Tag: Happy Hour

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

All Night, All Summer Happy Hour is back at the Roaring Fork

Through Labor Day (September 2nd) the popular Scottsdale restaurant has happy hour pricing all night from 4 – 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices in the bar and saloon that includes $7 frozen margaritas and select wines by the glass. They’ve also brought back for a limited time Chicken Bites and Steak Salad. Other happy hour menu items include……

  • Mixed Market Greens $8.00 with Candied Walnuts, and Feta in a Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • Iceberg BLT $8.00 served with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Green Onion and Ranch Dressing
  • Fresh Guacamole $10.00 with Crispy Tortilla Chips, and Cotija Cheese
  • Green Chili Pork $10.00 served with Pepper Jack and Warm Flour Tortillas
  • Queso Con Puerco $10.00 with Pepper Jack Cheese, Green Chili Pork, & Crispy Tortilla Chips
  • Rotisserie Chicken Flat Bread $11.00 with Basil Pesto, Roasted Chilis, Tomato & Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Quesadilla (Chicken $14.00 & Steak $16.00) with Cheese Blend, Lime Crema, Salsa, Guacamole, & Flour Tortilla
  • Smoked Chicken Wings $14.00 served with Celery and Ranch
  • Roaring Fork Big Ass Burger $13.00 with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Poblano Pepper, Bacon, Cheddar and French Fries

ODV Wines to host Twisted Union Wine Co. new release party

Next Friday, August 2nd the wine shop inside Tempe’s Tracy Dempsey Originals will be pouring new releases along with past vintages from 4 – 6 p.m. Be the first to taste the new wines and meet the people who make the wines and enjoy some snacks too. The tasting is free to ODV/TUWC Club members and $10 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com

3-course Tuscan dinner coming to Rusconi’s American Kitchen

The north Phoenix restaurant is taking you to Tuscany and you don’t even have to pack a bag. Tuesday, August 13th owner and chef Michael Rusconi and his culinary team will prepare the meal that is paired with Italian wines. Seating is limited and is $70++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-483-0009. The menu is as follows…..

Primi: Open-Faced Ravioli with shrimp, tomato, cremini mushrooms and lobster jus
Pairing: 2022 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio – Montalcino, Italy
 
Secondo: Balsamic Braised Short Rib of Beef Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Sangiovese reduction and fava beans
Pairing: 2020 Banfi Collepino “Toscana” Sangiovese – Tuscany, Italy
Dolce: Espresso Semi Freddo
Pairing: Bolla Prosecco – Veneto, Italy

Venezia’s Pizzeria launches Presto at ASU

The new concept launched last week catering to students, faculty and others on the go at Sun Devil Marketplace. Presto has a streamlined menu offering pizzas, salads and wings along with beer and wine. They will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Amelia’s by Eat to open new cafe inside Kiln Gilbert

The 2nd location is set to open in august at Kiln Gilbert, a new community based co-working space near SanTan Village. The new location will be open Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Amelia’s Kiln will serve fresh coffee, scratch made bakery items including gluten-free, wraps, salads and healthy snacks. Catering services will be available for meetings and events inside Kiln.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day at STK Steakhouse

Still looking for a restaurant to take mom on Sunday? The cool Scottsdale restaurant hosts a traditional tea starting with a glass of  champagne ($89 & $99) or prosecco ($69) followed by a selection of hot tea and tower of petite sandwiches, scones and desserts. Tea infused cocktails are offered for $21 each.

Over Easy celebrates National Mimosa Day

The breakfast cocktails are $2 off flights next Tuesday, May 16th at all 11 Arizona locations. Guests can choose 4 flavors including orange, peach, guava, mango, strawberry or raspberry during breakfast or lunch.

National Burger Month features at Kona Grill

The month of May and “America’s Favorite Grill” celebrates one of our favorite comfort foods with 3 burger features. A $7.99 lunch and take-out burger, Kona Sliders for $6 at happy hour and a Chophouse Burger are available throughout the month.

The much anticipated Course Restaurant is now open

Personal chef Cory Oppold’s new restaurant is open and taking reservations near Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd. The highly acclaimed chef and Food Network’s “Chopped” winner serves a 5 course tasting menu Tuesday and Wednesday’s for $135 and 10-course menu Thursday-Saturday for $190. Wines paired by sommelier Nick Padua are additional an additional charge. May 28th Oppold will debut his Sunday brunch, Morning Would. His take on brunch favorites will be served in 6-courses from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. for $75.

Spitz Mediterranean opens its first location Arizona

Desert Ridge Marketplace is where you can find healthy and modern Mediterranean street food found around Europe. Wraps, gyros, rice salads & bowls, falafel, hummus and more from this California based concept. Started almost 15 years ago when a couple of college friends who studied and traveled in Europe wanted to bring this type of food home to the U.S. Serving sangria, beer & wine Spitz is participating in DRM’s Sips & Stroll program allowing guests to take their drinks outside the restaurant. The fast casual restaurant is located on the east end near the AMC Theaters.

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.

May the 4th be with you in downtown Mesa

Myke’s Pizza, Cider Corps and Pair Cupworks celebrate Star Wars Day next Thursday starting at 7 a.m. Start your day in warp speed with a Dark Side Latte or a Blue Milk Espresso then at 11 a.m. enjoy a Luke, I Am Your Father’s Cheese Pizza or Dago Bahn Mi Pizza. Cool off with Light Saber Cider Slushie or a Mangolorian Cider. Dessert and tonic specials are also available and all are for dine-in only. At 6 p.m. the Star Wars soundtrack will set the mood and a costume contest is scheduled.

Suns playoff promotions continue in the 2nd round

With the Suns advancing to next round of the NBA Playoffs local restaurants are giving fans something else to cheers about. Old Town Scottsdale’s The Montauk offers a “Sun Burst” shot for $10 throughout the playoffs. It’s made with their dreamsicle frosè and topped with Empress 1908 Gin creating the signature orange & purple team colors. Around the corner at arcade bar The Hot Chick game day specials of $5 Suns Bru drafts, $10 Purple Haze cocktails and $10 Purple Gatorade Shots are offered.

Dave and Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace extend their Slam Dunk Deal including a free appetizer when you sign up for their loyalty program. Included in the deal are $20 Play Card and Watch menu entree of your choice for $29.99. Entrees include a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, All-American Burger, Original and Boneless Wings and more.

Local couple opens 2nd location of Parlay Kitchen + Cocktails in Scottsdale

Kyle and Erica Walters opened their second restaurant last month at the Loop 101 & Via de Ventura 4 years after they opened in Chandler. Parlay features a menu of scratch made dishes for all palates and 24 signature cocktails. In addition to lunch and dinner they offer happy hour 7 days a week from 3-6 p.m., weekend brunch starting at 9 a.m. and live music Friday and Saturday from 6 -9 p.m.

Hundred Mile Brewing Co. hosts water drive in May

All month long the Tempe brewery and restaurant will be collecting packages of water in 12 packs or larger. Customer’s that donate water at the restaurant will receive $5 off each tables order. The water will be distributed to Tempe residents experiencing homelessness by the city’s Homeless Outreach Prevention Effort (H.O.P.E) team.

“As business in Tempe, we see ourselves as part of the community and we want to be good neighbors to everyone,” says Sue Rigler, founder of Hundred Mile Brewing Co. “We love partnering with the city and with other local businesses to support our community and we thank you for helping us help Tempe’s residents in need.”

Z Teja’s now offering new Spring seasonal menu

Warm temperatures means new cooler and refreshing dishes from Executive Chef Danny O’ Campo at the southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler. Through July 1st guests can enjoy 5 new menu items including Fried Cauliflower, Green Chili Barbacoa filled Fried Relleno, Mango Steak Salad and Horseradish Honey Mustard Glaze Salmon. From the bar comes a Blue Raspberry Mojito to enjoy with your meal or by itself.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Urban Agave continues making scratch made food in Glendale

West valley natives Parker and Emily Ganem opened their newest restaurant Urban Agave at 67th Ave. & Beardsley Rd. in Glendale in February. The new restaurant takes over for Urban Margarita and the couple plan to maintain the scratch made Mexican and American dishes similar to what the previous owners offered. The Ganem’s are co-owners of Sky Restaurant Concepts having opened Squid Ink Sushi Bar and Highball Cocktail Bar around the valley.

“Parker and I were both born and raised here in the west valley. This is our neighborhood. We want to bring a bigger foothold to the area and continue to give diners new, elevated experiences,” says Emily. “We intend to maintain much of what diners have come to love from Urban Margarita while showcasing a vibrant and playful new vibe, enticing menu additions, elevated bar program and extended weekend brunch.”

On the menu at Urban Agave

On the menu at Urban Agave guests can expect tacos, tostadas, flautas, enchiladas and more. Naturally, hand-crafted margaritas are on the menu along with a variety of craft cocktails for guests to enjoy. In May weekend brunch will be launched starting at 9 a.m. and will feature a Mimosa and Bloody Maria bar. A specialty cocktail menu will also be introduced in May. Taco Tuesday has been popular and the restaurant will soon serve both lunch and dinner.

Currently, Urban Agave is open at 3-9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and at 11:30 a.m. Friday & Saturday with an All Day menu. Brunch is served Sunday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the All Day menu is served until 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour is Tuesday – Sunday from 3-6 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Monday’s. A private dining room is available for private parties and corporate events. For more information and to view the menus visit their website.

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.

Mardi Gras Party at Pedal Haus in downtown Phoenix

From 2 p.m. until midnight tomorrow Saturday, February 18 celebrate carnival New Orleans style at the Roosevelt Row restaurant. Spicy Jambalaya, Po’ Boys and NOLA Hurricanes are featured along with live music for this free event starting at 4 p.m. Beads and beer will also be served.

Glendale hosts the Chocolate Affaire this weekend

It will be a sweet Saturday and Sunday in downtown Glendale as the popular event returns. Cooking demonstrations, chocolate tastings, wine pairings and more will be at this free event that starts at 10 a.m. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, more vendors, food trucks and unique attractions will benefit Magical Builders.

Strong Beer Festival pours beer tomorrow

The Arizona Brewers Guild hosts their Strong Beer Festival Saturday, February 18th at a new location at Salt River Fields. Tickets are still available and all the details and link to tickets are at my featured post.

National Margarita Day is February 22nd

Next Wednesday sip on the refreshing cocktail for less at restaurants around the Phoenix area. In the bar at The Roaring Fork all night long guests can get their signature Huckleberry, RF margaritas and others for only $7. Z’Tejas will be celebrating with $7 margs all day and from 5-6 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. their Sixth Street margarita is only $1. Scottsdale’s Diego Pops offers margarita and tequila samplings all day with $6 margaritas for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Salt & Lime has $7 house margaritas and more on special all day long.

LDV Winery releases new wines

4 new bold red, white and rose wines are now available from LDV Winery at their Scottsdale tasting room. The 2017 Syrah, 2019 Rhyolite White, 2019 Sky Island Viognier and 2020 Rosé of Grenache are sourced from their vineyards in the shadows of the Chiricahua Mountains and are in limited supply.

“We are thrilled to debut these new wines, which will be available soon and in the next package for our wine club members,” says Peggy Fiandaca, who co-owns LDV winery with winemaker Curt Dunham. “We look forward to sharing these new varietals with wine enthusiasts and we hope you all love them.”

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

Jalapeño Inferno has been serving Mexican food for over 23 years

Mexican food runs rampant throughout the valley’s restaurant scene but it’s not that easy to find authentic Mexican cuisine. That’s why Terry and Laura Craig opened their first Jalapeño Inferno over 23 years ago in north Scottsdale. With a career in restaurant & hotel management the couple knew how to keep guests happy and it’s worked as they now have four locations in Scottsdale and Peoria.

They recently converted their Rhythm & Wine bistro at Pinnacle Peak and Hayden Rd. to the Cantina to accommodate the demand for take-out and catering. Guests can enjoy many if not all of the dishes and drinks at the Cantina as well. A DC Ranch area Cantina is currently in the works.

On the menu at Jalapeño Inferno

Scratch made food, signature margaritas and top shelf service keeps regulars coming back and draws in new guests as well. Whether their celebrating Taco Tuesday, Hatch chile season, happy hour or a the chef’s daily special there’s always something new to eat or sip on at Jalapeño Inferno.

Sip on their signature “The Boss” margarita for those who like an authentic tart taste with your trio of chips & salsa while deciding what to order next. The “Top Shelf” Ceviche has chunks of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers and more served in a martini glass. Not every restaurant serves tamales year round but here “The Illustrious Green Chile Tamales” is a staple on the menu. White corn masa, four cheeses and topped with green chile sauce, you’ll be glad you order it.

Sizzling fajitas never disappoint and there’s always some left to take home. “Courtney’s Burrito” could be a belt buster. The char-grilled chicken is spicy and filling thanks to the Inferno and red enchilada sauce. Choose grilled chicken or steak for your “Street Inferno Style” Tacos that come 3 to a plate served on double corn tortillas. All three dishes and others come with refried beans, Mexican rice and garnishments.

I’d say cool off with a “Jalapeño Inferno” but that brings the heat with chunks of jalapeño peppers if you want to keep pushing your limits. The “Comfortably Numb” might do the trick with tequila, elder-flower liquor and Aperol. Save room the “Burnt Sugar Caramel Flan”, sweet and creamy you’ll be back for this whipped cream and caramel topped custard.

The restaurants are open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. with Happy Hour Monday- Friday from  3- 6 p.m.

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.

Wing Wednesday specials at The Bar in Gilbert

Have you heard the news, people are flocking to downtown Gilbert to get their hands on the flavorful, crispy & juicy John Blaze Honey Hot, Buffalo, BBQ, “Blow Your O-Ring” and Teriyaki wings. The Bar‘s grilling then fried wings are specially priced every Wednesday from 3 p.m. – 1 a.m. for $9 for 6 wings or $14 for a dozen. Each order comes with celery & carrots and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Pillsbury Wine Co. and more pouring at Arizona Wine Festival

20 Arizona wineries and other vendors will make downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square home January 28th -29th. Beer and food trucks will also be on hand with tickets for $35 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday. Friday night will be a benefit for Horses Help and the festival starts at 11 a.m. on both days. Information and tickets can be purchased can be found at Eventbrite.

Outerbound Wines featured at Hyatt Scottsdale Winemaker Dinner Series

The Gainey Ranch resort and spa continues its Winemaker Dinner Series in 2023 with its first dinner on Thursday, January 19th. High end wines from Sonoma County will be paired with a five-course dinner from Chef Joaquin Estolano Jr. and his team. The reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with Phillip Kube of Outerbound Wines followed by dinner at 7:00. Seats are $170 per person and can be reserved by calling 480-629-6231.

Save your receipts for 50% off at Koibito Poke

For the month of January purchase lunch between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. then return for dinner from 5 p.m. til closing and get half off. The “Save Your Receipt” promotion is good on the same day 7 days a week at all 4 locations.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

The Tipsy Grinch holiday pop-up debuts at Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

The holiday spirit is in the air and there’s a new pop-up experience to help get you in the mood. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa introduced their Tipsy Grinch pop-up lounge on the resort’s Lawn Court December 1st. Enjoy festive cocktails and an over the top Grinch holiday theme Wednesday – Sunday from 4 -11 p.m. throughout December.

“The experience is ideal for an after-work holiday happy hour with colleagues, or a fun friend’s night out to celebrate the season. Guests can enjoy a delicious holiday-themed cocktail and snacks while supporting a great local cause here in Scottsdale.” says Vincent de Croock, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.

Hotel guests and locals 21 and over stopping in will find the furnished lounge with holiday decor including a hanging upside down Christmas tree, snarky pillows and seasonal music. Crafted cocktails including the Bad Santa & Drink Up Grinches are served in holiday mugs available for purchase and can snack on charcuterie, house made pretzels and churros. Beer and wine are also available. The Tipsy Grinch can be rented out for private parties and company happy hours throughout the month.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the McDowell Mountain Conservancy, a non-profit dedicated to the local desert ecosystem. For more information visit the resort’s website.

The Blue Heron opens alongside Crust Simply Italian in Gilbert

Crust Simply Italian continues their expansion with their newest location in the Verde at Cooley Station development in Gilbert. With the new opening comes the new speakeasy themed cocktail bar, The Blue Heron. It’s not owner Mike Merendino’s first dual concept as his Chandler location of Crust also houses The Ostrich cocktail bar downstairs.

“We have been looking in Gilbert for some time now, and when we found the Verde project in Cooley Station we fell in love with the neighborhood,” says owner Merendino. A Mesa location is expected to open in mid-2023.

The East Coast Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes and pizza Merendino used to make in his father’s pizzeria on New York’s Long Island. Authentic pasta dishes, Italian style Rustica shaped pizza’s and craft cocktails are signature to Crust. Happy hour happens Monday -Friday from 3- 6p.m. and offers specials on their popular appetizers and cocktails.

“Crust Simply Italian is looking forward to serving the local Gilbert community with delicious authentic East Coast Italian food! We want our customers to come in as friends and to walk away feeling like family!” says Merendino.

“Dealer’s Choice” at The Blue Heron

The Blue Heron specializes in craft cocktails and the popular “dealer’s choice” cocktail. The “dealer’s choice” is perfect for those aren’t sure what they want to drink so the bartenders create custom cocktails based on the customer’s preference of ingredients. Merendino continues his Birds of a Feather theme in naming The Blue Heron, a native bird to Arizona. Doors open daily at 5 p.m.

Both Gilbert locations offer catering and have space for private dining and events. Crust opens daily at 11 a.m. and is at 2470 S Recker Rd #101,Gilbert AZ 85296.

Enjoy my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.