Tag: Cien Agaves

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Zarpara wine tasting in downtown Phoenix

Owners and operators Rhona MacMillian and Mark Jorve will have their Willcox area wines poured tonight at Roosevelt Row’s GenuWine Arizona from 6 – 9 p.m.

Olivepalooza is happening this weekend at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Olives don’t get much love, but this weekend connoisseurs and olive newbies can enjoy all things olives. Cooking demonstrations, olive grove tours, olive oil 101 classes and more are happening starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tis the season for ugly sweaters at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale Mexican restaurant is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on Sunday, December 15th from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy $4 Modelo beers, free SWAG and a chance to win an Modelo ugly sweater. Reservations are recommended.

Portillo’s to open 9th Arizona location in Chandler

The popular fast casual restaurant serving Chicago street food announced plans to open their newest (8th in Phoenix area) location at I-10 & Ray Rd. in Chandler in 2025. Designed as a “restaurant of the future” it will seat up to 160 people, have double drive thru lanes, Pick-Up shelves and a Grab & Go area for off premises eating. They will soon be hiring manages and shift leaders and those looking to apply can visit their website.

Full Speed Chicken and Ribs closes after only 7 months

The Roosevelt Row restaurant serving fried chicken and ribs from the owners of Little Miss BBQ closed after fulfilling take-out Thanksgiving orders.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Dia de los Muertos at Cien Agaves tomorrow

The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place Saturday, November 2nd from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant & cantina. Reservations are recommended for beer & tequila tastings, face painting, entertainment from DJ Flawlyss and more.

Devour Culinary Classic tickets on sale tomorrow

Phoenix area foodies will be at their computers bright and early tomorrow as tickets for the popular culinary event go on-sale to the public. The event sells out within weeks and more information and details can be found at my recent post.

National Donut Day at Randy’s Donuts

Election Day is National Donut Day at the popular donut shop. Wear your “I Voted” sticker on Tuesday, November 5th and purchase a dozen donuts at any of the three Phoenix area locations for a free specialty drink OR get a free small black or iced coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 dozen. All locations are open at 6 a.m.

Noble Ground Coffee opens new location in downtown Phoenix

The local coffee shop who is dedicating to making the communities which they serve better has opened their 8th location at 101 N. First Ave. The Official Coffee of The Phoenix Suns and Mercury has a unique concept where they share the proceeds of sales with local charitable causes identified by their parent company, Thrive Services Group. The new location is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on the weekend from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

It’s pumpkin season at Chompie’s

Taste the flavors of fall until December 31st at all four Phoenix area locations including the new breakfast special, pumpkin pancake plate for $11.99. Add two eggs any style and bacon or sausage for $4.79. Other pumpkin flavored desserts and sweet treats are also available.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

September is National Potato Month at Eat Up Drive In

Whether you like your potatoes baked, fried or boiled, it’s hard to resist the spuds and the Arcadia fast casual restaurant knows that. All month long your 6th baked potato free after you’ve purchased 5 of them. Choose from these six options Braised BBQ short rib, Plain, Loaded, Turkey Chili, Vegan Chili and Broccoli & Cheddar.

Mexican Independence Day at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina & restaurants celebrates next Monday, September 16th starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hours specials from 3-6, live music and tequila tastings starting at 4. Free SWAG will also be given out.

Mollydooker Winery dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pours the Australian wines with a 5-course dinner created by Chef Anthony Apolinar next Wednesday, September 18th at 6 p.m. Monica Teligades from Mollydooker will pour the wines & discuss them and how the winery came to be. Menus and pairings are as follows….

1st Course: Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with 2022 Summer of ’69 Verdelho
2nd Course: Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with 2021 Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd Course: Grilled Lamb Chop with mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with 2022 The Boxer Shiraz
4th Course: Grilled NY Strip with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and asparagus paired with 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
5th Course: Maria’s German Chocolate Cheesecake paired with 2021 Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz
Seats are $145++ per person and seats a limited and the required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784

$10 bacon cheeseburgers at Native Grill & Wings

Next Wednesday, September 18th the 6 locations around Phoenix celebrate National Cheeseburger Day all day and guests can get a hearty & juicy cheeseburger for only $10.

Cheers to the 14th Annual Grenache Day

Call it Grenache, Garnacha or Cannonau or whatever you want as long as your glass is full next Friday, September 20th. wine drinkers around the world will celebrate #GrenacheDay enjoying a glass with food or by itself.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

The Giant Sonoran available until March 31st.

Just in time for baseball season, Old Town Scottsdale’s Cien Agaves steps up to the plate with a foot long Sonoran dog. The bacon wrapped all beef hot dog is topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, avocado salsa and queso fresco. It is served with roasted chiles on the side.

Vino Stache & Tracy Dempsey Originals host Wine & Dessert Social

The Arizona winery along Dempsey’s ODV wines pair wines and desserts next Saturday, March 18th from 1:30 – 3p.m. Meet with Vino Stache Winery’s owner Brooke Lowry as you make your personalized wine charm for your glass. The social takes place at Tracey’s shop in Tempe with tickets in limited supply going for $30 each. Email tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com to reserve your seat.

March specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations celebrate the start of Spring and more with three food and drink specials.

March Madness: This refreshing cocktail combines Midori liquor and sweet and sour with a splash of seltzer. We garnish it with a cherry and lime wedge. $9.99

Drunken Barbacoa Flautas: Barbacoa flautas served in our tomatillo sauce. Topped with shredded lettuce, queso fresco, cilantro and crema. Served with one side. $17.99

Luck of the Irish: Layers of chocolate cake with mint simple syrup and colorful vanilla pudding are topped with mint sandwich cookies, whipped cream, cookie crumble and a chocolate gold coin for good luck. $7.99

Spinato’s Pizzeria introduces a new Spring menu

The locally owned pizzeria with locations in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Ahwatukee has its new seasonal menu available through early May. The “Honey Hot Pie” pizza is topped with salami, Mike’s Hot Honey, feta cheese, light sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. 6 new cocktails are on the menu including a Rum Negroni, Mojito Italiano and Limonata. The bar menu also includes new wines from Italy and Arizona along with new locally made beers and spirits.

Chesapeake Bay Seafood closes to focus on catering

It’s never fun writing about the closing of a restaurant especially one I featured a few months ago. Unfortunately James and Yolanda Brown had to consolidate its operations to catering closing their ghost kitchen in the Tempe Food Court and the brick and mortar location in Phoenix. Yolanda’s recent health concerns and staffing issues had James spreading himself to thin tending to the restaurants and Yolanda’s needs. He’s in the process of updating the website to accommodate their loyal following with a new catering menu.

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.

Dia de los Muertos Festival at Cien Agaves

The newly re-modeled restaurant and bar in Old Town Scottsdale is showing off its new look this Sunday, October 30th. From 1 – 4 p.m. festival goers can taste 15 different agaves, enjoy live music & get a swag bag. Capacity is limited and tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

Tommy V’s hosts The Carlton Winemakers Studio dinner

Next Thursday, November 3rd the Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines starting at 6:30 p.m. Red & white wines will be paired with Shrimp & Tuna Wheat Ceviche, Hazelnut Risotto, Braised Short Ribs and more. Seats are a $135++ and reservations can be made by calling the Scottsdale restaurant at 480-427-2264.

Trinchero Family Estates wine dinner at The Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Tara & Travis Rawlings purchased Moon Valley’s Aiellos and Isa’s Pizza in May and changed it to The Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar making some changes to higher quality ingredients and adjusted the menu to regional Italian. They host a six course dinner featuring Italian wines from the California based wine company on Wednesday, November 9th. They’re offering two seating’s at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for $125++. You can reserve your spot for this memorable evening at their website.

Blue Hound Kitchen welcomes a new chef and new menu

Executive Chef Alex Robinson joined Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at Hotel Palomar in August and hit the ground running working on a new menu. The menu and new cocktails from Clint “Spotty” Spotelson debuted in early October and features chef’s signature BHKC 900 Hot Stone with Australian Wagyu or Yellow Fin Tuna, Net of  The Sea, Roasted Airline Chicken Breast to name a few. Cocktail highlights include the bourbon based Stealth Bomber, Open Sesame with black sesame infused George Dickel rye and Pedro Conejo, an interesting combination of liquors, carrots and lime.

Halloween weekend around Phoenix

There are too many spooky events to mention this weekend around the Phoenix area. Look and you’ll find spooky cocktails, costume parties and more at your favorite restaurants, bars and breweries. Have fun and be safe!

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