Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Chula Seafood partners with Goldwater Brewing for Hop Chowda Day pop-up

The two locally owned businesses get together on Saturday, December 14th (tomorrow) from 2-7 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale brewery. Five Hop Chowda beers will be tapped including Original, XL Imperial, Pineapple, Orange & Guava with Chula outside serving up Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips, Chowder Fries and cups of Chowder. Armada Sounds will be spinning tunes and raffles will be drawn for prizes at 6 p.m. including a stocked beer fridge and merch.

Bubble tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Join the Roosevelt Row wine bar on December 19th to taste three selections from 6-8 p.m. Wine Club members are free and non-members are $10. Get 20% off bottle purchases from the selection poured that evening. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Miracle Mile Deli special Hannukah & Christmas menu is available

The Jewish holiday starts on Christmas Day for 8 nights and the Central Phoenix restaurant has family meals including brisket & turkeys, potato latkes & apple sauce and more for both holidays. Individual entrees and single servings of matzoh ball soup, brisket & turkey, signature deli meats, desserts and more are all available for the holidays. Miracle Mile Deli will be open on Tuesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) from 11 a.m – 4 p.m for pick-up.

Holiday desserts at local restaurants for dine-in or take-out

Sugar & spice and everything nice is what they say, and several Phoenix area restaurants have them all.

The Sicilian Baker– Has new Snickerdoodle and Andes Mints cannolis available along with traditional Sicilian Baked Cassata.

  • Holiday Cake Details: 10” cake for $85, Pre order only 72-hour notice
  • Holiday Cannoli Gift Packs: Regular Cannoli: 12-pack $79, Mini Cannoli: 20-pack $65, Mini Cannoli 30-pack $90.

Pita Jungle The popular made in house Baklawa Box is available online or in-store for $20.

Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club & Mastro’s Steakhouse- The decadent Butter Cake gets a seasonal twist with the Cinnamon & Pecan Butter Cake made with brown sugar, cinnamon swirl, pecans, crème anglaise, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, sea salt toffee and caramel sauce.

The Mexicano Pop- Up has the “Ultimate DIY Gingerbread Cake” available through the holidays. The gingerbread sponge cake in white chocolate cream sauce and over 25 toppings for you to choose from for your customized cake.

Los Sombreros holiday tamales are available

Order online for pick up at their Scottsdale or Mesa restaurants available in chipolte pork, green corn, red chile beef and chicken tomatillo. Cost is $5 per dozen and mix & match in 4x4x4 or 6×6 is permitted.

 

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.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Valentine’s Day under the stars with TLC eXperience

If you haven’t made you plans for next Tuesday, February 14th seats are still available for the 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception followed by 3 course dinner. The Orchard at Agritopia hosts the locally sourced menu curated by Chef Tom and his culinary team. Seats are by reservation only and are $180 per person or $360 per couple. To view the menu and reserve you seats visit their website.

It’s a Schmoozetacular weekend in Scottsdale

The downtown Scottsdale coffee shop/cafe celebrates golf & football all weekend long.  Get 15% off all Bloody Mary’s and cocktail flights Fri, Sat & Sun. when you use promo code CHEERS15. Enjoy Schmooze after dark Friday & Saturday nights from 4 -10 p.m. and there is a Super Bowl Watch Party with light bites and cocktails on Sunday from 4-9 p.m.

New “Level Up” menu at Los Sombreros

Guests visiting the Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix Mexican restaurants can now experience new dishes to the menu. Enjoy The Molcajete features lobster, shrimp, chorizo and snow crab in a spicy broth. Beer battered Lobster Tacos, Wagyu Asada and Lamb Adobo also make up the new dishes.

Dirty Dough opens north Phoenix location

The Tempe cookie maker who mantra is “it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” has opened its newest location in The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. One of a kind cookies with unique flavor profiles updates its cookie menu every Friday. Current favorites are Monster Mash, Candy Bar and Kitchen Sink cookies are available.

February specials at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

All 4 locations are serving up a margarita, entree and dessert specials all month long.

Rio Margarita: A house favorite since 2011, this handmade margarita is made with Hornitos Tequila, Hiram Walker Orange Curacao, lime juice and Agave triple sec. $9.99

Al Pastor Chicken Platter: Al pastor grilled chicken paired with fajita veggies, fried potatoes and a stuffed Anaheim pepper and served with a side of guacamole, roasted chipotle salsa and house-made tortillas. Choice of a cup of chicken tortilla soup or house salad to start.  $19.99

Strawberry Shortcake: Layered with vanilla sponge cake, strawberry puree and strawberry cheese cake, and topped with whipped cream and graham cracker crumble. $7.99

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.

” Cool, Cool Summer” patio parties at Los Sombreros

All 3 locations are cooling things down this summer with Oaxacan- inspired patio parties. DJs, a taco bar, Margarita specials and giveaways will be featured at all events.

The Uptown Phoenix location hosts Los Amigos Brunch Party on Sunday June 25th & July 28th.

Extended Happy Hour in Mesa from 4 – 9 p.m. Thursday’s June 23rd and July 21st.

Scottsdale Extended Happy Hour also from 4 – 9 p.m. on Thursday’s June 30th & July 28th.

Sand Reckoner wine tasting tonight at GenuWine Arizona

A free wine tasting tonight from 6-9 p.m. during Roosevelt Row’s First Friday. 20% off any bottles purchased tonight too.

Wagyu specials at STK Steakhouse in June

In celebration of National Steakhouse Month the Scottsdale steakhouse is offering premium cuts of Wagyu from Japan, Australia and America.

Choose your choice of Wagyu – Masami Ranch Roasted Bone Marrow ($33), A5 Wagyu Spinalis ($99), A5 Kumaou Wagyu ($39 Strip / $44 Filet) Hanger Steak ($79), Picanha ($84), Rosewood Ranch Gold Ribeye ($134), or Tomahawk ($139).

Select your topping – Unami A5 Butter, A5 Miso Bacon Butter, Wagyu Tallow Caramelized Onions, Bourbon Bacon Marmalade ($12).

Meet the Winemaker at Scottsdale Wine Collective

Sam Pillsbury will be pouring his wines and telling his story on Thursday June 9th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved here.

2 Summer Clubs offered at LDV Winery

The Arizona winery is hosting 2 monthly non-club member events at their Scottsdale tasting room starting in June.

Summer Wine Circle offers guest new Arizona wines and compare it to an LDV wine. Taste and talk with bites to eat on June 8th, July 13th, August 10th & September 14th from 6 – 7 p.m. Cost is $75 per month.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club- Only 20 seats are available for this popular multi-course dinner prepared by Benedict’s Catering & Events with LDV wine pairings. Each dinner is $140 per person and is all inclusive. Dinners start at 6 p.m. June 16th, July 21st (Peggy & Kurt do the cooking), August 18th and September 22nd. Reserve your seats for each months events by calling 480-664-4822 or emailing info@ldvwinery.com

Several of the above establishments and people in this week’s Sips & Bites have been guests on my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman. 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.

It’s tamale time at Los Sombreros

The locally owned Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale and Mesa are taking orders for their homemade Mexican comfort food by the dozen. Customers can split the orders to 6 each of two flavors Green Corn, Tomatillo Chicken, Rajas, Carnitas, Shredded Beef Brisket and Pineapple. 24 hour notice is required and they are available to be picked until December 24th at noon.

Festive Yuletide cocktails at Mavrix for a limited time

The entertainment venue in the Talking Stick Entertainment District has unveiled 4 seasonal cocktails available until December 31st. Sip on a Naughty or Spiced, Mistletoe Mule, White Christmas or Gettin’ Blitzen with scratch made food from their Trophy Room Grill.

Leila’s Empanadas launches in time for the holidays

Chef Leila Beltrame launched her new line of sweet & savory empanadas made from her family’s secret Brazilian recipe. A staple of Latin American cuisine her Beef, Chicken & Olive and Apple Creme Brulee empanadas are available at Sam’s Frozen Yogurt at 3434 W. Anthem Way, Anthem 85086 and online soon.

Crumbl Cookies around Phoenix collecting toys for Harvest Compassion Center

The local cookie franchise is collecting new toys in original packaging or minimum $10 gift card in exchange for a mention of a free Chocolate Chip Cookie. Exchange a toy for a cookie at their Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Queen Creek, Signal Butte, Red Mountain Mesa, Mesa Groves, Arcadia, Norterra and Tempe locations.

2022 RECOUPON AZ Beers Booklet now available

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has released their popular booklet of $700 worth of coupons & discounts for the holidays. For only $35 you can use the coupons at 43 of Arizona breweries until the end of 2022. 110 coupons are in the booklet with up to 4 from each brewery. The booklets are available until the end of January 2022 at 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.

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.

Stroll downtown Mesa’s Taco Tuesday Trail next week

This Tuesday July 20th the Downtown Mesa Association is hosting a taco crawl with several restaurants including Tacos Chiwas, Mangos Mexican Café, Margaritas Mexican Grille, Que Chevere, Downtown 12 West Brewing and Desert Eagle Brewing Co. For $20 you get 7 tickets for specialty tacos from participating restaurants from 4-7p.m. Several restaurants will have specialty cocktails available for purchase during the event. To purchase your ticket(s) head to their Eventbrite link.

Childhood Memories dinner at Pillsbury Wine Co.

The Arizona winery’s tasting room in Cottonwood is hosting the 5 course dinner that will remind you of your childhood favorites eats. Taste the Wild chef’s foraged twist on Fish ‘n’ Chips, Corn Dog, Monte Christo, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Nuggets & a Pop Tart. The dinner on Fri. June 23rd starts at 6 p.m. and is $98 plus wine. To make reservation call 949-466-1054 or visit their website.

New “Summertime Sips” drinks specials available at Nonna Urban Eatery

Until August 31st guests can enjoy cool & refreshing cocktails and wine specials Wednesday. – Saturday’s. Spritz Day Wednesday — Every hump day, guests can enjoy a Spritz for just $8. Thirsty Thursday — Get an early start on the weekend with half off select bottles of wine. Friday Bubbles — Glasses of Cava and Prosecco are just $8 each all day. Sangria Saturday — Enjoy glasses of white or red for just $8 each. For more information about the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant visit their website.

Seasonal dishes and cocktails are on the new menu at Los Sombreros

The Mesa and Scottsdale locations recently added several dishes and cocktails to the menu to celebrate summer. Watermelon Salad and Grilled Norwegian Salmon with pineapple are a couple of the new dishes. New refreshing cocktails include a Mezcal Old Fashioned and Sangria. Too see all the new dishes, cocktails and more check out https://www.lossombreros.com/.

2021 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The 14th year of the popular 10-day ARW kicks off in just about 2 months. Local foodies and those new to the valley can experience special 3-course menus at dozens of restaurant starting Friday September 17th – 26th. Each unique meal has be created just for the twice a year event and is priced at $33 or $44 per person. A new $55 price is also being offered for those looking for a more elevated dining experience. Over 60 restaurants have already signed up to participate with more signing on everyday. To see participating restaurants and the menus they will be offering 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.

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.

PHX Beer Co. goes to the dogs

The Scottsdale location with its dog friendly patio is now serving grass fed burgers ($8) and grilled chicken ($5) for man’s best friend. They’ve also started making their own dog bones for purchase at all locations. Puppy friendly ingredients include the breweries spent grain, peanut butter, whole wheat flour and eggs. A portion of sales of single 3 oz. or 18 packs bones are donated to the Arizona Small Dog Rescue.

Los Sombreros Mesa Grand Opening party

Wednesday December 16th is the Grand Opening of the third location of the regional Mexican restaurant. From 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. guests can get 50% off food & drink when you dine-in or take-out except for family meals. Reservations are recommended. The celebration continues Thursday – Sunday with House Margaritas only $3.

Pedal Haus Brewery celebrates with Ugly Sweater Party

The downtown Tempe brewpub celebrates its 5 year anniversary with its traditional party. Wednesday December 16th party goers can win $50 for the Ugliest Sweater, enjoy live music starting at 6 p.m. and Happy Hour all night starting at 3 p.m. VIP tickets are $5 and includes 2 drinks and slice of cake with proceeds going to Rob Dollar Foundation.

Koibito Poke bottles 2 popular sauces.

Customers can now take a bottle or 2 home with them of Island Teriyaki or Spicy Shoyu sauces. Both are gluten-free and made with natural ingredients for the best tasting and healthy sauces. Each bottle is $6.99 and can be purchased at any of their locations around the valley.

New seasonal menu at Pita Jungle

Customers favorite dishes from the past are now on the new “Pita Jungle Favorites, Hello Again” menu at all Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff locations. The new Mediterranean Ramen joins the return of Seared Ahi Tuna Hummus, Burrito of the Sea and Baba Gnoosh.

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.

Toys for Tacos at Mr. Mesquite Taqueria

All 7 locations are collecting toys in exchange for tacos until December 31st. Bring in a toy, clothes or learning tool for The Academic Opportunity of Arizona and get a free taco for the day of drop off.

Monday night is Date Night at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant invites couples to join them on Monday’s for dinner for $50. Starting at 4 p.m. each twosome will get 2 pasta entrees, 2 salads and a pre-selected bottle of wine. Reservations required and must mention Date Night Special for special price. 480-427-2264.

Holiday tamales available from Los Sombreros

Order by the dozen for pick-up by December 24th. Mix & match Green Corn, Pineapple, Tomatillo Chicken, Rajas, Carnitas & Red Beef Chile. All tamales are using produce from local farms. Order at their website.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria now available from ghost kitchen

Pizza to go is now available at Kitchen United MIX in Scottsdale. Order on-line and have the same delicious pizza and more made fresh and ready for pick-up or delivery.

Merkin Vineyards launches monthly Sunday brunch

This Sunday December 6th in Scottsdale will be the first brunch offered at the wine bar. The first Sunday of every month several dishes will be offered that use ingredients grown at its vineyards, gardens and orchards in the Verde Valley. Wines and Mimosas will be available to compliment your food.

Tis the season to give gift cards to your favorite restaurants

Many have already started their holiday shopping for friends and family with gift cards making for great gifts. Gift cards have two benefits, the restaurants get much needed money up front for expenses and the foodie in your life can visit a new or favorite restaurant. Tis the season to give and receive as many restaurants offer bonus gift cards and discounts to those who purchase the gift cards.

These restaurants are selling gift cards for your holiday gift giving. Be sure to check their website for more information.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix- For every $100 spent purchaser get to pick a surprise gift card worth various amounts.

Los Sombreros– Multiple locations- A $100 gift card purchased gets a $25 gift certificate. A $50 gift card gets a $10 gift certificate.

Fogo de Chao Scottsdale-On Black Friday from 8-11 a.m. the first 200 guests’ in-store will get a FREE lunch dining card for every $100 gift card purchased. There after receive a bonus $25 gift card for $75 in GC, purchases, $75 for $300 purchased and $100 for every $400 purchased.

Garden Bar– Downtown Phoenix- 20% bonus card with purchase of $150.

Tocaya Organica-Multiple locations- Give $50 Get $10.

Pita Jungle– Multiple locations- Spend $25, get $5 in Pita Dough.

S & V Urban Italian-Scottsdale- $30 gift card with purchase of $100 gift card in December.

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- Buy $50 Get $10 or Buy $100 Get $25 in December

Thai Chili 2 Go– Multiple locations- For every $50 purchased get a $10 voucher.

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale- Buy $50, get $10 bonus card.

Koibito Poke– Multiple locations- For every $30 spent get a $10 gift card.

Chompie’s Deli- Multiple locations- Purchase $50 get a $10 card.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations- Black Friday get $15 for $50 in purchases. Then $5 bonus card on $25 purchased through December 24th.

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants– Multiple locations- A $10 “Thank You” gift card on $50 in gift card purchases. And a bonus set of Senor Bob and Cha Cha mugs with $100 in gift cards.

Pasta 78– Chandler- Tis the season to save $$ too. Buy a $100 gift card for $85.

Jalapeno Inferno– Multiple locations– Black Friday “BOGO” event. Buy a $25, $50 or $100 gift card get a voucher for same amount.

 

“Los Local Love” celebrates all things local at Los Sombreros

As important as it is to support local businesses is become even more important in 2020. Los Sombreros is going all out with its new “Los Local Love” program not only features locally grown and made ingredients but live music from local musicians and gift ideas from local vendors.

Through December local musicians will entertain guests on the patio at Los Sombreros restaurants in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Mesa. Several musicians will be from Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers that the restaurant is raising money for through January with the purchase of take-out enchilada family meals or smoked chicken enchiladas. Check their social media for a schedule of performers.

Los Local Love Gift Boxes are available for your favorite foodie for their birthday or for the holidays. A t-shirt, coffee beans from CULT Coffee, chocolate from Carolina’s Chocolate, Los Sombreros Hot Sauce and more are available at https://www.lossombreros.com/shop.

The restaurants are getting pumpkins from Abby Lee Farms and Crooked Sky Farms in October for their soup and flan. In November the corn chowder will include corn from McClendon’s Select as will the pecans for their pecan pie.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without homemade tamales from Los Sombreros that will feature locally grown produce. You can start to order by the dozen November 1st with tamales available starting December 1st. Mix and match Green Corn, Tomatillo Chicken, Rajas (peppers and onions), Chipotle Pork, Red Chili Beef, and Pineapple. Order at the above link or call 480-938-9500.