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 Shellabration at Chula Seafood on Saturday

The local fish monger & restaurant is shellabrating the 8th anniversary of “Rosie”, the original location opened in 2016 at Roosevelt & Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. $2 buck shucks (oysters) and happy drink prices all day at all 3 locations. Visitors to Rosie will have other food specials all day long.

Restaurants getting an early start on Halloween

With ghosts & goblins heading out next Thursday night several local restaurants are getting a head start on the spooky & scary.

Hash Kitchen-Brunch After Dark” happens at the Chandler location on Saturday, October 26th from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy brunch dishes, eerie cocktails and the B.Y.O Bloody Mary bar along with DJ Iceman spinning the tunes, karaoke, best dressed costume contest, giveaways and prizes every hour. There is a $15 addmission which will be deducted from your final bill at the end of the night. Tickets can be purchased at this EventBrite link.

Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey- The Melrose neighborhood restaurant has a special menu from Friday, October 25th-31st. Included on the spooky menu is….

Signature Dish ($21): Harvest Pork Belly – Featuring tender pork belly paired with a velvety kabocha puree, refreshing Asian pear, zesty mignonette, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Specialty Cocktails ($14): Heatwave – Ignite your senses with a bold blend of Blanco tequila and green chile vodka, spiced up with Hellfire Bitters and a hint of pomegranate. Witch’s Brew – This spellbinding concoction is made of lemongrass ginger shochu and Midori, combined with refreshing aloe and cucumber. Finished with a splash of yuzu and lemon.

Catalyst Crafted Ales- Saturday, October 26th is for the dogs at the Tempe brewery. From 1 – 3 p.m. there will be Howl O’Ween pet costume contest with prizes, beer specials for pet parents and new brunch dishes from S.A.LT. A $10 donation for every entry will be donated to Tempe’s Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

Wine Girl- The popular Scottsdale wine bar gets into the holiday spirit with themed cocktails.

Monster Mash Shot – Unleash your inner monster with this vibrant shot of strawberry winearita and agave tequila, rimmed with black sugar and topped with shimmering green glitter.

Bloody Mimosa – A chilling twist on a classic! This Bloody Mimosa features house prosecco filled with a fake syringe of grenadine, creating a gory yet glamorous drink perfect for spooky celebrations.

Harvest Fizz – This refreshing mix of bubbly prosecco and crisp apple cider is served in a coupe glass and topped with a sparkling gold glitter ice cube.

Hendry Wine Dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

Wednesday, November 6th brings the wines from the Napa Valley producer to Carefree for a four-course dinner. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and seats are $125++ per person and seats are limited and can be required reservations can be made by calling 602-374-4784.

1st Course: Pan-Seared Scallop with brown butter and smoked cauliflower puree paired with 2022 Hendry Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, Napa Valley

2nd Course: Seared Pork Tenderloin with cheesy grits, green beans and black cherry apple sauce paired with 2020 Hendry Pinot Noir, Napa Valley

3rd Course: Roasted Lamb Chop with creamy risotto, asparagus spears and cherry reduction paired with 2019 Hendry Block 28 Zinfandel, Napa Valley

4th Course: Prime NY Strip Steak with au gratin potatoes, Brussels sprouts and red wine demi-glace paired with 2022 Hendry HRW Cabernet, Napa Valley

Desert Course: Maria’s Chocolate Tort

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival this weekend

Kierland Commons welcome wineries from southern Arizona’s Willcox wine Country and more than 150 artists this Saturday & Sunday, October 26th & 27th. The two-day festival starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. and is free to enter. Those 21 and older can purchase wine tasting tickets for $30-$45 in advance and $35-$40 at the door. Proceeds from wine sales go to Horses Help.

Wine & Candy tasting at GenuWine Arizona

With kids trick or treating, adults can head to the downtown Phoenix wine bar to taste 4 wines with 4 candies from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night. Tickets are $20 and you get 20% off wine purchased from the tasting that night.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Sandwich Month at Arizona’s oldest deli

Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, Miracle Mile Deli celebrates them with weekly specials in August. Starting next Monday August 5th-10th get The New Yorker (hot pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Miracle Mile’s signature dressing); the incredible Brisket of Beef Sandwich the week of Aug. 12-17; the Combo (hot corned beef and hot pastrami piled high) Aug. 19-24; and the famous Straw sandwich (hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut) Aug. 26-31.

Enjoy each sandwich for just $17.50 and get golden hot fries (or another side item of their choice), a kosher dill pickle and a slice of fresh baked pie. Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Boston Cream.

New tasting menu coming to Rusconi’s next week

Starting Wednesday, August 7th the Paradise Valley restaurant introduces a new four-course menu for $60++ with wine pairings optional for an additional $30. The menu is……

Tomato and Buratta Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet. Optional pairing: 2022 Squealing Pig Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus. Optional pairing: 2022 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River
 
Pecan-wood Grilled Lamb Porterhouse with warm herbed fingerling potato salad and red wine reduction. Optional pairing: 2021 Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
 
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces. Optional pairing: Chef’s selected dessert wine

August events at Tracy Dempsey Originals

The Tempe bakery/wine shop has several events coming up this month and all have limited space and require RSVPs to, tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com and you can find more information at the website.

  • Saturday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.. Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Take a Walk on the Chilled Side: Summer Soups & Salads $70 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 9.

  • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.  Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Friday, August 30, 12 to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn $50 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 23.

  • Saturday, August 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Wine Talk 101 $20. RSVP by Saturday, August 17.

New sangrias, spritzes and mocktails at Grimaldi’s

All 6 Arizona locations of the popular pizzeria has introduced 7 new beverages to their menu.

SANGRIAS

BERRY SANGRIA – Beso Del Sol red sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, strawberry purée, lemon juice, fresh strawberries

PEACH SANGRIA – Lolailo white sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, peach purée, peaches, lemon juice

SPRITZES

SICILIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ – La Marca Prosecco, Aperol, Winter Citrus syrup, lemon juice

CITRUS HERB SPRITZ – The Botanist gin, Winter Citrus syrup, lime juice, soda

MOCKTAILS

PEACHY KEEN – Diced peaches, peach purée, Winter Citrus syrup, citrus juices, soda

PURPLE TWILIGHT FIZZ – Starry, Desert Pear syrup, lemon juice

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE – Lemonade, fresh strawberries, basil, strawberry purée, lemon juice

New lunch special at GenuWine Arizona

You can join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for lunch and enjoy a Chicken Pesto Panini and chips for just $9.99. They also have free WIFI so you can stay connected and a selection of both non-alcoholic beverages and wine & beer.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Saturday’s Laveen BBQ returns to Caesar Chavez Park

Over 100 vendors including BBQ pit masters and artists will be on hand at the 71st Annual Laveen BBQ tomorrow February 25th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission and parking is free with food and drinks sold separately.  The Laveen Community Council hosts the annual event that brings the community together for food and fun. The money raised stays in the community supporting local non-profits.

AZ Women in Food celebrate Women’s History Month

Thursday March 2nd will be an evening of women in the food and beverage industry with food, wine, cocktails and a good time in downtown Phoenix. Farish House hosts Gold. Glamour. Gourmet from 5 – 9 p.m. with tickets $95 at Tock.

GenuWine Arizona pouring Dos Cabeza wines March 3rd

Drop in to the downtown Phoenix wine bar next Friday night to sample wines from this celebrated Arizona winery. The tasting is free for those 21 and over and bottles will be 20% off that night.

Chompie’s is baking Hamantaschen for Purim

All 4 Phoenix area locations are getting an early start to the festive holiday on Tuesday, February 27th offering the baked delicacy. Raspberry, apricot, prune and poppy will be available through March 7th when the two day holiday ends.

Truland Burger offers Beer Cheese Pub Burger for a limited time

Just in time for Spring the downtown Chandler location adds a new burger to the menu. Get a hefty stack of two Niman Ranch all-natural beef patties, including our house-made beer cheese, all-natural bacon, crispy onions and a sweet-savory bacon jam for $14.50. Order it online or in person at 140 N Arizona Ave #100
Chandler, AZ 85225.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

GenuWineArizona celebrates its 5th birthday

Tomorrow January 14th the downtown Phoenix wine bar and retailer celebrates 5 years on Roosevelt Row with free wine samples, a DJ and Hot Sauce & Pepper Food Truck. Raffles will be awarded to attendees with the party going from 2 – 10 p.m.

3 course dinner next Tuesday at Romeo’s Euro Cafe

Chef & owner Romeo Taus rings in 2023 with another of his monthly 3rd Tuesday 3 course dinner paired with wine. On January 17th the downtown Gilbert restaurant will feature Osso Bucco paired with a Portuguese wine as its main course. Chorizo and Papas will start the dinner and YAYA’s Chocolate Cake will give the dinner a sweet ending. Seats are $44 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-962-4224.

Hundred Mile Brewing Company celebrates grand opening

The new Tempe brewery celebrates its Grand Opening from January 18th – 22nd. Daily specials on food & beer, a community charity drive, a Lap Around the Lake and more are planned from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PHX Beer Co. releases a new IPA dedicated to the “Zanjeros”

For over a hundred years Zanjeros would travel the state making sure the water flowed to our homes and farms. Without the “ditch riders” there would be no water to make beer and now the Phoenix brewery offers the new “Zanjeros” citrus fruit forward IPA. The beer is available at its downtown Phoenix brewery and Scottsdale restaurant.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

High praise for Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion from Gayot Guide

Christopher Gross is no stranger to racking up accolades over the years for his cooking and restaurant’s experience. He can now add being named one of the “Best Restaurant’s in the U.S.” and “Most Memorable Meals of 2022” from Gayot- Guide to the Good Life to his resume. Sophie Gayot gave Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion an 18/20 score for his French/ Contemporary cuisine.

Gayot says “During my soirée at the 32-seat restaurant, my head spun at each of the modern French cuisine dishes presented to the table. There is no show, no eccentricity, just perfectly calibrated and balanced execution.”

Bubbles wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona

Just in time to toast the New Year the downtown Phoenix wine bar hosts a tasting on Thursday, December 29th from 6- 8 p.m. 4 sparkling wines will be tasted for $10 with 20% off any bottles purchased that evening. Tickets are available here.

New Year’s Eve and Day at Ghost Ranch

The Tempe restaurant is offering its NYE Chef Series Menu on a first come, first serve basis until it sells out. The four course dinner offers chicken, seafood & Wagyu NY Strip before dessert. New Year’s Day enjoy specials on Bloody Maria’s, Birria Tacos & Burritos.

B & B Cocktail Lounge now serving weekend brunch

You can now check out weekend brunch from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the new lounge that opened earlier this year in Old Town Scottsdale. Bacon Steak & Eggs, B & B Breakfast Fries are included on the gourmet menu. You can even “Build Your Own” Avocado Toast with 25 toppings to choose from. For the sweet side there is Bourbon Coffee Cake, Sweets Board with fruit, bacon and sweet garnish.

Of course brunchy cocktails are served including Breakfast Bee, a bourbon-infused milky play on Honey Nut Cheerios, a Mimosa Flight with 9 juice options and Lemon Basil Squeeze with Haku Vodka, Chandon Rosé, lemon juice and more.

Hundred Mile Brewing releasing its first beers

The newly opened Tempe brewery started releasing its own beers the past couple of weeks. New beers include Natural Blonde Ale, Pinetop Pilsner, Infinite Coyote a West Coast IPA, Crowd Surfer a Mexican style lager and Desert Neon hazy IPA.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Phoenix’s Pedal Haus hosts RAD event to raise money

Today at the downtown Phoenix location 10% of sales from their new R.A.D. Pumpkin Ale will be donated to the Rob Dollar Foundation. The Foundation helps raise awareness about bicycle safety for both drivers and cyclists and is named after the cycling enthusiast who died when riding his bike. Happy hour will be extended today until 8 p.m. with $2 off appetizers and guests will have the opportunity to register for Sunday’s 5th annual Rob Dollar Foundation’s bike ride at South Mountain.

New dishes on the menu at Zuzu

Executive Chef Russel LaCasce and Pastry Chef Maria Arenas have updated their brunch/dinner, dessert and happy hour menus at the Hotel Valley Ho‘s signature restaurant. New on the Brunch menu Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Short Rib & Sweet Potato Hash and a Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. On the Dinner menu look for the savory Korean Chicken Wings, Citrus & Five Spice Pork Belly, and Pan-Seared Icelandic Salmon and more. Save room for dessert to try there new Brookie and new petite desserts for one or all at your table.

Wine & Candy Pairing at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar pairs wine & candy next Thursday, October 27th just in time for Halloween. 4 wines and candies will be poured during the 2 hour event. Stop in anytime between 6-8 p.m. to taste the sweet & savory treats, tickets can be purchased here. The 4 wines will be 20% off when purchased by the bottle.

Chompie’s Scottsdale location hosts Tip-a-Cop next Friday

Saturday, October 29th Scottsdale’s police officers will be raising money for Special Olympics at the popular deli. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. guests can Tip-a-Cop or drop by their booth to donate or learn more.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

50 days to celebrate 50 years at Organ Stop Pizza

From Saturday August 20th through Saturday October 8th guests can help celebrate this monumental anniversary with food specials. The $50 meal deal gets you two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (not including extra cheese), two appetizers (combo basket excluded) and two pitchers of soft drink. There will also be nightly food and merchandise giveaways and Sundae Funday with 50% off small and large sundaes.

Spanish Wine Tasting at GenuWine Arizona

Thursday August 25th join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for 4 unique Spanish wines from 6-8 p.m. It’s free for wine club members and $10 for non-members. The 4 wines will be 20% off during the event. You can RSVP here.

Pork on a Fork finally opens Chandler restaurant

BBQ fans can now get their fill as the long delayed opening happened this month. The official grand opening is Wednesday September 7th with the first 50 guests getting a free swag bag. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Sunday at 11 a.m. and located at 1972 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85254.

Pumpkin is back at Dunkin

The un-official sign that Fall is just around the corner, Dunkin introduced several pumpkin flavored drinks and foods this week. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, a Pumpkin Spice Latte and new Nutty Pumpkin Coffee are on the beverage side. A glazed pumpkin donut, Pumpkin Munchkins donut holes and a pumpkin muffin are available to snack on. Other seasonal flavors include a Blood Orange Refresher, a Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich and Maple Sugar Snackin’ Bacon.

Anoche Cantina now open

The new Mill Ave. restaurant and nightclub is now open daily at 11 a.m. until late in the night. Read about what to expect at my post earlier this month.

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 from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Day Drinker Devil Ride takes place Saturday July 30th

Bike riders and day drinkers meet up next Saturday at Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe for a 10-mile ride starting at 8 a.m. The 2nd annual ride raises money for the non-profit Rob Dollar Foundation that helps bring awareness for bike safety. The “fun” ride goes through Papago Park and mid-way through there will be a hydration station.

Tickets are $5 with your first Day Drinker Light Lager & hydration station beverage included. $15 gets the above and a commemorative ” I Survived the Devil Ride” t-shirt. Happy Hour at Pedal Haus is from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. with a raffle at 12:30 p.m.

Dairy Queen’s “Miracle Treat Day” benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Thursday July 28th over 80 Dairy Queen’s around Phoenix, central and northern Arizona donate $1 of every Blizzard sold to a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. PCH is the local hospital to benefit from the nationwide event. The 2022 goal is $90,000 for the hospital’s Hope Fund.

French wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

The wine bar in downtown Phoenix invites guests to join them between 6 – 8 p.m. to taste and learn about French wine. The July 28th tasting is free to wine club members and $10 to non-members. Four wines will be poured and any bottles purchased of the four will be 20% off that night. Click here to RSVP.

Savor a 5-course prix-fixe meal at Francine

The Scottsdale restaurant showcasing the cuisine of the south of France offers guests a special summer menu Sunday – Thursday’s until August 31st. The $45 per person meal will transport you to the Mediterranean that features gazpacho, grilled octopus, caccio e pepe linguini and more to choose from. To reserve your seat call 480-690-6180.

Press Coffee opens newest location in Ocotillo

To celebrate the new location today through Sunday the local roaster will donate $1 of all drip coffee’s to HopeKids. The local non-profit helps children and their families battling life threatening diseases with hope and support. The new location is located at 1085 W. Queen Creek Rd. Chandler.

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.

GenuWine Arizona celebrates 4th anniversary

The downtown Phoenix wine bar has successfully maneuvered the rocky last few years and is celebrating on Saturday January 8th. Starting at 2:30 p.m. there will be wine and beer tastings, Zydeco Louisiana Food Trucks starts serving at 1 p.m. and live music at 7:30.

eXperience Juncture dinner with TLC

The monthly supper club from Tom & Lin Catering is happening this month on Saturday January 22nd at Juncture in Phoenix. Chef Tom’s menu remains a mystery until you arrive for the reception that starts at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 and seats are $150 per person and seats & gift certificates can be reserved or purchased here.

A new balanced seasonal menu is available at Pita Jungle

The Mediterranean inspired fast casual concept with 23 locations around Arizona is now serving the “It’s All About Balance” menu. Nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are featured ingredients in dishes Chile Verde Beef, White Bean Hummus with Garlic Cilantro Pesto Shrimp, a plant based Gyro Super Hero and more.

Piled high hot pastrami sandwiches for only $12

Next Friday January 14th is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day and fans can celebrate at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from their Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo. All sandwiches come with a side dish & pickle and the special runs from 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is available for dine-in or take-out.

Feeding the Future fundraiser re-scheduled

The Blue Watermelon Project’s annual fundraiser scheduled for January 22nd has been re-scheduled until February 26th. The reason is safety concerns for student chefs with up tick on Covid positive cases. It will still be held at The Farm at South Mountain.

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.

The Thirsty Lion to open new & larger Westgate restaurant

The newest location in Glendale will be Arizona’s 5th and its largest with two stories and an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar. The gastropub that specializes in scratch made and seasonal cooking is set to open in December 2022. The 5,000+ square foot restaurant will be able to seat over 700 people at full capacity.

New seasonal menu at EVO from new chef Nick LaRosa

The downtown Scottsdale neighborhood restaurant rolled out an Autumn inspired menu from LaRosa. The new chef who joined EVO earlier this year loves this time of year, perfect for his Italian style cooking. A Fall Spiced Duroc Chop and Five Cheese Angliotti are just a couple of his new dishes. To hear Chef LaRosa’s story check out Episode 45 of The Podcast to here what the Chopped champion has to say.

New Nonna Urban Kitchen weekly wine tasting

Starting tonight and every Thursday night after (except Thanksgiving, cauz ya know somebody’s gonna ask or show up) the downtown Scottsdale restaurant offers a free tasting at 5:30 p.m. thanks to the help of their wine vendors.

GenuWine Arizona pouring Sand Reckoner wines on First Friday

Tomorrow night he wine bar on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix will welcome the folks from the Arizona winery to pour and mix & mingle with the crowd. Cajun food from Zydeco’s Louisiana Food truck will be on hand selling their good eats during the 6-9 p.m event.

Happy Veteran’s Day

Next Thursday November 11th is Veteran’s Day and more restaurants than not are doing something to say “Thank you” to our veterans, so many it was to many to list. Find one and raise a glass and say “Thanks”. Many local restaurants and bars are also veteran owned so look out and support those too.

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.