nomada Provisions, a local market opens in Phoenix

The culinary team at Scottsdale’s Nonna Urban Eatery has opened their newest venture nomada Provisions in central Phoenix. The local market will offer the neighborhood coffee, wine crafted foods and more 6 days a week. Owners Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta hope to spark customer’s creative side offering unique labels of cheeses, charcuterie, oils & vinegar and other high end pantry items.

“As we reach a pivotal point for the food and beverage industry, in a post pandemic world, we feel a ‘nomadic’ approach to food is much more aligned with today’s reality,” says Huerta of their new concept. “nomada is intended to allow consumers to explore, travel and dream through food and beverages as ingredients in addition to creating a practical way to access fresh carefully crafted, ready-made options for those with little time to cook. In a way, nomada will continue a primordial love affair with all things gourmet, bon viveur and bon vivant.”

nomada Provisions food & beverage offerings

The market will have ready-made foods, heat & serve foods and retail products with the gourmet foodie and home chef in mind.

Menu items include Dips & Spreads – Hummus, Baba Ganoush and Chicken & Duck Rillette. Seasonal Salads and Bowls featuring a variety of fresh and grilled vegetables, whole grains, salmon and more. “In-Betweens” including the Hummus and Vegetable Wrap and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. Proteins include Half Roasted Chicken or the Duo of Pan Seared Salmon. Fresh pasta will be available including Beet Campanelle, Tagliatelle and Squid Ink or Turmeric Rigatoni complemented by Nonna’s Tomato Sauce, Creamy Parmesan Sauce or Pesto. A variety of sushi and weekly soup will also be on the menu.

The couple is fond of coffee and wine and consider them magical beverages that transport you around the world. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino or an Americano while shopping or linger in the cozy coffee lounge. The Arabica and robust beans are hand picked from passionate farmers in the country of origin. Lesser known varietals of wines from small producers from around the world will be stocked to compliment foods without breaking the bank.

nomada Provisions is at 3410 N. 24th St. Phoenix 85016. They are open Tuesday – Sunday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. A full menu and information can be found at their website.

French fries and live music return to the FRIED Festival

Update: Postponed, no date set yet!

Hard to believe January is almost over and we’re looking to Saturday April 18th for the FRIED: A French Fry and Music Festival. We are, so circle the date on your calendar when over 20 local vendors serve up gourmet French fries and local indie bands return to Margaret T. Hance Park.

Expect to be in French fry heaven as popular Phoenix area restaurants and food trucks top our favorite fried food with everything from carne asada to lobster and kimchee. You can try the creatively topped gourmet French fries for only $2-$3 with larger sharing sizes available. Line-ups for bands and vendors are being finalized with announcements made on the festival’s social media. Lawn games, a marketplace and non- French fry foods will be available at the festival that starts at 12 noon. Gracie’s Tax Bar will be on hand serving libations.

This popular festival is from PHX Fest the same calorie loving folks who bring us the Phoenix Pizza Festival and Downtown Donut Festival. Part of the proceeds goes to Phoenix Inc., a community group promoting downtown Phoenix as a world class city.

Phoenix Spokes People will valet your bike if your ride down and Lyft discount codes will be available. Tickets are on sale and can only be purchased on-line for $10 at https://www.friedfestival.com/. Margaret T. Hance Park is at 1202 N. 3rd St. Phoenix 85004.

Laura’s Gourmet Granola celebrates 15 years with continued growth

You’ve probably had Laura’s Gourmet Granola if you’ve been to OverEasy, Scramble or Fox Restaurant Concepts locations. They’re just a few local restaurants who serve the popular healthy mix of nuts, oats, fruits and other ingredients. As the company celebrates its 15th anniversary it expands to accommodate the growing demand. The new west Phoenix location is triple the size of its original production facility.

“Our sole focus always has been to make unparalleled, classic granola using only all natural ingredients and prove that healthy and delicious can coexist in every artisan crafted, gluten-free bite,” says Laura Briscoe, founder and executive chef of Laura’s Gourmet Granola.

The growth is not only due to local restaurants using her granola but consumers supporting it in Arizona markets including AJ’s, Tempe Public Market, Whole Foods and others. Until recently Laura’s Gourmet Granola was only found in Arizona specialty retailers, now it’s available in Texas, Chicago and Wisconsin. In 2012 Laura’s started working with hotels, restaurants and healthcare organizations around the country.

Started in 2004 with the classic Vanilla Almond Crunch, there now six flavors including AppleLicious Crunch and the newest, Sinful Cinnamon Crunch. The seasonal Pumpkin Pecan is available through the end of the year. “We are committed to creating granola flavors that will delight the palate without compromising one’s health or sending one to the dictionary to understand our ingredients. We have done this for 15 years with seven flavors and look forward to more.” says Briscoe.

The granola is low in sugar, has healthy fats and proteins with nut free, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options.

To find Laura’s Gourmet Granola near you visit her website.