Tag: Margaritas

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Breakfast for dinner at Chompie’s

For a limited time the 4 locations are serving several breakfast inspired meals that are available all day long.

Through next Monday June 19th enjoy the Fileto Benedict featuring tenderloin steak, caramelized grilled onions, grilled mushrooms and poached eggs topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce and served over English muffins with choice of side.

Tuesday June 20th- Sunday July 9 get the Steak Skillet with tenderloin steak, nopales, roasted corn, onions, green chilis, jack cheese, guacamole and queso fresco with two eggs any style, served with salsa and a side of toast or a bagel.

Monday July 9th- Sunday July 30th incredible Chicken Tinga Omelet made with chipotle chicken tinga, eggs, jack cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and crema, served with a choice of side and toast or a bagel.

June specials at Serrano’s

You still have a couple of weeks to get into any locations of the family owned Mexican restaurants to get these June food & drink specials.

Malibu Sunset | $10.99- Sail into the sunset with this thirst quencher made with Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine. Served with a sugar-dipped rim, orange wedge and cherry.

Macho Nachos | $16.99- In honor of dear ol’ dad, Macho Nachos are topped with creamy fundido nacho sauce, pollo asada, pico de gallo, guacamole and crema drizzle, queso fresco and cilantro. Served with a lime wedge over our made-fresh-daily tortilla chips.

Tropical Thunder | $8.99- This summer dessert is sure to usher in the monsoon season! Made with a cinnamon sugar-dipped, deep-fried flour tortilla and filled with refreshing pineapple sherbet, house-made pina colada sauce, toasted coconut, whipped cream and a cherry.

Early dining menu now available at Ocean Prime

A special prix-fixe menu is now available for guests who come out early to the north Phoenix seafood restaurant. From 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday guests can enjoy 3 courses for $65++ when dining in. Choose from…..

1st course

Lobster Bisque with butter poached lobster

Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan garlic dressing and brioche croutons

House Salad with romaine lettuce and field greens, Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, walnuts and sherry mustard vinaigrette

2nd Course

Sea Scallops with parmesan risotto, English peas and citrus vinaigrette

Teriyaki Salmon with shiitake sticky rice and soy butter sauce

Mary’s Free Range Chicken with spinach bread salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and balsamic jus

8-ounce Filet with gouda potato cake, chili seared spinach and cabernet jus (Optional choice for an additional $10)

Side, choice of: Jalapeno Au Gratin, Bacon Creamed Spinach, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Chophouse Corn

Dessert Course, choice of:  Five-Layer Carrot Cake or Warm Butter Cake

Fajitas & Ritas now available from Z’ Tejas

No matter the reason it’s always good to let someone else do the cooking every once in a while. The southwestern restaurant in Scottsdale and Chandler now has available for take out a meal that serves up to 4 people. All the fajita makings & fixings and a 32 oz. container of their 6th Street Margarita is only $95. You can order online to have your order ready for when you arrive to pick it up.

Over Easy opens newest location in Chandler

Saturday, June 24th marks the open of the 11th location of the local breakfast and lunch restaurant. The new location will be in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma at 7131 E. Ray Rd near Ray & I-10. Thru June 30th “Kids Eat Free” with the purchase of an adult entree at the new location.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Taco Fest Phx comes to downtown Phoenix this Saturday

Taco aficionado David Tyda is back in the taco festival game with this Saturday’s Taco Fest Phx. The co-founder of the Arizona Taco Festival sold his share of several years ago but that hasn’t stopped him from eating his way through as many tacos as possible and organizing other food festivals in downtown Phoenix.

Tyda and business partner Lisa Duffield block party styled festival will be held over two city blocks near 1st St. & Moreland as the sun goes down from 6 – 11 p.m. Over 10 taco makers and more than twice as many beer, agave and spirits producers will keep the people fed and happy all night.

Taco makers will be making just one kind of taco so you can taste as many tacos as possible from Random AF Taqueria, Lola’s Tacos and Sabor A Mi and more. Firme Mezcal, Codigo 1530 and Avion Tequila will be making margaritas, craft cocktails and offering samples. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages from Topo Loco Mineral Water, Vita Coco and Alani Premium Purified Water will keep the crowd hydrated. Local DJs Spin, Lizzy, Vinyl Vagos, CRVNT3S and DJ Big Rube will energize the crowd.

A limited amount of tickets for this 21 & over event are $40 and include a wristband for 6 alcoholic beverages. Tacos are to be purchased separate from admission tickets. Discounted Designated Driver tickets for those not drinking alcohol are $15 while supplies last. Tickets for Taco Fest PHX can be purchased at their Eventbrite page. The festival is produced by Phx Fest and presented by Phoenix Magazine and benefits Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Urban Agave continues making scratch made food in Glendale

West valley natives Parker and Emily Ganem opened their newest restaurant Urban Agave at 67th Ave. & Beardsley Rd. in Glendale in February. The new restaurant takes over for Urban Margarita and the couple plan to maintain the scratch made Mexican and American dishes similar to what the previous owners offered. The Ganem’s are co-owners of Sky Restaurant Concepts having opened Squid Ink Sushi Bar and Highball Cocktail Bar around the valley.

“Parker and I were both born and raised here in the west valley. This is our neighborhood. We want to bring a bigger foothold to the area and continue to give diners new, elevated experiences,” says Emily. “We intend to maintain much of what diners have come to love from Urban Margarita while showcasing a vibrant and playful new vibe, enticing menu additions, elevated bar program and extended weekend brunch.”

On the menu at Urban Agave

On the menu at Urban Agave guests can expect tacos, tostadas, flautas, enchiladas and more. Naturally, hand-crafted margaritas are on the menu along with a variety of craft cocktails for guests to enjoy. In May weekend brunch will be launched starting at 9 a.m. and will feature a Mimosa and Bloody Maria bar. A specialty cocktail menu will also be introduced in May. Taco Tuesday has been popular and the restaurant will soon serve both lunch and dinner.

Currently, Urban Agave is open at 3-9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and at 11:30 a.m. Friday & Saturday with an All Day menu. Brunch is served Sunday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. with the All Day menu is served until 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour is Tuesday – Sunday from 3-6 p.m. and the restaurant is closed on Monday’s. A private dining room is available for private parties and corporate events. For more information and to view the menus 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.

Jalapeño Inferno has been serving Mexican food for over 23 years

Mexican food runs rampant throughout the valley’s restaurant scene but it’s not that easy to find authentic Mexican cuisine. That’s why Terry and Laura Craig opened their first Jalapeño Inferno over 23 years ago in north Scottsdale. With a career in restaurant & hotel management the couple knew how to keep guests happy and it’s worked as they now have four locations in Scottsdale and Peoria.

They recently converted their Rhythm & Wine bistro at Pinnacle Peak and Hayden Rd. to the Cantina to accommodate the demand for take-out and catering. Guests can enjoy many if not all of the dishes and drinks at the Cantina as well. A DC Ranch area Cantina is currently in the works.

On the menu at Jalapeño Inferno

Scratch made food, signature margaritas and top shelf service keeps regulars coming back and draws in new guests as well. Whether their celebrating Taco Tuesday, Hatch chile season, happy hour or a the chef’s daily special there’s always something new to eat or sip on at Jalapeño Inferno.

Sip on their signature “The Boss” margarita for those who like an authentic tart taste with your trio of chips & salsa while deciding what to order next. The “Top Shelf” Ceviche has chunks of shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers and more served in a martini glass. Not every restaurant serves tamales year round but here “The Illustrious Green Chile Tamales” is a staple on the menu. White corn masa, four cheeses and topped with green chile sauce, you’ll be glad you order it.

Sizzling fajitas never disappoint and there’s always some left to take home. “Courtney’s Burrito” could be a belt buster. The char-grilled chicken is spicy and filling thanks to the Inferno and red enchilada sauce. Choose grilled chicken or steak for your “Street Inferno Style” Tacos that come 3 to a plate served on double corn tortillas. All three dishes and others come with refried beans, Mexican rice and garnishments.

I’d say cool off with a “Jalapeño Inferno” but that brings the heat with chunks of jalapeño peppers if you want to keep pushing your limits. The “Comfortably Numb” might do the trick with tequila, elder-flower liquor and Aperol. Save room the “Burnt Sugar Caramel Flan”, sweet and creamy you’ll be back for this whipped cream and caramel topped custard.

The restaurants are open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. with Happy Hour Monday- Friday from  3- 6 p.m.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

“Pink Out” coming back to Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the anniversary of the passing of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants co-owner and former Chandler City Council member Stephanie Serrano. In Stephanie’s memory and to raise money for local non-profit Check for a Lump the family owned restaurant is hosting the 4th Annual “Pink Out” on Saturday, October 15th. All four locations will participate with the Chandler location hosting the non-profit’s RV for free mammograms.

“We all miss Stephanie and know that she would be proud of us aligning with a nonprofit like Check for a Lump to provide life-saving education and testing for breast cancer,” said Ric Serrano, CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. “Anything we can do to help prevent other families from facing this battle is worthy of our support, so we’re especially encouraged to have the mobile mammography unit at our Chandler location this year.”

Pink out
Pink Out Margarita Sampler

“Pink Out” specials for October

If you wear pink on the 15th to any location you will get a free order of pink sprinkled buñuelos for dessert. If you can’t make it by on the for the “Pink Out” stop in all month long to enjoy any or all of the three monthly specials with a portion of the proceeds getting donated to Check for a Lump.

Pink Out Margarita Sampler- $9.99 Get your pink on with our house raspberry, strawberry, passionfruit strawberry, and watermelon margaritas!

Stephanie’s Stacked Enchiladas- $12.99 Stephanie’s favorite! This gluten-free friendly dish includes corn tortillas, black beans and shredded chicken stacked high and covered in tomatillo sauce and cheese. Served with a side of your choice.

Homemade Apple Crumble- $7.99 Our apple crumble à la mode with caramel sauce and cinnamon sugar.

“We are grateful to Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant for hosting another fundraising event this year benefiting Check for a Lump to honor the memory of family member Stephanie Serrano who bravely fought breast cancer. Her blessed memory and event will help assist women in our community with life-saving mammograms, wigs and support. We appreciate the Serrano family and are privileged to share in Stephanie’s legacy. Cheers to treasuring memories of her with every dish served,” said Holly Rose, founder and chief executive director of Check for a Lump.

To schedule a free mammogram on the 15th call 480-967-3767.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Hotel Valley Ho’s next Sip + Shop is next week

Tickets for the Olé! Latin Flavors themed marketplace is available at Eventbrite for next Saturday July 16th. Entry is FREE to taste local foods and shop for artisan goods. It happens once at month from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Next Thursday July 14th is their monthly Versus Series Dinner with a Bastille Day celebration. Executive Chef Russell LaCasce pairs each course with a beer from Greenwood Brewing and wine from Eco Terreno Wines. Founder Megan Greenwood and Winemaker Mark Lyon will be joining the French inspired dinner. Seats are $109++ and dinner starts at 6 p.m. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Summer beer tours at PHX Beer Co.

Beat the heat with a cold beer and 30- minute tour of the local brewery at 3002 E. Washington in Phoenix. Tours are for those 21 and over and offered on Sundays at 1:00 or 3:00 p.m. The tour is $29 per person and includes a beef flight, an order of pretzel bites with beer fondue and a t-shirt.

Margarita’s to-go from Z’ Tejas

Join the new Jug Club and take home gallons of their famous margaritas for cool summer drinking. Two memberships are available with packages starting at $500 for a monthly gallon 12 times a year. A weekly membership is $2000 for the year gets you 52 gallons (a gallon a week). Each gallon serves 10-12 people and comes with chips and salsa. If you’re not ready to join single gallons are $60 with a “Beat the Heat” deal, they’re usually $80, Skinny, organic and top shelf margaritas are available at various prices. Jugs can be picked up at their Scottsdale or Chandler locations.

Cider Corps hours at new Gilbert taproom

The new taproom serving award-winning ciders are Tuesday -Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Brightside Burgers are available during those same hours. The taproom is at 685 S. Gilbert Rd.

B & B Cocktail Lounge now open in Scottsdale

The new cocktail lounge is open Wednesday-Saturday at 5 p.m. is next to their sister concept Bourbon & Bones Chophouse on Scottsdale Rd.

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.

Raise your glass for National Wine Day

If you’re a regular wine drinker May 25th is just another Tuesday to you. If you occasionally enjoy a glass of wine then you may want to celebrate the fruit of the vine at these local establishments. LDV Winery is offering $2 wine flights all day, Pita Jungle offers a bottle of its private label Jungle Vino for only $13 or $5 a glass. Other restaurants and retailers celebrating with wine features from around the world include The Wine Store, Zinqué, CRUjiente Tacos, The Italian Daughter & The Sicilian Butcher.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe moves 3rd Tuesday dinner to next week

The monthly 3-course dinner paired with wines had to get bumped back a week this month to Tuesday May 25th. Halloumi Salad and Paesano (veal shoulder & Italian sausage marinara) & and dessert wind out the menu. Check their Facebook page for more details and how to reserve your seat.

Barro’s Pizza hiring 400 people in Tucson & Phoenix

The family owned restaurant with 44 locations (soon to be 46) is hiring counter help, cooks and most importantly delivery drivers. For more information and to apply visit their website.

$.75 Margarita de Macayo to celebrate 75 years

Macayo’s continue celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2021. Wednesday May 26th all locations invites guests who dine-in can to get 2 margaritas for less than a dollar each.

Arizona Restaurant Week is here

Tonight through Sunday the 30th dine at your favorite restaurant or visit a new one for a specially created 3 course menu for $33 or $44. To see the full list of participating restaurants from around Arizona and their menus visit their website.

Uptown Phoenix to get 9th Someburros location this summer

The family-owned Someburros Mexican eatery continues to grow and has announced their 9th location in Uptown Phoenix. It will be the first location outside the east valley when it opens at 7th St and Camelback. Expected top open later this summer, they will be serving award-winning burritos, tacos, enchiladas and more authentic Mexican food.

The fast casual restaurant will also serve frozen margaritas and draft beers to go with your food.

Co-owner Amy Vasquez is very excited about the Uptown Phoenix location as its where she lives. “It’s been a dream of mine for some time to open a Someburros in my neighborhood,” she said. “We know this community, we love this community and we’re raising our own families in this community, so we can’t wait to build our workforce and fanbase within it.”

When George and Mary Vasquez opened the first Someburros in 1986 they insisted on giving back to the community. Their three children continue this tradition of philanthropy at the current 8 locations.  When the new location opens it will partner with local schools as part of their community outreach.

“This is a bustling area, and with so many students, professionals and residents around, fast-casual is always in demand,” said Tim Vasquez, of the decision to open in Uptown Phoenix. “We’ve been thinking about expanding to this area for a while now, but we wanted to wait until we could find the perfect place. Now that we’ve found it, we can’t wait to get the doors open.”

To keep up to date on when the new location will open and to find the other location check out their website.

 

Serrano’s celebrates 100 years in business with weeks worth of specials

Chandler’s oldest continuously owned family business, Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019. The east valley staple for Mexican food started as Serrano Brothers Popular Store in 1919 and grew into clothing stores then restaurants in 1979. The 8 children of Ernie and Eva Serrano’s run the restaurants including the flagship restaurant in downtown Chandler. Several grandchildren also work in the restaurants seeing that it will continue in the family for years to come.

Serrano's
Mexican Flag Enchiladas

To celebrate they are serving up food and drink specials the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo since the holiday falls on a Sunday this year and Serrano’s is closed on Sunday’s. From April 29th – May 4th guests stopping into any of the 5 east valley locations can take advantage of the “May the Fourth Be with You” specials below.

Two Mexican Flag Enchiladas, $9.99 (your choice of shredded beef or chicken, red sauce, green sauce and fundido sauce)
Cinco Layer Dip, $6.99
Margarita Sampler Board, $8.99 (4 oz samples of orange, black raspberry, melon and pomegranate margaritas)
16 oz Blue Agave House Margarita, $5
16 oz Mexican Draft Beer, $4
Light saber churros, $2.99
For more information visit their website. The 5 Serrano’s locations are at…..
141 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225   480.899.3318
6440 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85283   480.345.0044
1964 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 85203  480.649.3503
1021 S. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206    480.854.7455
22703 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242   480.987.0192

 

Former Z’Tejas chef opens Cocina Madrigal in south Phoenix

After years of honing his culinary skills in restaurants in Mexico City and the United States for somebody else, Leo Madrigal decided to take those skills and open his own restaurant. The Oaxacan born Madrigal did just that recently with the opening of his Cocina Madrigal on the corner of 16th St. & Wood in south Phoenix.

All photos courtesy of Kassidy McDonald at Evolve Marketing

The 1,900 sq. ft. restaurant seats up to 140 people once the patio opens including the bar that’s serving signature margaritas and a unique section of tequila. “From the moment our guests walk into the restaurant, I want them to feel welcomed, appreciated and at home. I’m so excited to share my commitment to service and high quality food at our new location in South Phoenix,” says Madrigal.

Cocina Madrigal signature dishes

Madrigal wanted to always share his vision of Mexican cuisine at his own restaurant after working in restaurants such as Z’Tejas, Eddie V’s and Taco Guild after arriving from Houston. The menu is inspired by growing up in Oaxaca and he giving it an American twist with such dishes as Oaxacan Con Queso with American & Oaxacan cheese, Mango Steak Salad, Tres Mushrooms Enchiladas and Grilled Elote with Cotija cheese.

Mexican food staples tacos, enchiladas and burros are given Madrigals twist as well.

Cocina Madrigal is open for lunch and dinner Sun.- Thurs. from 11 a.m. -10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. with Happy Hour Mon. – Fri. from 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Cocina Madrigal is at 4044 S. 16th St. Phoenix 85040. (602)243-9000 For more information check their Facebook page.