SugarJam The Southern Kitchen celebrates a busy 2 years

Two years in the restaurant business might as well be a lifetime therefore it worth celebrating. That’s what’s been going on lately at north Scottsdale’s popular brunch spot SugarJam The Southern Kitchen. Owner Dana Dumas started baking her SugarJam cookies over 20 years ago for friends and family and business has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 2 years.

With no formal training cooking herself she learned from her Le Cordon Bleu trained great aunt Mable and her grandmother Thelma how to make baked goods and the family’s southern food recipes. Dana herself grew up in New York City and the suburbs of New Jersey (like yours truly) before moving to Scottsdale after the events of September 11th 2001. A career in business for Macy’s and Toy’s R Us taught her how businesses were run and how to use marketing to her advantage.

“It is an honor to bring authentic southern cuisine to the Valley and to be able to create a unique brunch experience that brings everyone together,” said Dumas. “I am truly grateful for the outpour of love and support from my customers over the past two years, and since the beginning of SugarJam. We are excited for another year at SugarJam The Southern Kitchen and all that’s in store.”

The early years at SugarJam

Dana started SugarJam Cookies in 2011 baking her signature jam filled sugar cookies at home and selling them at farmer’s markets and street fairs. With demand growing she needed more kitchen space for baking and the catering requests she was getting. She found a spot down the road from the current location in the Scottsdale Airpark. The bakery and small cafe featured a small breakfast & lunch menu and her baked goods. Things we going well until March of 2020 when the Covid pandemic brought dining out to a halt. The business started doing family meals and before she knew there were cars lined up for a few hours on Friday nights and Saturday mornings for people to pick up their meals.

As restaurants began to open up in the Spring, Dana knew once again she would need more room to accommodate the growing popularity of her cooking and baking. It turns out as she and her husband started looking at other locations nearby, one of her regular customers was a property manager of a strip mall a mile up the road with a vacancy. After the owners would fly in to meet with her and taste her Southern cooking, a deal was struck and SugarJam The Southern Kitchen opened on January 29th 2021.

SugarJam cookies

She hasn’t gone without some struggles like that of the rest of the restaurant industry. Staffing and supply chain issues had Dana treading cautiously but now has a staff of 32 “family” members serving breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday. Several have been with her the last two years. She tried dinner service, although successful it wasn’t successful when it came to a work life balance as a wife and mother of 2 teenage boys and dinner was short lived. When not in school or driving them to high school sports her sons and husband may be found lending mom a helping hand at the restaurant. Her dad played a role in helping design the restaurant and is her “Mr. Fix It” when needed.

In the summer of 2022 she opened The Market at SugarJam, a gift shop featuring finds from local and national businesses.

I know you’re asking what’s on the menu? How about scratch made Creole Shrimp N’ Grits, French Toast & Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders with a delicious house made rum maple syrup, Salmon Croquettes, Catfish and Southern style grits along with pies, beignets and lots more. With a full bar guests can enjoy craft cocktails and flights of Mimosas.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks Dana will do some re-arranging moving The Market and cases filled with baked goods to an adjoining space she’s used for extra seating capacity. The freed up space will have more seating and a better flow enhancing the guest experience.

Having picked up several corporate and private catering opportunities she’s staffing up and training the kitchen staff in order to bring back catering in the coming weeks to grow the business. Don’t expect to see other locations of SugarJam as it’s not in the cards for her. The time away from the Airpark location would have her spending less time in the kitchen and with her customers. She also feels that it’s a destination restaurant with many guests flying in to Scottsdale Airport and making the restaurant their first stop.

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is at 15111 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85260. Hours are Wednesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with the kitchen closing at 2:30. To view the menu and for more information visit 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 you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Bring your favorite pooch to Morning Squeeze on August 26th.

Celebrate National Dog Day next Thursday at the popular breakfast & lunch spots locations in Scottsdale, Tempe & downtown Phoenix. Bring them by the restaurant for a free house-made biscuit or something else from the Tail Waggers menu. $.99 Mimosas for you, dog lovers.

Wine Tasting Wednesday Wine at The Mick

One of the best restaurants to open in 2020 is Scottsdale’s The Mick Brasserie & Bar and every Wednesday they host a tasting, usually wine, starting at 6 p.m. Chef Brent (check out my podcast with Brent) creates a special menu for the night and prices do vary week to week. Next Wed. Aug. 25th they’re doing a sake tasting, Sept. 1st- Chardonnays from around the world. Sept. 8th- South African wines, Sept. 15th– Winemaker from Smith/Deveraux Winery Sept. 22nd– Four Peaks Brewery. Visit their website for more information and to see their menu and other up-coming events.

The Buzz Eatery now open in Kierland Commons

After a soft opening in the spring the breakfast, lunch & early dinner spot is now open. Catch a “buzz” from their selection of coffee drinks, wine, cocktails & adult popsicles while enjoying bagels, acai bowls, baked goods, treats and more from their breakfast and all day menu. They open at 7 a.m. Mon. – Sat. & Sun at 8 a.m. and close daily at 7 p.m. For more information and to see the menu check out their website.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row adds new dishes to the menu

The Gilbert location added 7 new dishes recently from new Executive Chef Dustin Cooke. Sweet Chili Cauliflower, Bourbon Glazed Wings, Truffle Mushroom Burger and Maple Almond Salmon are few of the rock star dishes.

FRANCINE celebrates its 1st anniversary with new cocktails

The French inspired Mediterranean restaurant in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square added new cocktails available through the Fall & Winter. The French Connection, an infused rum and St. Germain cocktail, Summer Thyme, uses a Silencio Mezcal base. Le Jardin combines Citadelle gin & yellow chartreuse San Remo is a premium whiskey-based cocktail and Archies Nightcap starts with Botanist Gin & Averna Amaro. All cocktails were created by bartenders Frank Soldano, Gage Myette, Trevyn StClair with the help of Executive Chef Brian ” Chef Archie” Archibald.

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.

NYC experience coming to new Chompie’s Deli’s Phoenix location

When the new Chompie’s Deli opens this summer it will be like going home without leaving Phoenix. The new location at 32nd St & Cactus Rd. it will be only a mile away from the original location the Borenstein family opened at 32nd St & Shea Blvd. in 1979. For us East Coast transplants it will be like going home to visit NYC.

Enter the new 27,000 square foot restaurant through the bakery and market that will also be the hub for all baking, kosher cooking, and packaged goods. The NYC styled market will offer fresh baked bagels, breads, pastry and merchandise. A barista bar will be serving coffee drinks including cold brew, espresso and a variety of caffeinated beverages. The larger location allows Chompie’s to expand its gluten-free and keto friendly baked good for the menu and retail.

Chompie’s and its new investment partner JRI Hospitality have envisioned this type of NYC experience restaurant since it decided close its Paradise Valley Mall location (closing May 17th) last year as the mall goes into re-development.

“We all are extremely excited to bring Chompie’s back to its old stomping grounds and to be a part of the revitalization of the area,” says Mark Borenstein, co-founder and owner. “We’re so humbled by the support of our loyal customers and proud of everything the Chompie’s brand has come to represent for so many — a great meal anytime, a feast for the holidays, a dozen bagels to bring to the office, a beautiful cake for a celebration, or just a really good cup of coffee or a Bloody Mary to enjoy while catching up with a longtime friend. We intend to be part of our customers’ best memories for years to come.”

NYC state of mind

Entering the restaurant guests will recognize the glitz, a mural of the NYC skyline and memorabilia including the iconic Times Square ball from New Year’s Eve. The patio will remind you of Central Park with greenery, trees and lights among the various seating including a community tables and lounge seating.

“It’s an honor for us to partner with the Borenstein family to help Chompie’s grow and develop well into the future,” says Jason Ingermanson, CEO and president of JRI. “This partnership allows the family to remain an integral part of the restaurants’ day-to-day operations while we explore opportunities to further expand the brand that they’ve worked so hard to build to what is it today.”

When the new restaurant opens it will be filled with grand opening events and fundraisers. The new restaurant will be at 3212 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix and more information is at their website.

Super Chunk Sweets & Treats owners to open New Wave Market

With the success and national recognition of their Super Chunk Sweets & Treats store owners Sergio & Country Velador figured now would be the right time to take 1,100 square feet next door to open their mom & pop New Wave Market in May. Still under construction the new store front will offer breads and baked goods, a lunch menu, house made ice cream and locally roasted coffee.

The old town Scottsdale location will have room to sell unique & quirky retail items and space for classes where they will teach how to make baked goods and crafts. “We want to take back the tradition of making things,” said Country. “There’s a new wave of interest in craft – in the actual ‘how-to’ of creating something yourself. New Wave Market is our way of celebrating that.”

The Velador’s focus will be baked goods with savory breads, take away lunches, specialty ice cream cones and cup and an espresso bar. Unique retail items from small batch producers such as American Spoon, COOP’s Microcreamery, and Curio Spice Co. and items for around the house and gifts from Funko, Fishs Eddy & Imm Living.

“We want to show off businesses that focus on creating high quality products in small batches,” Country said. “The goal is to have a unique, food-centric selection that will appeal to kids and adults alike.”

New Wave Market will be at 7120 E. 6th Ave. #20 Scottsdale 85251 and an exact date of opening is not yet scheduled. You can follow the progress & get an opening by checking out their social media @NewWaveMarket or website https://www.newwavemarket.com/

 

 

A garden fresh Easter brunch at The Farm at South Mountain

With St. Patrick’s Day in the rear view mirror and spring training closer to the end than the start, restaurants are now looking to Easter Sunday for more spring time fun & celebrating. The Farm at South Mountain is no different and is gearing up for its garden fresh Easter brunch on Sun. April 16th.

Considered as one of the best brunches in Phoenix, seating will be begin at 8:30 a.m. and every 15 minutes after that until 11:15 a.m. Guest will be able to enjoy over 10 buffet options that include a selection of fresh-baked pastries including Coffee Cake, Danishes and more along with The Farm’s famous Pecan French Toast, scrambled eggs with Cheddar cheese, salsa, vegetables and more.You can’t serve brunch without Applewood smoked bacon and country sausage.

If you prefer to eat on the lighter side several salads including Caprese and Kale & Quinoa will be available along with yogurt and granola, dried fruits and cheeses and much more.

Make sure you’re wearing your Sunday best as the Easter bunny will be there to have your photo taken. After brunch burn it off by playing one of the several yard games, stroll through the garden or the chicken coop.

This special brunch is priced at $55.95 for adults, $25.95 for children 8-12 years, $15.95 for children 2-7 years and children under 2 are free. An 8.1% sales tax & 20% production fee are extra and cancellations will not be accepted after April 12th. For more information, to view the full menu & make a reservation for the family visit http://www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com/

The Farm at South Mountain is at 6106 S. 32nd St. Phoenix 85042. (602)243-9081

 

Eat: Reindeer Sausage Scramble on the menu at Original Breakfast House for the holiday season

Tis the season to EAT, drink and be merry and the Original Breakfast House in Phoenix has the “eat” part covered for you. OBH owner John Stidham has added several seasonal items to his breakfast menu including Reindeer Sausage Scramble ($10.95), Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes($9.95) try saying that 3Xs after some Eggnog, Coconut Macaroons ($2.25) and Gluten Free Brownies ($3.25).

Reindeer Sausage Scramble photo courtesy of Joanie Simon

The unique & tasty sounding Reindeer Sausage Scramble comes with Smoked Gouda Cheese and roasted red peppers.

Original Breakfast House’s Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes photo courtesy of Joanie Simon

Original Breakfast House is at 13623 N. 32nd St (at Thunderbird) Phoenix 85032. 602-482-2328 & is open 7 days a week from 6:30 am – 2pm http://www.obhphx.com/

 

 

CELEBRATE FALL WITH SCRUMPTIOUS AUTUMN TREATS AT CHOMPIE’S

MADE FROM SCRATCH BAKERY AND MENU ITEMS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME

Fall is finally in the air and Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York Deli, is celebrating with delicious new made-from scratch treats in their bakeries and restaurants.

Fall flavors in the bakeries include:

· Pumpkin Bagels

· Pumpkin Cream Cheese

· Pumpkin Spice Muffins

· Gourmet Pumpkin Scones

· Pumpkin Loaf with Pumpkin Icing

· Orange and Brown Cookies

· Orange-Cranberry Bagels

· Orange-Cranberry Scones

Enjoy for dine in in our restaurants: (Breakfast items served all day!)

Pumpkin-Cranberry-Pecan Pancakes-Gourmet pumpkin pancakes made from our house scratch batter filled with cranberries and pecans.
Cranberry-Pumpkin Waffles
Pumpkin Crème Brulée -Our Featured Autumn Dessert!

Autumn treats are only available for a limited time at all four of Chompie’s locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler. Bakery selections may vary by location. To download a complete menu goes to www.chompie’s.com.

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