Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Marcellino Ristorante puts an Italian twist on Thanksgiving family meals

Not in the mood to do much cooking or don’t want turkey this Thanksgiving look at what the Scottsdale restaurant’s Taste of Italy take-out menu has to offer. Handcrafted raviolis, Paccatelli and Gnocchi Sorrentin by Marcellino himself are being made for large (serving 15- 20 people) and medium (8-12 people) parties are available with reheating instructions. Orders are to be pre-paid and ordered Tuesday- Saturday no later than Tuesday, December 26th for pick-up on the next day (Wednesday) from 2-4 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 480-990-9500 and more information and pricing can be found on their website.

Phoenix City Grille hosts Remus Bourbon Dinner

Tired of turkey and leftovers then make your reservations for the four-course dinner being served on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 p.m. Co-hosted by Arizona Whiskey Guy John Christie, the main courses will be Pan Seared Jumbo Sea Scallop and Duroc Pork Chop paired with special edition and reserved bourbons. The experience is $120++ per person and can be made by emailing Brittnee Reed or calling 602-510-7174. More information can be found at PCG’s website.

Festivin tickets are on sale

The Wrigley Mansion’s annual celebration of wine will be upon us quicker than you can say “fill up the glass” come January 16th – 19th 2025. Tickets for the Grand Tasting, interactive seminars, cooking demonstrations and more are sure to sell out. Tickets for events must be purchased in advance and can be purchased here.

GenuWine Arizona hosts holiday market

With the holiday season just about in full swing the downtown Phoenix wine bar/shop is hosting a holiday market next Sunday, November 30th. From 12- 3 p.m. attendees can visit with four jewelry and ornament vendors and of course, there will be wine with free samples and 20% off wines poured.

Chompie’s Scottsdale gets a new look

To offer dine-in and take-out customers a better experience the restaurant has new tables, chairs & booths, new counters & marketplace, new restrooms, new furniture & blinds on the patio and more. Don’t worry the sandwiches, soups, salads and other traditional Jewish deli dishes haven’t changed.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Holiday Breakfast Box available from Morning Squeeze

Looking to feed friends and family breakfast Christmas morning? If so, each Breakfast Box serves up to 10 people and pre-orders are being taken from December 1st until the 20th. Each box includes 1 meat quiche, 1 vegetable quiche, potatoes, fruit, French toast casserole and orange juice. Orders can be picked up on December 23rd & 24th at their new catering kitchen at 1725 W. University Dr. Tempe and each box is $140. To order call 480-967-6610 or email TakeHome@morningsqueeze.com

Tracey Dempsey Originals to host Holiday Market

Now that we’re in the gift giving season make plans to attend the Local Love: Holiday Market next Saturday December 3rd. Baked goods and wines from Tracey Dempsey Originals/ ODV Wines along with other local partners including Ernest +Humble Coffee, The Sober Somm with alcohol free libation options, Broom Brush Tea, candle maker Cactus + Vine and 8 other local vendors. Non-profit partners The Joy Bus, Blue watermelon Project & Sun produce Co-Op will be selling gift cards, tickets to future fundraiser and food delivery subscriptions.

The market will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Tracey Dempsey Originals 1325 W. University Dr. Tempe.

Pork on a Fork Friday specials available for pre-order

Not wanting to cook dinner at the end of a long week then pre-order a smoked meat dinner from their North Phoenix or Chandler restaurants. Starting on Monday you can place your order for Tri-Tip for December 2nd pick-up and order Beef Ribs on Monday the 5th for pick-up on the 9th. Quantities are limited and pre-orders are necessary.

New Happy Hour menu at Sfizio in North Phoenix

The Italian restaurant in Desert Ridge just released a new menu available daily in the bar from opening til 6 p.m. Enjoy Shrimp Risotto, Mussel Marinara, Meatballs and Truffle Garlic Bread in house or consider them inspiration for your holiday cooking.

Oro Brewery Company brings home the gold from GABF

The Mesa craft brewer won was awarded a gold medal by the Brewers Asoociation at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival in October. The gold medal beer was the Café Oro, a Blonde Ale infused with cold-press coffee in the “Coffee Beer style” category. The cold press coffee used is from local Village Coffee Roastery.

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