Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Summer Sunshine season menu at Over Easy

Now available at all 17 locations the bold and bright are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery, except alcohol.

  • Pork Belly HashSweet potato, crispy pork belly, caramelized onion, poblano, cherry tomato, bell pepper, cotija cheese, baja sauce, cilantro, and two eggs any style
  • Brown Butter BeignetsFresh berries, powdered sugar, house jam, and orange blossom honey
  • Sunny Side SpritzA summer-perfect blend of Aperol, peach, lemon, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda. Light, citrusy, and just sweet enough — it’s brunch sunshine in a glass.

New 4-course Chef’s Menu at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Chef Michael Rusconi is offering a new menu for $60++ per person with wine pairings for an additional $29. The dinner starts with the chef’s amuse bouche before serving….

  • First Course—Tomato and Burrata Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet Optional wine pairing—Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc–Marlborough, New Zealand
  • Second Course—Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus Optional wine pairing—Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay–Russian River
  • Third Course—Pecan Wood Grilled Beef Tenderloin with potato puree, candied baby carrots and cabernet reduction Optional wine pairing—Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon–Columbia Valley
  • Fourth Course—Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces
  • Optional wine pairing—Chef’s selected dessert wine

Reservations are suggested by heading to their website.

Local beer flights at GenuWine Arizona

Summertime sipping calls for cold beer and now at the Downtown Phoenix wine bar you can get 6 tastes of local draft beers for $15. Wine Club members can save 15% as well.

Christmas in July at Koibito Poke

Loyalty app users can save 20% off their entire order through Monday, July 14th when placing an order under the Rewards tab on the app. Order ahead or in-store for pick-up or delivery.

BOGO Tuesdays at Aridus Wine Company are back

Stock up at their Scottsdale or Willcox tasting room to get a bottle free when you purchase one at regular price. Only available on their 7 new releases, not available on clearance wines.

The Summer Culinary Countdown is on at The Phoenician

When the temperatures hit 100+ degrees, the countdown until the end of summer begins. Who knows how long the countdown will go on, but The Phoenician Resort & Spa celebrates summer with its Summer Culinary Countdown at the luxury resort’s restaurant and for Afternoon Tea.

Summer Culinary Countdown specials

Afternoon Tea

Thursday through Sunday guests can a 3-course English traditional experience for $85++. Included are finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream & preserves, pastries and fine tea blends. 480-423-2649

J&G Steakhouse

The fine-dining steakhouse with beautiful views offers a special 2-course menu for $65++ per person. The dinner begins with a chef amuse of black truffle cheese fritters. For the second course, choose from two starters: an endive and sugar snap pea salad with parmesan dressing and herbs, or charred corn ravioli with cherry tomato and basil fondue. Entrée selections are a slowly baked salmon with sautéed corn, fingerling potatoes in a basil butter, scallions, baked cherry tomatoes and lime, or a grilled, marinated prime flat iron steak accompanied by roasted summer squash, homemade angel hair pasta, and basil-pistachio pesto. For reservations, call 480-214-8000.

Mowry & Cotton

Enjoy seasonally inspired dishes in a laid-back atmosphere for this 3-course meal for $45++. Choose from pickled deviled eggs with chives and ninja radish; local melon with cucumber, feta, frisée, vanilla lemon vinaigrette, and tajin creme fraiche; or roasted tomato flatbread with Oaxaca cheese, tomato jam, and arugula for your first course. The second course features charred hanger steak(pictured) topped with wild mushroom, pickled blueberry, and sunflower pesto, or Scottish salmon with rainbow chard, cherry agro dolce, preserved lemon labneh, and rye soil. Finish the meal with brown sugar cheesecake or mulled berry chocolate cake. For more information or to make a reservation, call 480-423-2445.

The Phoenician Tavern

Above the Golf Clubhouse with mountain and golf course views features a burger and beer pairing for $25++. Choose from a variety of burgers, such as a classic Tavern burger, a cowboy burger, Kobe beef sliders, a salmon burger, triple bacon cheeseburger, southwest cheeseburger, a patty melt, or a vegan black bean burger. All served with a side of seasoned tater tots or a small pub salad. The meal is paired with either a draft beer, a house margarita, a house glass of wine or a soft drink. 480-423-2445.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

New cocktails at Maya Day + Night

The Scottsdale club is now serving up 8 new hand crafted and vibrant cocktails to keep you cool.

  • Mykonos Mule – Makers Mark Bourbon, fresh lime, peach purée, ginger beer, Angostura bitters
  • Ibiza Glow – Belvedere Vodka, elderflower liqueur, dragon fruit syrup, lime, tonic water
  • Aegean Breeze – Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, yuzu-pineapple, fresh lemon, mint, soda water
  • Azure Mojito – Tanqueray Gin, lavender syrup, pineapple juice, lemon, fresh basil, soda
  • Moonlit Dream – Bacardi Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lime, coconut water
  • Mediterranean Spritz – Aperol, fresh orange juice, prosecco, club soda
  • Espresso Aphrodite – Chilled espresso + your choice of ouzo, vodka, tequila, or gin
  • Aphrodite Sparkplug Sampler – Four mini espresso cocktails featuring your choice of spirit: Ouzo, Still G.I.N., Maestro Patrón Reposado Tequila, or Ketel One Vodka

New seasonal menu at Streets of New York

We don’t have to tell you the summer has arrived and that menus new dishes at your favorite restaurant(s). All 15 of the locally and family-owned restaurants serve these 4 new dishes for dine-in, take-out or delivery.

  • Mango Habanero Wings – These wings are sweet with mango, fiery with habanero, and bold, balanced, and built to bring the heat.
  • Mac n Cheese Bites – Crispy, cheesy perfection! Served with a trio of sauces: Buffalo, Marinara, and Chipotle Ranch
  • Best of Everything Pizza – Inspired by Streets of New York’s fan-favorite sandwich! This pizza is loaded with Capicolla, Genoa salami, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pepperoncinis, and the signature Streets Italian dressing (thin crust recommended!)
  • Italian Lemon Cake – Vanilla cake layered with lemon mascarpone cream, topped with vanilla cake crumbs and a dusting of powdered sugar

The Graham Cracker S’mores Pizookie is back at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery

For a limited time, guests can enjoy the popular and nostalgic dessert layered with Ghirardelli® chocolate, toasted marshmallows, graham cracker crumbles, and topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. It’s just one of the restaurant’s summer specials at the 6 Phoenix area locations that also include….

BJ’s Sweet Sin Chocolate Porter – brewed with Ghirardelli chocolate, rich and roasty

-BJ’s Hard Root Beer – classic soda shop vibes with a boozy twist (make it a float!)

-BJ’s Co-Hoperate Hazy Pils – a crisp-meets-hazy collab with Germany’s König Brewery

-All-American Smash Burger – two seared patties, melty cheese, signature sauce, and summer BBQ vibes.

Myke’s Pizza serves up new lunch specials

The popular Downtown Mesa pizza shop inside Cider Corps is now serving lunch specials every Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Mortadella Sandwich ($12.50) Layers of Italian favorites with a twist. Mortadella, burrata and pistachio pesto are piled onto a fresh baked pizza bread, drizzled with olive oil and then folded in half.

  • Meatball Sandwich ($14) Meaty and rich, this sandwich classic stuffs meatballs made in house with Arizona beef sourced from Capital Farms, marinara sauce and melty provolone cheese into fresh baked pizza bread.

  • Tuna Salad Sandwich ($12) This isn’t your mamma’s tuna salad. Meaty albacore tuna is tossed in house with just the right combination of lemon, red onion, capers, fennel, Castelvetrano olive and other seasoning. It’s generously topped onto fresh-baked pizza bread with cracked pepper and salad greens and a drizzle of olive oil.

  • Toasted Cheese Sandwich ($8) – Nothing beats this comfort classic with mozzarella, provolone and Kasseri cheeses toasted inside pizza bread. Served with a side of warm crushed tomato sauce.

  • Chips & Soda Combo ($3.50) – Add a bag of chips and soda with any sandwich order.

Swizzle Inn collecting classroom supplies

From July 1st – 27th the Madison neighborhood bar is collecting crayons, glue sticks, scissors and more for the Madison Elementary School District. Those bringing in supplies will be getting a ticket for the grand prize raffle at the end of the month. Those donating can also get a shot of the bar’s monthly $ shot the “Teacher’s Pet”.  The full list of needed supplies is posted in the bar or can be found on their Facebook page.

Bell Bank, O.H.S.O Brewery & Mark Tarbell partner to raise money

Valley beer drinkers will want to grab two new beers created by local brewer O.H.S.O Brewery as part of a partnership between Bell Bank and Chef & Restaurateur Mark Tarbell. $2 of every pint sold of “Slice and Dice Rice” Lager and “Yes, Chef” Amber Lager will be donated to C-CAP by Bell Bank & O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s picture will be featured on the limited production cans. C-CAP helps Phoenix area culinary students and teachers with programs and resources for students looking to get a higher education in the culinary arts and enter the restaurant industry.

“O.H.S.O., Bell Bank and Tarbell’s, have come together to give back to a great cause. C-CAP is an amazing organization that helps young high school students all over the country pursue their dreams through culinary programs. It’s when businesses come together in support of such causes that real magic and change can happen. What an honor to be a part of it all,” said Bell Bank Champion Mark Tarbell.

The beers pair well with many dishes found at O.H.S.O and Tarbell offered a few pairings. Rice LagerHamachi Crudo, Fresh Made Potato Chips and Caviar, Phở Amber LagerBoars Head Bratwurst, West TX Babyback Ribs, West TX Pulled Pork, Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The beers will be available through the holiday season or until supplies run out and a check presentation to C-CAP will be held in early 2025.

“This collaboration is definitely one of the most festive ways we like to pay it forward and help a really deserving cause in each city every year,” said Kyle Kennedy, Bell Bank’s Phoenix president and Arizona banking director. “We thank Mark Tarbell for his support, and we hope everyone will come out to O.H.S.O and Tarbell’s this season to support this incredible organization which helps give students a great opportunity to thrive in the culinary arts.”

 

Winter Wonderland holiday cocktails at The Montauk

The Downtown Scottsdale lounge and restaurant offers two new coffee drinks and seven new cocktails to keep you warm this holiday season. With a “ski lodge” vibe, these winter wonderland inspired coffees & cocktails will put you in the holiday spirit. These Winter Wonderland beverages will be available until the end of December.

Holiday Coffees: (available hot or iced)

    • White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte – Garnished with whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie.
    • Peppermint Mocha Latte – Topped with peppermint cold foam and sprinkles.
  • Ski Lounge Cocktails:
    • Maple Old Fashioned – Bulleit Bourbon, Pure Maple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
    • Toasted Marshmallow Espressotini – Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Bailey’s S’mores, Café Borghetti, Cold Brew
    • Berry Merry Martini – Belvedere Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Elderflower, Lime Juice)
    • Apple Spritz – Seagrams 7, Lime Juice, Apple Pucker, Apple Cider, Soda Water, Chandon Brut)
    • Alpine Spritz – Ketel One Vodka, Chandon Spritz, Ginger Beer, Fresh Orange Juice, Ground Cinnamon)
    • Fresh Powder – Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Passionfruit, Lemon, Chandon Brut)
    • Veuve Clicquot Brut Glass – $15 | Bottle – $175

 

 

Harry Potter inspired pizza and beer collaboration at Spinato’s

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is ending 2024 with the last of its collaboration with Steve Larson a.k.a The Wizard of Za with its Rose Au Gratin Pizza available at all locations until December 31st. The Harry Potter inspired pizza was co-created with Jaime Spinato the restaurant’s director of community outreach and brand manager. Like its other collaborations, a local brewer is chosen to create a special beer for the occasion and Phoenix’s Roses By The Stairs brewery created a Belgian style witbier, The Witty Wizard.

Jaime, who embodies the spirit of a true Ravenclaw says “We had a lot of fun creating this pizza, and I’m grateful for Steve’s guidance as we experimented with different ingredients,”. “The rosemary-dressed potatoes lend a savory elegance to the pizza and the delicate borage blossom flowers add a visual and culinary flourish. We added a sprinkle of edible blue glitter to give the dish a magical, almost otherworldly charm.”

The pizza features an Alfredo base with layered sliced potatoes dressed in olive oil and rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, edible borage flower blossoms and it is topped with a sprinkle of edible blue glitter. The Witty Wizard offers hints of lemon, grapefruit, and thyme. The witbier captures a touch of magical whimsy with its enchanting blend of flavors. The zesty lemon and grapefruit bring a burst of sunshine, while the aromatic thyme adds a hint of herbal charm.

The Rose Au Gratin is $11.75 for a personal pizza and $29.75 for a large. A 16 oz. can of The Witty Wizard is $8 and is only available at the restaurant. Local artist Aaron Thomason created the harry Potter like design for the can. For more information visit the pizzeria’s website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Little Pickle NY style deli pop-up opens at The Esplanade

A taste of New York has popped up serving deli sandwiches, pastries, lox and more for breakfast and lunch for a limited time. The Little Pickle is from Merc Bar owner Rick Phillips and friend celebrity chef Aaron May. Phillips missed Jewish deli food found in such New York delis Katz’s and Zabar’s so he and May got to work to open one on a small scale and for a limited time.

Phillip’s taught himself to how to make smoked salmon and would serve flown in bagels with his homemade lox to friends and family and the Little Pickle was born. Named for what Phillip’s mother would call him growing up he thought it would be great name for a deli and has since passed on the nickname to his daughter.

On the menu at the Little Pickle

“Perfecting our recipes and opening Little Pickle has helped bring tastes of NYC to the Valley.” says May who joined his fellow east coaster in making a pastrami palace. During breakfast guests can expect perfectly prepared smoked salmon and a bagel, Challah French Toast, blintzes, overnight oatmeal and chia seed pudding. For lunch the mouth-watering Pastrami Reuben is the go to sandwich along with over 10 other sandwiches and fixins’. Scratch made Matzoh ball soup will be served during the winter and pan fried latkes are also a hit with customers.

“We are thrilled to have the Little Pickle pop-up open at the Esplanade expanding our options for breakfast and lunch for tenants and visitors,” said Robert Marino, Vice President of Asset Management for Tourmaline Capital Partners. “Passionate operators with chef driven concepts translates to great food and the partners we want to work with to continue to build an amenity rich environment here at the Esplanade.”

The Little Pickle is open through Passover (September) Monday- Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. with coffee and pastries available after 2 p.m. Catering is also available for meetings, family gathering or any group function. For more information and to view the menu visit their website.

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.

Enjoy the dog days of summer with a new Trapp Dawg at Trapp Haus BBQ

The downtown Phoenix BBQ joint is offering 3 new all beef brisket hot dawgs for a limited time starting Monday August 2nd. These dawgs are available 7 days a week for $7.99 each. The Lou — topped with potato salad and crispy fried onions. The Jersey — topped with crispy potato and cheddar cheese sauce. The Village — topped with BBQ baked beans and jalapeño honey slaw.

Hearth ’61 Sunday Supper Club with guest chef Sean Currid

The Maple & Ash Executive Chef will join Chef Chuck Wiley’s team to create a 5-course menu paired with Australian wines from Barossa Valley selected by Mountain Shadows F & B manager Jim Gallen. Reservations  are required for the Sunday August 15th dinner that starts at 6 p.m. Seats are $149 ++ per person and can be made by calling 866-572-8774. To see the pairing menu visit their website.

Chompie’s hiring fair for new Phoenix location and other locations

All four valley locations and the soon to open north Phoenix location is looking to hire back & front of the house help. They are holding a 3 day job fair at the Embassy Suites at 4415 Paradise Village Pkwy S. Phoenix 85032. 80 employees are needed for the new location with additional employees needed to support the growth at other locations. The job fair is Monday, August 2nd 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 3rd 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. & Wednesday, August 4th 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidates should come prepared with a resume and be prepared to interview with hiring done on the spot.

Eat Up Drive- In is now open for lunch.

The fast casual Arcadia Lite restaurant that opened in March is now open for lunch and extended their hours 7 days a week from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant features individual and family style meals for dine-in or to-go.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to support the American Heart Assoc. in August

For all 31 days in August guests who donate $5 will get a $5 Bounce Back card to use at any Grimaldi’s nationwide (except To-Go locations in Austin TX & Scottsdale AZ and NYC, NJ & CT locations) until Dec. 31st 2022. Guests can donate up to $25 to get $25 Bounce Back per visit.

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.

JBF Women of AZ collaborate on creative meals for a limited time

This weekend’s launch of JBF Women of AZ shows off the partnership of 15 talented women chefs as Phoenix is one of 10 cities participating in the national alliance “Let’s Talk” from The James Beard Foundation Women’s Leadership Program. “Let’s Talk” is the brainchild of Chicago’s Rohini Dey, Ph.D., owner of Vermilion and trustee of the JBF whose goal is to bring women restaurateurs together for collaboration and support.

This weekend (sold out) and the weekends of January 22nd & 23rd and 29th & 30th you can order a special 3-course meal from 5 groups of chef’s preparing each course of the meal. Each three- course meal feeds two people and is $55 with meals needing to be ordered online by 10 p.m. the Wednesday of each week for pick-up on Friday or Saturday night.

By collaborating the women are learning from each other, sharing ideas and helping to support locally owned businesses during the pandemic.

The 15 Phoenix area women led restaurants participating in the JBF Women of AZ are……

Maya’s Cajun Kitchen
24 Carrots
Cotton & Copper

The Farish House
The Joy Bus Diner
Songbird Coffee House

FnB
Hana Japanese Eatery
Tracy Dempsey Originals

Fat Ox
The Market by Jennifer’s
Sweet Republic

The Cellar
Nonna Urban Eatery
The Breadfruit & Rum Bar

To see the menus & chefs, place an order and pick-up instructions head to their website.