Tequila and wine dinners at The Phoenician Resort

It doesn’t feel like summer is over in Phoenix but local restaurants and resorts feel like it is and are now planning specialty dinners and events through the end of the year. The Phoenician Resort & Spa is no different with wine and tequila dinners on the calendar in the coming weeks.

Tequila Herradura dinner at The Phoenician Tavern

The restaurant atop the Pro Shop of the resort’s famed golf course welcomes guests to celebrate Tequila Herradura’s 50th anniversary of the release of their first ever reposado with a dinner on Thursday, September 12th in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner kicks off their Tastes of the Tavern dinner series that show off the flavors and craftsmanship of the restaurant’s culinary team.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’ouvers followed by a 3-course dinner paired with Tequila Herradura.

The reception features small bites of citrus-glazed pork belly tostadas, shrimp aguachile, braised octopus, roasted vegetable toast, and a charred watermelon margarita made with Herradura silver. A starter of grilled fois gras is paired with Herradura double barrel reposada. The main course is a butter basted seabass, served with Herradura Legend extra anejo. The evening will finish with a dessert of fresas con crema cheesecake and Herradura ultra anejo. Guests will also have a chance to sample Herradura’s limited release anniversary tequila.
The dinner is $95++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting  http://www.thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern/.

Caymus Vineyards & Antinori Estates wine dinners at J &G Steakhouse

The acclaimed steakhouse with gorgeous views of the valley celebrate two world class wineries as they celebrate their 50th anniversary releases of wine. Executive Chef Jaques Qualin will prepare 4-course meals paired with wines from Napa Valley and Italy.

On Tuesday, September 17 guests will celebrate the 50th anniversary wine dinner of the famed Caymus Vineyards. The menu features a first course of smoked salmon tater tots and Mer Soleil Chardonnay; a second course of Hawaiian yellowfin tuna buttercup and Sea Sun Pinot Noir; a third course of grass-fed Wagyu filet mignon and Caymus California Cabernet; and a fourth course of poached pear gelee, chocolate mousse, paired with the anniversary wine, Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

A month later on Thursday, October 17th, Tuscany’s Antnori Estates wines will be poured along with a starter of red kabocha squash tortellini with Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay; followed by a crispy Artic char red wine risotto with Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva; a third course of 48-hours short rib and grilled prime New York strip steak with Antinori Tignanello 50th Anniversary; and to finish the evening, a dessert of warm chocolate cake with VinSanto Santa Cristina.

Both dinners begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Mountain View private dining room and representatives from both wineries will be on hand to speak about the wines and wineries storied histories. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.thephoenician.com/events/jg-wine-dinners/.

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.

Miracle Mile Deli celebrates National Sandwich Month

Starting Monday August 1st the central Phoenix deli is serving up a weekly sandwich special for only $12. 8/1-8/6 – Corned Beef Sandwich 8/8-8/13 – Brisket Sandwich 8/15-8/20 – Combo (Pastrami & Corned Beef) 8/22-8/27 – The Straw. Each sandwich comes with a choice of sides and a dill pickle spear.

Phoenix City Grille offers exclusive Caymus Vineyards tasting event

Wednesday August 3rd join the vineyard’s Arizona Market Manager Stephanie Martindale for a tasting of five wines. Enjoy sipping on Emmolo Sparkling, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir, The Walking Fool Red Blend and Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines tasted during the event will be available for purchase with limited seating costing $25 ++ per person. Reservations can be made by contacting Britinee Reed at 602-510-7170 or privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

Hearth ’61 welcomes Chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos

The Chef and owner of Essence Bakery Cafe in Arcadia will be the guest chef at the restaurant’s Sunday Supper Club in August. The four-course dinner is set for August 14th at 6 p.m. and is paired with wine. Seats are $189++ per person and can be reserved here.

Sardinia’s food featured at Queen Creek Olive Mill’s dinner

The Italian region’s flavors and foods will be on prepared for August’s Tavalo dinner. Thursday August 18th from 6:30 -9:30 p.m. guests will dine on a 6-course’s with optional wine pairings. Much of the ingredients are locally sourced including from Golden Rule Dairy in Elfrida. Dinner is $124.99 per person and wine pairings are an additional $39.99. Reservations can be made here.

Caffe Vita opens tomorrow with FREE oat milk lattes.

The Seattle based coffee roaster opens its first Arizona location in the former Easley’s Fun Shop at 5th Ave. & McDowell Rd. Lattes will be available from 7 a.m. – 6p.m. Read more about the opening and more here.

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.