It’s “Tomaso Month” at The Italiano with a special menu

There’s no better way to honor one’s family than to recreate what they did best and enjoyed doing. In the case of Chef Joey Maggiore, it’s to dedicate a month long specially created menu at his newest restaurant, The Italiano, in honor of his father, chef & restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore who passed away four years ago this month.

Through the end of January guests can dine on a four-course menu of Tomaso’s signature dishes made with handmade pastas and slow-cooked sauces. The “Tomaso Month” menu is as follows……

First Course: (For the table)

  • Antipasto – Eggplant Napoletana, Mozzarella Caprese, Bruschetta with Auricchio Provolone, Roasted Peppers
  • Scungilli & Calamari – Roasted garlic, potatoes, and a spicy tomato wine broth

Second Course:

  • Sicilian Salad – Heirloom tomatoes, fennel, poached potatoes, red onion, puntarelle, and a citrus vinaigrette

Primi Piatti:

  • Mezza Rigatoni alla Norma – Heirloom tomato sauce, braised eggplant, and dried ricotta

Fourth Course: (Choose One)

  • Petra Sole Francese – Lightly egg-battered with lemon wine caper sauce
  • Stuffed Veal Cuscinetto – Mascarpone, prosciutto, wild mushroom ricotta, and a sherry wine demi
  • Divine Sausage & Peppers – House made, chargrilled with caramelized onions, peppers, and a San Marzano wine sauce

Dessert:

  • Angel KissesStrawberries stuffed with cannoli cream

For more information and to make your reservation visit the restaurant’s website.

The Spaghetti Shack looking to expand its pasta to-go concept

Started by five lifelong friends in Tempe, The Spaghetti Shack is looking to grow beyond its Tempe and Pinetop-Lakeside locations in 2025. The community focused concept is seeking like minded entrepreneurs with its new franchising program to help serve up its classic Italian American comfort food. Its become a local favorite at both locations with it’s simple crowd-pleasing menu of customizable pastas, meatballs, garlic bread and more.

“We built this business with the same love and energy we’ve shared as lifelong friends,” said Joey Palomarez, President. “Franchising was the natural next step. We want to empower owner-operators who share our values to bring affordable, community-focused dining to their neighborhoods.”

Growing through franchising at The Spaghetti Shack

Potential owner-operators looking to join the Shack family should have a passion for community, culture and collaboration. The Spaghetti Shack model is approachable, inclusive and with a low start-up costs and a proven system is a great opportunity for first-time business owners looking to get into the restaurant industry. A solid foundation and on-going support provide franchisees the necessary tool for collaborating and success.

At The Spaghetti Shack it’s not just about great food, it’s also about giving back to the community and having a lasting impact. Partnerships with Donate Life, Million Dollar Teacher Project and their annual Shacktacular fundraiser, Palomarez and The Spaghetti Shack have proven their commitment to the community and culture and their mission will continue with franchisees.

“We want to be more than just a pasta place,” says Palomarez. “Our goal is to feed families, cater to sports teams, and create spaces where people feel connected to their communities. Every Shack will reflect that mission.” For more information about The Spaghetti Shack and this unique opportunity visit their website.

 

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.

Lou’s x Mike’s Hot Honey Deep Dish pizzas available nationwide

In time for National Pizza Month Lou Malnati’s and Mike’s Hot Honey have made their popular limited availability pizza “Lou’s x Mike’s Hot Honey Deep Dish Pizza” available for the holidays with nationwide shipping from Tastes of Chicago. Loads of weekly online specials are happening through Cyber Monday, December 2nd with the pizza also available at all 80 Lou Malnati’s locations.

Available for shipping in deep dish or thin crust, the pizza became popular earlier this year when the Chicago and NYC iconic brands collaborated on their spicy, sweet and savory pizza. It features mozzarella, sausage, giardiniera and cupped pepperoni topped with a generous drizzle of sweet and spicy Mike’s Hot Honey.

The Tastes of Chicago (TOC) weekly specials are….

Oct 18-24: Semi-Annual Buy 6 Get 7th Pizza Sale – Buy a 6 pack of Lou’s deep-dish pizzas (including Mike’s Hot Honey) and get the 7th pizza free (cheese). Buy 7 pack of Lou’s thin crust pizzas, get 8th free (cheese)

Oct 29-Nov 26: Bonus Bounce back – Spend $125+ and get $25 to spend in January 2025- Gift Mike’s Hot Honey and Get a bonus for yourself! Buy now, ship later: Buy your gifts now, but ship them closer to the celebration

Nov 18-26: Free Pizza Sale – Buy any 2/4/6 pack of Lou’s deep-dish pizzas and get a cheese or sausage pizza free. Buy 2/4/6 pack of Mike’s Hot Honey pizza and get a free pizza

Nov 27- Dec 2: Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale   Up to 25% off TOC top sellers (including Mike’s Hot Honey pizza packs)!

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

A busy week for Chef Joey Maggiore

The chef and owner of several popular restaurants is celebrating this week’s release of his book, Brunch King that is filled with recipes from his Hash Kitchen. And today’s the opening of his newest restaurant, The Italiano at Shea Blvd. and 92nd St.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular twice-yearly celebration of local restaurants kicks off 10 days (thru Sunday, 9/29) of specials menus around the state. Well over 100 restaurants have created 3-course menus for $33, $44 or $55. Reservations are suggestive and a list of restaurants and menus can be found here.

Family Tuesdays at Red, White & Brew

With the rising costs of dining out POV Foods wants to make it affordable for families to eat out. Starting this week Tuesdays at their Mesa and Prescott restaurants kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Chimichanga Day at Macayo’s

All locations will be celebrating on Thursday, September 26th with specials, giveaways, a pinata smash and more. Specials include….

BOGO Chimis! Buy one a la carte chimi and get one free with the purchase of two beverages (plus, add a side of rice, beans, guacamole or Macayo’s famous Baja sauce for just .78 cents each!). Samples of Dos XX and Don Julio tequila will also be available.

National Dumpling Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

Thursday, September 26th is also National Dumpling Day and TC2GO rewards members get a 6-piece dumpling order for $1 with the purchase of a 6-piece order. orders need to be made on the TC2GO app or online and are available at all locations.

Fall flavors return at STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill

The two Scottsdale restaurants add new menu items to savor the flavor of the season. The new menus include cocktails, entrees, sides and desserts.

Kona Grill– Welcome Back Pumpkin menu- Pumpkin Spice Margarita, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli & Duck Empanadas, Roasted Acorn Squash and Pumpkin Pie.

STK Steakhouse- Pumpkin Menu- Pumpkin Bourbon Smash, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli & Lobster, Pumpkin Potato Gratin and Pumpkin Pie. Wagyu lovers can enjoy Masabi Bone Marrow and A5 French Dip.

The Italiano to open in Scottsdale next month

Friday, September 20th will see the grand opening of the newest restaurant and concept, The Italiano from The Maggiore Group at 90th St and Shea Blvd. It will be the group’s sixth concept from Joey Maggiore and his culinary team offering an elevated and unique dining experience.

“This is truly our best concept yet! We’re drawing inspiration from every corner of Italy to blend age-old traditions with innovative approaches,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We can’t wait for you to experience our family’s heritage in a new and familiar way.”

Designed by Maggiore’s wife Cristina, The Italiano offer over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining, a private dining room and art that pays tribute to Joey’s late father, chef & Restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore. The restaurant will feature limestone and olive trees throughout once guests enter through the picturesque entry and doorway.

Old school Italian dishes at The Italiano

Once opened the menu will feature traditional Italian red sauce dishes with Chef Joey’s touch. Like their other concepts, The Italiano will feature a unique interactive experience with the introduction of an antipasto cart where guests can build their own plate with over 30 different items to choose from. After dinner guests can enjoy a must try Limoncello cocktail from the cart along with desserts chosen from the Zabiaone dessert cart.

The restaurant is currently hiring front and back-of-the house staff and those interested can get more information and apply at https://harri.com/magg-italiano-scottsdale. The Italiano is at 9301 E. Shea Blvd and will be open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner. For more information visit their website or follow them on Instagram @TheItalianoTrattoria.

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 pumpkin season at 32 Shea

When local restaurants start putting pumpkin dishes and drinks on the menu you know the cooler temperatures aren’t far behind. For a limited time the Phoenix cafe has added coffee, cocktail and food specials including…..

-Pumpkin mascarpone bruschetta with crispy prosciutto and toasted pumpkin seeds

-Pumpkin Alfredo pasta with chicken and andouille sausage

-Pumpkin sweet cream cold coffee

-Pumpkin cookie latte with cookie butter syrup

-Pumpkintini with vanilla vodka and pumpkin sauce

Fall 2024 Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s twice annual 10-day event returns from Friday, September 20th through Sunday the 29th. The popular events has over 200 restaurants from around the state creating special 3-course menus to showcase their offerings. The prix-fixe menus are priced at $33, $44 or $55 depending on the restaurant. On Sunday, September 1st a list of participating restaurants and their menus will be available on the website.

Back to school BOGO pizza special at Vicinos

The Scottsdale Italian restaurant has a hard to pass up special through the end of September. Buy 1 12″ cheese pizza and get another for free when you call in your order for take-out. Toppings are extra and a limit of 1 free pizza per day.

2 for 1 Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company

Every Tuesday until September 21st stop into their Scottsdale and Wilcox tasting rooms and get 2 bottles of wine for the price of 1. In store purchase and pick up only while supplies last and other restrictions apply.

Fire at Will adds new dishes to the menu

Chef & owner Dom Ruggerio’s restaurant on Shea Blvd. at Tatum Blvd. has added a few new dishes to its menu. Guests can enjoy their favorite dishes along with the new….

Italian Chopped Salad featuring sun-dried tomato, cucumber, chickpeas, olives, salami, pistachio, parmesan and red wine vinaigrette, $16 (with option to add protein such as grilled chicken or salmon or ¼ lobster for an additional charge)
Korean Short Ribs with house-made kimchi pickles and sushi rice, $38
 
Panko-crusted Branzino with cherry tomato, Nicoise olives, capers, fresh herbs and cauliflower puree, $36
Chicken Marsala — Pan-roasted half-chicken with Swiss, chard, wild mushrooms, pomme puree and marsala pan sauce, $32.

Arizona Cardinals and Spinato’s team up for fresh hot pizza

When the Arizona Cardinals start the 2024 football season, fans attending home games at State Farm Stadium will have new choices for delicious local foods. Some of those new foods was announced with a new partnership for the “Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals” with Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. It’s part of the family-owned pizzerias 50th anniversary and also marks the pizzeria’s first location in the west valley.

“We are thrilled to announce Spinato’s as the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals and to welcome the Spinato’s family as our Proud Partner,” said Wade Martin, Arizona Cardinals senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “Bringing in beloved, local food and beverage companies is important to us, and I couldn’t think of a better representation of that than Spinato’s. We are excited for our fans to enjoy delicious, locally owned pizza on gamedays this season.”

Come September fans will be able to order three kinds of pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and more at four concession stands throughout the stadium. Spinato’s has also partnered with Phoenix’s Cactus Corn to offer “Mamma’s Signature” pizza flavored popcorn. Featuring spinach spice & sweet tomoto, the new flavor will join two other popcorn flavors offered and will be announced soon.

Collaborating on The Red Zone Pizza

The two-family owned businesses have collaborated on the new The Red Zone pizza available at all 6 pizzerias starting September 8th (Week 1 of the regular season). Made with Spinato’s signature sauce, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella and spinach spice. “The Canadian bacon and roasted red bell peppers bring a red element to the pizza, while the pepperoncini bring a little spice for our Arizona heat,” says Anthony Spinato, Spinato’s CEO.

The made fresh, never frozen pizza will range from $17.75 for a small pizza, $23.75 for a medium pizza and $29.75 for a large pizza at Spinato’s locations. At State Farm Stadium, the price of an eight-inch “The Red Zone” pizza will be $15.50. Fans can also purchase an eight-inch cheese pizza for $13.50 or an eight-inch pepperoni pizza for $14.50.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver what we call ‘the Spinato’s experience,’ to our guests. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel like part of a big family. We’ve grown to six locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. This partnership marks our first entry into the West Valley, and we could not be more excited to do it with such a beloved sports team,” Spinato said.

For more information visit Spinato’s and the team‘s websites.

Summer specials return to Marcellino Ristorante

With return of the summer heat come incentives for locals to relax and let someone else do the cooking and Marcellino Ristorante is giving those braving the heat the return of two popular summer specials.

From now until September 6th guests can experience a Marcellino’s fine dining for a good value with his “Summer Supper Special”. The three course prie-fixe meal is served Tuesday thru Thursday from 4 p.m. until closing for up to 6 people per party for $49++ per person. Offered are a variety of antipasto, house made pastas and a decadent dessert. Choose from Caprese with fresh mozzarella or fresh mussels in white wine to start then move on to entrees such as Gnocchi Sorrentina, Salmone Con Cognac or the Pollo Saparito. Save room for the delicious Tiramisu to end your meal. Although not required, reservations for the Summer Supper are recommended and can be made by calling 480-990-9500.

“Dinner and a Movie” summer special

Starting next Tuesday, June 20th catch “Dinner and a Movie” in the restaurants private dining room. Starting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday enjoy the fore mentioned Summer Supper or order off the regular menu and settle in for an award-winning movie selected for their beautiful Italian setting. The room seats up to 10 people and there is no cost for the movie but dinner service and reservations are required. The schedule of movies include….

June 20; August 9; and August 29: “Only You”
June 21; June 27; September 6: “When in Rome”
June 28; August 8; and August 23: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
July 11; August 16; and August 22: “Eat, Pray, Love”
July 12; and August 30: “Roman Holiday”
July 15; August 15; and September 5: “The Big Night”

Live music will continue every Thursday and Saturday through June and then every Saturday in July and August. The line-ups of musicians alternate between jazz, old time classics, contemporary hits, adult R & B and acclaimed tenor Daniel Hendricks who performs exclusively at Marcellino’s. The restaurant will close for a brief summer break starting July 16th and re-opening August 3rd. For more information on the summer specials visit the restaurant’s website.

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

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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