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.

JINYA Ramen Bar opens its new location in Uptown Phoenix

Bowls of hot ramen continue to see its popularity grow even during the triple digit temperatures of an Arizona summer. That’s no more obvious than the success with JINYA Ramen Bar that opened its first Arizona location in Chandler in 2021. Last week franchisees opened their second location in historical Uptown Phoenix expanding its ramen culture around the valley. The concept was started by Tomo Takahashi in 2010 and has over 50 locations with more set to open. The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen”, meaning “continuous improvement” has JINYA giving the best ramen guests to enjoy.

“Since opening our first location in Chandler, Arizona 2 years ago, we’ve felt so welcomed by the community,” says owner Daradee Olson. “We’re excited to be in such a lively part of the city with our newest location so close to all of the economic development in the Central Phoenix area. The JINYA experience is like no other, and we just can’t wait to continue sharing it with local residents and all the visitors that flock to Phoenix from all over the world.”

JINYA Ramen Bar
Spicy Tuna Tacos- All photos courtesy of JINYA Ramen Bar

At JINYA Ramen bar guests will experience a modern Japanese ambiance while enjoying their slow cooked ramen. The rich broth is simmered for 20 hours before being combined with noodles and toppings including chashu pork, a seasoned poached egg and more. The menu offers signature ramen bowls along with build your own bowls. Signature ramen bowls include Spicy Chicken, Shrimp Wonton and Spicy Umami Miso ramen. Vegetarian and gluten free bowls are also on the menu along with Small Plates and Chef Specials of Spicy Tuna Tacos, a JINYA Bun and Pork Spare Ribs. Rice and Curry Bowls are also popular dishes. A full bar is available to enhance the customer experience to pair with ramen or Japanese tapas.

The Phoenix location is at 5120 N. Central Ave. and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information and to view the menu visit their website.

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 Restaurant Week is here

The popular 10 day event kicked off last night and runs through Sunday, May 28th. Over 100 Arizona restaurants are offering a special 3-course menu for $33, $44 or $55 per person. Sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association, representatives recommended that you make reservations so you don’t miss out. A full list of participating restaurants and their menus are at their website.

Miner Family Wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

The Carefree restaurant pairs 4 courses and dessert from Chef Anthony Apolinar with wines from the Napa Valley winery on Wednesday, May 24th. Starting at 6 p.m. guests will dine on scallops, sea bass, chicken & filet at the dinner with limited seating. A representative from the winery will be on hand to speak about the winery, wine and explain the pairings. Seats are $120++and seats can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 602-374-4784.

National Wine Day at LDV Winery

The “fruit of the vine” is celebrated next Thursday, May 25th and the Scottsdale tasting room is celebrating. From 3-6 p.m. enjoy a glass of Arizona grown & made Viognier, Rosé or Grenache for only $5.

Memorial Day at Phoenix area restaurants

Monday, May 29th we celebrate the brave men & women of our armed services.

Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork again offers their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get a second free starting at 4 p.m.

All 4 Chompie’s locations give active & retired members of the military 20% off their entree or retail purchases with military ID.

Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe, Phoenix and Chandler salute active and retired members of the military with ID with 15% off food, drink & merchandise. They’re also serving up a special Brat & Tots deal. The beer soaked brat is topped with whiskey BBQ sauce, bacon, chopped onions and shredded cheddar in a sweet toll bun. A select Pedal Haus beer comes with it to wash it down all for $14.

Summer hours start at Santé

The north Scottsdale restaurant is now closed for lunch, opening at 4 p.m. Tuesday -Friday. Saturday’s they’re open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for brunch and 4 -10 p.m. for dinner. On Sunday’s they’re open for the same hours for brunch then closed for dinner. They are closed all day on Monday’s.

Larger catering orders and private parties for lunch will be fulfilled and you can email them at bobbym@lovesante.com for information.

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

Horse & Hyde brings a little bit of Nashville to Arcadia

With the success of his three Dapper & Stout Coffee, Cocktails & Eatery locations owner Aaron Lopo wanted his next concept to have a country bar vibe. Lopo recently opened Horse & Hyde Barroom Saloon along the restaurant friendly Indian School Rd. in Phoenix’s Arcadia Lite neighborhood. The Nashville- style country bar offers live music, cocktails with country kick and a simple menu.

“I’ve always all things country and I wanted to develop a concept that challenges the stigma of traditional country bars,” says Lopo, whose passion for and expertise in design and development is evident in every last detail of Horse & Hyde. “I love to build spaces and create something where people want to go every day. There is a lot of escapism coming into a restaurant. I like knowing that I get to be a part of our customers’ day and ensure they have the most memorable experience here.”

Food & drinks at Horse & Hyde

Lopo describes the menu as “simple Sonoran cowboy food” such as Wild West Nachos with your choice of open pit BBQ pulled pork or pulled chicken & toppings, a Hermosillo Dog with locally made chorizo and Braised Beef Panini. From the bar guests can enjoy classic cocktails, wines, beers on tap & in the can and hard seltzers. Signature cocktails include the Buckin’ Bronco with Maison Rouge cognac, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, demerara syrup and Dapper & Stout’s own Ensemble espresso and the City Slicker made with Whistle Pig six year rye, Antica sweet vermouth, Averna Amaro, orange and angostura bitters, barrel-aged with a hint of cacao.

Small in size at 1,200 square feet Horse & Hyde offers a lot with a stage, dance floor, bar, dining room and patio. A high quality sound system gives performers an easy plug & play set up with live music five nights a week and an open mic night on Wednesday’s.

Lopo already has his sights on opening other Horse & Hyde locations around the valley.

Horse & Hyde Barroom Saloon is open Tuesday – Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m. The Saloon is at 3730 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. For more information visit their website.

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.

Afternoon Tea for Mother’s Day at STK Steakhouse

Still looking for a restaurant to take mom on Sunday? The cool Scottsdale restaurant hosts a traditional tea starting with a glass of  champagne ($89 & $99) or prosecco ($69) followed by a selection of hot tea and tower of petite sandwiches, scones and desserts. Tea infused cocktails are offered for $21 each.

Over Easy celebrates National Mimosa Day

The breakfast cocktails are $2 off flights next Tuesday, May 16th at all 11 Arizona locations. Guests can choose 4 flavors including orange, peach, guava, mango, strawberry or raspberry during breakfast or lunch.

National Burger Month features at Kona Grill

The month of May and “America’s Favorite Grill” celebrates one of our favorite comfort foods with 3 burger features. A $7.99 lunch and take-out burger, Kona Sliders for $6 at happy hour and a Chophouse Burger are available throughout the month.

The much anticipated Course Restaurant is now open

Personal chef Cory Oppold’s new restaurant is open and taking reservations near Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd. The highly acclaimed chef and Food Network’s “Chopped” winner serves a 5 course tasting menu Tuesday and Wednesday’s for $135 and 10-course menu Thursday-Saturday for $190. Wines paired by sommelier Nick Padua are additional an additional charge. May 28th Oppold will debut his Sunday brunch, Morning Would. His take on brunch favorites will be served in 6-courses from 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. for $75.

Spitz Mediterranean opens its first location Arizona

Desert Ridge Marketplace is where you can find healthy and modern Mediterranean street food found around Europe. Wraps, gyros, rice salads & bowls, falafel, hummus and more from this California based concept. Started almost 15 years ago when a couple of college friends who studied and traveled in Europe wanted to bring this type of food home to the U.S. Serving sangria, beer & wine Spitz is participating in DRM’s Sips & Stroll program allowing guests to take their drinks outside the restaurant. The fast casual restaurant is located on the east end near the AMC Theaters.

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

Festvin 2023, a 4-day wine festival returns to the Wrigley Mansion

Whether you’re an experienced wine drinker or a new to wine next weekend’s Festvin 2023 at the Wrigley Mansion is for you. 4-days of tastings, seminars, cooking demonstrations, dinners, a Grand Tasting and Sunday brunch happen May 18th -21st at the historical landmark in Phoenix’s Biltmore neighborhood. Special guests will be traveling to Phoenix to take part in the event as will wine enthusiasts from near and far.

James Beard award winning chef Christopher Gross and his culinary team including Executive Chef David Brito and sommelier Jason Caballero are pulling out all the stops to this 21 and over event. A portion of Festvin 2023 proceeds will be donated to “Almost There: A Mom and Pup Rescue“.

Festvin 2023 schedule of events

The weekend kicks off with a exclusive dinner on Thursday evening where guests will have the rare opportunity to taste Louis XIII cognac.

May 18 and 19 features FIVE special dinners:
LOUIS XIII Cognac dinner: Taste the Gold at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion and take a bottle (and many more gifts) home (more than $4,400 value)
Throwback Dinner matching vintages and typical dishes from 1940s-1990s at Geordie’s Chefs Table.
Dom Perignon Dinner at Chefs Table.
Flight Club I where somms Jane Lopes & husband John Ross (of TV’s Uncorked series) face-off as guests vote on each of their pairings and declares one as Champion, Geordie’s dining room.
Grace Under Pressure, a Club Tresors (grower/producer) Champagne dinner, Geordie’s dining room.
May 20
A day of demos, master classes & a Grand Tasting Extravaganza with food, entertainment and adoptable puppies to snuggle.
May 21
Sparkly Sunday Roving Brunch, indoors and out with food, bubbles and entertainment.
Attendees will be able to purchase wines they’ve tasted and tickets to each event are sold separately in advance. To see the daily schedule of events, details of each and to purchase tickets visit their website.
Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Provision refocuses its concept at Uptown and Arcadia locations

When Daniel Suh first opened Provision in 2011 as a wholesale coffee roaster he envisioned building community through coffee, food & beverages. He then opened the first location on 32nd St. in Arcadia wanting a Austrian styled cafe to help achieve his vision, as it became successful he opened a 2nd location on 7th St. in Uptown Phoenix in 2022. Since the pandemic he’s noticed changes in what customers want at each location and is refocusing to meet their desires.

“Today, it’s no secret that many in the food and beverage industry are struggling — us included,” says Suh. “These industry-wide challenges pushed us to take a look at where we’ve been, where we are today and what our mission is for the future. We realized that we’re getting further away from the experience that really did make Provision so special over the years. After a lot of deliberation, we’ve got a brand new vision.”

The 7th St. location is now a restaurant and cocktail bar focused concept. The artisan coffee program has been changed and new dishes have been added to the always evolving menu. Beverages are now served in glassware & ceramic and wi-fi is being phased out to give customers a better experience.

The Arcadia location will focus on coffee and take-out with the change taking place over the next few months. The menu will be phased out with an emphasis on coffee & tea beverages along with light foods and pastries.

The changes are Suh’s way of staying committed to the customer experience and will continue to evolve when needed.

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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Rusty’s Beer Fest is back at Mountain Shadows Resort

Still looking for something to do this weekend, the annual beer festival returns to the golf grill at the Paradise Valley resort. This Sunday, April 23rd enjoy up to 20 tastes of cold beer including local beers, a beer paired food buffet and raffles. The Fest goes from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and tickets are $49 at https://www.mountainshadows.com/.

A Taste of Sicily next Friday at Dolce Vita restaurant

Sicilian born owner Fabrizo highlights his home island’s cuisine next Friday, April 28th with a special dinner at his Mesa market and restaurant. The three course dinner goes from 4 – 8 p.m. and includes Insalata Vastasa then Spaghetti with Swordfish and Eggplants OR Pasta Incasciata. For the main course choose from Involtini Messinesi OR Eggplant Swordfish Meatballs. For dessert stroll the cases filled with homemade gelato. Dinner is $60++ and includes wine, without wine the cost is $50. To make reservations, call 480-218-0225.

Kentucky Derby brunch at The Boulders Resort

The “Run for the Roses” is quickly approaching Saturday May 6th and the Carefree resort has a themed brunch planned. On the patio at The Grill Kitchen & Bar from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. guests will enjoy a mouth-watering special menu, cocktails and live entertainment with a golf course and desert views. Seats are $110 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-488-9020 or visiting http://www.theboulders.com.

Win beer for a year from Macayo’s

Get Cinco de Mayo started early by entering online “Macayo’s Beer for a Year Sweepstakes” until Friday, May 5th. Enter to win a Dos XX and Macayo’s branded cooler and 12 24-packs of Dos XX beer. The winner will be picked and notified on or around May 6th.

A home run of a deal from the Streets of New York

During the entire baseball season, anytime the Diamondbacks play guests can receive $5 off their order of $25 or more when they use promo code DBACKSPEC. The deal is available at its 16 locations throughout Arizona.

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

The Original Taste celebrates 50 years this weekend

Since 1973 millions of dollars have been raised for various local children’s charities thanks to the Original Taste Food and Wine Event. This year’s 50th annual event is once again hosted by the Executive Council 70 and its charitable arm and features some of the best food and wine Arizona has to offer. The 2023 milestone event happens this Saturday, April 22nd at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall at 7 p.m.

The 2023 Original Taste brings over 20 restaurants to showcase their culinary talents along with wines from around the world and cocktails. Country music star Jimmie Allen will give an energetic live performance for this special occasion.

The monies raised over the years have helped children’s charities focusing on healthcare, education and supportive services. The collaboration of participating restaurants, wineries, talented artists and generous sponsors has made a positive impact on children in need across Arizona.

Tickets for the 21 and over event are $200 per person and $500 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets include a private viewing area near the stage, a private bar, amenities and access to the Late Night After Party starting at 11 p.m. For more information and tickets follow this link to their website.

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

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