May being National BBQ Month, the 4 Haymaker restaurants in the West Valley invite you to get your BBQ Passport stamped in exchange for food, kind of. When you dine at all 4 locations in Peoria (2), Goodyear and Buckeye in May you can get your Passport stamped and once you’ve dined all 4 locations you will get a $50 gift card for a future visit.
Haymaker and Westside Concepts Owner Joey Lucidi has been perfecting his in-house smoked BBQ dishes and signature bourbon BBQ sauce since 2013. If BBQ isn’t for you, Haymaker offers a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes made from family recipes. Only !00% Angus Chuck beef is used for their burgers and signature dishes include Mama’s Meatloaf and the Haymaker Benedict and Pulled Pork Skillet are served all day along with all the breakfast dishes on the menu.
For more information and to find a location near you visit Haymaker’s website.
Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
Get the Golden Pancake, win pancakes for life at Eggstasy new Queen Creek location
Pancake lovers need to head to the new Queen Creek location tomorrow Saturday, April 5th as 3 guests will find a Golden Ticket with their order. Order any specialty pancakes or pancakes as your side dish for a chance to win. Its owner Peter Yarros way of saying “thank you” to the QC community who’s embraced the new location since opening in January.
Boo-Rrito raffle at Burrito Express in April
As ASU running back Cam Skattebo has announced he’s entering the upcoming NFL Draft guests ordering the signature Boo-Rrito any of the 7 restaurants around the valley will have the chance to enter the month-long raffle. Prizes include cleats, gloves and a signed football from the NFL hopeful. BE hopes to sell 3,000 Boo-Rrito’s (a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice) in April.
Papago Orange Blossom is Beer of the Month at Famous 48
As spring begins to bloom so is the Mandarin Wheat beer from the locally owned brewer at the Scottsdale restaurant. A 16 oz. pint is $5 and a 22 oz. is $7 for the light fruity and smooth draft beer.
Greek wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday
Have you ever had a Greek wine? Did you even know they made wine in Greece? Whether you did or didn’t know, the Roosevelt Row wine bar is pouring 3 Greek wines next Thursday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. Member or not you’ll get 20% off any bottles you purchase from the tasting.
Two from Arizona nominated for James Beard Award
The were over a dozen potential James Beard Award winners from Arizona when the semifinalists were announced earlier this year. The Foundation announced this week the nominees that will have the chance to win the prestigious restaurant industry award at the June 16th ceremony. Crystal Kass from Phoenix’s Valentine has the chance to win Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Lom Wong’s Yotaka Martin is up for Best Chef: Southwest.
Cave Creek’s original “Wild West Saloon and Restaurant”, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is in the news as they introduce new owners and several new dishes to their menu. Co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquaido welcome new co-owners Mike “Z” and Kris Ziebart of Carefree as long-time co-owners Bill and Marie Vale have turned over the reins to the saloon that’s been around for over 90 years.
“After more than 21 incredible years, our dear friends and longtime partners, Bill and Marie Vale, have decided to pass the torch,” said Danny Piacquadio, Harold’s longtime co-owner and general manager. “Their leadership, dedication, and passion have helped shape Harold’s into the iconic gathering place it is today, fostering a strong community spirit, supporting local charities and schools, and making Harold’s a true Cave Creek institution.”
New co-owners Jim “Z” and Kris Ziebart with longtime co-owners Danny and Meri Piacquadio. Photo courtesy of Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.
Bill is known around town as “Harold’s Mayor” and says there is something that brings people together at Harold’s for fun times and networking. The new co-owners are Wisconsin natives where they spend the summer and have no problem with their new restaurant being “Heinz Field West”, a gathering spot for Pittsburgh Steelers fans during the football season. “I may have my own bar stool with a Packers sticker hidden underneath it,” Ziebart joked. “And Kris says she looks better in black and gold, so we have acquired some Steelers swag.”
New on the menu at Harold’s Corral
The popular Cave Creek saloon and restaurant welcomes locals and tourists who will see new dishes to the menu next time they visit.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also has a reputation for attracting local and national musicians and bands who perform year-round. The owners are committed to growing the line-up of musicians and bands, including national acts, to perform at their outdoor venue behind the restaurant.
New dishes to the menu include….
Fried Pickles: Crispy battered dill pickle chips served with ranch dressing for $11.
JJ’s Loaded Totchos: Crispy tater tots with bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions served with a side of sour cream and chipotle ranch for $12.
Italian Stallion: A hearty sandwich featuring salami, Coppa, pepperoni and provolone cheese baked on an Italian roll and topped with jalapenos, onion, lettuce, tomatoes, and Italian dressing for $15.
Italian Calzone: A scrumptious calzone made with salami, Coppa, pepperoni, jalapeños, onions, and provolone cheese for $16.
Thunderbird Chicken: Delicious sauteed chicken with mushrooms in a wine cream sauce served over pasta for $19.
Grandma P’s Pizza. A Piacquadio family favorite featuring a 6 square pan focaccia style pizza with red sauce for $16.50 (toppings are extra).
For more information and to see the full menu visit their website.
Westside Concepts opened its newest breakfast, lunch and dinner concept Haymaker at Sunrise Market in Buckeye’s Verrado neighborhood last week. Known for its family recipes with an all-day breakfast menu that features Country Fried Steak & Eggs, 100% Angus Chuck beef burgers and signature dishes such as the Haymaker Benedict and Pulled Pork Skillet. The restaurant is also known for its large selection of whiskeys. The new Verrado location joins two in Peoria and in Goodyear.
“Haymaker is extremely special to us at Westside Concepts and to my family,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “It was our first concept, and it has propelled the entire company and its growth. We couldn’t be more excited to bring a brand no reimagined design and location to North Peoria, and a completely new location to great neighborhood of Verrado.”
The rustic farmhouse setting was designed Social Design Studio has 4,800 square feet features the main dining room, bar and outside patio. The open dining room offers natural wood finishes with a modern look.
The new Haymaker is at 20990 W. Sentinel Dr. #101 Buckeye. Visit their website for more information and to see the menu.
Hot off the grand reopening of The Mexicano, chef and restaurateur has announced his newest restaurant, Patsy’s New York Delicatessen opening this spring. The location should be familiar to many as it will be the newest concept in the former The Rosticceria restaurant and temporary home of The Mexicano pop-up. And if you’re familiar with Chef Joey’s other concepts you know there will be a signature attraction you haven’t seen in other restaurants.
“We’re bringing Arizona its first one-of-a-kind bagel bar, featuring 14 uniquely flavored cream cheeses—from artichoke & spinach dip to Nutella, and even a signature pastrami lox schmear,” says Chef Joey Maggiore, co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “Our New York-style bagels will be made fresh in-house daily, using authentic New York water for that perfect bite.”
Named after Joey’s grandfather’s nickname when he was a butcher in The Bronx, Patsy”s New York Delicatessen will offer classic Jewish deli food with Joey’s modern touch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant will offer both a fast casual counter for those on the go along with a full-service dining room serving breakfast sandwiches & platters, house smoked & cooked deli meats and towering NY style deli sandwiches. Potato knishes, sugar cookies, NY style cheesecake and Black & White cookies will give the deli a taste of NY nostalgia. A custom soda bar where diners can craft their own egg cream will catch diners’ attention.
Christina Maggiore is bringing Manhattan to Arizona with her interior design that includes an immersive art installation, diner red accents and an old school charm atmosphere with staff donning vintage dining hats. Patsy’s will soon be hiring for dozens of positions in the near future and an announcement will be made. Patsy’s New York Delicatessen is at 12811 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and updates follow the on social media at @patsysdeliicatessen
James Beard award-winning baker Don Guerra broke ground recently at a former Sonic Drive-In in Gilbert where he plans to open his Barrio Bagel & Slice drive-thru next month. The “drive-thru worth driving through” will bake his popular artisan Barrio bagels, Barrio breads and slices of pizza on site using Arizona grown and milled Heritage grains. Guerra is committed to supporting the “grain chain” throughout Arizona and is partnering with restaurateur, farmer, developer and contractor Oren Molonvinsky.
“We want our wholesome high-quality, healthy foods to be accessible to our entire community,” said Guerra. “Barrio Bagel & Slice is the next step in the evolution of our mission to be community supported and customer centered while redefining the concept of fast casual dining”.
Scratch made ingredients will top pizzas and bagels which will be available in a variety of flavors for breakfast bagel sandwiches and Sicilian style focaccia dough pizzas will be available during lunch and dinner hours. Signature sandwiches will be made with a choice of a Sonora bagel, torta roll or sourdough focaccia panini. Loafs of bread will be available all day daily at 9 a.m. until they’re sold out. Salads, sweets, coffee, tea and cold brews will also be available.
The fast casual drive-thru will keep the covered parking and will be designed with nostalgia and murals. Take-out, drive-thru and third-party delivery will be available. A second location in Tucson is already in the planning stages.
Don Guerra is looking to mentor and hire new bakers
With his Barrio Bread expanding and the opening of Barrio Bagel & Slice, Guerra is looking to hire enthusiastic new bread bakers who are looking to be ambassadors to his mission. Those food service professionals with prior baking experience and those looking to learn to make artisan breads using quality ingredients and Arizona Heritage grains from centuries old recipes should apply. Bakers will be involved in all aspects of the baking business from production to logistics & operations to customer service. For complete job descriptions and to apply, visit http://indeed.com/job/lead-baker (lead baker) and http://indeed.com/job/baker (baker).
Barrio Bagel & Slice will be at 689 N. Arizona Ave. and will be open 7 days a week at 7 a.m. and stay open until 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about the new drive-thru visit their website.
Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
Fish fry pop-up at Chula Seafood’s “Rosie” location
Saturday 1/11 at 11 a.m. at the south Scottsdale location a.k.a “Rosie” is hosting a fried fish pop-up that includes Chula Seafood Alaskan cod, fish n chips, crispy cod tacos and more.
Hot Pastrami & Pie Week returns to Miracle Mile Deli
From Monday, 1/13- Saturday 1/18 guests can take advantage of a deal at the Central Phoenix deli. Choose from a Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo sandwich, a side of fries & a pickle and slice of pie for only $19.49.
OverEasy kicks off 2025 with new seasonal dishes
The breakfast and lunch spot with 16 locations throughout Arizona starts the year with two new sweet & savory dishes and a latte. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery the new menu items are…..
Red Chile Tostadas – Two crispy corn tortillas, carnitas, feta cheese, onions, black beans, crema, smothered in red chile sauce served with a sunny side up egg
Caramel Cold Brew Latte $6.49 (Spike It +$3) – Press Cold Brew, cream, house made caramel sauce, whipped cream
Macayo’s closing Tempe location to open a new one nearby
The Mexican restaurant and cantina is closing their location at Rural Rd. & Loop 202 as its lease expires at the end of January. Fear not Mexican food fans, their new location will be just down the road closer to ASU in The Cornerstone on the southeast corner of Rural & University. Expected to open in mid-February it will be more convenient for ASU students & the community and have an outdoor patio.
The restaurant is hiring front and back of the house team members at a hiring fair with on-site interviews on Monday 1/13 until Wednesday 1/15. For more information visit their website.
Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price Taco Tuesday at Ghost Street Asian Taqueria
The virtual kitchen inside Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill offers this weekly deal at their website or through their app when you use promo code TACOTUESDAY at checkout.
Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
Dia de los Muertos at Cien Agaves tomorrow
The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place Saturday, November 2nd from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant & cantina. Reservations are recommended for beer & tequila tastings, face painting, entertainment from DJ Flawlyss and more.
Devour Culinary Classic tickets on sale tomorrow
Phoenix area foodies will be at their computers bright and early tomorrow as tickets for the popular culinary event go on-sale to the public. The event sells out within weeks and more information and details can be found at my recent post.
National Donut Day at Randy’s Donuts
Election Day is National Donut Day at the popular donut shop. Wear your “I Voted” sticker on Tuesday, November 5th and purchase a dozen donuts at any of the three Phoenix area locations for a free specialty drink OR get a free small black or iced coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 dozen. All locations are open at 6 a.m.
Noble Ground Coffee opens new location in downtown Phoenix
The local coffee shop who is dedicating to making the communities which they serve better has opened their 8th location at 101 N. First Ave. The Official Coffee of The Phoenix Suns and Mercury has a unique concept where they share the proceeds of sales with local charitable causes identified by their parent company, Thrive Services Group. The new location is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on the weekend from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
It’s pumpkin season at Chompie’s
Taste the flavors of fall until December 31st at all four Phoenix area locations including the new breakfast special, pumpkin pancake plate for $11.99. Add two eggs any style and bacon or sausage for $4.79. Other pumpkin flavored desserts and sweet treats are also available.
Those that frequent Randy’s Restaurant at Chaparral and Hayden Rds. in Scottsdale probably didn’t know the 43-year-old restaurant took on new owners after almost a year in the making. The biggest change customers will notice is not in the food, decor or service but in the way you pay for your meals. When Bradley and Amber Deane took over the popular restaurant in September 2023 you could only pay for your coffee or meal with cash but now for the first time you can pay with credit cards. Other than that, the Deane’s are committed to maintaining the nostalgia of their beloved neighborhood diner.
“We are thrilled to continue the legacy of Randy’s Restaurant in Scottsdale. Over the past year we have loved getting to know the loyal patrons who have been coming here religiously for 42 years,” said Bradley, who, along with Amber, brings many years of hospitality experience to the table. “We’re dedicated to serving them the same incredible dishes they have come to love and expect, and we look forward to welcoming new clientele who have yet to discover this special Scottsdale institution.”
On the menu at Randy’s
Since 1981 Randy’s Restaurant has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from the large menu diner goers are used to reviewing trying to decide. The delicious, value driven dishes and personal service has many customers coming in several times a week for years to enjoy their meals and meet up with neighborhood friends.
Randy’s Breakfast Favorites boasts 28 dishes to choose from including build-your-own-omelettes, skillets, griddle dishes and plenty of side dishes. Lunch will find diners enjoying, salads, wraps, signature burgers & sandwiches and soup & chili. The traditional dinner menu is offered at 4 p.m. and all-day Sunday loaded with the likes of homemade meatloaf, chicken fried steak, broiled salmon, ground chuck steak and lots more. Each dinner entree comes with a vegetable and guests’ choice of two sides.
Holiday Pies at Randy’s Restaurant
Saving room for dessert? Randy’s Ice Cream Creations use Blue Bell Premium Ice Cream for decadent desserts and sweet treats. Pies are on the menu with slices and pies available for dine-in or take-out with seasonal pies available to order for the holidays.
The scratch made pies are now available to pre-order for pick up. Pie flavors include, Apple, Cherry, Pumpkin(seasonal), Rhubarb, Peach, Pecan and Dutch Apple. Fruit pies are $21.99 and cream pies are $24.99 and ice cream pies are available and one should call for specific flavors.
Randy’s Restaurant is open Monday- Saturday from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is at 7904 E. Chaparral Rd. Scottsdale 85281.
The 7th location of the popular brunch spot, Eggstasy has opened along 7th St. at The Colony in Uptown Phoenix. Known for their inventive takes on breakfast and lunch classics, the locally owned brunch spot looks forward to serving its high-quality dishes that use locally sourced ingredients.
“We’re really excited to join the Uptown Phoenix neighborhood and we couldn’t ask for a better spot than The Colony,” said Eggstasy owner Peter Verros. “The eclectic mix of retail, dining and residential is the perfect setting for the morning enthusiasm we bring with our food, atmosphere and staff at Eggstasy.” Verros opened the first location in 2008 using his years of experience in the kitchen and management as his inspiration.
The menu at Eggstasy is full of classic brunch dishes such as pancakes, crepes, omelets and burgers. Signature dishes include Skirt Steak & Eggs which covers both breakfast and lunch cravings, Caprese Benedict and the Sunrise Sandwich with layers of egg frittata, chicken sausage, kale, Swiss cheese and pesto.
Golden Pancake grand opening at Eggstasy
Now opened, the official grand opening is Saturday, October 12th and 3 guests can win pancakes if they find the Golden Pancake in their stack. Order a stack of one of their specialty pancakes or choose pancakes on the side for chance to win pancakes for life at any Eggstasy location.
Eggstasy opens 7 days a week at 7 a.m. and is open until 2:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and until 3 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday. The Uptown Phoenix location is at 5538 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014. For more information and to view their menu visit their website.
