Tag: Italian wine

Tequila and wine dinners at The Phoenician Resort

It doesn’t feel like summer is over in Phoenix but local restaurants and resorts feel like it is and are now planning specialty dinners and events through the end of the year. The Phoenician Resort & Spa is no different with wine and tequila dinners on the calendar in the coming weeks.

Tequila Herradura dinner at The Phoenician Tavern

The restaurant atop the Pro Shop of the resort’s famed golf course welcomes guests to celebrate Tequila Herradura’s 50th anniversary of the release of their first ever reposado with a dinner on Thursday, September 12th in the restaurant’s Roundhouse private dining room. The dinner kicks off their Tastes of the Tavern dinner series that show off the flavors and craftsmanship of the restaurant’s culinary team.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’ouvers followed by a 3-course dinner paired with Tequila Herradura.

The reception features small bites of citrus-glazed pork belly tostadas, shrimp aguachile, braised octopus, roasted vegetable toast, and a charred watermelon margarita made with Herradura silver. A starter of grilled fois gras is paired with Herradura double barrel reposada. The main course is a butter basted seabass, served with Herradura Legend extra anejo. The evening will finish with a dessert of fresas con crema cheesecake and Herradura ultra anejo. Guests will also have a chance to sample Herradura’s limited release anniversary tequila.
The dinner is $95++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-423-2445 or by visiting  http://www.thephoenician.com/events/taste-of-tavern/.

Caymus Vineyards & Antinori Estates wine dinners at J &G Steakhouse

The acclaimed steakhouse with gorgeous views of the valley celebrate two world class wineries as they celebrate their 50th anniversary releases of wine. Executive Chef Jaques Qualin will prepare 4-course meals paired with wines from Napa Valley and Italy.

On Tuesday, September 17 guests will celebrate the 50th anniversary wine dinner of the famed Caymus Vineyards. The menu features a first course of smoked salmon tater tots and Mer Soleil Chardonnay; a second course of Hawaiian yellowfin tuna buttercup and Sea Sun Pinot Noir; a third course of grass-fed Wagyu filet mignon and Caymus California Cabernet; and a fourth course of poached pear gelee, chocolate mousse, paired with the anniversary wine, Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

A month later on Thursday, October 17th, Tuscany’s Antnori Estates wines will be poured along with a starter of red kabocha squash tortellini with Cervaro Della Sala Chardonnay; followed by a crispy Artic char red wine risotto with Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva; a third course of 48-hours short rib and grilled prime New York strip steak with Antinori Tignanello 50th Anniversary; and to finish the evening, a dessert of warm chocolate cake with VinSanto Santa Cristina.

Both dinners begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Mountain View private dining room and representatives from both wineries will be on hand to speak about the wines and wineries storied histories. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.thephoenician.com/events/jg-wine-dinners/.

Italian Association of Arizona brings a taste of Italy to Scottsdale

Scottsdale City Hall will be the place to be on Saturday, November 6th if you like Italian wine and pizza. The Italian Association of Arizona presents the first annual Italian Pizza & Wine Festival as a preview of the Italian Festival coming on February 26th & 27th 2022. In addition to pizza & wine, the family friendly festival will offer imported beer, Italian sandwiches and plenty of entertainment and Italian culture.

Francesco Guzzo, Executive Director of the Italian Association of Arizona, said: “We want to give families an opportunity to come out this Fall, and simply have fun for a day outside, and eat what might be Italy’s most popular food, pizza!”

Fabio on Fire, Bored Baker Pizza Maker and Ri de Roma are a few tossing fresh handmade pizza. Hand crafted sandwiches and other Italian foods will be available for purchase from Sogno Toscano and Lulu’s Sorbetto. Classico Fine Wines will be pouring tastes of Italian wines and Peroni & craft beers will be available for beer drinkers. Street musicians, face painters, live music and more will entertain festival goers all day.

“And anything worth celebrating in Italy comes with fantastic wines, and beer – Peroni!  Add the excellent Italian and Italian-American musical entertainment, some roving acts for the kids, and it lends the perfect excuse to come out and support our fabulous Italian pizza makers.” says Guzzo.

The Italian Pizza & Wine Festival goes from 12:00- 9:00 p.m. and tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free and there is a 20% discount for Italian Association members. All proceeds go to the association.

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.

Platform 18 at Century Grand on 50 Best Discovery list

The Arcadia Lite cocktail bar made the prestigious list and it’s the first time an Arizona restaurant or bar has made the list. The list is compiled by 50 Best and is an extension of the global list of 50 best bars & restaurants. Global experts approve the restaurants and bars around the world with 2,000 establishments making their original list before cutting it down to the final 50. Restaurants don’t apply for consideration but qualify from receiving a significant amount of votes from current round of polling. Downtown Phoenix’s Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour also made the list.

Sphinx Date Ranch Co. celebrates 70th anniversary

The downtown Scottsdale retailer of locally made foods, wines & more is celebrating with special items, discounts and Mayor David Ortega proclaiming September 16th – 18th as “Sphinx Date Co. Days”. Guests can get 20% off orders of $20 or more when using promo code 1951, the year it opened. The discount goes until September 23rd and special 20th anniversary merchandise will help raise money for the Scottsdale Historical Society. For more information visit their website.

Pedal Haus Brewery release Oktoberfest beer and menu

The downtown Tempe & Chandler brewpub today release their seasonal beer and food menu. Beer brats, pork schnitzel and more are on the menu with the Tempe location also serving a special Flammkuchen pizza. An Oktoberfest celebration is scheduled for October 2nd in Chandler.

Match Market & Bar offer wine class & agave pairing dinner

Wednesday September 15th you can learn about wines from Southern Italy & Sicily while tasting the wines of the region. The downtown Phoenix tasting starts at 7 p.m. and is $25 per person and includes tasting note & pairings, light bites and wine samples. Wines tasted that night can be purchased by the bottle at 15% off.

The 4 -course agave pairing dinner takes place on Friday September 17th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. The chef crafted menu will complement the different types of agave. Cost is $109++ per person and includes a welcoming Corralejo Reposado at arrival.

Caracara Restaurant delays opening til January 2022

The signature restaurant at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel has delayed the opening until 2022. The restaurant was expected to open this month but with Delta variant of Covid-19 on the rise management opted for the safety and health of employees & guests. Check back for updates and to see what you can expect read my post from July.

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 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.

 

The Americano, an Italian steakhouse coming to Scottsdale in early 2020

The owners of Pomo Pizzeria, Mora Italian and Meat the Ball have announced their newest restaurant that’s expected to open in early 2020. The Americano will be a contemporary Italian steakhouse offering European style personalized service and the finest meats, seafood and more.

The restaurant will feature an open kitchen concept with a wood fired grill for preparing steaks and seafood. Testani Design Group and LGE Design Build collaborated on the interior design of The Americano. Dark gray and light green colors will set the tone for the large dining room. Modern art, crescent shaped booths and butcher block tables will be eye catching and functional. Seating will also be available at the island bar, in the lounge and on the patio.

A world class team at The Americano

Pomo Restaurant Group has brought together an impressive team to run The Americano. Canadian born Executive Chef Matthew Taylor comes from Mora Italian and with his team will serve steaks from purebred Piedmontese cattle & American Wagyu beef, pasta & antipasti and Mediterranean seafood. The restaurant will also have a raw bar and caviar service.

“We are thrilled to introduce our carefully curated menu to guests,” says Executive Chef Matthew Taylor. “The Americano will bring the best of both worlds from Italy and America to provide some of the finest steaks, seafood and pasta that Arizona has to offer.”

Swiss born Paride Guerra will serve as General Manager and comes from the Hays-Adams Hotel In Washington D.C. Guerra has worked in restaurants and hotels around the world including South Beach, Beverly Hills, Switzerland and Australia.

Elya Coffman will be re-locating from south Florida to serve as Director of Service & Beverage. Coffman has previously worked with Philadelphia’s Starr Group & the Michael Mina Group.

An Italian and American wine list will be curated by Head Sommelier Nicholas Padua. The wine list will feature vintage bottles along with wines from boutique and iconic producers. Padua has worked as a lead sommelier here in Scottsdale for the Michael Mina Group and Four Seasons Resort.

The Americano will be at 17797 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85255. For information about the restaurant and hiring visit their website.

Villa Pozzi & Grimaldi’s partner for new winter menu

Tis the season for wine and food and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has collaborated with Villa Pozzi for its new winter menu. The seasonal menu, Pizza & Pozzi is available until March 2nd, 2020 and features wines, pizza, cheesecake and more.

“Winter is a great time to introduce warm, rich ingredients and flavors to our menu,” says Grimaldi’s Executive Chef, Cory Lattuca. “Through my collaboration with Daniele Pozzi, founder and winemaker for Villa Pozzi, we crafted sausage and Villa Pozzi Nero d’ Avola braised red wine onion pizza, evoking the comforting feelings we share during the holiday season.”

Villa Pozzi
All photos courtesy of Hannah Johnston of Evolve Marketing

The Sicilian winery was originally built in 1860 and has been owned by the Pozzi family for 5 generations. A new modern winery was completed in 2000. All grapes are hand harvested and picked in the evening or early morning during cooler temperatures. The winery makes 6 varietals of food friendly wines.

The Pizza & Pozzi menu includes the Winter Harvest Salad with roasted Brussel sprouts over a bed of Arugula, Sausage & Wine Braised Onion Pizza, a Resse’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake and Eggnog Cheesecake.

Nero d’ Avola and Pinot Grigio are the featured wines along with Winter Citrus Sangria and a Holiday Cranberry Mule.

To find a Grimaldi’s Pizzeria near you visit https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/.

Tomaso’s to host 4-course Italian wine pairing dinner

Long time Phoenix restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore of Tomaso’s knows his way around the kitchen and dining room after serving guests since 1977. He also knows what wine goes well with his authentic Italian specialties coming from his kitchen. On Saturday August 25th he will share his culinary knowledge as he prepares a 4-course dinner that pairs his food with wine inspired by his Sicilian upbringing.

Tomaso’s wine pairing menu

The dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. with a reception as guests arrive with dinner starting at 7. Guests will dine on…..

Swordfish Braciola with seafood and zucchini blossom couscous paired with Monte Olimpo- Chardonnay Insolia blend.

Veal with wild mushrooms & truffle ravioli paired with Monte Olimpo – Cabernet Sauvignon Nero d’ Avola blend.

Grilled Prime Bistecca a la Siciliana with Sicilian croquettes and grilled asparagus paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mixed Berry cake with Peachello.

The dinner costs $80 ++ per person with reservations being made by calling 602-956-0836. For more information visit http://tomasos.com

Tomaso’s is at 32235 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85018

Murder Mystery Theater just one of the upcoming events at Coup Des Tartes in October

Coup Des Tartes, the central Phoenix French styled bistro is stepping out of its comfort zone to bring customers not only delicious food but a murder mystery dinner theater, a burlesque dinner show and an Italian wine dinner over a 3 week period in October.

Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes
Photo courtesy of Coup des Tartes

Mafioso Murder mystery dinner

This 3-course dinner scheduled for Sat. Oct. 8th will let diners figure out who ordered the “hit’ when the godfather and his mob pull back the curtains. The dinner costs $65 per person and consists of….

1st Course

Anti-Pasto (cheese & Meat)

2nd Course (choice of)

  • Greek Sea Bass, Israeli Cous Cous, Sautéed Spinach with Fresh Blueberry-demi-glaze
  • Moroccan Lamb, Stone Fruits, Veggies and Couscous
  • Chicken Parmesan with Roasted Garlic, Thyme, and Lemon Risotto
  • Short Rib Pappardelle with Creamy Pancetta Sauce

3rd Course

Homemade Cannoli

Alto Adige wine dinner

Tues. Oct. 18th brings you an Italian wine dinner featuring the wines from Alto Adige, the northern Italian region known for its white wines. The dinner starts at 6pm and costs $80 per person or $150 per couple and includes 4 courses plus dessert paired with wines. The menu consists of…

1st Course

Risotto With Rock Shrimp and Fire-Roasted Tomato

2nd Course

Lolla Rossa Lettuce, Grilled Apricot, Gorgonzola Salad

3rd Course

Fresh Pappadelle Pasta, Tomato, Shaved Grana Padano, Fresh Basil

4th Course

Rack of Lamb, Sweet Potato, Golden Raisins, Pine Nuts, Baby Kale, Chianti Glaze

Dessert

Lemon Panna Cotta, Fresh Berries, Crème Anglaise

high-end burlesque and live variety dinner show

On Sat. Oct. 22nd diners can enjoy an evening filled with music and entertainment that includes burlesque styled performance. The evening is for those 21 and over dinner starting at 7pm and curtain to drop at 8:30. Cost is $90 per person an includes a 3 – course prix fixe dinner and glass of sparkling wine.

For reservations for any of these 3 exciting night please contact Coup Des Tartes at (602) 212-1082 or http://www.nicetartes.com/

Coup DesTartes is at 1725 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

 

Crudo to host 3 Italian winemakers at dinner on Sept. 21st

Whats goes better with Italian food paired with Italian wine, not much unless you’re in the company of 3 Italian winemakers who will discuss their wines being poured and paired that evening. This will be the reality on Wed. Sept 21st when Cullen Campbell, executive chef & co-owner of the award-winning Crudo hosts a 4 course Italian wine dinner with the wines imported by Kobrand.

Attending winemakers

It’s always a treat when you get to hear the inspiration and philosophy of winemakers about the complexity that goes into making wine. With that in mind Ernes Scardova of Medici Ermite, Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponit and Giovanni Folonari of Tenuta Di Nozzole & Camp Al Mare will all be flying in from Italy to enjoy the company of attendees and share their passion for Italian food and wine.

Crudo menu pairing

The 4-course dinner will cost $75 ++ per person and will start at 6pm and reservations are required. Reservations can be made by calling 602-358-8666 http://www.crudoaz.com. The menu is as follows…

1st Course
Albacore Crudo | Fermented Chili & Citrus Paste| Garlic Chives
Campo al Mare Vermentino di Toscana 2014
2nd Course
Butcher’s Pate|Truffle Conserva| Noble Bread
Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco 2015
3rd Course
Gargati |Two Wash Farm Ragu|Basil
Tenuta Sette Ponti “Crognolo” 2014
4th Course
Teres Major Steak|Oxtail| Roasted Fingerlings| Salsa Delle Erbe
Tenuta di Nozzole “La Forra” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012

Riondo Prosecco celebrates National Prosecco Day on Saturday August 13th

Prosecco, the sparking wine from Italy’s Veneto & Friuli Venezia Giulia regions has been gaining momentum over the last decade with over 4 million cases being sold in the U.S.A. making it the most sold sparkling wine in the country.

It should come as no surprise to Prosecco drinkers that it now has its 1st National Prosecco Day on Saturday August 16th, 2016 founded by Riondo Prosecco to celebrate the wine, the summer months and the Italian philosophy of “La Dolce Vita”….the good life.

Made from at least 85% of Glera grape, Prosecco can range from dry to sweet and is best drank young and fresh with salads and lighter foods or as an aperitif. Although great for celebrating Prosecco is great as a year round sparking wine for its refreshing, light to medium bodied taste and affordable price. Although usually drank by itself in recent years Prosecco has been used in cocktails recipes.

Riondo’s Spago Nero is made from 100% Glera from vineyards in the Veneto region, is made in the frizzante style (semi-sparkling) and is recognizable by its signature string closing. Flavor profiles include fresh green apples, pears and flower blossoms. Suggested retail for Spago Nero is $14.