New summer inspired sandwiches on the menu at Zookz

Central Phoenix’s Zookz Sandwiches added three new sandwiches to their menu this week with the hot summer months and lighter eating in mind. Whether you’ll be enjoying them for breakfast or lunch owner Carole Meyer’s goal is to please their loyal customers through their taste buds.

Zookz Egg white frittata sandwich. All photos courtesy of Carole Meyer

Zookz new sandwiches

The toasted and round sandwiches offer customers a mix of poultry, vegetables and dairy and flavors that are sweet, savory and spicy. The three new are….

Parmesan cheese topped with chicken marinated in honey balsamic vinaigrette and tossed with black beans, sweet corn, feta cheese and sunflower seeds. $8.50 (includes a side salad)

Parmesan cheese, egg white frittata topped with tomatoes, avocados and kale tossed in Zookz zinger sauce. $5.75

Zookz crunchy chicken salad with apples, cranberries and roasted almonds in Zookz sweet heat mustard sauce. $8.50 (includes a side salad)

Simple summer salads

Sandwiches aren’t the only menu items that are healthy and light made for summer eating. Their side salads are a fresh and tasty addition to each of the sandwiches, customers can choose from Garbanzo Bean salad with feta, roasted red peppers, green onion in a lemon zest yogurt dressing or Potato salad with black beans, green onion, corn and chipotle sauce. Even better is when you have both side salads as you meal to get maximum flavors.

Craving a sweet to end your meal try the new Caribbean Beet Cake. Yes beets, giving you a unique tropical flavor.

Zookz is in Uptown Plaza 100 E. Camelback Rd. (Camelback & Central Ave.) Phoenix 85012 and is open Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. -4 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. https:/zookzsandwiches.com

 

Creamistry to open 4th location at Scottsdale Quarter

Ice cream fans in north Scottsdale will soon find out what all the excitement is about in central Phoenix, Arcadia and downtown Scottsdale when Creamistry opens its 4th location at the Scottsdale Quarter on Friday, May 26th.

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Creamistry combines science & dessert as they use liquid nitrogen to flash freeze 70 plus flavors and toppings to create ice cream.

Creamistry week long specials

To introduce the neighbors to the concept, Creamistry will be offering 5 days of delicious specials starting on Tuesday the 30th. The daily specials are as follows….

TuesdayThursday, May 30-31 and June 1: Buy one ice cream, get one ice cream of equal or lesser value free.
Friday, June 2: A percentage of the proceeds earned will be donated to MASK (Mother’s awareness on school-age kids)
Saturday, June 3: Free small ice cream from Noon-2 p.m

Having it made is half the fun

The Creamistry experience starts when you choose your size or type of dessert(waffle bowl, shakes and more). Then pick your ice cream base(organic, gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan or premium) then your favorite flavor from almost 40 options ( birthday cake, sea salt or blood orange sorbet just to name a few) and to top it off pick your toppings (candy, fruit, nuts and more). Everything is then mixed with liquid nitrogen for a smoky & cool looking freezing process.

 

Southern Rail and Beckett’s Table treat moms right on Mother’s Day

Are you scrambling trying to figure out where to take mom for Mother’s Day on Sunday? No sweat as Southern Rail & Beckett’s Table is offering a laid back atmosphere for mom and the family. To help put her in a relaxing mood they will be offering a complimentary glass of bubbly to the hardest working member of the family.

Mother’s Day Scottish Salmon at Southern Rail

Mother’s Day specials

In addition to the bubbly for mom, both restaurants will be serving their seasonal menus and 1/2 price bottles of Arizona wines for the whole family.

Southern Rail will be serving up a gluten-free special of Organic Scottish Salmon served a top a bed of roasted cauliflower, spinach with a dill caper roasted garlic butter for $24.

Beckett’s Table will be offering a Mother’s Day special of Pan Seared Scallops alongside of green beans, potatoes, Chorizo, spinach, almonds and a creme fraiche for $28.

Beckett’s Table will open an hour earlier at 4p.m. and Southern Rail’s Brunch starts at 11 a.m. with reservations recommended for both restaurants. Call Southern Rail at 602-200-0085 http://southernrailaz.com/ and Beckett’s Table 602-954-1700 http://beckettstable.com/

 

 

A relaxing all day Cinco de Mayo at Sierra Bonita Grill

Cinco de Mayo celebrations come in all shapes and sizes on Friday May 5th and not everybody wants shots of tequila, loud music or parties in to early Saturday morning. Some prefer to celebrate with a relaxing lunch, a refreshing margarita or an after work Happy Hour with friends or co-workers. If that’s your plan continue reading about what central Phoenix’s Sierra Bonita Grill is serving up.

A Cinco de Mayo margarita

Cinco de Mayo Margaritas

Starting at 11 a.m. SBG will be offering their popular Fresh Squeezed Margarita and Pomegranate Margarita for only $5 until they close. These thirst quenching margaritas are made with tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, a splash orange juice, orange liqueur, house made sweet and sour mix, agave nectar and PAMA liquor.

Lunch and extended Happy Hour

Lunch goes well with margaritas and SBG is serving up 5 tempting lunch specials for $12 until 3 p.m. Guests can choose from Jalapeño Chicken Pasta, Green Onion, Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas served with rice and beans, Chicharron and Potato Taquitos, Red Chile Pork Tostadas, and a Green Chile-Chicken Quesadilla.

If you can’t get in early for lunch SBG is extending their Happy Hour from 3 p.m. until closing. in the bar with cocktails, appetizers and entree items available for $7. Signature cocktails such as Miguel’s Mule, Sangria or the Daiquiri Anos will be available along with dishes that include Carne Asada Street Tacos, a Sonoran Hot Dog and Borracho Nachos.

Sierra Bonita Grill is at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. 602-264-0700 http://www.sierrabonitagrill.com/

 

 

James Beard winner Alex Stratta joins The Herb Box

James Beard award winner and Michelin starred chef Alex Stratta brought smiles to the faces of foodies around the Phoenix area earlier this year when he announced he was returning to Phoenix after spending several years strutting his stuff in Las Vegas. The corporate job that brought him back didn’t work out the way he had planned and was short-lived. Fortunately it was culinary gold for The Herb Box who hired Stratta as Director of Culinary.

Stratta will oversee all 3 locations (Southbridge & DC Ranch in Scottsdale and The Colony in central Phoenix) menus as well as their grab and go market and catering operations. His first order of business was to roll out a new Fall dinner menu. The menus will continue to be unique and use seasonal & local ingredients with vegetables playing a major part. The dinner menu rolled out in late October and a Fall lunch menu is planned for an early November roll out.

The Herb Box owner Susan Wilcox wasn’t looking to hire for a new position but she knew of Stratta’s reputation and with the help of mutual friends the 2 were connected, Wilcox says “Alex and I had a meeting of the minds. Our passions and vision for the growth of the company perfectly aligned.”

Stratta will also focus on the kitchen’s business operations which is one of his strengths. This will include developing and training the back of the house, refine procedures, ensure menu consistency in all with all 3 locations and expand catering and the grab and go market which will maximize the long-term growth of the restaurants. While no new restaurants are planned, Wilcox is open to expansion if the right location and opportunity become available around the valley or outside of Arizona. According to Stratta, “I’m bringing the same intensity and same heart from the fine dining arena to The Herb Box.” http://www.theherbbox.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s Midnight Run starts “It’s Midnight Somewhere” weekend brunch menu.

Along the busy restaurant corridor of 7th St. in central Phoenix, Joe’s Midnight Run kicks off its “It’s Midnight Somewhere” weekend brunch menu with drink and food specials every Saturday & Sunday from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Joe's Midnight Run
Photo courtesy of Joe’s Midnight Run

its midnight somewhere’ brunch menu

Start off the morning with $3 Bellinis or Mimosas, $8 Bloody Mary’s, signature cocktails and more while you decide to soak it up with Chef Michael Smith’s Banana French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy or Shrimp & Grits just a few of the new brunch menu items.

For those that prefer the lunch side to the brunch menu they can order Notorious BIG Burger( made with braised pork, beef and chicharones), Milanesa Sandwich, salads, flatbreads and more.

photo courtesy of Joe's Midnight Run
photo courtesy of Joe’s Midnight Run

Joe’s Midnight Run is at 6101 N. 7th St. Phoenix, 85014 (480)459-4467 http://www.joesmidnightrun.com

 

 

New Beer Buzz: Sierra Bonita Grill 1st in Phoenix area to sell Dog Tag Legacy Lager

Central Phoenix’s Sierra Bonita Grill is the 1st Phoenix area restaurant to sell Dog Tag Brewing Foundation’s Legacy Lager at their 16th St. restaurant. The beer was created to honor the legacy of men & women in the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice with all profits going to support their Gold Star families. You can enjoy the beer at Sierra Bonita Grill or take it home with you for $10 a can.

Dog Tag legacy lager. Photo courtesy of Leslie Chou
Dog Tag legacy lager. Photo courtesy of Leslie Chou

Dog tag Brewing Foundation

The Bozeman MT, Dog Tag Brewing Foundation http://www.dogtagbrewing.org/ uses all profits to support building projects in the communities of the Gold Star Families through grants, consulting with charities and public awareness of the service and sacrifice made by the fallen soldiers. In addition much of the packaging is dedicated to each Fallen Warrior who family has been a recipient of a Dog Tag Brewing Foundation Legacy Grant.

Sierra Bonita Grill donates sales

Sierra Bonita Grill will continue to support Dog Tag Brewing Foundation causes by donating 50% off the purchase price of each beer to Dog Tag sold. According to Sierra Bonita Grill’s Bar Manager, Miguel Lerma, “Honoring the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice is a privilege that Sierra Bonita Grill is humbled by. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Dog Tag Brewing’s beer.”

Sierra Bonita Grill is at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. 602-274-0700 www.sierriabonitagrill.com.

 

 

 

Windsor rolls out 4 new Fall inspired cocktails.

When mornings start getting cooler and weekends being dedicated to football we know the seasons have changed and Fall is upon us. With this seasonal change we also see the change on restaurant menus and cocktail list using seasonal ingredients and flavors. Central Phoenix’s Windsor has created 4 new cocktails with shorter days and longer nights in mind.

Photo courtesy of Upward Projects
Photo courtesy of Upward Projects

windsor cocktail’s no. 36, 40,77 & 83

With no pumpkin spice in sight, Upward Project’s Beverage Director Brent Karlicek has created 4 new numbered, not named, cocktails that uses artisan spirits with the bold flavors of Autumn.

No. 36 is a Manhattan with Karlicek’s personal touch combining Bourbon, red Vermouth, spiced honey, Lustau Sherry & garnished with a spiced honey lollipop.

No.40 uses Dominacan & Demerara rum, this inspired cocktail from a 120 year old recipe blends strawberry syrup, a bold Cocchi Barolo Chinato red wine, Sombra Mezcal, fresh lime juice and a strawberry garnish is “just plain dreamy” as an Italian styled dessert wine.

No.77 is a savory blend of Bourbon, Cutty Sark Scotch, Fernet Branca, lime juice, ginger syrup, Redd’s Ginger Brew and a candied ginger garnish. It’s 27 secret ingredients offer complexity and character.

No.83 uses infused spirits such as Chamomile infused Bourbon, gin, lime juice, house made Mango syrup, Reed’s Ginger Brew and Luxardo Amaro with a mint sprig garnish for a layered cocktail that can also refresh your taste buds.

These new cocktails are now available at Windsor 5223 N. Central Ave Phoenix, 85012 (602)279-1111 http://www.windsoraz.com