Catalyst Crafted Ales rolls out new food menu

Tempe’s Catalyst Crafted Ales has been brewing beers for almost a year and now is releasing a new menu full of new dishes. Some may find the wings, tacos, burgers and more may have a familiar taste as executive Chef Anthony Apolinar has added this new project to his responsibilities at Keeler Hospitality Group. At KHG for over 6 years working in the group’s north Scottsdale restaurants Liberty Station Tavern (DC Ranch & Terravita) and Keeler’s Steakhouse in Carefree Apoloinar knows how to cook in busy environment while mentoring and managing back of the house team members with the goal of guests enjoying their experiences.

KHG got involved last year when CEO & Founder Matt Keeler also took on the role Director of Operations at Catalyst.

“The menu will have a southwestern flare meets traditional brewpub fare vibe. Everything on the menu will pair perfectly with one or more Catalyst beers. Our staff will be ready to make pairing recommendations. I hope everyone will stop by and try the new menu,” said Chef Apolinar.

The now full-service restaurant will also have weekend brunch with French Toast, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and more.

1 year anniversary at Catalyst Crafted Ales

February 1st marks the first anniversary of Catalyst Crafted Ales and a festive day and night is planned. Guests will enjoy live music, games, food and the release of a new beer, Luppolo Blanc Grape IPA.

“I’m excited to celebrate one year of success in Tempe and look forward to many more to come. The beer community has been extremely supportive of our innovative brewing style, I can’t wait to start pairing our beers with the new food menu, Will Walthereson, head brewer, Catalyst Crafted Ales. For more information and to view the new menu visit their website. 

Catalyst Crafted Ales names restaurant CEO as Dir. of Operations

Tempe based brewery, Catalyst Crafted Ales has named a new Front of the House Director of Operations and he’s a familiar face to the local restaurant scene. Matt Keeler (pictured in black t-shirt and shorts), CEO and Co-Owner of Keeler Hospitality Group (KHG) operators of Scottsdale’s Liberty Station American Tavern & Smokehouse (DC Ranch and Terravita), Poppy’s Office (Terravita) and Carefree’s Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, accepted the position to help grow the brand and to jump start a lifelong dream of owning a brewery with his family.

“It is our mission at KHG to exceed our guests’ expectations in an ever-changing and evolving environment,” said Keeler. “With that in mind, we are thrilled to introduce our guests to Catalyst Crafted Ales and more importantly to help instill the brewer’s passion behind the beer to all of our bartenders and sales team to create more exposure for the brand.”

Who’s else is new at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The brewery founded in 2023 needed someone with experience of opening, operating and establishing restaurants and Keeler was the right fit. As Front of the House Director of Operations, Keeler quickly went to work hiring Will Walthereson as head brewer; Alex Baldwin, assistant brewer; Eric Flottmann, vice president of operations; Grant Williamson, director of marketing; and Nick Sofranac, director of sales. He also brought in former KHG employee John Weber as general manager. Keeler knew Weber professionally and knew he was the perfect fit for the position. All were hired based on their experience and their similar vision for the Catalyst Crafted Ales brand.
In less than a CCA has already made a name for itself in Arizona with their locally made beers. Phoenix Magazine’s recent Reder’s Choice Awards named the brewer’s Exchange Variation as the “Best West Coast IPA,” its Good Company as the “Best Hazy Pale Ale” and its Envy as the “Best Wood Barrel-Aged Brew.”
Their Mobility Scooter American Barleywine received a Gold in the Specialty category and its Envy Imperial Milk Stout received a Bronze in the Oak Aged category from the Arizona Craft Beer Awards.
“The beer is phenomenal and the space and facility are top-notch. Most of all, the passion behind everything they do at Catalyst is what really attracted me to this opportunity,” he adds. “The beers are some of the best I have had in a very long time, plus the impressive number of brews they have developed in just the past six months and the accolades they have already received made the decision very easy for us.”
The beers are available at all KHG’s Arizona restaurants as distribution around Arizona continues. The brewery is at 1845 E. Broadway in Tempe and other taprooms are in the works. For more information visit their website.

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.

Keeler Hospitality Group founder passes away

The Arizona restaurant community lost a good one this week when Paul Keeler sadly past away. He spent his career in the hospitality industry around the country running hotels & restaurants. He & his family owned Liberty Station Tavern in DC Ranch & Terravita, both in north Scottsdale and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. They also owned to restaurants around the country. My condolences go out his family.

Serrano’s “Pink Out” in memory of Stephanie Serrano is tomorrow

All four locations will remember co-owner Stephanie who passed away from breast cancer 2 years ago this month. A portion of proceeds from sales during the month of October special will be donated to local non-profit Check for a Lump. The October specials are Stephanie’s Stacked Enchiladas, Pink Out Margarita Sampler and Pumpkin Spice Churro Donut.

A few seats still available for Monday’s dinners.

Jewel’s Cafe in Phoenix is hosting San Francisco chefs Frank Gama & Victor Aguilera for cannabis infused dinners. There are two seating’s at 5 & 8 p.m. with details and how to reserve your seats in this post from a couple of weeks ago.

Gilbert Oktoberfest is next Saturday, October 23rd.

Local craft brewers, live music, food and games will be happening at Gilbert Regional Park next Saturday from 2 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 and on-sale now with children under 12 free.

Carlson Creek Vineyard releases new wines

Four hearty & bolder red wines are now available for the cooler temperatures. 2018 Rule of Three $33- 45% Malbec, 33% Grenache & 22% Syrah 2018 Malbec $47, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $45 and 2020 Odyssey $50- a blend of Cabernet & Malbec. All wine make for great holiday gift giving and go well paired with the flavors of holiday meals. Wines can be purchased online or at their Scottsdale, Cottonwood or Willcox tasting rooms.

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.

High quality and affordable steakhouse coming to Carefree

December is a busy month so you’ll want to keep a day open as Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will be opening in Carefree. It will be the newest concept from the Keeler Hospitality Group who owns the Liberty Station Tavern and Smokehouse in DC Ranch and north Scottsdale. You won’t find the stuffy pretentious steakhouse vibe yet a more social house atmosphere.

“We are extremely elated about the introduction of this new concept and are looking forward to providing it to the diners of Carefree and to our city’s visitors from near and far,” says Paul Keeler, president and CEO of Keeler Hospitality Group. “Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will satisfy the need for a high-value, top-of-the line steakhouse dining experience in Carefree while also staying true to the approachable and comfortable atmosphere the surrounding community.”

Steakhouse
Photos courtesy of Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

A steakhouse menu in Carefree

Keeler Hospitality Group Executive Chef Anthony Apolinar will lead the culinary team. Apolinar knows his meat as he’s been working at both Liberty Station locations.

The menu at Keeler’s will feature specialty cuts of Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, chicken and classic American comfort food.

Diners will enjoy sharable “For the Table” starters Lobster Mac & Cheese, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, Mussels and more. Steakhouse staples French Onion Soup and bisque’s along with Caesar, Wedge, Cobb and Mixed Greens salads will be offered.

“Neighborhood Favorites” entrees include Double Bone-In Pork Chops, seared Lamb Loin Chops and Braised Short Ribs. Specialty sides will complement your main dish including Blue Cheese Cream Spinach, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Risotto and loaded hash browns.

Classic cocktails, Arizona beers and a well-balanced selection of wine by the bottle and the glass will be available.

Social house atmosphere in Carefree

A high-end comfortable atmosphere will welcome guests with several seating area offering a neighborhood feel. An island bar will attract guests to the open kitchen and outdoor dining will be available on the patio or rooftop deck.

Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at Keeler’s Mon. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sun. – Thurs and til 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Happy Hour will be available daily from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and brunch Sun. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will be at 7212 Ho Hum Rd. Carefree 85377.

 

Keeler Hospitality Group lets Liberty Station take over sister restaurant

Paul Keeler, President & Chief Operating Officer of Keeler Hospitality Group announced that Liberty Station will take the space of Market Street Kitchen. Both restaurants are owned by Keeler Hospitality Group and this will be the 2nd location of the popular smokehouse and tavern. The original Liberty Station is in north Scottsdale in Terravita Marketplace just south of Carefree. The new location is at Market Street at DC Ranch and will open on October 1st.

.“We are delighted to bring this level of traditional BBQ favorites combined with American comfort style dishes to DC Ranch diners,” says Keeler.

The new location will keep popular dishes from Market Street Kitchen and the beverage program. Liberty Station will offer smoked meats and regional dishes from Keller’s travels in the hospitality industry. Guest will enjoy Pan Seared Crab Cakes, Shrimp Po’ Boy, house made meatloaf and more.

The specialty of Liberty Station is smoked meats from the 500 custom-made Camelback Smoker. BBQ fans will enjoy Texas style brisket, St. Louis spare ribs and Carolina pork shoulder. Customers can order  traditional side dishes of Boston baked beans, cole slaw and green chile mac n cheese to accompany entree’s.

Guest won’t notice much difference inside as the interior will stay the same.

Guests can celebrate the transition the new location will offer Buy 1 Get 1 Free lunch entree’s from October 1st-7th. During opening week guests can also get penny draft beers or house wine with a purchase of a BBQ entrée.

October 11th brings a Hawaiian BBQ and Tiki night starting at 5 p.m. Members of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 15th at 11:30 a.m.

Liberty Station in DC Ranch is be at 20825 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85255. http://libertystationtavern.com/

 

Market Street Kitchen and Liberty Station celebrate National Burger Day all month

Keeler Hospitality Group, the family owned company that owns north Scottsdale’s Liberty Station and Market Street Kitchen love a good burger just as much as I do. So much so that they’ve decided to celebrate National Burger Day for the entire month of May.

Weekly burger specials

Each restaurant will run a weekly special burger for $16 and the ultimate burger deal on the 28th. Below is the weekly line-up of burgers for each restaurant. Both restaurants open daily at 11 a.m. to accommodate your burger craving.

Market Street Kitchen

Chorizo Burger with a chorizo-bacon patty, salsa fresca, cheesy fondue and avocado crema. (May 1-May 6)                                                           Black and Blue Burger with a blackened spiced burger topped with Maytag blue cheese, bacon and Worcestershire-lime aioli. (May 7-May 13)                                                                                                                                   “Breakfast for Lunch” Burger featuring a fried egg, fried bacon, zesty Brie cheese spread, lettuce and tomato (May 14-May 20)              Chili Cheese Burger with house-made chili piled on an opened-faced burger with Tillamook cheddar, sour cream and tobacco onions. (May 21-May 27)

ALL DAY National Burger Day Special — $5 MSK Burger or $9 when served with a glass of house wine or draft beer. (May 28)

Market Street Kitchen is at 20825 N. Pima Rd. (DC Ranch Market Street) Scottsdale 480-278-7044 http://marketstreetkitchen.com/

Liberty Station                                                                                                               

Chili Cheese Burger with house-made chili piled onto an opened-faced burger with Tillamook cheddar, sour cream and tobacco onions. (May 1-May 6)                                                                                                Old Smokey with a smoked burger patty, chipotle aioli, smoked Gouda cheese and crispy bacon. (May 7-May 13)                                              Southwestern Burger featuring fire-roasted green chilies, garlic aioli, pepper jack cheese, and sourdough bread. (May 14-May 20)                                                                                                                                Chorizo Burgerwith a chorizo-bacon patty, salsa fresca, cheesy fondue and avocado crema. (May 21-May 27)

ALL DAY National Burger Day Special — Tavern Burger for just $5, or $9 when served with a glass of house wine or draft beer. (May 28)

Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse is at 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 480-595-9930  http://libertystationtavern.com/