Quick sips & bites of news about whatās going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
Start 2021 off celebrating National Bloody Mary Day
New Year’s Day lands on a Friday in 2021 so nobody is in a hurry to get back to work so continue celebrating the New Year with a Bloody Mary. U.S. Egg, Pedal Haus Brewery, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Twin Peaks are all celebrating the A.M. cocktail favorite. Signature Bloody Marys are shaking up your morning as you get ready for what 2021 has in store.
Restaurants continue open new locations around the valley.
Not only is Dog Haus opening a new location but so are Z’ Tejas, Angry Crab Shack & Thai Chili 2 Go. The popular Southwestern & Mexican cuisine restaurant is opening a new lakeside restaurant in February at Scottsdale’s Mercado de Lago on Hayden Rd. at Via de Ventura. Angry Crab Shack has already started serving seafood and its popular Seafood Boils at its 12th Arizona location in Laveen. Thai Chili 2 Go is opening its 11th quick casual restaurant in Gilbert on December 30th.
Still time to order take-out or make a reservation for NYE.
Restaurants continue to take reservations and planning for take-out food as we say good bye to 2020. This updated list has restaurants around the valley serving up your last meal of 2020.
Restaurants continue to give and give in the holiday season.
In November Dominick’s Steak House, Ocean 44 and Steak 44 raised over $64,000 for local charities. Make A-Wish Foundation Arizona, PANDA and The Phoenix Heart Ball/ American Heart Association will benefit from the money raised.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has raised over $110,000 in 2020 for No Kid Hungry through its fundraising initiatives. May 2021 be as generous to the local community from Phoenix restaurants.
Restaurants around the valley are getting ready to give 2020 one last “f**k you” as they prepare the last meals of the year. Christmas (Xmas) and New Year’s Eve (NYE) menus are planned and restaurants are taking reservations and orders for dining in or taking out for your holiday dining. These restaurants are doing the cooking for you but you need to get your reservations or orders in soon before it’s too late.
Gilbert’s 12 West Brewing will ring in 2020 in style when it opens its new taproom on New Year’s Eve. Finding 12 West Main Street should be easy as it’s the name and address of the taproom in downtown Mesa. The former event venue is owned by 12 West founder and Mesa native Bryan McCormick.
ā12 West Brewing Company is crafted for the community. We know the bond formed when sharing a pint or sipping a cocktail at the bar–people meet, converse and make memories surrounded by good friends, tasty food, and great beer. We want to be a community space, where our guests are on their own time,ā says owner Bryan McCormick, who also owns 12 West Brewing at Barnone in Gilbert. āI always wanted to put a brewery in here,ā he said. āI waited for the light rail to get built and for Mesaās time to come.ā That time is now, he said, with downtown Mesa ready for growth. The 19,000 sq ft building has undergone extensive renovations recently, and there are plans to develop the basement into a music venue in the near future.
Beer, cocktails & food at 12 West
12 West Brewing beers will be poured along with beers it collaborates on with other brewers. Classic cocktails will use spirits of local distillers Arizona Distilling Company and Grand Canyon Brewing & Distilling. Chef David Linville has created a menu with small plates, flatbreads and salads. Signature dishes include the Bretzel, a Bavarian pretzel made with beer cheese with 12 West’s Wheat Beer. The Katsu Chicken sandwich is a Japanese style of fried chicken topped with Asian slaw. Linville sources ingredients locally and every aspect of the menu is made in house from fresh, whole foods.
12 West Main Street will be open 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun- Thurs. and 11 a.m. – midnight on Fri. and Sat.
As Phoenix restaurants fill up with New Year’s Eve reservations diners decide where to dine for a final meal of 2018. Mora Italian offers a 4 course prie fixe menu starting at 4 p.m. The Italian influenced menu offers guests a wide range of flavors from Chef Scott Conant and his culinary team. This will be the only dining option at Mora on NYE.
The modern Italian menu is as follows….
First (choice of)
Radicchio & Endives- blood orange, pignoli, black olives
Whether you’re ready or not the holidays are here and if you prefer to shop til you drop and leave the cooking to someone else you’re not alone. Tanzy Restaurant at the Scottsdale Quarter is ready to serve you and your family whether it’s Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
3 days of Christmas at Tanzy Restaurant
James Beard award-winning chef Sherry Yard is preparing a 4 course tasting menu starting Sunday Dec. 23rd through Christmas Day. The menu includes Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi, Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad and Herb Crusted Prime Rib.Ā Your meal ends with a “Concord Cake”, a trio of mousse, cake and meringue with a caramelized Apple Tart Tatin. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice there’s a special gift from chef Yard.
There is a vegetarian option that substitutes maple glazed butternut squash for the prime rib.
Cost for the meal is $68 per person with an optional $30 wine pairing available. Children 12 & under are $20 and iPic Access Members pay $58. The vegetarian option is also $58.
5 courses on New Year’s Eve
Ring in 2019 with a 5-course dinner and live music starting at 5 p.m. Dinner goes past midnight and includes Ossteria Caviar, Tanzy Roasted Beet & Burrata, Grilled Lamb Chops with Seared Scallops followed by Raspberry & Vanilla Baked Alaska.
Prefer a vegetarian meal, opt for the Tempura Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto.
A complimentary glass of champagne is included with your $95 per person dinner. The optional wine pairing is an additional $35 and iPic Access members and vegetarian option is $85.
Afterwards stroll over to the iPic Theater next door for a relaxing movie to end your evening.
To make your Christmas or New Year’s Eve reservations at Tanzy Restaurant call (480)483-3255 or visit their website.
Tanzy Restaurant and the Scottsdale Quarter are at 15257 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85254.
With New Year’s Eve on a Sunday this year and a day off on Monday you can say good-bye to 2017 & hello to 2018 starting at 10:30 in the morning at Hula’s Modern Tiki in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Photo courtesy of Hula’s Modern Tiki
New Year’s Eve daytime
Stop in on your way home from church or a hike for Hula’s weekend brunch and all day Happy Hour. Hula’s island inspired brunch includes Eggs Benedict w/ Spam, ham and more will be served until 2:30 p.m.
Happy Hour drinks flow from 10:30 a.m. –Ā 6p.m. with $6 signature tropical cocktails including Dark & Stormy, Zombie and the award-winning Painkiller. Sparkling wine and Mimosa’s will be $3 for day drinking.
Eggs Benedict with Spam. Photo courtesy of Hula’s Modern Tiki
Hula’s at night
Once the sun sets and 2018 gets closer by the second Hula’s continues to party the night away. The kitchen will be cooking up island favorites until 10:00 p.m.Ā and $3 glasses of Champagne flowing starting at 6:00 p.m.
Ring in the new year at Hula’s at midnight and you’ll be offered a complimentary Champagne toast.
Make your way to Hula’s in Scottsdale at 7213 E. 1st Ave. 85251 or in Phoenix at 4700 N. Central Ave #122 85012. For more information check theirĀ website
It’s 10 days until we can kiss 2016 good bye and welcome the excitement 2017 will bring us. Those that like to ring in the new year in style can find plenty of places around Phoenix to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Below is a list of several restaurants that are offering dinner on the big night.
The EVO salad photo courtesy of EVO
Pomelo at The Orchard
Chef Javi Perez will be serving dinner from 5pm – 10pm on New Year’s Eve with limited seating for the prie fix menu. The cost is $120 per couple with 2 glasses of Veuve Cliquot champagne included. To make reservations call 602-633-2600.
Starters (one to share)
Calamari & Shrimp FrittiāCrispy calamari and shrimp served with pomodoro and buttermilk dressing.
Chefās BoardāAssortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses with toasted baguettes.
WedgeāHalf head of iceberg lettuce, bleu cheese buttermilk dressing, crispy bacon, hard-boiled egg and tomato confit. (suggested wine pairing) Saint Louis Sancerre | 2014, Loire Valley
Specialties (one per person)
New York Strip *MRā(12 oz.) angus beef grilled over Arizona Mesquite served with shrimp in a parmesan sauce, seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes.(suggested wine pairing) Poggio alla Guardia Super Tuscan | 2012, Tuscany, Italy
Short RibsāBraised to perfection served with a peppercorn demi glaze sauce and served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes (suggested wine pairing) Milbrandt Merlot | 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington
Salted caramel cookieāWarm salted caramel over shortbread cookie served with vanilla gelato, chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. (suggested wine pairing) Veuve Clicquot Rose | NV, Reims, France
Pomelo at The Orchard is part of The Orchard PHX, a two acre venue located at 7100 N 12th St. in Phoenix. http://www.pomelophx.com
Sorso Wine Room
North Scottsdale’s Sorso Wine Room will offer 2 seating’s for their celebration at 6:30 & 8:30. Chef Paige Murphy will prepare a 5 course prie fixe menu with a wine or beer pairing. The cost is $100 per person and includes tax & gratuity. Additional bottles of wine are 1/2 all night. To make a reservation call 480-951-4344. The menu may include the following….
Zuzu will over 2 seatings at 5:30 for $75 per person and 8:00 for $95 per person for a 3 course dinner. Those who attend either dinner are invited to a complimentaryĀ rooftop Champagne toast at midnight.Ā Tax, gratuity and alcohol are additional at dinner.
New Year’s Eve at Tavern Americana will be served from 5pm- 10 pm with a course dinner for $55 per person ++ with limited seating available. To reserve your seat call 480-502-6740.
1stĀ CourseĀ
Caesar Salad | Parmigiano Reggiano | Lemon | Brioche | Black Pepper
EVO ends 2016 with a 4 course Italian feast starting 4pm going til 2am for $55 per person. The menu below will be the only menu served on New Year’s Eve and those in the bar can order a la carte. To RSVP call 480-265-9814.
CHEESE PLATE- GORGONZOLA/ POACHED PEAR/ BRIE/ DATE JAM/ DRUNKEN GOAT/ BLUE SKY HONEY
EVOĀ 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480-265-9814 www.evoscottsdale.com
Joe’s Midnight Run
3 seatings will be available on New Year’s Eve at Joe’s Midnight Run in central Phoenix. 5:00 & 7:30 seatings are $65 per person and the 10:00 seating is $75 per personĀ and will include party favors and a champagne toast. Reservations can be made by phone at 480-459-4467 or by email at info@joesmidnightrun.com
Opening Course: Choose 1
Ā Pulpo-grilled fingerling potatoes, paprika oil, garlic and lemon
Two weeks from today many of us will be waking up with cob webs in our head while waiting for the coffee to kick in after ringing in 2017. New Year’s Day 2017 falls on a Sunday and it’s also National Bloody Mary Day. There’s no way better to cure the hangover while continuing the celebration than with the traditional hangover cocktail. Put your New Year’s resolution to get in shape or drink less on hold for another day or 2 and head to these restaurants that will be offering Bloody Mary’s with twist.
Vintage 95’s Miss Mary
Grimaldiās Pizzeria. Locally owned Grimaldiās Pizzeria recently launched a cocktail menu that has a Bloody Mary made with their secret pizza sauce. The Grimaldiās Bloody Mary is made with Grimaldiās famous pizza sauce and is combined with New Amsterdam Vodka, Demitri BM mix and is served ice and topped with a medley of pizza toppings. To find a Grimaldi’s near you visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
Vintage 95 The Miss. Mary is Vintage 95 Wine Loungeās nod to the classic morning drink. Created with house made Bloody Mary mix that includes horseradish, Worcestershire, Sriracha and tomato juice to give the drink a nice spicy kick. Mix in Svedka vodka and garnished with Beelerās bacon, olives and a lime wedge makes this drink a standout. $5.00Ā For information visit www.vintage95.com.
Twin Peaks If you like a drink that will put a bit of hair on your chest, Twin Peaks has the Bloody Mary for you. Absolut Peppar Vodka mixes with tomato juice for a spicy concoction thatās garnished with celery, an olive, and of course, bacon. www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com.
Thirsty Lion The Gastropub offers two Bloody Maryās on their menu. Try the Sriracha Bloody Mary Vodka made with sriracha sauce, tomato juice and Demitriās spices. If you want something even spicier try the Wasabi Bloody Mary made with wasabi, tomato juice and Demitriās spices! For Thirsty Lion locations visit www.thirstyliongastropub.com.
Shopping for gifts can be a daunting task for many, if there is a wine lover on your naughty or nice list it can be an even more daunting task with the ocean of wines available. A good way to shop for wine is to “try before you buy” and vommFASS Scottsdale is giving you the opportunity to do just that with 5 FREE wine tastings in the month of December. Whether your shopping for food friendly holiday wines, wine from around the U.S. or Europe or looking for bubbles for New Year’s Eve vommFASS Scottsdale has you covered.
vommFASS Scottsdale will also be hosting a Wine & Design event. The schedule of tastings is below.
Photo courtesy of vommFASS Scottsdale
Sweet or Dry?
Test your palate with Sweet and Dry wines at this tasting led by our sommelier. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 1. 5:30 pm FREE
Wine and Design
Happy Holidays! Enjoy great wines and appetizers while painting your own wine glass! Learn how to paint fun, festive art so your wine glass is holiday ready.
Wednesday, December 7. 6:00 pm.$30 per person (call to purchase tickets.Ā 480-699-1099)
France vs. Italy
Do you prefer France or Italy? Find out with our sommelier. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 8. 5:30 p.m. FREE
California vs. Washington
Do you know the difference between California & Washington wines?Ā Find out with vomFASS sommelier leading the class. Paired hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 15. 5:30 pm FREE
Holiday Wines
Led by our sommelier, find the perfect wine to complement your Holidays. Delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 22. 5:30 pm FREE
Happy New Year!
Celebrate with Bubbles and Dessert Wine! Sample both at this tasting led by our sommelier. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Thursday, December 29. 5:30 pm FREE
vomFASS Scottsdale is at the Scottsdale Waterfront 7135 E Camelback Rd, Suite 145
Scottsdale, AZĀ 85251. For more information go to http://www.scottsdale.vomfassusa.com
