Tag: Scottsdale

Dinner with friends at Taggia at FireSky Resort in Scottsdale

Recently I had the opportunity to dine with friends at Taggia, the Coastal Italian Cuisine restaurant, www.taggiascottsdale.com located inside FireSky Resort and Spa just north of downtown Scottsdale. Under the guidance of executive chef Massimo De Francesca, a Toronto native, we dined on a tasting menu of selected dishes which were all beautifully presented and all had unique flavors and a combination of flavors not usually found in Italian cuisine. These are a few of my favorites.

Right out of the gate I was impressed with the Shrimp Escabeche and it’s use of coconut and lobster oil. Served with watercress and sliced red onion these shrimp were perfectly cooked and the coconut offered a tropical flavor which showcased Chef Massimo’s outside the box thinking.

Shrimp Escabeche
Shrimp Escabeche

Cod Fritters don’t exactly scream Italian but made me scream “I want more” as the salt cod was served a top a smear of chipolte aioli which served as a nice contrast to the fried Cod giving it a hint of spice. Several cubes of hearts of palm are served offering a cool and crisp flavor.

Cod Fritters with chipolte aioli & heart of palms
Cod Fritters with chipolte aioli & heart of palms

Since it is Italian inspired, a pasta course was served and the tender Gnocchi was served in a soy-brown butter and tossed with chorizo, crab and English peas. Upon first reading it on the menu and the ingredients I thought to myself it was a twist on surf and turf with the use of crab and chorizo. Both almost melted in my mouth with the help of the soy-brown butter.

Gnocchi with crab, chorizo and English peas
Gnocchi with crab, chorizo and English peas

Palate refreshers were offered before our final course along with carefully selected wines chosen by restaurant manager Brian Blanke which included Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio from Collio, Italy for the early courses. Arizona Stronghold “Dayden” pink wine which is a blend of Zinfandel & Tempranillo from Cochise County in southern Arizona was poured for the middle courses of Duck Carpaccio, Veal and Gnocchi. The 06 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva was poured giving it the chance to breathe as it was paired with the final course.

Arizona Stronghold "Dayden" pink wine
Arizona Stronghold “Dayden” pink wine

The final plate before dessert was Coulette, which is a part of the beef sirloin that offers a soft and sweet flavor. Paired with bone marrow and over a bed of braised escarole it came served with fingerlings potatoes and cipolline onions offering a sweet taste. A rich flavor along with the juices of the beef made for a decadent beef course.

Coulette
Coulette

Dessert was served in 2 parts the first being Sabayon which is a foamy, mousse like dessert that was served strawberries and blackberries. Traditional bread pudding was then served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream along with house made limoncello which made for an excellent way to end one of the better meals served in recent memory.

A goodie bag was given to each invitee on our way out and I was pleasantly surprised to find one of my favorite desserts, a pair of mini cannolis. A return visit is in the future as the food and hospitality were very welcoming and delicious.

Bread pudding
Bread pudding

Taggia is opened 7 days a week serving
Breakfast 7:30am -10:30am Daily
Lunch 11:30am -2:30pm Daily
Dinner 5:30pm -9:00pm Sunday & Monday
5:30pm -10:00pm Tuesday – Saturday

Lounge opens at 11:00am daily.

Taggia & FireSky Resort and Spa is located 4925 North Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480.424.6095

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar With a Special Three-Course Brunch Menu

On the most special day for moms, treat them to a three-course brunch at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Guests can enjoy innovative brunch favorites for $36.95 per guest. In addition, each mom will receive a $25 dining card valid for a future visit.

Guests are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with the entire family. Fleming’s offers a special three-course brunch menu for children under 12 available for $17.95. Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12, 2013
Open early from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and open during regular dinner hours at each location.

Brunch begins with a choice of appetizer including Lobster Bisque, Modern Caesar or Fresh Seasonal Fruits; followed by a choice of entrée including Prime Rib with a Trio of Sauces or Baked Brioche French Toast with a Walnut Crisp, among other mouth-watering choices, and ends with a choice of dessert including a classic White Chocolate Bread Pudding. The full menu is available online at FlemingsSteakhouse.com

Guests can choose to accompany the celebration with one of our specially hand-crafted cocktails including the Bellapolitan ($8.95), Scottish Beauty ($9.95) or Blood Orange Mimosa ($7.95).

All locations – there are four Fleming’s in Phoenix in Peoria, Chandler, North Scottsdale at DC Ranch and Scottsdale at Lincoln Road.

o Scottsdale: 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd. / 480-596-8265
o DC Ranch-North Scottsdale: 20753 N. Pima Rd. / 480-538-8000
o Chandler: 905 N. 54th St. / 480-940-1900
o Peoria: 9712 W. Northern Ave. / 623-772-9463

Abe’s of Scottsdale Deli Is Offering Guests a Delicious Breakfast Special!

What’s better than starting your day with a delicious breakfast? One that doesn’t’ break the bank! Abe’s of Scottsdale Deli has created a mouth-watering breakfast special for guests to enjoy every Monday – Friday between 8am – 11am. Enjoy a delicious combination of the following for $5.49
abes breakfast

· Two eggs – any style

· Your choice of breakfast potatoes, cottage cheese, tomatoes, or fresh fruit

· Toast or a bagel with shmear or butter

· Bottomless coffee or hot tea

· Add bacon, sausage, or ham to your meal for $2.00 more

Abe’s of Scottsdale Deli
10050 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite 127
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
(Off of Scottsdale Road and Gold Dust, located conveniently behind
California Pizza Kitchen)

As always, all of Abe’s menu specialties are available including piled high sandwiches, homemade soups and traditional East coast deli specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available.

Abe’s of Scottsdale deli and restaurant belongs to a very different delicatessen era, the glamorous age of 1930s Times Square delis where Broadway performers ducked out between shows for a pastrami on rye. With mouth-watering breakfast, lunch, and dinners, Abe’s of Scottsdale Deli set the standard by serving their guests the ultimate in east coast tradition by providing a unique mix of traditional deli favorites, atmosphere and service.

Abe’s offers a family tradition with table service as well as walk up ordering at our deli counter for your fresh daily hot sliced favorites like our own recipe pickled corned beef and pastrami along with smoked fish and all the traditional deli specialties. The dining room is stylish, with cityscape photos from these yester-years. Abe’s will have the classic deli bustle, filling its customers plates with piled high deli sandwiches, matzo-ball soup, delectable salads, NY style bagels with lox and schmear, and so much more! Abe’s brings a traditional deli experience daily from 8am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm Friday, 8am-8pm Saturday, and 8am-8pm Sunday in a contemporary, friendly, and social atmosphere.

For more information, visit www.abesdeliscottsdale.com and like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/AbesDeliScottsdale

Experience the next generation of smoked fish at Chompie’s

Chompie’s, the Smoked Fish Experts, Launches the Most Fresh and Unique Approach to Smoked Fish Available in Phoenix

smoked fish picture

Chompie’s, www.chompies.com Arizona’s New York Deli, is introducing their new and improved smoked fish menu featuring authentic Norwegian Smoked Fish selections that will excite and satisfy the new generation of fish loving foodies as well as long-time smoked fish loyalists. Smoked fish has long been a Jewish tradition as well as a tradition at Chompie’s. In ancient times, when kosher meat was not always available, fish was an important staple of the Jewish diet.
“For over 34 years, Chompie’s has always strived to provide the freshest, most enjoyable, and most authentic experience and food possible, while keeping up with the times, which is why we are introducing the new smoked fish menu,” said Neal Borenstein, Executive Vice President and owner of Chompie’s.

Chompie’s has branded its entire new line-up of smoked fish “Gen-S”–the next generation of smoked fish in terms of selection (wider variety and new tastes), superior quality and sustainability, appealing to Gen-X’ers and Gen-Y’ers hungry for modern twists on traditional deli offerings with expectations beyond those of the generations before them. Simply put, Chompie’s Gen-S ain’t your grandma’s smoked fish; in fact, it knocks it out of the water.

The new smoked fish selections found both on the dining menu and in the fresh deli case include:

Nova Lox: The grand-daddy of them all, this traditionally smoked Norwegian salmon has the perfect balance of flavors. It’s good with just about anything!

Pastrami Smoked Salmon: Traditionally smoked Norwegian salmon with pastrami seasoning, making for an irresistibly sweet and tangy flavor.

Gravlox: An old world style of smoked Norwegian salmon that is also brined and seasoned with a traditional dill and pepper blend. A very unique, slightly salty flavor.

Smoked Whitefish: Wood-Fire smoked, our Whitefish is from the fresh waters of the Great Lakes. The gleaming golden skin is a deli tradition like no other.

Smoked Black Cod: Also known as Sablefish, one of the most coveted smoked fish varieties world-wide, our version has an irresistible flavor. Typically caught in the east Pacific, between Alaska and California.

Baked Salmon: Wood-Fire smoked over a unique blend of hardwoods, our baked (a.k.a. Kippered) salmon has an especially smoky flavor. Try it on its own or in our Baked Salmon Salad.

The new smoked fish menu includes selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including Gluten-Free Friendly and Deli take out as well.

A sample of the new smoked fish menu at Chompie’s:

Pastrami Smoked Salmon: “LEO” lox sautéed with crunchy fried capers, onions, and scrambled eggs. Served with Potato Latke hash brown, choice of bagel and cream cheese 10.99

Lox Sampler Platter for Two: Nova Lox, Gravlox, Pastrami Smoked Salmon, Plain and Veggie Cream Cheese, leaf lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, capers, and choice of two bagels 22.99

Smoked “Sashimi: Thinly sliced Gravlox, smoked black cod, spinach cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, red onion and a choice of bagel 16.99

Deluxe Salad Sampler: Baked Salmon Salad, Whitefish Salad and Shrimp Vinaigrette salad served with a choice of bagel, plain cream cheese, Greek olives, lettuce, tomato and onion 19.29

(Gluten-Free Friendly) Smoked Salmon BLT; Nova Lox, bacon, leaf lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli on Gluten free flatbread, served with homemade potato chips 11.79 Sub GFF Bagel 1.29; Sub Flavored Cream Cheese .69

Scottsdale
9301 E. Shea Blvd.
Scottsdale 85260
480-460-0475
fax 480-860-8422
Mon-Sun 6am-9pm

Tempe
1160 E. University Dr.
Tempe 85281
480-557-0700
fax 480-557-0709
Mon-Fri 6am-9pm
Sat-Sun 7am-9pm

Chandler
3481 W. Frye Rd
Chandler
480-398-3008
Mon-Sat 6am-9pm
Sun 6am-8pm

Paradise Valley
4550 E. Cactus Rd #324
602-710-2910
Mon-Sat 6am-9pm
Sun 6am-8pm

Chompie’s celebrates the Jewish holiday of Passover with its 25th Annual Passover dinner

Celebrate Passover Dinner with Family at one of Chompie’s Restaurants, or at Home

Passover is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt to escape persecution and the angels of death passing over Israelite’s homes.

As the story goes, Moses approaches the reigning pharaoh several times, explaining that the Hebrew God has requested a three-day leave for his people so that they may celebrate a feast in the wilderness. When the pharaoh refuses, God unleashes 10 devastating plagues on the Egyptians, culminating in the slaying of every firstborn son by an avenging angel. The Israelites mark the door frames of their homes with lamb’s blood so that the angel will recognize and “pass over” each Jewish household.

Jews observe the week-long festival with a number of important rituals, including traditional Passover meals known as Seder, the removal of leavened products from their home, the substitution of matzo for bread and the retelling of the exodus tale.

The Borensteins, owners of Chompie’s and being of Jewish descent have celebrated the tradition of Passover in their families for generations and continue the tradition in their restaurants today.

Dine in Option; Just $29.95 per adult and $14.95 for children under 10

Home-made 6 course meal includes hors d’oeuvres, soup, entrée, two side dishes, dessert and beverage

Main courses options include

Classic Braised Beef Brisket in Pan Gravy

Pan-seared Atlantic King Salmon

Roast Breast of Turkey or

Roasted Half Spring Chicken, (both served with Passover Stuffing).

Dine in Dinner available on Monday, March 25 and Tuesday March 26th, 2013. 5:00 pm- close. Reservations strongly recommended to be made in advance to securing seating.

To Go Dinners, holiday cakes and desserts, and Passover bagels available all eight nights of Passover, from March 25th until April 2nd, 2013.

Dine in available Chompie’s Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Chandler Locations. At Chompie’s Tempe location, the regular dining menu, which features Passover-friendly dishes, will be available. To go dinners and bakery items available at all four of Chompie’s locations.

To Go Options; Order by the Pound or Order Complete Family Dinners!

Deluxe Family Dinner; serves 8 people generously, only $229.95

· Includes choice of appetizer, soup, two entrees, two side dishes

· Traditional Family Dinner; serves 4 people generously, only $119.99

· Includes choice of one appetizer, one entrée, two side dishes

· Both meals served with Matzo Plate & Charoses Kosher Wine or Grape Juice

· Meals must be ordered 24 hours in advance by contacting the Chompie’s location closest to you.

· Pick up an order form or download one at Chompie’s.com.

· *Any substitutions may render additional charges

www.chompies.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Celebrates Spring with Filet & Lobster Combination

Seasonal Favorite Available Now through April 7 for $37.95

FiletLobster_LO
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is at it again and welcomes spring with the return of its iconic Filet & Lobster combination. Now through April 7 at all Fleming’s locations, guests can enjoy a tender Filet Mignon and a sweet North Atlantic Lobster Tail, plus a starter course and a side, all for only $37.95. (plus tax + gratuity).

Guests will start the experience with their choice of the Wedge Salad with crisp iceberg lettuce with grape tomatoes, red onions and crumbled blue cheese or French Onion Soup baked with gruyere and parmesan cheeses. The generous filet mignon—Fleming’s leanest cut—and broiled lobster tail with drawn butter are accompanied by sautéed Spaghetti Squash with lime butter.

The Filet & Lobster option is not on the regular menu and is only available upon request.

o Scottsdale: 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd. / 480-596-8265
o DC Ranch-North Scottsdale: 20753 N. Pima Rd. / 480-538-8000
o Chandler: 905 N. 54th St. / 480-940-1900
o Peoria: 9712 W. Northern Ave. / 623-772-9463

If not in the Phoenix area go to find a location near you and make reservations, please visit
www.Flemingssteakhouse.com/filet-lobster

Phoenix franchisee hopes Shark’s like sushi too

Fast-casual and customer creativity is a concept that Phoenix foodies have come to embrace, and the build-your-own sushi roll bar franchise is about to see how much Shark’s really like sushi on Friday’s episode of ABC’s hit reality show, Shark Tank. The pitch will be fed to the sharks on Friday, February 15 at 9 p.m. EST.

Shane & Sherri Sender
Shane & Sherri Sender

While the franchise was created by two Austin-based brothers and co-founders Yuen and Peter Yung, the concept has been very successful for Valley couple, Shane and Sherri Sender, who opened the Phoenix location at 1515 N. 7th Ave. on February 2, 2012. The fast-casual couple also owns and operates 11 Subway franchises in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

Very much like Subway, when customers visit How Do You Roll?, they can create their own sushi by choosing proteins like raw tuna to grilled chicken and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The restaurant also boasts vegan and gluten-free foods to satisfy diverse dietary needs. Don’t worry, if you would rather not make your own roll, they have a pre-made roll menu to order from.

While the owners are not at liberty to say what the outcome is on Friday’s episode, they will still be celebrating the store success.

For more information on How Do You Roll? please visit http://www.howdoyouroll.com.

P.F. Chang’s celebrates Chinese New Year with Red Envelope giveaway and specialty cocktails.

Just in time for the Chinese New Year P.F. Chang’s will be ringing it in with a special gift for guests. In honor of the 15-day Chinese celebration, guests who visit any P.F. Chang’s in the United States from February 11 through February 24, 2013 will receive a red envelope containing an unknown reward. On the guests’ next visit, a P.F. Chang’s manager or server will open the envelope and reveal its contents.* The secret offer could be a discount ranging from 10%-30% off of their meal, free appetizer, complimentary dessert or a FREE meal up to $75. Red envelopes are a traditional Chinese gift of the New Year and the red color symbolizes good luck while warding off evil spirits.

pf changs cocktails

To honor the occasion, P.F. Chang’s is offering the following two specialty cocktails and a Chinese beer:

BUBBLE T-I-NI: Our version of an adult bubble tea. Absolut Cherrykran vodka, a mix of cherry, white cranberry and plum flavors, is shaken with Aperol Liqueur and cranberry juice and garnished with lychee boba pearls.
LUCKY V.S: Our twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail with Courvoisier V.S. shaken with Cointreau, lemon and sugar.
TSINGTAO: A pilsner-style lager with a crisp, refreshing flavor and nutty, sweet taste.

Food is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Many of the dishes served during this time are thought to be “lucky” with the most common being long noodles, which represent longevity and long life, and fish, which symbolizes prosperity.

“The Chinese New Year is the perfect occasion to celebrate great food and share in the Chinese tradition of the red envelope,” said Rick Federico, CEO of P.F. Chang’s. “We are excited to reward our diners with a special offer that honors the spirit of the holiday.”

For more information on how P.F. Chang’s is celebrating the Chinese New Year, please visit http://www.pfchangs.com/NewYear/. For videos on how to make PF Chang’s specialty drinks at home and more, visit our YouTube Channel. To learn how to make the Bubble-T-i-ni please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAyo05aXfEY&feature=share&list=UUIdsTOymPsbWQAuZL114fcg and to learn how to make the Lucky V.S please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNAlSP4TPpU&feature=share&list=UUIdsTOymPsbWQAuZL114fcg.

For more information on general P.F. Chang’s news, promotions and store openings, please visit www.pfchangs.com and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pfchangs.

*Envelopes may be redeemed through March 24, 2013

Chompie’s celebrates 34 years in business on Valentines Day with never before offered all you can eat pancakes for just $3.34!

To celebrate their 34 years in business, Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York Deli since 1979 is offering All-You-Can-Eat Buttermilk Pancakes for just $3.34 on their anniversary, February 14th, 2013. This is the first time, in their 34 year history, that Chompie’s has done an all-you-can-eat pancake offer.

buttermilk-pancakes-WEB350

The traditional buttermilk pancakes are made fresh-from-scratch from a Borenstein family recipe dating back for generations–and are made the “Chompie’s” way…. huge! Customers have referred to them as “As Big as My Face!”

The all-you-can-eat pancakes offer is available at all four Chompie’s locations for dine-in only on February 14, 2013, between the hours of 6 a.m. -2 p.m. This one-day only pancake offer is an incredible deal, as pancakes are regularly $5.69 for a two stack, and $6.69 for a three stack.

In addition, Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York Deli is offering two more anniversary specials:

Buy 3, Get the 4th Free – Limited Edition, Valentine’s decorated, baked-from-scratch, large size, authentic N.Y. style Black & White cookies. Available Monday February 11th through Thursday, February 14th. Supply is limited and may vary by location, so please call ahead for larger orders.

Chompie’s Rewards Bonus: Get 75 bonus points (valid for $5 off on your next visit) when you fully complete your Chompie’s Rewards registration on February 14, 2013.

Visit Chompies.com for more details.

Let the good times roll with Tom’s Thumb Cajun Beer Dinner Featuring Abita Beers

Just in time for Fat Tuesday & Mardi Gras, Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market says “Laissez les bon temps rouler” …. “Let the good times roll!” Chef Tudie Frank-Johnson taps into her Southern roots for a Cajun Beer dinner Chef Tudie is preparing a four-course meal to be paired with beers from Abita – a Louisiana brewery. This dinner will take place on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 6:30 – 8 pm for only $36 (plus tax & gratuity) so your wallet stays fat too.

Ross Strozewski from World Class Beverages will lead the pairings of Abita’s beers with Chef Tudie’s Cajun cooking. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal including:

Pan Fried Blue Crab Cake
Served over Field Greens with Pico de Gallo and Chipotle Sauce
Abita Purple Haze

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Tudie’s delicious rendition of a Louisiana favorite
Abita Amber

Thick Sliced Smoked Brisket over Red Beans and Rice
Tom’s 12 hour smoked beef served with “Wash Day” beans!
Abita Turbo Dog

N’awlins Bread Pudding
Rich egg custard and cinnamon round out this buttery, rich pudding.
Abita Andy Gator

Reservations are required and will be held with a credit card. Guests can cancel up to 48 hours if needed. Make reservations by calling 480-513-8186 or visiting the market at 9393 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale. www.TomsThumbFreshMarket.com

For those who prefer wine, a separate wine pairing will be available for an additional cost.