Tag: Arizona

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company beers distributed by Hensley Beverage

Michael Waltrip Brewing CompanyFormer NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip announced recently the formation of his Phoenix based brewery, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company. They’ve decided that its “Two Time” brand will be distributed around Arizona by locally owned beer distributor Hensley Beverage Company.

“We are truly pleased to be able to partner with Hensley Beverage Company on the distribution of our Two-Time line of lagers and ales,” said Michael Waltrip, two-time Daytona 500 champion and FOX Sports NASCAR color announcer.  “I had a chance to visit the leadership and some of the team at Hensley right before the pandemic. What a great group of people. We couldn’t be happier to be part of the Hensley portfolio”

“Two Time” currently brews three beers. “Blonde” Ale, “Checkered Past”, a coconut IPA and “Vamanos”, a Mexican style Lager. Seasonal and year round beers are planned all with subtle references to racing.

Bryan R. Sperber, CEO, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company, said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team at Hensley for many years. So, I know firsthand what a quality organization they have. To be able to partner with them is an amazing opportunity and we really appreciate their enthusiasm for our brand and the Michael Waltrip Brewing Company.”

Hensley Beverage Company dates back to 1955 and has been the distributor of the Anheuser-Busch InBev portfolio. It also distributes local and regional beers throughout most of Arizona.

A brewery and taproom is being planned in Phoenix along with distribution outside of Arizona. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

You’ve probably heard about the Fall 2020 Arizona Restaurant Week starting tonight through next Sunday 9/27. Over 100 restaurants state wide serving 3 course unique menus for $33 or $44 per person. Dine in or take-out is available. For a list of participating restaurants visit the website.

Francine starts weekend brunch and weekday lunch

About a month ago Scottsdale’s newest restaurant Francine opened after afew months delay at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This weekend they start serving brunch and on Monday they start their lunch service.

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Garrison Brothers

Phoenix City Grille & Garrison Brothers pair a 5-course dinner

The central Phoenix restaurant and the distillery join forces Saturday September 26th for spirits pairing dinner. The occasion celebrates the release of Garrison Brothers Cowboy 2020 Bourbon. Chef Micah Wyzlic uses the bourbon in his dishes along with them sipped on with each course. Dinner is $125 per person ++ and the menu can be viewed at http://www.phoenixcitygrille.com/ with reservations made by calling 602-510-7174 or emailing Britnee Reed at Privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

Macayo’s popular Pumpkin Flan now available at all restaurants

It doesn’t feel like Autumn in Arizona yet but the Mexican restaurant has added the delicious dessert to the menu. Made with Fall spices, the dessert is $5.79 at all 7 locations around the valley.

24 Carrots shuts dining room to focus on take-out

Owner Sasha Raj has transformed her Tempe plant based restaurant for take out and now uses the dining room as a collection site for donations for the Navajo Nation. Donations can be dropped off every Wednesday. Raj regularly serves & donates meals and food to many other under served people and  non-profits.

“Chopped” champion Chef Nick LaRosa has a new menu at Nook Kitchen

Arcadia’s Nook Kitchen has re-opened this week with a new menu from Chef Nick LaRosa. The restaurant moved to a new larger location along Indian School Road in December and was humming along as it did at the old location when Covid- 19 broke out. They did take out until several nearby restaurants were hit with the virus and owner Frank Vairo and partners decided to close for the summer.

Nicholas Winger, managing partner, said: “We can’t wait to welcome back our guests.  We are operating with limited-seating and dining socially distanced due to pandemic regulations, so we encourage reservations, especially with our small dining room. It fills up quickly.”

What’s on the menu from Chef Nick LaRosa

With the opening comes a new menu of Italian favorites with a modern twist from LaRosa. House made pastas and fresh ingredients are on the menu such as Casarecce Bolognese for meat lovers and Veggie Campanelle for vegetarians. Napolitano styled pizzas are still coming out of the pizza oven along with entrees such as pan-seared salmon, a double bone-in pork chop and the Nook Burger.

LaRosa was champion of the Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2017 and has earned other local accolades.

Chef Nick LaRosa
Aracini

“We’re excited and want to shout from the rooftops that ‘we’re back!’ ” LaRosa said. “And we’re really happy to be back, too.  The time off has given us the opportunity to add new menu items, plus fantastic desserts and still focus on the dishes we know our patrons love. “The specialness of our food is Italian with a twist.  If you want to eat hearty, we’ve got it.  If you’d rather eat light, we’ve got that too in spades.”

The menu also includes appetizers including Brussel Chips, Aracini and more. Exciting new desserts include a gelato flight from Cool Gelato and Nook’s version of Affogatto. Sommelier Matthew Wohleb has created a new and old world wine list to compliment the cuisine and mixoligist Gabe Chavez mixes up the cocktail program.

Nook Kitchen opens Wednesday thru Sunday at 5 p.m. and is at 4231 E. Indian School R. Phoenix 85018.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Sphinx Date Company announces re-opening

The Palm & Pantry market has re-opened Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. in old town Scottsdale. Just in time for the 2020 date harvest and leading into the holiday season.

Dutch Bros Coffee raises money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Friday September 18th all 28 locations will donate $1 from every drink sold to the hospitals Buck for Kids day of Giving.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar celebrates National Cheeseburger Day

The week of September 14th-18th the Scottsdale & Camelback locations are letting you double burgers in celebration. Get another patty for free when you order online and take your burger to go. Use promo code “double” at check out to redeem.

Milkshakes are only $4 at Miracle Mile Deli

Celebrate National Milkshake Day is Saturday September 12th and Miracle Mile Deli all month with a chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake for a low price.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s in Scottsdale

The restaurant resumes its series of wine dinners on Thursday September 17th with the Napa Valley winery. Tables of 8 will be 6 feet apart and other safety precautions will be followed. The 5 course dinner paired with 5 wines is $90 per person plus tax & tip. To see the menu and make your reservation visit their website.

Mad Flavors Coffee delivers cold brew to your door

We’ve here about the demise of many small businesses from the pandemic, especially the toll taken by restaurants and food related businesses that relied on walk-in business. As many fall, others will rise taking advantage of the new reality of on-line ordering and contact-free delivery. The new Mad Flavors Coffee offers the both when it delivers cold brew and whole bean coffee to your door.

What’s not to like about the gluten-free, un-sweetened, zero calorie, dairy-free & vegan half gallon and gallon containers of cold brew. Mad Flavors has started with 4 flavors of cold brew Horchata, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Costa Rican and Strawberry Mocha and 15 flavors of single origin whole bean in 12 oz. bags.

“I’m thrilled to finally launch Mad Flavors. I’ve been in the coffee business for over 10 years in Phoenix, so, being able to bring my own brand to fruition and share my passion for flavored coffee with my community is something myself and my family are very proud of. I can’t wait for everyone to try it,” says founder Astro Alvarez.

“Nuestro amor, nuestra pasión. Our cold brew flavors are what set our company apart from the rest. We source only the highest quality beans and roast them daily right here in Phoenix. We flavor our coffee with no added sugars, syrups, or sweeteners,” continued Alvarez.

Coffee drinkers can get FREE delivery in the Phoenix area based on the daily delivery zone found on the website. Outside of Phoenix Mad Flavors Coffee will deliver beans for home brewing. The cold brew can be strong so drinkers can adjust strength by adding to your desired strength and flavor. Flavors will be added to on a regular basis.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.

Trevor’s Liquors to offer retail and a beer & wine bar in south Scottsdale

With all the new development in the southern part of Scottsdale new businesses are opening to provide amenities in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the valley. With the new Papago Plaza under construction and other developments along Scottsdale and McDowell roads residents new and old will have a new wine and beer retailer when Trevor’s Liquors opens in November. It will be joining RIFT Tap & Wine Bar which just opened nearby that I posted about in July.

Trevor’s is the sister to Prescott’s Park Plaza Liquors & Deli and is owned by Jeff McDonald and Trevor Philips. Over 15,000 sq. ft. of space will include a large selection of single barrel bourbons and Arizona’s largest selection of agave. Beers will be housed in a walk in beer cave and and 50 reach in cooler doors. Trevor’s will also offer a 400 sq. ft. cigar humidor and a dedicated cigar patio. A craft beer and wine bar with a covered beer garden patio will let customers to enjoy beverages and socialize.

There’s a game area with corn hole boards and a rotating schedule of food trucks will be scheduled for customers. Trevor’s will be at 7340 E. McDowell Rd. 85257. For more information check out their website.

Momma’s Organic Market adds 2 new farmer’s market locations

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.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers to open 3rd Phoenix location

Less than a year after opening their 2nd brick & mortar location in Litchfield Park, award-winning Aioli Gourmet Burgers is set to open their 3rd location. On Labor Day, September 7th at 430 E. Bell Rd. Phoenix 85022 is when & where it all happens. The location should be familiar to burger fans as it was the home to the former Caveman Burgers. Customers can expect the usual mix of gourmet burgers, fries, milk shakes, mac n cheese bites and more.

In addition their original location at Shea & 32nd St is now back open for dine-in service.

Press Coffee’s new blend supports local non-profits

Community Blend is the latest whole bean coffee from local roaster Press Coffee. Every 3 months the company will donate profits from the sales of Community Blend to a local non-profit. Current sales will be donated to Arizona Coalition for Change, an organization that empowers people to help transform their community by building civic power, just & equitable schools and safer neighborhoods.

Community Blend retails for $19 at all locations or online at http://www.presscoffee.com/

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1/2 off cheese pizza at Fired Pie for National Cheese Pizza Day

Saturday September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day and all 21 Fired Pie locations are celebrating. Guests can get 1/2 off with the purchase of a beverage. One purchase per customer and not available on 3rd party deliveries.

LDV Winery temporarily closes Scottsdale tasting room

Structural work in the building housing the tasting room has forced them to close until early October. Guests and wine club members can still still purchase wine for pick up or delivery by calling 602-320-1485 or emailing info@LDVWinery.com

Check their Facebook page or Instagram for updates.

Lobster lovers get your roll at Pedal Haus Brewery

Can’t make it to Cape Cod this summer like me, Pedal Haus Brewery is bringing a cape favorite to you. For $24 you get a Maine lobster roll, side of crispy fries & Day Drinker Light Lager while supplies last. Both downtown Tempe & downtown Chandler locations are serving this summer time favorite.

d’Vine Gourmet now sells Serrano’s Original Salsa & Red Hot Sauce

Two locally owned family businesses joined forces when d’Vine Gourmet started selling Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant’s Original Salsa and Red Hot Sauce. Both businesses are based in Chandler and are passionate about supporting the local community. Serrano’s co-founder Evangeline “Eva” Serrano developed both recipes and her picture graces the label of both bottles.

“We’ve been sharing our salsa and hot sauce with our customers for more than 40 years now, and we’ve been fortunate to grow a robust fan following. We’ve even shipped our products across the country to those who want a taste of Arizona,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “Offering our product at d’Vine is a natural extension of our product line, and we’re excited about the partnership with another Chandler-based, family owned business.”

d’Vine Gourmet was founded in 2003 by Denise McCreery to share her love of food, wine and unique culinary creations. d’Vine produces a line of jams, mustard, candies, spices and more in addition to selling local goodies like chocolates from Cerreta’s and Cactus Candies.

“We love everything about Arizona, especially the food! Visiting Serrano’s in downtown Chandler has been a family tradition for more than a decade,” McCreery said. “We are proud and excited to now carry their delicious salsa and hot sauce in our store!”

d’ Vine Gourmet is at 4955 S. Alma School Rd. 85248. For more information or to order online visit their website.