Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Ember Lounge holiday experience kicks off tonight in North Phoenix

The popular pop-up at Desert Ridge Marketplace starts its 2024 season tonight through January 12th, 2025. Inside the District Dome guests can enjoy shareable plates and themed cocktails from Copper Blues Live that include Open Fire Meatball Skillet, Harvest Bread Boule, Smoked Campfire S’mores, The Ice Hotel & The Northern Light.

Ember Lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday and the new Dome After Dark starts at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday’s. Guests will enjoy live entertainment nightly that will include live music and DJs for late night fun. The Ember Lounge sold out last year so be sure to get your tickets at this link.

Tis the season for tamales at Diego Pops

A staple in the southwest during the holidays are tamales and the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has them for dine-in guests and packaged to-go. Options include…

  • Tia’s Tamale Plate – Tamale lovers can dine in at Diego Pops this holiday season and choose from the classic tamale flavors of red beef machaca or green chili chicken! The tamale plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, fresno pepper and cabbage. Served with a side of rice and beans of your choice. Limited availability.
  • Take Home Tia’s Tamales (1 dozen to-go) – Take the flavors of Diego Pops to your friends and family and pick up a dozen to take home with your choice of red beef machaca or green chili chicken. Take-out tamales include your choice of rice and beans. Limited availability.

Diego’s sister restaurant, Arcadia’s (Phoenix) Eat Up, Drive In is offering a dozen red or green tamales available for pick-up throughout the holidays.

Macayo’s to offer weekly tamale tutorial and lunch

Looking to learn how to make tamales yourself well Macayo’s has your back. Starting next Saturday, November 16th, through Saturday, December 21st you can learn how to make them. Classes start at 3 p.m. at locations below and include a Top Shelf Margarita, a 3-course lunch and tamale making tutorial for $60 per person and you can take home the tamales you make. A maximum of 4 people per group and a class of 40 people will offer an intimate and enjoyable experience. Tickets can be purchased at Macayo’s website.

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

Saturday, Nov. 23 at Macayo’s Mesa Dobson

Saturday, Dec. 7 at Macayo’s Goodyear

Saturday, Dec. 14 at Macayo’s Chandler

Saturday, Dec. 21 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

New seasonal pizza available at Myke’s Pizza

The downtown Mesa artisan pizza maker is now making a Butternut Squash pizza through December 1st. Made with locally sourced butternut squash, mozzarella, buttered pecans, pickled red onions then finished with a drizzle of citrus-chile puree is $21. It’s one of his seasonal pizzas and allows Myke and his team to support local farmers and vendors.

STK Steakhouse offer steak tailgate from

With football season in full swing the Downtown Scottsdale is offering USDA Prime steaks for home grilling. The STK Meat Market will cut your steak to order then flash freeze the deliver them to your home ready to be prepared. Cuts include Wagyu and STK’s signature cuts and can be ordered at their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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.

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

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

Bounty of the Sea menu now at STK Steakhouse

The new seafood menu is available until April 6th with 8 new dishes for dinner. Start with a Seafood Tower, Tuna Tartar or Jalapeno Pickled Shrimp Cocktail before moving on to Fish & Chips, Maine Lobster Linguine and more.

Send some Noodz for National Noodle Month from Ling’s Wok Shop

Throughout the month of March the north Scottsdale Asian fusion restaurant is having some fun with Noodz. Not in the naughty way, customers can send Noodz to friends & family and save some money for themselves. Just submit their email address and they will get an email for BOGO noodle dish. For sending them some Noodz you’ll get a certificate for $5 off your next visit.

Save your Spring Training game tickets for food & drink deals.

Local restaurants are playing ball to save you a few bucks when you visit Phoenix area restaurants before or after the game on the same day of the game. Visit Myke’s Pizza, Streets of New York, Koibito Poke, OverEasy, Joque Concepts (Diego Pops, The Montauk, The Hot Chick) and Salt & Lime Mexican Grill. Visit each restaurants website to see each deal, promotion ending dates and any restrictions that do apply.

Desert Ridge Marketplace adds restaurants to Sip & Stroll list

Arizona law now allows you to sip on your favorite adult beverage as you stroll the north Phoenix retail center. Shoppers 21 and over can purchase to-go drinks from Islands, Yard House, Artichoke Bassile’s Pizza, Copper Blues Live, Dave & Buster’s, Sid’s Garage and Whining Pig Beer and Wine Bar.

OpenTable names Phoenix area restaurants as Most Romantic

Steak 44 in Phoenix and Scottsdale’s Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse made the annual Top 100 list for 2022. More than 12 million reviews submitted by diners nationwide included a total of 9 restaurants in Arizona. Up to five stars can be given in categories including food, service, ambiance and value.

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

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

Valentine’s Day under the stars with TLC eXperience

If you haven’t made you plans for next Tuesday, February 14th seats are still available for the 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by 3 course dinner. The Orchard at Agritopia hosts the locally sourced menu curated by Chef Tom and his culinary team. Seats are by reservation only and are $180 per person or $360 per couple. To view the menu and reserve you seats visit their website.

It’s a Schmoozetacular weekend in Scottsdale

The downtown Scottsdale coffee shop/cafe celebrates golf & football all weekend long.  Get 15% off all Bloody Mary’s and cocktail flights Fri, Sat & Sun. when you use promo code CHEERS15. Enjoy Schmooze after dark Friday & Saturday nights from 4 -10 p.m. and there is a Super Bowl Watch Party with light bites and cocktails on Sunday from 4-9 p.m.

New “Level Up” menu at Los Sombreros

Guests visiting the Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix Mexican restaurants can now experience new dishes to the menu. Enjoy The Molcajete features lobster, shrimp, chorizo and snow crab in a spicy broth. Beer battered Lobster Tacos, Wagyu Asada and Lamb Adobo also make up the new dishes.

Dirty Dough opens north Phoenix location

The Tempe cookie maker who mantra is “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” has opened its newest location in The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. One of a kind cookies with unique flavor profiles updates its cookie menu every Friday. Current favorites are Monster Mash, Candy Bar and Kitchen Sink cookies are available.

February specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations are serving up a margarita, entree and dessert specials all month long.

Rio Margarita: A house favorite since 2011, this handmade margarita is made with Hornitos Tequila, Hiram Walker Orange Curacao, lime juice and Agave triple sec. $9.99

Al Pastor Chicken Platter: Al pastor grilled chicken paired with fajita veggies, fried potatoes and a stuffed Anaheim pepper and served with a side of guacamole, roasted chipotle salsa and house-made tortillas. Choice of a cup of chicken tortilla soup or house salad to start.  $19.99

Strawberry Shortcake: Layered with vanilla sponge cake, strawberry puree and strawberry cheese cake, and topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumble. $7.99

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

Sip & stroll with your favorite adult beverage when shopping

Who doesn’t need to sip on a cocktail, beer or glass of wine when shopping, even more at this time of year. Soon you will be able to at certain outdoor shopping centers including Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace thanks to Governor Ducey signing A.R.S. 4-215 into law. Vestar, the owner of both properties and others in Arizona lobbied to test the program in 2019 but much of the 3 year test was hampered by the pandemic.

“You can get a drink at a movie theater and walk around resorts and golf courses with a cocktail, so why not retail centers?” asked Pat McGinley, President of Management Services for Vestar.

The company did their homework working with the state legislature and the Department of Liquor to deal with the liquor laws. The new law allows retail properties of over 400,000 square feet with large pedestrian areas to allow one or more of its existing bars and restaurants to allow customers to sip and stroll with beverages in hand.

“We are proud that in 2019, Desert Ridge Marketplace was the first and only shopping center to take advantage of the ground-breaking legislation,” stated McGinley. “The program was met with strong support from our tenants and the community at large.”

The new law also includes security and must be reviewed by the city in which the shopping center lies before being approved by the Director of the Department of Liquor. Vestar recently submitted applications to both Phoenix and Tempe to get approval from the state. “As a local restaurant owner, I appreciate the importance of providing fresh and interesting experiences for the consumer,” said State Representative Jeff Weninger. “Making it possible for people to enjoy an alcoholic beverage as they go about their shopping elevates the customer experience in a fun, creative way and can help drive business to retailers.”

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.

Pillsbury Wine Co. & Wild AZ Cuisine pair up for 2 nights

In conjunction with the Willcox Wine Festival, the winery and Chef Brett Vibber host a four-course dinners next Friday and Saturday May 20th & 21st. The dinners will be at Pillsbury’s Willcox vineyard and wines will be available for purchase. Dinner start at 6 p.m. and seats are $65 per person and can be reserved by calling Valerie at 949-466-1054.

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers donates to Barrow Neurological

Celebrating National Burger Month all 12 locations will donate a $1 of each weekly specialty burger sold throughout the month. $1 of each Michelob Ultra 22oz. draft will also be donated to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and Barrow Neurological Foundation. May 9 – May 15: Santa Fe Burger. Pepper Jack, Pickled Red Onion, Green Chile Relish, Chipotle Aioli. May 16 – 22: Asian Burger. Asian Slaw, Sriracha Mayo, BBQ Sauce. May 23 – 31: Mushroom Burger. Swiss, Mushrooms, Bacon, Teriyaki Sauce. Each week’s burgers are $15 and include a side of house made chips.

Barnett Vineyards wines poured at Hearth ’61 Sunday Supper Club

The May 15th dinner also welcomes Pat Duncan, an organic farming pioneer for a five course dinner from Chef Wiley including the best from Pat’s farm. Sourced from their 40 acres atop Spring Mountain the wines showcase the characteristics of grapes grown in Napa Valley’s higher elevations. Dinner is starts at 6 p.m. and seats for this special dinner are $189++ per person with reservations required.

New Summer menu now available at Z’ Tejas

Until September guests can enjoy new dishes from Executive Chef Diego Bolanos throughout the menu at the Scottsdale and Chandler restaurants. Crab Artichoke Dip, Berry Steak Salad, Caribbean Chicken & Mango Coconut Cheesecake Parfait are a few of the new offerings. New craft cocktails include a Paleta Margarita, Michelada, Mojito and a Margarita Flight.

Sid’s Garage opens Monday, May 15th in north Phoenix

The restaurant known for over the top burgers and boozy shakes opens their first Arizona location at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Check out what to expect at this post from last month.

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.

Sid’s Garage bringing high energy vibe to Desert Ridge Marketplace

Phoenix is getting a new burger restaurant when Sid’s Garage starts serving high intensity burgers, cocktails with an attitude on May 15th. With 2 locations in Idaho, owners Nicole and Will Primavera bring their industrial vibe to The District next to AMC theatres where guests will also enjoy adult games, an outdoor patio and a private dining room for group events.

Get ready to chow down on burgers, award-winning cocktails and boozy shakes not for the faint of heart. Burgers include the Boss Hog Burger – half-pound Wagyu and Black Angus Snake River Farm beef patty, 48-hour roasted pork belly, onion rings with scratch-made Sriracha-bourbon sauce or Sid’s version of Bacon and Eggs – four pieces of candied bacon suspended above two flash-fried deviled eggs with a honey mustard dipping reduction.

Enjoy favorite cocktails and shakes such as the Velvet Revolver made with vodka, tyku, lime, muddled cucumber and sriracha; the 420 shake has crumbled Oreo, vanilla ice cream with a buttercream rimmed glass and a huge dark chocolate ice cream sandwich; the Fat Elvis shake includes a peanut butter rim, raspberry jam, vanilla bean ice cream, crunch berries and a full size strawberry short cake bar.

Sid’s Garage will be open daily at 11 a.m. until  9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 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.

What restaurants are open to serve you on Thanksgiving.

Still un-decided if you want to make Thanksgiving dinner or holding out for that one special invite? If the answer is “no” but you’re still looking to celebrate with turkey and all the fixings and wondering what restaurants are open on Thursday November 28th, wonder no more.

Liberty Station American Tavern & Smokehouse- Both Scottsdale locations are open serving a 3-course dinner for $32 per person and $16 per child 12 and under. Reservations for can be made online at www.libertystationtavern.com or by calling (480) 278-7044 for seating at the DC Ranch location or (480) 595-9930 for seating at the Terravita location.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse- From 12 noon- 7p.m. join this north Scottsdale steakhouse for 3- course a la carte menu of traditional holiday favorites. The three-course menu is $55 per person or individual pricing is available per course — 1st course is $10, 2nd course is $39, and 3rd course is $10. A turkey dinner for children ages 12 and younger is available for $25 per child. Reservations can be made online at www.keelerssteakhouse.com or by calling (602) 374-4784.

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace will be open from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. for your morning coffee, breakfast and last minute needs. Luci’s is at 1590 E Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix.

Dave and Busters at Tempe Marketplace opens at 4 p.m. til 12 a.m. and will offer Game Day specials.

Agave del Scottsdale in Scottsdale is offering a Mexican inspired 3 -course menu for $55. To see the offerings and make reservations head to https://agavedelscottsdale.com/

Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria- Up in Cottonwood check out a one plate Thanksgiving dinner with a Merkin’s twist from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. http://merkinvineyardsosteria.com.

Voila French Bistro is doing special Thanksgiving Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required. The three-course menu is $49 per person. Kid’s, 12 and under $20. www.voilafrenchbistro.com

Modern Oysterbar Chophouse is taking reservations for its traditional turkey dinner will offer a special menu crafted by Executive Chef Mike Bouwens from 1 to 8 p.m. The regular menu will also be available that day. http://modernoysterbarchophouse.com/

Fired Pie’s Tanger Outlet and Arrowhead location will open at 6 p.m. for hungry shoppers getting a head start for Black Friday.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar at Tempe Marketplace and Desert Ridge Marketplace will be open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. offering a 3 course dinner for $30.

Lucille’s BBQ at Tempe Marketplace has a Thanksgiving menu and limited regular menu from 11 a.m – 8 p.m.

The Hotel Valley Ho has a Thanksgiving Buffet from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Sands for $69. Zuzu is serving buffet dinner from 4 – 9 p.m. for $52 – $72 depending on entree selection. Children 12 & under can eat for $22 at either buffet. Reservations can be made at https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/thanksgiving

Mountain Shadows Resort- Hearth ’61 is serving a seasonal brunch menu and special Thanksgiving dinner menu from 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Visit https://www.mountainshadows.com/resort/events/thanksgiving to make reservations.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has a generous buffet in the Views Ballroom from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for $105 ++. The resort’s signature restaurant Elements offer s 4-course prie-fixe menu for $115++. Kids 12 & under can eat at either for $35. Reservations can be made at http://www.sanctuaryaz.com/

Match Restaurant & Lounge serves a chef prepared feast from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and includes turkey and all the fixins for $29 ++, $12 for children ages 9-12 and $7 for children 6-8. http://www.matchphx.com/

 

 

Desert Ridge Marketplace to get Arizona’s 4th Thirsty Lion Gastropub

UPDATE: Good news last minute shoppers, Thirsty Lion opens today (12/23). They will be closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, the re-open Thursday 12/26.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub announced that it has chosen Desert Ridge Marketplace for it’s fourth Phoenix area location. The 6,500 square foot restaurant will open in the fall of 2019 on the southwest side of The District. This will be the tenth restaurant to occupy Desert Ridge Marketplace since it’s $22 million upgrade in 2017.

“Desert Ridge Marketplace continues to establish itself as the place to be in the North Valley, evidence of how we chose where to open the fourth Arizona location,” said John Plew, Owner of Thirsty Lion. “We know our bold flavors and creative cocktail program will resonate with the Desert Ridge community, and we look forward to showing them what Thirsty Lion offers.”

The restaurant will have a larger dining room and outdoor bar with a fire pit. The restaurant has locations at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Tempe Marketplace and Gilbert’s SanTan Village.

Once opened the restaurant will serve eclectic gastropub cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Meats, seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables are all part of the restaurants core menu. Craft beers are served on tap along with uniquely created cocktails and over 20 wines by the glass.

Phoenix based Vestar owns and manages the shopping and entertainment complex. “Thirsty Lion will create an energetic and elevated dining experience at Desert Ridge Marketplace,” said Jenny Cushing, vice president of leasing at Vestar. “With extensive culinary and beverage options, we know Thirsty Lion will truly provide something for everyone in the North Valley.”

The shopping center is on Tatum Blvd. just north of the Loop 101.

CB Live doesn’t stop the party during new Om-Lit! Brunch

If you like loud DJ pumped music with your morning coffee, Bloody Mary or Mimosa there’s plenty of Phoenix restaurants that will keep the party going into the afternoon. The newest is served up CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace which kicked off their Om-Lit! brunch this past Sunday.

“We are so excited to launch OM-LIT! at CB Live. Phoenix has some of the best brunch weather in the country and with our amazing patio and a menu like the one we’ve created, we’re thrilled to start making a splash for breakfast, in addition to lunch and dinner.” said Ryan Handelsman, marketing and business director for CB Live.

The boozy breakfast starts every Sunday at 11 a.m. with a new breakfast menu along with Bottomless Mimosas and BYO Bloody Mary’s. The menu includes breakfast classics with inventive twists such as eggs benedict, fried chicken and waffles and omelettes. Healthy food options such as coconut oatmeal are available as well.

Throughout out brunch DJ Myth and DJ V-Easy pump out music from their turntables at the stage above the bar.

CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace is at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85050. For more information see their website.