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.

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.

September is National Potato Month at Eat Up Drive In

Whether you like your potatoes baked, fried or boiled, it’s hard to resist the spuds and the Arcadia fast casual restaurant knows that. All month long your 6th baked potato free after you’ve purchased 5 of them. Choose from these six options Braised BBQ short rib, Plain, Loaded, Turkey Chili, Vegan Chili and Broccoli & Cheddar.

Mexican Independence Day at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina & restaurants celebrates next Monday, September 16th starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hours specials from 3-6, live music and tequila tastings starting at 4. Free SWAG will also be given out.

Mollydooker Winery dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pours the Australian wines with a 5-course dinner created by Chef Anthony Apolinar next Wednesday, September 18th at 6 p.m. Monica Teligades from Mollydooker will pour the wines & discuss them and how the winery came to be. Menus and pairings are as follows….

1st Course: Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with 2022 Summer of ’69 Verdelho
2nd Course: Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with 2021 Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd Course: Grilled Lamb Chop with mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with 2022 The Boxer Shiraz
4th Course: Grilled NY Strip with Yukon gold mashed potatoes and asparagus paired with 2021 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
5th Course: Maria’s German Chocolate Cheesecake paired with 2021 Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz
Seats are $145++ per person and seats a limited and the required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784

$10 bacon cheeseburgers at Native Grill & Wings

Next Wednesday, September 18th the 6 locations around Phoenix celebrate National Cheeseburger Day all day and guests can get a hearty & juicy cheeseburger for only $10.

Cheers to the 14th Annual Grenache Day

Call it Grenache, Garnacha or Cannonau or whatever you want as long as your glass is full next Friday, September 20th. wine drinkers around the world will celebrate #GrenacheDay enjoying a glass with food or by itself.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Corn Roast event at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Next Friday July 22nd those who love corn can feast on a corn curated menu prepared by Del Piero Kitchen and Di Olivia Bistro & Bar. BBQ Chicken & Roasted Corn Pizza, Fresh Corn Carbonara, Pulled Pork with Corn Salad and more will be available for purchase. Locally grown corn on the cob from Rousseau Farms will also be available along with live music and games. The fun starts at 3 p.m. and admission is free.

Eat Up Drive In now offers catering

Whether it’s a office party or family gathering the Arcadia fast casual restaurant offers menus for all tastes. Entrees, boxed lunches, salads, sides and desserts can be accommodated. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are also available. To order 602-441-4750.

Start the weekend early at Koibito Poke

Visit the Scottsdale Waterfront location on Thursday July 21st & 28th from 6 – 9 p.m. for $4 draft beers or $3 drafts with the purchase of a bowl. Happy hour is extended all night for $5 wine, sake & cider and $3 seltzers.

Maui Pasta serving Aloha Hawaiian Plates

What started as a virtual menu in December 2020 is now a second menu at the Gainey Ranch restaurant. Know for house made pasta, the Aloha menu became so popular they started serving it in the restaurant. Plate lunches including Loco Moco, Hawaiian BBQ, Kalua Pulled Pork and more come with a side of rice, macaroni salad or a green salad.

Organ Stop Pizza celebrates 50th anniversary

The Mesa restaurant that features live pipe organ entertainment with a side of pizza reaches a milestone this year. Every year over 300,000 diners visit the dinner only restaurant for fun and food from with a variety of tunes from the “Mighty Wurlitzer”. “Every visit to Organ Stop Pizza is unique with patrons hand picking the songs via request,” says co-owner Jack Barz. “By the end of the night, an eclectic mix of music is enjoyed by audience members ranging in age from two to 102.”

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.

National Burger Day is Saturday 5/28

A favorite of many, the hamburger is celebrated all month of May and especially tomorrow. Two local restaurants are taking advantage of the American comfort food with free offerings.

Eat Up Drive In Get a Free side of fries with every burger purchase when you mention this promotion at the Arcadia restaurant.

Woo Woo BurgersBuy One Burger Get One Free when you order online for pick-up or delivery from their Chandler or Scottsdale ghost kitchens.

FiiZ soda shop opens tomorrow in Downtown Mesa

A cold refreshing soda hits the spot and Fiiz’s list of sodas has almost 60 on it. Italian sodas, smoothies, flavored coffee drinks (Choffy) and add-ons make sure you won’t go thirsty. At 52 S. Mesa Dr. this is the first of what the owner hopes to be 6-8 locations in Mesa. Snacks include pretzels, nachos, Chonuts (churro & donut) and more are also available. The new shop will open Saturday May 28th from 12-6 p.m. Regular hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. FiiZ will be closed on Sundays.

Four Peaks Brewery to give grants to 12 teachers

You have until June 30th to nominate a teacher for the “Four Peaks for Teachers” campaign. 12 teachers nationwide will be surprised with $1,000 grants for school supplies. In addition a portion of sales from its Kilt Lifter Amber Ale will be set aside to purchase 10,000 school supply kits for teachers in 5 states. Four Peaks is partnering with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Rising to host kit distribution events in July.

The brewery’s 8th Street pub in Tempe is hosting several specials for teachers through July 31st.

  • Weekly food specials — $1 from each special is donated to the nonprofit Four Peaks Charities to help fund the Four Peaks For Teachers program.
  • Teacher Tuesday “All Day Happy Hour” featuring $4 pints through July 31.
  • “Buy a Teacher a Beer” tear pad program…these are pint tear pads — pub patrons can buy one, put them on the wall and then teachers can pull them off and redeem them.

Barro’s Pizza raising money for Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children in June

The community minded , family owned restaurant with 47 locations in Arizona is raising money for the 7th year for children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Along with Pepsi they will donate up to $40,000 from sales from any lunch special until June 30th. Lunch hours vary by location.

Food and drink specials at Morning Squeeze for Pride Month

The Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix locations share the love and support of the LGBTQ community with 2 specials in June. Pride Punch ($10) is rum cocktail with peach schnapps, pineapple & lemon juice and a melon liqueur. It’s garnished with a candy rainbow ribbon. Stuffed French Toast ($14) layers cream filling between two slices of the restaurant’s original French toast and tops it with colorful garnishes.

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.

May the Fourth be with you

Star Wars fan get it and you can too with local food and drink specials next Wednesday May 4th in downtown Mesa. Myke’s Pizza will have a several Star Wars pizza & dessert specials including Dago- Bahn Mi Pizza. Pair Cupworks will offer Chewbaccaccino ($4.25) with chocolate syrup, espresso and milk and other coffee & tea specials. Cider Corps will be pouring their Mango-lorian Cider Slushie in the cantina.

Local restaurants say thanks to teachers and nurses

Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week starts Monday, May 2nd and they can save money at these local restaurants until May 6th.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria get 15% off when they dine-in or take-out at all Phoenix area locations.

Koibito Poke is offering 25% all orders.

Eat Up Drive In in Arcadia gives 15% off for the week.

Derby Day at Match Market & Bar

Every first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby and the downtown Phoenix restaurant in the Found:RE Hotel is offering signature cocktails and themed brunch buffet starting at 11 a.m. Oversized hats and Derby Day fashions are encouraged. Tickets are $65++ per person and can be bought on Eventbrite.

Weekly burger specials for National Burger Month at Miracle Mile Deli

All month of May get a 1/3 lb fresh beef burger, fries and pickle for only $11 at the midtown Phoenix deli.

2-7 Try the Uptown Burger with pepper jack cheese, avocado, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and chipotle.

9-14 Taste the Ellis Island Burger is served with your choice of aged cheddar, imported Swiss, classic American, provolone or pepper jack cheese along with green leaf lettuce, tomato and red onion.

16-21 Enjoy the Jack & Patty Melt gets grilled onions, pepper jack cheese and Miracle Mile dressing served on grilled rye bread.

23-28 Its time for the Broadway Burger. This incredible cheeseburger is topped with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, green leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion and Miracle Mile dressing.

Babbo Italian Eatery raised a lot of money for the Seena Magowitz Foundation.

A follow -up to a post from earlier this month as the restaurant raised over $105,000 on April 7th that will be donated to pancreatic cancer awareness and research.

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.

New menus debut at Zuzu

The signature restaurant at Old Town Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho recently debuted the new menu from Executive Chef Russel LaCasce. Hotel guests and locals can choose from a Steak & Potato Skillet, Strawberry Crème Brûlée French Toast, the Hot Hot Chicken Sammie and more on the everyday brunch menu.

The dinner menu now includes Grilled Portuguese Octopus, a Slow Braised Pork Shank, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops and more. Save room for the Blood Orange Panna Cotta, Double Dark Chocolate Cake and other desserts from new Pastry Chef Maria Arenas. Reserve your table by calling 480-421-7997.

3rd Tuesday Dinner next week at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

The popular cafe in downtown Gilbert still has seats left for its monthly dinner on Tuesday, April 19th. The three course dinner is paired with wines from around the world to complement each dish chosen by his staff. The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Eat Up Drive In celebrates its 1st anniversary

Starting Monday, April 18th through Sunday, April 24th the Arcadia restaurant will be serving up iced teas, lemonades, including their new seasonal cucumber lime lemonade, French fries and their famous gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, all for just one dollar each.

After a 2 year hiatus Foodstock is back next weekend

Over 55 food trucks will be heading back to the Peoria Sports Complex for the return of Arizona’s favorite food truck festival. The family friendly event is next Saturday, April 23rd from 4-10 p.m. Admission is $5 with children under 12 getting in for free. The event is a collaboration between Get Local Arizona Events and Peoria Diamond Club with all the proceeds from the gate going to feed hungry children in the west valley.

Huss Brewpub ready to open at Phoenix Convention Center

It’s been a long 2 plus years that I wrote about the local brewery opening in downtown Phoenix and a longer four years of planning for co-owners Jeff and Leah Huss. It’s about to pay off next Wednesday, April 20th on Monroe St. between 2nd and 3rd St. on the Convention Center’s north facade.

As part of the celebration one lucky winner will win a “Season Table at the Brewpub”. The winner and 3 guests will enjoy a table for 24 games with the reservation guaranteeing them a table during busy times. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 18th on social media in time for the Phoenix Suns playoff rally.

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.

Enjoy the dog days of summer with a new Trapp Dawg at Trapp Haus BBQ

The downtown Phoenix BBQ joint is offering 3 new all beef brisket hot dawgs for a limited time starting Monday August 2nd. These dawgs are available 7 days a week for $7.99 each. The Lou — topped with potato salad and crispy fried onions. The Jersey — topped with crispy potato and cheddar cheese sauce. The Village — topped with BBQ baked beans and jalapeño honey slaw.

Hearth ’61 Sunday Supper Club with guest chef Sean Currid

The Maple & Ash Executive Chef will join Chef Chuck Wiley’s team to create a 5-course menu paired with Australian wines from Barossa Valley selected by Mountain Shadows F & B manager Jim Gallen. Reservations  are required for the Sunday August 15th dinner that starts at 6 p.m. Seats are $149 ++ per person and can be made by calling 866-572-8774. To see the pairing menu visit their website.

Chompie’s hiring fair for new Phoenix location and other locations

All four valley locations and the soon to open north Phoenix location is looking to hire back & front of the house help. They are holding a 3 day job fair at the Embassy Suites at 4415 Paradise Village Pkwy S. Phoenix 85032. 80 employees are needed for the new location with additional employees needed to support the growth at other locations. The job fair is Monday, August 2nd 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. & Wednesday, August 4th 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidates should come prepared with a resume and be prepared to interview with hiring done on the spot.

Eat Up Drive- In is now open for lunch.

The fast casual Arcadia Lite restaurant that opened in March is now open for lunch and extended their hours 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant features individual and family style meals for dine-in or to-go.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to support the American Heart Assoc. in August

For all 31 days in August guests who donate $5 will get a $5 Bounce Back card to use at any Grimaldi’s nationwide (except To-Go locations in Austin TX & Scottsdale AZ and NYC, NJ & CT locations) until Dec. 31st 2022. Guests can donate up to $25 to get $25 Bounce Back per visit.

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.