.

The reception features small bites of citrus-glazed pork belly tostadas, shrimp aguachile, braised octopus, roasted vegetable toast, and a charred watermelon margarita made with Herradura silver. A starter of grilled fois gras is paired with Herradura double barrel reposada. The main course is a butter basted seabass, served with Herradura Legend extra anejo. The evening will finish with a dessert of fresas con crema cheesecake and Herradura ultra anejo. Guests will also have a chance to sample Herradura’s limited release anniversary tequila.
The dinner is $95++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting  http://www.thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern/.

Caymus Vineyards & Antinori Estates wine dinners at J &G Steakhouse

The acclaimed steakhouse with gorgeous views of the valley celebrate two world class wineries as they celebrate their 50th anniversary releases of wine. Executive Chef Jaques Qualin will prepare 4-course meals paired with wines from Napa Valley and Italy.

On Tuesday, September 17 guests will celebrate the 50th anniversary wine dinner of the famed Caymus Vineyards. The menu features a first course of smoked salmon tater tots and Mer Soleil Chardonnay; a second course of Hawaiian yellowfin tuna buttercup and Sea Sun Pinot Noir; a third course of grass-fed Wagyu filet mignon and Caymus California Cabernet; and a fourth course of poached pear gelee, chocolate mousse, paired with the anniversary wine, Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

A month later on Thursday, October 17th, Tuscany’s Antnori Estates wines will be poured along with a starter of red kabocha squash tortellini with Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay; followed by a crispy Artic char red wine risotto with Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva; a third course of 48-hours short rib and grilled prime New York strip steak with Antinori Tignanello 50th Anniversary; and to finish the evening, a dessert of warm chocolate cake with VinSanto Santa Cristina.

Both dinners begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Mountain View private dining room and representatives from both wineries will be on hand to speak about the wines and wineries storied histories. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.thephoenician.com/events/jg-wine-dinners/.

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 ForkThe 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 WillGet 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 GrillThe 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 KitchenThe 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Winemaker dinner next Thursday at LDV Winery in Scottsdale

Due to popular demand a limited seating 3-course dinner is planned next Thursday, August 29th starting at 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a amuse bouche & a welcome drink before the menu prepared by Benedict’s Catering with wine paired and discussed by Winemaker Curt Dunham. The dinner is an all-inclusive $160, and reservations can be made by calling 480-664-4822.

Portillo’s celebrates 1 year in Queen Creek with $1 slices of cake

The  Chicago maker of Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago dogs celebrates their 1-year anniversary in the southeast valley next Thursday, August 29th. To show their appreciation to local customers they are offering $1 cake slices with the purchase of an entree. Guests will also be entered to win 1 of 10 $50 gift cards through the end of August when they order in the Queen Creek restaurant, online or on their app.

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.

Pumpkin and squash on the menu at Red, White & Brew

It feels like fall where I write this post, but may not be where you read this but cooler temps are on the way and so are seasonal ingredients like pumpkins and squash. The downtown Prescott and East Mesa restaurants have added 4 dishes with the two ingredients for a limited time.

Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta – Garlic seasoned crostini with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone spread, diced roasted butternut squash and sweet figs topped with arugula, pumpkin seeds, and drizzled with balsamic reduction. $13

Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Raviolis – Pumpkin and butternut squash encased in ravioli pasta tossed in a homemade flame-roasted corn cream sauce and garnished with a dollop of crème fraiche. $25

Harvest Butternut Squash Arugula Salad – Fresh arugula tossed in apple cider vinaigrette with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, red onions, pumpkin seeds and feta cheese.  Topped with grilled chicken. $18

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake – Cheesecake baked freshly in house with graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream, pecans, and drizzled with caramel sauce. $9

The Italiano to open in Scottsdale next month

Friday, September 20th will see the grand opening of the newest restaurant and concept, The Italiano from The Maggiore Group at 90th St and Shea Blvd. It will be the group’s sixth concept from Joey Maggiore and his culinary team offering an elevated and unique dining experience.

“This is truly our best concept yet! We’re drawing inspiration from every corner of Italy to blend age-old traditions with innovative approaches,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We can’t wait for you to experience our family’s heritage in a new and familiar way.”

Designed by Maggiore’s wife Cristina, The Italiano offer over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining, a private dining room and art that pays tribute to Joey’s late father, chef & Restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore. The restaurant will feature limestone and olive trees throughout once guests enter through the picturesque entry and doorway.

Old school Italian dishes at The Italiano

Once opened the menu will feature traditional Italian red sauce dishes with Chef Joey’s touch. Like their other concepts, The Italiano will feature a unique interactive experience with the introduction of an antipasto cart where guests can build their own plate with over 30 different items to choose from. After dinner guests can enjoy a must try Limoncello cocktail from the cart along with desserts chosen from the Zabiaone dessert cart.

The restaurant is currently hiring front and back-of-the house staff and those interested can get more information and apply at https://harri.com/magg-italiano-scottsdale. The Italiano is at 9301 E. Shea Blvd and will be open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner. For more information visit their website or follow them on Instagram @TheItalianoTrattoria.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

It’s pumpkin season at 32 Shea

When local restaurants start putting pumpkin dishes and drinks on the menu you know the cooler temperatures aren’t far behind. For a limited time the Phoenix cafe has added coffee, cocktail and food specials including…..

-Pumpkin mascarpone bruschetta with crispy prosciutto and toasted pumpkin seeds

-Pumpkin Alfredo pasta with chicken and andouille sausage

-Pumpkin sweet cream cold coffee

-Pumpkin cookie latte with cookie butter syrup

-Pumpkintini with vanilla vodka and pumpkin sauce

Fall 2024 Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s twice annual 10-day event returns from Friday, September 20th through Sunday the 29th. The popular events has over 200 restaurants from around the state creating special 3-course menus to showcase their offerings. The prix-fixe menus are priced at $33, $44 or $55 depending on the restaurant. On Sunday, September 1st a list of participating restaurants and their menus will be available on the website.

Back to school BOGO pizza special at Vicinos

The Scottsdale Italian restaurant has a hard to pass up special through the end of September. Buy 1 12″ cheese pizza and get another for free when you call in your order for take-out. Toppings are extra and a limit of 1 free pizza per day.

2 for 1 Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company

Every Tuesday until September 21st stop into their Scottsdale and Wilcox tasting rooms and get 2 bottles of wine for the price of 1. In store purchase and pick up only while supplies last and other restrictions apply.

Fire at Will adds new dishes to the menu

Chef & owner Dom Ruggerio’s restaurant on Shea Blvd. at Tatum Blvd. has added a few new dishes to its menu. Guests can enjoy their favorite dishes along with the new….

Italian Chopped Salad featuring sun-dried tomato, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, salami, pistachio, parmesan and red wine vinaigrette, $16 (with option to add protein such as grilled chicken or salmon or ¼ lobster for an additional charge)
Korean Short Ribs with house-made kimchi pickles and sushi rice, $38
 
Panko-crusted Branzino with cherry tomato, Nicoise olives, capers, fresh herbs and cauliflower puree, $36
Chicken Marsala — Pan-roasted half-chicken with Swiss, chard, wild mushrooms, pomme puree and marsala pan sauce, $32.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Lamarca takeover for National Prosecco Day at Wine Girl

Next Tuesday, August 13th we celebrate the sparkling wine of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The Scottsdale wine bar is celebrating with the popular Lamarca for guests who pop in for the “Paint & Sip” celebration. Personalize your prosecco bottle by painting a full-size bottle for $45 or a mini bottle for $30. After the 13th enjoy several Lamarca bubbly-inspired drinks including the Prosecco pop, Hugo Spritz, Raspberry Sgroppino and the Mini Lamarca bucket & bottles will be ready to order at a special, discounted price.

The Bigger Picture cocktail dinner coming to Poppy’s Office

The chefs and mixologists at the north Scottsdale (Terravita) speakeasy have designed a dinner and drinks four-course dinner to take your senses on an adventure. Next Wednesday, August 14th taste small bites, new & exciting dishes and inventive cocktails for $100++ per person. Seating for the 6 p.m. dinner is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Pillsbury Wine Company nominated for “Best Sustainable Winegrower”

The Arizona winery was nominated in Green Living’s Best of Arizona. You can vote until the end of the day August 21st at this link.

Fazoli’s opens newest location in Glendale

Kind Hospitality announced the opening of its third Phoenix area location recently at 5825 W. Peoria Ave. Known for pastas, subsandwiches, pizzas and their popular breadsticks (they sold almost 67,000 in the first few weeks) Fazoli’s and Kind has plans to open more locations around Arizona.

Changes happening at Ling’s Wok Shop

The Scottsdale restaurant is now 100% fresh casual with only counter service, previously it had been “flex-casual” going between counter service & full service. They are now more focused on the menu and daily specials that include…..

  • Lucky 8 Happy Hour – $8 Happy Hour Drink Specials daily from 11am – 6pm and $8 Happy Hour Food Specials daily from 3pm – 6pm

  • Manic Mondays – enjoy a complimentary cup of Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup or Cucumber Salad with the purchase of any entree

  • Take Out Tuesdays – 20% off all online and in-app orders using the promo code “TAKEOUT”

  • Wok & Wine Wednesdays – ½ priced bottles of wine all day long

  • Thirsty Thursdays – Enjoy Happy Hour Drink Specials all day long