Tag: comfort food

The Wilde Resort & Spa opens signature restaurant Rascal

Sedona’s newest resort, The Wilde Resort & Spa, opened in September has introduced Rascal, its signature restaurant with Executive Chef Mercer Mohr. Rascal serves diner comfort food with Chef Mohr’s innovative and market driven ingredients and dishes.

“We are thrilled to officially be opening our doors and can’t wait to share the amazing menu we’ve created with our local community and visitors,” says Mohr. “In addition to incredible food, Rascal will deliver a unique vibe and sense of place that is integral to The Wilde Resort & Spa experience.”

The Wilde Resort & Spa
Dry rub St. Louis pork ribs

The classic diner fare with an upscale twist, Rascal serves breakfast all day & lunch til 3 p.m. with happy hour and dinner starting at 4. Guests can expect all-American dishes including Rascal eggs benedict, biscuits & gravy and beef brisket hash and poached egg. Other highlights include crispy southern fried chicken, lamb chop lolli-pops, grilled salmon with Greek lemon pasta and more.

Handcrafted cocktails compliment the menu serving classic cocktails that are playful and sophisticated. The “Old Rascal” features Old Grand Dad bourbon with baked apple demerara, house bitters and ginger mist. The “Young Rascallion” is made with Rittenhouse rye, peach, orgeat, smoked bitters, lemon and aquafaba. Local craft beers including Mother Road Brewing and Four Peaks are poured as are small format wineries from the Sedona area and beyond.

For more information about Rascal check out their website.

 

“Arizona Pizza” added to new Fall menu at Famous 48 Local Kitchen & Bar

The Shops at Gainey Ranch’s Famous 48 Local Kitchen & Bar has announced several changes to its operation including adding Arizona Pizza to the menu. One of the new changes is that the restaurant will open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sunday’s so football fans can catch all the action.

The 4 new Arizona Pizzas are 12 inch thin and crispy crusts and use a mozzarella and provolone cheese blend. A cauliflower crust is also available with the 4 pizzas being…..

·         Margherita. Grilled tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil

·         The Famous 48. Pepperoni, sausage, onion

·         Nacho Mama. Ground beef, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, taco sauce, blend of cheddar-jack cheese, crumbled Nacho Cheese Doritos®

·         BBQ Chicken Pizza. BBQ Sauce, provolone, chicken, red onion, cilantro

“We like to keep our menus fresh and we’ll always offer Arizona favorites.  That’s the inspiration for the four pizzas on this new menu at Famous 48,” said Robert Wagner, executive chef, of Famous 48 and sister restaurant, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. “We aim to please and we’re happy the neighborhood enjoys our great food.”

With the new pizza’s come a special happy hour deal every Monday -Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy a Arizona Pizza and bottle of red or white house wine for only $25. To end your meal, they’ve also added a new option to a favorite dessert. The skillet cookie option of white chocolate macadamia, caramel sauce with vanilla bean ice cream joins a classic chocolate chip cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream.

Famous 48 is at 8989 N Scottsdale Rd #608, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. 480-941-0101. Check out their website for the full menu and more.

I talk French fries on The Great Food Feud with Brian Howie

I recently appeared on the first episode of the revived The Great Food Feud podcast. The topic was one of my favorite foods, French fries. We talked about the different styles of fries, fast food fries, toppings, condiments and more.

Enjoy and let me know what your favorite style of fries are and where you go to get your French fry fix.

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.

Eat Up Drive In brings fast casual comfort food to Arcadia Lite

Jocque Concepts recently opened it newest concept, Eat Up Drive In at the busy corner of 40th St & Indian School Rd. The locally-owned company owns The Montauk, Diego Pops and the soon to be re-opened The Hot Chick in downtown Scottsdale. This is their first fast-casual concept that serves up slow cooked fast served comfort food.

Eat Up Drive In offers a small dining room and patio for dining in along with a drive-thru window for pick-up for its individual or family style meals. The menu features dishes such as a Prime Dip Sandwich, Pulled Chicken Grinder (that’s a sub sandwich) and Caesar Wrap. Salads, soups & chili and sides are also on the menu. Six baked potatoes are offered including Vegan Chili, Braised BBQ Short Ribs and Turkey Chili.

Single & Family Meals are popular and include Short Rib Ragu, Wood Grilled Citrus Chicken, Charred Chile Shrimp and more. Each meal comes with two side dishes with patience needed when ordering family meals as they take 25 minutes to prepare. The restaurant uses all natural proteins and supports local vendors including Maya’s Farm and Passport Coffee & Tea.

Currently Eat Up Drive In is open for dinner starting at 4:30 p.m. with lunch service coming soon. For more information, to see the menu and order visit their website. The restaurant is at 4001 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018.

Woo Woo Burgers launches ghost kitchen from Z’ Tejas

The team behind Z’ Tejas Southwestern Grill launched its new ghost kitchen concept, Woo Woo Burgers at the end of May. Currently coming from its Chandler location’s kitchen, burgers and more are available for curbside pick-up or third party delivery. “We’re excited to launch this new concept,” said Robby Nethercut chief operating officer. “Woo Woo Burgers is a passion project of ours. It’s the delicious, simple type of food that we love made with the best ingredients.”

The simple menu offers 1/3 lb 80/20 Angus chuck & brisket for its Woo Woo Burger, Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheeseburger. The Woo Woo Chicken Sandwich comes with bacon and cheese. Several variations of the chicken sandwich are also available. All come dressed with lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and mayo and sides, sauces and drinks are also available.

“Burgers represent American culture – backyard gatherings, BBQs, nostalgia of the good ‘ol days,” said Diego Bolanos, executive chef. “I see Woo Woo Burgers as a great opportunity to connect to the community and our guests.”

Through Sunday June 6th 10% of all sales will be donated to Phoenix-based Living Hope Cancer Foundation. The non-profit is dedicated to providing cancer patients and caregivers support through lifestyle coaching and advocacy. Living Hope was founded by cancer survivors and more information can be found on their website.

To place an order head to their website.

Central Kitchen virtual food hall opens in Chandler with 4 concepts

Virtual kitchens/food halls continue to gain popularity with the local restaurant industry. Concept Entertainment Group (CEG), owners of Thirsty Lion Gastropub have opened Central Kitchen, a virtual food hall from the kitchen of Chandler’s Thirsty Lion. Arizona is the 4th state to open Central Kitchen which was launched late last year in Oregon then Texas and Colorado. Guests can order from five concepts Soy Joy Kitchen, Southern Jewel, Killer Wings, Pizza & Spice and Thirsty Lion.

“We’ve been fostering the idea of a kitchen focused on takeout and delivery for the last year,” said John Plew, president and CEO of Thirsty Lion Gastropub. “The pandemic put the process into hyper speed, and we saw this as the perfect opportunity to pivot with the climate and launch an idea that aligns with current consumer demands. Central Kitchen fills a need in the restaurant space by providing multiple culinary offerings from one hub. Guests can order the food that everyone in their home is craving under one ticket.”

All menus include scratch made dishes created by Keith Castro, CEG’s VP of Food and Beverage Executive Chef. Guests can order take-out and delivery from one central website with ease and efficiency.

Soy Joy Kitchen specializes in rice bowls, sushi, ramen and other Asian favorites. Southern Jewel offers Southern fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, sliders and Southern specialties. Killer Wings serves boneless and traditional wings with a variety of house made sauces. Pizza and Spice has a large selection of gourmet specialty pizzas and salads. Don’t forget burgers, salads, sandwiches and more from the Thirsty Lion and vegetarian options are available from most concepts. Starting January 26th Central Kitchen will offer 25% off each to-go meal ordered at the central website.

 

Hiring happening at new Twin Peaks Restaurant in Tempe

Twin Peaks Restaurant is opening new location at Tempe Marketplace in February and is hiring over 100 people for jobs throughout the restaurant. The new restaurant is a build-up of over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining spaces and a large kitchen.

“We are very excited to introduce Twin Peaks’ delicious scratch-made food and ice-cold beer to everyone in Tempe,” said Franchise Owner Carolyn Vangelos. “With 102 TVs located throughout the sports lodge, Twin Peaks will definitely be the best spot for locals to cheer on their favorite teams. We’ve secured a great location on the south side of Tempe Marketplace, easily accessible from Rio Salado Parkway, so our next step is to hire a talented group of outgoing people to join us in preparation for our grand opening.”

hiring
Lumber Jills

Flexible work hours and a fun work environment is just a couple of reasons to find work at Twin Peaks. They’re hiring 65 Twin Peaks Girls and 35 Heart of the House members including cooks, hostess, bartenders and others. Interested candidates can drop by the restaurant any day of the week from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. to apply for a job or can apply online.

Once opened the sports bar will serve comfort food, 32 beers on tap including local craft beers and a full bar.

This will be the 4th Phoenix area location and will be at 2050 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85281. For more information visit their website.

The Buzz Eatery & Treats coming to Kierland Commons

Kierland Commons is a buzz about new concept coming in November to the popular north Phoenix mixed use development. The Buzz Eatery & Treats will welcome residents, neighbors and visitors to enjoy everything from a cup of coffee, pre-packed meals, glass of wine, a flight of honey and more when the doors open.

“The Buzz is a convenient and casual place to dine, socialize with neighbors, enjoy a sweet indulgence with the kids, or grab a nourishing meal to take home or back to the office,” says Mike Torresso, co-owner of The Buzz Eatery. “We have something for everyone and multiple options so guests can feel comfortable when they walk through our doors — whether they stay awhile or simply ‘buzz in and buzz out.’

The Buzz Eatery & Treats eats

An open atmosphere lets guests eat at the counter, enjoy a glass of wine or meal inside or on the patio. Beverages include everything from a drip coffee, espresso drinks, craft beer, kombucha, seasonal cocktails and glasses of wine. The menu will include “all day faves” such as breakfast burritos, customizable acai bowls, hot and cold sandwiches, soups & salads and shareables for the table.

Those in a hurry can buzz in & out with a selection of pre-packaged “Side Kicks”, snacks and meals including overnight oats, salads such as Greek & Caesar and comfort food styled sandwiches such as egg salad and turkey many made with a The Buzz’s own honey. A selection of flavored of “Buzz Bites” energy balls can be made gluten free and with vegan options. Catering can be provided for those that would like to bring the buzz home.

The Buzz Eatery & Treats is open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant is designed with social distancing in mind and follows CDC guidelines for the safety of guests and staff. For more information visit their website.

“Hot Dog Day’s” at Joe’s Farm Grill all month of October

Hot dogs are so popular they can’t be celebrated just for one day. Gilbert’s Joe’s Farm Grill is celebrating the comfort food favorite for all 31 days in October. “Hot Dog Day’s” will features specialty dogs made with all-beef hot dogs and sausages from Phoenix’s Schreiner’s Fine Sausages.

From 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. customers can get a specialty hot dog served with a side for $12 or $18 for any combination of 2.

Hot Dog Day’s specialty dogs

Cheddar Coney Dog — A grilled hot dog smothered with mild homemade Michigan Coney sauce and yellow mustard then topped by a quarter-pound mountain of finely shredded Tillamook cheddar cheese; served with diced onions on the side

DangerDog — A jalapeno-stuffed, bacon-wrapped fried hot dog with atomic horseradish, honey mustard, homemade sweet-hot pepper relish and a heap of finely shredded ghost pepper jack cheese; served with extra relish on the side

Carolina Blue Dog — A grilled dog topped with a generous portion of Joe’s signature BBQ pulled pork, tangy blue cheese crumbles, and hand-cut sweet coleslaw then drizzled with Joe’s Real BBQ sauce and homemade coleslaw dressing; served with extra Joe’s Real BBQ sauce on the side

Sonoran Dog — A long-time Joe’s Farm Grill favorite, this (slightly) new and improved recipe features a jalapeno-stuffed, bacon-wrapped fried hot dog with homemade Farm beans, queso de cotija, pico de gallo and finished yellow mustard and a sour cream-mayo drizzle; served with whole fried peppers on the side 

Big Fat Greek Dog — Schreiner’s smoked Greek-seasoned pork sausage topped with cucumber tzatziki sauce, drizzled with yellow mustard, and then piled high with Joe’s Greek fries (featuring garlic sauce, feta, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs); served with extra sauce on the side

Italian Sausage Dog — A fresh sweet Italian link baked into Joe’s fresh-made focaccia dough with pepperoni, marinara, and creamy brick and pecorino-Romano cheeses, then topped with sautéed onions and peppers; served with side of mild Giardiniera (*This hot dog requires a slow hand — please allow for slightly longer service time)

Joe’s Farm Grill is at 3000 E. Ray Rd., Bldg. 1, Gilbert 85296. 480-563-4745. For more information visit their website.

Jerry’s Restaurant re-opens serving comfort food in Mesa, kind of.

Jerry’s Restaurant was a comfort food staple in Phoenix dating back to the 1960’s when it closed a few years back. With the popularity of comfort food in 2020 Jerry’s is re-opening this month in Mesa but with a catch. It will be a delivery only restaurant with food prepared in another restaurant. Last month I reported on Carnitas Way, the cloud kitchen from the owners of Los Sombreros and now Jerry’s Restaurant, where they will be preparing food out of the new Mesa location.

“We like to refer to it as Jerry’s 2.0,” says Kurt Riske, head of Rooted Concepts. “I’ve been around Jerry’s Restaurant for years. My dad worked at the Phoenix Jerry’s since 1991, so I have gotten to know many of Jerry’s loyal customers and it’s incredible to see the following Jerry’s has here in the Valley. For the moment, we are opening Jerry’s as a delivery only concept, which suits today’s times, since a large percentage of restaurant customers are ordering out and dining at home.”

Jerry's Restaurant
Chicken Fried Steak

Much of the menu will stay the same as the original restaurant that was located on E. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. Burgers, meatloaf, pot roast, chicken fried steak and breakfast menu along with the popular burritos will be available for delivery.

“This is an unusual year, and we’ve gotten comfortable thinking outside the box,” says Riske. “We’ve been intrigued with the rising trend of cloud kitchens, and this year seemed right for testing it out. We’re using our Mesa Los Sombreros as the home base for delivery of Los Sombreros, our new burrito concept Carnitas Way that launched last month, and now Jerry’s as well.”

Delivery will be available from Grubhub and DoorDash. There is also a Jerry’s Restaurant in Safford AZ and Fallon NV. To view the menu and order visit their website.