Category: wine bar

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.

Liquor store looks to revolutionize the customer experience

Trevor’s Liquor, popular south Scottsdale liquor store and beer & wine bar opened its second location recently and its owner are looking to give customers a more engaging and unique experience. The opening of the new Mayo Blvd. store come less than 3 years after the opening of their McDowell Rd. store.

“We are eager to build a community around our store, whether people come to Trevor’s to shop their favorite products or just to have fun,” said Jeff McDonald, owner and partner of Trevor’s Liquor. “Our team is proud to shake up the liquor store industry in Arizona to become more immersive and add elements of fun.” The Mayo Blvd. store comes after a very successful three years in which sales increased by over 28% in 2022 over 2021 sales despite opening during the pandemic.

The new 15,000 square foot store has not only a large selection of beer, wine & spirits but a tasting booth, a full bar offering beer, wine & cocktails, games, a luxury champagne room and two golf simulators. Cigar enthusiasts will find a walk-in humidor and a trendy cigar lounge along with a collection of rare and hard to find spirits.

Unlike their first location, the new location has an artisanal pizza kitchen where Executive Chef Parker Rosbrook will dish -up made from scratch pizzas and salads. Award winning mixologist and beverage director Jordan Chandler crafted their signature cocktail list using high quality ingredients and spirits. Both locations have a full calendar of events and online shopping is available on 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Saturday’s Laveen BBQ returns to Caesar Chavez Park

Over 100 vendors including BBQ pit masters and artists will be on hand at the 71st Annual Laveen BBQ tomorrow February 25th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free with food and drinks sold separately.  The Laveen Community Council hosts the annual event that brings the community together for food and fun. The money raised stays in the community supporting local non-profits.

AZ Women in Food celebrate Women’s History Month

Thursday March 2nd will be an evening of women in the food and beverage industry with food, wine, cocktails and a good time in downtown Phoenix. Farish House hosts Gold. Glamour. Gourmet from 5 – 9 p.m. with tickets $95 at Tock.

GenuWine Arizona pouring Dos Cabeza wines March 3rd

Drop in to the downtown Phoenix wine bar next Friday night to sample wines from this celebrated Arizona winery. The tasting is free for those 21 and over and bottles will be 20% off that night.

Chompie’s is baking Hamantaschen for Purim

All 4 Phoenix area locations are getting an early start to the festive holiday on Tuesday, February 27th offering the baked delicacy. Raspberry, apricot, prune and poppy will be available through March 7th when the two day holiday ends.

Truland Burger offers Beer Cheese Pub Burger for a limited time

Just in time for Spring the downtown Chandler location adds a new burger to the menu. Get a hefty stack of two Niman Ranch all-natural beef patties, including our house-made beer cheese, all-natural bacon, crispy onions and a sweet-savory bacon jam for $14.50. Order it online or in person at 140 N Arizona Ave #100
Chandler, AZ 85225.

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

Wine & Tapas event coming to the Scottsdale Wine Trail

The Scottsdale Wine Trails hosts its first ever Wine & Tapas event on Wednesday, November 30th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Located in downtown the Scottsdale Wine Trail is home to seven tasting rooms giving guests an opportunity to taste and learn about the Arizona wines and the local industry.

Stroll the Trail at your leisure as you visit participating Merkin Vineyards, LDV Winery, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, Carlson Creek and The Wine Collective of Scottsdale. Taste award-winning wines and light bites during the 2 hour event and speak with representatives and winemakers. The cost is $90 per person.

To participate in the Wine & Tapas event registration is needed by Sunday, November 27th by calling LDV Winery at 480-664-4822. For more information visit https://www.scottsdalewinetrail.com/.

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.

The TLC eXperience returns with Friendsgiving at Agritopia

The monthly supper club is back after taking the summer off with its first dinner of the season Friday, November 18th at Agritopia in Gilbert. Seating is limited for the 4-course dinner created by Chef Tom Baumbach and his team. Cocktail hour starts at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $150 per person and can only be purchased here.  Tables of 8 or 10 are also available for purchase.

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. Craft Beer & Music Festival happens Saturday

Tomorrow November 5th welcomes NASCAR fans, country music lovers and beer drinkers to Bell Bank Park starting 6 p.m. The popular Hillbilly Deluxe is the headliner with DJ Jeffro and the Get Lit Dancers opens the show. VIP Happy Hour hosted by Michael starts with early entry at 5 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ older festival are available at BellBankPark.com or at Tixr.

Press Coffee opens today inside Sprouts

The first in-store location of the locally owned coffee roster is now open inside the Sprouts at 3320 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix. All weekend long small drip coffees are $1 and all of the proceeds will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Give away will be happening on Saturday and Sunday with more details here.

Loco J’s Tacos & Tequila now open in Cave Creek

Navy veteran Jason Clouse opened his new taco joint in this week making it the first Mexican restaurant to open in town in a long time. He was the former owner of nearby Rosati’s Pizza and sold it to focus on Loco J’s. The restaurant is at 28260 N. Tatum Blvd. and opens daily at 3 p.m.

LDV Winery hiring for their Scottsdale tasting room

Looking to make some extra money for the holidays or keep up with inflation, put your wine knowledge and customer service skills to work in the fun and friendly atmosphere.  Submit your resume to info@ldvwinery.com and learn more about the winery at 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.

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.

Dia de los Muertos Festival at Cien Agaves

The newly re-modeled restaurant and bar in Old Town Scottsdale is showing off its new look this Sunday, October 30th. From 1 – 4 p.m. festival goers can taste 15 different agaves, enjoy live music & get a swag bag. Capacity is limited and tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

Tommy V’s hosts The Carlton Winemakers Studio dinner

Next Thursday, November 3rd the Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines starting at 6:30 p.m. Red & white wines will be paired with Shrimp & Tuna Wheat Ceviche, Hazelnut Risotto, Braised Short Ribs and more. Seats are a $135++ and reservations can be made by calling the Scottsdale restaurant at 480-427-2264.

Trinchero Family Estates wine dinner at The Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Tara & Travis Rawlings purchased Moon Valley’s Aiellos and Isa’s Pizza in May and changed it to The Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar making some changes to higher quality ingredients and adjusted the menu to regional Italian. They host a six course dinner featuring Italian wines from the California based wine company on Wednesday, November 9th. They’re offering two seating’s at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for $125++. You can reserve your spot for this memorable evening at their website.

Blue Hound Kitchen welcomes a new chef and new menu

Executive Chef Alex Robinson joined Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar in August and hit the ground running working on a new menu. The menu and new cocktails from Clint “Spotty” Spotelson debuted in early October and features chef’s signature BHKC 900 Hot Stone with Australian Wagyu or Yellow Fin Tuna, Net of  The Sea, Roasted Airline Chicken Breast to name a few. Cocktail highlights include the bourbon based Stealth Bomber, Open Sesame with black sesame infused George Dickel rye and Pedro Conejo, an interesting combination of liquors, carrots and lime.

Halloween weekend around Phoenix

There are too many spooky events to mention this weekend around the Phoenix area. Look and you’ll find spooky cocktails, costume parties and more at your favorite restaurants, bars and breweries. Have fun and be safe!

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.

Phoenix’s Pedal Haus hosts RAD event to raise money

Today at the downtown Phoenix location 10% of sales from their new R.A.D. Pumpkin Ale will be donated to the Rob Dollar Foundation. The Foundation helps raise awareness about bicycle safety for both drivers and cyclists and is named after the cycling enthusiast who died when riding his bike. Happy hour will be extended today until 8 p.m. with $2 off appetizers and guests will have the opportunity to register for Sunday’s 5th annual Rob Dollar Foundation’s bike ride at South Mountain.

New dishes on the menu at Zuzu

Executive Chef Russel LaCasce and Pastry Chef Maria Arenas have updated their brunch/dinner, dessert and happy hour menus at the Hotel Valley Ho‘s signature restaurant. New on the Brunch menu Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash and a Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. On the Dinner menu look for the savory Korean Chicken Wings, Citrus & Five Spice Pork Belly, and Pan-Seared Icelandic Salmon and more. Save room for dessert to try there new Brookie and new petite desserts for one or all at your table.

Wine & Candy Pairing at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar pairs wine & candy next Thursday, October 27th just in time for Halloween. 4 wines and candies will be poured during the 2 hour event. Stop in anytime between 6-8 p.m. to taste the sweet & savory treats, tickets can be purchased here. The 4 wines will be 20% off when purchased by the bottle.

Chompie’s Scottsdale location hosts Tip-a-Cop next Friday

Saturday, October 29th Scottsdale’s police officers will be raising money for Special Olympics at the popular deli. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. guests can Tip-a-Cop or drop by their booth to donate or learn more.

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

Gastromé Market bringing specialty wine & cheese to Gainey Ranch

The finishing touches are being taken care of for new wine and cheese market in Scottsdale’s Gainey Ranch neighborhood. Gastromé Market will open on Saturday September 10th with a grand opening celebration from co-owners Jenny Le and Tiffany Chavez. Over 5,000 square feet will include the market, a restaurant, a temperature controlled Eurocave for wine and a classroom. Come mid-Fall the outdoor patio will be available to enjoy our beautiful weather.

“This has been a true labor of love for us, and we can’t wait to get the doors open and meet the community,” says Le. “We’ve worked hard to create an inclusive environment where you can feel free to ask whatever you want – you won’t find any stuffiness or intimidation here.”

The inviting space will encourage guests to grab a bottle of wine and more to enjoy in one the nooks and alcoves throughout the market. For those on the run, the grab-n-go counter will let customers take lunch or dinner with them. Cheese cases will showcase domestic and international cheeses, the bakery offers pastries from around the world and a gift basket station will let you create the perfect gift.

Passionate experts will assist customers with choosing boutique wines, curated meats & cheeses and handcrafted items from local artisans. Gastromé Market will offer fun classes and seminars including food & wine pairings and how to build a charcuterie board.

Grand opening at Gastromé Market

The open the doors at 10 a.m. on the 10th and the first 100 guests through the doors will enjoy a champagne toast on every visit once a week for up to four people for a year. Throughout the event guests can sample wine & cheese, speak with the vendors and shop the wide range of goods.

“Whether you’re in search of something specific or you just want to see what we’re all about, stop by this September and we’ll show you around,” Chavez said. “We’re wine and cheese lovers ourselves, and we’re really passionate about food and drink, in general. Our goal is to make you as excited about it as we are, and if we can get you to try something new, even better!”

Gastromé Market is at 7704 Doubletree Ranch Rd. The market opens at 10 a.m. and the restaurant at 11 a.m. 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.

Day Drinker Devil Ride takes place Saturday July 30th

Bike riders and day drinkers meet up next Saturday at Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe for a 10-mile ride starting at 8 a.m. The 2nd annual ride raises money for the non-profit Rob Dollar Foundation that helps bring awareness for bike safety. The “fun” ride goes through Papago Park and mid-way through there will be a hydration station.

Tickets are $5 with your first Day Drinker Light Lager & hydration station beverage included. $15 gets the above and a commemorative ” I Survived the Devil Ride” t-shirt. Happy Hour at Pedal Haus is from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a raffle at 12:30 p.m.

Dairy Queen’s “Miracle Treat Day” benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Thursday July 28th over 80 Dairy Queen’s around Phoenix, central and northern Arizona donate $1 of every Blizzard sold to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. PCH is the local hospital to benefit from the nationwide event. The 2022 goal is $90,000 for the hospital’s Hope Fund.

French wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

The wine bar in downtown Phoenix invites guests to join them between 6 – 8 p.m. to taste and learn about French wine. The July 28th tasting is free to wine club members and $10 to non-members. Four wines will be poured and any bottles purchased of the four will be 20% off that night. Click here to RSVP.

Savor a 5-course prix-fixe meal at Francine

The Scottsdale restaurant showcasing the cuisine of the south of France offers guests a special summer menu Sunday – Thursday’s until August 31st. The $45 per person meal will transport you to the Mediterranean that features gazpacho, grilled octopus, caccio e pepe linguini and more to choose from. To reserve your seat call 480-690-6180.

Press Coffee opens newest location in Ocotillo

To celebrate the new location today through Sunday the local roaster will donate $1 of all drip coffee’s to HopeKids. The local non-profit helps children and their families battling life threatening diseases with hope and support. The new location is located at 1085 W. Queen Creek Rd. Chandler.

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.

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale opens to feature Arizona wines

A new retail wine shop and wine bar quietly opened in downtown Scottsdale in April featuring almost all Arizona wines. The Wine Collective of Scottsdale is owned by wine industry veteran Zoya Vora- Shah who has several decades of wine industry experience in Arizona and around the country. Several Arizona wineries have tasting rooms nearby dedicated to their wines but The Wine Collective features about 40 offerings from many wineries around Arizona. Wines by the glass start at $8 and most bottles retail for less than $40.

“There are so many excellent Arizona wines,” Vora-Shah said. “But not everyone is familiar with them or knows which ones to try. I wanted a tasting room that was virtually 100 percent Arizona wines. That’s why I opened The Wine Collective.” She does offer a couple of sparkling wines from New Mexico’s Gruet Winery.

Summer specials for locals at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale offers locals who show an Arizona ID summer specials to include:

  • June: Sip four two-ounce pours of wines on a theme with a flight for just $15 (normally $18-22). Sample light, crisp and mineral-driven selections with the Gold Rush; enjoy the refreshing Rosé All Day; try a mix of red, white and rosé and Swing Both Ways; or tell your wine concierge your preferences and Just Trust Me — they’ll do the work to surprise you with something you’ll love.
  • July: Indulge in a gourmet food pairing with 20 percent off any nosh boards, which feature the highest quality artisan meats and cheeses and local sweets from Caroline’s Chocolates.
  • August: Purchase a bottle to imbibe on-site for the normal retail price with no corkage fee.

The shop hosts parties and a monthly “Meet the Winemaker” tasting which sold out in both May and June. Vora-Shah is looking forward to being included on the Scottsdale Wine Trail and joining the 6 other tasting rooms nearby. The Wine Collective of Scottsdale is at 4020 N. Scottsdale Rd. 85251 and opens Tuesday- Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information see the website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.