Tag: downtown Scottsdale

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Summer specials at The Mexicano

The popular Paradise Valley & Chandler restaurant from The Maggiore Group offers new summer food & drinks specials.

All-Day Happy Hour specials include: (available in the bar area)

  • $4 Clásico Margaritas, Modelo drafts & well drinks
  • $8 Bar Nachos
  • $10 Jalapeño Poppers
  • $12 Shrimp Ceviche
  • $12 Pastor Chicken Wings
  • $9 Mini Chimis, Tinga Burrito & more

All-You-Can-Eat-Taco-Tuesdays in the bar for only $8.88 on Thursdays, choose from potato, al pastor, shrimp & crunchy beef.

Weekly specials include…..

  • Margarita Mondays – 50% off all margaritas
  • *Best F#%ing Taco Tuesday – $2 tacos (dine-in only)
  • $3 tacos available all day, every day

New Happy Hour specials at Source

The restaurant at Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert just rolled out new Happy Hour specials available Wednesday – Friday from  3- 6 p.m.

  • Snack: Chickpea Hummus with pickled veggies and za’atar flatbread, $11
  • Pizza: Mozzarella with tomato, oregano and Decimi extra virgin olive oil, $10
  • Natural wines: $7 per glass or $25 per bottle
  • Beer: $5 each

Third Tuesday Tasting Dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The Downtown Gilbert cafe will be serving up another of its popular 3-course wine dinners next Tuesday, June 17th. Dinner starts with a Watermelon Wedge Salad followed by Chicken Breast stuffed with hearts of palms and prosciutto and ends with Black Forest Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs. The dinner is $48++ per person, and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry relocating

The Old Town Scottsdale shop specializing in locally made artisan foods and more is making an unexpected relocation this summer due to a change in their lease. No address has been announced yet but as you can imagine relocating during the slow summer season is especially difficult.

Co-owners & mother and daughter Sharyn & Rebecca Seitz are looking to remind everyone of the continued support for them and other local businesses during the summer months. Ways to help are to visit the store Monday- Saturday 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m., placing an order online, sharing stories about the shop or donating.

Summer Passes at GenuWine Arizona

The wine bar/shop in Downtown Phoenix is offering two Summer Passes for wine and beer lovers. The Wine Lover Summer Pass is $40, and the Beer Lover Summer Pass is $20. Enjoy discounted glasses of wine or beer all summer long with each pass offering 5 tastes and one can be redeemed per visit through August.

Round Pond Estate wine dinner at 3 Mastro’s in Scottsdale

Next Tuesday, June 17th the local Mastro’s Steakhouse, Mastro’s City Hall and Mastro’s Ocean Club will host a five-course dinner paired with Round Pond Estate wines. The ultra-premium family-owned winery in Napa Valley is known for its highly sought after Cabernet Sauvignon and artisan foods. The evening’s experience will also include Round Pound Estate olive oils used in the preparation of several of the courses. The five-course dinner includes….

  • King Crab Hand Roll – Round Pond Chili Olive Oil, Carrot, Apple, Daikon, Shiso, Nori
  • Summer Salad – Strawberries, Watermelon, Herbed Sauvignon Blanc Vinaigrette
  • Wagyu Black Truffle Ravioli – Brown Butter, Balsamic Reduction, Grana Padano
  • New York Strip 6oz – Marinated Artichokes, Rosemary Garlic Emulsion accompanied by Round Pond Garlic Oil Sauteed Spinach and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Butter Cake with Strawberries & Balsamic – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Strawberries, Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Seats for the 7:00 p.m. Round Pond Estate dinner are all inclusive at $250 per person, with part of the proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Seats can be reserved at Mastro’s website.

Lite Bites & Sips and more for summer at Marcellino’s

We don’t need the official start of summer (June 20th) to tell us Phoenicians that summer is here with local restaurants pulling out their summer playbook of specials, new and old, to bring us desert dwellers out in triple digit heat. One of those restaurants is Marcellino’s Ristorante at Southbridge in Downtown Scottsdale. Chef and co-owner Marcellino and his wife Sima are bringing back their “Summer Supper Special” menu and “Dinner and a Movie” night and are adding the Lite Bites & Sips menu.

Summer Supper Special

Avoid the summer crowds of Italy as you enjoy a special 3-coure prix-fixe supper for $55++ per person with a four-person party limit. Choose for your 1st course (antipasto) a Caprese featuring imported fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, garden basil and extra virgin olive oil. The Insalata Organiche is a simple but refreshing salad of organic mixed field greens with aged balsamic dressing. The Cozze appetizer showcases mussels sautéed with white wine, olive oil and garlic or spicy marinara.

For your second course choose one of Marcellino’s award-winning hand-made pastas including Gnocchi Sorrentina, Paccatelli or Pollo Saporito (pictured above). No decision needed for dessert as you’ll enjoy a cooling homemade Tiramisu. Select bottles of wine are on Summer Special as well, so make sure you take a look at that list.

The Summer Supper Special is available Tuesday – Thursdays through September 4th.

Lite Bites & Sips

New this summer at the bar is a new offering on Tuesday – Thursdays from 4 – 6 p.m. The Lite Bites menu include Caprese, Crostini with mozzarella and prosciutto or mozzarella and mushrooms, or Salumi and Cheese. Pair with a glass of red, white or rose wine, all priced between $8 – $10.

Dinner and a Movie

Up to 10 people can enjoy dinner and a movie every Tuesday and Wednesday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. No cost for the movie, but a dinner order is required whether its from the Summer Supper menu, the regular menu or one of Marcellino’s nightly specials. Perfect for date nights, girls’ night out or to see a movie you’ve yet to see.

Movie night starts tomorrow, June 10th with La Cage Aux Folie and the summer schedule is as follows….

“Moonstruck” – June 18, July 15, September 3

“Cinema Paradiso” – August 12, August 27

“La Cage Aux Folle” – June 10, July 1, July 16, August 26

“The Big Night” – June 11, July 8, August 20

“Marriage Italian Style” – June 17, June 25, July 2, August 19 

“Under the Tuscan Sun” – June 24, July 9, August 13, September 9 

Marcellino’s will be closed for a brief summer break starting July 20th and re-opening on August 7th. To make a reservation of for more information visit 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.

It’s A Wrap Month and more Summer Specials at Miracle Mile Deli

Summer is here and so are some deals at the Central Phoenix deli in June and July.

June is “It’s a Wrap Month” at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from three mouthwatering wraps for just $15, served with a side and a crisp kosher dill pickle:

Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap – Crispy white meat chicken, romaine hearts, wonton noodle strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in our Asian honey sesame dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Chipotle Ranch Turkey Wrap – White meat turkey breast, fresh avocado, shredded asadero cheese, romaine hearts, tri-color tortilla strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Chipotle Ranch dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Athena Chicken Wrap – Grilled white meat chicken breast, Feta cheese, romaine hearts, crispy onion strings, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Greek Athena vinaigrette, wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

From June 1 to August 31, Miracle Mile’s popular Summer of Shakes & Floats returns! Cool off with a classic milkshake or ice cream float for just $6.

“Burger at The Bar” in June at Virtu Honest Craft

Every Wednesday in June, Chef Gio Osso creates a uniquely creative burger paired with hand cut fries and draft beer. Sounds good right, but there are some rules….Only 12 burgers made each week, Only at the bar, No splitting, No reservations and No exceptions. Each burger for the following week gets revealed the Friday before(today!!) at their website or on their social media.

DAOU Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The Downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines from the Paso Robles winery on Friday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The night starts with an Heirloom Tomato Salad before the pasta courses and the Filet Mignon entree, all paired with red, white & rose wines. Seats are $125++ per person and to see the full menu & reserve your seat head to their website or call 480-427-2264.

New Summer hours at LDV Winery’s tasting room

The Downtown Scottsdale tasting room that pours award-winning Arizona wines has new hours for the summer. They open 7 days a week at noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s. Happy Hour just got happier where you can get a glass of wine for $7.00 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Also happening this summer……..

Date Night Fridays starting at 6:00 p.m. get two flights of wine & choice of a meat or cheese charcuterie board for $41.62. The price includes a free flight, 10% off the board, and an 18% gratuity.

Mid-Week Summer Sale- Every Tuesday and Wednesday get 50% off all bottles of wine to enjoy at the tasting room or take home and all boards are $5 off.

Wine club launch and events at Jamie’s Bottle Shop

Now that Jamie’s Bottle Shop has been opened for about two months, owner Jamie Hormel and her team of sommeliers are launching their new wine club and announcing upcoming wine tasting and educational events.

A wine club for every palate

Whether you are new to wine or are a collector their is a wine club for you with four levels to choose from. To join the you can sign-up in person at the Old Town Scottsdale shop or online.

Discovery Club, $55/month 

Build your taste and expand your confidence with the Discovery Club, where fresh styles, producers and regions will be introduced each month. Perks include: 

    • A curated selection of two wines — one white, one red — chosen to inspire and expand palates. 
    • 10% off all retail wine, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events. 

Jamie’s Wine Club $140/month

Designed for those who love the excitement of trying something new, perks of the Jamie’s Wine Club include: 

    • Three bottles of curated wine selections that include a white, red and the sommelier pick of the month.
    • 10% off all retail wine, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events.

Collectors Club, Inquire for pricing

For the advanced wine aficionado, the Collectors Club provides exceptional wines from Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s private reserve. Collectors Club membership is extremely limited and currently sold out. To join the wait list, please visit the website. Perks include: 

    • Quarterly allocations of 12 rare and unique bottles from Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s private reserve, featuring legendary producers and vintages. 
    • Personal wine concierge services. 
    • Early access to select wines. 
    • Invitations to member-only events. 
    • 10% off all retail wines, except Reserve Room selections. 
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 

Annual Membership, $95/year

Want to choose your own wine adventure? Jamie’s Bottle Shop’s Annual Membership provides the advantages of the wine club while providing the freedom to explore your personal selections. Perks include:  

    • Early access to select wines.
    • Invitations to member-only events.
    • 10% off all retail wines, except Reserve Room selections.
    • No corkage fee for retail bottles enjoyed in-store. 

Upcoming tastings and educational events

Advanced Sommelier Katherine Janowiak hosts a weekly wine tastings and educational events every Friday at 6:00 p.m. It’s the next best way traveling to the world’s best wine regions without leaving Arizona. All events are scheduled on an ongoing basis and will emphasize individual wine regions and countries. For more information and book a class at the shop’s website.

2025 Summer Chef Series from Devour Phoenix

We’re still a month away from the official start of summer 2025 and no matter how hot it gets, you still must eat. So why not let four of the best chefs from around the valley cook for you once a month. If that sounds good to you, the 2025 Summer Chef Series dinners are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month from May to September with each dinner featuring two valley chefs who will create a seasonal 4-course menu to celebrate community and showcase local culinary creativity.

Each month’s dinner starts at 6 p.m. and tickets for the Dinner Series are an all-inclusive $1,250 per person ($250 per dinner) and come with curated drink pairings. Heading out of town to cool off, don’t worry the tickets are transferable and they make great gifts for your favorite foodie or split with friends. There will be no refunds. One guest at each dinner will win a pair of tickets to the 2026 Devour Culinary Classic. The series is a partnership with Local First Arizona and In Good Spirits Hospitality with the schedule below.

  • Monday, May 19 – Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at The Larder + The Delta
  • Monday, June 16 – Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
  • Monday, July 21 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
  • Monday, August 18 – Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at  Hana Japanese Eatery
  • Monday, September 15 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

For more information and to reserve your seat visit 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.

Only Michelin one star taco stand coming to Dbacks game tonight

Tonight’s baseball game will have a pop-up taco stand from Mario Hernandez Alonso, son of the founder of Taquería El Califa de León. The Dbacks are kicking off Mexican Heritage Weekend with tacos on Chase Field’s Plaza with the famous Gaonera tacos which debuted back in 1968.

Craft 64 celebrates Cinco de Mayo all month long

Both the Scottsdale and Chandler pizza & beer restaurants is exploring Arizona’s Mexican heritage and how its ingredients work with traditional pizza. All month long get the house-made 64 Al Pastor, Tha’ Taco and 64 Fajita pizzas along with a Jicama Fresca salad and a Cinco De Pollo sope special. 3 Mexican style beers were made by co-owner James Swann are on tap and 4 seasonal cocktails including the Watermelon Margarita were created for the month-long event.

Chula Seafood Uptown offers new Tuna Tataki Salad

For a limited time, guests visiting the Central Phoenix location can enjoy a new salad. The seared tuna tataki comes served alongside a crispy medley of Napa and red cabbage, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, snap peas and julienned carrots all tossed in a vibrant soy-ginger dressing and paired with chilled Udon noodles and enoki mushrooms.

Famous 48 closes its doors

The Scottsdale restaurant served its last meal on Sunday, May 4th and wanted to thank their customers that supported them over the years.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Eat Up Drive In celebrates 4th anniversary with $4 burgers

Opened in 2021 during the pandemic, the Arcadia fast casual concept celebrates next Tuesday, April 29th. Their Wood Grilled Cheeseburgers will be $2.50 off all day.

Mollydooker wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

No punches will be thrown next Wednesday, April 30th for the 5-course dinner paired with Australian white & red wines. Seating is $120++ per person and seating is limited. To make reservations you can call 602-374-4784 and for more information you can visit their website.

  • 1st Course—Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with the 2024 Violinist Verdelho
  • 2nd Course—Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with Two Left Feet Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 92 pts.)
  • 3rd Course—Grilled Lamb Chop served with a mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz (Wine Spectator 2022 92 pts.)
  • 4th Course—Prime Baseball Sirloin with Yukon Gold mash and asparagus paired with Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 90 pts.)
  • Dessert Course—Chocolate Lava Cake

sneakybird opens its 4th location

The never ever fried chicken concept opened its 4th location in Queen Creek in The Marketplace at Hudson Station recently. The oven-grilled chicken sandwiches, tenders, flat breads and salads are available with plenty of dry rubs and sauces for dipping.

Summer Martinis now available at The Montauck

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant with an East Coast vibe has 5 new savory, floral and citrusy martinis to keep you cool.

  • Salt & Vinegar – Aviation Gin or Ketel One Vodka, Salt, Vinegar
  • Pepper-tini – Aviation or Ketel One Vodka, Pepperoncini Brine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper
  • One and Only – Ketel One Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom, Lillet Blanc, White Haven Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon
  • Italian Summer – Caravella Limoncello, Ketel One Vodka, Lemon, Aperol
  • Rose Colored Glasses – Glendalough Wild Rose Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Grapefruit

BJ’s Restaurant launches Snickers Pizookie

The restaurant has partnered with Mars to offer guests a freshly baked brown sugar cookie with chunks of Snickers bar then topped with vanilla bean ice cream, a chocolate shell topping,ar  caramel sauce and sprinkled with more Snickers. The limited time sweet treat is available for dine-in only. Find a location near you at BJ’s website.

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 

 

The Dessert Room to offer after hours vibe at Shiv Supper Club

Riot Hospitality Group announced in December that they were transforming The Mint nightclub into an upscale Shiv Supper Club and opening day is set for later in April. One of the highlights will be The Dessert Room, a Friday and Saturday night after-hours spot opening at 9:30 p.m.

“At Shiv, we wanted to create something truly special—an experience where dessert isn’t just an afterthought but the highlight of the night,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “The Dessert Room was born from my vision to transform our supper club into a seductive, late-night escape, featuring bold culinary creations, indulgent cocktails, and a vibe that makes the night feel unforgettable from start to finish.”

Dramatic sweets in The Dessert Room

Details are emerging of what late night enthusiasts can expect including 12 signature desserts from acclaimed pastry chef Nundi Harris, exclusively available during late night hours. Here are a few of the desserts one can expect once inside.

  • Dessert Caviar Service – A whimsical reimagining of classic caviar service featuring fruit-based pearls over basil panna cotta, paired with coconut crème fraîche and shortbread—playful, refined, and unexpected.
  • Fruity Pebbles-Inspired Pearl Cake – Inspired by nostalgic cereal, this shimmering entremet layers cereal-infused sponge, milk mousse, and a crunchy feuilletine base, all glazed to resemble an iridescent pearl.
  • Bananas Foster Baked Alaska – A showstopping fusion of Bananas Foster and Baked Alaska, featuring vanilla ice cream and caramelized banana atop rum cake, dramatically flambéed tableside in banana-infused rum.
  • PB Cube (pictured) – A sleek chocolate cube filled with peanut butter mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, and praline crunch—finished with a glossy ganache mirror glaze for ultimate decadence.
  • Deconstructed Tropical Cheesecake – A deconstructed take on cheesecake with vanilla bean mousse, spiced pineapple, cherry compote, and a crunchy crumble—each bite a playful escape to the tropics.

Of course, dessert cocktails will be available for you to indulge in such as The Mint Chocolate Truffle and The Powder Room Nightcap. Take your late-night experience to the next level with table side champagne service and a premium selection of spirits.

“Shiv’s Dessert Room deliberately challenges expectations,” explains Dustin Cooke, Culinary Director of Riot Hospitality Group. “We’re blending savory techniques with sweet components, incorporating unexpected textures, flavors, and presentations. Guests aren’t just eating dessert — they’re experiencing it through theatrical service, multi-sensory elements, and storytelling. We’ve reimagined dessert as a destination rather than a meal’s conclusion.”

Reservations for The Dessert Room will be separate from Shiv and reservations and more information can be found at their website.