Tag: brunch

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Fish Fry Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

YUMBAR now Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

As the one-year anniversary of The Royale, the outdoor complex in Phoenix’s Melrose District, approaches Owners Mark Howard and Rocco Menaguale have rebranded their casual restaurant YUMBAR to Royale Kitchen + Cocktails for 2025. The new restaurant is serving serving an elevated dining experience for dinner, brunch and an extended happy hour.

“The new name better reflects our focus as a neighborhood restaurant serving a large variety of metropolitan cuisine from our culinary team led by Chef Jeff Blake,” says Howard. “New selections and re-imagined favorites, along with our expanded martini, wine, and craft cocktail menus, offer our guests an exceptional dining experience seven days a week.”

Guests dining at RKC will have a larger dinner menu to choose from with new dishes that include Thai Shrimp Coconut Curry, Peachy Keen Chicken Sandwich and BLT Eggs Benedict at brunch. Favorites such as the Yum Burger, Jalapeno Popper Sandwich and the signature Mark Daddy Martini are still available.

Celebrating 1 year at Royale Kitchen + Cocktails

Both the restaurant and The Royale’s other concepts will be celebrating on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Guests will enjoy food & drink specials, live music, a live art exhibit, giveaways and a chance to win exciting prizes from other tenants in the Big Royale Raffle. Other businesses in The Royale include Window Coffee Bar, Stem Swag, Cult Hair Salon & Spa, Your Health and Wellness and others.

“Our vision for The Royale was to blend mid-century modern style with an inclusive atmosphere, transforming what was once dilapidated autobody garages surrounding a junk yard into a vibrant center for connection, creativity, and joy,” says Rocco Menaguale, the architect and designer of The Royale. “We wanted to create a space that reflects the Melrose neighborhood’s character and brings people together. We are excited to celebrate our anniversary with the community and introduce the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes this space so special.”

Royale Kitchen + Cocktails is at 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. Phoenix, for more information visit their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Randy’s Restaurant new owners to keep neighborhood diner feel

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.

Eggstasy opens newest location in Phoenix at The Colony

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.

Cooper & Sage to open 2nd location in Goodyear

Westside Concepts has announced the opening of their newest location of Copper & Sage in downtown Goodyear on Tuesday, October 1st. It comes less than a year after the first location opened in Uptown Phoenix in November 2023. The southern influenced gastropub with innovative cocktails and a swanky vibe will be the one of the first to open at GSQ, a 150-acre destination with high quality restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. It’s one of several concepts from Westside Concepts that include Haymaker, NW Coffee and Maple & Rye.

“Vintage and warm are good words to describe Copper & Sage,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “Whether it’s Tuesday night and you want great bar food or it’s your anniversary and it’s a special night out, this is the place. We’re really excited to be opening in Goodyear at GSQ. It’s more of what we need in the West Valley. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire Valley.”

Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations Chef Evon Profitt has created the southern style menu that includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickles & Pimento, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and Chicken Gings for starters. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits topped with bacon and mushrooms, Bayou Mussels and Fried Chicken and Beignets.

Copper & Sage will cover 4,500 spacious square feet with a large dining room, full bar and patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and is at 1975 N. Globe Dr. Goodyear 85395. For more information and to apply for a job visit their website.

 

O.H.S.O Brewery opens first West Valley location in Surprise

The popular O.H.S.O. Brewery has opened its first restaurant and brewery in West Valley with the opening of their Surprise location. The new location is in response to customers’ demand for a location closer to their West Valley homes. The opening also marks the first location from Kind Upper Room Ventures LLC.

The new LLC a three-way partnership between Kind Hospitality, Upper Room Hospitality and its owners Derek and Gloria Boettchner and B.A.D. Ventures and owner Brian Duertte. Derek Boettchner was Kind Hospitality’s V.P. of Operations before starting Upper Room and Duertte is the executive V. P. of Accounting for Kind Hospitality.

“With our Valley’s population growing and the city of Surprise’s population increasing rapidly, we are beyond excited to open this facility for all residents in the West Valley,” said Derek Boettcher, owner and Operator of Kind Upper Room Ventures LLC. “We are thankful for the support of the community and look forward to serving the longtime loyal guests of O.H.S.O as well as new guests and families in the area. We are also thankful to Brian Roerich, and Jon Lane for their trust in us representing their brand to the residents of the west Valley, as well as their support during our training and opening of the restaurant.”

What to expect at the new O.H.S.O Brewery

Like the other locations around the valley O.H.S.O Surprise offers an elevated menu of bar cuisine, a variety of craft beers along with seasonal and specialty beers on tap and brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. The layout of the restaurant will be the same 2,000 square foot dog-friendly misted patio that is popular with guests and 4,500 square feet inside that can accommodate up to 350 guests.

O.H.S.O Surprise is at 13434 N. Prasada Pkwy. and is open Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. – Midnight, Saturday from 9 a.m. – midnight and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information visit there website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

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.

Arizona Restaurant Week is here

The popular 10 day event kicked off last night and runs through Sunday, May 28th. Over 100 Arizona restaurants are offering a special 3-course menu for $33, $44 or $55 per person. Sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association, representatives recommended that you make reservations so you don’t miss out. A full list of participating restaurants and their menus are at their website.

Miner Family Wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pairs 4 courses and dessert from Chef Anthony Apolinar with wines from the Napa Valley winery on Wednesday, May 24th. Starting at 6 p.m. guests will dine on scallops, sea bass, chicken & filet at the dinner with limited seating. A representative from the winery will be on hand to speak about the winery, wine and explain the pairings. Seats are $120++and seats can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 602-374-4784.

National Wine Day at LDV Winery

The “fruit of the vine” is celebrated next Thursday, May 25th and the Scottsdale tasting room is celebrating. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy a glass of Arizona grown & made Viognier, Rosé or Grenache for only $5.

Memorial Day at Phoenix area restaurants

Monday, May 29th we celebrate the brave men & women of our armed services.

Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork again offers their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get a second free starting at 4 p.m.

All 4 Chompie’s locations give active & retired members of the military 20% off their entree or retail purchases with military ID.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe, Phoenix and Chandler salute active and retired members of the military with ID with 15% off food, drink & merchandise. They’re also serving up a special Brat & Tots deal. The beer soaked brat is topped with whiskey BBQ sauce, bacon, chopped onions and shredded cheddar in a sweet toll bun. A select Pedal Haus beer comes with it to wash it down all for $14.

Summer hours start at Santé

The north Scottsdale restaurant is now closed for lunch, opening at 4 p.m. Tuesday -Friday. Saturday’s they’re open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for brunch and 4 -10 p.m. for dinner. On Sunday’s they’re open for the same hours for brunch then closed for dinner. They are closed all day on Monday’s.

Larger catering orders and private parties for lunch will be fulfilled and you can email them at bobbym@lovesante.com for information.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.