Tag: chocolate

Virtu Honest Craft serves chocolate dinner for Valentine’s Day

With many options for Valentine’s Day dinner, Old Town Scottsdale’s Virtu Honest Craft offers a unique take for dinner on Friday and Saturday, February 14th & 15th. Throughout the 4-course dinner guests will enjoy both sweet and savory flavors as Chef Gio Osso and his team will be using chocolate as ingredient that will offer unique flavor combinations.

The evening starts with an amuse bouche, a roasted blonde chocolate & foie gras bisque and women will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne and a red rose. The prie-fixe menu is…..

  • Crudo: filet mignon tartare, horseradish roasted chocolate aioli, salted radish, crispy shallot crumble
  • Al Forno: lasagna, prosciutto cotto, for di latte, pistachio white chocolate bechamel and parmigiano
  • Capesante: scallops, bacon caramelized onion potatoes, green chile white chocolate beurre blanc
  • Manzo: brut cocoa umami dusted filet mignon, foie gras potato, garlic butter asparagus, cocoa demi

The menu starts at $175 per person with a wine pairing option available for an additional $75. For more information and to make a reservation visit the Virtu Honest Craft website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Events & news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Mardi Gras Party at Pedal Haus in downtown Phoenix

From 2 p.m. until midnight tomorrow Saturday, February 18 celebrate carnival New Orleans style at the Roosevelt Row restaurant. Spicy Jambalaya, Po’ Boys and NOLA Hurricanes are featured along with live music for this free event starting at 4 p.m. Beads and beer will also be served.

Glendale hosts the Chocolate Affaire this weekend

It will be a sweet Saturday and Sunday in downtown Glendale as the popular event returns. Cooking demonstrations, chocolate tastings, wine pairings and more will be at this free event that starts at 10 a.m. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, more vendors, food trucks and unique attractions will benefit Magical Builders.

Strong Beer Festival pours beer tomorrow

The Arizona Brewers Guild hosts their Strong Beer Festival Saturday, February 18th at a new location at Salt River Fields. Tickets are still available and all the details and link to tickets are at my featured post.

National Margarita Day is February 22nd

Next Wednesday sip on the refreshing cocktail for less at restaurants around the Phoenix area. In the bar at The Roaring Fork all night long guests can get their signature Huckleberry, RF margaritas and others for only $7. Z’Tejas will be celebrating with $7 margs all day and from 5-6 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. their Sixth Street margarita is only $1. Scottsdale’s Diego Pops offers margarita and tequila samplings all day with $6 margaritas for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Salt & Lime has $7 house margaritas and more on special all day long.

LDV Winery releases new wines

4 new bold red, white and rose wines are now available from LDV Winery at their Scottsdale tasting room. The 2017 Syrah, 2019 Rhyolite White, 2019 Sky Island Viognier and 2020 Rosé of Grenache are sourced from their vineyards in the shadows of the Chiricahua Mountains and are in limited supply.

“We are thrilled to debut these new wines, which will be available soon and in the next package for our wine club members,” says Peggy Fiandaca, who co-owns LDV winery with winemaker Curt Dunham. “We look forward to sharing these new varietals with wine enthusiasts and we hope you all love them.”

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

 

Gayle’s Chocolates & Carlson Creek Vineyards plan Vortex Crunch Event

Arizona isn’t just home to many great restaurants, it also is home to many small artisan food producers. One of those is the newly re-located Gayle’s Chocolates in Cottonwood. Gayle’s started in Michigan in 1979 but was recently sold to Sedona residents, Michael and Andrea Portnoy. Friday September 20th will have the Portnoy’s introducing their chocolates at one of their first events, Vortex Crunch Event.

“Six years ago, when we tried Gayle’s we knew it was love at first bite. Now we are taking her creations and bringing them to the southwest. Taking inspiration from the Sedona Vortex’s our newest treat, the Vortex Crunch is sure to be a sweet and salty spiritual experience,” said Co-owner Michael Portnoy.

Carlson Creek Vineyards is partnering with Gayle’s Chocolates for the first of what hopes to be an annual event. Vortex Crunch is the newest addition to the line of homemade chocolates. Loaded with rice krispies, Michigan cherries, almonds, cashews, toffee, glazed orange peel, toasted coconut and a layer of semisweet chocolate. All ingredients combing for a sweet and salty taste.

Carlson Creek will pair their 2014 Rule of Three red blend and 2017 Muscat with the chocolates.

The Vortex Crunch Event will from 12 – 3 p.m. at Gayle’s Chocolates Willy Wonka like factory in their flagship store at 541 N. Main St. Cottonwood 86326. For more information visit their website.

 

Sphinx Date Company offers chocolate covered dates for Valentine’s Day

Chocolate is a favorite sweet treat all year round with Valentine’s Day being the biggest chocolate day of the year.  This year Scottsdale’s Sphinx Date Company is offering a twist for your sweetheart with chocolate covered dates.

Cerreta Candy Company of Glendale will be dipping dates in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and Arizona grown pecan stuffed dates in each heart shaped box. Each box contains 10 dates which start at $25.95 and vary based on dips and stuffings.

If you prefer your chocolate with out dates Sphinx Date Company offers other selections of locally made chocolate and sweets from Zak’s Chocolate, NutWhats and Tracey Dempsey.

Enjoy your sweets  with an Arizona produced wine or beer also available at the shop.

Sphinx Date Company is at 3039 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251 (480)941-2261. For more information visit their website

 

Wine & Chocolate are a delicious couple on the Scottsdale Wine Trail this Valentine’s Day weekend

If you crave chocolate and wine the way I do and have some time this Valentine’s Day weekend then head down to the Scottsdale Wine Trail in downtown Scottsdale for wine & chocolate pairings at the 5 tasting rooms that make up the wine trail.

Winemaker & owner Curt Dunham & Peggy Fiadaca pouring at LDV Wine Gallery

Walk the wine trail Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon – 5pm for only $5 per tasting at each of the tasting rooms where guests can pair samples of Arizona wines with chocolates. This casual, no pressure tasting is great for 1st dates as well as long time lovers who want a unique and fun way to celebrate Cupid’s favorite day.

No matter what path you take along the wine trail here are the 5 tasting rooms pairing wine & chocolate this Valentine’s Day weekend.

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room  7064 E. 5th Avenue

Su Vino Winery 7035 E. Main Street

Aridus Wine Company 7173 E. Main Street

Carlson Creek Tasting Room 4142 N. Marshall Way

LDV Wine Gallery 6951 E. 1st Street

For a map of the Scottsdale Wine Trail and more information check out. http://www.scottsdalewinetrail.com/

Sweet treats & wine at the Chocolate and Wine Experience on Jan. 27th.

Nothing says decadence and delight on a Friday night than chocolate and wine do and if both tickle your fancy the way it does mine then circle Friday January 27th on your calendar and get your tickets for the Chocolate and Wine Experience at The Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale.

This tasty event is hosted by The Scottsdale League of the Art as it kicks off its 2017 fund-raising season by bringing together chocolate from local chocolate makers, gourmet cuisine and local wines and craft beers. Highlights of the evening include a s’mores station,  a chocolate 101 teaching, chocolate martinis and a spiked hot chocolate bar.

Guests attending the Chocolate and wine Experience will taste samples of chocolate from Zak’s Chocolate, Nutwhats, XO confections and more. Food, wine and beer will be provided by EVO, Aioli’s Gourmet Burgers, Yancy Fancy Cheeses, Grand Canyon Brewing Company, Aridus Wine Company and others.

The Walken’s will be performing a wide range of classic cover tunes as guests meander through the night enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The money raised helps the non-profit Scottsdale League of the Arts support and promote the arts and arts education throughout the Phoenix area with several popular fundraisers a year including the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and The Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner.

Pre-sale tickets are on sale for $60 and early admission for $75 with entry an hour earlier & a champagne welcome. Tickets at the door will be $70. All guest will enjoy un-limited tastes of food, 12 drink sample tickets and access to all activities. The doors open at 7pm for early guests and 8pm for general admission.

The Saguaro Scottsdale, 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 and tickets can be purchased at http://www.scottsdalefest.org/

3 ideas for Valentine’s Day that include dinner for 2, chocolate and a blow dry.

It’s hard to believe January is almost over and with February less than a week a way it means love is in the air with Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re with that special someone or flying solo this year here are 3 ideas for the days leading up to and on February 14th.

Liberty Market in Gilbert is offering a Prix Fixe dinner for 2 on the 14th.

Crispy Potsticker Salad (house made potstickers, organic Agritopia Farm gourmet greens and mango sauce)

Fish Option: Seared Salmon with mushroom duxelle ravioli, asparagus in lemon butter sauce
Steak Option: Filet Mignon on crispy layered potatoes, organic Agritopia Farm vegetables in truffled madeira au jus

Chocolate Board (Assorted – shortbread, truffles, chocolate covered strawberries)
for $70. Include a 1/2 bottle of wine and cocktail for $100
Regular menu items will also be avilable.

Liberty Market
230 N. Gilbert Rd.
Gilbert Heritage District
Hours: F & Sa 7a-10p
Su-Th 7a-9p
(480) 892-1900
www.libertymarket.com

Valentine's Day Chocolate
Chocolade Van Brugge
On Thursday, February 12th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. you can get complimentary love tips from relationship coach, Elisabeth Davies M.C.as she will will be giving tips for singles looking to find love and for those in relationships. Elisabeth will as discuss how chocolate & love can ignite romance.

Part of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Anthony Bates Foundation. Anthony died in 2000 from an un-detected enlarged heart & The foundation was created in 2002 to help prevent other parents from experiencing a similar tragedy. According to the founder and Anthony’s mother Sharon Bates, “Personally I haven’t had time for a relationship, but I love my relationship with chocolate, she continues, this is a fabulous idea and the Anthony Bates Foundation would love to be involved in this event to support the love of chocolate, hearts & people.”

Chocolade Van Brugge is conveniently located at 4225 N Marshall Way, Suite
102, Scottsdale, Arizona, with complimentary parking.
www.chocoladevanbrugge.com

Shine Blow dry
Shine, A Blow Dry Bar
If you’ve have plans on Valentine’s night why not get treat yourself or that special someone to a Valentine’s Day package for only $30, normally $55. A blow dry, scalp massage and shine conditioning plus Valentine’s Day goodies. Any body purchasing the package from 2-6 p.m. will receive a FREE Tarot card reading from clairvoyant Angela Bell or that can be used through the end of March. The package is available for purchase from Mon. February 10th thru Valentine’s Day. Shine is located at 4225 N. Marshall Way Suite Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 947-4081 www.shinedrybar.com

Chandler AZ based Nuthwhats expands product line & retail availability.

nutwhats
Started back in 1999 by Lisa and Jim Rast, Nutwhats produces a line of sweet snacks that includes brittle called Britty & Scribble and the recently launched line of chocolates called “Bean to Bar” sourced from all over the world and are made from at least 75% Cacao. The beans are imported and the bars are made by hand in their commercial kitchen. “The Bean to Bar Chocolates are great for baking brownies, cookies or muffins and make incredibly decadent s’mores,” said Lisa Rast.

2 new brittle combinations are available too, Salted Almond Scribble and Green Chili Beer Britty if you need some spice in your life. In addition to being available online at www.nutwhats.com the sweets can now be found in AJ’s Fine Foods around the valley. The gourmet grocer will be selling 8 Nutwhats flavors including the 2 new flavors at $10.99 for the Salted Almond Scribble and $8.99 for Green Chili Beer Britty. “Our fans have asked us for years to expand our distribution and this partnership with AJ’s allows us to offer our hand-crafted products to more hungry Arizonans who are seeking an uncommon yet very satisfying treat,” said Rast.

In addidition to AJ’s, Nutwhats can be found at Bodega in Scottsdale, Phoenix Public Market and Smeeks in Phoenix and Doz Cabezas Wineworks in the southern Arizona wine country. The new Bean to Bar chocolates can be found at the Nutwhats booth at the Gilbert Farmers Market and Old Town Farmers Market in Scottsdale along with their other sweets.

Chill out in July for National Ice Cream Month with Blue Bell’s new Rockslide Brownie Ice Cream

Rockslide Brownie
29 years ago President Ronald Regan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and just in time to flip the calendar Blue Bell Ice Cream introduces Rockslide Brownie Ice Cream. This dark chocolate ice cream comes mixed with mini marshmallows, pieces of chocolate fudge along with chopped almonds, pecans and walnuts and a caramel swirl. This massively flavored ice cream will be perfect for the hot month of July and beyond.

Just in time for National Ice Cream Month and increased demand for their Rockslide Brownie and their other flavors, Blue Bell opened a new sales & distribution facility in west Phoenix on this month with a ribbon cutting & grand opening ceremony on July 11th. The 130,000 square foot facility is Blue Bell’s 2nd Phoenix area facility and will service northern and western Arizona for it’s retail customers along with restaurants that include Houston’s, Ruby Tuesdays and Outback Steakhouse. The freezer is kept at minus 20 degrees making for employees to wear parkas and hats at work. What I would not give to hang out there during the hot summer months.

The public is welcome to the ribbon cutting ceremony which will be attended by local dignitaries. The ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m. and the facility is at 5175 W. Watkins Rd. in Phoenix. After the ribbon cutting refreshments, ice cream and light appetizers will be served.

Phoenix City Grille offers a unique setting and specials for Valentine’s Day dinner.

Love is in the air and with Valentine’s Day a couple of weeks away, Phoenix City Grille and Executive Chef Rory Hewitt will once again use a combination of fresh and local ingredients to create the following specials for the special day:

– Surf and Turf: Wood-Grilled Beef Tenderloin Filet served with guajillo chile demi-glaze, Point Reyes blue cheese scalloped potatoes, and a Grilled Shrimp and Linguisa Sausage Skewer with port wine reduction.
– Colorado Lamb Chops, rosemary crusted and served with Meyer lemon – chardonnay sauce, Arizona pecan-crusted sweet potato croquettes, and an organic roasted beet and arugula salad.
– Pan-Seared Seabass with champagne buerre blanc, strawberry-fennel salsa, and sunchoke gratin.

“Every year we try to offer entrées that, in combination with the atmosphere of our restaurant and our service, will make Valentine’s Day extra special for all of our customers,” says owner Sheldon Knapp. “It is a holiday that many of our regular customers enjoy, and it gives us the opportunity to introduce new customers to Phoenix City Grille as well.”

Every day of the week Phoenix City Grille offers a full menu of American Contemporary cuisine with an influence from the Southwest, plus daily lunch and dinner specials, and brunch on the weekends.

Set in the Madison neighborhood of Central Phoenix, at 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, Phoenix City Grille open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, which are highly recommended, call (602) 266-3001 or visit www.PhoenixCityGrille.com.