Tag: coffee

Caffe Vita joins the Phoenix coffee scene with 1st Arizona location

Phoenicians can’t get enough coffee and on Saturday July 30th there will be a new place to get your daily cup of go-go juice. Seattle’s Caffe Vita opens its ninth location nationwide and first in Arizona in the former Easley’s Fun Shop at 509 W. McDowell Rd. To celebrate their arrival, all day Saturday their giving away a FREE oat milk lattes.

Paying respect to the former tenant and its history in Phoenix, Caffe Vita is preserving several aspects of Easley’s including their signature bright yellow sign “Our business is fun”. Also renting out space in the building will be brewery Roses by the Stairs and men’s clothier Cave and Post.

“It was important for us to give a nod to the beloved business that once called this space home, and we worked with Carol Easley and family to preserve as much of the building as possible while constructing a space that’s uniquely Caffe Vita,” said Deming Maclise, Owner and CEO of Caffe Vita. “We think Phoenix residents will be pleasantly surprised at how much this space feels like an evolution of the location, rather than a takeover.”

Coffee and more at Caffe Vita

Beans will be roasted in a vintage Probat UG 22 and will be overseen by Director of Coffee Sam Spillman. Spillman is the 2019 United States Barista Champion and brings a wealth of knowledge and kindness to the job.

Guests can sip on signature coffee drinks such as Caffe Del Sol Espresso, single origin coffees and Oatdos. The latter is a cortado made with oat milk. Seasonal drinks including the Cold Brew Shandy and Prickly Pear tonic will be exclusive to the Phoenix location. To keep cool on hot days there will also be a selection of slushy drinks.

La Grande Orange Bake Shop, Yo Donut and Suss Pastries will provide locally made pastries and breakfast specialties. On the menu you’ll find a Prickly Pear Fruit Pocket, gluten free and vegan Passion Fruit donuts and more.

Caffe Vita will be open daily from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Visit Mesa launches City Limitless Beers & Brews Passport

Whether you’re a coffee drinker, beer drinker or enjoy both, Visit Mesa, the city’s tourism office, has launched a digital passport offering prizes and incentives when visiting the city’s coffee shops, breweries, taprooms and sports bars. The incentive program is free and once downloaded the app users can get discounts and special offers when they check-in.

Visit Mesa created the Beers and Brews Tour to support local businesses and showcase the city’s growing and award-winning craft beer and coffee community. “Our support for small business will never wane,” said Visit Mesa President and CEO Marc Garcia. “We are developing programs like this one to strengthen pillars of our industry, such as bar and restaurant owners, as we gear up for the pre-pandemic demand that is already occurring for our destination. We know that locals and visitors from across the state will be just as interested in checking out Mesa’s burgeoning craft beverage scene. For Visit Mesa, it’s just as important to attract a visitor from the West Valley as it is from the Midwest.”

Passport users can collect prizes such as bottle openers and coasters when they check-in at 5 businesses and a Beers & Brews t-shirt with 10 check-ins. Check-ins will be verified with a 4 digit code at each location and prizes need to be redeemed within 30 days of the first check-in. Monthly sweepstakes will draw winners who visit all participating business’ with winners get a commemorative race medal showing their dedication. Prizes are subject to change and available while supplies last. A good way to get your passport stamped would be this weekend’s Tap into Mesa beer, blues and food festival.

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 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.

Myke’s Pizza now open for lunch

Good news coming from downtown Mesa, the popular pizza joint inside Cider Corps is now open for lunch. Tuesday-Sunday you can get gourmet pizza starting at 11 a.m. Follow them on Instagram for dessert and pizza specials. Throwback a cold cider from Cider Corps or a hot coffee or tea from Pair Cupworks while you’re there.

Daily Dose rolls out new Fall inspired seasonal menu

5 new menu items are now available at their Phoenix (Mid Town), Scottsdale (Old Town) and Tempe (Rio Salado) locations until Thanksgiving. Enjoy Pumpkin Crunch Pancakes, Cinnamon Churro Waffles, a Cranberry Club Sandwich, Pumpkin Latte and Apple Cider Mimosa.

The Parlour Room opens this weekend in Gilbert

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, the new basement cocktail bar opens tomorrow, Saturday October 30th at 7 p.m.

Fresh Taste Meal Prep to discontinue weekly meals

Weekly family meals are being discontinued at the end of October but corporate meals, holiday meals and large meals of 35 or more are still being offered. If you’re still looking for a meal prep and delivery service Fresh Taste recommends Scottsdale’s Complete Cuisines and The Simple Chefs.

Chompie’s is opening its new location next week

Big sandwich lovers in northeast Phoenix have been waiting for the new Chompie’s to open since it closed its location at Paradise Valley Mall. Wait no more as the restaurant will be opening on Wednesday November 3rd. Expect much of the same and more, read about the new location here at my post from April.

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.

Firecreek Coffee Company opens first Phoenix location

Flagstaff’s Firecreek Coffee Company has opened its first Phoenix area location and fourth in the state, this week on Thomas Rd. and 46th St. It’s Founder’s Mike Funk’s second go round in the Phoenix coffee community after he opened Cafe Tech in downtown Phoenix in the early 1990s. He gained his coffee “know how” in the 1980s when he was in the coffee industry where else, in Seattle. He moved to Flagstaff to open his first location in 2008 with locations in Sedona and Cottonwood soon following.

“It’s extremely rewarding to be back in the Phoenix area and to be continuing the Firecreek Coffee legacy here in the Valley,” says Mike Funk, founder of Firecreek Coffee Company. “We can’t wait to introduce our unique culture to the Arcadia neighborhood and look forward to becoming a part of the community for years to come.”

Funk has been in every aspect of the coffee industry including building espresso carts, importing coffee machines, opening coffee bars and supplying hotels & restaurants with premium coffee. He plans to open other Phoenix area locations and a roasting facility at 16th St. & McDowell Rd. which will also double as event and concert venue. Firecreek Coffee Company

Firecreek offers small batch coffee, small bites and sweet treats made by pastry chefs in the morning and afternoon. Guests can enjoy quiche, toast options, salads, Paninis and pastries with their coffee drinks. Consumers have been buying whole beans at AJ’s Fine Foods and Whole Foods throughout Arizona and Firecreek supplies other coffee shops with their beans.

The Phoenix location is opened from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. with plans for longer hours in the future to offer craft cocktails and more. For more information visit their website.

 

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.

Bring your favorite pooch to Morning Squeeze on August 26th.

Celebrate National Dog Day next Thursday at the popular breakfast & lunch spots locations in Scottsdale, Tempe & downtown Phoenix. Bring them by the restaurant for a free house-made biscuit or something else from the Tail Waggers menu. $.99 Mimosas for you, dog lovers.

Wine Tasting Wednesday Wine at The Mick

One of the best restaurants to open in 2020 is Scottsdale’s The Mick Brasserie & Bar and every Wednesday they host a tasting, usually wine, starting at 6 p.m. Chef Brent (check out my podcast with Brent) creates a special menu for the night and prices do vary week to week. Next Wed. Aug. 25th they’re doing a sake tasting, Sept. 1st- Chardonnays from around the world. Sept. 8th- South African wines, Sept. 15th– Winemaker from Smith/Deveraux Winery Sept. 22nd– Four Peaks Brewery. Visit their website for more information and to see their menu and other up-coming events.

The Buzz Eatery now open in Kierland Commons

After a soft opening in the spring the breakfast, lunch & early dinner spot is now open. Catch a “buzz” from their selection of coffee drinks, wine, cocktails & adult popsicles while enjoying bagels, acai bowls, baked goods, treats and more from their breakfast and all day menu. They open at 7 a.m. Mon. – Sat. & Sun at 8 a.m. and close daily at 7 p.m. For more information and to see the menu check out their website.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row adds new dishes to the menu

The Gilbert location added 7 new dishes recently from new Executive Chef Dustin Cooke. Sweet Chili Cauliflower, Bourbon Glazed Wings, Truffle Mushroom Burger and Maple Almond Salmon are few of the rock star dishes.

FRANCINE celebrates its 1st anniversary with new cocktails

The French inspired Mediterranean restaurant in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square added new cocktails available through the Fall & Winter. The French Connection, an infused rum and St. Germain cocktail, Summer Thyme, uses a Silencio Mezcal base. Le Jardin combines Citadelle gin & yellow chartreuse San Remo is a premium whiskey-based cocktail and Archies Nightcap starts with Botanist Gin & Averna Amaro. All cocktails were created by bartenders Frank Soldano, Gage Myette, Trevyn StClair with the help of Executive Chef Brian ” Chef Archie” Archibald.

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.

Valley Coffee Co. to offer coffee, craft beers and all day eats

The valley’s crowded coffee scene will get a little more crowded when Valley Coffee Co. opens for business at Portland St. and Central Ave. The pet friendly coffee shop welcomes local residents and visitors to stay and enjoy not only the food and drinks but the art from local artists.

“Valley Coffee Co. has a little something for everyone whether stopping in on the way to work or relaxing with friends and family after a long day,” says Owner Donny Peper, an NAU graduate who grew up in the Valley and resides in the neighborhood. “We’re proud to work with local vendors to feature the best of Arizona food and drink, and we can’t wait to welcome our neighbors and new friends.”

Valley Coffee Co. sources their coffee from Flagstaff’s Firecreek Coffee Roasters and offer local craft beers, kombucha and wines. Light bites and snacks from Scottsdale’s Squarz Bakery include pastries & baked goods and meat pies. Specialty coffee blends, mushroom jerky, gourmet treats and merchandise are available on the shelves for purchase. Artlink Phoenix curated art features the people, places and things found around Phoenix.

Day to day operations and customer satisfaction will be overseen by manager Jace Musfelt who is hiring and those interested can send an email to dt@valley-coffee.com  for more information. Valley Coffee Co. is at 100 West Portland Street and open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information visit their website.

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 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.

Good news National Cold Brew Day is Tuesday 4/20

Those liking a cold brew can get a free can at Press Coffee when you spend $5 or more on their app.

Trapp Haus BBQ pop-up at Found:RE Hotel

Phil “The Grill” Johnson takes his smoker and more around the corner this Sunday April 18th for a pop-up appearance at the downtown Phoenix hotel. From 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. hotel guests and locals are invite poolside to enjoy Phil’s smoked meats, a DJ spinning some tunes and creative cocktails from Match Market & Bar. Admission is free, reservations needed.

Kitchen United Mix giving $10 off $30 for vaccine

The Scottsdale ghost kitchen with more than 10 restaurants under one roof is offering $10 off $30 order from any or all restaurants under its roof. Use promo code “Vaccine” when ordering.

Winemaker dinners at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa taking reservations.

The upscale resort with views of the McDowell Mountains released the dates for its upcoming winemaker dinner series. Paul Hobbs Winery is next Wednesday 4/21, Copper Cane Wednesday 5/19 & Miner Family Wines is Wednesday 6/23. Each dinner starts with a reception at 6:30 followed by a 4-course culinary experience of food & wine at 7:00. “Take Home” wines are available for purchase at the end of the dinner. Each person is $145++, seating is limited and reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-629-6231.

Cider Corps named 5th Best Cidery in Country

USA Today named the three year old Mesa cidery one of the best out of over 800 cideries vote on by a panel of judges. Started as a hobby during recovery from an injury suffered in Afghanistan, retired SGT. USMC Jason Duren says” it means a lot to be considered as one of the best”.

 

nomada Provisions, a local market opens in Phoenix

The culinary team at Scottsdale’s Nonna Urban Eatery has opened their newest venture nomada Provisions in central Phoenix. The local market will offer the neighborhood coffee, wine crafted foods and more 6 days a week. Owners Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta hope to spark customer’s creative side offering unique labels of cheeses, charcuterie, oils & vinegar and other high end pantry items.

“As we reach a pivotal point for the food and beverage industry, in a post pandemic world, we feel a ‘nomadic’ approach to food is much more aligned with today’s reality,” says Huerta of their new concept. “nomada is intended to allow consumers to explore, travel and dream through food and beverages as ingredients in addition to creating a practical way to access fresh carefully crafted, ready-made options for those with little time to cook. In a way, nomada will continue a primordial love affair with all things gourmet, bon viveur and bon vivant.”

nomada Provisions food & beverage offerings

The market will have ready-made foods, heat & serve foods and retail products with the gourmet foodie and home chef in mind.

Menu items include Dips & Spreads – Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Chicken & Duck Rillette. Seasonal Salads and Bowls featuring a variety of fresh and grilled vegetables, whole grains, salmon and more. “In-Betweens” including the Hummus and Vegetable Wrap and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. Proteins include Half Roasted Chicken or the Duo of Pan Seared Salmon. Fresh pasta will be available including Beet Campanelle, Tagliatelle and Squid Ink or Turmeric Rigatoni complemented by Nonna’s Tomato Sauce, Creamy Parmesan Sauce or Pesto. A variety of sushi and weekly soup will also be on the menu.

The couple is fond of coffee and wine and consider them magical beverages that transport you around the world. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino or an Americano while shopping or linger in the cozy coffee lounge. The Arabica and robust beans are hand picked from passionate farmers in the country of origin. Lesser known varietals of wines from small producers from around the world will be stocked to compliment foods without breaking the bank.

nomada Provisions is at 3410 N. 24th St. Phoenix 85016. They are open Tuesday – Sunday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. A full menu and information can be found at their website.

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.

Press Coffee now selling single serve coffee bags

Coffee enthusiasts can now get their daily fix of the local roaster’s coffee in packs of 10 single serve of its Early Edition blend. Like a tea bag, they need to be steeped for 5 minutes in 8 oz. of hot water.

News about Happy Hour at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All four locations now offer happy hour throughout the restaurant from 3- 6 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Specials include $5 house margaritas and well drinks, $3 domestic beers draft & bottles and food specials including Steak Quesadilla and Mini Taco salads are available.

$10 Pastrami sandwiches at Miracle Mile Deli Thursday January 14th.

The central Phoenix deli celebrates National Hot Pastrami Day with savings on all pastrami sandwiches. Choose from the Straw, New Yorker, Good on Pastrami or Combo. All come with fries and a pickle are are available for dine-in or take-out.

Free Flow yoga then brunch at FOUND: Re Phoenix Hotel

Every other Sunday starting January 10th the hotel has partnered with CorePower Yoga Instructor Christina Mierzejewski for a 45 minute poolside class. Following the 10 a.m. class brunch will be served from Match Market & Bar. Yoga and brunch are $50 per person and include a meal and adult beverage.

Donuts and art for the 100 Club of Arizona on January 14th

Local donut shops are donating their sweet treats for the first Gold Palette Artwalk of 2021 in Old Town Scottsdale. Money will be raised for the non-profit that’s supported first responders and their families since 1968. The art galleries along Marshall Way & Main St. stay open late every Thursday from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Traditional bagpipe performances and art demonstrations will be going on all night.

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.

Press Coffee opens Gilbert location today

The local coffee roaster opens today at 225 E. Germann Rd. In addition to high quality coffee and coffee based drinks, breakfast sandwiches, burritos and avocado toast are available. $1 drip coffees are available from November 6th-8th with profits being donated to local non-profit Winged Hope. Temporary hours at this location are 6:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends until further notice.

Today is National Nachos Day, these restaurants are celebrating

Urban Margarita in Glendale is helping you save a few bucks on their Hatch Green Chile Nachos. Get 1/2 off ($7.25) when you dine-in all day.

Macayo’s Nachos Supreme is $8 today rather than regularly priced $12.99. Offer is available at all locations for dine-in, take-out or Macayo delivery.

2020 Slider Throwdown is Sunday

The popular fundraiser moves to High Street in north Phoenix this year and will have food trucks battling to see who wins “Best Slider” judged by local foodies including myself. Attendees can vote for the “People’s Choice” winner.

Food & drink for military personnel on Veteran’s Day around Phoenix

Wednesday November 11th we say “Thank you” to all active and retired members of the military. Local restaurants are offering deals on food & drink around the Phoenix area.

Pita Jungle offers happy hour platter

National Happy Hour Day is Thursday November 12th and all Pita Jungle locations are showing off their signature tapas. $25 gets a platter of hummus and chicken with pine nuts, fresh mozzarella & tomato, baked pita chips, kafta mini pockets, feta, pickles, and cucumbers. A vegetarian platter is available too.

 

 

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