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.

Ring in 2023 at these local restaurants

As we approach New Year’s Eve plans are being made about how to ring in 2023. These local restaurants are planning specially prepared dinners and as you can imagine reservations are necessary. Click on the restaurants link for more information and to make a reservation.

FRANCINE RestaurantEnjoy a French inspired menu with a Mediterranean twist for a five course meal with seating’s between 7 – 9 p.m. A DJ and champagne toast at midnight is included all for $225 per person. Go online or call 480-690-6180.

Phoenix City GrilleDinner starts at 3 p.m. with specials and the regular menu.

Hearth ’61–  A four-course dinner with first seating at 6:30 p.m $159, $199 for a 9:30 reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 480-624-5458.

ZuzuJoin the party with noshing stations, drinks and more for $150, reserve a VIP table for two for $500 or rent out the Rosie Room for up to 16 people for $4,000. The evening starts at 8 p.m. and a DJ starts entertaining at 9. Call 480-421-7997 for reservations.

Keeler’s Neighborhood SteakhouseThe Fourth Annual New Year’s Eve Gala starts at 6 p.m. with dinner buffet, live music & more for $135+ per person. Phone reservations only by calling 602-374-4784.

Thirsty Lion GastropubAll 4 Phoenix area location ring in 2023 special a la carte food and cocktails ranging from $8.95-$39.95.

Match Market & BarDinner is served from 6 p.m.- 11 then join the “Come On Barbie Let’s Go Party New Year’s Eve Party” in the Found:RE Hotel. Barbie’s Food Truck will be there with food for purchase from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. Reservations for dinner in Match can be made by calling 602-875-8080 and for Barbie’s Party click on the link above.

STK SteakhouseAn a la carte menu featuring Japanese Wagyu, caviar, Australian Wagyu and more is available starting on Friday, December 30th. On NYE enjoy a champagne toast at midnight, live DJ and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Rusconi’s American KitchenStarting a 5 p.m. enjoy a three course prix-fixe menu from Executive Chef Michael Rusconi. Dinner is $90++ per person and reservations can be made online or by calling 480-403-0009.

Roaring ForkA special Steak & Lobster dinner starts at 4 p.m. along with seasonal menus items available on only on NYE. Steak & Lobster is $68 and prices vary on other menu items. Call 480-947-0795 to make a reservation or go online.

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.

Dog Haus Biergarten Tempe opens this weekend

Grand opening celebrations start when the newest Dog Haus opens at The Watermark on Saturday at 11 a.m. 20% of sales this weekend will be donated to the Tempe Diablos and customers can enter to win a FREE Haus Dog every week through 2021. Until March 7th 20 people will be picked when the text “Tempe” to 31996 to win.

National Margarita Day is Monday 2/22, where are you celebrating?

The famous tequila cocktail is celebrated next week with specials at several restaurant. Scottsdale’s Roaring Fork offers $5 margs starting at 4 p.m. and Glendale’s Urban Margarita offers $4 margs on Taco Tuesday 2/23.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s Scottsdale and Camelback locations celebrate all weekend with to-go 32 oz. batches of margs for $20 (normally $29.95) and single serve margs for $5 for dine-in or to-go. Other restaurants celebrating are Z Teja’s, GuacStar Kitchen, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Macayo’s & Ghost Ranch.

It’s Beer vs. Bubbles at Zuzu

Enjoy a reception and 3 -course dinner paired with beers from Belgium’s Chimay and France’s Perrier- Jouet Champagnes at the Hotel Valley Ho. Thursday 2/25 at 6:30 p.m. is when this friendly competition goes down seeing which beverage pairs best with Executive Chef Russel LaCasce’s menu. Space is limited and seats are $129 per person ++. Call 480-421-7997 to reserve your seat.

Arizona Restaurant Week dates announced

The Spring’ 21 edition of the popular ARW will be May 21st – 30th. The bi-annual event from the Arizona Restaurant Association has local restaurants creating unique 3-course menus for the 10 day culinary event. Dinners are $33 or $44 and can be paired with wine or cocktail for an additional cost. The list of restaurants is always updated and menus will be available in coming weeks and months.

Cigar & Bourbon dinner at Match Market & Bar in Phoenix

Sip, smoke & eat next Friday  2/26 at the signature restaurant in the Founde:RE Hotel. The 4-course dinner will be paired with the Sazerac family of whiskeys tastes and cocktails paired with each course. Fumar Cigars will be featured and available for purchase. Seats are $90++ per person and can be purchased here.

 

Super Bowl dine-in and take-out deals around Phoenix

Whether you’re rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs or just want a good game for the Super Bowl on February 7th you’re going to want something to eat and drink during the game. Some prefer homemade eats but if you’re looking to visit a restaurant or have take-out these restaurants are cooking up enough for your team.

The Roaring Fork-Scottsdale. The dinner only restaurant brings back their “Dinner on Us” promotion. Buy one entree and get the other on the house starting just before kick off at 4 p.m. Their famous Big Ass Burger, Spit Roasted Half Chicken and Braised Beef Short Ribs are just a few entrees available.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix. Bring home one of their Big Game Slider Specials, choose from the Super Slider Buffet ($130- 16 Assorted Deli Slider Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw Relish Tray & Kosher Dill Pickles, Lettuce, Tomato, Mustard & Mayo, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese & 1 Whole Pie) or

The Tackle Pack ($140-  2 lbs. of Hot Pastrami, 2 lbs. of Corned Beef , 2 lbs. Of Potato Salad, 2 lbs. of Cole Slaw, 2 Quarts of Macaroni & Cheese, 18 Challah Slider Rolls, 10 Kosher Dill Pickle Slices & 1 Whole Pie). Each package serves 8-10 people and 48 hour notice is appreciated.

Grimaldi’s Pizeria– Multiple locations. Kick off National Pizza Day (February 9th) a couple of days early with a Meal to Go.

Meal Deal 1 To-go: $25 (feeds 2-4 people) 1- 18” traditional cheese pizza, Small house or Caesar salad and 2 fountain drinks.

Meal Deal 2 To-go: $40 (feeds 4-6 people), 2- 18” traditional cheese pizza. Large house or Caesar salad & 4 fountain drinks.

Tracey Dempsey Originals– Tempe. The popular maker of sweet & savory treats is putting together 3 different snack boards that will feed 2-4 people. Order by Monday February 1syt by 5 p.m. for pick up Saturday February 6th 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Nosh Platters
Charcuterie boards of a variety of meats, cheeses, pickles and veggies, along with Noble Bread ($50)
Sweet and Savory Platter
Homemade Rotel dip and tortilla chips, caramelized onion dip and potato chips, pimento cheese and crackers, our own Sweet & Savory Snack Mix chockful of the usual suspects including some new ones like bacon brittle, popcorn and candied nuts ($50)
Tasty Bites
A box of petite treats from our array of items at the moment, like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, lemon bars, Hatch green chile bars and more ($30).
FnB– Scottsdale. The award-winning restaurant is offering several platters for pick-up on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix. Build Your Own Super Bowl Party with a Burger Bar or Taco Bar. Each feeds 15- 18 people, $299 +tax, $10 delivery within 15 miles of 85020, order by 3 p.m. Tuesday February 2nd for delivery between 3 – 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.

Burger Bar Burgers: beef, beyond* and falafel served with brioche buns. *extra $2.50 per burger Toppings: cheese, lettuce, pickled red onion, tomato, cucumber, grilled onion, mushrooms. Sauces: aioli, ketchup, mango puree. Sides: house made chips and salad Add-ons: mac n cheese bites, pretzel bites and cannoli’s ($2-$3 per person).

Taco Bar Proteins: chicken, carne asada, pork or veggie. Toppings: cheese, limes, pickled onions, cilantro, roasted corn, roasted red peppers, salsa fresca. Sides: chips & salsa or rice & beans. Add-ons: elote, flautas, guacamole and churros ($2-$3 per person)

Humble Pie– Scottsdale & Glendale. Take-out 2 pizzas, salad, braised and extra crispy tender wings with house-made sauce choices of buffalo, spicy Korean or chili honey ($49.99 feeds 4 people).

Angry Crab Shack– Multiple locations. How about a seafood boil as if you’re in Tampa Bay on Super Bowl Sunday.

Family Feast ($125, feeds 3-4 people): Whole lobster and Dungeness crab, Head-off shrimp, King crab, Snow crab and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

Neighborhood Block Party ($225, feeds 5-8 people): Whole lobster, Dungeness crab, King and snow crab clusters, Head-on shrimp, Blue mussels, Clams, Lobster tails and Corn, red potatoes & sausage with your choice of sauce and spice.

STK Steakhouse– Scottsdale. The new steakhouse will have the game on TV, but if you prefer watch at home take-out is available. Loaded Nachos Kit: braised short rib, mustard cream, grated cheese, jalapeno peppers, chimichurri sauce $25. Cheesy Fries: bacon bits, cheese sauce, grated cheddar cheese, scallions $16. Chicken Wings: buffalo, garlic parmesan or cilantro lime $15. Meatball Hot Wrap: red onion, red pepper tapenade, chili flakes, chipotle ketchup, cheddar cheese $25. Braised Short Rib Quesadilla: fontina cheese, tomatoes, chimichurri, mustard cream, flour tortilla $23.

My Pie Pizza– Phoenix and Gilbert. No pre-order needed for this take-out special. Any 3 pizzas, garlic knots & 12 wings for $30.

Pedal House Brewery– Tempe and Chandler. Watch the game and enjoy these food and drink specials. Wing specials, $4 mimosas, select $4 Pedal Haus beers, $5 haus wines, $6 haus margaritas and Bloody Mary specials.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations. Call in one these 2 plays. 8 pizzas and a tray of meatballs and catering salads for $99.99. Also purchase 4 pizzas, salads or Mac ‘N Cheeses and get one free entrée. 3 hour advanced notice required.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub– Multiple locations. Dine-in starting at 4 p.m. and you can get a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Liberty Station Tavern– DC Ranch & Terravita. Smoked meats as if you’re in KC from these Scottsdale locations. Order by 4 p.m. on Thursday February 4th to be entered to win you’re order for free. Winner picked on Friday the 5th. By the pound meats include Texas Brisket with Liberty BBQ sauce, $20. Carolina Pork Shoulder with Carolina sauce, $18. Smoke Chicken Wings including spicy BBQ sauce and choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing, $19 per dozen. St. Louis Spare Ribs with Liberty BBQ sauce, $34/rack, $19/half rack. Sides dishes feed 4 – 6 people $8 per pint and $16 per quart of Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.

Match Market & Bar– Phoenix. The Big Game Munchie Menu is designed to feed two to three people and includes the following for $49 (plus tax): 2 pizzas of choice, A dozen buffalo wings, Trio dip (including muhammara, hummus and guacamole) and a 6 pack of craft beer.

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Support the troops, active and retired on Veteran’s Day

One thing we all agree on is that we support the troops of our military. Whether active or retired when Veteran’s Day arrives on November 11th these Phoenix area restaurants and watering holes offer deals on food & drink to our veterans and active military personnel.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar- The Scottsdale and Camelback locations give all veterans and active military personnel a free classic burger or cheeseburger. Offer is for dine-in or on-line ordering for take-out and military ID required for those in uniform.

Angry Crab Shack- 10% off at all locations with valid military ID.

Fired Pie- Free entree to all military with valid ID. Not available for 3rd party delivery.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria15% year round and 25% off on Veteran’s Day for active & retired military.

S & V Urban Italian- Show military ID at the Scottsdale restaurant for a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill- Show your military ID at any of the 4 locations around Phoenix and get free entree with a non-alcoholic beverage purchase.

Roaring ForkBring your military ID when you dine-in for 15% off your entire order.

Original Breakfast House- All military personnel get a free meal at this north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli- The central Phoenix deli offers veteran’s 10% off year round. On Veteran’s Day they give 20% off.

Cider Corps– The veteran owned downtown Mesa cidery offers 10% to all military year round. This year they’re open for take-away only with 15 ciders on tap.

Angel’s Trumpet House- All food is 10% off from 3-9 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix gastropub with military ID.

Morning Squeeze- Get a free drip coffee at the Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants open for breakfast and lunch.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse- All military personnel get 50% off their entree at the north Scottsdale restaurant open for dinner.

Pedal Haus Brewery- Take 20% off all food and drink and half off all merchandise at their Mill Ave. and downtown Chandler locations.

Voodoo Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen- Dine-in and get a free entree with proof of service at the south Tempe Cajun restaurant.

Macacyo’s- Get a free meal on the house whether you dine-in and take-out at any location.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Good news with a Reel Deel Monday’s in Surprise

The newish and popular Reel Pizza Pies in the northwest valley now offers a Reel Deel that includes 2-18 inch cheese pizza pies, a Caesar salad, an order of garlic knots & two cannoli’s for only $39.99. For more information or to order head to their website.

Roaring Fork’s “Dinner on Us” returns for Labor Day

The Scottsdale restaurant celebrates the end of summer with it’s annual Labor Day (Monday Sept. 7th) promotion where guests can Buy One Get One free starting at 4 p.m.

U.S. Egg has new cocktails and a Bloody Mary flight

All 6 locations of this breakfast and lunch favorite spot have introduced a new cocktail menu. Included are a Dreamsicle cocktail, new Mimosa flavors and a Bloody Mary flight.

National Beer Lover’s Day at Miracle Mile Deli

Enjoy Labor Day with $4 pints and $20 growlers all day long at this central Phoenix deli. Choose from Tower Station IPA, Papago Orange Blossom, Kiltlifter & Leininkugel’s Summer Shandy.

Fantasy Football draft parties at Twin Peaks

Pick your teams at 3 Phoenix area locations or have them bring the party to you. Dine-in or take out league commissioners get $50 gift card and each league member gets a $5 gift card for a future visit.

Photo: Arizona Restaurant Week preview.

Arizona Restaurant Week www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com returns Saturday September 21st – Sunday the 29th, 2013 and I recently was invited to preview some new restaurants along with some long time favorites and a few dishes of what they’ll be serving that week. If a picture is worth a 1,000 words then the following pictures are worth……

Pig & Pickle 2922 N. Hayden Rd. (at Thomas Rd.) Scottsdale, 85251 (480)990-1407 www.pigandpickle.com
Sapporo 14334 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, 85254 (480)607-1114 www.sapporoscottsdale.com
Virtu 3701 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, 85251 (480)946-3477 www.virtuscottsdale.com
Roaring Fork 4800 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, 85251 (480)947-0795 www.RoaringFork.com

Virtu's Roasted Beet salad
Virtu’s Roasted Beet salad

Sapporo's Blue Jumbo Crab Cake w/ Grilled Corn & Cucumber Salsa
Sapporo’s Blue Jumbo Crab Cake w/ Grilled Corn & Cucumber Salsa

Virtu Starter Kit- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Plymouth Gin, Grapefruit Bitters, Bitter Lemon Soda
Virtu Starter Kit- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Plymouth Gin, Grapefruit Bitters, Bitter Lemon Soda

Pig & Pickle
Pig & Pickle

Pig & Pickle's Braised Duck leg on Kool wild rice & quinoa
Pig & Pickle’s Braised Duck leg on Kool wild rice & quinoa

Sapporo's Cougar Roll
Sapporo’s Cougar Roll

Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Parmigiano Reggiano Polenta
Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Parmigiano Reggiano Polenta

The Roaring Fork's White Chocolate Oreo Pie & Heath Bar Bark
The Roaring Fork’s White Chocolate Oreo Pie & Heath Bar Bark
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