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.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new menu

Earlier this week the locally owned pizzeria group debuted its new Fall seasonal menu. Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Green Apple Sangria, Caramel Apple Cheesecake and a Vodka Peach Mule are just a few of the new dishes & cocktails available until December 6th.

Creamistry to open first West Valley location

The ice cream shop that uses liquid nitrogen to make their delicious desserts opens at Park West, Saturday September 18th. Customers who show up between 12 – 2 p.m to the Peoria’s Park West entertainment center get a free small ice cream. There are 2 other locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, no free ice cream though.

Don’t forget National Hamburger Day Saturday

The popular comfort food is being celebrated September 18th around town with specially made burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar and other burger joints around Phoenix.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe 3rd Tuesday wine dinner is happening

3 courses paired with wines from New Zealand and California at Romeo’s monthly dinner is next Tuesday the 21st. Reservations are needed for dinner at the downtown Gilbert restaurant. Dinner is $39 per person.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

For the next 10 nights, restaurants feature specially created 3 course menus at $33, $44 or $55. 150+ restaurants are participating the Fall 2021 culinary event. Reservations are highly recommended and a full list of restaurants and their menus can be found at their website. The Arizona Restaurant Association has partnered with the HonorHealth Foundation to raise money for Desert Mission Food Bank during the next 10 days.

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.

Celebrate the 1st TLC Experience dinner of the season

Chef Tom‘s birthday is fast approaching and you can celebrate with him at the first dinner of the Fall season. Sunday September 19th at a private home in Paradise Valley is where the 4 hour dinner will take place. As always the evening’s menu is a surprise but you know it’s going to be good, sourcing from local farms and artisan food makers. Become a member of the EXperince and get more details here.

Labor Day Weekend deals at restaurants around Phoenix

Celebrate at home with a Hopdoddy Burger Bar DIY Burger Kit, Family Packs at Miracle Mile Deli for pick-up, take-out or delivery. Other deals at Dave & Busters at Tempe Marketplace, STK Steakhouse, 50% of cheese pizza on Sunday 9/5 National Pizza Day at Fired Pie, a free domestic draft beer with purchase at Comic X, Slices get 2 large slices & drink for $7.99. BBQ style meals for catering family meals or individual meals from EAT by Stacey Weber. In downtown Phoenix head to Palomar at Kimpton Hotel as they are offering 5-7-9 Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. $5 beers, $7 glasses of wine & $9 Old Fashioneds with bites to eat from $5-$7.

Ingo’s Tasty Food now open in downtown Phoenix

As mentioned in May the 2nd location of the popular hangout at Block 23 at 101 E. Washington St. across from Chase Field and the Footprint Center. An all-day menu and LGO pastries are served Monday – Friday starting at 7 a.m. with Saturday and Sunday hours coming soon.

The Good Food Film Series new line-up announced

Local First Arizona has announced the next 3 films in the series focusing on the Arizona food community. The Fall film series showcases films dealing with how we heal the earth & how we can connect to the land. The Trail of Arizona Dairy (releasing on Sept. 14), Food as Medicine (releasing on Oct. 12),Farming as a Revolutionary Act for Food Sovereignty (releasing on Nov. 9).

11th annual AZ Taco Festival postponed til 2022

Organizers decided to pause the popular food festival as the Delta variant of Covid-19 is takings its toll. The festival is now re-scheduled April 9th & 10th 2022 and the regularly schedule 2022 taco festival is still scheduled only 6 months later on October 22nd & 23rd 2022. All tickets purchased for the 2021 festival will be honored in April 2022. Head to their website for more information.

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.

Roaring Fork starts all night happy hour

Memorial Day is the un-official start of summer but the official start of the Scottsdale restaurants popular summer promotion. Every Sunday- Thursday until labor Day, September 6th, guests can 10 dishes at $12.50 or less in the bar or saloon. $6 wines by the glass and $7 Roaring Cocktails are also being offered.

National Donut Day at Chin Up Donuts & Coffee

One of America’s favorite pastries is celebrating its day on Friday June 4th. The artisan donut shop has collaborated with Fired Pie and Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles to offer unique donut creations. The Fired Pie donut has a marinara sauce glaze, shredded mozzarella and their signature curling pepperoni – torched to crispy perfection. Lolo’s donut is a maple glazed brioche donut topped with Lolo’s crispy fried chicken and slice of waffle. A Creme Brulee donut has also been created for the occasion.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar to donate Navy Seals this weekend.

Starting today through Memorial Day the burger joint with locations in Scottsdale & Phoenix (and all other locations) will donate a part of sales from all sales to the Seal Legacy Foundation.

Kids eat free at Morning Squeeze in June

All kids 12 and under get a free meal from The Squeeze’s Kids Menu from June 1st-30th. Each meal comes with soda, juice or milk with each meal normally costing about $8.

Koibito Poke launches Signature Bowls

4 locations in Scottsdale, Arcadia and Chandler have added 2 new signature bowls for $13.99. Customers can get the new Koibito Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Salmon, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sriracha Aioli topped with Cilantro, Edamame, Cucumbers, Seaweed Salad & Sesame Seeds. Tuna Trio Bowl – Guest Choice of Base, Spicy Tuna, Hawaiian Tuna, Regular Tuna mixed in Sweet Chili Lime Sauce topped with Edamame, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Pineapple, Sesame Seeds & Masago.

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.

Jungle Vino available at Pita Jungle for National Drink Wine Day

The new private label wines from California’s Dunnigan Hills will be available at all locations on Thursday February 18th. The Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced by Matchbook Wines and is $18 a bottle and $5 a glass at happy hour.

Bashas donates Paczki sales to St. VdP on February 16th

On Fat Tuesday the local grocer will donate 10% of sales of the Polish fruit filled pastry to St. Vincent de Paul. Customers who snap a selfie with the Paczki can tag @bashasmarkets on Facebook and Instagram and #PaczkiSelfie for a chance to win a$100 gift card. $.75 per or $2.99 for 6.

Bottomless fries at Hopdoddy Burger Bar for Fat Tuesday

The Camelback and Scottsdale burger joint kick off Mardi Gras with more fries than you can eat. All day you can choose from Parmesan Truffle, Green Chile Queso, BBQ Ranch and more. Available for dine-in or take-out.

Sazerac Cocktails & Craft buys new motor scooter for disabled vet

The downtown Phoenix bar raised money and donated their own to buy customer and disabled veteran Dave Little Eagle a new ride. Injured in a 2015 parachuting accident in Afghanistan old scooter broke down and couldn’t get in touch with the VA. Too watch the moment when Dave’s new scooter presented to him you can watch the video here.

Still time to make plans for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is this Sunday and if you and your sweetheart don’t have plans yet this post will give you plenty of dining out or take-out options from local restaurants.

 

 

Support the troops, active and retired on Veteran’s Day

One thing we all agree on is that we support the troops of our military. Whether active or retired when Veteran’s Day arrives on November 11th these Phoenix area restaurants and watering holes offer deals on food & drink to our veterans and active military personnel.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar- The Scottsdale and Camelback locations give all veterans and active military personnel a free classic burger or cheeseburger. Offer is for dine-in or on-line ordering for take-out and military ID required for those in uniform.

Angry Crab Shack- 10% off at all locations with valid military ID.

Fired Pie- Free entree to all military with valid ID. Not available for 3rd party delivery.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria15% year round and 25% off on Veteran’s Day for active & retired military.

S & V Urban Italian- Show military ID at the Scottsdale restaurant for a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill- Show your military ID at any of the 4 locations around Phoenix and get free entree with a non-alcoholic beverage purchase.

Roaring ForkBring your military ID when you dine-in for 15% off your entire order.

Original Breakfast House- All military personnel get a free meal at this north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli- The central Phoenix deli offers veteran’s 10% off year round. On Veteran’s Day they give 20% off.

Cider Corps– The veteran owned downtown Mesa cidery offers 10% to all military year round. This year they’re open for take-away only with 15 ciders on tap.

Angel’s Trumpet House- All food is 10% off from 3-9 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix gastropub with military ID.

Morning Squeeze- Get a free drip coffee at the Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants open for breakfast and lunch.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse- All military personnel get 50% off their entree at the north Scottsdale restaurant open for dinner.

Pedal Haus Brewery- Take 20% off all food and drink and half off all merchandise at their Mill Ave. and downtown Chandler locations.

Voodoo Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen- Dine-in and get a free entree with proof of service at the south Tempe Cajun restaurant.

Macacyo’s- Get a free meal on the house whether you dine-in and take-out at any location.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Hopdoddy Burger Bar gives free burgers to First Responders

Wednesday, October 28th is National First Responder’s Day and the Camelback & Scottsdale locations are responding. Show your badge or come in uniform for a free Classic burger or cheeseburger when you dine-in or take-out.

Marcellino Ristorante begins Fall Wine Dinners

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant known for homemade pastas and authentic Italian cuisine has its first dinner on Tuesday October 27th. Paired with Italian wines chosen by sommelier Dario Soldan of Classico Wines, Chef Marcellino decides on what to serve at the 4-course dinner the day of. Prepaid seats are $75 ++ per person for the 6 p.m. dinner and can be reserved by calling Bettina at 480-990-9500.

“Crazy for Curry” then head to Thai Chili 2 Go

Until Wednesday October 28th, curry fans can get a bowl for half price when a bowl is purchased at regular price. Red, yellow, green, Massamann and Panang curries are available at all locations for pick-up and delivery.

Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza now available at Fired Pie

All 20 locations of the fast casual pizza restaurant are now selling the new specialty pizza. Made with house-made dough Nashville Hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, then topped with Nashville Hot Chicken, spicy cole slaw & chopped Dill pickles. It can be made with regular, cauliflower and gluten-free dough.

Hotel Valley Ho launches The R + R Show virtual cooking class

Executive Chef Russel LaCasce and hotel General Manager Ronen Aviram debut their first free episode of their monthly cooking, cocktail and recipe podcast. Details of each month’s classe and link to the podcast can be found at an earlier post.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Sphinx Date Company announces re-opening

The Palm & Pantry market has re-opened Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m – 5 p.m. in old town Scottsdale. Just in time for the 2020 date harvest and leading into the holiday season.

Dutch Bros Coffee raises money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Friday September 18th all 28 locations will donate $1 from every drink sold to the hospitals Buck for Kids day of Giving.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar celebrates National Cheeseburger Day

The week of September 14th-18th the Scottsdale & Camelback locations are letting you double burgers in celebration. Get another patty for free when you order online and take your burger to go. Use promo code “double” at check out to redeem.

Milkshakes are only $4 at Miracle Mile Deli

Celebrate National Milkshake Day is Saturday September 12th and Miracle Mile Deli all month with a chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milkshake for a low price.

Duckhorn Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s in Scottsdale

The restaurant resumes its series of wine dinners on Thursday September 17th with the Napa Valley winery. Tables of 8 will be 6 feet apart and other safety precautions will be followed. The 5 course dinner paired with 5 wines is $90 per person plus tax & tip. To see the menu and make your reservation visit their website.

Phoenix area restaurants salute veterans on Veteran’s Day

I’ve met a few veterans in my travels and in addition to loving the red, white and blue they love to eat. On Veteran’s Day, Saturday November 11th several Phoenix area restaurants are saluting active and retired military personnel with discounted or free food. Here is a list of who and what is being offered.

Fired Pie

In support of veterans both active and retired, Fired Pie will be offering a free entrée to all vets who show their ID or are in uniform.

Miracle Mile Deli

All veterans both active and retired will receive 10% off their purchase by letting Miracle Mile Deli know they are a veteran at the register.

Miracle Mile Deli has been a staple in the Valley for 68 years. The locally owned restaurant is at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix.

Famous Dave’s BBQ

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Phoenix would like to thank all former and current Military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country by offering a FREE “Two Meat Salute.” Hours are 11 am to 11 pm.

The “Two Meat Salute” is a choice of two different meats, including St Louis-Style Ribs, Georgia Chopped Pork, Texas Beef Brisket, Country-Roasted or barbeque Chicken, Traditional or Boneless Chicken Wings, Southside Rib Tips, Hot Link Sausage, Chicken Tenders or Beer-Battered Cod, served with a Corn Bread Muffin and a choice of one side.

To find one of the 4 Phoenix area Famous Dave’s BBQ near you click here.

Original Breakfast House

Original Breakfast House is honoring those who serve and have served. Veterans and Active Duty members eat free from the menu below or take $11 off any menu item.

There will be live music outside, along with free donuts and coffee. November 11 will be a real party at Original Breakfast House!

Cajun Andouille sausage and cheddar scramble  11.50                        Pork Chops and Eggs  11.50                                                                       Machaca Scramble  11.50                                                                                  Pulled Pork Hash and Eggs  11.50                                                                               Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes  9.95

Original Breakfast House is at 13623 N 32nd St, Phoenix

Dave & Buster’s

 In the bustling heart of Tempe Marketplace is Dave & Buster’s who will be offering all active and retired veterans a 10% off discount when they show ID when making the purchase.

Luci’s Urban Concepts

In honor of Veteran’s Day, each one of Luci’s Urban Concepts will be offering 10% off any purchase at all locations to veterans who are in uniform or show proof of id.

Luci’s Urban Concepts includes Luci’s Healthy Marketplace which is at 1590  Bethany Home Road and  a couple of miles away Pomelo at The Orchard at 7100 North 12th Street, Phoenix.

Veteran's Day
Photo courtesy of Steve Shankman

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is honoring this day with 15% for all vets and military personnel. This offer is valid 11/10 and 11/11. Use the link to find a Grimaldi’s near you.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

This year, the burger joint will offer its best deal yet – a free burger to military veterans. This offer will be available to those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Find a Hopdoddy near you.

Organ Stop Pizza

Enjoy a free concert to celebrate and honor our veterans, with an emphasis on patriotic music, (other Organ Stop fan favorites will be played also) and a demonstration/explanation of OSP’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.

*No food service will be offered other than beverages and ice cream and they will be available to purchase at current menu pricing.

Organ Stop Pizza only accepts cash/checks. No debit/credit cards accepted.
1:30pm – 3:00pm, doors open at 1:15pm on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, Nov 11
Organ Stop Pizza, 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa

 

Cider Corps

The new cidery in Mesa will be holding an open house on Veteran’s Day. Here is the link to my October post with the details.

 

 

Phoenix food community rally for Hurricane Harvey victims

In the wake of this weeks flooding in Texas from Hurricane Harvey the Phoenix food community are working to raise money to send to victims of this natural disaster.

Here is where and how you can help…..

Tacos for Texas

All day today, Sept. 1st 100% of General Admission tickets purchased for The Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.  To purchase your tickets click here. The festival itself is schedule for Sept. 16th.

TEXAZ Grill

Texas native and owner Steve Friedkin will be donating $1 from each of their famous Chicken Fried Steak’s ordered during lunch and $2 from each during dinner.  A donation jar will be available to drop in cash and anyone donating cash will receive a free Vanilla Ice Cream Dixie Cup courtesy of Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Donations will be collected now through Sept. 6th and will be given directly to Global Giving to assist emergency supplies and long-term relief help. Donations can also be made by going to TEXAZ Grill’s website TEXAZ Grill is at 6003 N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Texas-based Hopdoddy will be donating as part of their Good Night for a Good Cause Program. All sales on Sept. 4th & 5th from the Good Night/Good Cause burger will be donated to Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. After Sept. 5th $1 from each burger sold through the end of Sept. will be donated.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka will donate $1 up to $10,000 of each drink sold made with Tito’s sold at all Hopdoddy’s.

Customers are encouraged to order a Good Night/Good Cause Burger on Labor Day from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at their Scottsdale & Phoenix locations as they have a Pop-Up Beer Garden to introduce their new Happy Hour menu. Free samples of local craft beers will be poured at both locations.

 

 

 

 

 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar to roll out new seasonal menu items this week.

You already know that Hopdoddy Burger Bar serves good burgers but did you know they also serve handcrafted milkshakes and cocktails at their full service bar. All 3 of these components are part of Hopdoddy’s success and on April 5 they will be introducing a seasonal burger, milkshake and cocktail.

For a limited time guests will be able to order the Double Stack Burger and Purple Rain Shake until April 18th and High + Rye Cocktail until May 2nd.

The Double Stack Burger ($10) will be made with two freshly ground Angus beef and onion patties topped with melted Swiss and cheddar, sassy sauce and tangy chipotle ketchup, proving two patties are better than one.

The Purple Rain Shake ($6) features house made blueberry compote swirled to perfection with toasted hazelnuts, vanilla spiced ice cream and a touch of sea salt, this naturally purple shake pays homage to the beloved rock star, Prince, in both color and name.

The High + Rye is made with local rye bourbon, house made ginger syrup, honey water, fresh squeezed lime juice, and topped with a piece of sweet and spicy candied ginger.

To taste these seasonal menu items or any of the other burgers, shakes and more hurry down to the 2 Phoenix area Hopdoddy’s in Scottsdale on Scottsdale Rd. north of Shea Blvd. and at 20th St. & Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. There are also plenty of Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s in Texas and southern California. http://www.hopdoddy.com/