Tag: music

The Uncommon brings 70s, 80s, & 90s nostalgia eatery to Chandler

Baby boomers and Gen X’s will reminisce strolling down memory lane surrounded by life size video games, pinball machines and music from classic rock to new wave at the new eatery and arcade The Uncommon. Downtown Chandler welcomed the opening last month to the sister concept from the Tipsy Egg.

“The amount of detail that has been packed into The Uncommon has been overwhelmingly received with smiles and laughter brought on by the memories of childhood,” said Niels Kreipke, The Uncommon owner. “The space is unrivaled in the Valley and is truly special.”

Common food at The Uncommon

Guests will enjoy scratch made comfort food with an uncommon spin from executive chef Schuyler Estes. The “Sloan Peterson” (Ferris Bueller’s girlfriend) is a smoked salmon BLT, made with avocado and garlic aioli on sourdough bread. The “Inigo Montoya” (of Princess Bride fame) is burger that’s served on a freshly made English Muffin with white American cheese, bacon, pickles, arugula, red onion and garlic aioli. “There isn’t a menu item that shouldn’t be tried here,” said Estes. “A well balanced and perfectly executed blend of offerings is key to the success of this menu.”

The cocktail menu from General Manager Nick Kadkec has as much creativity as the food. Popular cocktails including Poppin Cherry Limeade,” made with Smirnoff cherry vodka, lime juice, Sprite, grenadine and a cherry. The “1.21 Gigawatts,” is made with Basil Hayden whiskey, simple syrup and orange bitters. The “We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat” is a cocktail for two that comes in a blue ceramic fish and is served with Candy Fish and Nerds in the bottom. Over 30 craft beers are on tap from local brewers and throughout the country.

Have fun playing the games including Skeeball, shufflebaord and more in the arcade. A stage for up to 3 musicians to play on weekends with DJs spinning the classics during the week. Currently serving dinner starting at 4 p.m. for all ages The Uncommon becomes 21 and over nightly at 10 p.m. The Uncommon is at 1 E. Boston St. Chandler, for more information and to see the menu 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.

Wok ‘N Roll opens new location in midtown Phoenix

Founder & CEO Scott Stuart has opened the second location of his popular Scottsdale sushi & Asian style restaurant, Wok ‘N Roll in Phoenix at the corner of Thomas & Central. Known for its sushi, Chinese food, sports and rock n roll music Stuart opened his first location at Miller & Camelback Rds. in June ’18.

“Wok ‘N Roll combines two of my passions: great Asian food and classic rock ‘n roll.  When we decided to open in Scottsdale, the name was a natural.  We serve delicious sushi and Chinese favorites and put a smile on our customers’ faces with a bit of edgy irreverence.” says Stuart.

An accountant by trade, Wok ‘N Roll isn’t Stuart’s first restaurant as he opened O’Malley’s Sports, Spirits and Grill in Phoenix. He left the industry to raise his daughter then jumped at the opportunity to take over the former J’s Kaiyo Sushi. The fun and casual restaurant offers build-your-own rice & noodles bowls, traditional Chinese dishes and sushi. Starters such as Big Eye Tune Poke, Cucumber Salad and wings also adorn the menu. His fondness of Classic Rock can be found in his signature cocktails with names such as “2 Tickets to “Paradise” and “Smokin in the Boys Room”.

“Last year, when we were allowed to offer take-out only, I’d DJ on the patio in Scottsdale. People gathered in the parking lot.  Then I did pig roasts for fans to recall the scents of our kitchen. More people gathered.  As a result, when we were able to increase occupancy, we came out of COVID strong.”

The Phoenix location is larger than the Scottsdale location at 4,000 square feet and includes a lot of rock & roll memorabilia and lyrics of favorite songs on the wall. “Wok ‘N Roll appeals to boomers AND the younger crowds who grew up hearing their parents’ brand of rock music played over the years.  It’s a fun, welcoming atmosphere and rewarding for us because we appeal to a wide range of patrons. We’re very excited to bring our concept to Central Phoenix.”

Wok ‘N Roll Phoenix is at 2801 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85004. For more information check out their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

Reel Pizza Pies offers “Pies & Vibes” and more in Surprise

Kaleb Copenhaver, owner of the new Reel Pizza Pies had two passions growing up, pizza and music. So what do you do, you open a pizza restaurant with a great playlist. That’s what the 22 year old Copenhaver did with his new restaurant that opened May 20th in the Marley Park shopping center in Surprise.

“Reel Pizza Pies is a cool place to go with great music and great pizza,” says Copenhaver of his 1,200-square-foot, 15-seat restaurant that serves slices, whole pies as well as sandwiches and subs via counter-service style. “We set ourselves apart by using the best and freshest ingredients in an energetic and fun environment,” he adds.

Copenhaver started working in pizza restaurants at the age of 16 and has traveled the country tasting great pizza before opening Reel Pizza Pies. He uses 00 organic flour, fresh mozzarella and organic Bianco tomatoes in his New York style thin crust and thick Sicilian style pizzas and makes fresh bread and dough with a traditional approach. Pizza is baked in an Electric Deck Oven he calls the “pizza master”. He also makes subs, salads and desserts and meatballs using his grandmother’s recipe.

Starting at 11 a.m. Friday May 22nd the first 50 customers will receive a free cheese pizza with the purchase of a beverage. Saturday June 20th will be the official grand opening with a pizza tasting, games, prizes and more.

The restaurant is at 13953 W. Waddell Road, Suite 103 Surprise 85379. Delivery is available within specific boundaries. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. For more information and a complete menu, visit their website.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish to play at SanTan Brewing’s Oktoberfest

Beer and music go hand in hand and SanTan Brewing Company is well a where of that. It is for that reason SanTan is celebrating their 9th anniversary and Oktoberfest with bands Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish on Saturday October 1st in downtown Chandler.

Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett
Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett

music, games and more

When the gates open at 3pm festival goers will be treated to Ken Levine’s Funkhaus Brass Band followed by games that include beer pong, a pretzel toss, tricycle races, Brat eating contest and a wiener dog race. SanTan will be pouring their core beers along with their Bavarian style Oktoberfest lager and food will be available from Gorilla Cheese Truck, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Beignet Babes and more.

photo courtesy of Jen Pruett
photo courtesy of Jen Pruett

roger clyne and the peacemakers and reel big fish

When the sun goes down is when Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers hit the stage at 7:10 pm followed by Reel Big Fish at 9:30 to close out the festival.

Tickets

Pre-sale tickets are available for $12 at http://www.santanoktoberfest.com/ with day of tickets available for $15. Part of the proceeds will go to non-profit, St. Joseph the Worker which helps the homeless, low income and others become self-sufficient through quality employment. http://www.sjwjobs.org/ 

SanTan’s Oktoberfest will be at Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth, Chandler, AZ 85225

Drink up at CrushBrew Craft Beverage Festival is in Scottsdale February 19th and 20th

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If you’re drink of choice comes from a craft brewer, winery or distillery you’ll want to be in downtown Scottsdale on Friday & Saturday February 19th & 20th as beverages from 50 craft beverage producers from Arizona, California and beyond will be poured at the CrushBrew Craft Beverage Festival. From 3 p.m.- 9 p.m. at The Scottsdale Waterfront festival goers will get to taste beers, ciders, spirits and wines from up & coming producers as well as well reputed producers such as Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, North Coast Brewing and George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey.

Wood fired pizzas will be available from local pizza restaurants to sample and purchase and will also compete in the CrushBrew Pizza throw-down. The beautiful weather will be complimented by live music the likes of Andres, Kassi Jayde and more.

Tickets start at $45 per day($80 for both Fri. & Sat.) and include GoVino glassware, 15 tasting tickets and access to the after party at the W Hotel & 6 more tasting tickets. VIP tickets are available as well with information & tickets available at http://www.crushbrewfestival.com/.

Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen celebrates New Year’s Eve Carnaval style.

Scottsdale’s Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen will be hosting it’s 1st New Year’s Eve with a Copacabana styled Carnaval party. Just like in Rio Di Janerio party goers will have live music, dancing, tasty cocktails and delicious food.

Starting with a champagne reception and hor d’oeuvres followed by a traditional Brazilian buffet that includes salads, leg of lamb, beef medallions, fish stew and more with desserts and coffee follow. Then ring in the New Year with live music from Rio Bahia and dancing the Samba with performances by Samba USA. As midnight approaches enjoy a complimentary Champagne toast & Caipairinha’s will be priced at Happy Hour prices all night.

The party starts at 8p.m. and tickets are $100.00 per person. Tickets may be pre-purchased at the restaurant or via the web site. Please visit www.carvalhosnye.weebly.com/ for tickets and information. This is a 21 and over event.

Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen is located at 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd. , Scottsdale, Arizona, (Pinnacle of Scottsdale).

The 6th annual Arizona BBQ Festival & Redneck games stumbles in to Salt River Fields

AZ BBQ Festival PRINT (122 of 416)

Grab your favorite toothpick & pair of overalls because the 6th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival & Redneck Games is stumbling in to Salt River Fields on Saturday May 2nd from 12 noon- 10 p.m. Brought to you by the kissing cousins at Affordable Food Festivals this event is bound to excite all and offend many with their antics in the redneck arena such as toilet seat horseshoes, cow milking, a Daisy Dukes beauty pageant & bobbing for pigs feet.

If the Redneck Games aren’t your thing, there will be over 25 of the top pit masters including Honey Bear’s, Pork on a Fork and Bootleggers smokin n grillin pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more with $2 samples and full meals for purchase. If that’s not enough loosen your belt, if you’re wearing one, and settle in for some Honky Tonk music starting at 12:30 with the band Honey Girl followed by Laura Walsh, Ashley Wineland, The Troubador Experience, Tommy Ash Band and Neon Circus taking the stage 8:30 p.m. & 9:30.

Fear not drinkers as plenty of ice cold Tito’s Vodka, beer and more will be available to keep you cool.

Tickets to this all ages festival are available for $12 includes free parking & kids 12 & under are free. VIP tickets are available in advance for $60 in advance and $75 at the door. VIP ticket holders get 5 drink ticket, 8 food tokens and access to private bathrooms & seating next to the main stage and most of all not feeling like a redneck. Tickets can be purchased at www.azbbqfestival.com

Salt River Fields is at 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85258

Celebrate WOBtoberfest at World of Beer Tempe this Saturday October 12th

WOBtoberfestTime to bust out your favorite pair of lederhosen as we are smack dab in the middle of Octoberfest and there’s no better way to celebrate than with beers, Brats and beer maids. That and more are in store this Saturday, October 12th as World of Beer Tempe celebrates WOBtoberfest. Starting at 4 p.m. and going until closing at 2 a.m. Customer can enjoy 20 Oktoberfest and seasonal beers that include selections from Arizona breweries including SanTan Brewing, Four Peaks, Grand Canyon Brewing and Mudshark Brewing.

World’s Craft Beer Buyer, JP Watts said, “Our WOBtoberfest coincides with Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lakes so folks can hit us up on their way or come and chill out after their done. Either way, we’re planning a free festive event with bands, tavern fare and craft beer for all.”

Traditional Brats and Bavarian pretzels along with other tavern fare will be available to pair with your beers. Live entertainment starts at 4 p.m. with Catfish Mustache taking the stage followed by Pride Through Strife, Fred Green and DJ Hanzerelli going on every 2 hours.

This is a 21 and over event and is free. for more information check out http://www.facebook.com/WOBTempe