Tag: Mexican food

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Fish fry pop-up at Chula Seafood’s “Rosie” location

Saturday 1/11 at 11 a.m. at the south Scottsdale location a.k.a “Rosie” is hosting a fried fish pop-up that includes Chula Seafood Alaskan cod, fish n chips, crispy cod tacos and more.

Hot Pastrami & Pie Week returns to Miracle Mile Deli

From Monday, 1/13- Saturday 1/18 guests can take advantage of a deal at the Central Phoenix deli. Choose from a Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo sandwich, a side of fries & a pickle and slice of pie for only $19.49.

OverEasy kicks off 2025 with new seasonal dishes

The breakfast and lunch spot with 16 locations throughout Arizona starts the year with two new sweet & savory dishes and a latte. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery the new menu items are…..

  • Red Chile Tostadas – Two crispy corn tortillas, carnitas, feta cheese, onions, black beans, crema, smothered in red chile sauce served with a sunny side up egg
  • Cannoli French Toast – Sweet cannoli cream, cinnamon swirl bread, cannoli streusel, orange zest
  • Caramel Cold Brew Latte $6.49 (Spike It +$3) – Press Cold Brew, cream, house made caramel sauce, whipped cream

Macayo’s closing Tempe location to open a new one nearby

The Mexican restaurant and cantina is closing their location at Rural Rd. & Loop 202 as its lease expires at the end of January. Fear not Mexican food fans, their new location will be just down the road closer to ASU in The Cornerstone on the southeast corner of Rural & University. Expected to open in mid-February it will be more convenient for ASU students & the community and have an outdoor patio.

The restaurant is hiring front and back of the house team members at a hiring fair with on-site interviews on Monday 1/13 until Wednesday 1/15. For more information visit their website.

Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price Taco Tuesday at Ghost Street Asian Taqueria

The virtual kitchen inside Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill offers this weekly deal at their website or through their app when you use promo code TACOTUESDAY at checkout.

 

 

 

 

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.

Zarpara wine tasting in downtown Phoenix

Owners and operators Rhona MacMillian and Mark Jorve will have their Willcox area wines poured tonight at Roosevelt Row’s GenuWine Arizona from 6 – 9 p.m.

Olivepalooza is happening this weekend at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Olives don’t get much love, but this weekend connoisseurs and olive newbies can enjoy all things olives. Cooking demonstrations, olive grove tours, olive oil 101 classes and more are happening starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tis the season for ugly sweaters at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale Mexican restaurant is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on Sunday, December 15th from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy $4 Modelo beers, free SWAG and a chance to win an Modelo ugly sweater. Reservations are recommended.

Portillo’s to open 9th Arizona location in Chandler

The popular fast casual restaurant serving Chicago street food announced plans to open their newest (8th in Phoenix area) location at I-10 & Ray Rd. in Chandler in 2025. Designed as a “restaurant of the future” it will seat up to 160 people, have double drive thru lanes, Pick-Up shelves and a Grab & Go area for off premises eating. They will soon be hiring manages and shift leaders and those looking to apply can visit their website.

Full Speed Chicken and Ribs closes after only 7 months

The Roosevelt Row restaurant serving fried chicken and ribs from the owners of Little Miss BBQ closed after fulfilling take-out Thanksgiving orders.

ASU’s Cameron Skattebo signs NIL deal with Burrito Express

Now that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL), Arizona State University running back Cameron Skattebo has signed a deal with locally owned Burrito Express. Brothers Angel and Mark Marin co-own Burrito Express and are ASU alumni presented Skattebo with his first NIL deal. He has since turned down other lucrative offers since signing with Burrito Express.

“We are extremely excited to work with Cam and offer him his first NIL deal,” said Angel. “And we’re humbled by the fact that despite other companies’ best efforts to lure him away from our contract, he has chosen to remain loyal to the Burrito Express family.”

ASU running back Cameron Skattebo

This isn’t the first NIL deal for the community minded Marin brothers who have long supported local sports and will continue to collaborate with ASU athletes. In its 30 years Burrito Express has provided thousands of free burritos to high school sports programs throughout the valley.

With the signing of Cameron Skattebo comes a signature burrito available at all 7 Burrito Express locations. The Boo-ritto is a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice for $11.88. To find a Boo-ritto near you or see about their community involvement visit their website.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Ember Lounge holiday experience kicks off tonight in North Phoenix

The popular pop-up at Desert Ridge Marketplace starts its 2024 season tonight through January 12th, 2025. Inside the District Dome guests can enjoy shareable plates and themed cocktails from Copper Blues Live that include Open Fire Meatball Skillet, Harvest Bread Boule, Smoked Campfire S’mores, The Ice Hotel & The Northern Light.

Ember Lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday and the new Dome After Dark starts at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday’s. Guests will enjoy live entertainment nightly that will include live music and DJs for late night fun. The Ember Lounge sold out last year so be sure to get your tickets at this link.

Tis the season for tamales at Diego Pops

A staple in the southwest during the holidays are tamales and the downtown Scottsdale restaurant has them for dine-in guests and packaged to-go. Options include…

  • Tia’s Tamale Plate – Tamale lovers can dine in at Diego Pops this holiday season and choose from the classic tamale flavors of red beef machaca or green chili chicken! The tamale plate includes two tamales topped with black beans, corn queso, pickled onion, fresno pepper and cabbage. Served with a side of rice and beans of your choice. Limited availability.
  • Take Home Tia’s Tamales (1 dozen to-go) – Take the flavors of Diego Pops to your friends and family and pick up a dozen to take home with your choice of red beef machaca or green chili chicken. Take-out tamales include your choice of rice and beans. Limited availability.

Diego’s sister restaurant, Arcadia’s (Phoenix) Eat Up, Drive In is offering a dozen red or green tamales available for pick-up throughout the holidays.

Macayo’s to offer weekly tamale tutorial and lunch

Looking to learn how to make tamales yourself well Macayo’s has your back. Starting next Saturday, November 16th, through Saturday, December 21st you can learn how to make them. Classes start at 3 p.m. at locations below and include a Top Shelf Margarita, a 3-course lunch and tamale making tutorial for $60 per person and you can take home the tamales you make. A maximum of 4 people per group and a class of 40 people will offer an intimate and enjoyable experience. Tickets can be purchased at Macayo’s website.

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

Saturday, Nov. 23 at Macayo’s Mesa Dobson

Saturday, Dec. 7 at Macayo’s Goodyear

Saturday, Dec. 14 at Macayo’s Chandler

Saturday, Dec. 21 at Macayo’s Scottsdale

New seasonal pizza available at Myke’s Pizza

The downtown Mesa artisan pizza maker is now making a Butternut Squash pizza through December 1st. Made with locally sourced butternut squash, mozzarella, buttered pecans, pickled red onions then finished with a drizzle of citrus-chile puree is $21. It’s one of his seasonal pizzas and allows Myke and his team to support local farmers and vendors.

STK Steakhouse offer steak tailgate from

With football season in full swing the Downtown Scottsdale is offering USDA Prime steaks for home grilling. The STK Meat Market will cut your steak to order then flash freeze the deliver them to your home ready to be prepared. Cuts include Wagyu and STK’s signature cuts and can be ordered at their website.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Dia de los Muertos at Cien Agaves tomorrow

The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place Saturday, November 2nd from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant & cantina. Reservations are recommended for beer & tequila tastings, face painting, entertainment from DJ Flawlyss and more.

Devour Culinary Classic tickets on sale tomorrow

Phoenix area foodies will be at their computers bright and early tomorrow as tickets for the popular culinary event go on-sale to the public. The event sells out within weeks and more information and details can be found at my recent post.

National Donut Day at Randy’s Donuts

Election Day is National Donut Day at the popular donut shop. Wear your “I Voted” sticker on Tuesday, November 5th and purchase a dozen donuts at any of the three Phoenix area locations for a free specialty drink OR get a free small black or iced coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 dozen. All locations are open at 6 a.m.

Noble Ground Coffee opens new location in downtown Phoenix

The local coffee shop who is dedicating to making the communities which they serve better has opened their 8th location at 101 N. First Ave. The Official Coffee of The Phoenix Suns and Mercury has a unique concept where they share the proceeds of sales with local charitable causes identified by their parent company, Thrive Services Group. The new location is open Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on the weekend from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

It’s pumpkin season at Chompie’s

Taste the flavors of fall until December 31st at all four Phoenix area locations including the new breakfast special, pumpkin pancake plate for $11.99. Add two eggs any style and bacon or sausage for $4.79. Other pumpkin flavored desserts and sweet treats are also available.

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

A busy week for Chef Joey Maggiore

The chef and owner of several popular restaurants is celebrating this week’s release of his book, Brunch King that is filled with recipes from his Hash Kitchen. And today’s the opening of his newest restaurant, The Italiano at Shea Blvd. and 92nd St.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular twice-yearly celebration of local restaurants kicks off 10 days (thru Sunday, 9/29) of specials menus around the state. Well over 100 restaurants have created 3-course menus for $33, $44 or $55. Reservations are suggestive and a list of restaurants and menus can be found here.

Family Tuesdays at Red, White & Brew

With the rising costs of dining out POV Foods wants to make it affordable for families to eat out. Starting this week Tuesdays at their Mesa and Prescott restaurants kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Chimichanga Day at Macayo’s

All locations will be celebrating on Thursday, September 26th with specials, giveaways, a pinata smash and more. Specials include….

BOGO Chimis! Buy one a la carte chimi and get one free with the purchase of two beverages (plus, add a side of rice, beans, guacamole or Macayo’s famous Baja sauce for just .78 cents each!). Samples of Dos XX and Don Julio tequila will also be available.

National Dumpling Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

Thursday, September 26th is also National Dumpling Day and TC2GO rewards members get a 6-piece dumpling order for $1 with the purchase of a 6-piece order. orders need to be made on the TC2GO app or online and are available at all locations.

Fall flavors return at STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill

The two Scottsdale restaurants add new menu items to savor the flavor of the season. The new menus include cocktails, entrees, sides and desserts.

Kona Grill– Welcome Back Pumpkin menu- Pumpkin Spice Margarita, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli & Duck Empanadas, Roasted Acorn Squash and Pumpkin Pie.

STK Steakhouse- Pumpkin Menu- Pumpkin Bourbon Smash, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli & Lobster, Pumpkin Potato Gratin and Pumpkin Pie. Wagyu lovers can enjoy Masabi Bone Marrow and A5 French Dip.

Okay Maguey to open in North Phoenix next week

Mexico City and southern Mexico have a cuisine which is hard to replicate throughout other regions of Mexico and next Thursday, September 19th a new restaurant and taco bar will open showcasing those flavors and ingredients. Okay Maguey honors the Peredo family traditions and recipes passed down for generations and pays homage to the family’s heritage and strong ties and roots in Mexico City.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Valley to our culture and traditions through food,” said owner Miguel Peredo. “At Okay Maguey, we don’t just serve meals; we bring the story of our family and the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life with every dish. One example is our great grandmother Carmelita’s special mole recipe, which has been passed down for generations. We simply want to share the richness of our culture and its food with our community, making every guest feel welcome to our family table.”

Chef Jose Rodriguez also has roots in Mexico City and offers scratch made dishes from the family’s recipes along with his signature flair. A few of the dishes on the menu include Tacos Gobernador, Esquite Street Corn and the distinctive Tijuana-Style Caesar Salad. Fernando Bernal is behind the bar and has over three decades of experience in the spirits industry and his cocktails complement Chef Rodriquez’s menu. Bernal’s cocktails include his signature Lavender Guava Margarita and his own La Paloma blend, all are crafted with fresh ingredients.

The Peredo family welcomes the public to Okay Maguey to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting on the 19th at 6:00 p.m. Okay Maguey is at 12005 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and to view the complete menu be sure to visit their website.

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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Arizona’s oldest deli partner’s with the state’s oldest theatre.

On Wednesday May 10th, Phoenix’s Miracle Mile Deli is donating a portion of the day’s meals to the Phoenix Theatre Company’s non-profit “Partners That Heal”. It’s part of the deli’s 74th anniversary celebration and they’re offering a $19.49 Special on the 10th. Enjoy a pastrami, brisket or corned beef sandwich and a draft beer OR piece of pie for just $19.49. They will also giveaway $100 gift cards every hour from 12-7 p.m.

Speaking of gift cards, until June 17th the deli helps celebrate moms, dads, grads & teachers for those who buy $100 gift cards with the chance to win bonus gift cards valued between $20-$100.

Phoenix City Grille hosts Suntory whiskey pairing dinner

Next Friday May 12th, the Uptown Phoenix restaurant hosts a four course dinner paired with Japanese whiskey and bourbon. After your Welcome Cocktail enjoy Seared Sea Scallop, 5 Spice Copperstate Ranch Beef Tenderloin and more from the restaurant’s culinary team. Seats are $175++ person and include a custom engraved bottle of Phoenix City Grille Maker’s Mark Bourbon. To reserve your seat for the dinner that starts at 6 p.m. email Brtittnee Reed or call 602-510-3001.

The Arizona wine community celebrates wine pioneer Bob Lynch

On Saturday May 13th Pillsbury Wine Co. and Page Spring Cellars celebrate the man who had a great impact on the Arizona wine industry prior to his death. The University Club at Monte Vista & 3rd St in Phoenix will host the event from 6-8 p.m. that will include wine paired with tapas and a silent auction with select wines from Bob’s wine cellar. Historian Erik Berg will speak about how Bob helped in having the Arizona wine laws changed in 2006. Tickets are $75 per person and per Bob’s wishes will be donated to the Robert S Lynch Arizona Wine Legacy Fund.

Mesquite Fresh Street Mex partners with Phoenix Rising FC

The locally owned fast casual maker of tacos, burritos, bowls and more is an official partner of Arizona’s only football club for the 2023 season. Mesquite will benefit from the Rising’s promotional activities including posters, video boards, game day signage and more. Fans will benefit by getting free taco cards at home matches and 15% off in store purchases at their new 40th & Washington St. location. Mesquite also provides up to $6,000 worth of meal credits to the team’s players and staff.

Serrano’s May food & drink specials

If you’re still looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo today you can get house margaritas and $4 16oz. drafts of Mexican beer when you dine in any of their 4 locations. All month long the locations in Mesa (2), Chandler and Queen Creek offer three specials. A portion of the proceeds of the specials will be donated to Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a local non-profit that provides free primary healthcare and prescription medications to uninsured Arizonans.

Mangonada: A sweet and spicy mango margarita mixture with Chamoy and Tajin, served in a Tajin-rimmed glass. $6.99

Sonoran Spring Rolls: Serrano’s version of a spring roll filled with a mixture of ground beef, chorizo, corn, black bean salsa and cheese topped with a spicy lime crema. Served with a side salad. $10.99

Dessert Nachos: A layer of house-made buñuelos topped with mixed berries, cheesecake sauces, chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, whipped cream and a sprig of mint. $8.99

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