It’s “Tomaso Month” at The Italiano with a special menu

There’s no better way to honor one’s family than to recreate what they did best and enjoyed doing. In the case of Chef Joey Maggiore, it’s to dedicate a month long specially created menu at his newest restaurant, The Italiano, in honor of his father, chef & restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore who passed away four years ago this month.

Through the end of January guests can dine on a four-course menu of Tomaso’s signature dishes made with handmade pastas and slow-cooked sauces. The “Tomaso Month” menu is as follows……

First Course: (For the table)

  • Antipasto – Eggplant Napoletana, Mozzarella Caprese, Bruschetta with Auricchio Provolone, Roasted Peppers
  • Scungilli & Calamari – Roasted garlic, potatoes, and a spicy tomato wine broth

Second Course:

  • Sicilian Salad – Heirloom tomatoes, fennel, poached potatoes, red onion, puntarelle, and a citrus vinaigrette

Primi Piatti:

  • Mezza Rigatoni alla Norma – Heirloom tomato sauce, braised eggplant, and dried ricotta

Fourth Course: (Choose One)

  • Petra Sole Francese – Lightly egg-battered with lemon wine caper sauce
  • Stuffed Veal Cuscinetto – Mascarpone, prosciutto, wild mushroom ricotta, and a sherry wine demi
  • Divine Sausage & Peppers – House made, chargrilled with caramelized onions, peppers, and a San Marzano wine sauce

Dessert:

  • Angel KissesStrawberries stuffed with cannoli cream

For more information and to make your reservation visit the restaurant’s website.

Lin’s Grand Buffet to open near Metrocenter in January

All-you-can-eat family friendly restaurant, Lin’s Grand Buffet is bringing a new modern look to its newest location opening next month in Phoenix. It will be the 17th location in the southwest offering classic Asian American dishes such as Orange Chicken, Beef & Broccoli and Sesame Chicken along with fresh seafood, sushi, and made-to-order- steaks.

“We’re thrilled to expand our footprint with this refresh design here in Phoenix,” says CEO Frank Lam. “Since our founding in 2002, Lin’s Grand Buffet has been dedicated to serving our communities with quality food and friendly service. This location’s vision aligns perfectly with the revitalization of Metrocenter, and we’re excited to contribute to transforming this area into a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.”

At over 10,000 square feet the Lin’s Grand Buffet can accommodate over 370 guests with a large selection of dishes for every taste. Opening in late January the restaurant at 10021 N. Metro Pkwy. 85051 will be the seventh in Arizona and will have a family friendly grand opening with ribbon-cutting, dragon dances and more with the opening date being announced in early January. 2025 will also see more expansion for the company in Arizona.

“In today’s challenging economic climate, our mission remains the same: to provide an affordable dining option where families and friends can gather, celebrate, and enjoy quality food without compromise,” Lam added. For more information and updates visit their website or follow them on social media.

Riot Hospitality Group to open Shiv Supper Club in early 2025

The Scottsdale restaurant scene will start 2025 with a new supper club offering a new culinary experience when Riot Hospitality Group opens its new Shiv Supper Club in the first couple months of the new year at 7373 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale. The new upscale supper club, named after the culinary instrument, will be the first of its kind in Arizona and cover over 13,000 square feet.

“We created Shiv Supper Club to be a fully immersive experience inspired by the world’s most renowned dining destinations,” said Ryan Hibbert, CEO of Riot Hospitality Group. “From the creativity behind the menu to the energy of the venue, every element has been perfectly crafted to excite every guest, and Shiv elevates the standard for fine dining in Scottsdale.”

Riot Hospitality’s Culinary Director Dustin Cooke from the group’s Hand Cut Chop House and Farm & Craft curated the menu with Restaurateur and Chef Jeff Mahin from the Michelin starred Fat Duck in England, Nobu and restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You. The dishes will show off luxurious ingredients and photo-worthy presentation including caviar, seafood towers and Truffle Butter Bread Service to start. Prepared table-side fresh truffles will be shaved into the house-made compound butter. Entrees will include Charcoal Fired Prime Steaks including the colossal Tomahawk steak prepared table-side. Other dishes include Scallop Crudo and Smoked Show Chowder with halibut in a lemon broth.

The cocktail program at Shiv will include everything from classic Martinis to signature cocktails each thoughtfully created for taste and presentation. A well-curated wine list will offer something for every occasion. Nightly entertainment will take the stage to keep the energy going with cutting-edge sound and technology that will take your senses to the next level. The Dessert Room by Shiv will offer champagne, decadent desserts and more entertainment for the late-night crowd. For more information and updates visit Shiv’s website and follow them on social media.

Pacific Rim & Bento brings Hawaiian food & culture to Mesa

Looking to eat Hawaiian dishes and learn about the Pacific culture, then a new restaurant in Mesa can help you visit the islands without visiting the islands. Chef and owner Blaise Aki opened Pacific Rim & Bento to introduce people to the foods of his native island Kauai and its aloha spirit. Everything from the traditional Hawaiian lunch plate to poke to Kalua pork to musubi to bento boxes are available at his new brick and mortar restaurant.

Food is love and I love sharing my culture with our community one delicious dish at a time,” said Aki. “One thing I am proud to offer is our award-winning poke, we’re sourcing the freshest high-quality fish possible and have weekly poke specials.” 

After high school Aki joined the Marines, then went off to culinary school in Portland before returning to Hawaii as an executive chef at an exclusive resort in Wailua. He and his wife Kanani decided to move to Arizona in the early 2000s wanting to plant some roots on the mainland. Pacific Rim & Bento isn’t Aki’s first foray in the local food and restaurant industry as he’s been the owner of Pacific Rim & Sushi, his successful food truck and catering company. His dream was to one day open a brick-and-mortar restaurant serving quality food and to connect with the community and sharing the Hawaiian culture.

Pacific Rim & Bento is at 1720 W. Southern Ave. Mesa 85202 and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information visit their website.

Randy’s Donuts opening newest Phoenix area location in Gilbert

L.A.’s iconic Randy’s Donuts continues its expansion with its third Phoenix area location on Thursday, October 10th in Gilbert. When the doors open at 6 a.m., as they do daily, the first 100 people in line will get a free glazed donut and all visiting that day can enter to win free donuts for a year with the winner announced on Monday, October 14th.

 “It’s been very exciting to come into the Arizona market,” said Brian Padilla, local managing partner. “People know Randy’s Donuts from our appearances in movies and television shows and many Arizonans are familiar with the brand from their travels to Southern California. We’re honored to be a part of the company’s 70+ year legacy.” Padilla and partners Richard Suzuki and Carlos Munoz have plans to open multiple franchised locations in Arizona, New Mexico & El Paso, Texas.

Randy’s Donuts was founded in 1962 and is known for its giant 32-foot donut on the rooftop of its original location in Inglewood. For over 70 years Randy’s has been making over 60 varieties of donuts by hand in classic, deluxe, fancy and premium donuts using proprietary ingredients that make the donuts fluffier. What goes better with a donut, than a cup of coffee and Randy’s has their own blend, Randy’s Roast, roasted just for their coffee blends, espresso and cold brew. Also, on the menu are boba drinks, breakfast sandwiches, frappes and creamy real ice cream milkshakes.

The Gilbert location of Randy’s Donuts is at 4935. S. Val Vista Dr. and features a drive thru. For more information 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.

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.

Prince Street Pizza coming to Mill Ave. in 2025

Tempe’s CenterPoint’s owners Wexford Developments has announced that the popular Sicilian and Neapolitan pizza concept Prince Street Pizza will be take over the spot vacated by Jimmy John’s in early 2025. Founded by Lorenzo Hidalgo, Tempe is the first Arizona location to go with locations in NYC, LA, Miami, Toronto Las Vegas, Costa Mesa and others.

“Bringing Prince Street Pizza to Mill Ave is a thrilling opportunity for us. We’re excited to share our New York-style slices and Sicilian squares with a new community that’s full of energy and enthusiasm.  We can’t wait for locals and visitors alike to experience the unique flavors and vibe that have made Prince St. Pizza a staple in NYC,” said Prince Street Pizza Owner Lawrence Longo.

Once opened the walk-up slice shop will serve a selection pizza pies, slices in different sizes including its “Prince Perfection Pie”. It will also join other restaurants in the next year at CenterPoint including a new high-end restaurant and cocktail concept from the owners of Wren & Wolf and Pedal Haus Brewing owner Julian Wright who announced a new cocktail concept.

“Prince Street Pizza is one of the fastest growing pizza companies in the country right now.  The pizza is some of the best I’ve ever had, and this concept will be a great addition to our CenterPoint asset,” said Sam Gordon, co-founder and principal of Wexford Developments. For more information visit Prince Streets website.

Cooper & Sage to open 2nd location in Goodyear

Westside Concepts has announced the opening of their newest location of Copper & Sage in downtown Goodyear on Tuesday, October 1st. It comes less than a year after the first location opened in Uptown Phoenix in November 2023. The southern influenced gastropub with innovative cocktails and a swanky vibe will be the one of the first to open at GSQ, a 150-acre destination with high quality restaurants, shopping, entertainment and more. It’s one of several concepts from Westside Concepts that include Haymaker, NW Coffee and Maple & Rye.

“Vintage and warm are good words to describe Copper & Sage,” said Westside Concepts Owner and West Valley resident Joey Lucidi. “Whether it’s Tuesday night and you want great bar food or it’s your anniversary and it’s a special night out, this is the place. We’re really excited to be opening in Goodyear at GSQ. It’s more of what we need in the West Valley. I believe GSQ could be one of the coolest places in the entire Valley.”

Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations Chef Evon Profitt has created the southern style menu that includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Pickles & Pimento, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus and Chicken Gings for starters. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits topped with bacon and mushrooms, Bayou Mussels and Fried Chicken and Beignets.

Copper & Sage will cover 4,500 spacious square feet with a large dining room, full bar and patio for outdoor dining. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch and is at 1975 N. Globe Dr. Goodyear 85395. For more information and to apply for a job visit their website.

 

The Italiano to open in Scottsdale next month

Friday, September 20th will see the grand opening of the newest restaurant and concept, The Italiano from The Maggiore Group at 90th St and Shea Blvd. It will be the group’s sixth concept from Joey Maggiore and his culinary team offering an elevated and unique dining experience.

“This is truly our best concept yet! We’re drawing inspiration from every corner of Italy to blend age-old traditions with innovative approaches,” says Maggiore, chef and co-founder of The Maggiore Group and Chef Joey Concepts. “We can’t wait for you to experience our family’s heritage in a new and familiar way.”

Designed by Maggiore’s wife Cristina, The Italiano offer over 7,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining, a private dining room and art that pays tribute to Joey’s late father, chef & Restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore. The restaurant will feature limestone and olive trees throughout once guests enter through the picturesque entry and doorway.

Old school Italian dishes at The Italiano

Once opened the menu will feature traditional Italian red sauce dishes with Chef Joey’s touch. Like their other concepts, The Italiano will feature a unique interactive experience with the introduction of an antipasto cart where guests can build their own plate with over 30 different items to choose from. After dinner guests can enjoy a must try Limoncello cocktail from the cart along with desserts chosen from the Zabiaone dessert cart.

The restaurant is currently hiring front and back-of-the house staff and those interested can get more information and apply at https://harri.com/magg-italiano-scottsdale. The Italiano is at 9301 E. Shea Blvd and will be open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner. For more information visit their website or follow them on Instagram @TheItalianoTrattoria.