Tag: restaurant

It’s “Tomaso Month” at The Italiano with a special menu

There’s no better way to honor one’s family than to recreate what they did best and enjoyed doing. In the case of Chef Joey Maggiore, it’s to dedicate a month long specially created menu at his newest restaurant, The Italiano, in honor of his father, chef & restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore who passed away four years ago this month.

Through the end of January guests can dine on a four-course menu of Tomaso’s signature dishes made with handmade pastas and slow-cooked sauces. The “Tomaso Month” menu is as follows……

First Course: (For the table)

  • Antipasto – Eggplant Napoletana, Mozzarella Caprese, Bruschetta with Auricchio Provolone, Roasted Peppers
  • Scungilli & Calamari – Roasted garlic, potatoes, and a spicy tomato wine broth

Second Course:

  • Sicilian Salad – Heirloom tomatoes, fennel, poached potatoes, red onion, puntarelle, and a citrus vinaigrette

Primi Piatti:

  • Mezza Rigatoni alla Norma – Heirloom tomato sauce, braised eggplant, and dried ricotta

Fourth Course: (Choose One)

  • Petra Sole Francese – Lightly egg-battered with lemon wine caper sauce
  • Stuffed Veal Cuscinetto – Mascarpone, prosciutto, wild mushroom ricotta, and a sherry wine demi
  • Divine Sausage & Peppers – House made, chargrilled with caramelized onions, peppers, and a San Marzano wine sauce

Dessert:

  • Angel Kisses – Strawberries stuffed with cannoli cream

For more information and to make your reservation visit the restaurant’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.

Streets of New York offers new seasonal dishes

All 15 Arizona locations of the family-owned Italian restaurant and pizzeria have 4 new dishes for their “Fall Features” menu. The new menu is available until the end of November for dine-in, take-out and delivery and $1 from every cheesecake will be donated to Childhelp. Their mission is to help heal the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. The 4 new dishes are……

  • Burrata and Tomato – Rich and creamy Burrata paired with balsamic glazed heirloom tomatoes, roasted garlic, fresh basil and drizzled with Tuscan
    olive oil. Served with toasted, garlic buttered crostinis.
  • Penne alla Vodka with Burrata – Al dente penne pasta in a rich vodka sauce, topped with a creamy Burrata ball and fresh basil, drizzled with Tuscan olive oil.
  • Sausage + Calabrian Chili Pizza – House made vodka sauce, mozzarella, crumbled Italian sausage, Calabrian chilis, whipped ricotta and Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cheesecake – A fall-inspired treat with a graham cracker crust, layered with velvety pumpkin cheesecake and light pumpkin mousse. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

LDV Winery has new Noshing Shareables Boards and hours

The downtown Scottsdale tasting room has new hours that are Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday Noon- 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Starting Monday, October 14th new LDV wine-infused shareable boards snacks will be available for purchase to enjoy with your wine.

The Sicilian Baker offer new autumn inspired sweets & treats

Fans of cannoli and other Sicilian inspired desserts can now get them at the Chandler, Phoenix and Peoria locations. Flavors such as cinnamon and pumpkin spice can be found in the four new treats.

  • Pumpkin Spice Cannoli – Sweet ricotta cream with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice
  • Pumpkin Mousse Cake – Pumpkin Spice cake topped with pumpkin cream cheese mousse, caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – Chocolate buttermilk cake topped with chocolate hazelnut mousse, feuilletine Nutella crunch and caramel cremeux center
  • Chocolate Caramel Tart – Chocolate tart shell filled with caramelized white chocolate cremeux and dark chocolate whipped cremeux

The TLC eXperience is back with the Harvest Fundraiser Dinner

Dine under the stars in the orchard at Agritopia Farm in Gilbert on Friday, November 8th at 5 p.m. as they partner to raise money for the Arizona Urban Agriculture Foundation. Chef Tom and his culinary team are preparing a menu that uses locally sourced and grown ingredients for the multi-course dinner that never disappoints. The 4-hour dinner experience is $150 per person and the menu and reservations can be seen and made here.

Aridus Wine Company re-opens Scottsdale tasting room

After a little remodel, repairs and restocking of wine the Old Town Scottsdale tasting room is now open.

Okay Maguey to open in North Phoenix next week

Mexico City and southern Mexico have a cuisine which is hard to replicate throughout other regions of Mexico and next Thursday, September 19th a new restaurant and taco bar will open showcasing those flavors and ingredients. Okay Maguey honors the Peredo family traditions and recipes passed down for generations and pays homage to the family’s heritage and strong ties and roots in Mexico City.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Valley to our culture and traditions through food,” said owner Miguel Peredo. “At Okay Maguey, we don’t just serve meals; we bring the story of our family and the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life with every dish. One example is our great grandmother Carmelita’s special mole recipe, which has been passed down for generations. We simply want to share the richness of our culture and its food with our community, making every guest feel welcome to our family table.”

Chef Jose Rodriguez also has roots in Mexico City and offers scratch made dishes from the family’s recipes along with his signature flair. A few of the dishes on the menu include Tacos Gobernador, Esquite Street Corn and the distinctive Tijuana-Style Caesar Salad. Fernando Bernal is behind the bar and has over three decades of experience in the spirits industry and his cocktails complement Chef Rodriquez’s menu. Bernal’s cocktails include his signature Lavender Guava Margarita and his own La Paloma blend, all are crafted with fresh ingredients.

The Peredo family welcomes the public to Okay Maguey to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting on the 19th at 6:00 p.m. Okay Maguey is at 12005 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. For more information and to view the complete menu be sure to visit their website.

A family’s journey from France to opening a Chandler restaurant

When Mairead and Fabrice Buschtetz met working in a Paris hotel in 1998 they never knew their lives journey would have them opening a successful French restaurant in suburban Phoenix. Coming to Paris from Ireland, Mairead worked in hotel administration and Fabrice fresh out of a Paris culinary school the two married two years later and started a family and pursued Fabrice’s desire to live in the United States. The first few years brought the family of five to Veracruz Mexico, Dallas, Miami back to France before a Google search had them packing up to move to Arizona in 2013.

Once settled they followed Fabrice’s passion to open an auto repair shop. Yes, a culinary trained chef shifted gears to open an auto repair shop but Mairead noticed he was not as happy or “in his element” as he was in the kitchen cooking for family, friends and others. They then opened Cuisine & Wine Bistro  in Gilbert in 2015 then opened a second location in 2016 in Chandler. They operated both under the Cuisine & Wine Bistro banner until 2020. They rebranded the Gilbert location to B Gastrobar in 2020 when they were basically closed during the pandemic then sold B Gastrobar in 2022 to focus on CWB. And why not since the restaurant has become a favorite of locals looking for traditional French food and earning accolades from OpenTable and Wine Spectator over the years. An appearance on PBS Arizona’s “Check Please! Arizona” also helped them get the attention they deserved.

Scallops. Photo courtesy of CWB and Clementine Buschtetz

It’s a family business

Like most family-owned businesses the children wind up working in the business and that’s no different with the Buschtetz family. At one point all four of their children worked in some capacity with one son following in dad’s footsteps in the kitchen, another as sommelier building a world class wine list acknowledged by Wine Spectator awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Their daughter can be found serving guests on the dining room floor on a regular basis. They also consider their employees, 12 of which long term employees’ part of the family too.

What’s next on their journey?

Down to one restaurant the workaholic parents didn’t want to miss an opportunity and later this month they will open “Quiche and Pies” a few miles north at Alma School & Ray Rd. The new bakery/cafe/coffee shop will be open 6 days a week from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Selling quiche and pies isn’t new to the Buschtetz’s as they’ve been selling them online for the past few years. Guests can expect up to 9 quiches & chicken pot pie and 10 pies on the rotating menu.

The families journey as to where to put down roots in the United States has proven successful as their “hidden secret” restaurant is no longer hidden or a secret.

For more information or to make a reservation at Cuisine & Wine Bistro visit their website.

 

Prince Street Pizza coming to Mill Ave. in 2025

Tempe’s CenterPoint’s owners Wexford Developments has announced that the popular Sicilian and Neapolitan pizza concept Prince Street Pizza will be take over the spot vacated by Jimmy John’s in early 2025. Founded by Lorenzo Hidalgo, Tempe is the first Arizona location to go with locations in NYC, LA, Miami, Toronto Las Vegas, Costa Mesa and others.

“Bringing Prince Street Pizza to Mill Ave is a thrilling opportunity for us. We’re excited to share our New York-style slices and Sicilian squares with a new community that’s full of energy and enthusiasm.  We can’t wait for locals and visitors alike to experience the unique flavors and vibe that have made Prince St. Pizza a staple in NYC,” said Prince Street Pizza Owner Lawrence Longo.

Once opened the walk-up slice shop will serve a selection pizza pies, slices in different sizes including its “Prince Perfection Pie”. It will also join other restaurants in the next year at CenterPoint including a new high-end restaurant and cocktail concept from the owners of Wren & Wolf and Pedal Haus Brewing owner Julian Wright who announced a new cocktail concept.

“Prince Street Pizza is one of the fastest growing pizza companies in the country right now.  The pizza is some of the best I’ve ever had, and this concept will be a great addition to our CenterPoint asset,” said Sam Gordon, co-founder and principal of Wexford Developments. For more information visit Prince Streets website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

National Sandwich Month at Arizona’s oldest deli

Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, Miracle Mile Deli celebrates them with weekly specials in August. Starting next Monday August 5th-10th get The New Yorker (hot pastrami, homemade coleslaw and Miracle Mile’s signature dressing); the incredible Brisket of Beef Sandwich the week of Aug. 12-17; the Combo (hot corned beef and hot pastrami piled high) Aug. 19-24; and the famous Straw sandwich (hot pastrami, melted Swiss cheese and steamy sauerkraut) Aug. 26-31.

Enjoy each sandwich for just $17.50 and get golden hot fries (or another side item of their choice), a kosher dill pickle and a slice of fresh baked pie. Pie flavors include Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Pecan, Pumpkin, and Boston Cream.

New tasting menu coming to Rusconi’s next week

Starting Wednesday, August 7th the Paradise Valley restaurant introduces a new four-course menu for $60++ with wine pairings optional for an additional $30. The menu is……

Tomato and Buratta Salad with marinated cucumbers, shallots, arugula pesto and basil sorbet. Optional pairing: 2022 Squealing Pig Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

Pan-Seared Georges Bank Scallops with English pea risotto, edamame beans and ginger carrot jus. Optional pairing: 2022 Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River
 
Pecan-wood Grilled Lamb Porterhouse with warm herbed fingerling potato salad and red wine reduction. Optional pairing: 2021 Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley
 
Dark Chocolate Bread Pudding with caramel, chocolate and vanilla sauces. Optional pairing: Chef’s selected dessert wine

August events at Tracy Dempsey Originals

The Tempe bakery/wine shop has several events coming up this month and all have limited space and require RSVPs to, tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com and you can find more information at the website.

  • Saturday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.. Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Saturday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Take a Walk on the Chilled Side: Summer Soups & Salads $70 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 9.

  • Saturday, August 24, 1 to 3 p.m. — Salon de Thé — A Pop-Up Dessert Cafe.  Reservations required. See website for more details.

  • Friday, August 30, 12 to 1 p.m. — Lunch & Learn $50 per person. RSVP by Friday, August 23.

  • Saturday, August 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Wine Talk 101 $20. RSVP by Saturday, August 17.

New sangrias, spritzes and mocktails at Grimaldi’s

All 6 Arizona locations of the popular pizzeria has introduced 7 new beverages to their menu.

SANGRIAS

BERRY SANGRIA – Beso Del Sol red sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, strawberry purée, lemon juice, fresh strawberries

PEACH SANGRIA – Lolailo white sangria, Tito’s Handmade vodka, peach purée, peaches, lemon juice

SPRITZES

SICILIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ – La Marca Prosecco, Aperol, Winter Citrus syrup, lemon juice

CITRUS HERB SPRITZ – The Botanist gin, Winter Citrus syrup, lime juice, soda

MOCKTAILS

PEACHY KEEN – Diced peaches, peach purée, Winter Citrus syrup, citrus juices, soda

PURPLE TWILIGHT FIZZ – Starry, Desert Pear syrup, lemon juice

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE – Lemonade, fresh strawberries, basil, strawberry purée, lemon juice

New lunch special at GenuWine Arizona

You can join the downtown Phoenix wine bar for lunch and enjoy a Chicken Pesto Panini and chips for just $9.99. They also have free WIFI so you can stay connected and a selection of both non-alcoholic beverages and wine & beer.

Phoenix City Grille is under new ownership

Sheldon Knapp founded Phoenix City Grille in 1997 and has weathered more than a few storms in those 27 years. The Great Recession of 2008 or the pandemic 12 years later, the Madison neighborhood restaurant is still going strong and Knapp felt now was a good time to turn over the reins to new owners. At least of the new owners is very familiar with PCG and isn’t new at all as Executive Chef and Managing Partner Micah Wyzlic welcome industry veteran Dennis Shaw as a partner.

“I am completely confident that Phoenix City Grille and our incredibly loyal customer base are in excellent hands with Dennis and Micah at the helm,” said Knapp, who will have a minority position in the business. “I look forward to working with Dennis and Micah in my semi-retirement as well as spending more time with my family.”

Impressive industry resumes for new owners at Phoenix City Grille

Wyzlic joined PCG in 1999 after graduating from Scottsdale Culinary Institute then going to work for The Ritz Carlton at Rancho Mirage and PGA West before returning to PCG in 2018 as Managing Partner. More than half his career in the restaurant industry has been at PCG. Shaw also has several decades in the local restaurant industry, most recently as Owner and Managing Partner at Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen. He’s also worked at Las Sendas Golf Club, The Phoenician Resort, Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn, Desert Mountain properties and Four Seasons Resorts, all in managerial positions.

“I am so excited to be a part of the PCG community. I want to get very involved, get to know the patrons here, grow the legacy that Sheldon has built and keep PCG going for many years to come,” said Shaw. “We will continue to evolve the great food and service with the same great team that has become synonymous with PCG while enhancing the dining experience and expanding our PCG roots as we evolve.”

Guests shouldn’t expect to see many if any changes at PCG but Wyzlic and Shaw do plan to open a new bottle shop, Still and Barrel, later in the year. For more information visit the restaurants website.

 

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.

Élephante, acclaimed coastal Italian concept coming to Scottsdale

Upscale restaurant hospitality group Wish You Were Here and Macerich, owner of Scottsdale Fashion Square announced that Élephante will be part of the south wing expansion of the mall’s luxury wing. Once opened the 12,000 square foot restaurant highly visible near Nordstroms and will be the first location outside of Los Angeles. Wish You Were Here has multiple concepts of upscale bars and restaurants in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City. Their unforgettable dining experiences are inspired traveling the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring Élephante to Scottsdale, a city that boasts a stunning landscape and a thriving culinary scene,” said Nick Mathers, Founder of Wish You Were Here Group. “With its vibrant community that appreciates elevated dining experiences, it’s a favorable market for restaurants, especially in Scottsdale Fashion Square”

What to expect at Élephante

Guests will experience an indoor-outdoor restaurant offering a multidimensional experience with a sophisticated cocktail lounge within the restaurant, something unique to Arizona. Inspired by the desert surroundings the restaurant will have a jungle vibe full of lush floral decor and towering cacti.

The menu will include wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and their well-known Whipped Eggplant Dip. A new grill section of the menu will include premium meats, consciously selected seafood and larger family-style dishes. The beverage program will include over 1,200 wine labels and expertly crafted cocktails.

“This year, we’re celebrating five years since Élephante opened its doors in Santa Monica, so we feel this is the perfect evolution of our brand. We have created an atmosphere that captures the essence of sophistication while preserving the organic, laid-back feel that defines our first location. With this unique blend, we invite guests to embark on a memorable journey that resonates with Scottsdale’s captivating charm.” says Mathers.

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.