M Culinary Concepts introduces ” A Taste of Two Seasons” menu

Those looking for innovative private dining experiences can consider the new seasonal menu, “A Taste of Two Seasons” from M Culinary Concepts. The new menu from the valley’s premier event catering and hospitality company has a strict emphasis using exclusively in-season winter and spring ingredients for the menus intriguing entrees & hors d’oeuvres, satisfying small plates and delicious desserts.

The exciting new menu comes from M Culinary Concepts Director of Culinary Operations Cody Abrams and Pastry Chef Kurt Karaffa. Everything we do at M Culinary is exemplified by the A Taste of Two Seasons menu,” Abrams said. Seasonal ingredients translate to the freshest ideas and finest quality, and we are eager to debut this new menu at your next event.” 

M Culinary Concepts new seasonal menu

Dishes can be paired together or with signature dishes to create a custom menu for any dietary needs and restrictions. The new menu features…..

Hors Doeuvres 

  • Artisan Crostini – Herbed goat cheese, toasted pistachio, cranberry. Vegetarian contains nuts. 
  • Poutine – potato pancake, cheese curds, brown gravy, chives.
  • Lingonberry Brie Cone – Brie mousse, lingonberry jam, granny smith apple. Vegetarian. 
  • Strawberry Feta Spoon – Whipped feta, macerated strawberries, black pepper, micro basil. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 

Entrées

  • Coq au Vin Chicken Thigh – Roasted fingerling potatoes, leek and carrot sauce, red wine reduction, herb oil. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 
  • Cider Mustard Glazed Pork Chop – parsnip purée, roasted brussels sprouts & pearl onions, pickled carrot ribbons. 
  • Honey Glazed Duck Breast – Fava beans, spring peas, wild rice and beet pilaf, toasted almonds. Gluten-free, dairy-free, contains nuts. 
  • Crispy Skin Arctic Char – Truffled asparagus purée, smashed confit potatoes, lemon spring herb gremolata. Gluten-free, dairy-free. 

Small Plates

  • Seasonal Tortellini – Peas, stracciatella, brown butter, crispy prosciutto. 
  • Chimichurri Cauliflower Taco – Mango salsa, pomegranate seed, cotija. Vegetarian, gluten-free. 
  • Winter Squash & Shallot Tarte – Arugula, manchego. Vegetarian. 
  • Dill and Feta Crusted Salmon – spring radish and haricot vert salad, lemon dressing.

Desserts 

  • Fire & Ice – Banana pineapple sorbet, fruit consommé, jalapeño syrup, roasted pineapple. Vegan, gluten-free. 
  • Blueberry Financier – Strawberry ice cream, seasonal fruit, raspberry meringue. Vegetarian.

For more information or to book an event please visit their 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.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

“Med Meets Mexico” seasonal menu now at Pita Jungle

All 23 locations in Arizona now offer new 10 dishes on their Seasonal Crafts Kitchen Menu. Dishes using the flavors of the Southwest and their Mediterranean inspired menu will be available through April. Highlights of the new menu include Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, Mediterranean Ceviche, Labdeh Dip Mezze Veggies & Dip and a Wood Fired Gluten Free Enchilada. 

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant

The signature restaurant at The Boulders Resort & Spa hosts a gourmet four-course dinner paired with wines on Friday, February 3rd with the reception starting at 6:00 p.m. Enhancing the experience will be the scenic views of the golf course’s 6th hole and duck pond. Seats are $175 per person and reservations can be made by calling 480-595-4621.

Cider Corps hosts dinner to raise money for traumatic brain injuries

The downtown Mesa cidery will pair its award-winning ciders with dishes from valley chefs Friday, February 3rd. Guests attending the Speakers Dinner for Traumatic Brain Injury Solutions will hear updates from researchers at Cohen Veterans Bioscience. The 21 and over dinner starts at 6 P.m. and is %200 per person. Two other fundraising events are scheduled for the 22 Jumps event with more information and to RSVP click here.

New seasonal dishes at Over Easy launch January 30th

The locally owned and nationally recognized breakfast spot adds two new dishes to its menu on Monday. The scratch made Cinnamon Apple Corncakes ($14) and JohnJay Burrito Bowl ($17) are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. $1 of every Burrito Bowl will be donated #LOVEPUP Foundation. Also new will be the Spicy Mango Margarita ($8) but only available for dine-in. The new dishes and drink are available at all 11 Phoenix area locations.

Nominations are open for Foodist Awards until February 5th

Its award season and time to nominate your favorite Food & Beverage, Experience, Restaurant and People in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s annual recognition of those in the food and beverage community. The online nominations include 20 categories and 8 new categories for the 2023 awards. Winner will be announced in alive ceremony on Monday April 24th at 5:30 p.m. at The Van Buren in Phoenix.

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.

Z’ Tejas launches new Winter seasonal menu

The southwestern restaurant’s Executive Chef Diego Bolanos launched his new seasonal menu this week at at their Scottsdale and Chandler restaurants. 8 dishes were added and include Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Chipolte Short Ribs, Achiote Shrimp Alfredo Pasta and Ginger Apple Cheesecake with a house made churro.

AZ Liquids offers $2 drinks all week for National Green Juice Day 1/26

The online retailer of cold pressed juices celebrates the week of January 24th- 31st. Order 1 drink at regular price and get another cold pressed juice for $2. Choose from Greens 01, Greens 02, Eat Green Machine or Eat Greens Phx. The discount will be applied to one green drink. To order and see ingredients of each visit their website.

Cala at Senna House is now open

The newest restaurant on the Scottsdale scene opened its door to the public this week. An all star cast of local food and beverage personnel are in charge of the Mediterranean inspired cuisine.

La Canasta Mexican Foods celebrates 60 years of Arizona’s best tortillas

The maker of My Nana’s Best Tasting Tortilla Chips started in 1962 by Richard & Carmen Abril and today makes 2.5 million chips daily. The Phoenix based company is run by Josie Ippolito, daughter of the founders and the chips can be found throughout Arizona and western states, The company is known not only for its chips but also for being a successful Hispanic and women owned business.

Sedona chef releases second cook book

Chef and restaurant owner Lisa Dahl releases her second cookbook, “A Romance with Food” on February 1st. The cookbook features 91 recipes and over 150 photos of Latin fusion dishes from her restaurant, Mariposa. Dahl owns 5 restaurants in Sedona and the cookbook offers recipes from salads to main dishes to desserts. Follow this link to pre-order your copy.

Don’t forget to 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.

GenuWine Arizona celebrates 4th anniversary

The downtown Phoenix wine bar has successfully maneuvered the rocky last few years and is celebrating on Saturday January 8th. Starting at 2:30 p.m. there will be wine and beer tastings, Zydeco Louisiana Food Trucks starts serving at 1 p.m. and live music at 7:30.

eXperience Juncture dinner with TLC

The monthly supper club from Tom & Lin Catering is happening this month on Saturday January 22nd at Juncture in Phoenix. Chef Tom’s menu remains a mystery until you arrive for the reception that starts at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 and seats are $150 per person and seats & gift certificates can be reserved or purchased here.

A new balanced seasonal menu is available at Pita Jungle

The Mediterranean inspired fast casual concept with 23 locations around Arizona is now serving the “It’s All About Balance” menu. Nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are featured ingredients in dishes Chile Verde Beef, White Bean Hummus with Garlic Cilantro Pesto Shrimp, a plant based Gyro Super Hero and more.

Piled high hot pastrami sandwiches for only $12

Next Friday January 14th is National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day and fans can celebrate at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from their Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo. All sandwiches come with a side dish & pickle and the special runs from 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is available for dine-in or take-out.

Feeding the Future fundraiser re-scheduled

The Blue Watermelon Project’s annual fundraiser scheduled for January 22nd has been re-scheduled until February 26th. The reason is safety concerns for student chefs with up tick on Covid positive cases. It will still be held at The Farm at South Mountain.

Don’t forget to 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.

House of Tricks owners retiring and closing in 2022.

Robin & Bob Trick have been a staple on the downtown Tempe food & wine scene for over 3 decades, before there was a food & wine scene. They’ve decided to retire and broke the sad news on their Facebook page that they will be closing their popular restaurant at the end of June 2022. Until then they will continue to serve happy hour & dinner Mondays thru Saturdays. Thank you for your contribution to the Tempe food & wine scene, they deserve a great send off into retirement.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches winter for a limited time

Margarita or Margherita no matter how you spell it, it’s on the new menu at all Arizona locations through March 7th. New menu items include the Margherita Pizza, Arugula Sunset Salad, a Black Cherry & a Reese’s Peanut Buttercup Cheesecake, Black Cheery Margarita & Peach Margarita.

Romeo’s Third Tuesday dinner continues next week

The popular monthly dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe in downtown Gilbert is on for next Tuesday, December 21st. The 3 course menu features Mousse of Duck Foie Gras, Pork Shank Latino & Nutella Chocolate Cheesecake. All courses are paired with wine and the dinner is only $39 per person. Call 480-962-4224 to make your reservation.

Thai Chili 2 Go opens newest location Saturday

The west valley gets the 12th location of the popular fast casual concept when it opens in Peoria on Saturday December 18th. The first 50 guests on the 18th get a free entree, then from 19th – 31st guests stopping in to the new location at 16955 N. 75th Ave. will get free order of Thai Dumplings with the purchase of an entree. To order online use promo code Peoria13 to get the free dumplings.

Garden Bar PHX is now open

Holiday cocktails and tasting boards are available at the new cocktail bar from Kim Hasaarud. The downtown Phoenix cottage at 822 N. 6th Ave. is open Thurs- Saturday from 5-10 p.m. and will offer brunch on Sunday’s at 11 a.m. starting December 26th. For more information, to order a cocktail kit or to get on the “Wait List” head to their website.

Don’t forget to 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.

The Thirsty Lion to open new & larger Westgate restaurant

The newest location in Glendale will be Arizona’s 5th and its largest with two stories and an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar. The gastropub that specializes in scratch made and seasonal cooking is set to open in December 2022. The 5,000+ square foot restaurant will be able to seat over 700 people at full capacity.

New seasonal menu at EVO from new chef Nick LaRosa

The downtown Scottsdale neighborhood restaurant rolled out an Autumn inspired menu from LaRosa. The new chef who joined EVO earlier this year loves this time of year, perfect for his Italian style cooking. A Fall Spiced Duroc Chop and Five Cheese Angliotti are just a couple of his new dishes. To hear Chef LaRosa’s story check out Episode 45 of The Podcast to here what the Chopped champion has to say.

New Nonna Urban Kitchen weekly wine tasting

Starting tonight and every Thursday night after (except Thanksgiving, cauz ya know somebody’s gonna ask or show up) the downtown Scottsdale restaurant offers a free tasting at 5:30 p.m. thanks to the help of their wine vendors.

GenuWine Arizona pouring Sand Reckoner wines on First Friday

Tomorrow night he wine bar on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix will welcome the folks from the Arizona winery to pour and mix & mingle with the crowd. Cajun food from Zydeco’s Louisiana Food truck will be on hand selling their good eats during the 6-9 p.m event.

Happy Veteran’s Day

Next Thursday November 11th is Veteran’s Day and more restaurants than not are doing something to say “Thank you” to our veterans, so many it was to many to list. Find one and raise a glass and say “Thanks”. Many local restaurants and bars are also veteran owned so look out and support those too.

Don’t forget to 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.

New Fall menu at Hearth ’61

The signature restaurant at Mountain Shadows Resort is now offering its new menu from Chef de Cuisine Alfred Muro. If you’re dining for brunch (Greek Toast w/ poached eggs & Feta, Green Chile Pork Torta) or dinner (Duroc Farms Pork Chop or H ’61 Angliotti w/ short ribs) you know it going to be good. Those and more dishes and new desserts are now available.

GenuWino Appreciation Day Sunday at GenuWine

The downtown Phoenix wine bar is giving wine drinkers an opportunity to join their wine club this Sunday 10/10. Come down to visit between 1 – 6 p.m. and if you sign-up before there is no cost for the day and $15 if you choose not to join. Wine samples and Dough Riders Food Truck will be enjoyed. Members get 2 bottles of wine and an Arizona made gift each month along with 15% off when you visit.

Nonna Urban Kitchen offers new 3-course menu

The Old Town Scottsdale restaurant has updated its menu to highlight seasonal ingredients. Guest can pick from 6 choices in each first and second courses and 3 from the dessert menu. Cost is $48 per person plus tax & gratuity. To see the full menu offerings and to make reservation visit their website.

Fired Pie partners with Special Olympics Arizona for the rest of the year.

Guests visiting the fast casual pizzeria can donate $5 to the non-profit sports organization that works with people with disabilities. In return donors will have a placard with their name at the location until the end of 2021.

PHX Beer Co. launches first Oktoberfest beer

The local brewery released its first Oktoberfest ($16) beer coincides with other new seasonal releases including Howling Oats Hazy IPA ($16) and North Rim Hazy IPA ($17). All three are in limited supply and come in 16 oz 4-pack cans and on tap at the brewers Phoenix taproom and Scottsdale restaurant while supplies last.

Don’t forget to 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.

Macayo’s Mexican Food returns to Scottsdale with new location

The 75 year old restaurant has opened its newest location at Loop 101 & Shea Blvd in Pima Crossing. Known for such dishes as Green Chile Pork Stew & Chicken Poblano the menu is the same as the other locations around the valley.

Summer Supper is back on the menu at Marcellino’s Ristorante

From now until Sunday September 15th guests can opt for the 3-course meal for $44. Several choices from the Antipasto and Second Course menu that include homemade pasta.

Their private dining room is available on Tuesday’s through July and Tuesday & Wednesday’s in August for dinner and a movie. Parties of 8-10 people can reserve the room at no cost but dinner service is required. Call 480-990-9500 to make a dinner reservation or to reserve the room.

Elote Pizza back by popular demand at Fired Pie

All 21 locations of the locally owned fast casual pizza concept has brought back the street corn inspired and topped pizza (and more toppings) for a limited time. The pizza can be made with tradition, cauliflower & gluten-free dough.

Summer cool down seasonal menu at Thirsty Lion Gastropub

The Phoenix area’s 4 locations will start serving the new dishes from July 8th – September 19th. Spicy Shrimp Ceviche and Seared Atlantic Sea Scallops are a couple of the new dishes. Cocktails including Raspberry Mint Mule-jito and Jalapeno Paloma Margarita are a couple of the new adult beverages available.

July 4th celebrations around Phoenix

As you can imagine many Phoenix restaurants and bars are celebrating the red, white & blue with traditional foods, beers and more. Have fun and stay safe. Happy birthday America.

Don’t forget to 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.

It’s OK to drink pink on National Rosé Day

You don’t need a reason to drink rosé but if you do tomorrow June 12th is the day. These restaurants are celebrating the light & refreshing wine. 1/2 price bottles all day at Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Humble Bistro, 25% off bottles at The Montauk and 10% off bottles & 50% off glasses all day at LDV Winery.

International Falafel Day at Pita Jungle

Rosé goes great with falafel and Saturday the 12th celebrates the Mediterranean dish and the locally owned fast casual restaurants offers 3 dishes, Falafel Pita, Falafel Bowl and a Falafel Salad.

Saturday June 12th is also World Gin Day

The aromatic & botanical white spirit know for Gin & Tonics, Martinis and more is being hailed around Phoenix area restaurants and bar. Head to Zinqué, Blue Clover Distillery, Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos and The Wine Store to raise your glass. Cheers!!

The above establishments will also be celebrating National Bourbon Day a couple days later on Monday June 14th. Phoenix City Grille celebrates with a $12 Bourbon Luxardo Smash.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria its seasonal summertime menu

All locations recently rolled out the new menu that is available until September 7th for dine-in, take-out or 3rd party delivery. Enjoy the Barbecue Chicken Pizza, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Strawberry Cheesecake and cocktails that include a Watermelon Mule and Summertime Sangria.

Match Market & Bar celebrates National Pride Month all month

The signature restaurant, market & bar inside the Found:RE Hotel in downtown Phoenix is cooking up and serving a colorful rainbow cake for June. Slices of the multi layered white cake are $15 with portion of sales going to the local Pride Chapter, Phoenix Pride.

Don’t forget to check my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.