Tag: central Phoenix

Chef Hector Godinez rolls out seasonal dishes at Grimaldi’s

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria introduced several new dishes and cocktails featuring the new Fall season that is upon us. Corporate Chef Hector Godinez and his team have been working on the 5 new dishes and 2 new cocktails since early summer. Grimaldi’s rolls out new seasonal dishes every 3 months as the seasons change and seasonal ingredients become available.

Chef Hector Godinez takes inspiration from his years working in various restaurants in Phoenix and Ahwatukee including the last 10 years at Grimaldi’s and 6 as Corporate Chef.

New on the menu at all locations for a limited time are…..

Fallin’ Wedge Salad- Traditional ingredients but swap out the Iceberg lettuce for higher quality Romaine and toss the ingredients.

The Bridge Board- Grimaldi’s version of a charcuterie board that changes seasonally and named after the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza- Chef Godinez’s take on Buffalo wings but with no fryer he puts all the ingredients including the crunchy celery on a pizza with Sweet Baby Ray’s hot sauce.

Pumpkin Cheesecake- Can’t have a Fall menu without a pumpkin spices.

Coco’nana Cheesecake– Godinez’s play on a childhood favorite, chocolate covered banana. Banana cheesecake with Oreo cookie crust and chocolate chips.

Italian Old Fashioned– Whiskey, Tiramisu syrup and bitters over ice with a Luxardo cherry and orange peel.

Amalfi Martini- Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Limoncello and lemon juice shaken and garnished with a lemon wheel and rosemary. 

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

 

 

Paloma Punchout bartending competition coming to the Esplanade

A nationwide bartending competition is coming to Phoenix bringing bartenders from around the country to see who makes the best Paloma. Arlene Magana from Platform 16 Bar will represent Phoenix in the Paloma Punchout Saturday, October 22nd at the Esplanade.

The Paloma is prepared by combining tequila, lime juice and grapefruit flavored soda and is the the most popular tequila based cocktail in Mexico. Not much is known how it got its start but some say it was named after a popular folk song “La Paloma”, The Dove. The cocktail debuted in Phoenix in 1938 when grapefruit soda was first used.

Each participant won a competition in their city to earn the chance to win the $10,000 cash prize. Another Round, Another Rally, a nonprofit offering emergency assistance and financial support to those in the hospitality in their time of need will be the beneficiary of the event. Mister Wallin’s Neighborhood, a global community of bartenders, mixologists and food & wine lovers, conducted a nationwide search of top bars to find the best Paloma cocktail. The cocktails will be scored on a weighted system on flavor, balance, appearance, and inspiration.

Tickets for the Paloma Punchout are available at Eventbrite for $50 and gets you seven cocktails from the local pop-up bars in attendance. The Esplanade is at 2501 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85016. The competition starts at 8 p.m.

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.

50 days to celebrate 50 years at Organ Stop Pizza

From Saturday August 20th through Saturday October 8th guests can help celebrate this monumental anniversary with food specials. The $50 meal deal gets you two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (not including extra cheese), two appetizers (combo basket excluded) and two pitchers of soft drink. There will also be nightly food and merchandise giveaways and Sundae Funday with 50% off small and large sundaes.

Spanish Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

Thursday August 25th join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for 4 unique Spanish wines from 6-8 p.m. It’s free for wine club members and $10 for non-members. The 4 wines will be 20% off during the event. You can RSVP here.

Pork on a Fork finally opens Chandler restaurant

BBQ fans can now get their fill as the long delayed opening happened this month. The official grand opening is Wednesday September 7th with the first 50 guests getting a free swag bag. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Sunday at 11 a.m. and located at 1972 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85254.

Pumpkin is back at Dunkin

The un-official sign that Fall is just around the corner, Dunkin introduced several pumpkin flavored drinks and foods this week. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, a Pumpkin Spice Latte and new Nutty Pumpkin Coffee are on the beverage side. A glazed pumpkin donut, Pumpkin Munchkins donut holes and a pumpkin muffin are available to snack on. Other seasonal flavors include a Blood Orange Refresher, a Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich and Maple Sugar Snackin’ Bacon.

Anoche Cantina now open

The new Mill Ave. restaurant and nightclub is now open daily at 11 a.m. until late in the night. Read about what to expect at my post earlier this month.

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.

 

 

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.

Summer focused special’s at Serrano’s Mexican Food in August.

The family owned Mexican restaurants is offering 3 refreshing lighter food and drink specials at all locations this month. The Sangarita ($8.99) is their version of sangria & a margarita in one. Fresh fruit and an orange garnish make a great way to cool off. Carolyn’s Pronto Salad ($13.99) Crispy lettuce & cabbage topped with carne asada, fajita vegetables and more tossed with guacamole cilantro ranch dressing. Key Lime Margarita Ice Cream ($7.99) homemade margarita no churn ice cream with a graham cracker mix-in.

Inflation busting Happy Hour deals at Pedal Haus Brewery’s Phoenix location

Every Monday – Friday from 3- 6 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix location guests can save a few bucks on food & drinks at the locally owned brew pub. All food & drink specials sold separately.

$3 Day Drinker beer & Bacon Popcorn- fresh popped in bacon fat, seared bacon pieces, and bacon powder. $4 Select Haus Beers & Haus Mac & Cheese – add green chili +$1, add bacon +$2 vegan + $2. $5 Well Drinks & Loaded Fries – mushroom gravy, ground beef, beer cheese, sour cream, goat cheese, chives. $6 Haus Margs/Haus Wine & ½ lb of Haus Smoked Chicken Wings. $7 Steins & Happy Burger – 6oz beef patty, American cheese, haus sauce, diced onions, pickles.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze

Monday- Friday in August kids under 12 years old eat for free. Choose from Kid’s Menu dishes Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Fries, Eggs, Bacon & Potatoes, French Toast Sticks and a Mouse Pancake. All items come with a choice of soda, juice or milk. Available at all 3 locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Huss Brewing serving Hulu’s “The Bear” inspired sandwich

The downtown Phoenix location is serving the classic Chicago style Italian Beef sandwich for a limited time. The popular sandwich on social media is made from slow braised beef with Italian seasonings and sweet peppers then topped with melted sharp Provolone cheese and giardiniera on a crusty roll for $15.90. It comes with Sidewinder fries and is served during lunch and dinner while supplies last.

Aloha Spirit specials return to Original Breakfast House.

The north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant rolled out new tropical inspired specials. Enjoy Short Rib Loco Moco ($16), Kalua Pork Benedict ($16), Spam & Eggs ($13.75), Tropical French Toast ($13.75), Kona Coffee Shrimp & Grits ($16.50) and a Hawaiian Lunch Plate for $13 or $14 depending on meat.

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.

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.

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

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.

Angry Crab Shack to donate to veterans in July

All 15 Arizona locations will donate $.25 from every dine-in guest to Arizona Housing Coalition’s Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance. Their goal is to raise $75,000 during their 6th annual “You Dine, We Donate” campaign until July 31st. Guests can also purchase merchandise with a portion of the proceeds donated as well.

Throwback Tiki Tuesday party at Liberty Station Tavern

The DC Ranch restaurant is hosting the tropical party on Tuesday July 12th from 5-9 p.m. Special guest bartenders will be Garrit Guthrie and Kyla Hein will be mixing up refreshing tropical cocktails.

$1 Monsoon IPA when it rains at PHX Beer Co.

Until the end of September the Scottsdale and Phoenix locations celebrate monsoon season when a measurable amount of rain falls at Sky Harbor Airport. Your first pint of the locally brewed IPA is only a buck.

Make the drive to Queen Creek Olive Mill and save $10

The rising gas prices may be putting the brakes on driving to your favorite local retailer. Those driving out to the East Valley on Saturdays and Sundays can save $10 on purchases the Mill’s branded products of $50 or more. Extra virgin olive oils, spices, sauces and more are available for purchase.

Macayo’s opens newest restaurant in Chandler

Las Tiendas Village is where the locally owned restaurant has opened its doors for lunch, dinner and happy hour. Indoor and outdoor dining is available at the popular retail center at Alma School & Queen Creek Rds. which also welcomed Lou Malnati’s in May.

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.

Puppies and Pancakes at Daily Dose on June 25th

Whether you’re a dog owner or not you can do your part to help raise money to help find them a home. On Saturday June 25th all 3 locations of Daily Dose hosts there Puppies and Pancakes fundraiser for the Arizona Humane Society. The locally owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in Tempe, Mid-Town Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale (all with dog friendly patios) will donate $1 of any entrée served.

“We’re pet lovers here,” says Daily Dose co-owner JenLyn Long. “We love supporting the Arizona Humane Society and we invite everyone out to brunch for a good cause!” The restaurant has previously hosted fundraisers, Doggy Bag Dine-Out and Doggy Date Night to support the Arizona Humane Society.

“As a nonprofit organization that takes in more than 15,000 sick, injured and abused homeless animals each year, fundraisers like this that give back to our lifesaving services and programs are critical to the work we do,” says AHS Spokesperson Bretta Nelson. “We are so appreciative of the generosity and support of fellow pet lovers like our friends at Daily Dose.”

During Puppies and Pancakes guests can choose such entrées as Breakfast Nachos, Cinnamon Roll Cakes and the Hangover Sandwich. For more information can be found on their website or following them on Facebook or Instagram.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The twice yearly Arizona Restaurant Week gives locals & visitors a chance to visit new restaurants and try something new at their favorites. 126 restaurants are ready to serve a special 3 -course menu starting today and running until Sunday May 29th.  Prie-fixe menus of $33, $44 or $55 allow guests to discover unique dishes specially created for the next 10 days. Visit the Arizona Restaurant Association’s website to see participating restaurants and their menus.

Meet the owner of Aridus Wine Company

Founder & owner Scott Dahmer will be stopping by their Scottsdale tasting room today from 5-8 p.m. He’ll be telling his story of why he founded the wine company and about what’s next with the brand.

Pedal Haus downtown Phoenix add to brunch menu

Saturday’s and Sunday’s just got a little better in downtown Phoenix as the newest location of the award-winning brewery adds to their brunch menu.

The “You Wake, We Bake” special are the Southwest Gourmet Breakfast – fluffy scrambled eggs, chicken apple and chorizo pork sausage links, bacon, seasoned breakfast potatoes, black beans, pico de gallo, grilled peppers, and tortillas. Also the Haus Gourmet Breakfast – fluffy scrambled eggs, chicken apple and pork sausage links, bacon, seasoned breakfast potatoes, baked beans, roasted mushrooms and tomatoes, and toast.

Each entree comes with your choice of a select Pedal Haus beer, a BEERmosa, a regular mimosa or a Bloody Mary for $16.

“Dinner on Us” returns to the Roaring Fork

It’s been a Memorial Day tradition at the Scottsdale restaurant when you buy one entrée you get a 2nd for free on Monday, May 30th. Choose from Rotisserie Chicken, the Big Ass Burger, Bacon Wrapped Beef tenderloin and other wood-fired favorites. Reservations are suggested for dinner that starts at 4 p.m. and more information is at their website.

The Culver’s Food truck rolls into the Phoenix Zoo today.

All things are good as the “From Wisconsin With Love” Food Truck Tour makes its way to Phoenix today. As mentioned on Monday the truck will be serving up cheese curds and frozen custard from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. today.

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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