Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day at STK Steakhouse
Still looking for a restaurant to take mom on Sunday? The cool Scottsdale restaurant hosts a traditional tea starting with a glass of champagne ($89 & $99) or prosecco ($69) followed by a selection of hot tea and tower of petite sandwiches, scones and desserts. Tea infused cocktails are offered for $21 each.
Over Easy celebrates National Mimosa Day
The breakfast cocktails are $2 off flights next Tuesday, May 16th at all 11 Arizona locations. Guests can choose 4 flavors including orange, peach, guava, mango, strawberry or raspberry during breakfast or lunch.
National Burger Month features at Kona Grill
The month of May and “America’s Favorite Grill” celebrates one of our favorite comfort foods with 3 burger features. A $7.99 lunch and take-out burger, Kona Sliders for $6 at happy hour and a Chophouse Burger are available throughout the month.
The much anticipated Course Restaurant is now open
Personal chef Cory Oppold’s new restaurant is open and taking reservations near Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd. The highly acclaimed chef and Food Network’s “Chopped” winner serves a 5 course tasting menu Tuesday and Wednesday’s for $135 and 10-course menu Thursday-Saturday for $190. Wines paired by sommelier Nick Padua are additional an additional charge. May 28th Oppold will debut his Sunday brunch, Morning Would. His take on brunch favorites will be served in 6-courses from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. for $75.
Spitz Mediterranean opens its first location Arizona
Desert Ridge Marketplace is where you can find healthy and modern Mediterranean street food found around Europe. Wraps, gyros, rice salads & bowls, falafel, hummus and more from this California based concept. Started almost 15 years ago when a couple of college friends who studied and traveled in Europe wanted to bring this type of food home to the U.S. Serving sangria, beer & wine Spitz is participating in DRM’s Sips & Stroll program allowing guests to take their drinks outside the restaurant. The fast casual restaurant is located on the east end near the AMC Theaters.
An exclusive 20 person dinner experience happens Thursday, May 18th with a 5-course dinner paired with wine from James Beard award-winner Christopher Gross at his Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion restaurant. At the end of the evening, guests will enjoy the rare Louie Xlll de Rémy Martin cognac and a cigar. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with champagne and hors d’oeuvres at the all-glass hill top restaurant with city views.
The evening is designed to be an unforgettable experience including Louie Xlll Brand Ambassador Guillaume Vallet in attendance to guide guests through the experience and speak about the rich history of the coveted spirit dating back to 1874. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer such an exclusive and unique dining experience to our guests,” said Tara Padilla, General Manager of Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. “We look forward to sharing our passion for this rare and fine spirit. It truly will be unforgettable.”
By attending the dinner guests will join the LOUIE Xlll Society of Connoisseurs and to celebrate entry guests will leave with their own personalized decanter engraved with their names. In addition to the dinner, wine and cognac and decanter, each couple will receive a set of two of the “Facets of LOUIS XIII” glasses, exclusively designed for LOUIS XIII by world-renowned French designer Christophe Pillet, to enhance the multifaceted characteristics of the Cognac.
The dinner kicks off the 3rd annual Festvin, a four day festival of wine tastings, dinners, interactive classes and more from May 18th -21st. Seats are $5,000 per couple and reservations close May 4th in order to personalize the evening’s experience. Reservations and details can be found at this here.
The Run for the Roses a.k.a. The Kentucky Derby comes early this year as the first Saturday in May falls on the 2nd. Phoenix’s only horse track, Turf Paradise is the perfect atmosphere to watch the horses run locally before the big race from Louisville’s Churchill Downs. Big hats, bow ties and fancy attire will be on full display at the track and more so at the return of the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub party.
Guests at the Derby DayClub can sit track side in an air conditioned tent to sip Mint Juleps, beer, wine & champagne, watch the horses (and people) and root for your favorite horse. Food trucks, a DJ, big screen TVs and track side betting are highlights of the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub.
Previous years DayClubs have sold out so the sooner you reserve your seats the better. Tickets are now on sale with several ticket options available. Enjoy the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label Lounge by reserving a table for you and 7 of your friends to get a close up view of all the racing.
Front-row Reserved Tables (8 guests): $1,000 and includes a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne. Upgrades to premier center of tent location for $100.
Second-row Reserved Tables (8 guests): $750 and includes a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Upgrades to prime center of tent location for $100.
Third-row Reserved Tables (8 guests): $500 and includes a complimentary bottle of Chandon Champagne. Upgrades to center of tent location for $100.
General Admission to the DayClub are $30 before April 17th then $40 and $50 at the door. A limited amount of Reserved Seats are available for $60 until April17th then go up to $75.
When the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships comes to WestWorld of Scottsdale next month your taste buds will be in overdrive. “The World’s Greatest Polo Party” will be the place to “see and be seen” on Saturday November 2nd when the gates open at 10 a.m.
In the “Barrett Jackson Champagne and Jazz Lounge” you’ll not only sip on champagne and Bottomless Mimosas you’ll get to snack on M Culinary’s signature French fries, an interesting yet tasty combination. The complimentary snack will be served with Chandon Aluminum Rose and Sweet Star and cocktails made with Ketel One Botanicals. Tickets for the lounge are $65 in advance, $75 at the door.
All photos courtesy of Rose + Moser + Allyn Public Relations
“We are always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and what’s better than champagne and complimentary French fries while watching some the greatest polo played in Scottsdale,” said Chef Michael DeMaria, Co-founder of M Culinary Concepts. “We know this is going to be a tasty addition to Barrett-Jackson’s Champagne and Jazz Lounge.”
All attendees can feast on fried chicken and champagne from the Fried & Fizzy food truck in the general admission area. A VIP experience in the Prime: Luxury Tent Experience by Steak 44 ($275 in advance, $285 at the door) is available. Riot Hospitality Group, owners of Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and Riot House will have DJs spinning tunes in their party tents.
All photos courtesy of Rose + Moser + Allyn Public Relations
General Admission tickets are $30 and $40 at the door. To purchase tickets and tables head to their website. WestWorld of Scottsdale is at 16601 N. Pima Rd. 85260.
Your never to old to learn about wine, beer and spirits and the staff at Mountain Shadows resort and Hearth ’61 teaches us about all three. The Paradise Valley resort is offering an every other week seminar about wine, spirits and beer called Spirited Sipping Seminars. The 30-45 minute seminar is taught by resort Food & Beverage director Jim Gallen and bartender Travis. Guests will taste each of the three beverages discussed and be able to ask questions.
As the wine, spirits and beer world continue evolve learning the history, making of and trends of cocktails, wine and beer becomes more interesting. During the cocktail seminars you will learn how to make cocktails and receive the recipes.
Photo courtesy of Mountain Shadows
Wine, Beer & Spirits seminar schedule
Saturday afternoon classes start at 3 p.m. and are $30 per class. The following classes are scheduled through December.
Oct. 20- Brews & (Taste) Buds. USA vs Europe.
Nov. 3- Craft of the Cocktail Gin: The Misunderstood Spirit
Nov. 17- Weekend Wine Sessions Wine for Thanksgiving
Dec. 1- Craft of the Cocktail Holiday Cocktails
Dec. 15- Brews & (Taste) Buds- Ales vs Lagers: Finding your style
Dec. 29- Weekend Wine Sessions A Bit of Bubbly USA vs France
Happy hour never tasted so good especially when you’re sipping on a cold, crisp and refreshing glass of rosé. Ocean Prime on High Street in northeast Phoenix offers up Veuve Clicquot during happy hour every Friday from 5-7p.m. until August 31st.
“Stop and Sip the Rosé” offers guests the opportunity to sip the Veuve Cliquot along with other rosé a reduced prices good for any rosé drinker.
Choose from sparkling, still, domestic or French Miner Rosé, $16 glass/$64 Bottle Chandon Rosé, $13 glass/$58.50 Bottle Veuve Clicquot Rosé $28 glass/$126 Bottle Notorious Pink Rosé $11 Glass/$44 Bottle
Oysters make for a perfect pairing with rosé so the award-winning Ocean Prime offers oysters on the 1/2 shell for 1/2 price by the half-dozen for $11. Other happy hour offerings will also be available.
Ocean Prime is at 5455 E. High St. Phoenix 85054. For more information and to find an Ocean Prime near you visit https://www.ocean-prime.com/
Anniversaries are worth celebrating especially if it’s a restaurants first anniversary as many restaurants don’t make through their first year. Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse has successfully made it to their first anniversary and is celebrating and the public is welcome.
Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography
The celebration will take place on Friday, November 10th from 5-7p.m. at the Scottsdale Waterfront restaurant. Complimentary appetizers and a hosted champagne bar are part of the celebration and DJ Thomas James will be providing music.
If you plan to stick around for dinner reservations are recommended but not necessary to enjoy the festivities.
Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse is at 7135 E Camelback Rd Ste 154, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Who doesn’t like sipping on champagne while eating French toast, the smell of bacon while lounging at one of the newest resorts in the valley. Not me, that’s why I’ll be joining The Scottsdale League for the Arts for their newest fundraiser, The Brunch Club on Saturday December 2nd at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley.
Photos courtesy of Jen Pruett and Landon Evans
The Brunch Club will gather starting at 11:30 a.m. and members will spend the next three hours sipping on rose, Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s as local restaurants will serve up tasty bites to eat including savory quiche to sweet French toast.
In between sips and bites stroll the grounds of Mountain Shadows manicured grounds with Camelback Mountain serving as you backdrop.
The Brunch Club tickets
To become a member of The Brunch Club you must be over 21 years of age and can purchase you tickets online with General Admission ticket priced at $40 until 10/31. From 11/1-12/1 tickets will be $45 and $50 at the door while supplies last.
Want to get an early start while others are still waking up, early admission at 10:30 a.m. tickets are available for $65 until 10/31. From 11/1-12/1 for $70 and at the door for $75.
Scottsdale League for the Arts
All net proceeds raised will go to the non-profit Scottsdale League for the Arts which raises money to promote the arts and arts education organizations in the Phoenix area.
Money is raised through out the year by hosting fundraisers such as The Scottsdale Culinary Festival and The Friends of James Beard Dinner. They have donated over $4 million dollars since 2002 to organizations such as Childsplay, Ballet Arizona and Free arts of Arizona.
Mountain Shadows Resort is at 5445 E. Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.
It’s 10 days until we can kiss 2016 good bye and welcome the excitement 2017 will bring us. Those that like to ring in the new year in style can find plenty of places around Phoenix to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Below is a list of several restaurants that are offering dinner on the big night.
The EVO salad photo courtesy of EVO
Pomelo at The Orchard
Chef Javi Perez will be serving dinner from 5pm – 10pm on New Year’s Eve with limited seating for the prie fix menu. The cost is $120 per couple with 2 glasses of Veuve Cliquot champagne included. To make reservations call 602-633-2600.
Starters (one to share)
Calamari & Shrimp Fritti—Crispy calamari and shrimp served with pomodoro and buttermilk dressing.
Chef’s Board—Assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses with toasted baguettes.
Wedge—Half head of iceberg lettuce, bleu cheese buttermilk dressing, crispy bacon, hard-boiled egg and tomato confit. (suggested wine pairing) Saint Louis Sancerre | 2014, Loire Valley
Specialties (one per person)
New York Strip *MR—(12 oz.) angus beef grilled over Arizona Mesquite served with shrimp in a parmesan sauce, seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes.(suggested wine pairing) Poggio alla Guardia Super Tuscan | 2012, Tuscany, Italy
Short Ribs—Braised to perfection served with a peppercorn demi glaze sauce and served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes (suggested wine pairing) Milbrandt Merlot | 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington
Salted caramel cookie—Warm salted caramel over shortbread cookie served with vanilla gelato, chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. (suggested wine pairing) Veuve Clicquot Rose | NV, Reims, France
Pomelo at The Orchard is part of The Orchard PHX, a two acre venue located at 7100 N 12th St. in Phoenix. http://www.pomelophx.com
Sorso Wine Room
North Scottsdale’s Sorso Wine Room will offer 2 seating’s for their celebration at 6:30 & 8:30. Chef Paige Murphy will prepare a 5 course prie fixe menu with a wine or beer pairing. The cost is $100 per person and includes tax & gratuity. Additional bottles of wine are 1/2 all night. To make a reservation call 480-951-4344. The menu may include the following….
Zuzu will over 2 seatings at 5:30 for $75 per person and 8:00 for $95 per person for a 3 course dinner. Those who attend either dinner are invited to a complimentary rooftop Champagne toast at midnight. Tax, gratuity and alcohol are additional at dinner.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho
A few of the options for dinner include a choice of a starterhttps://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/new-years-eve, entrée and dessert from a special menu. Delicious options include Lobster Bisque with crème fraiche and brioche croutons, Herb Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin with roasted fingerling potatoes, and Huckleberry Crème Brulee.
New Year’s Eve at Tavern Americana will be served from 5pm- 10 pm with a course dinner for $55 per person ++ with limited seating available. To reserve your seat call 480-502-6740.
1st Course
Caesar Salad | Parmigiano Reggiano | Lemon | Brioche | Black Pepper
EVO ends 2016 with a 4 course Italian feast starting 4pm going til 2am for $55 per person. The menu below will be the only menu served on New Year’s Eve and those in the bar can order a la carte. To RSVP call 480-265-9814.
CHEESE PLATE- GORGONZOLA/ POACHED PEAR/ BRIE/ DATE JAM/ DRUNKEN GOAT/ BLUE SKY HONEY
EVO 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480-265-9814 www.evoscottsdale.com
Joe’s Midnight Run
3 seatings will be available on New Year’s Eve at Joe’s Midnight Run in central Phoenix. 5:00 & 7:30 seatings are $65 per person and the 10:00 seating is $75 per person and will include party favors and a champagne toast. Reservations can be made by phone at 480-459-4467 or by email at info@joesmidnightrun.com
Opening Course: Choose 1
Pulpo-grilled fingerling potatoes, paprika oil, garlic and lemon
Shopping for gifts can be a daunting task for many, if there is a wine lover on your naughty or nice list it can be an even more daunting task with the ocean of wines available. A good way to shop for wine is to “try before you buy” and vommFASS Scottsdale is giving you the opportunity to do just that with 5 FREE wine tastings in the month of December. Whether your shopping for food friendly holiday wines, wine from around the U.S. or Europe or looking for bubbles for New Year’s Eve vommFASS Scottsdale has you covered.
vommFASS Scottsdale will also be hosting a Wine & Design event. The schedule of tastings is below.
Photo courtesy of vommFASS Scottsdale
Sweet or Dry?
Test your palate with Sweet and Dry wines at this tasting led by our sommelier. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 1. 5:30 pm FREE
Wine and Design
Happy Holidays! Enjoy great wines and appetizers while painting your own wine glass! Learn how to paint fun, festive art so your wine glass is holiday ready.
Wednesday, December 7. 6:00 pm.$30 per person (call to purchase tickets. 480-699-1099)
France vs. Italy
Do you prefer France or Italy? Find out with our sommelier. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 8. 5:30 p.m. FREE
California vs. Washington
Do you know the difference between California & Washington wines? Find out with vomFASS sommelier leading the class. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 15. 5:30 pm FREE
Holiday Wines
Led by our sommelier, find the perfect wine to complement your Holidays. Delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 22. 5:30 pm FREE
Happy New Year!
Celebrate with Bubbles and Dessert Wine! Sample both at this tasting led by our sommelier. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 29. 5:30 pm FREE
vomFASS Scottsdale is at the Scottsdale Waterfront 7135 E Camelback Rd, Suite 145
Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For more information go to http://www.scottsdale.vomfassusa.com
