Tag: dessert

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.

 

Rosso Italian brings Italian cuisine to downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix continues to be a dining destination and now you can add Rosso Italian to your list of restaurants to visit. Owner Stefano Fabbri is no stranger to the valley as he’s also owns Pomo Pizzeria with several locations in Scottsdale and Phoenix. For Rosso (at CityScape) he wanted to offer a contemporary take on premium Italian cuisine having grown up in Bologna, he’s influenced by his native Italy and global flavors.

“I have always harbored a dream of expanding Pomo Restaurant Group with a new twist,” said Fabbri. “When the opportunity presented itself, I knew the timing was perfect. The energy and vibe of Downtown Phoenix combined with the perfect location and ambiance solidified my belief that Rosso Italian would be the ultimate dining experience.”

Gnocchi Burrata

On the menu at Rosso Italian

I recently was invited to meet with Stefano and enjoyed dishes like ‘Nduja Mussels in a cream, white wine and tomato sauce and Polenta Short Rib. Both are tasty ways to start your meal with. The Beets Salad has chunks of red and yellow beets, frisee, goat cheese, pistachios and beet chips. I wish we had the Tuna Tartare Burrata as it sounds like a great combination. The Gnocchi Burrata in the cherry tomato sauce is a good bet. Entrees include Pork Chop Milanese along with Roasted Half Chicken. Fans of Pomo will be glad to see several pizzas on the menu including the Diavola. Topped with Hot Soppressata, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and a honey drizzle it won’t disappoint. For those on special diets gluten free and vegan pizzas are also available. Save room for dessert that includes Panna Cotta and Tiramisu.

The wine list is heavy with Italian wines but includes other food friendly wines from around the globe. I tasted a couple of signature cocktails including the Italian Stallion (Basil Hayden Bourbon and Amaretto) and Galliano Old Fashioned ( Rye whiskey and Galliano) and both went down easy.

He plans to add to the menu in the near future and open for lunch. Currently the restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday from 3 – 10 p.m. He will be opening 7 days a week in the coming weeks. For more information visit their website.

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

Lisa Dahl opens second location of Pisa Lisa

Sedona’s Culinary Queen, Lisa Dahl has brought her popular restaurant and pizzeria Pisa Lisa to the Village of Oak Creek. This is Dahl’s sixth restaurant in the Sedona area and the first with a second location. The first Pisa Lisa opened in west Sedona in 2013 with the new location offering an expanded menu with favorites including wood-fired thin crust pizza, organic salads, tapas and locally made gelato.

Pisa Lisa gets its name from what Dahl’s father would affectionately say to her when giving her a pinch growing up, “I wanna little piece of Lisa”. “I put my heart and soul into the first Pisa Lisa location which is a testament to my dedication to serving people special experiences that will turn into cherished memories while honoring the adoration I feel for my family members who are no longer with us,” said Dahl.

A personal touch from Lisa Dahl on the menu

Guests will find many personal touches on the menu including naming dishes after family members. Da Dororthy pizza is named after her mother and made with Mother sauce, provolone-mozzarella, fennel sausage, picante peppers, Parm-Reggiano. The Justino pizza is dedicated to her late son and made with Ricotta, provolone-mozzarella, San Danielle prosciutto gold, organic arugula, and white-truffle oil.

New are the antipasto plates including Lisa’s Plate, an antipasti sampler with fresh bocconcini mozzarella, tomatoes, finnochio slaw, magic mushrooms, caselveltrano olives and fire-roasted artichokes. New from the pastry team for dessert is the Cookie Monster, a warm and molten giant chocolate chip cookie sundae with Strawberry-stracciatella plant-based gelato (vegan and gluten free).

Beverages include natural sodas, local mead, 16 taps for craft beers, and top selling wines. A wide-range of healthy grab-n-go items including paninis, prepped pizzas, morning treats, and locally sourced roasted coffee are available.

The restaurant has an industrial and bohemian look in its 3,500 square feet. The raised bar is surrounded by Rock n Roll memorabilia from Capitol Records from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Indoor and outdoor seating is available as is communal seating at two large tables.

“This new location enables us to expand this heartfelt concept to a larger audience as it is ultimately a culmination of my work and passion for the Sedona culinary scene and my gratitude for those who dine at Pisa Lisa and stand with me in the belief that Rock ‘n’ Roll is here to stay!”

Pisa Lisa in the Village of Oak Creek is located at 6657 AZ-179 Ste D1, Sedona, AZ 86351. For more information visit their website.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill “Takes a Gallon Off” your meal

John Banquil, owner of Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill and Ling’s Wok Shop knows how the high gas prices affect people’s everyday life. With that in mind he came up with the “Take a Gallon Off” promotion during July and August. The idea came to him while at Disneyland after seeing the high price of gas and knowing it’s on the top of the mind of his staff and customers.

Everyday he checks the AAA website for the cost of a gallon of regular gas and emails his managers and those who sign up to be a Wokstar. When customers present the email during the purchase of $40 or more they get the amount off their bill. Many of the meals at both restaurants are gluten free and they offer a variety of dishes for all tastes including vegan and vegetarian eaters. In the first 10 days 5-10 people per day, per store have taken advantage of the promotion. To sign up to be a WokStar visit either restaurants website.

The “Take a Gallon Off” promotion is just one of the ways Banquil supports the local community with donations. The monthly “Cooking for a Cause” at Ling’s Wok Shop has chefs create a special dish and donate part of the proceeds to charity. July’s dish is the Thai Tuna Bowl and proceeds go to Gabriel’s Angel.

Ling & Louie’s have 2 locations in Arizona and one in Idaho and Texas. In Arizona visit Scottsdale at 9397 E. Shea Blvd 85260 and at Wild Horse Pass Casino at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Phoenix 85048. Ling’s Wok Shop is at 20511 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85255.

 

Stagecoach Country Roadhouse opens in Sedona

Wild Thyme Restaurant Group recently transformed the former Olde Sedona Grill to the new Stagecoach Country Roadhouse that’s now open for business. Led by Founder and CEO Heinrich Stasiuk, Wild Thyme bought the property late last year then spent $3 million remodeling it inside and out. The result is gorgeous views of the surrounding red rocks from the the dining room and rooftop bar and a menu designed by James Beard recognized Chef Roberto Madrid.

“After being part of the Sedona community for close to a decade, we are thrilled to open an upscale steakhouse and lively saloon in the heart of town,” said Heinrich Stasiuk, Founder and CEO of Wild Thyme Restaurant Group. “There is nothing like a great steak or hearty BBQ after a long day on the trails, and Stagecoach is the perfect place to dust off your boots for outstanding food, drinks and fun,” he said.

Wild Thyme’s other restaurants in Sedona include Shorebird and Timo Wine Bar and they manage the Spoke and Wheel Tavern at the nearby Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. They also own & manage other restaurants in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and the Caribbean.

What to expect at Stagecoach Country Roadhouse

Executive Chef Bert Bonnarens handles day to day operations in the kitchen that features bone-in and hand cut steaks, fresh seafood and country roadhouse fare with a Southwestern twist. Bonnarens previously worked in hotels and resorts as did Wild Thyme’s Corporate Chef Madrid who formerly worked at Deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

The finest cuts of prime Angus certified beef include a cowboy style Ribeye Steak, Filet Mignon and a Wagyu spiral cut. The Smoking Wagon will crank out fall of the bone St. Louis style ribs, pulled pork, Andouille sausage and more. Burgers are piled high with all the gourmet toppings and fixins’ and plenty of salads are on the menu along with a Vegetable Tower and more for vegetarians. Signature dishes include Scottish Salmon, Bison Short Ribs and Sedona Red Clay Chicken. A full compliment of starters, classic side dishes and desserts round out the menu.

Beverage Director Topher Bray’s curated the wine list and his cocktail menu includes a variety of tequila and mezcal cocktails. The Sedona Sunset and Blood Orange Mezcalita are a couple of his signature cocktails.

On weekends guests can burn off the calories on the dance floor to live music or ride the mechanical bull. Private and semi-private rooms are available for parties of up to 80 people.

Stagecoach Country Roadhouse is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:00AM to 9:00PM. Saloon hours are 9:00PM – Midnight (Sun – Wed), 9:00PM – 1:00AM (Thu – Sat). Stagecoach Country Roadhouse is at 1405 AZ- 89A. 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.

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.

A double header of food festivals coming February 5th & 6th

One ticket is all you need for two up-coming food festivals in downtown Chandler. The double header starts on Saturday February 5th with the Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival then keep your tickets for Sunday’s Arizona Ice Cream and Donut Festival. Both festivals will be at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park with the Bao and Dumpling starting at 10 a.m. and the Ice Cream and Donut Festival starting at 11 a.m.

Food items can be purchased separately from admission with foods ranging from $5-$14 depending on the dish with many about $8. In addition to the main dishes other Asian foods, desserts and boba will be available. An anime marketplace featuring local artists will be on display.

Tickets for the double header are $14.99 for Early Admission at 11 a.m., $10 for General Admission at 1 p.m., the Night Market starting at 4 p.m. is $10 and Happy Hour admission at 7:30 p.m. is $6.00. Children 7-12 years old are $6 and those under 7 are free. The ticket prices do not include tax and a processing fee with nearby parking is free in lots and garages. To purchase your tickets follow this link and to stay up to date on both festivals follow them on their Facebook page.

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.

It’s tamale time at Los Sombreros

The locally owned Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale and Mesa are taking orders for their homemade Mexican comfort food by the dozen. Customers can split the orders to 6 each of two flavors Green Corn, Tomatillo Chicken, Rajas, Carnitas, Shredded Beef Brisket and Pineapple. 24 hour notice is required and they are available to be picked until December 24th at noon.

Festive Yuletide cocktails at Mavrix for a limited time

The entertainment venue in the Talking Stick Entertainment District has unveiled 4 seasonal cocktails available until December 31st. Sip on a Naughty or Spiced, Mistletoe Mule, White Christmas or Gettin’ Blitzen with scratch made food from their Trophy Room Grill.

Leila’s Empanadas launches in time for the holidays

Chef Leila Beltrame launched her new line of sweet & savory empanadas made from her family’s secret Brazilian recipe. A staple of Latin American cuisine her Beef, Chicken & Olive and Apple Creme Brulee empanadas are available at Sam’s Frozen Yogurt at 3434 W. Anthem Way, Anthem 85086 and online soon.

Crumbl Cookies around Phoenix collecting toys for Harvest Compassion Center

The local cookie franchise is collecting new toys in original packaging or minimum $10 gift card in exchange for a mention of a free Chocolate Chip Cookie. Exchange a toy for a cookie at their Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, Signal Butte, Red Mountain Mesa, Mesa Groves, Arcadia, Norterra and Tempe locations.

2022 RECOUPON AZ Beers Booklet now available

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has released their popular booklet of $700 worth of coupons & discounts for the holidays. For only $35 you can use the coupons at 43 of Arizona breweries until the end of 2022. 110 coupons are in the booklet with up to 4 from each brewery. The booklets are available until the end of January 2022 at 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.

Hulu premiers “Baker’s Dozen” & a Scottsdale native is one of the winners

Scottsdale native Tess Levin was one of the recent winners on the new Hulu show “Baker’s Dozen” that premiered in early October. She wowed the judges on Episode 3 with her candy art to advance to round two where all remaining contestants made the identical signature dessert before narrowing it down to 3 people for the finals. The “culinary comedian” as Levin calls herself, won the coveted “Golden Rolling Pin” and cash by impressing the judges with her “Mermaid Under the Sea” themed macaron tower.

The 8-part Hulu series is hosted by Tamera Mowry- Housley of Sister, Sister fame and former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. The 26 year old Levin currently lives in L.A. but grew up in Scottsdale attending Arcadia High School and makes frequent trips back to Arizona. You can see the trailer for the show here.

 

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.