Tag: family owned restaurant

Vicinos Local Italian brings food & hospitality to the neighborhood

Steve & Maria Winters and David & Debi Henry have been friends and colleagues for over 25 years before they decided to open Vicinos Local Italian together in early 2020. They have over 100 years of restaurant experience and it shows in their hospitality whether you’re joining them for a meal or a glass of wine. “Vicino” means “neighbor” and it’s like they’re welcoming you into their home at their north Scottsdale restaurant.

Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. for lunch, happy hour and dinner Vicinos Local Italian, formerly Vito’s, keeps it simple serving classic Italian dishes and pizzas made fresh and with the highest quality of ingredients. The restaurant re-opened in mid- September with a new menu and a few of David’s favorites are Fettuccine Alla Bolognese, Pork Chop, any of the hand stretched pizzas, Bruschetta Burrata & the Calamari Fritti.

Ribeye. All photos courtesy of Vicinos Local Italian

A reasonably priced and extensive wine list with selections from around the world will complement any meal. Tuesdays and Wednesdays guests can enjoy a bottle of wine for half off any bottle priced at $50 or less. On Monday’s guests who dine-in get a free appetizer with 2 entrees. Happy Hour is offered 7 days a week from 3 p.m.- 6:30 Tuesday – Saturday and all day Sunday and Monday.

Catering at the restaurant or in the comfort of your own home, delivery & pick up is available. Vicinos Local Italian is at 10999 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale 85259. (480)664-8260. To view the menu and for more information visit their website.

 

Barro’s Pizza opens it’s 43rd location near Grand Canyon University

Locally owned Barro’s Pizza has opened its 43rd location in a re-modeled shopping center a mile from Grand Canyon University. The new location at 6531 N. 35th Ave. in Phoenix is the first owned by Gina Barro, sister of owners Ken, Mike & Bruce Barro. The brothers opened their first restaurant over 40 years ago using their Italian grandmother Angelina’s pizza recipe. In addition to serving fluffy crust pizza with sweet and savory sauce, Barro’s serves chicken wings, subs, pasta and salads.

“This is the perfect neighborhood for Barro’s Pizza,” said Gina Barro, owner. The area has a lot of families that have lived there for many years so we can’t wait to provide a comfortable, homey, neighborhood restaurant where families can come any night of the week or for any occasion and enjoy a good meal.”

Gina’s son Chris and daughter Kylee are helping to manage the restaurant.

The modern contemporary decor of the restaurant has an urban vibe. The restaurant has 10 big screen TVs letting customers watch their favorite teams, video games and a play area with books and games for kids of all ages.

For more information about hours of operation and to see the menu head to their website.

 

 

Serrano’s celebrates 100 years in business with Centennial Fiesta

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant celebrates 100 years of the family business with a week long celebration at their 5 locations. There will be a week’s worth of food and drink specials and a Centennial Fiesta.

The family business started in September 1919 when there were less 1,000 people living in Chandler. At first the family business was as a retailer with The Serrano Brothers Popular Family Store and switched to Mexican restaurants in 1979 as department stores and indoor shopping malls gained popularity.

“The Serrano family is ingrained in Chandler’s history,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Their entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, dedication and family pride has sustained them throughout these past 100 years. We honor their strong ties to the community and their heart of service as they celebrate this incredible milestone.”Centennial Fiesta

To celebrate the 100th anniversary, the week of September 16th will offer specials at all 5 locations.

  • Monday, 9/16:$1.00 Margarita Monday 10 oz. house margarita
  • Tuesday, 9/17:$1.00 Taco Tuesday (street taco or shredded beef/chicken crunchy taco)
  • Wednesday, 9/18:$1.00 Hump Day Heavenly Bites
  • Thursday, 9/19: $1.00 Throwback Thursday (shredded beef or chicken taco, rice and beans entree)*
  • Friday, 9/20: $1.00 Fried Ice Cream Friday
  • Saturday, 9/21: $1.00 Cerveza Saturday 10 oz. draft Mexican beer

*Limit of one special per person; all specials are dine-in only

Centennial Fiesta

On Thursday the 19th at the Chandler location the family will celebrate with a Centennial Fiesta. Guest will be treated to $1.00 shredded beef and chicken tacos and beans and rice. At 7 p.m. there’s a taco eating contest with local mayors, fire and police representatives competing for $1,000 grand prize donated to the 100 Club of Arizona. There will also be face-painting for the kids and raffles and prizes.

“Our family has seen our fair share of changes and challenges over the years, but we have always been able to adapt. Today, our business model is centered around the values we hold most dear – faith, family and food,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “We look forward to celebrating this big milestone with our loyal customers and we invite new customers to come give us a chance. You can be sure we’ll be breaking out our famous bean dip!”

In addition Serrano’s will be collection new children’s books and stuffed animals for the W. Steven Martin Police and Fire Toy Drive. Anybody who donates a book or stuffed animal in September receives a voucher for a FREE fried ice cream.

In September the Serrano Centennial Sampler will be on special for $10 and $1 of every sale will go to the 100 Club of Arizona. The Sampler offers classic dishes including machaca, shredded chicken, green chile beef and red chile beef served with warm tortillas, rice and beans.

Visit their website for more information and to find a Serrano’s near you.

 

Uptown Phoenix to get 9th Someburros location this summer

The family-owned Someburros Mexican eatery continues to grow and has announced their 9th location in Uptown Phoenix. It will be the first location outside the east valley when it opens at 7th St and Camelback. Expected top open later this summer, they will be serving award-winning burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more authentic Mexican food.

The fast casual restaurant will also serve frozen margaritas and draft beers to go with your food.

Co-owner Amy Vasquez is very excited about the Uptown Phoenix location as its where she lives. “It’s been a dream of mine for some time to open a Someburros in my neighborhood,” she said. “We know this community, we love this community and we’re raising our own families in this community, so we can’t wait to build our workforce and fanbase within it.”

When George and Mary Vasquez opened the first Someburros in 1986 they insisted on giving back to the community. Their three children continue this tradition of philanthropy at the current 8 locations.  When the new location opens it will partner with local schools as part of their community outreach.

“This is a bustling area, and with so many students, professionals and residents around, fast-casual is always in demand,” said Tim Vasquez, of the decision to open in Uptown Phoenix. “We’ve been thinking about expanding to this area for a while now, but we wanted to wait until we could find the perfect place. Now that we’ve found it, we can’t wait to get the doors open.”

To keep up to date on when the new location will open and to find the other location check out their website.

 

Serrano’s celebrates 100 years in business with weeks worth of specials

Chandler’s oldest continuously owned family business, Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019. The east valley staple for Mexican food started as Serrano Brothers Popular Store in 1919 and grew into clothing stores then restaurants in 1979. The 8 children of Ernie and Eva Serrano’s run the restaurants including the flagship restaurant in downtown Chandler. Several grandchildren also work in the restaurants seeing that it will continue in the family for years to come.

Serrano's
Mexican Flag Enchiladas

To celebrate they are serving up food and drink specials the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo since the holiday falls on a Sunday this year and Serrano’s is closed on Sunday’s. From April 29th – May 4th guests stopping into any of the 5 east valley locations can take advantage of the “May the Fourth Be with You” specials below.

Two Mexican Flag Enchiladas, $9.99 (your choice of shredded beef or chicken, red sauce, green sauce and fundido sauce)
Cinco Layer Dip, $6.99
Margarita Sampler Board, $8.99 (4 oz samples of orange, black raspberry, melon and pomegranate margaritas)
16 oz Blue Agave House Margarita, $5
16 oz Mexican Draft Beer, $4
Light saber churros, $2.99
For more information visit their website. The 5 Serrano’s locations are at…..
141 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225   480.899.3318
6440 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85283   480.345.0044
1964 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 85203  480.649.3503
1021 S. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206    480.854.7455
22703 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242   480.987.0192

 

The new The Latin Kitchen has a familiar taste to it.

It’s been 3 years since the closing of Phoenix favorite Havana Cafe by owner BJ Hernandez and fans of her Latin style cuisine were wondering if we’d ever taste her food again. Thank god Hernandez is back in the kitchen as co-owner of the recently opened The Latin Kitchen in Mesa with her recipe book dusted off and cooking.

The Latin Kitchen
Photos courtesy of The Latin Kitchen

The Latin Kitchen dishes

Hernandez will be serving her popular made from scratch Cuban cuisine along with Latin American dishes that regulars of Hernandez’s cooking will recognize along with new dishes. Fans will smile with the return of her signature Cuban sandwich, empanadas, Ropa Vieja and more from here ever-changing menu.

Lighter and hearty dishes are also available taking into consideration people’s dietary needs including gluten-free wraps and salads.

Don’t worry dessert will be served including Flan, Tres Leches and Lime Tart. After a successful lobster dinner recently special dinners are planned including a pig roast, “Havana Nights” and Paella dinner.

A full bar is available that will feature Latin inspired cocktails such as the Mojito, sangria and other classic cocktails.

New to Mesa

Why Mesa after the success in north Scottsdale and along the Camelback Corridor in Phoenix Hernadez says “Originally I started looking in Scottsdale, but the rents were too high for what I wanted to do, a casual place where you could eat delicious, healthy and authentic food at a great price.” She then partnered with restaurant industry veteran Elisa Nolan to get the new restaurant opened.

Near the Tempe border The Latin Kitchen seats 115 up to people in two dining rooms and the bar. Currently serving only lunch Hernandez will serve dinner once the summer comes to an end.

The Latin Kitchen is close to the Loop 101 at 540  W. Broadway in Mesa. For more information call 480-306-7266 or check out their website.

Scottsdale’s Babbo Italian Eatery home to 50 pound cheese wheel

If you’re a fan of savory cheeses like me then the new 50 lb. cheese wheel at the Scottsdale location of Babbo Italian Eatery should be of interest. The bowled out Parmesan wheel is 9 in. tall and 17 in. wide and will be used to prepare a weekly special created for the occasion.

Babbo Italian
Photos courtesy of Babbo Italian Eatery

Those guests that want to taste the cheesy creation will be able to Wed.- Sun. To find out what each week’s new dish will be the restaurant will be releasing it on their Instagram page @BabboItalianEatery

There are 8 family owned Babbo Italian Eatery’s around the Phoenix area with Scottsdale location at 8840 E. Indian Bend Rd. 85258. To find a location near you visit their website.

Crust re-locating around the corner in McCormick Ranch

Scottsdale’s Crust neighborhood Italian eatery closed the doors on the original location on Indian Bend recently. Come August owner Michael Merendino opens the flagship restaurant a mile up Hayden Rd. to 3,500 square foot location in the hip Mercado de Lago retail center.

The larger, state of-the-art location will offer guests a welcoming atmosphere as they enjoy the same delicious east coast Italian food Crust has offered over the years. An outdoor patio is expected to be popular as is the 25 seat bar where diners will enjoy an extensive wine and beer list from around the world along with a hand crafted cocktail menu.

Merendino will continue to be community minded with the Crust Cares program and thanks the community for their continued support.

If you can’t wait for the new Scottsdale location to open check out their downtown Chandler location at 10 San Marcos Pl. 85225.

Crust will be at 8300 N. Hayden Rd. Suite F101.  Scottsdale 85258. For more information see their website.

 

Broadway Burger & Beer special at Miracle Mile Deli

If you follow me on Instagram @SandyWass quite often you’ll see  burger pics I’ve eaten. It should come as no surprise that when I heard Miracle Mile Deli was doing a week-long burger & beer special I wanted to know more and spread the word. The Broadway Burger & Beer Special is the family owned deli’s way of saying “Welcome to Spring” and the outdoor grilling season.

From April 16th – 22nd you can score a Broadway Burger and a cold refreshing pint of craft beer for only $13.

The Broadway Burger comes with aged cheddar, crispy bacon, Green Leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion and Miracle Mile dressing. A side of French Fries or side item of your choice and kosher dill pickle come with your burger.

Miracle Mile Deli is at 4433 N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016

 

 

 

Miracle Mile Deli and Chompie’s Delicatessen preparing Hannukah menus

With the Jewish holiday Hannukah only a few nights away families are dusting off the menorah and looking for their playful dreidels a part of the joyful traditions.

Like many traditions and holidays food plays a big part and local delis Miracle Mile Deli and Chompie’s Delicatessen are preparing traditional dinners for the 8 nights of Hannukah.

Hannukah at Miracle Mile

Family owned Miracle Mile deli celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Brisket Plate on their dine-in menu from December 12th – 20th.

Hannukah
Miracle Mile Matzo ball soup

Enjoy sliced brisket accompanied by a potato latke(pancake), applesauce & sour cream a cup of Matzo Ball soup for only $14.

Miracle Mile Deli is at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix 85016.

Chompie’s Hannukah take out meal

If you’re looking to eat dinner in the comfort of your own home New York style Chompie’s Delicatessen is offering to prepare a meal that may provide leftovers for all 8 nights.

Borenstein family recipes are used to create a meal that serves 8 people and offers everything from appetizers, entree, side dishes and dessert for $219.

Matzo Ball Soup                                                                                                      Choice of sliced Beef Brisket, Roasted Chicken or Oven Roasted Turkey Breast w/ Challah Stuffing                                                                Choice of two sides (latkes, roasted potatoes, homestyle green beans, and a glazed-carrot medley)                                                               Lovey Borenstein’s Holiday Dessert (apple strudel & rugulach).

Hannukah
Chompie’s latke trio

Those that don’t want the full meal Chompie’s offers a la carte delicacies by the pint, pound & piece.

Raisin Challah Bread ($6.99)                                                                                         Jewish Rye Bread ($5.49)                                                                                                Matzo Ball Soup ($9.99 / qt)                                                                                          Homemade Brisket Gravy ($3.99 / pt)                                                                     Applesauce ($5.99 / pt)                                                                                                     Mashed Sweet Potatoes ($7.99 / lb)                                                                         Mini Black & Whites ($6.99 / 6 pack)                                                                       Chocolate Bobka ($8.99)                                                                                                 Chanukah Cookies ($2.25 each)

Click here to place an order and find one of the 5 Phoenix area Chompie’s near you.