Tag: beer

Zach Hunter joins Pedal Haus Brewery as Culinary Director

Pedal Haus Brewery recently announced the hiring of Michelin starred Chef Zach Hunter as its new Culinary Director. Hunter is no stranger to the Phoenix restaurant scene as he attended Arizona Culinary Institute before working at restaurants in Spain, NYC and Austin. The Illinois native came to Pedal Haus from Fox Restaurant Concepts and had previously worked at Wildfish in Scottsdale.

One of Hunter’s first tasks was to update the brunch menu at the downtown Phoenix location with the Chandler and Tempe locations to see the updated menu in the next couple of months. He will also focus on updating the menus frequently, beer pairing dinners, using more seasonal & locally sourced ingredients and spend more time 1 on 1 & mentoring the other chefs at Pedal Haus. Guests will find new dishes such as PB&J Sticky Buns, Smoked Short Rib Hash, Fried Chicken & Belgian Liege Waffles and more on the new brunch menu.

“Zach is an incredible chef and brings an impressive amount of experience and expertise with him. We’re excited to have him join the Pedal Haus family,” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “We look forward to elevating our food menu to match our expertly crafted beers and offering something unexpected to our guests.”

The career of Zach Hunter

After graduating ACI, Zach worked at Mugaritz in Spain and Atera in New York City where both were awarded two Michelin stars. From there he headed back out west to Austin where he was part of the research and development teams at Chef Tyson Cole’s acclaimed Uchi and Uchiko restaurants, before working at the namesake restaurant of James Beard award winner Paul Qui. At Qui, he was an important part of creating the multi-course menu in the restaurant’s tasting room.

He then went to Ausin’s Brewer’s Table as executive chef and learned about pairing beer and food. He was named Rising Star Chef of the Year by CultureMap Austin and the restaurant was named Restaurant of the Year by Austin Monthly Magazine.

“I’m thrilled to join the Pedal Haus family and work closely with our amazing teams to evolve and elevate our culinary program,” said Hunter. “I’m so excited to dive in head-first with my passion for hospitality and cuisine that seamlessly connects food and beer!”

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.

Z’Tejas new Fall menu launches Monday

Executive chef Diego Bolanos adds new seasonal dishes to the menu for a limited time. Pan Seared Dumplings ($11), Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas ($17), Pasta with Poached Lobster ($25) and Pumpkin Cheesecake ($11) are a few available for lunch or dinner in Scottsdale and Chandler.

Barro’s Pizza teams up with Dr Pepper for tuition giveaway

One lucky student will win $10,000 for tuition during the 2022 Barro’s Pizza Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway. Any Arizona resident 18 & over can submit an entry until December 19th. The winner can use the money for expenses, tuition or to pay of student loans with the winner picked at random. $95,000 has been awarded to students from the giveaway since 2012.

1/2 priced quesadilla’s at Jalapeño Inferno

Sunday, September 25th the local restaurant with 2 locations in north Scottsdale and one in Peoria is offering their Sonoran Grilled Quesadilla for National Quesadilla Day. The quesadilla comes with shredded Mexican cheeses, green chiles, sour cream, and guacamole.

National Chimichanga Day deal at Macayo’s

Who isn’t looking to save a couple of bucks every now and then, if that sounds like you then head down to one of the 8 Macayo’s locations on Monday, September 26th where their signature Original Chimichanga is only $10. Get it with shredded chicken or beef all day long with a side of rice or beans for $.76 each.

Get Oktoberfest food at Pedal Haus Brewery until the beer runs out

Brats, schnitzel, German style flammkuchen and more are on the menu at all 3 locations until their Oktoberfest beer runs out. Next Saturday, October 1st the local brewer celebrates with a festival with SanTan Brewing Co. in downtown 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.

Four Peaks Oktoberfest coming to Tempe Beach Park

Three days of live music, carnival rides, wiener dog races, a celebrity brat eating contest and more are scheduled for the return of Four Peaks Oktoberfest to downtown Tempe. The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Friday October 7th with happy hour and goes until Sunday afternoon at Tempe Beach Park.

Festival goers won’t be bored with entertainment from start to finishing that also includes watch parties for both ASU and Cardinal games on Saturday and Sunday. Bands such as Authority Zero, Wyves, The Black Moods, 2 Tone Lizard Kings, Voyager and SuperHero will entertain attendees on 2 stages. Denmark Foods will be featuring vegetarian and poblano chicken empanadas along with Island Noodles and German desserts. Four Peaks beers will be poured along with German style drafts, wine and cocktails.

Tickets for Pour Peaks Oktoberfest are $20 on Friday and Saturday with free admission on Sunday. Attendees under 20 years old are free all weekend and pre-sale tickets are available for discounts. For more information and to purchase tickets head to their website.

Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits brings Oktoberfest to Ahwatukee

If you can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest then make your way to Ahwatukee for the 2nd annual WCKD Oktoberfest at Wicked Brews, Bites and Spirits on Wednesday September 14th. Their Oktoberfest Lager will also be released on this Wicked Wednesday, the weekly all day happy hour that features live music at night from Abby and Luke.

Put on your favorite pair of lederhosen and raise your glass and sing while enjoying a special German inspired menu. A classic sausage platter, pork shank, pork schnitzel are featured along with Brewja Brats and a Bavarian Charcuterie Board. Chef Gee’s menu will be served until mid-October and the Lager will be on tap until it’s gone.

The rich and malty German lager is balanced with clean hop bitterness. A blend of hops gives the beer a traditional hop flavor with nuances of toasted bread, biscuits and caramel.

Wicked Brews, Bites & Spirits is at 4921 E. Ray Rd. Phoenix 85044. For more information visit their website.
Hear wicked Brews owner Chip Mahoney on Episode 13 of my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman

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.

California vs. Oregon: Pinot Battle at Hotel Valley Ho

The hotel’s monthly Versus Series dinner tries to answer the age old question, who makes better pinot noir, California or Oregon? Diners at the Thursday September 15th dinner will help decide. The four course dinner featuring seafood and duck will pair perfectly with the chosen wines. Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. and is $129 ++ per person. To make a reservation call 480-421-7997.

National Cheese Pizza Day at Streets of New York

All 16 Arizona locations will be celebrating one of the best foods ever made on Monday September 5th. Buy one pizza get another at 1/2 off whether you dine-in or take-out. If ordering online use promo code 50%OFFPIZZA.

Labor Day specials around Phoenix

Take Monday September 5th off and enjoy yourself and save some hard earned money on food & drinks around town.

Fired Pie is giving 20% off entrees when you order online or in person use or mention code LBR20.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Chandler and downtown Phoenix offer its new “World’s Best Happy Hour” starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy $4 select Haus beers, $5 well drinks, $6 Haus margs/Haus wine and $7 steins. Plus, $3 bacon popcorn, $4 Haus mac & cheese, $5 loaded fries, $6 Haus smoked wings, $7 happy burgers.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill celebrates the end of summer all weekend long.

    • Friday, 9/2/2022 – $5 Frozen Thai Mai’s and Ginger-Lime Margaritas all day long!
    • Saturday, 9/3/2022 – BOGO Half Price Sushi Rolls… buy one sushi roll, get another sushi roll for half price
    • Sunday, 9/4/2022 – 15% off Take Out Orders
    • Monday, 9/5/2022 – All Day Happy Hour… enjoy Happy Hour food and drink specials all day long!

Chef’s Table: A Night of Favorites at Hearth ’61

Wednesday September 14th’s special five course dinner will feature each culinary team member’s all-time favorite dish. Start with passed hors d’ oeuvres and sparkling wine before dinner that will be paired with award-winning wines. A complimentary room for the night is also included. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and is $250 per person, or $500 per couple. To reserve your seat and room visit http://mountainshadows.com.

Everything Lobster all month at STK Steakhouse

The Scottsdale steakhouse is featuring the seafood delicacy until September 30th with a special lobster focused menu. Choose one or all for an appetizer or entree; Lobster Roll ($49), Lobster Caviar Salad ($45), Maine Lobster Ravioli ($42) and Spicy Lobster Rigatoni ($62).

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.

Hundred Mile Brewing Company dream coming true

In the next couple months Sue Rigler’s dream of opening a brewery becomes reality when she opens Hundred Mile Brewing Company in Tempe. She’ll be opening it with co-founder Todd Kessel who brings the experience of general contractor of breweries to the table.

“Opening my own craft brewery after the last of my four kids finished high school has been a longtime dream of mine,” says Rigler. She is no stranger to the brewing industry herself as she’s worked for brewery equipment manufactures and has done research at over 500 breweries. She completed the Certification Brewing Program at U.C. San Diego and has served on the board of the Pink Boots Society, a non-profit raining awareness and funds for women in brewing.

Head Brewer Valerie Adee will focus on brewing hoppy, West Coast IPAs and Pilsners in the 10 barrel brewing system. Adee learned to make beer while at ASU before heading to California to learn more at Firestone Walker and as Head Brewer at Trademark Brewing. Once opened Hundred Mile will brew and pour 24 craft beers on tap and to ensure the freshest beer no beers brewed will travel more than a hundred miles away. A full menu will feature tacos, burgers and other beer friendly foods.

Hundred Mile Brewing Company, a community spot

The three attended ASU so the Tempe was ideal for them. “This location, by Tempe Town Lake and ASU, is where my energy is centered — from being on the same dirt as the Devil House and becoming an Ironman finisher in and around Tempe Town Lake to my deep love for the city of Tempe and ASU. It exceeds my dreams and is truly perfect for everything I envision Hundred Mile Brewing Company to be!”

Over 10,000 square feet will accommodate brewing operations, two bars, event space, a taproom and a dog friendly patio. Rigler envisions the space to be a community meeting spot not just for beer lovers but for bicycling & running clubs and to make connections throughout the community.

“We are built on the foundation of our love for clean, balanced handcrafted fresh beer,” she says. “We will serve this beer with incredible, high-quality food in an atmosphere that is friendly, respectful and welcoming to all of our guests. We hope Hundred Mile Brewing Company becomes the new gathering place of Tempe and surrounding neighborhoods.”

Hundred Mile Brewing Company will be at 690 N. Scottsdale Rd. Tempe 85281. 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.

A new modern look at Federico’s 25th location in Tolleson

The locally owned Mexican fast food restaurant shows off a new modern look and the same classic tacos, burritos, tortas and more. The new location at 220 N. 83rd Ave. is open 24 hours a day offering daily and Taco Tuesday specials. Co-owners Isidro Araiza, Ricardo Araiza and Carlos Vazquez opened the first Federico’s in 2005 with other locations throughout the Phoenix area, Arizona and New Mexico.

3rd Tuesday dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Three courses paired with California wines is how Chef Romeo Taus shows off his popular dishes and his next dinner is Tuesday August 16th. $39.00 gets you a seat at the table; reserve your seat by calling 480-962-4224.

Walter Station Brewery’s Ale Wagger to raise funds for life saving pet programs

The local brewer and Arizona Animal Welfare league (AAWL) team up for the new Ale Wagger for the rest of the summer or while supplies last. On Saturday August 20th celebrate with a launch party from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to load up on some beer, food and puppy cuddles. A portion of the proceeds will go towards vet services, vaccinations, pet education and more.

Back to school deals at Picazzo’s in August

Every Monday this month Buy One, Get One 50% off lunch combos and Kid’s Eat Free on Wednesday’s. Lunch is from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and kid’s 12 and under get a free Junior Meal with a purchase of $25 or more. Available at all 6 locations in Phoenix and Sedona.

White Castle opening 2nd Arizona location

Love them or hate them, east coast and mid-westerners have an affinity toward these sliders. A new Tempe location has been announced with a mid-2023 opening planned. The first Arizona location opened in 2019 on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Reservation off the Loop 101 in Scottsdale.

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.

Breweries team up to host Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Two local breweries are combining their efforts to throw one hell of a beer festival. SanTan Brewing Co. and Pedal Haus Brewery host the Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest on Saturday October 1st at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park from 3 – 11 p.m. Both are familiar with downtown Chandler as SanTan has its brewpub their and Pedal Haus has a taproom nearby.

“Oktoberfest is always one of the most festive and fun times of the year,” said Alejandro Fontes, sales director with SanTan Brewing Company. “We’re excited to partner with our friends and neighbors at Pedal Haus Brewery and look forward to serving our award-winning brews and spirits to patrons of the 2022 event in Chandler.”

Both breweries will be pour beers including German styled Oktoberfest and seriving foods including pretzels, brats and more. Put down the beer and have fun with Oktoberfest games including Stein holding, a wiener toss and sausage eating contests. A Desert Polka party and live music from Hit Rewind and The Dirt will entertain the crowds.

“We are stoked to be joining forces with our friends at SanTan to throw one of the best Oktoberfest events in the Valley this year,” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “I’ll be emceeing the stein holding and sausage eating competitions, so grab your friends and lederhosen, this is going to be a fun event!”

Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

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.

 

 

Sour & Sweet Beer Fest coming to Scottsdale in August

Fate Brewing Company host’s the first annual Sour & Sweet Beer Fest Saturday August 13th at The Clayton House in Old Town Scottsdale. Fate’s director of Operations Steve Ellefson and Head Brewmaster Adam came up the idea for the new beer festival only a few months ago as they noticed the popularity of sour beers and no other festivals taking place during the summer. Sour beers are one way brewers can get creative using a “melting pot” of ingredients for unique flavor profiles.

“A crisp lager or sour hits differently on a hot Arizona summer day,” said Fate Head Brewer Adam Schmeichel. “So, we thought, ‘Why not bring together the best light and sour beers our brewing community has to offer into one festival?’ Thus, the Sour & Sweet Beer Fest was born. Best of all, we’ll be indoors.” Fate will be pouring their Blueberry Lemonade sour which uses lemons from Tempe’s Silent Orchard.

What to expect at Sour & Sweet Beer Fest

13 Arizona breweries will be pouring over 50 light & sour beers and ciders at the event that begins at 1 p.m. Familiar names such as Grand Canyon Brewing, Goldwater Brewing and Cider Corps are a few breweries that will be in attendance. Popular food trucks Dilla Libre, French Me and Eis Cafe will have food for purchase during the festival. A collaborative dessert from Fate and Eis will feature the Blueberry Lemonade sour and Birthday Cake ice cream for the festival.

Tickets for the Sour & Sweet Beer Fest are $45 for general admission which gets you 15 tasting tickets and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are $65 and get you early entry at 12 p.m. and a commemorative t-shirt. Designated driver tickets are $10 and the event is rain or shine with no refunds. Tickets can be purchased online or at Fate’s Tempe or Scottsdale locations where you can save the processing fee. The event is for 21 & over and The Clayton House is at 3719 N.75 St. Scottsdale 85251. Free parking is located at the event or in the nearby Civic Center Library garage.

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.

Hotel Valley Ho’s next Sip + Shop is next week

Tickets for the Olé! Latin Flavors themed marketplace is available at Eventbrite for next Saturday July 16th. Entry is FREE to taste local foods and shop for artisan goods. It happens once at month from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Next Thursday July 14th is their monthly Versus Series Dinner with a Bastille Day celebration. Executive Chef Russell LaCasce pairs each course with a beer from Greenwood Brewing and wine from Eco Terreno Wines. Founder Megan Greenwood and Winemaker Mark Lyon will be joining the French inspired dinner. Seats are $109++ and dinner starts at 6 p.m. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Summer beer tours at PHX Beer Co.

Beat the heat with a cold beer and 30- minute tour of the local brewery at 3002 E. Washington in Phoenix. Tours are for those 21 and over and offered on Sundays at 1:00 or 3:00 p.m. The tour is $29 per person and includes a beef flight, an order of pretzel bites with beer fondue and a t-shirt.

Margarita’s to-go from Z’ Tejas

Join the new Jug Club and take home gallons of their famous margaritas for cool summer drinking. Two memberships are available with packages starting at $500 for a monthly gallon 12 times a year. A weekly membership is $2000 for the year gets you 52 gallons (a gallon a week). Each gallon serves 10-12 people and comes with chips and salsa. If you’re not ready to join single gallons are $60 with a “Beat the Heat” deal, they’re usually $80, Skinny, organic and top shelf margaritas are available at various prices. Jugs can be picked up at their Scottsdale or Chandler locations.

Cider Corps hours at new Gilbert taproom

The new taproom serving award-winning ciders are Tuesday -Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Brightside Burgers are available during those same hours. The taproom is at 685 S. Gilbert Rd.

B & B Cocktail Lounge now open in Scottsdale

The new cocktail lounge is open Wednesday-Saturday at 5 p.m. is next to their sister concept Bourbon & Bones Chophouse on Scottsdale Rd.

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

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