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.

Marcellino Ristorante puts an Italian twist on Thanksgiving family meals

Not in the mood to do much cooking or don’t want turkey this Thanksgiving look at what the Scottsdale restaurant’s Taste of Italy take-out menu has to offer. Handcrafted raviolis, Paccatelli and Gnocchi Sorrentin by Marcellino himself are being made for large (serving 15- 20 people) and medium (8-12 people) parties are available with reheating instructions. Orders are to be pre-paid and ordered Tuesday- Saturday no later than Tuesday, December 26th for pick-up on the next day (Wednesday) from 2-4 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 480-990-9500 and more information and pricing can be found on their website.

Phoenix City Grille hosts Remus Bourbon Dinner

Tired of turkey and leftovers then make your reservations for the four-course dinner being served on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 p.m. Co-hosted by Arizona Whiskey Guy John Christie, the main courses will be Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop and Duroc Pork Chop paired with special edition and reserved bourbons. The experience is $120++ per person and can be made by emailing Brittnee Reed or calling 602-510-7174. More information can be found at PCG’s website.

Festivin tickets are on sale

The Wrigley Mansion’s annual celebration of wine will be upon us quicker than you can say “fill up the glass” come January 16th – 19th 2025. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, interactive seminars, cooking demonstrations and more are sure to sell out. Tickets for events must be purchased in advance and can be purchased here.

GenuWine Arizona hosts holiday market

With the holiday season just about in full swing the downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop is hosting a holiday market next Sunday, November 30th. From 12- 3 p.m. attendees can visit with four jewelry and ornament vendors and of course, there will be wine with free samples and 20% off wines poured.

Chompie’s Scottsdale gets a new look

To offer dine-in and take-out customers a better experience the restaurant has new tables, chairs & booths, new counters & marketplace, new restrooms, new furniture & blinds on the patio and more. Don’t worry the sandwiches, soups, salads and other traditional Jewish deli dishes haven’t changed.

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 a Shellabration at Chula Seafood on Saturday

The local fish monger & restaurant is shellabrating the 8th anniversary of “Rosie”, the original location opened in 2016 at Roosevelt & Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. $2 buck shucks (oysters) and happy drink prices all day at all 3 locations. Visitors to Rosie will have other food specials all day long.

Restaurants getting an early start on Halloween

With ghosts & goblins heading out next Thursday night several local restaurants are getting a head start on the spooky & scary.

Hash Kitchen- “Brunch After Dark” happens at the Chandler location on Saturday, October 26th from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy brunch dishes, eerie cocktails and the B.Y.O Bloody Mary bar along with DJ Iceman spinning the tunes, karaoke, best dressed costume contest, giveaways and prizes every hour. There is a $15 addmission which will be deducted from your final bill at the end of the night. Tickets can be purchased at this EventBrite link.

Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey- The Melrose neighborhood restaurant has a special menu from Friday, October 25th-31st. Included on the spooky menu is….

Signature Dish ($21): Harvest Pork Belly – Featuring tender pork belly paired with a velvety kabocha puree, refreshing Asian pear, zesty mignonette, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Specialty Cocktails ($14): Heatwave – Ignite your senses with a bold blend of Blanco tequila and green chile vodka, spiced up with Hellfire Bitters and a hint of pomegranate. Witch’s Brew – This spellbinding concoction is made of lemongrass ginger shochu and Midori, combined with refreshing aloe and cucumber. Finished with a splash of yuzu and lemon.

Catalyst Crafted Ales- Saturday, October 26th is for the dogs at the Tempe brewery. From 1 – 3 p.m. there will be Howl O’Ween pet costume contest with prizes, beer specials for pet parents and new brunch dishes from S.A.LT. A $10 donation for every entry will be donated to Tempe’s Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

Wine Girl- The popular Scottsdale wine bar gets into the holiday spirit with themed cocktails.

Monster Mash Shot – Unleash your inner monster with this vibrant shot of strawberry winearita and agave tequila, rimmed with black sugar and topped with shimmering green glitter.

Bloody Mimosa – A chilling twist on a classic! This Bloody Mimosa features house prosecco filled with a fake syringe of grenadine, creating a gory yet glamorous drink perfect for spooky celebrations.

Harvest Fizz – This refreshing mix of bubbly prosecco and crisp apple cider is served in a coupe glass and topped with a sparkling gold glitter ice cube.

Hendry Wine Dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Wednesday, November 6th brings the wines from the Napa Valley producer to Carefree for a four-course dinner. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and seats are $125++ per person and seats are limited and can be required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784.

1st Course: Pan-Seared Scallop with brown butter and smoked cauliflower puree paired with 2022 Hendry Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, Napa Valley

2nd Course: Seared Pork Tenderloin with cheesy grits, green beans and black cherry apple sauce paired with 2020 Hendry Pinot Noir, Napa Valley

3rd Course: Roasted Lamb Chop with creamy risotto, asparagus spears and cherry reduction paired with 2019 Hendry Block 28 Zinfandel, Napa Valley

4th Course: Prime NY Strip Steak with au gratin potatoes, Brussels sprouts and red wine demi-glace paired with 2022 Hendry HRW Cabernet, Napa Valley

Desert Course: Maria’s Chocolate Tort

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival this weekend

Kierland Commons welcome wineries from southern Arizona’s Willcox wine Country and more than 150 artists this Saturday & Sunday, October 26th & 27th. The two-day festival starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. and is free to enter. Those 21 and older can purchase wine tasting tickets for $30-$45 in advance and $35-$40 at the door. Proceeds from wine sales go to Horses Help.

Wine & Candy tasting at GenuWine Arizona

With kids trick or treating, adults can head to the downtown Phoenix wine bar to taste 4 wines with 4 candies from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night. Tickets are $20 and you get 20% off wine purchased from the tasting that night.

 

Arizona wineries partner with The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

Four Arizona wineries have partnered with The Wine Collective of Scottsdale to use the Old Town Scottsdale wine bar & shop as a tasting room. Two weeks ago owner Zoya Vora-Shah started pouring started pouring and selling wines from 1764 Vineyards, Omphalos Winery, Soaring Wines and Vino Stache Winery.

“We opened our doors with a mission to support Arizona wine and are so proud to be partnering with four amazing local wineries who don’t currently have a home within the greater Phoenix market,” said Shah.

Arizona wine drinkers will have four new flights, one from each new winery, to choose from in addition to other wines from Arizona and around the world. Guests who purchase any three bottles from the new wineries will not have to pay for their flights.

“Having the Wine Collective as a satellite tasting room and now being a part of the Scottsdale Wine Trail is going to be a huge asset in not only helping boost in-person sales for our winery, but also allowing us to educate so many more people on the amazing things the Arizona Wine industry has to offer,” said Brooke Lowry Ide, Owner and Winemaker of Vino Stache. 

For more information visit The Collective’s website.

Revamped patio and outdoor space coming to Bottle & Bean

Almost two years after the coffee and wine shop opened in the Chandler neighborhood of Ocotillo, Bottle & Bean are celebrating an outdoor expansion with a revamped patio and outdoor space. The new lawn space will better serve customers in the months where we can enjoy the great outdoor weather from October to May. The new look will also increase the seating capacity, offer shaded tables with cushioned seats and include a turf lawn area great for picnics, kids to play in and group gatherings.

“Bottle & Bean has become a community gathering spot within Downtown Ocotillo. By expanding the restaurant’s outdoor footprint, we’re striving to create a vibrant, ‘Central Park’ type of atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and socializing,” said Spike Lawrence, owner of Bottle & Bean. 

The unveiling of the revamped patio and outdoor space is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd from 4-7 p.m. The public is welcome to celebrate the new look with food & drink specials, entertainment, raffles and giveaways. Complimentary wine tastings, a $25 pairing offering on a Piper charcuterie board and bottle of wine are available in the restaurant and in the wine shop, buy a bottle of wine and get $15 off a second bottle. Local musicians Tim Friedlich and Kristin Bright will entertain guests and artist David Wilhelmsen will be creating custom watercolor paintings of guests. For more information visit Bottle & Bean’s website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

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

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.