Tag: Queen Creek

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Eat Up Drive In celebrates 4th anniversary with $4 burgers

Opened in 2021 during the pandemic, the Arcadia fast casual concept celebrates next Tuesday, April 29th. Their Wood Grilled Cheeseburgers will be $2.50 off all day.

Mollydooker wine dinner at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

No punches will be thrown next Wednesday, April 30th for the 5-course dinner paired with Australian white & red wines. Seating is $120++ per person and seating is limited. To make reservations you can call 602-374-4784 and for more information you can visit their website.

  • 1st Course—Scallop Crudo with lemon, cilantro and olive oil paired with the 2024 Violinist Verdelho
  • 2nd Course—Slow-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with golden beet puree, green beans and plum reduction paired with Two Left Feet Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 92 pts.)
  • 3rd Course—Grilled Lamb Chop served with a mini loaded baked potato and broccolini paired with Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz (Wine Spectator 2022 92 pts.)
  • 4th Course—Prime Baseball Sirloin with Yukon Gold mash and asparagus paired with Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine Spectator 2021 90 pts.)
  • Dessert Course—Chocolate Lava Cake

sneakybird opens its 4th location

The never ever fried chicken concept opened its 4th location in Queen Creek in The Marketplace at Hudson Station recently. The oven-grilled chicken sandwiches, tenders, flat breads and salads are available with plenty of dry rubs and sauces for dipping.

Summer Martinis now available at The Montauck

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant with an East Coast vibe has 5 new savory, floral and citrusy martinis to keep you cool.

  • Salt & Vinegar – Aviation Gin or Ketel One Vodka, Salt, Vinegar
  • Pepper-tini – Aviation or Ketel One Vodka, Pepperoncini Brine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cracked Black Pepper
  • One and Only – Ketel One Botanical Peach and Orange Blossom, Lillet Blanc, White Haven Sauvignon Blanc, Lemon
  • Italian Summer – Caravella Limoncello, Ketel One Vodka, Lemon, Aperol
  • Rose Colored Glasses – Glendalough Wild Rose Gin, Elderflower, Lemon, Grapefruit

BJ’s Restaurant launches Snickers Pizookie

The restaurant has partnered with Mars to offer guests a freshly baked brown sugar cookie with chunks of Snickers bar then topped with vanilla bean ice cream, a chocolate shell topping,ar  caramel sauce and sprinkled with more Snickers. The limited time sweet treat is available for dine-in only. Find a location near you at BJ’s website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

The World’s Greatest Dive Bar holds fundraiser for Bar Manager

The Cleator Bar & Yacht Club (off I-17 on the way up to Crown King) is helping to raise money for their Bar Manager, Bartender and un-offical “First Lady of Cleator”, Tina Barnhardt who has had numerous health issues including a heart attack recently. “Tina’s 9 Lives Run” will take place on Saturday, April 26th in and around the ghost town. A 9 a.m. off-road ride is scheduled followed by food & drinks at the bar and live music at 3 p.m. from The Bradshaw Brothers. Guests are encouraged to bring pot luck style snacks, dishes and desserts and those who can’t join the fun can donate to help Tina pay off her mounting medical bills at a GoFundMe account. For more information and directions see their website and or Facebook page.

Tuesday is Neighborhood Night at Hush Public House

The secret’s out now as the Scottsdale restaurant now offers a 3-course dinner menu for $55++ per person with two and three options per course that include Pan Roasted Halibut, Italian Beef, Crispy Cauliflower and more. Don’t worry the full menu is still available all night.

Queen Creek Olive Mill brings home Silver Awards

The locally grown and made olives and olive oils competed in the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition and brought home 4 Silver Awards for its olive oil, the most they’ve ever won in a single year. The winning extra virgin olive oils are the Delicate, Arizona, Delicate and Estate.

Barrio Bagel & Slice is now open.

James Beard winning Baker Don Guerra opened his newest concept last week with partner Oren Molonvinsky. Read about what to expect at the drive-thru bake shop at February’s post.

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Get the Golden Pancake, win pancakes for life at Eggstasy new Queen Creek location

Pancake lovers need to head to the new Queen Creek location tomorrow Saturday, April 5th as 3 guests will find a Golden Ticket with their order. Order any specialty pancakes or pancakes as your side dish for a chance to win. Its owner Peter Yarros way of saying “thank you” to the QC community who’s embraced the new location since opening in January.

Boo-Rrito raffle at Burrito Express in April

As ASU running back Cam Skattebo has announced he’s entering the upcoming NFL Draft guests ordering the signature Boo-Rrito any of the 7 restaurants around the valley will have the chance to enter the month-long raffle. Prizes include cleats, gloves and a signed football from the NFL hopeful. BE hopes to sell 3,000 Boo-Rrito’s (a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice) in April.

Papago Orange Blossom is Beer of the Month at Famous 48

As spring begins to bloom so is the Mandarin Wheat beer from the locally owned brewer at the Scottsdale restaurant. A 16 oz. pint is $5 and a 22 oz. is $7 for the light fruity and smooth draft beer.

Greek wine tasting at GenuWine Arizona next Thursday

Have you ever had a Greek wine? Did you even know they made wine in Greece? Whether you did or didn’t know, the Roosevelt Row wine bar is pouring 3 Greek wines next Thursday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 unless you’re a Wine Club member then it’s free. Member or not you’ll get 20% off any bottles you purchase from the tasting.

Two from Arizona nominated for James Beard Award

The were over a dozen potential James Beard Award winners from Arizona when the semifinalists were announced earlier this year. The Foundation announced this week the nominees that will have the chance to win the prestigious restaurant industry award at the June 16th ceremony. Crystal Kass from Phoenix’s Valentine has the chance to win Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Lom Wong’s Yotaka Martin is up for Best Chef: Southwest.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Tickets available for this weekend’s Arizona Wine Festival in downtown Phoenix

Heritage Square will host the two-day festival this Saturday & Sunday. Admission is free with Early Bird tickets available for those looking to taste wine from over 20 Arizona wineries. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door and an official announcement for a $6 million donation to Cochise Community College for its new Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture program and wine making scholarships will be made at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The generous donation was made by Ann Marie Stephens.

Sunday Supper at Hush Public House with Sonoran Pasta

The two local owned businesses pair up this Sunday, January 26th for a four-course family style supper that includes…

  • Barrio Bread Focaccia with whipped ricotta and honey
  • “The Best Damn Ceasar”—enough said!
  • Sonoran Pasta Rigatoni with Sunday sauce, meatballs, sausage and braciole
  • Cannoli with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips

This experience goes off between 5 – 9 p.m. at the North Scottsdale restaurant for only $60++ per person and reservations can be made here.

Rombauer wine dinner at Tommy V’s

Owner Zoran Klisara welcomes guests to his Downtown Scottsdale restaurant on Thursday, January 30th pairing dishes from his kitchen with wines from Napa Valley and other northern California wine regions. The five-course dinner starts at 6 p.m. and features Seafood Cannelloni, Wild Mushroom Risotto and Filet Mignon. Seats are limited at $135++ and can be made at the restaurant’s website.

LDV Winery wins awards for 3 wines from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

The prestigious competition awarded the wineries 2017 Petite Sirah- Bronze, 2023 Rose-Silver and 2022 Viognier- Bronze at the 25th anniversary event. Over 50 judges tasted more than 5,500 wines from over 950 North American wineries.

“It is an honor to be judged by the industry’s most notable wine connoisseurs and to be ranked among the continent’s best wines,” says Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery. “We will continue to put all our efforts and passions into producing the best wines we can and putting Arizona on the map as a true wine destination.”

Eggstasy now open in Queen Creek

The 8th location of the Arizona-based company opened in the East Valley this week at 20735 E. Maya Rd. Favorites such as The Angus Skirt Steak & Eggs, Caprese Benedict, Cookie Butter Crepes, coffee drinks and more are available everyday start at 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. during the week and 3 p.m. on weekends.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Zarpara wine tasting in downtown Phoenix

Owners and operators Rhona MacMillian and Mark Jorve will have their Willcox area wines poured tonight at Roosevelt Row’s GenuWine Arizona from 6 – 9 p.m.

Olivepalooza is happening this weekend at Queen Creek Olive Mill

Olives don’t get much love, but this weekend connoisseurs and olive newbies can enjoy all things olives. Cooking demonstrations, olive grove tours, olive oil 101 classes and more are happening starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tis the season for ugly sweaters at Cien Agaves

The Old Town Scottsdale Mexican restaurant is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party on Sunday, December 15th from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy $4 Modelo beers, free SWAG and a chance to win an Modelo ugly sweater. Reservations are recommended.

Portillo’s to open 9th Arizona location in Chandler

The popular fast casual restaurant serving Chicago street food announced plans to open their newest (8th in Phoenix area) location at I-10 & Ray Rd. in Chandler in 2025. Designed as a “restaurant of the future” it will seat up to 160 people, have double drive thru lanes, Pick-Up shelves and a Grab & Go area for off premises eating. They will soon be hiring manages and shift leaders and those looking to apply can visit their website.

Full Speed Chicken and Ribs closes after only 7 months

The Roosevelt Row restaurant serving fried chicken and ribs from the owners of Little Miss BBQ closed after fulfilling take-out Thanksgiving orders.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Winemaker dinner next Thursday at LDV Winery in Scottsdale

Due to popular demand a limited seating 3-course dinner is planned next Thursday, August 29th starting at 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a amuse bouche & a welcome drink before the menu prepared by Benedict’s Catering with wine paired and discussed by Winemaker Curt Dunham. The dinner is an all-inclusive $160, and reservations can be made by calling 480-664-4822.

Portillo’s celebrates 1 year in Queen Creek with $1 slices of cake

The  Chicago maker of Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago dogs celebrates their 1-year anniversary in the southeast valley next Thursday, August 29th. To show their appreciation to local customers they are offering $1 cake slices with the purchase of an entree. Guests will also be entered to win 1 of 10 $50 gift cards through the end of August when they order in the Queen Creek restaurant, online or on their app.

Hot Dog Days returning to Joe’s Farm Grill next Friday

The popular month-long daily menu of unique hot dogs is back at the Gilbert restaurant & farm starting next Friday, August 30th – September 30th. All beef hot dogs and premium sausages from Phoenix’s Schreiner’s Fine Sausages set to be topped with ingredients from around the world. Daily dogs include…..

COUNTRY SAUSAGE GRAVY – Grilled dog piled with French fries and melty Wisconsin brick cheese, then smothered with Joe’s Farm Grill’s scratch-made sausage gravy and topped with one egg, any style
CRISPY BUFFALO – A split, breaded deep-fried hot dog dipped in Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce, nestled on a bed of our crisp and creamy coleslaw and topped with homemade buttermilk ranch, blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery and carrot
REUBEN – Hand-sliced corned beef, melted fontina cheese and fresh sauerkraut piled on an all-beef hot dog, topped with Joe’s secret sauce
Hot dog days dogs are $14 each with a side or $21 for two dogs, one side.

Pumpkin and squash on the menu at Red, White & Brew

It feels like fall where I write this post, but may not be where you read this but cooler temps are on the way and so are seasonal ingredients like pumpkins and squash. The downtown Prescott and East Mesa restaurants have added 4 dishes with the two ingredients for a limited time.

Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta – Garlic seasoned crostini with a creamy ricotta and mascarpone spread, diced roasted butternut squash and sweet figs topped with arugula, pumpkin seeds, and drizzled with balsamic reduction. $13

Pumpkin and Butternut Squash Raviolis – Pumpkin and butternut squash encased in ravioli pasta tossed in a homemade flame-roasted corn cream sauce and garnished with a dollop of crème fraiche. $25

Harvest Butternut Squash Arugula Salad – Fresh arugula tossed in apple cider vinaigrette with roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, red onions, pumpkin seeds and feta cheese.  Topped with grilled chicken. $18

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake – Cheesecake baked freshly in house with graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream, pecans, and drizzled with caramel sauce. $9

“Baseball for Babbo” fundraiser honors restaurant’s founder

Locally owned Babbo Italian Eatery lost its founder Ken Pollack to pancreatic cancer in late 2022 and will honor him with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 15th. 100% of the “Baseball for Babbo” sales at the 8 locations will be donated to the Seena Magowitz Foundation and donations will be matched by Ken’s family and Roger Magowitz. Babbo means “daddy” in Italian and Ken was a leading figure to his staff and family along with being an avid baseball fan.

“‘If you give you will get, and if you get you should give,’ was my Dad’s quote. This event is the perfect way for us to honor his legacy and live by his motto,” said Marketing Director of Babbo Italian Eatery Taylor Schultz. Guests can honor Ken and help raise money whether they dine-in or take-out on the 15th.

The Seena Magowitz Foundation was founded by Roger Magowitz named after his mother who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2001. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths with a five year survival rate. The foundation is the voice of the disease and helps bring awareness and how to reduce the risk of getting it.

“The foundation accepts the challenge in pursuit of an eventual cure,” said Magowitz. “We thank Babbo Italian Eatery for their desire and commitment to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, done by the brightest, most innovative minds in medical science.” Donations can be made directly to the foundation or through Babbo’s donation page.

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.

The Zuzu Burger Battle kicks off this week

The signature restaurant at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho started the 8 week competition where members of the restaurant’s culinary team will create a unique burger. Each week’s burger will be featured on the brunch menu daily from 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and each burger is $19 and comes with fries or fruit. The winning burger will be selected on National Hamburger Day, May 28th with the winning team member winning $500 and the burger will be featured on the menu all summer long.

“Dollars for a Dozen” fundraiser returns to Over Easy

For the month of April the breakfast & lunch restaurant will match every dollar donated by guests to the United Food Bank. In addition every dollar raised will help a dozen eggs be delivered to the food bank by Shamrock Farms. Last year over $18,000 was raised and over 9,000 eggs were delivered. Guests can donate at any of 11 locations in Arizona.

Phoenix City Grille to host 5 course whiskey pairing dinner

The uptown Phoenix restaurant welcomes host Lewis Clyde (L.C.) May II of Clyde May Whiskey’s on Wednesday April 12th for the dinner with specially prepared menu. L.C. is Clyde May’s grandson and brand ambassador will be signing exclusive PCG single barrel bottles available for purchase at the event. The menu will feature cured pork belly, pork cheeks and more paired with the distilleries whiskey and rye. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and seats are limited and can be reserved for $150++ per person by calling 602-510-7174 or emailing brittnee.reed@outlook.com

Portillo’s announces 7th Arizona location

The Chicago- styled restaurant will open its next location in Queen Creek by the end of 2023. The location at Ellsworth and Elm will have indoor and outdoor seating for over 200 people and will feature their signature 2 lane drive thru for those on the go. When opened customer favorites like the Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches will be available. Managers and shift leaders will be hired in the near future and applicants can apply online.

Arizona restaurants left off list of finalists for James Beard Awards

Despite over 10 semifinalists earlier this year no Arizona restaurants or chefs made the cut of final nominees. The list was announced by the James Beard Foundation on Wednesday will the winners selected on Monday, June 7th. To see the full list of finalist head 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.

Mr. Pickles opens its first Arizona location with more to come

Last week the popular California sandwich shop Mr. Pickles opened its first Arizona location in Scottsdale at Shea and Scottsdale Rd. The mom & pop restaurant was founded in 1995 by Frank and Michelle Faugudes who decided to retire and sold it in 2020 to Arizona resident Mike Nelson. The quick service restaurant is known for hot and cold sandwiches served on any of 10 breads and wraps.

Nelson is a longtime customer who is Chief Executive Officer and has over 30 years’ experience as an owner/ operator of restaurants including Wingstop, Subway and Carl’s Jr. franchises nationwide.

Hot and cold sandwiches at Mr. Pickles

The Scottsdale restaurant offer all the favorite sandwiches including the Mr. Pickle, which is chicken breast, bacon, Monterey jack, avocado and the works as it relates to veggies; the Santa Maria Tri-Tip, which is actual tri-tip sourced from the famed Santa Maria region topped with specialty barbecue sauce and the works.

Two new sandwiched have debuted at the new location; Listen Linda is named after Nelson’s wife of 36 years and is piled high with turkey breast, avocado, bacon, Swiss cheese and the works – including our specialty garlic sauce. Della’s Deli, honors Wilson’s business partner, best friend and Mr. Pickle’s president Dean Johnson’s wife of more than 40 years. It features turkey breast, ham, salami, cheddar, and the works. A wide section of chips, sides and of course a jumbo whole dill pickle are available and each sandwich, salad or wrap comes with a FREE chocolate chip cookie.

“Since 1995, Mr. Pickle’s has been a premier sandwich shop specializing in innovative and craveworthy sandwiches, salads and catering,” says Nelson, “During its first three decades, thanks to its community culture, incredible recipes, and all its fans, the brand grew from one to 56 locations across northern California. We look forward to building this brand that now calls Arizona home, as well as helping grow it nationwide in the years to come.”

Continuing to grow

Important to Nelson is its close knit relationships with its vendors and the company continues to grow. “We partner with as many artisan bakers, regional farms and ranches that we can when sourcing our products, making every item unique to us,” says Nelson, who spent the past year bringing the business into the digital age and investing in technology that will propel the brand forward nationwide. “You will not see six-inch and foot-long sizing from us, more specialty breads than uniform options.”

Nelson plans to open locations in Chandler, Laveen, Queen Creek, Surprise and a second location in Scottsdale in the next 18 months. Up to 20 locations are expected to open in California in the next 7 years. Mr. Pickles also relocated it headquarters to North Scottsdale last year and kept its franchisee support center in California.

The restaurant is at 10701 N. Scottsdale Road and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 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.