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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

All Night, All Summer Happy Hour is back at the Roaring Fork

Through Labor Day (September 2nd) the popular Scottsdale restaurant has happy hour pricing all night from 4 – 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices in the bar and saloon that includes $7 frozen margaritas and select wines by the glass. They’ve also brought back for a limited time Chicken Bites and Steak Salad. Other happy hour menu items include……

  • Mixed Market Greens $8.00 with Candied Walnuts, and Feta in a Cranberry Vinaigrette
  • Iceberg BLT $8.00 served with Blue Cheese, Bacon, Tomato, Green Onion and Ranch Dressing
  • Fresh Guacamole $10.00 with Crispy Tortilla Chips, and Cotija Cheese
  • Green Chili Pork $10.00 served with Pepper Jack and Warm Flour Tortillas
  • Queso Con Puerco $10.00 with Pepper Jack Cheese, Green Chili Pork, & Crispy Tortilla Chips
  • Rotisserie Chicken Flat Bread $11.00 with Basil Pesto, Roasted Chilis, Tomato & Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Quesadilla (Chicken $14.00 & Steak $16.00) with Cheese Blend, Lime Crema, Salsa, Guacamole, & Flour Tortilla
  • Smoked Chicken Wings $14.00 served with Celery and Ranch
  • Roaring Fork Big Ass Burger $13.00 with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle, Poblano Pepper, Bacon, Cheddar and French Fries

ODV Wines to host Twisted Union Wine Co. new release party

Next Friday, August 2nd the wine shop inside Tempe’s Tracy Dempsey Originals will be pouring new releases along with past vintages from 4 – 6 p.m. Be the first to taste the new wines and meet the people who make the wines and enjoy some snacks too. The tasting is free to ODV/TUWC Club members and $10 for non-members. RSVP by emailing Tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com

3-course Tuscan dinner coming to Rusconi’s American Kitchen

The north Phoenix restaurant is taking you to Tuscany and you don’t even have to pack a bag. Tuesday, August 13th owner and chef Michael Rusconi and his culinary team will prepare the meal that is paired with Italian wines. Seating is limited and is $70++ per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-483-0009. The menu is as follows…..

Primi: Open-Faced Ravioli with shrimp, tomato, cremini mushrooms and lobster jus
Pairing: 2022 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio – Montalcino, Italy
 
Secondo: Balsamic Braised Short Rib of Beef Gorgonzola Gnocchi with Sangiovese reduction and fava beans
Pairing: 2020 Banfi Collepino “Toscana” Sangiovese – Tuscany, Italy
Dolce: Espresso Semi Freddo
Pairing: Bolla Prosecco – Veneto, Italy

Venezia’s Pizzeria launches Presto at ASU

The new concept launched last week catering to students, faculty and others on the go at Sun Devil Marketplace. Presto has a streamlined menu offering pizzas, salads and wings along with beer and wine. They will be open 7 days a week at 11 a.m. and stay open until 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Amelia’s by Eat to open new cafe inside Kiln Gilbert

The 2nd location is set to open in august at Kiln Gilbert, a new community based co-working space near SanTan Village. The new location will be open Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Amelia’s Kiln will serve fresh coffee, scratch made bakery items including gluten-free, wraps, salads and healthy snacks. Catering services will be available for meetings and events inside Kiln.

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.

Around the valley restaurants serve Christmas & New Year’s Eve meals

Restaurants around the valley are getting ready to give 2020 one last “f**k you” as they prepare the last meals of the year. Christmas (Xmas) and New Year’s Eve (NYE) menus are planned and restaurants are taking reservations and orders for dining in or taking out for your holiday dining. These restaurants are doing the cooking for you but you need to get your reservations or orders in soon before it’s too late.

The Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- NYE – Dine-in 12/31

The Boulders Resort & Spa- Grill Kitchen- Carefree (Xmas & NYE)– Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31. Take-out on 12/25

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix (Xmas)- Take-out order by 12/22 for pick-up on 12/24.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen– Scottsdale (NYE)- Dine-in 12/31

Vicino’s Local Italian– Scottsdale-(NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- (NYE)- Take-out order by 12/29, for pick-up 12/31.

Trapp Haus BBQDowntown Phoenix – (Xmas Eve & NYE) Take-out, pick up on 12/24 & 12/31.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe– Gilbert- (NYE)- 12/31 Dine-in.

PHX Beer Co.- Scottsdale- (NYE)- Dine-in or take-out on 12/31 and 1/1/21.

The Thumb– North Scottsdale (Xmas Eve)- For pick-up on 12/24

T. Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa – Phoenix (Xmas & NYE) -Dine-in 12/25 and 12/31.

Marcellino Ristorante– Scottsdale– (Xmas & NYE) Order by 12/22 pick-up 12/23. Dine- in 12/31

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix (Xmas)- Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/19 pick up 12/24.

SanTan Brewing Co.– Chandler & Phoenix (NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in & take-out.

Hotel Valley Ho– Old Town Scottsdale (Xmas)– Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/21.

Fleming’s Prime SteakhouseGlendale, Chandler, Scottsdale & DC Ranch – (XMas Eve & NYE) – Take-out 24 hour notice. Dine- in 12/24 & 12/31.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley(Xmas) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Phoenix/Paradise Valley (Xmas Eve) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/24 and 12/31.

The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen– North Scottsdale (NYE)– Dine-in 12/31

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/17 pick-up or delivery on 12/23.

Cowboy Club– Sedona (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/31

Phoenix City Grille– Central Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/18 pick -up 12/24

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale (Xmas Eve) – Dine-in on 12/24

Liberty Station Tavern- Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)(Xmas) – Order by 12/20 for pick-up 12/24.

 

 

Weekend brunch back on the menu at Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Weekends just got better at the intersection of Shea and Tatum as Rusconi’s American Kitchen has re-introduced brunch on the weekend. In the past the scratch kitchen had served brunch only on Sunday’s but added Saturday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to get sweet & savory favorites. Eggs, pancakes, soups, sandwiches and entrees with Rusconi’s twist have returned including……..

-Pork Chile Verde with corn tortillas, sunnyside up egg, cotija cheese, green chile sauce, grape tomato salsa and radish, $14

-The Kitchen Benedict featuring beef short ribs, poached eggs, citrus hollandaise, English muffin and creamy red pepper grits, $12

-RAK French Toast with cinnamon cream, powdered sugar and real maple syrup, $10

-Rico’s New Orleans Beignets with house made jam and chocolate sauce, $9

-Roasted Pork Posole with hominy, corn, avocado, grape tomato salsa, and watermelon radish, $7, bowl; $11, large bowl; add an egg for $2 more

-Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Salad with rhubarb vinaigrette, praline pecans, granny smith apples and goat cheese, $12

-Harris Ranch “Kitchen” Burger with goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and tomato, $14 (add a fried egg for $3)

Enjoy house made Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for $5 with you meal whether you choose to dine-in or take-out.

Weekend brunch reservations can be made by calling (480)493-0009 or online at https://rusconiskitchen.com/. Rusconi’s American Kitchen 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 85028

TripAdvisor announces Rusconi’s American Kitchen to its Hall of Fame

Travel and review website TripAdvisor has awarded Rusconi’s American Kitchen with its 5th Certificate of Excellence in a row. With this announcement the popular Phoenix restaurant is now part of TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame.

TripAdvisor awards this prestigious honor to business’s who consistently receive great reviews and a four of five rating.

“We’re extremely proud of have received this accolade for five years running because it really shows that our customers are not only happy with our food and service, but also that they want to share their positive experiences at Rusconi’s with others,” says Michael Rusconi, owner and chef of Rusconi’s. “And now to be part of the TripAdvisors’ Hall of Fame is even more humbling.”

Owner and chef Michael Rusconi opened the restaurant more than five years ago to many local and national accolades. Before opening his own restaurant Rusconi re-invented the menu at Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn. He advocates for sustainable food and his resume includes Mobil 4 Stars and nominations for the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame.

The restaurant is open daily serving lunch Tues. -Fri. along with dinner and brunch on the weekend.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen is at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028.

 

Where to take dad on Father’s Day if he’s a foodie

If your father is like my father then time spent with him will probably involve food. Whether he is a vegan(not mine), prefers a burger or a pizza, breakfast, lunch or dinner, beer or wine these Phoenix area restaurants will be taking care of your father on Father’s Day on June 18th.

Father's Day
Photo courtesy of Char Kitchen + Bar

Nook Kitchen

Dads will receive any draft beer for just $2 with the purchase of any pizza. Draft beer is regularly $5-$7.

Chompie’s

Dads get a free slice of Chompie’s signature Black and White Tuxedo Cake (valued at $5.99) with the purchase of an entrée.

Flanny’s – Happy Hour Offered All Day 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

$5 Hummus                                                                                                                         $5 Cheese Quesadilla                                                                                                    $5 Fried Pickles                                                                                                                 $7 Cheese Burger Sliders                                                                                            $7 Buffalo Chicken Sliders                                                                                          $2 off all Drafts and Cans                                                                                            $5 House Wines

24 Carrots-Vegan

Biscuits and Gravy Plate  12 Coconut butter biscuits, walnut-mushroom gravy, sautéed greens, veggie- chickpea scramble

Veggie Breakfast Sandwich  10.95 vegan omelet, roasted sweet potato, chipotle aioli, 24C bacun, tomato, onion & spinach

Caramel Machiatto Pancakes  10 fluffy pancakes, medjool-tahini caramel drizzle, coffee syrup GF option

Father's Day
Photo courtesy of Chompie’s

Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen –Brazilian Steak Combo

12 Oz. Picanha Grelhada (grilled culotte steak) plus Brazilian Beer or Caipirinha, or a non-alcoholic Brazilian beverage for $23. Includes grilled pineapple, Brazilian potato salad or black beans and rice. 

Tavern Americana- Penny beers with purchase of an entree    Seared 10oz Filet Mignon | Herbed Butter | Mashed Potatoes | Roasted Mushrooms  | Red Wine Cream Sauce | Charred Asparagus | $21                                                                                                                                       Any burger with choice of fries or salad  $10                                               Any one topping pizza (additional toppings with be regular charge)  $5.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar- Juicy Lucy burger til June 20th.                     Just in time for dad’s big day, the Juicy Lucy features a fresh ground Angus beef patty stuffed with melted Tillamook Cheddar and topped with a second slice of cheddar along with black pepper aioli and caramelized onions

Photo courtesy of Crvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen

Char Kitchen + Bar                                                                                                      The Mediterranean Cowboy Burger $14, is an 8 Oz. grass fed Angus beef patty topped with Harissa BBQ sauce, crumbled gorgonzola cheese and fried onion rings with a chipotle ranch schmear, served on a challah roll with a side.

Char will also be serving a 14 oz. Angus Ribeye steak topped with blue cheese and chive butter and served with scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables for $35.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen- Special menu for $44                         Starter (choice of)
key west shrimp and red pepper grits
local linguica sausage, cured tomato, roasted corn jus
sweet potato roasted corn bisque
shaved san joaquin gold and mild fresno chili

white truffle scented mac-n-cheese
white truffle cream, san joaquin gold

Entree
pecan wood grilled prime flatiron steak
Amish blue cheese, roasted cornbread pudding, wilted spinach, pequillo tapenade
includes glass of chef’s choice red or white wine or draft beer

Dessert
dark chocolate bread pudding
vanilla sauce, berries and salted caramel

LDV Wine Gallery                                                                                                           On Father’s Day, dads will receive 25% off LDV Winery Petite Sirah (by the glass, by the bottle, or by the truckload)!

Thirsty Lion Gastropub                                                                                      Thirsty Lion offers half price beer flights on Father’s Day. For only $5, choose six of the over 24 beers and ciders on tap for your beer flight samples.  

Fired Pie Pizza                                                                                                                   All day long on, all Fired Pie locations are offering a buy one entrée get one free for dads on Father’s Day! Dine-in only.

Organ Stop Pizza- All you can eat pizza buffet and salad plus unlimited soft drinks

Adults $12.00 (including tax)
Kids 3-9 $10.00 (including tax

Beer, Wine and Ice Cream available for purchase at an additional charge. 

Tickets are available online or you can purchase them in the restaurant gift shop.  ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED

Doors open @ approximately 11:15
Music begins @ approximately 11:45
Lunch concludes @ approximately 1:00

Lunch will consist of an all-you-can-eat buffet with prepared garden salads (with your choice of dressing).

 

 

 

 

Rusconi’s American Kitchen tempts us with Summer Dinner Menu

No beating around the cactus, its June and summer has hit the Phoenix area pretty quickly. As much as we lament the hot summer months a few good things make life easier for us locals. As we stick around and sweat it out there is less traffic on the road, no waiting for a table at our favorite restaurants and restaurants doing what it takes to get our butts in their seats. Rusconi’s American Kitchen is wooing us with a Summer Dinner menu that offers 3 courses & glass of red or white wine for only $44.00 per guest.

This Summer 2017 Feature Menu is available through August in addition to their daily dinner menu. The Summer dinner menu is as follows…..

Course One (choice of)

wild arugula with cotija cheese 

shaved watermelon radish, beets, chardonnay vinaigrette

chilled pea soup with house smoked salmon

crema and tiny croutons

 

Course Two (choice of)

pecan wood grilled loin of lamb

mild roasted pepper grits, small carrots and American goat cheese

pecan wood grilled sustainable salmon 

blackberry glaze, small potatoes, sweet corn, baby cabbages

 

Course Three (choice of)

 budino of the moment

 RAK dark chocolate bread pudding

Rusconi’s American Kitchen is at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd. (NE corner of Tatum & Shea) Phoenix (480)483-0009 http://rusconiskitchen.com/

 

Michael Rusconi of Rusconi’s American Kitchen to teach how to make 3 of his signature dishes at luncheon.

Calling all home chefs, if you’re looking for new recipe ideas and cooking techniques chef/ owner Michael Rusconi of Rusconi’s American Kitchen is teaching a cooking class & luncheon this Saturday Jan. 28th. The theme for the 3-course meal & lunch is “A Sonoran Winter Harvest Lunch” and will feature 3 of Rusconi’s signature dishes and instructions as how to prepare and cook them.

Guests will learn to use the unique ingredients that chef Rusconi uses to give his dishes his signature flair. After learning to make the dishes guests will dine on the creations of a menu of Butternut Squash Soup, Pan roasted chicken with green chile mac & cheese, agave glazed carrots and Cranberry & White Chocolate Crème Brûlée;

The class will start at 10am and go lunch will conclude at 1:00pm. The cost is $65 per person and includes, cooking instruction, recipes and 3 course lunch. Wine can be paired with lunch for an additional $12. Space is limited, to save your seat call 480-483-0009.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen is at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix 85028. http://rusconiskitchen.com/