Tag: Peoria

Bao and fried chicken festival returning for 7th time

The 7th annual Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival with the Fried Chicken and Wing Festival returns to Peoria’s Centennial Plaza Park on Saturday and Sunday, January 25th & 26th 2025. Over 20 vendors from all over the valley will feature festival exclusive sweet & savory foods with the goal of the festival to showcase local small businesses helping them grow and a place for people to discover and try new foods.

What is bao? According to Food Republic they are a “complete meal conveniently packed away in a white, warm, soft bun.” They are a type of dumpling like takoyaki and potstickers. With fried chicken being served all over the world, each culture has its own take of the comfort food favorite. With one ticket you can try a variety of bao, dumplings, fried chicken, wings and more.  Expect to see dishes from Hot Bamboo, Happy Buns, Flippin Rice, Boka Grindz and others serving hot and delicious foods. Live performances will keep people entertained and merchandise will be available for sale.

Tickets for the 7th annual Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival are $14 for Early Admission at 11 a.m., $8 for General Admission at 12:30 p.m. and $6 Happy Hour admission at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for both days are available as are ticket bundles with merchandise and more. Parking is free and tickets can be purchased at Ticket Tailor.

 

 

Veteran’s Day meals & deals around Arizona

Veteran’s Day is Monday, November 11th and on that day, we honor our military personnel and their families thanking them for their service and dedication to the United States of America. Throughout Arizona restaurants salute them by saving some money on food & drinks.

Cider Corps– Mesa- The veteran owned cidery not only celebrates Veteran’s Day but it’s 7th anniversary the weekend of November 8th-11th. Four new ciders including Ghost Army, Top Dogs and more will be released along with fun & games and limited-edition merchandise for sale.

Original Breakfast House– North Phoenix- Veterans and active military personnel get a free meal for breakfast or lunch. There will also be a festive parking lot party with live music, muscle cars and more. The day is also a fundraiser for Tunnels to Towers Tempe. The nonprofit was founded for firefighter Stephen Siller and other first responders who lost their life on September 11th, 2001.

Bill’s Grill– Prescott- A free All-American burger & fries to all active and retired military personnel. No purchase necessary.

Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- All active and retired military with military I.D. get 20% off their meal not including alcohol, tax & tip starting at 4 p.m. when you dine-in.

Burrito Express– Multiple locations- All active and retired military get a free burrito with valid I.D.

Miracle Mile Deli- Phoenix- Veteran’s always get 10% off at MMD but on the 11th they get 20% with I.D. for dine-in or take-out.

Rusty Spur Saloon– Old Town Scottsdale- Free t-shirt for retired and active members of the military. No purchase necessary, while supplies last.

32 Shea– North Phoenix- Free medium coffee of any kind, no purchase necessary.

Lakeside Bar & Grill– Peoria– A free Lakeside Burger for all members of the military, active & retired. No purchase necessary.

Red, White & Brew– Mesa & Prescott- All members of the military get a free appetizer on Sunday, November 10th.

 

Lakeside Bar & Grill unveils a new look and new menu

With the Northwest Valley seeing a boom in new locally owned restaurants, Lakeside Bar & Grill has been serving guests since 2008. The owners figured 2024 would be a good time to do some renovations and make the popular hangout more inviting. The new modern look comes just as the restaurant rolls out a new menu of appetizers, sandwiches, cocktails and more.

The newly redesigned Lakeside Bar & Grill has removed and lowered walls for a more open feel, exposed the brick walls, installed new modern light fixtures and new floors. New state-of-the-art TVs have been installed around the restaurant and more seating options are available. New windows will allow for more natural light to show off the new features.

What’s new on the menu at Lakeside Bar & Grill

Don’t worry customer favorite wings, burgers and the all-you-can-eat-Friday-Fish-Fry are still available, but guests will notice new dishes throughout the menu. “We’re excited to share these new creations with our guests,” said Bill Toole, owner of POV Foods, the restaurant group that owns and operates Lakeside Bar & Grill. “We aim to deliver fresh, flavorful dishes that our community will love, and we believe these new specials are a perfect reflection of that.”

New to the appetizer section is two new flavors of wings, Zesty Lemon Pepper and a fiery tropical heat rub. Buffalo Shrimp is spicy and the Lakeside Ribs offer a half rack in a sweet heat sauce. For seafood lovers there’s the new Shoreline Calamari, hand breaded and served with lemon and house-made remoulade sauce.

Burger lovers will want to wrap their hands around the new double meat patty Smash Burger. New sandwiches include The Cuban, Shrimp Po’ Boy with beer battered shrimp & garlic caper remoulade and the Chipolte Chicken Sandwich.

Those looking for entrees will see the new Sweet Heat Shrimp Bowl, Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Crispy Roasted Chicken and Shrimp Skewers on the menu. The cocktail menu has also gotten a fresh look with new margaritas and more. Sizzlin’ Strawberry Pineapple and the Blueberry Coconut Blast margaritas join Mama’s Root Beer Martini and XO Espresso Martini as a few of the new cocktails.

The family friendly sports bar has also added Whiskey Wednesday as a daily special. All day you get $5 off Bulleit, Jameson and Bulleit Rye cocktails and $2 off all burgers.

“We are proud to have served the amazing Northwest Valley neighborhood for more than 16 years as one of the original businesses at The Four Corners district,” says Toole. “It’s our pleasure to have connected with so many families over the years, and it’s exciting to be part of the rapid growth in the West Valley.”

Lakeside Bar & Grill is at 9980 West Happy Valley Pkwy. Peoria 85383. For more information and to view the entire menu visit their website.

Metro Phoenix Night Market returning in October

Night markets are popular throughout Asian culture with food vendors offering up their delicious and homemade street food. The organizers of the Metro Phoenix Night Market and Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival have announced the return of both food festivals in October. To accommodate as many people as possible one event is in the East Valley and the other in the West Valley.

Metro Phoenix Night Market

Saturday, October 5th at 4:00 p.m. is where food vendors, anime artists and other vendors offer their glimpse into Asian culture. AZ International Marketplace in Mesa will welcome boba, bao, mochi and more. You can RSVP for free and select products to purchase at this link. RSVPing is needed to for organizers head count.

AZ Bao & Dumpling Festival with Nom Nom Noodles Fest

The 6th year of the popular festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th and Sunday the 27th at Peoria’s Centennial Plaza Park starting at 11 a.m. Over 20 food vendors and even more artists will be in attendance with different vendors scheduled for day. Early bird tickets are on-sale until September 30th for $10 and other tickets and merchandise can be purchased in advance at this link. Children under 12 and parking are free, and refunds are available up until 8 days before the festival.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Memorial Day deals around Phoenix

Kona Grill- All weekend veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families get 20% off their order. On Monday, All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers in the hospitality, retail & medical industries. Enjoy a $12 red, blue, and white margarita flight during the weekend.

STK Steakhouse- 20% Off for all Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and Gold Star Families – available all weekend long. All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers – Hospitality, Retail & Medical – available Memorial Day only. Enjoy a $19.95 red, white, and blue steak topping – lobster tail, blue corn tortilla & garlic cream sauce.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria- All veterans and active military with i.d. will get 15% off their order on Monday, May 29th. All 7 Arizona locations are participating, not to be combined with other offers.

Lobster Fest returns to Pedal Haus Brewery June 1st

Lobstah or lobster regardless how you say it most love a good roll during the summer. Due to popular demand all 3 locations will be serving a Maine lobster roll, fries and mug of Day Drinker Light Lager for $25 during June and July.

Found: RE Phoenix has a Sip & Shop pop up June 3rd

The downtown Phoenix hotel invites guests and locals to enjoy the leisurely pop-up from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. next Saturday . The free event offers food & drink specials and brunch in Match Market & Bar, live music and stylish lifestyle brands from local vendors. RSVP at their Eventbrite page.

Coffee 101 is back at Press Coffee

The locally owned coffee roaster brings back their one hour interactive class at their Roastery and in Sprouts Farmers Market every Saturday at 9 a.m. Once completed you can impress your friends about how to smell, slurp and taste four delicious and distinctly different coffees from around the world and learn the nuances of farming, processing and roasting to determine flavors like the pros.

Bourbon & Bones now open in Peoria

The newest chophouse & bar is open 24985 N. 83rd Ave. Peoria 85383. It’s the Scottsdale based Square One Concepts third location in the Phoenix area.

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

Mochilero Kitchen to open new location in north Scottsdale

The world was in a state of a pandemic lock down in April 2020 when sister and brother Meliza Miranda and Jorge Cota opened their Mochilero Kitchen in Peoria. The duo and the world came through a tough few years and now they’re preparing to open a second location in Scottsdale. Once opened at Frank Lloyd Wright & Thompson Peak Pkwy the restaurant will be serving authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by Cota’s 2019 research trip to Mexico where he visited 23 out of 32 states.

“It was tough start, but we went day by day and in the end we persevered and learned a lot during those three years,” said Miranda. “Never did I think we would be opening our second location this soon but the response has been tremendous and we are so excited to show Scottsdale diners what our vibrant and authentic Mexican cuisine is all about.”

During his trip Cota, who’s worked as a chef at The Phoenican, Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott met with families & chefs and ate in restaurants, markets and homes of families tasting foods & dishes that he would use in his restaurant. “We went with the mission to get inspired so we could take the most popular and traditional dishes you find in those coastal towns and bring them home,” said Cota. “Here we’re able to put our own twist on the dishes and really create something special.”

On the menu at Mochilero Kitchen

In the kitchen at Mochilero Kitchen Cota will be making scratch made signatures dishes like Classic Mole, a dish his grandmother who was from southern Mexico would make. Other popular dishes are his version of tacos including a vegetarian mushroom taco. The popular Mariscos, raw seafood cooked in lime juice should also get rave reviews in Scottsdale. Miranda spent 10 years as a State Manager for Constellation Brands is excited to feature more than 30 types of tequila and mescals along with wine & spirits in Scottsdale.

“These are the most authentic and savory dishes you will find from the different various regions of Mexico,” said Miranda. “When you combine our cuisine with the atmosphere, I think we have created something that has a very traditional warm feeling and is family friendly and timeless all at the same time.”

The restaurant will have acoustic entertainment on some weekends and will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. Dinner service will start at 3 p.m.

Cota and Miranda are hiring new employees for the Scottsdale location and interested applicants can head to their website to fill out an application. Mochilero Kitchen will be at 14850 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in the Scottsdale Horizon Shopping Center.

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.

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.

Park West’s “Follow the Fork” event is tomorrow

West valley foodies can join Jalapeño Inferno and over a dozen more restaurants for a progressive dining experience from 6 – 9 p.m. Live music from Rock Lobster, interactive art and more will help to raise money for the Peoria Education Foundation.

National Taco Day is Tuesday October 4th

Next week’s Taco Tuesday has more tacos than most days as its National Taco Day and there are some deals to be had. Agave del Scottsdale has Happy Hour tacos all day. Z’Tejas offers 1/2 off Gringo Tacos all day with 3 beef tacos & toppings only $7.

Farmer’s Markets return this weekend

October bring the return of the popular community gathering spots that feature local produce and more. The High Street market returns to North Phoenix on Sunday’s from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Park West is at the Loop 101 & Northern on Saturday’s starting at 9 a.m. Also on Saturday morning’s is the Old Town Scottsdale farmer’s market returns tomorrow at 8 a.m.

October is National Pizza Month

The Streets of New York is celebrating all month long at their 16 locations with a 16″ one topping pizza for $20. You can save almost $4 when dining in, taking-out or for delivery, make sure you mention when ordering in use promo code $20PIZZA when ordering online. The restaurant is also launching its new seasonal menu from October 10th – December 31st. Enjoy Beer Cheese w/ Passion bread for $9, Baked Mac & Cheese for $12 and Pumpkin Cannoli for $4.

Halloween specials at Morning Squeeze

All 3 locations in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale start October with a couple of new specials all month long. Pumpkin Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast ($14) is a twist on the restaurant’s annual pumpkin themed dish. The pumpkin sauce is made in house and comes topped with pumpkin granola. The Spooky Brunch Punch ($10) combines tequila, amaretto, lime and orange juice then tops it with an eyeball garnish. A syringe of raspberry puree comes on the side to drizzle into the drink or add appropriate bloodshot effects to the ghoulish eye. 

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.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new menu

Earlier this week the locally owned pizzeria group debuted its new Fall seasonal menu. Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Green Apple Sangria, Caramel Apple Cheesecake and a Vodka Peach Mule are just a few of the new dishes & cocktails available until December 6th.

Creamistry to open first West Valley location

The ice cream shop that uses liquid nitrogen to make their delicious desserts opens at Park West, Saturday September 18th. Customers who show up between 12 – 2 p.m to the Peoria’s Park West entertainment center get a free small ice cream. There are 2 other locations in Gilbert and Scottsdale, no free ice cream though.

Don’t forget National Hamburger Day Saturday

The popular comfort food is being celebrated September 18th around town with specially made burgers at Hopdoddy Burger Bar and other burger joints around Phoenix.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe 3rd Tuesday wine dinner is happening

3 courses paired with wines from New Zealand and California at Romeo’s monthly dinner is next Tuesday the 21st. Reservations are needed for dinner at the downtown Gilbert restaurant. Dinner is $39 per person.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts tonight

For the next 10 nights, restaurants feature specially created 3 course menus at $33, $44 or $55. 150+ restaurants are participating the Fall 2021 culinary event. Reservations are highly recommended and a full list of restaurants and their menus can be found at their website. The Arizona Restaurant Association has partnered with the HonorHealth Foundation to raise money for Desert Mission Food Bank during the next 10 days.

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.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches new Spring menu

The new menu at the 7 Arizona locations celebrates the Garden of Flavors thru June 7th. Seasonal ingredients include artichokes, asparagus, sweet peaches and more. Dishes like the Panzanella Salad, Bacon & Asparagus Pizza go well with new cocktails such as the Kentucky Peach Mule & Peach Bellini. A new cauliflower crust pizza has been added as has desserts Banana Cream Cheese Cake and Caramel Coconut Cheesecake.

Found:RE Hotel celebrates Women in Wine

The downtown Phoenix hotel and signature restaurant Match Market & Bar feature wines made by women all month long in honor of International Women’s Day Monday March 8th. 18 wines from around the world are featured with a portion of sales donated to Hope Women’s Center. Many of the wines feature also donate to women’s causes around the world.

Local First Arizona film series highlights local food economy & community

March 9th is the first of a monthly series of its Good Food Film Series featuring 12 independent short films. Each film discusses the challenges the farm and food community faces over the next year. The first film titled “The State of Arizona Farmland” about the owners of Blue Sky Farms. April 13th will be “Are Edible Landscapes and Trees the answer to Arizona’s Rising Climate Crisis?” and May 11th brings “The Business of Farm to Food Banks“.

A Su Salud virtual kitchen offers healthy Mexican food.

Pita Jungle has jumped into the virtual kitchen game with A Su Salud at its Tempe location. Meaning “to your health” A Su Salud offers Mexican wood fired specialties available for pick-up or delivery from DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub and Postmates. Bowls, burritos, salads, tacos and fajitas are on the menu along with healthy kid options and Pita Jungle desserts.

All-you-can-eat tacos at Jalapeno Inferno

Every Taco Tuesday customers visiting the Pinnacle Peak, DC Ranch and Park West restaurants can get as many tacos as you can eat for $10.99. The special price is for dine-in only.