Spring Training returns to Phoenix with home run food & drink deals

In just a few days umpires around the valley will be yelling “Play ball” starting the month-long 2017 Cactus League season for baseball teams and fans. Restaurateurs are well aware of locals and the influx of visitors to see their favorite teams and many are offering a game day and month-long food and drink specials around the Phoenix area. Below is a list of restaurants offering spring training deals around the Phoenix area.

Chompie’s Chipolte Ranch burger

The Scottsdale Charros

If you don’t want to miss any of the fun, you won’t have to stray from the Scottsdale Stadium to get a delicious bite to eat. The Scottsdale Charros make Spring Training an experience to remember with the Charro Lodge. This unique and special feature of Scottsdale Stadium is the perfect spot for a VIP feel with the patio-style seating with all-inclusive food and beverage.

You also get an outstanding view of the game you can’t find anywhere else in the stadium. You won’t find old fashion ballpark food here! The Charro Lodge has had a variety of local and national restaurants showcasing their menus, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers and Postino. All proceeds from the Lodge go right back into supporting local charities and SUSD schools.

Kelly’s at SouthBridge

To enjoy the cool weather and feel the awesome Old Town atmosphere, hit Kelly’s at SouthBridge before or after your spring training game. Their spacious outdoor patio, adorned with bright red umbrellas, is hard to miss. Kelly’s is just a few minutes away from Scottsdale Stadium and is the perfect place for some pre/post game day drinks. Kelly’s is at 7117 E 6th Avenue, in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.kellysatsouthbridge.com.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Heading to Sloan Park or Scottsdale Stadium? The patios at Thirsty Lion in Tempe and Scottsdale are the perfect place for a quick drink either before or after those spring training games. You’ll find great food, more than a dozen big screen TVs and over 50 beers on tap. Don’t forget to take the trolley from Tempe Marketplace to Sloan Park! For more information, visit thirstyliongastropub.com.

Burger Theory

Burger Theory is surrounded by FIVE Spring Training facilities! They will have a weekly drawing now through the end of March to win a pair of game tickets. Bring in your baseball ticket from any facility after the game and receive 10% off of your bill. Want to stay longer than a post-game lunch?

Stay and play at Burger Theory with their Room with a Brew hotel package. This package includes your choice of two craft beers daily! Enjoy them at the pool, in Burger Theory or delivered to your room. Burger Theory is at 4401 E. McDowell Road. For more information, visit www.burgertheoryphx.com

Photo Courtesy of Fired Pie

MATCH Cocktails & Cuisine

Cubs fans can hang out at the Cub Hub at the Found:RE hotel and take advantage of daily specials at MATCH Cocktails & Cuisine 7 days a week from 4:20 – 6:20 pm. With a Windy City menu created by executive chef Akos Szabo just show your game day ticket and get 10% off your bill. Just look for the W flag hanging outside the hotel at 1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. https://www.foundrehotels.com

Drexyl Modern Cuisine

Show your ticket stub from that day’s game at Drexyl and receive a $1 You Call It glass of wine, beer or spirits with your purchase. Limit 1 per customer. Drexyl is at 8877 N Scottsdale Rd #402, Scottsdale

El Palacio

Craving Mexican food? Head to El Palacio in Chandler and they will give you half off any appetizer with your game day ticket all month-long. El Palacio 2950 E Germann Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249 http://www.epfamilyrestaurants.com/

Chompie’s Deli

Who doesn’t love Buy 1 Get 1 Free and all 5 Chompie’s area locations are offering a free Angus burger or Hot dog free with the purchase of 1. With 6 burgers and 2 hot dogs to choose from this dine in deal is home run. Not valid on March 17th. For a Chompie’s location near you check out www.chompies.com

Fired Pie

If pizza is your go to game day meal the Fired Pie’s Mesa Riverview’s location will give you a $1 off any entree w/ a Sloan park ticket stub and give you a free ride to see the Cubs play at nearby Sloan Park. Fired Pie at Mesa Riverview is at 1003 N. Dobson Rd www.firedpie.com

 

 

 

 

 

The new year means new menu items at Burger Theory

As the new years rolls in Phoenix’s Burger Theory rolls out new menu items for those who will quickly forget their new year’s resolutions. Burger Theory already puts unique twists on the classic burger and with these additions they will be spicing it up with the Ultimate Sriracha burger and the On the Border burger. A Breakfast burger has also been added for those who like breakfast all day.

All the burgers on the menu use Angus chuck, brisket and short rib beef  for their single and double patty burgers.

New non-burger menu items include Crispy Fish Sandwich, Sriracha Steak Salad and Nacho Fries and the sweet signature dessert Apple Crumb Mason Jar. Over 30 local craft beers are poured to wash down your burger, salad or sandwich.

Below is a list of all the new menu items at Burger Theory.

Nacho Fries – Creamy nacho cheese, bacon, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and served with ground beef or chicken. 9

Sriracha Steak Salad – Mixed greens, tomato, red onions, cucumber, bleu cheese and Sriracha ranch dressing.  13

On the Border – Angus chuck, brisket and short rib patty, melted pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, grilled onions, guacamole, lettuce and KGB sauce. 11

Ultimate Sriracha – Angus chuck, brisket and short rib patty, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, bacon, grilled onions, tomato, Sriracha mayo. 12

Breakfast Burger – Angus chuck, brisket and short rib patty, melted cheddar cheese, bacon, fried egg, roasted garlic mayo and KGB sauce. 11

Crispy Fish Sandwich – Parmesan panko crusted cod filet, tartar sauce, shredded lettuce and a toasted potato bun. 11

Spicy Chicken Wrap – Crispy chicken tenders, buffalo sauce, lettuce, tomato, bleu cheese dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla. 12

Oven Roasted Chicken – Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy and grilled vegetables. 18

Sriracha Ribeye – Ribeye house marinated in a Sriracha glaze, smashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. 24

Apple Crumb Mason Jar – House made apple pie filling is layered with cinnamon apple pie crumble, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. 5

Burger Theory is at 4401 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix 85008. Next to the Holiday Inn. http://burgertheoryphx.com/

 

2016 Slider Throw Down for charity set for November 13th at Kierland Commons

Who doesn’t like tasting the delicious flavors of tacos, pizza & burgers to satisfy your appetite, not this guy. While typing this post for the up-coming 2016 Slider Throw Down, I’m building an appetite for day 2 of taco judging. We enjoy tasting food prepared by full time restaurant chefs along with weekend chef and their taco or slider creations. The Slider Throw Down is set to take place at Kierland Commons on Sunday Nov. 13th from 12 noon – 3pm to benefit Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF)

Photo courtesy of Knife and Fork Media
Photo courtesy of Knife and Fork Media

slider throw down food trucks

This years Slider Throw Down will have local food trucks such as Butta Burger, Spice It Up and Phil the Grill preparing sliders for festival goers who contribute $25 for admission and 1 slider from each truck. All proceeds got to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Slders will be judged by local “slider experts” and attendees who can vote for the “People’s Choice”

Arizona friends of foster children foundation

The AFFCF helps support children in foster care by letting them enjoy their childhood, according to Kris Jacober, Director of the AFFCF says, “We help these children through difficult circumstances by providing them with resources and allowing them to take part in enjoyable activities that promote self-esteem.” The AFFCF has awarded over $5 million dollars to children in foster care and yet there are still thousands of kids awaiting their help. By purchasing a ticket to the Slider Throwdown you can do your part to help. Purchase tickets here https://fs25.formsite.com/AFFCF/form18/index.html

 

 

Local chefs compete for best burger at Okra Cookhouse & Cocktail’s Burger Battle

Burgers, burgers and more burgers is what’s on the menu the next 4 Sundays in October as Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails hosts a weekly Burger Battle. 6 local chefs will be competing to see who has the created the tastiest burger. Starting this Sunday October 9th and for the 2 Sundays following, diners can watch the fun and taste the burgers created that will be judged by celebrity judges. Each weeks winner will compete on Sunday October 30th to see which chef has created the best burger.

Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails

Burger battle participating chefs

Here are the 6 local chefs competing and the schedule with the fun starting every Sunday at 3pm.

October 9th features Kelly Fletcher from the soon to be open Zen Culinary going up against Gio Osso of Virtu & Nico

October 16th has host Cullen Campbell of Crudo & Okra doing battle against Doug Robson of Otro.

Ocotber 23rd pits Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail against Upward Projects Chris Newstrom

October 30th is the finals for the 3 winners.

Burger Battle and brunch for C-cap

Okra will also be serving their regular Sunday specials that include all day happy hour, 1/2 off bottles of wine and mixologist Micah Olson will be creating a special cocktail & punch with Tito’s vodka for the Burger Battle. Part of the proceeds from each weeks event will go to C-CAP , a non-profit that helps get young men and women get started in their culinary arts career.

Okra is at 5813 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014 (602)296-4147 http://www.okraaz.com

 

Joe’s Farm Grill celebrates 10 years in business with FREE Cheesburgers and a week long celebration

When a restaurant celebrates its 10 year anniversary it’s considered a major accomplishment as most restaurants don’t last more than 2 years. That’s the case for Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert as they get ready to celebrate 10 years in business with FREE cheeseburgers and more during the 1st week of October.

Photo courtesy of Joe's Farm Grill
Photo courtesy of Joe’s Farm Grill

a couple of joe’s farm grill accomplishments

Owner Joe Johnson has done more than open a restaurant but helped create the local “Farm to Table” culture that’s taken the restaurant world by storm over the last few years. Joe’s Farm Grill garnered national attention when it appeared on The Food Network’s popular show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”

customer appreciation day

Joe is the first to realize that to last 10 years in business you have to have a great customer base who returns on a regular basis for his fresh and locally sourced food. To show his appreciation to his loyal customers, Joe is giving away FREE cheeseburgers on Wed. October 5th from 10am-3pm. Customer who brave the line will get a cheeseburger, fries and a drink for free. 1 burger per person and is for customers who dine in only.

week long celebration and deals

From Monday Oct. 3rd -8th customers can expect 10% off all food and gift cards along with daily deals that include:

Monday –  $1 Onion Ring Upgrade

Tuesday –  $1 Small Shake

Wednesday –  FREE DAY

Thursday –  $1 Kids Meal with Adult Meal Purchase

Friday –  $1 Garlic Fries Upgrade

Saturday –  $1 Sweet Potato Fries Upgrade

In addition there will be daily raffles with winners receiving free food, gift cards, t-shirts and more. Grand prizes will be awarded and prizes include a Cruiser bike, catered picnics, Joe’s bobble-heads along with other prizes.

On Sat. the 8th from 11am-3pm there will be a celebration for the whole family with face painting, a hot dog eating contest, clowns and the Grand Prize raffle.

Joe’s Farm Grill is at 3000 E. Ray Rd. Gilbert AZ. 85296 (480)563-4745 http://www.joesfarmgrill.com/   

 

Burger Daze returns to Liberty Market for 31 days in August

Chainsaw Chili burger
Chainsaw Chili burger
With the month of August less than a week away burger aficionados are holding out for Liberty Market’s annual Burger Daze for the 31 days of the month. 31 days means a different specialty burger each day to owner Joe Johnson and co-owner & executive chef David Traina. Traina is no stranger to burgers as he was the 1st chef at Delux Burgers in Phoenix before partnering with Johnson at Liberty Market.

Many of the burgers are made with local, natural ground chuck beef while others will be made with other proteins such as chicken, pork, Spam and more with unique toppings giving each burger its own unique flavor and giving Traina the opportunity to show off a global spin to the all American burger.

If trying the unique burgers are not enough there is an incentive for those that visit and eat at least 10 different burgers during the month, a $50 Liberty Market gift card, eat all 31 different burger and get a $250 gift card. Customers must save all receipts and have verified by the end of the 1st week of September.
Liberty Market 230 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert (480) 892-1900 Daily 7a-9p, Friday & Saturday until 10p. www.libertymarket.com
The Burger Daze line up is…….

$14-1st-Coffee Burger: Coffee rubbed, smoked gouda, candied bacon, red onion cream, Hawaiian bun.
$15-2nd-Dossant Burger: Maple bacon dossant bun, Farm at Agritopia egg, havarti.
$16-3rd-The Hump Burger: Triple 4oz patties, habañero-bbq, havarti, matchstick boar’s head ham, griddled red onions, potato bun.
$14-4th-Pasta House Burger: Pasta, fresh mozzarella, marinara, parmesan, basil-garlic, ciabatta bun.
$14-5th-Chicken Wing Burger: Boneless chicken wings, Franks Red Hot®, blue cheese and celery (plus a drizzle of blue cheese dressing), onion bun.
$20-6th-Hangover Burger: Roasted short rib, fried Farm at Agritopia duck egg, parmesan, choice of Bloody Mary or Golden Monkey beer, pretzel bun.
$16-7th-Breakfast Burger: Fried Farm at Agritopia egg, american cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, breakfast potatoes, english muffin.

$15- 8th-Asian BBQ Pork Burger: 5 spice pork, asian slaw and sriracha aioli, crispy wontons, chile sauce, steamed bun.
$13- 9th-Bagel Burger: Chipotle cream cheese, Canadian bacon, tomato, onion, chives, everything bagel.
$14-10th-Black Bean Burger: Housemade black beans, pico de gallo, sliced avocado and queso fresco-jalapeño ciabatta.
$17-11th-Grilled Cheese Burger: American cheese, bacon tomato in between 2 grilled cheeses with havarti and munster cheeses.
$16-12th- Kal Bi Burger: Topped with Korean style grilled short ribs and sautéed vegetables (shiitake, baby bok choy, bean sprout, carrots), egg bun.
$13-13th-Brie and Apple Burger: Sliced brie, caramelized apple crisps, arugula, wholegrain honey mustard sauce, demi baguette.
$14-14th-Hamsteak Burger: Topped with griddled Boar’s Head® hamsteak, american cheese, tomato and fried Farm at Agritopia egg, ciabatta bun.

$14-Monday 15th-Brew Burger: 3 slices of swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion and beer steak sauce, pretzel bun, served open faced.
$14-16th -“Boy Howdy”Burger: Fried onion rings, smoked cheddar, spicy BBQ sauce-Texas toast.
$14-17th-Veggie Burger: Grilled portobello, jalapeño chips, oven-fried avocado, green goddess dressed spring mix, potato bun.
$14-18th-Chainsaw Chili Burger: Chili, shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, kaiser roll.
$13-19th-Hawaiian Burger: Grilled rum roasted pineapple, crispy spam, teriyaki sauce, green onions-Hawaiian bun.
$15-20th-Poutin Burger: Oven fries, cheese curds, brown gravy, parsley, kaiser roll.
$16-21st-Uncle Louie Burger: Chopped bacon, avocado, Russian dressing, crab salad, pretzel roll.

$14-Monday 22nd-Chorizo Burger: Chorizo/beef blend patty, lime slaw (cabbage and lettuce based), cilantro, cotija, bolillo.
$14-23rd-“Potato skin” Burger: Crispy crushed red potatoes, cheddar, bacon, sour cream, chives, cheese bun.
$14-24th-Peanut Burger: Chopped candied bacon, chips, peanut butter, savory waffle bun.
$14-25th-Barcelona Burger: Creamy manchego, romescu, kale-pinenut salad, pan basico.
$15-26th-Enchilada Burger: Chili cheese enchiladas and sauce, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, cheddar, jalapeño ciabatta.
$17th-27th-Beef Wellington Burger: House blended beef, duxelle, crispy red potatoes, red wine gastrique, chives, brioche (served open faced).
$16-28th-Roy Rogers Burger: Buttermilk fried chicken, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, parsley, kaiser roll.

$13-Monday 29th-German Burger: Flaky pastry stuffed with seasoned ground beef, swiss, onions, kraut, wholegrain dijonaise, lettuce, tomato, onion, pastry bun.
$13-30th-Turkey and Kale Burger: Turkey patty, swiss, tomato, lemon aioli, kale cranberry salad, Texas toast.
$14-31st-Santa Fe Burger: Spicy con queso with roasted chilies and corn, shredded lettuce, jalapeño ciabatta.

New Petite Burgers are big on taste at Ingo’s Tasty Food

Petite cheeseburger
Petite cheeseburger
The popular Ingo’s Tasty Food is now serving their favorite burgers in a petite size which is great news for those with smaller appetites & those of us that have a hard time choosing, now you can order 2 to fulfill your burger cravings. All petite burgers are $4.75 or less which is also the least expensive grass fed beef burger in the valley.
Petite Veggie burger
Petite Veggie burger
In addition to the Farmer’s Daughter Burger, Ingo’s Cheeseburger & the Paris, Texas Burger you can also get the Housemade Black Bean Vegetarian burger in a petite size as well. Ingo’s uses farm fresh heritage grass-fed beef for all it’s burgers and sources them from independent family farms who are committed to raising cattle compassionately and in their natural environment without hormones and antibiotics. The beef is flavorful and lower in fat, calories and cholesterol and high in omega 3s and vitamin E. The toppings and other ingredients for the burgers are seasonal and come from artisinal producers for honest and quality food, as part of Ingo’s philosophy to an honest approach to food.

Ingo’s Tasty Food is located at 4502 N. 40th St. Phoenix 85018 (602)795-2884 www.ingostastyfood.com

A message from Sandy

binkleys burger

Good morning friends, foodies, burger enthusiasts and strangers,
Thanks you for returning to this site on a consistent basis. As many of you know I have written burger reviews for the Examiner.com in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale and surrounding areas for the last 6 years. Those days will soon be behind me as the Examiner.com will no longer exist after on or about July 10th, 2016. As for now you have until then to check any of my 293 reviews and articles until the links disappear. http://www.examiner.com/burger-in-scottsdale/sandy-wasserman and http://www.examiner.com/burger-in-phoenix/sandy-wasserman

Going forward my plan is to incorporate burger reviews into this blog as a new feature and am spending the weekend brainstorming as how to best pull it off.

Serious feedback is welcome and I look forward to your continued support on this food journey.

Have safe and Happy July 4th weekend,

Sandy

Culver’s Hosts “Day of Giving!” Benefitting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital

culvers

Phx childrens hospitalCulver’s is hosting its 2nd annual “Day of Giving” event on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Culver’s is partnering with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and is inviting the public to stop by one of their 14 Valley locations to donate!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Visit one of the 14 Culver’s restaurant locations and help support Phoenix Children’s Hospital and its world-class care. Simply enjoy your favorite burger, sandwich, dinner or your favorite fresh frozen custard and Culver’s will donate 10% of its proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Hospital!

All 14 Culver’s locations Valley wide!

10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help support Phoenix Children’s Hospital in its care for children and their families. www.culvers.com

Phoenix:
Deer Valley
1825 W. Deer Valley Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
PH 623-580-4567

Phoenix:
Cave Creek
20835 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
PH 602-788-1616

Phoenix:
Camelback
825 E. Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85014
PH 602-595-7876

Phoenix:
Metro Center
10225 N 28th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85051
PH 602-861-2000

Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Mall
4506 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032
PH 602-889-5057

Chandler:
3155 W Ray Rd
Chandler, AZ 85226
PH 480-268-7249

Peoria:
8271 W Ludlow Dr
Peoria, AZ 85381
PH 623-242-8826

Surprise:
16145 West Bell Rd
Surprise, AZ 85374
PH 623-218-6575

Avondale:
1025 N Avondale Blvd
Avondale, AZ 85323
PH 623-792-8649

Casa Grande:
2453 E Florence Blvd
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
PH 520-426-4225

Scottsdale:
8668 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
PH 480-636-8480

Glendale:
5127 N 99th Ave
Gendale, AZ 85305
PH 623-328-9282

Mesa:
Greenfield
1841 S Greenfield Rd
Mesa, AZ 85206
PH 480-892-2430

Mesa:
1909 S. Country Club Dr
Mesa, AZ 85210
PH 480-733-5330

ButterBurgers, Frozen Custard and Gift Cards at Culver’s this holiday season.

In addition to ButterBurgers and other menu items Culver’s is featuring the Turtle Concrete Mixer, a Culver’ classic! Indulge in this Creamy Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard with ribbons of sweet caramel, hardening chocolate and toasted pecan pieces all blended perfectly, and for those looking for a decadent treat try the Raspberry Cheesecake; which is a mix of real raspberries and cheesecake pieces blended in Culver’s frozen custard and If you are a traditionalist try Culver’s Eggnog shake; a mix of the classic taste of eggnog blended with the sweet flavor of Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard, enjoy for a limited time only now through December 31, 2012.

Theses tasty treats are only offered at all Phoenix Culver’s locations in Arizona for a limited time only. More information can be found at www.culvers.com

For those of you who are searching for the perfect holiday gift be sure to ask your Culver’s Team Member about Culver’s gift cards, available in any amount ranging from $5 to $250 or you can take care of your holiday shopping on your smart phone! Also available for all your holiday gifting needs are Culver’s eGifts, available in amounts of $5, $10, $15, or $20. Spend $25 on any gift card for a limited time, as part of the “Give a Gift, Get a Gift” deal, guests will receive a free Value Basket which includes a ButterBurger® or sandwich with choice of a classic side and medium drink, when a $25 in Gift Cards is purchased for the giving season. And for goodness sake, redeem the offer by end of February 2013!

Peoria:
8271 W Ludlow Dr
Peoria, AZ 85381
PH 623-242-8826

Surprise:
16145 West Bell Rd
Surprise, AZ 85374
PH 623-218-6575

Avondale:
1025 N Avondale Blvd
Avondale, AZ 85323
PH 623-792-8649

Casa Grande:
Culver’s of Casa Grande, AZ
2453 E Florence Blvd
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
PH 520-426-4225

Scottsdale:
8668 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
PH 480-636-8480

Glendale:
5127 N 99th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85305
PH 623-328-9282

Mesa:
Greenfield
1841 S Greenfield Rd
Mesa, AZ 85206
PH 480-892-2430

Mesa:
1909 S. Country Club Dr
Mesa, AZ 85210
PH 480-733-5330

Phoenix:
Cave Creek
20835 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
PH 602-788-1616

Phoenix:
Camelback
825 E. Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85014
PH 602-595-7876

Phoenix:
Metro Center
10225 N 28th Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85051
PH 602-861-2000

Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Mall
4506 E Cactus Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032
PH 602-889-5057

Phoenix:
Deer Valley
1825 W. Deer Valley Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85027
PH 623-580-4567

Chandler:
3155 W Ray Rd
Chandler, AZ 85226
PH 480-268-7249