In less than 2 years, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill has raised over $150,000 for local charities with its Cornbread for a Cause fundraising campaign. Its current cause is to give proceeds of the popular cornbread to the United Phoenix Firefighter Charities through June 31st at all 5 Phoenix area locations.
The Cornbread for a Cause
To bring attention to this partnership firefighters will be pulling shifts serving the warm cornbread and pouring drinks to guests at 3 Z’Tejas locations around Phoenix in coming weeks. Thurs. April 27th at the Chandler location is the first of the 3 visits by the guest bartenders followed by Thurs. May 18th at the Shea & Tatum location in Phoenix and the final opportunity is on Wed. June 14th at the downtown Tempe location. All 3 shifts will be from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
“Firefighters do extraordinary work as first responders and through the community support they provide,” said Gary Manley general partner at Z’Tejas Restaurants. “We at Z’Tejas are inspired by their commitment and the work they do. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to contributing to the charity’s work.”
Money raised will help UPFC continue to serve local communities by installing pool fences and smoke detectors, host food and coat drives and support children with neuromuscular disease by sending them to camp in the summer. They also help with the cost of medical supplies and research for kids affected by neuromuscular disease. To find out more about UPFC go to http://phxffcharities.org/
The arrival of spring last week means longer days and a longer opportunity to enjoy Happy Hour at Pomelo at The Orchard daily from 11 a.m – 6 p.m. No better way to enjoy this great weather indoors or out at this former citrus farm turned restaurant, ice cream and candy store.
Pomelo Happy Hour
During Happy Hour guest can enjoy $5 cocktails, $6 specialty cocktails, $5 glasses of wine, $1 off beers and a menu of special appetizers in the bar and lounge. You can also try the signature Bellissimo cocktail made with Pomelo’s own Pomelo Vodka, Blackberry Thyme syrup, fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling wine.
Daily Specials
If a 7 hour Happy Hour isn’t motivating you enough to visit Pomelo maybe these daily specials will.
Monday and Tuesday—All day a pizza and select bottle of wine is just $20.
Wednesday—All day it’s just $10 for two tacos and a house margarita.
Thursday—From open to close a Grass-Fed Burger and Beer is just $13.
Friday—Start the weekend early with happy hour from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the bar and lounge area.
Saturday and Sunday—Brunch is served from until 4 p.m. and there are $5 Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Sangria available.
Another day another day celebrating a food or drink and on March 27th whiskies from around the world get their own day to shine as somebody has anointed the last Monday of March International Whiskey Day. To celebrate the two Phoenix area Twin Peaks (Phoenix & Scottsdale) are putting a unique twist on the classic cocktail Moscow Mule with their Kentucky Mule on this festive day.
Twin Peaks will be 86’ing the vodka on this day and using Maker’s Mark Bourbon whiskey in its place for their Kentucky Mule. If you can’t make it out to Twin Peaks to toast International Whiskey Day with the brown spirit you can make your own Mule with Twin Peaks recipe below. Cheers!
Ingredients below yield 1 cocktail
1.5 oz. Maker’s Mark
.5 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. ginger beer
1 lemon wheel
1 mint spring
Directions:
Add Maker’s Mark to a copper mule mug. Add lemon juice and simple syrup and stir with a bar spoon. Top with ice and ginger beer. Garnish with a mint spring and lemon wedge.
Twin Peaks two Valley locations – Camelback (2135 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix) and Scottsdale (8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale). http://www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com/
Chefs move from one restaurant to another like athletes get traded or sign with a new team. Scottsdale’s SumoMaya has announced that they have brought on a new chef to run their team in the kitchen. Roberto Madrid comes to SumoMaya from Deseo Restaurant at The Westin Kierland Resort in north Scottsdale.
Photo courtesy of Debbie Wolvos
One of the first tasks chef Madrid will be overseeing is the new weekend “Bottomless Brunch” the restaurant has begun serving on Saturdays and Sundays. As the popularity of leisurely brunching has become on weekends, SumoMaya’s $39 brunch includes Bottomless Margaritas, Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Michaelidas along with a few of rounds of foods. For those who chose not to indulge with cocktails brunch is $29.
While sipping on your cocktails guests can then choose from a family style menu for the “First Round” that includes Smoked Salmon Lox, Sweet Mexican Pastries, fresh fruit & granola and more.
Photo courtesy of Debbie Wolvos
On to the “Second Round” where options include….assorted sushi rolls selected by chef Madrid, SumoMaya’s popular Guacamole w/ Pomegranate or Ribeye with tostatdas, Huevos Revueltos Al Abanil with scrambled eggs or Bread Migas + Chorizo.
Diners then choose an entree from the creative menu that includes Sweet Potato Waffles with sliced bananas, Waygu Steak + Eggs with corn arepa, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce or Market Vegetable Scramble with crispy quinoa amongst others. Popular weekday menu items such as Kimchee + Egg Fried Rice with mushroom and Korean chili aioli, Enchiladas Suiza, Pork “Al Pastor” Pad Thai will be available.
Make sure you save room for dessert(easier said than done, I know) as the unique Liquid Cheesecake Brulee or Bunelos, those delicious cinnamon donuts sweetened with condensed milk and dulce de leche are served family style.
Both early riser and those who like to sleep in on weekends can take advantage of brunch as SumoMaya serves from 9a.m. – 3p.m. on weekends.
SumoMaya is at 6560 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85250.
Wake up folks & shake off that holiday hangover, things are about to rock n roll on metro Phoenix’s restaurant, wine, beer & cocktail scene in 2017. One of the 1st events is the Meyers Family Cellars Wine Dinner at The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s on Wed. January 11th.
Photo courtesy of Meyer Family Cellars
Wine and food pairings
The 5 course family style dinner will pair white & red wines from Meyer Family Cellars with a delicious sounding menu from Jennifer’s loaded with vegetables, meats and seafood from locally sourced purveyors. Here is a peek at the menu.
Meyer Family “Fluffy Billows”- Miso marinated + red wine braised short ribs + roasted baby tri-colored carrots + cipollini onions + broccolini + crispy shallots
Meyer Family “Spitfire”- Sharp cheddar + pistachio + honey. Danish blue + pear + mache. Comte + dried fruit + caramelized pecans
Meyer Family Cellars
Like many small wineries it’s a family affair started at a young age, which is how Matt Meyer caught the wine bug. Hanging around his families winery & vineyard at Silver Oak down in Napa Valley, Matt realized he would carry on the family love for northern California and wine making.
Matt and his wife Karen share wine making responsibilities at the Mendocino county winery. Karen got hooked on wine after working a harvest in Margret River near her childhood home of Perth, Australia. The couple met in 1999 when both were working crush at Argyle Winery in Oregon.
Matt’s mom Bonny runs the business side of the winery much like she did in the Silver Oak days. She is Bonny from the famed “Bonny’s Vineyard” bottling from Silver Oak.
Reserve your seat
This dinner starts at 6:30 and costs $70 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 602-579-5327. The Market is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Suite A. Phoenix 85018. http://themarketphx.com/
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 Fritti—Crispy calamari and shrimp served with pomodoro and buttermilk dressing.
Chef’s Board—Assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses with toasted baguettes.
Wedge—Half 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 *MR—(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 Ribs—Braised 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 cookie—Warm 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 complimentary rooftop Champagne toast at midnight. Tax, gratuity and alcohol are additional at dinner.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho
A few of the options for dinner include a choice of a starterhttps://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/new-years-eve, entrée and dessert from a special menu. Delicious options include Lobster Bisque with crème fraiche and brioche croutons, Herb Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin with roasted fingerling potatoes, and Huckleberry Crème Brulee.
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.
1st Course
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
EVO 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 person 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
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
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Locally owned Grimaldi’s Pizzeria recently launched a cocktail menu that has a Bloody Mary made with their secret pizza sauce. The Grimaldi’s Bloody Mary is made with Grimaldi’s 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 Lounge’s 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 Beeler’s bacon, olives and a lime wedge makes this drink a standout. $5.00 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 that’s garnished with celery, an olive, and of course, bacon. www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com.
Thirsty Lion The Gastropub offers two Bloody Mary’s on their menu. Try the Sriracha Bloody Mary Vodka made with sriracha sauce, tomato juice and Demitri’s spices. If you want something even spicier try the Wasabi Bloody Mary made with wasabi, tomato juice and Demitri’s spices! For Thirsty Lion locations visit www.thirstyliongastropub.com.
TEXAZ Grill is known for its Chicken Fried Steak having sold almost 1 million in the restaurants 31 years and with Thanksgiving almost here owner Steve Freidkin thought it would be a good idea to combine the two giving his signature meal a Texas twist. From Nov. 20-23 diners can order Chicken Fried Turkey for lunch and supper.
Photo courtesy of TEXAZ Grill
At lunch ($10) diners can order the seasoned and lightly breaded turkey cutlets that is fried to a golden, tender and crisp perfection. Top it with a savory, slow cooked brown gravy and serve it with a side of mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce and you’ll start your Thanksgiving holiday off early with a unique meal to the traditional. At supper ($15) your Chicken Fried Turkey comes with fresh bread & butter and a side salad.
With a day or 2 to come out of your turkey coma you’ll be ready for your traditional Thanksgiving feast with friends and family.
Chicken Fried Turkey will be available 10am-10pm on Sun. Nov. 20th and from 11am-10pm on Mon., Tues. & Wed. TEXAZ Grill will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
TEXAZ Grill is at 6003. N. 16th St. Phoenix 85016 (602)248-7827 http://www.texazgrill.com
When mornings start getting cooler and weekends being dedicated to football we know the seasons have changed and Fall is upon us. With this seasonal change we also see the change on restaurant menus and cocktail list using seasonal ingredients and flavors. Central Phoenix’s Windsor has created 4 new cocktails with shorter days and longer nights in mind.
Photo courtesy of Upward Projects
windsor cocktail’s no. 36, 40,77 & 83
With no pumpkin spice in sight, Upward Project’s Beverage Director Brent Karlicek has created 4 new numbered, not named, cocktails that uses artisan spirits with the bold flavors of Autumn.
No. 36 is a Manhattan with Karlicek’s personal touch combining Bourbon, red Vermouth, spiced honey, Lustau Sherry & garnished with a spiced honey lollipop.
No.40 uses Dominacan & Demerara rum, this inspired cocktail from a 120 year old recipe blends strawberry syrup, a bold Cocchi Barolo Chinato red wine, Sombra Mezcal, fresh lime juice and a strawberry garnish is “just plain dreamy” as an Italian styled dessert wine.
No.77 is a savory blend of Bourbon, Cutty Sark Scotch, Fernet Branca, lime juice, ginger syrup, Redd’s Ginger Brew and a candied ginger garnish. It’s 27 secret ingredients offer complexity and character.
No.83 uses infused spirits such as Chamomile infused Bourbon, gin, lime juice, house made Mango syrup, Reed’s Ginger Brew and Luxardo Amaro with a mint sprig garnish for a layered cocktail that can also refresh your taste buds.
These new cocktails are now available at Windsor 5223 N. Central Ave Phoenix, 85012 (602)279-1111 http://www.windsoraz.com
Burgers, burgers and more burgers is what’s on the menu the next 4 Sundays in October as Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails hosts a weekly Burger Battle. 6 local chefs will be competing to see who has the created the tastiest burger. Starting this Sunday October 9th and for the 2 Sundays following, diners can watch the fun and taste the burgers created that will be judged by celebrity judges. Each weeks winner will compete on Sunday October 30th to see which chef has created the best burger.
Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
Burger battle participating chefs
Here are the 6 local chefs competing and the schedule with the fun starting every Sunday at 3pm.
October 9th features Kelly Fletcher from the soon to be open Zen Culinary going up against Gio Osso of Virtu & Nico
October 16th has host Cullen Campbell of Crudo & Okra doing battle against Doug Robson of Otro.
Ocotber 23rd pits Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail against Upward Projects Chris Newstrom
October 30th is the finals for the 3 winners.
Burger Battle and brunch for C-cap
Okra will also be serving their regular Sunday specials that include all day happy hour, 1/2 off bottles of wine and mixologist Micah Olson will be creating a special cocktail & punch with Tito’s vodka for the Burger Battle. Part of the proceeds from each weeks event will go to C-CAP , a non-profit that helps get young men and women get started in their culinary arts career.
