Tag: Flagstaff

James Beard Foundation nominees named & Arizona is well represented

The Arizona restaurant scene is a buzz with pride as 15 chefs and restaurants from Flagstaff to Tucson have been nominated for a prestigious James Beard award. The James Beard Foundation announced the nominees last week in several categories in recognition of exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industry. Winners will be announced at the annual James Beard Foundation awards ceremony on Monday June 13th 2022 in Chicago.

Several Arizona nominees have been nominated in previous years and/or have won the coveted award. Those representing Arizona in 2022 are…….

Outstanding Restaurateur- Chris Bianco, Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix

Outstanding Chef- Christopher Gross, Christopher’s, Phoenix & Stephen Jones, The Larder + The Delta, Phoenix

Outstanding Restaurant- ShinBay, Scottsdale, AZ

Emerging Chef- Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff, AZ & Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix

Best New Restaurant- Bacanora, Phoenix

Outstanding Pastry Chef- Mark Chacón, Chacónne Patisserie, Phoenix

Outstanding Baker- Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Tucson, AZ

Outstanding Hospitality- Binkley’s, Phoenix

Outstanding Wine Program- Kai, Phoenix

Best Chef: Southwest- Lori Hashimoto, Hana Japanese Eatery; Phoenix, John Martinez, Tito & Pep, Tucson; Maria Mazon, BOCA Tacos y Tequila, Tuscon; Giovanni Scorzo, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale

 

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.

 

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.

Cider Corps’ Mango Foxtrot now stocked at Sprouts Farmer’s Market

The Mesa cidery has its first cider in the locally owned market at more than half the locations from Flagstaff to Tucson. The 4-pack cans will be added to even more locations throughout the summer. The award-winning Mango Foxtrot is one of Cider Corps more popular ciders.

Win free pizza for a year from Fired Pie & Truly Hard Seltzers

For the next 6 weeks customers 21 and over can enter to win a free pizza (1 a month) for a year. Each week a winner will be selected on the fast casual pizza concepts social media platforms. You can follow them @FiredPie to see the winners.

Z’ Tejas new Scottsdale location to open July 21st

After several postponements the Southwestern grill restaurant will open its newest location at Mercado de Lago in Scottsdale on July 21st. The renovated restaurant is on the lake, just off the Indian Bend Greenbelt making accessible to bikers and neighbors in McCormick Ranch. In addition to lunch and dinner, breakfast will beserved from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. during the week and until 2 p.m. on weekends.

Barro’s Pizza opens 2 new locations

The locally & family owned pizza restaurants have opened its 2 newest locations in Buckeye (Verrado) and Apache Junction this month. “We get a lot of requests from customers all over the Valley to open locations in their neighborhood,” said Mike Barro, co-owner of Barro’s Pizza. “Verrado is an area we’ve had our eye on for quite some time now. We are honored and excited to be able to serve customers in this neighborhood.”

Kids eat free every Tuesday at Chompie’s

Every Tuesday at all 4 locations kids under 10 get a free meal off the kid’s menu with the purchase of an entree. Kid’s meals are available during breakfast, lunch & dinner.

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.

Page to be home of 3rd Grand Canyon Brewing brewpub

Those heading to Lake Powell this summer will have a new brewpub to hang out at after a day on the lake as Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery announced they will open their next location in Page. Founder John Peasley is taking over what was a firehouse and city maintenance garage near Horseshoe Bend with plans to open in July.

“I’m thrilled to have found the perfect location to expand our brand to the north rim of the canyon. I can’t wait to showcase our award-winning beers, spirits and culture with the millions of tourists and locals that flock to see our very own wonder of the world,” says Peasley.

Once opened guests will enjoy a full menu of food, foosball & pool tables, shuffleboard and over 20 large screen TVs. Roll up garage doors will allow guests to dine on the patio that will offer scenic views and nice weather. The brewery will be about 10,000 square feet and will brew beers in a 15-barrel Bohemian Monobloc brewing system. It’s the same system the original brewery in Williams has used. A second brewpub is located in Flagstaff.

The Page location plans to hire between 40-60 people and offers competitive wages, 401K matching, free healthcare and more. The brewpub will be located at 714 N. Navajo Dr. For more information check out their website.

Delivery and take-out options at Phoenix restaurants during pandemic

Many Phoenix restaurants have closed their dining rooms to customers but are preparing meals for delivery or take-out. Here is a list of local restaurants. This will be updated going forward.

Ocotillo Restaurant & Bar has a pop-up menu on their website for pick up daily from 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Weekend Brunch available 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Get 10% off all takeout orders. Buy $100 gift card, get $20 card free. To order call 602-687-9080. 3243 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85012.

Bourbon & Bones is open from 4 – 9 p.m. for curbside pick up & takeout. A modified menu is available with 25% off pick-up or takeout orders and 50% off select beer, wine and spirits. To order call 480-629-4922. 4200 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Hopdoddy Camelback & Scottsdale are open for curbside pick up & delivery from 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. for burgers, shakes and more. Use promo code “Buy1Give1” to have a hands free burger delivered to healthcare workers. Delivery available thru UberEats (free), Postmates and DoorDash

Steak 44, Ocean 44 & Dominick’s Steakhouse are offering luxury takeout daily from 12 – 7 p.m. with white glove curbside service. The restaurants are offering their full menus and all bottles of wine to take home.

Farm & Craft has started a touch less takeout and curbside pick up service. Individual and family style appetizers, salads, entrees, bowl and more are available as are selected bottles of wine. Vegetarians are available too. Open Thurs. – Sun. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. with 24 hour notice needed for Family Style meals, to order call 480-568-8980 or order on-line. Delivery from DoorDash and Postmates is available. 4302 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse has a to go menu along with butchered meats for home cooking. Wine & Caipirinas available to go as well. Free delivery on orders of $50 or more and within 15 miles. Call 480-609-8866 to order. 6300 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85253. 

Miracle Mile Deli– The central Phoenix deli is open Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 .m. for pick up of individual meals, family meals deals, deli meats, breads and more. Delivery available from Postmates and UberEats. See website for complete menu of offerings and call 602-776-0992. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix 85016.

Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho– is offering a new to-go menu from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Buy 1 bottle of wine with you meal, get the 2nd at no cost. Gift cards are also available. Call 480-376-2600 order. 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale 85251.

Mountain Shadows Resort– Breakfast burritos, burgers and more are available for pick up at Rusty’s from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Bottles of wine start at $15 and gift cards are available to. Orders can be placed at 480-624-5442 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253.

Barro’s Pizza– All locations continue to do takeout for pickup and delivery. Lunch specials to incl 2 slices & a drink for under $5.

Be Coffee– The coffee shop in Monorchid is open from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. for it signature drinks and cold outs to go. Delivery available from Grubhub, UberEats & Postmates. 214 E. Roosevelt Phoenix.

My Pie Pizza– All My Pie Pizza locations remain open for takeout (curbside) and in most areas, 3rd party delivery is available through DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and Grub Hub.

SanTan Brewing & Distilling– Full pub menus are available for pick up or delivery in addition to larger quantities for family meals. oreder $50 or more and recceive a FREE 32oz can of beer when you use promo code a BEER at checkout. Delivery thru Grubhub, Postmates, DoorDash & UberEats. Call 480-917-8700. 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ 85225

Pita Jungle– Select locations throughout Arizona have a limited menu available for takeout along with Family Meals for $35. Select bottles of wine are $15.

Ghost Ranch– Friends & Family meals to go, pick up only. Chicken tacos and enchiladas with sides for $25. Feeds 2 -3 people. Call the restaurant at 480-474-4328.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants– Meals serve 6-8 or 8-10 people. Take out only. All 5 locations. The $39.99 Family Pack specials include:

Taco Family Pack: The special includes two dozen taco-size flour tortillas, 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken (or combo), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, 8 oz. smooth hot sauce or tomatillo salsa, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Burrito Family Pack: The special includes one dozen flour tortillas, 32 oz. shredded beef or chicken or refried beans, 16 oz. enchilada sauce (red, green or tomatillo), bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Nachos Family Pack:  The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, 16 oz shredded lettuce, 16 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. pico de gallo, 8 oz guacamole, 3 oz sliced olives, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

Taco Salad Family Pack: The special includes 32 oz. of either shredded beef or chicken, salad mix for 6-8 people, 8 oz shredded cheese, 8 oz. tomatoes, 8 oz dressing of your choice, bag of chips, 16 oz. chunky house salsa and 16 oz. bean dip.

$5 Grab ‘n’ Go Burritos: Serrano’s will also offer shredded beef, shredded chicken or bean and cheese burros for those looking for a single meal option. To avoid a wait, please call ahead to order.

Pomo Restaurant Group delivery & take out options.

All Pomo’s are offering 30% off and free delivery on orders over $100, here’s how to order from each location.

Pomo Pizzeria- Shops at Gainey Village.  Take- out or delivery.

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 998-1366 Curbside is right in front.
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>

Pomo Pizzeria Downtown Phoenix- 705 N 1st St #120, Phoenix, AZ 85004

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 998-1366. Curbside right in front.
2. Online order for pickup: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomodowntown.mobilebytes.com/
4. Third Party Delivery: ubereats, postmates, grubhub, doordash

Pomo Pizza at Biltmore Fashion Park– 2502 E. Camelback Road

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (602) 954-5278 Curbside loading area south east
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomobiltmore.mobilebytes.com/

Pomo Pizzeria Gilbert– 366 N Gilbert Rd #106, Gilbert, AZ 85234

1. Call for Pickup or Delivery: (480) 878-2222 Curbside, back entrance with reserved spots
2. Online Order for Pickup: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
3. Online Order for Delivery: https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com<https://pomovillage.mobilebytes.com/>
4. Online Order for Delivery: Postmates, Ubereats, Doordash

More delivery & pick up options

Kaleidoscope Juice is delivering orders of $80 or more on packaged juices with 25 mile radius of their old town Scottsdale location. All locations are open for Grab n Go and are encouraged to call in order ahead of time.

Fired Pie– All 21 locations has a Date Night deal ready for pick up. 2 pizzas 9or salads) and 4 rotolis for 420. Use promo code “Date” when ordering. Also 2 pepperoni or cheese pizzas for 410 when you use promo code “pepp”.

Koibito Poke– has partnered with Postmates, Door dash and Uber Eats for food delivery.

PHX Beer Co. Scottsdale– The restaurant is still open but offers sandwiches and salads for pick during lunch hours, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for $12.

Salads

House-made Chicken Tortilla Soup and Small Salad

CK Chopped Salad—Kale, romaine, tomato, red peppers, smoked mozzarella, black beans, corn, pepitas, agave onions and a house creamy malt vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken for $5 or salmon, shrimp or prime flat iron steak for $7.

Sandwiches

BLT—Applewood bacon on toasted sourdough with lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Grilled Ham and Cheese—Seared ham, sandwiched between melted cheddar cheese and sourdough.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich—Seasoned and grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato on challah bun.

BBQ Pork Sandwich—Zesty, smoked and pulled BBQ Pork on challah bun with sliced red onion.

The All Day Family Combos that feeds 3 – 4 people.

Black Iron Pizza & Salad ($22)—14” Melrose (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & CK Chopped Salad. Toppings extra.

Black Iron Pizza & Wings ($28)–14” (house-made sauce, secret cheese blend) & 12 wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper). Toppings extra.

Salad & Wings ($25)—CK Chopped Salad & 12 Wings (choice of Guajillo Chile, BBQ, Buffalo and Smoked Salt & Pepper)

Southern Fried Chicken Tender Dinner ($42)—Choice of two sides (coleslaw, Cast Iron Mac N Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, seasoned fries or fruit). Includes Morenci Copper Ale BBQ Sauce.

Crowlers—For adults only (2 pack $18/4 pack $35), choose from 12 PHX Beer Co. beer selections.

Aoili Gourmet Burgers- Meal prep kits are available for pick up or delivery. 5-9 meals @ $9 each + tax and delivery, 10-13 meals @ $8.50 each + tax and delivery 14 + meals @ $8 each + tax and delivery

Burger Kits – Package is $29.99 and includes four burger patties, buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, grilled onions, salt and aioli sauce. All orders placed by Thurs 5 p.m. and will be delivered Sunday between 11 a.m. and can be picked up between 4 – 8 p.m. To order info@aioliburger.com

 

Mediterranean diet favorite dishes return to Pita Jungle

For the last 25 years Pita Jungle has been serving up healthy Mediterranean diet inspired dishes. Many customers have their favorite’s over the years but they tend to come and go with seasons. As part of their Seasonal Kitchen Crafts Menu they’ve brought back many fan favorites from the past.

All 23 locations throughout Arizona are serving dishes with a balance of Mediterranean diet and global cuisine. The menu is popular with all dietary needs including keto, paleo, vegan and gluten-free. The seasonal menu will be available thru the rest of the year. Dishes include……

  • Cauliflower Hummus (V) – cauliflower, tahini, garlic, evoo, lemon juice, cucumbers, pita (gluten free with blue corn chips).
  • All Veggie Pita Pocket – avocado, baby greens, seasonal mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, sprouts, tabbouleh, lemon vinaigrette, in a pita pocket, severed with tahini (vegan with no tabbouleh, gluten-free with gluten-free pita upcharge).
  • Bone Broth Ramen with Shirataki Noodles (GF) – beef bone broth, with miso, kimchi, red onion, gluten-free soy sauce, garlic and ginger, shirataki noodles, spinach, green onions.
  • Ginger Stir Fry with Shirataki Noodles (GF) – stir-fried fresh vegetables and kimchi, shirataki noodles, spicy ginger sauce, beef bone broth, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, pea sprouts (vegan with no kimchi and no beef broth).

    Mediterranean
    Ginger Stir Fry with Shirataki Noodles
  • Wood-Fired Medchilada (GF) – savory garlic-cilantro chicken in a beef bone broth enchilada sauce, cheddar and feta, turmeric cauliflower rice, cabbage-kale super greens, fresh jalapenos, radish, pico de gallo, pine nuts, gluten-free pita.
  • Chicken Avocado Pita Tostada with Cauliflower Hummus – grilled and chopped marinated all-natural chicken breast, avocado, cilantro-avocado crema, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled red onions, bell peppers, cauliflower hummus, feta, pine nuts, baby arugula, pea sprouts, chipotle vinaigrette, pita tostada or low-carb pita or gluten-free pita (vegetarian option without chicken.
  • Mediterranean Tuna Pita Pocket – albacore tuna, avocado, seasonal mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, tabbouleh, lemon vinaigrette, pea sprouts, in a pita pocket.
  • Baklawa Bread Pudding sweetened with stevia and agave syrup.

To find a Pita Jungle near you head to their website.

Tourist Home All Day Cafe in Flagstaff overcomes its past

In its 93 years the “Tourist Home” in downtown Flagstaff has seen its ups and downs. The last 5 years have seen more of the ups than the previous 40 years. The Tourist Home All Day Cafe celebrates its 5th anniversary since it was opened by owners Kevin Heinonen and Chris Kemmerly.

Before the pair had bought the property the boarded up house sat vacant surrounded by a yard full of weeds. Originally built by Jesus Garcia, a Basque sheepherder and his mother Isabella in 1926 as a boarding home for sheep herders who came to Flagstaff for business and to re-locate their sheep as the seasons changed. Today the Tourist Home All Day Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and brunch to locals and out – of – towners. The cafe also serves as the kitchen for the Annex Cocktail Lounge.

Kevin Heinonen before the transformation

“Tourist Home is one of the most sought after destinations, and considered a downtown gem,” said Terry Madeksza, Executive Director of Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance.

“Not only does the menu offer exceptional baked goods, breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, it is also a vibrant place for locals and visitors to gather,” Madeksza added.  “It is important to remember that before Tourist Home, the building was dilapidated and considered an eyesore for years. The vision and ongoing investment into Tourist Home has spurred revitalization of an entire area.” The served as a case study for the Urban land Institute as an example of private developers and city government working together for redevelopment and economic development for historic places in Arizona.

History meets modern times at Tourist Home All Day Cafe

Technology helps keep the cafe running smoothly and its historic charm  keep the cafe a relevant part of Flagstaff’s history. GM Lisa Valentine, Chief Culinary Officer Mike Schmitz and Master Pastry Chef Kat Biemann create menus and relationships with customers, staff and vendors to make the cafe successful.

“The business was and continues as an example of always meeting the changing needs of your customers,” said Heinonen.

The Garcia’s built a “Pelota” (handball) court next door for sheepherders to stay in touch with their Basque roots. Today it’s a performance stage for live music. The owners have added a fire pits, tables with umbrellas and a service window for the Annex to the outside.

The Tourist Home All Day Cafe is at 52 S. San Francisco St. Flagstaff 86001. Check out their website for more information.

 

 

Festival in the Pines makes its return to Flagstaff after 10 years

It’s never to soon to plan a summer getaway out the the Phoenix heat in the summer. Flagstaff is a easy getaway for Phoenicians and the 4th of July is one of the more popular weekend. Flagstaff will be bursting this year with the return of The Festival in the Pines after a 10 year hiatus. The popular festival if formerly know as “Summerfest”.

Festival in the Pines is from supporter of the arts Andrew Maguire. “We really felt a need for the return of a family-oriented festival that presents art enthusiasts with some of the country’s finest artists along with great entertainment, food and fun for all,”. “We had been doing the festival for 23 years prior to its hiatus and we’ve received such demand for its return that we’re thrilled to make it happen.”

The festival will be held at Fort Tuthill Coconino County Fairgrounds on April 4th -6th from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Local food trucks will keep festival goers fed while enjoying over 150 artists and their collections and live music.

The festival will coincide with other 4th of July festivities in Flagstaff which was named the “#1 destination in U.S. for Independence Day festivities” by Travel & leisure magazine.

The fairgrounds are at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop off I-17. For more information go to http://www.888artfest.com/flagstafffestivalinthepines/

Tinderbox Kitchen creates a desirable New Year’s Eve pairing menu

Flagstaff’s Tinderbox Kitchen wants the last meal of 2018 to be a memorable one. Chef Mike Schmitz three-course meal and dessert gives revelers much to think about choosing from course to course. The seasonally focused prix-fixe menu offers 4 dishes to choose from on courses 1 and 2 and six protein focused entrees.

A favorite dish is the pate Schmitz learned to make when working with Chef Jessica from Big Grove. “From start to finish it’s a beautiful dish both in its complete form and in the process,” which Chef describes as a two day process, breaking down the whole duck and using it across the menu and marinating the liver for the pate. He says it’s a joy to make and consume.

The menu is vegan friendly with Schmitz recommends the Fig & Brie Bruschetta and the Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto. He considers the risotto the “dark horse” of the menu.

NYE menu at Tinderbox Kitchen

Each dish offers a suggested pairing of an optional glass of wine or classic cocktail. The menu is as follows.

COURSE ONE
Lobster Bisque
tomato, saffron, sherry
French 75 or 2015 Pouilly Fuissé

Butternut Squash Soup
apple, maple, sage, nutmeg
Old Fashioned or 2015 Pinot Noir

Pear and Pomegranate Salad
baby greens, brie, candied pecans
Regina George or 2015 Cinsaut

Beet and Citrus Salad
baby greens, fennel, goat cheese, pistachio
Turmeric Tonic or 2015 Grenache Blanc

COURSE TWO
Fig and Brie Bruschetta
hazelnuts, vanilla bean, orange
Spiced Grapefruit Negroni or Sparkling Rosé

Duck Liver Paté
port geleé, red onion marmalade, grilled bread
Ruby Manhattan or 2016 Malbec

Sea Scallops
parsnip puree, baby carrot, brussels’ sprouts
Turmeric Tonic or 2017 Riesling

Blue Point Oysters in Shell
shallot, cracked pepper, red wine vinegar
Hummingbird or Sparkling Brut

COURSE THREE
 Roasted Duck Breast
orzo, butternut squash, pomegranate, elderberry molasses, pecan
San Francisco Street or 2015 Red Blend

Lobster Tail
angel hair pasta, sun-dried tomato cream, lemon, parsley
White Negroni or Pouilly Fuissé

Filet Mignon
roasted garlic mashers, blistered green beans, mushroom demi-glace
Black Manhattan or 2014 Syrah

Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto
parmesan, garlic, thyme, poached egg
The Old Man & The Sea or 2015 Pinot Noir

Rack of Lamb
smashed yukon potatoes, broccolini, red wine demi-glace
Barrel Aged Vieux Carre or 2015 Merlot

Grilled Swordfish
roasted garlic mashers, braised rainbow chard, tomato saffron broth, crispy leek
Vesper Martini or 2014 Chardonnay

DESSERT COURSE
Double Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake
oreo cookie crust, raspberries, chocolate sauce
Don Ciccio or 2014 Dessert Wine

White Chocolate Mousse
caramel apple compote, pomegranate
White Russian or 2010 White Riesling

The dinner is $85 per person ++ and wine and cocktail pairings are additional.

To make your reservation call 928-226-8400 or go to their website.

Tinderbox Kitchen is at 3 S. san francisco St. Flagstaff AZ. 86001

Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is on until Feb. 28th

Have you had your share of Girl Scout cookies in the last month, I know those kids are everywhere hawking their boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, Savannah Smiles and other irresistible varieties, I like the Toffee-tastics myself. I know their hard to resist both the cute kids selling them & the cookies themself but if you’ve resisted, now may be the time for a sweet surrender as the there is only a 9 days left in the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge.

Through Feb. 28th many Phoenix area & Flagstaff restaurants are participating in the 4th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge by creating a dessert with cookies as an ingredient. Portions of the sales of the desserts will go to the Girl Scouts around the Phoenix  & Flagstaff community.

Chefs creating these delicious desserts are hoping to inspire the home chefs to buy an extra box or 2 of Girls Scout cookies before March 5th and create their own dessert. If you are up for the challenge or visit a participating restaurant and order the dessert, snap a picture of your dessert or you & your family eating it and post on social media with #dessertchallenge tag.

If you don’t know any Girl Scouts or have been under a rock and can’t find them selling their cookies around town visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/  or download the Cookie Finder app.

Participating in this years challenge are…..

347 Grill at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin CircDessert Designer: Frank Abeyta

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait

Cost: $3.95 Details: 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa www.ultrastarakchin.com

 Char Kitchen + Bar

Dessert Designer: Peter and Pal Micakaj

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble

Cost: $8  6107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale www.charkitchen.com

Chompie’s – All Valleywide Locations

Dessert Designer: Neal “The Chomper” Borenstein

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: The Mint Cheesecake

Cost: $5.99 To find a Chompie’s near you  www.chompies.com

Churn

Dessert Designer: Jada Shiya

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Savannah Smile ice cream

Cost: $3.50/per regular scoop 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.279.8024; www.churnaz.com

 Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Dessert Designer: David Duarte

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Crunch Bar

Cost: $8 122 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix; 480-440-3166; www.compassarizona.com

Coup des Tartes

Dessert Designer: Ron Pacioni

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Decadent Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte

Cost: $9 1725 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix; 602-212-1082; www.nicetartes.com

Drexyl Modern American

Dessert Designer: Scott Paget

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere

Cost: $11 8877 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-840-1861; www.drexlyusa.com

 Flower Child – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Peder Bondhus

Assigned Cookie: Toffee-tastic

Dessert: Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding

Cost: $5 To find a Flower Child near you  www.iamaflowerchild.com

Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Janna Harris

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Melopita (Greek Honey Cake)

Cost: $4.50 5033 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (Ahwatukee); 480-940-3669; www.freskokitchen.com

 Jalapeño Inferno – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8332; www.jalapenoinferno.com

Lumberyard Brewing Company (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Richard Kimball

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Cost: $4.95 5 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff; 928-779-2739; www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Olive + Ivy

Dessert Designer: Kelli Sappington

Assigned Cookie: Trefoil

Dessert: Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato

Cost: $3.25 per scoop 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480-751-2200; www.foxrc.com

Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Dessert Designer: Calena Srutowski

Assigned Cookie: Do-si-dos

Dessert: Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight

Cost: $10 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; 480-513-5085; www.proofcanteen.com

 Rhythm & Wine

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480-478-6999; www.rhythmandwine.com

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Dave Rico

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie

Cost: $8 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480-483-0009; www.rusconiskitchen.com

 Silver Pine Restaurant at the Little America Hotel (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Vanessa Ronspies

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Tiramisu

Cost: $8 Inside the Little America Hotel at 2515 E. Butler Avenue in Flagstaff; 928-779-7900; www.littleamerica.com

 Sorso Wine Room

Dessert Designer: Paige Murphy

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: #MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse

Cost: $7 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-951-4344; www.sorsowineroom.com

 The Crepe Club

Dessert Designer: Omar Tarabichi

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tag-a-Crepe-Along

Cost: $7.95 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-956-0087; www.thecrepeclub.com

 The Henry

Dessert Designer: Lucia Alferez

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling

Cost: $3 per doughnut 4455 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-429-8020; www.foxrc.com

 The MARKET by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar

Dessert Designer: Jennifer Russo

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Twixted Trefoil Bar

Cost: $10 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602-626-5050; www.themarketphx.com

The Thumb

Dessert Designer: Susan Kolman

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Minty Oh!

Cost: $4.25 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480-513-8186; www.thethumb.com

Twisted Grove

Dessert Designer: Christopher Collins

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Cost: $5 8220 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale; 480-699-0811; www.twistedgrove.com