Valley Coffee Co. to offer coffee, craft beers and all day eats

The valley’s crowded coffee scene will get a little more crowded when Valley Coffee Co. opens for business at Portland St. and Central Ave. The pet friendly coffee shop welcomes local residents and visitors to stay and enjoy not only the food and drinks but the art from local artists.

“Valley Coffee Co. has a little something for everyone whether stopping in on the way to work or relaxing with friends and family after a long day,” says Owner Donny Peper, an NAU graduate who grew up in the Valley and resides in the neighborhood. “We’re proud to work with local vendors to feature the best of Arizona food and drink, and we can’t wait to welcome our neighbors and new friends.”

Valley Coffee Co. sources their coffee from Flagstaff’s Firecreek Coffee Roasters and offer local craft beers, kombucha and wines. Light bites and snacks from Scottsdale’s Squarz Bakery include pastries & baked goods and meat pies. Specialty coffee blends, mushroom jerky, gourmet treats and merchandise are available on the shelves for purchase. Artlink Phoenix curated art features the people, places and things found around Phoenix.

Day to day operations and customer satisfaction will be overseen by manager Jace Musfelt who is hiring and those interested can send an email to dt@valley-coffee.com  for more information. Valley Coffee Co. is at 100 West Portland Street and open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information visit their website.

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.

The Buzz Eatery & Treats coming to Kierland Commons

Kierland Commons is a buzz about new concept coming in November to the popular north Phoenix mixed use development. The Buzz Eatery & Treats will welcome residents, neighbors and visitors to enjoy everything from a cup of coffee, pre-packed meals, glass of wine, a flight of honey and more when the doors open.

“The Buzz is a convenient and casual place to dine, socialize with neighbors, enjoy a sweet indulgence with the kids, or grab a nourishing meal to take home or back to the office,” says Mike Torresso, co-owner of The Buzz Eatery. “We have something for everyone and multiple options so guests can feel comfortable when they walk through our doors — whether they stay awhile or simply ‘buzz in and buzz out.’

The Buzz Eatery & Treats eats

An open atmosphere lets guests eat at the counter, enjoy a glass of wine or meal inside or on the patio. Beverages include everything from a drip coffee, espresso drinks, craft beer, kombucha, seasonal cocktails and glasses of wine. The menu will include “all day faves” such as breakfast burritos, customizable acai bowls, hot and cold sandwiches, soups & salads and shareables for the table.

Those in a hurry can buzz in & out with a selection of pre-packaged “Side Kicks”, snacks and meals including overnight oats, salads such as Greek & Caesar and comfort food styled sandwiches such as egg salad and turkey many made with a The Buzz’s own honey. A selection of flavored of “Buzz Bites” energy balls can be made gluten free and with vegan options. Catering can be provided for those that would like to bring the buzz home.

The Buzz Eatery & Treats is open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant is designed with social distancing in mind and follows CDC guidelines for the safety of guests and staff. For more information visit their website.

MIXT brings fast casual farm to table healthy food to Scottsdale Quarter

California based MIXT is almost ready to open its newest restaurant on March 7th at the new wing of Scottsdale Quarter. It will be the fast casual farm to table concept’s first restaurant in Arizona and the 16th since the company was founded in 2005 by Leslie and David Silverglide. The other 15 locations are in California and Texas.

“We’re beyond excited to bring MIXT’s delicious, sustainable, healthy food to Scottsdale,” says MIXT CEO Leslie Silverglide. “We’re looking forward to serving the growing number of Arizonans looking for fresh, delicious, and fulfilling meals that fit a health-conscious lifestyle.”

The high quality sourcing of ingredients translates into healthy grain bowls, salads, sandwiches and protein plates. MIXT tries to source as much as possible locally for its scratch made dishes. The menu changes when the seasons change with the availability of produce. Salads are customized to your liking with over 75 ingredients to choose from. MIXT Market Plates include herb roasted grilled chicken and Steelhead trout that are paired with house-made sauces.

Kombucha on tap, house made iced teas & lemonade, local beers and boutique wines are offered with lunch and dinner. MIXT

MIXT Salet

No miss-spelling, MIXT offers a Salad Valet for those on the go who place orders on their app or on-line. You won’t need to leave your car as the Salet will bring your order right to you when you pull up to the “take-out zone”. Looking to stay, MIXT has an inviting modern look to dine inside or out to enjoy your chef created meals.

With its sustainable business practices MIXT is the first multi-unit concept to become a Certified B Corporation. Not only is the food good for you, it’s good for the community as well.

MIXT will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Check out their website for more information or to fill out an application as they are hiring 50 staffers.

AZ Barrels Bottles & Brews returns for year two at Salt River Fields

Over 30 of Arizona’s favorite breweries, wineries and distillers return to the concourse at Salt River Fields for the 2nd annual AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews festival. Fans can taste samples of Arizona producers who continue to gain national recognition and pile up awards on Saturday November 23rd from 2-5 p.m. Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is co-hosting this year’s event in its continued efforts to promote Arizona’s craft beer industry.

A few of those pouring their products include…

  • Wren House Brewing Co.
  • Arizona Wilderness Brewing CO.
  • Grand Canyon (beer & spirits)
  • OHSO (beer & spirits)
  • San Tan (beer & spirits)
  • Elgin Distillery (wine & spirits)
  • Superstition Meadery (spirits)
  • Cider Corp (wine)
  • Page Springs Cellars (wine)
  • Wild Tonic Hard Jun Kombucha

Local food trucks will be on hand providing food for purchase and lawn games are on hand to play in between sips and bites.

A limited amount of tickets are on sale at the AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews website. General Admission tickets are $50 and include 12 sample tickets. Need an extra hour (1 p.m. entry) to taste you favorites then pick up a VIP ticket for $65. Designated Driver tickets are $19 and get you a swag bag and entry to win Spring Training tickets.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is at 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale

 

 

 

 

DoH! central Phoenix’s newest donut shop opens today

With Phoenicians love for donuts one shouldn’t be surprised that there’s a new shop in central Phoenix. Opening this morning is DoH! on 16th St. just north of Bethany Home Rd. DoH! is connected to the recently opened Brat Haus as it’s from the same owner Dave Andrea.

“Opening the two concepts in the same location was intentional,” Andrea said. “Adding DōH! allows us to give the neighborhood a casual yet mouthwatering place to enjoy fresh doughnuts, New York style bagels and Arizona roasted coffee on their way to work or while enjoying weekend mornings on the expansive, dog friendly patio.”

The donuts are locally sourced along with with New York style bagels from New York Bagels & Bialys and cold brew from CULT Artisan Beverage Company. The cold brew, Wild Tonic Kombucha and Zardetto Prosecco are served on tap.

Looking to inject fun to the new concept “drunken” donuts are available for $1 extra. This allows adults to inject a “pipette” of specialty liquor to the favorite donut. A signature “Manmosa” is served combining 32 oz. of Weihenstephan Hefeweissbier beer with a splash of prosecco and orange juice.

“We’re catering to a community that’s looking to add a little diversity to their morning routine,” Andrea said. “This is a sweet stop for families looking for morning treats, friends looking to let loose on their weekend mornings and anyone in between.”

DoH! is open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is located at 6025 N. 16th St. Visit their Facebook page for more information and updates.

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade launches Spring Seasonal Menu

With Spring approaching the need to keep hydrated becomes necessary and there’s no better way that with lemonade. Just in time is Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade releasing their new Spring Seasonal menu of lemonades, smoothies, bowls and more.

It also celebrates the Grand Opening of their new Happy Valley location. The Happy Valley location joins locations in Scottsdale, Tempe and Ahwatukee.

Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Spring menu

The seasonal menu will be available from March 15th – May 31st. Here is the list of new Spring Seasonal menu.

Desert Vibes Lemonade – Served raw and cold pressed, this refreshing mango, strawberry lemonade is mixed with a hint of fresh turmeric. The ombré yellow, orange, red color reminiscent of the colorful desert sunsets.

Desert Vibes Smoothie Bowl. – Similar to the lemonade, the colorful bowl is flavored high with tropical coconut taste and a hint of sparkling kombucha.

Blue Hawaii Toast – Sea inspired toast topped with house made cashew butter spread with blue spirulina, and star cut kiwi, blueberry, organic coconut flakes and local honey.

Paleo Mint Chip Smoothie – A pastel twist on the fan-favorite drink. Nutrient dense and delicious, the mint chip smoothie uses fresh mint, kale and raw cacao, with a drizzle of cacao sauce.

Pea Flower Lemonade – Served raw and cold pressed, this lemonade’s rich purple color comes from Butterfly Pea Flower, which turns a pinkish lavender when fully mixed into the mojito lemonade. It features sprigs of mint and a hint of lime.

Adaptogen Cold Brew – Cold brew mixed with the new adaptogen* blend and coconut cream is a must-try.

Breakfast Cold Brew Smoothie – A morning kick bursting with flavor and nutrients. This smoothie is hand crafted with almond butter, adaptogens*, raw cacao, MCT oil, and paleo/grain-free/organic vegan protein. The best way to start your day!

*The local lemonade shop is introducing a new adaptogen blend on the menu that offers a hybrid of four of nature’s best adaptogen mushrooms which have a wide range of health benefits including immunity support, hormone balance, energy boost and many disease fighting benefits.

To find the closest Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade to you check out their website.

 

 

Tryst Cafe brings its healthy menu to new Chandler location

Owners Lisa and Sami Khnanisho have had their award-winning Tryst Cafe in the Desert Ridge neighborhood of north Phoenix for 9 years before expanding. With numerous offers to come to all parts of the valley they decided on a south Chandler location. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tryst serves naturally delicious assortment of sandwiches, salads, breakfast classics and more.

“We are excited to bring our affair with naturally delicious food to Chandler,” Co-Owner Lisa Khnanisho says. “The new location brings everything Tryst Cafe is about to the next-level.”

Egg Benedict

The healthy menu offers something for every diet and has been hailed by the vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian communities. Banana Quinoa Pancakes, Hawaiian 2-Egg organic Breakfast, Avocado Toast, Pork Adobo Tacos and a Bison Burger are a few of the dishes available.

The full service restaurant offers a walk-in coffee & juice bar, organic beverages including botanicals, Kombucha and a full bar.

The 3,500 square foot restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, a private dining room and meeting space for 14 people.

“Our menu is natural, healthy, and clean with something for everyone from the vegan diner to the meat-and-potatoes lover,” Khnanisho explains. “We believe everyone can have an affair with naturally delicious food.”

Bison Burger

As part of the grand opening celebration Tryst Cafe will host an Organic Wine Taste & Vote event. On March 13th in Chandler (20th at Desert Ridge) guests can taste 5 organic wines and vote for one to be added to the wine list. The 21+ event is $10 per person with guests tasting appetizers. Guests staying for dinner will receive a free dessert.

Tryst Cafe is at 4205 S. Gilbert Rd Chandler 85249 and 21050 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85050. For more information visit their website.

Farm & Craft to open along 7th Street restaurant row in Phoenix

Scottsdale’s Farm & Craft is set to open its 2nd location in the spot recently vacated by The Herb Box at The Colony along the popular 7th St. corridor in north central Phoenix. Riot Hospitality Group, owner of Farm & Craft and other local restaurants and bars plans to open the new location in early 2018 after the renovations are complete.

Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

Farm & Craft offers guests a healthy and sustainable food and drink menu all in a fast casual atmosphere during breakfast and lunch and a full service restaurant experience during dinner.  The menu will be similar to that of  the Scottsdale location and guests will notice a different design to the Phoenix location as the neighborhood it serves is different and the owners like to adapt to those differences.

“We are very excited to open another Farm & Craft in the Valley,” says Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “We saw an opportunity to bring this unique concept to The Colony and we plan to continue to grow the brand.”

Farm & Craft
Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

The Wellness Menu offered at Farm & Craft focuses on optimal health through four specific philosophies, “anti-inflammatory diet”, “increasing pro-biotic levels”, “maintaining a high level of anti-oxidants” and “reducing overall stress”. This is done by working with local suppliers to create a menu that uses ingredients that are local, gluten-free, hormone free, organic and sustainable.

Photos Captured by Peter Speyer | Speyer Photography

Farm & Craft offers a juice program that features cold pressed juices and “Kombucha Cocktails”. Signature “Cold Pressed Cocktails” use organic spirits are available at the indoor/outdoor bar as are local beers and unique wines poured from the tap.

With the 2016 opening of the Scottsdale location and the anticipated success of the Phoenix location, Riot Hospitality plans to continue to expand the Farm & Craft brand locally and nationally.

Farm & Craft will be at 5538 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014.