Meet me at the Coach House and where else to go on Thanksgiving Eve

Those last two posts on Thanksgiving Day restaurants that are serving dinner or preparing take-out meals nearly wiped me out with all the information, I can now set my sights on Thanksgiving Eve.

If you’re  out and about showing out-of-towners a good time or you grew up here and return home to catch up with friends at the local watering hole, the night before Thanksgiving can be just as big a deal as the turkey and football the next day.

If you mention Thanksgiving Eve to most in these parts two places come to mind…..El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley and Coach House Tavern in downtown Scottsdale. Join me at the Coach House just after sunset before the line forms and I’m sure many will make an appearance at both establishments.

It won’t be your typical Wednesday at Sorso Wine Room and The Park as they start the Thanksgiving celebration a day early.

Thanksgiving Eve at Sorso Wine Room

If you live in the northeast valley and prefer to stay closer to home  Sorso Wine Room at The Scottsdale Quarter will start the celebrating with an all day Happy Hour with 2 for 1 house wines by the glass and draft beers.

Food special will be available including the Brussels Board ($8), The Dip($8) and select Bruschetta at 3 for $10.

Sorso Wine Room is at 15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150, Scottsdale http://sorsowineroom.com/ Thanksgiving Eve

The Park in downtown Phoenix

If you’re going to be in central or downtown Phoenix, The Park will be hosting a Thanksgiving Eve Bash with MillerCoors. The Bash starts at 8 p.m. but $5 pumpkin spice specialty cocktails and ales will be available all day.

Guest are encouraged to bring a can(s) of food for the Can 4 Can Hurricane Relief Food Drive. Those that bring a can will receive a penny can of a MillerCoors product.

The Park is at 3 S. 2nd St., Phoenix http://thepark.bar/

The Park

I hope to see you out and about  and where ever you go be smart, safe and have a  Happy Thanksgiving!

Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is on until Feb. 28th

Have you had your share of Girl Scout cookies in the last month, I know those kids are everywhere hawking their boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, Savannah Smiles and other irresistible varieties, I like the Toffee-tastics myself. I know their hard to resist both the cute kids selling them & the cookies themself but if you’ve resisted, now may be the time for a sweet surrender as the there is only a 9 days left in the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge.

Through Feb. 28th many Phoenix area & Flagstaff restaurants are participating in the 4th annual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge by creating a dessert with cookies as an ingredient. Portions of the sales of the desserts will go to the Girl Scouts around the Phoenix  & Flagstaff community.

Chefs creating these delicious desserts are hoping to inspire the home chefs to buy an extra box or 2 of Girls Scout cookies before March 5th and create their own dessert. If you are up for the challenge or visit a participating restaurant and order the dessert, snap a picture of your dessert or you & your family eating it and post on social media with #dessertchallenge tag.

If you don’t know any Girl Scouts or have been under a rock and can’t find them selling their cookies around town visit http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/  or download the Cookie Finder app.

Participating in this years challenge are…..

347 Grill at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin CircDessert Designer: Frank Abeyta

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: UltraStar Samoa Brownie Parfait

Cost: $3.95 Details: 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa www.ultrastarakchin.com

 Char Kitchen + Bar

Dessert Designer: Peter and Pal Micakaj

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Thin Mint Crumble

Cost: $8  6107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale www.charkitchen.com

Chompie’s – All Valleywide Locations

Dessert Designer: Neal “The Chomper” Borenstein

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: The Mint Cheesecake

Cost: $5.99 To find a Chompie’s near you  www.chompies.com

Churn

Dessert Designer: Jada Shiya

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Savannah Smile ice cream

Cost: $3.50/per regular scoop 5223 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.279.8024; www.churnaz.com

 Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Dessert Designer: David Duarte

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Crunch Bar

Cost: $8 122 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix; 480-440-3166; www.compassarizona.com

Coup des Tartes

Dessert Designer: Ron Pacioni

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Decadent Thin Mint Chocolate Tarte

Cost: $9 1725 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix; 602-212-1082; www.nicetartes.com

Drexyl Modern American

Dessert Designer: Scott Paget

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tagalong Cookie Dark Chocolate Sphere

Cost: $11 8877 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-840-1861; www.drexlyusa.com

 Flower Child – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Peder Bondhus

Assigned Cookie: Toffee-tastic

Dessert: Toffee-tastic Chocolate Pudding

Cost: $5 To find a Flower Child near you  www.iamaflowerchild.com

Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Janna Harris

Assigned Cookie: Savannah Smiles

Dessert: Melopita (Greek Honey Cake)

Cost: $4.50 5033 E. Elliot Road, Phoenix (Ahwatukee); 480-940-3669; www.freskokitchen.com

 Jalapeño Inferno – All Locations

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8332; www.jalapenoinferno.com

Lumberyard Brewing Company (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Richard Kimball

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Cost: $4.95 5 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff; 928-779-2739; www.lumberyardbrewingcompany.com

Olive + Ivy

Dessert Designer: Kelli Sappington

Assigned Cookie: Trefoil

Dessert: Trefoil Cherry Cheesecake Gelato

Cost: $3.25 per scoop 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480-751-2200; www.foxrc.com

Proof Canteen at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Resort Troon North

Dessert Designer: Calena Srutowski

Assigned Cookie: Do-si-dos

Dessert: Triple Decker Do-si-do Delight

Cost: $10 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale; 480-513-5085; www.proofcanteen.com

 Rhythm & Wine

Dessert Designer: Terry Craig

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Girl Scout Banana Cream Pie

Cost: $5 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480-478-6999; www.rhythmandwine.com

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Dessert Designer: Dave Rico

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Chocolate Chunk Samoa Pecan Pie

Cost: $8 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480-483-0009; www.rusconiskitchen.com

 Silver Pine Restaurant at the Little America Hotel (Flagstaff)

Dessert Designer: Vanessa Ronspies

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Tiramisu

Cost: $8 Inside the Little America Hotel at 2515 E. Butler Avenue in Flagstaff; 928-779-7900; www.littleamerica.com

 Sorso Wine Room

Dessert Designer: Paige Murphy

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: #MintHappens Chocolate Mint Cheesecake Mousse

Cost: $7 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480-951-4344; www.sorsowineroom.com

 The Crepe Club

Dessert Designer: Omar Tarabichi

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: Tag-a-Crepe-Along

Cost: $7.95 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-956-0087; www.thecrepeclub.com

 The Henry

Dessert Designer: Lucia Alferez

Assigned Cookie: Samoas

Dessert: Samoa Doughnut with Toasted Coconut Cream Filling

Cost: $3 per doughnut 4455 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-429-8020; www.foxrc.com

 The MARKET by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar

Dessert Designer: Jennifer Russo

Assigned Cookie: Trefoils

Dessert: Twixted Trefoil Bar

Cost: $10 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602-626-5050; www.themarketphx.com

The Thumb

Dessert Designer: Susan Kolman

Assigned Cookie: Thin Mints

Dessert: Minty Oh!

Cost: $4.25 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480-513-8186; www.thethumb.com

Twisted Grove

Dessert Designer: Christopher Collins

Assigned Cookie: Tagalongs

Dessert: T.A.G. (Tagalongs Are Great) Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Cost: $5 8220 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale; 480-699-0811; www.twistedgrove.com

 

 

Ring in 2017 with dinner on New Year’s Eve around Phoenix

It’s 10 days until we can kiss 2016 good bye and welcome the excitement 2017 will bring us. Those that like to ring in the new year in style can find plenty of places around Phoenix to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Below is a list of several restaurants that are offering dinner on the big night.

The EVO salad photo courtesy of EVO

Pomelo at The Orchard

Chef Javi Perez will be serving dinner from 5pm – 10pm on New Year’s Eve with limited seating for the prie fix menu. The cost is $120 per couple with 2 glasses of Veuve Cliquot champagne included. To make reservations call 602-633-2600.

Starters (one to share)

Calamari & Shrimp Fritti—Crispy calamari and shrimp served with pomodoro and buttermilk dressing.

Chef’s Board—Assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses with toasted baguettes.

 Salad (one to share)

Pomelo Chopped—Dinosaur kale, artisan greens, tomato, corn, edamame, roasted peppers, gold raisins, toasted sunflower seed, feta and tossed in Green Goddess dressing. (suggested wine pairing) Lagaria Pinot Grigio | 2014, Veneto, Italy

Wedge—Half head of iceberg lettuce, bleu cheese buttermilk dressing, crispy bacon, hard-boiled egg and tomato confit. (suggested wine pairing) Saint Louis Sancerre | 2014, Loire Valley

Specialties (one per person)

New York Strip *MR—(12 oz.) angus beef grilled over Arizona Mesquite served with shrimp in a parmesan sauce, seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes.(suggested wine pairing) Poggio alla Guardia Super Tuscan | 2012, Tuscany, Italy

Short Ribs—Braised to perfection served with a peppercorn demi glaze sauce and served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes (suggested wine pairing) Milbrandt Merlot | 2014, Columbia Valley, Washington

Pan-Roasted Wild Salmon *M—Black rice, shaved fennel and wild arugula salad with citrus Pomelo beurre blanc. (suggested wine pairing) Damilano Nebbiolo | 2013, Piedmont, Italy

DESSERT (one to share)

Salted caramel cookie—Warm salted caramel over shortbread cookie served with vanilla gelato, chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries. (suggested wine pairing) Veuve Clicquot Rose | NV, Reims, France

Pomelo at The Orchard is part of The Orchard PHX, a two acre venue located at 7100 N 12th St. in Phoenix. http://www.pomelophx.com

Sorso Wine Room

North Scottsdale’s Sorso Wine Room will offer 2 seating’s for their celebration at 6:30 & 8:30. Chef Paige Murphy will prepare a 5 course prie fixe menu with a wine or beer pairing. The cost is $100 per person and includes tax & gratuity. Additional bottles of wine are 1/2 all night. To make a reservation call 480-951-4344. The menu may include the following….

Charcuterie Plate

Corn and Shishito Fritter with Honey Drizzle

Soup Taster

Braised Mustard Greens with Lentils and Crostini

Roasted Pork with Parmesan Risotto

Coffee Glazed Donuts with Vanilla Whipped Cream

Sorso Wine Room 15323 N Scottsdale Rd #150 http://www.sorsowineroom.com

Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho

Zuzu will over 2 seatings at 5:30 for $75 per person and 8:00 for $95 per person for a 3 course dinner. Those who attend either dinner are invited to a complimentary  rooftop Champagne toast at midnight.  Tax, gratuity and alcohol are additional at dinner.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho

A few of the options for dinner include a choice of a starterhttps://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/new-years-eve, entrée and dessert from a special menu. Delicious options include Lobster Bisque with crème fraiche and brioche croutons, Herb Roasted Wagyu Beef Striploin with roasted fingerling potatoes, and Huckleberry Crème Brulee.

To see the full menu and to make a reservation visit https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/hotel/hotel-events/new-years-eve

Tavern Americana

New Year’s Eve at Tavern Americana will be served from 5pm- 10 pm with a course dinner for $55 per person ++ with limited seating available. To reserve your seat call 480-502-6740.

1st Course 

Caesar Salad | Parmigiano Reggiano | Lemon | Brioche | Black Pepper

Avocado & Grapefruit Salad | Radish | Champagne Vinaigrette | Arugula | Candied Almonds | Cranberries

2nd Course

Herb Crusted Hanger Steak | Roasted Root Vegetables | Swiss Chard | Green Onion | Port

Roasted Half Chicken | Charred Broccoli | Parsnips | Spinach | Lemon | Burnt Thyme

3rd Course

Chocolate Lava Cake | Champagne Berries |

Grand Marnier Crème Brulee | Caramelized Pineapple

Tavern Americana 20469 N Hayden Rd. Scottsdale http://urbantaverngroup.com/tavernamericana/

EVO

EVO ends 2016 with a 4 course Italian feast starting 4pm going til 2am for $55 per person. The menu below will be the only menu served on New Year’s Eve and those in the bar can order a la carte. To RSVP call 480-265-9814.

STARTERSChoice of One

ARANCINI- CRISPY RISOTTO / PEAS/ MOZZARELLA / POMODORO/ PARMESAN

TUSCAN BEAN STEW- WHITE BEANS / SHERRY / OVEN DRIED TOMATOES / KALE

*POACHED SHRIMP- EGGPLANT RAGU/ THYME OIL

OXTAIL TORTELINI- LEMO/ GOAT CHEESE/ BRAISED REDUCTION

POLPETTINE- HAND ROLLED MEATBALLS/ POMODORO/ GRANAN PADANO/ BALSAMIC/ BASIL

INSALATEChoice of One

EVO SALAD- CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS / DRIED KALE / CHÈVRE/ PEAR/ PANCETTA/ PINENUTS/ BALSAMIC

CAPRESE- TOMOATO/ BASIL PESTO/ PISTACHIO / ARUGULLA / REDUCED BALSAMIC/ CIABATTA

CAESAR- ESCAROLE/ GARLIC DRESSING/ PARMESAN / CROUTONS

WARM KALE- BELUGA LENTILS/ CANDIED PECANS/ PARMESAN / PANCETTA/ VINAIGRETTE/ RED PEPPERS/ GOLDEN RAISINS

ENTRÉEChoice of One

SKILLET LASAGNA- MOZZARELLA/ STRATCCIATELLA / BOLOGNESE/ PARMESAN / BALSAMIC / HERBS

*LOBSTER RISOTTO- POACHED LOBSTER TAIL/ CORN/ ASPARAGUS / WHITE WINE/ PARMESAN

ORECCHETTE- KALE/ FENNEL SAUSAGE/ CALABRIAN CHILI / PARMESAN

PIZZA- ROASTED GARLIC / ROMA TOMATOES / PROSCUITTO / MOZZARELLA/ BASIL/ SABA

GRILLED FILET- TRUFFLE WHIPPED POTATOES/ ROASTED ZUCCHINI/RED PEPPER PESTO

*SQUID INK- TAGLIATELLE/ SHRIMP/ MUSSELS / CALAMARI/ SCALLIONS / SAFFRON BUTTER/ CALABRIAN CHILI

PORCHETTA- PORK TENDERLOIN/ HOUSE PANCETTA / CRISPY FINGERLINGS / HOUSE PANCETTA/ SHALLOT DEMI-GLACE

*SEA BASS- BASIL GASSE/ ROASTED TOMATOES / POACHED SHRIMP/ GARLIC CREMA

DOLCI- Choice of One

NUTELLA CANOLI- MASCARPONE / CARMELIZED PECANS / HOUSE FRUIT PUREE

BROWN BUTTER BABY CAKE- BAKED TO ORDER 20 minutes / VANILLA CRÈME ANGLAISE / CHANTILLY / RASPBERRIES

CITRUS OLIVE OIL CAKE- OATMEAL CRUMBLE/ VANILLA GELATO / CANDIED LIME ZEST

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE- MIXED BERRY CULIS / HOUSEMADE MARSHMALLOW/ RASPBERRY GELATO

CHEESE PLATE- GORGONZOLA/ POACHED PEAR/ BRIE/ DATE JAM/ DRUNKEN GOAT/ BLUE SKY HONEY

EVO  4175 N. Goldwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480-265-9814 www.evoscottsdale.com

Joe’s Midnight Run

3 seatings will be available on New Year’s Eve at Joe’s Midnight Run in central Phoenix. 5:00 & 7:30 seatings are $65 per person and the 10:00 seating is $75 per person  and will include party favors and a champagne toast. Reservations can be made by phone at 480-459-4467 or by email at info@joesmidnightrun.com

Opening Course: Choose 1

 Pulpo-grilled fingerling potatoes, paprika oil, garlic and lemon

 Tuna crudo-grapefruit-apple-fennel-chile/sundried tomato oil

 Grilled Romaine Salad-romaine, red bell peppers, lemon buttermilk dressing

 Main Course: Choose 1

 Salmon-truffle celery root-shrimp-cauliflower-crab/lemon buerre blanc

 Duck Mole-squash, corn, braised duck, spiced chocolate mole

 Filet-grilled beef tenderloin, cognac, creamy porcini mushroom and leek ragu, grilled asparagus and potatoes

 Dessert Course:  Choose 1

 Poached Pear-pisco-vanilla-almond/raisin crumble

 Chocolate cheesecake-graham cracker dusting-chocolate

 

 

 

 

 

Sip for a Cause at Sorso Wine Room this Sunday Aug. 28th

Looking to drink a little wine and donate to a good cause at the same time, then make your way over to Sorso Wine Room at Scottsdale Quarter this Sunday , August 28th as Sorso will be donating 10% of all the days sales to Make A wish Foundation’s “Sip For a Cause” fund-raising campaign.

sorsolowres-85
Photo courtesy of Sorso Wine Room

Sorso Wine Room’s All Day happy Hour and Live Music

If that’s not enough of an incentive, Sorso will be having an All Day Happy Hour from 11am-10pm. Stop in between 4:30-7:30 and you’ll be able to listen to the live music of musician Lee Perriera.

Meiomi Pinot Noir

Purchase a bottle of Meiomi Pinot Noir, a favorite of local celebrity Catherine Anaya, between now and the end of August and Sorso will donate 10% of all Meiomi bottle sales to Make A Wish Foundation.

Sorso Wine Room is in the Scottsdale Quarter 15323 N Scottsdale Rd. Suite 150 Scottsdale, AZ  85254 (480-951-4344) www.sorsowineroom.com

 

Save the Date(s)….lots of events and festivals for foodies in coming months…here’s a list

Summer is slowly coming to an end as kids return to school, the Cardinals take the field and your hearing how Pumpkin Porters & Pumpkin Spiced lattes are only weeks from being available for your consumption. With the cooling weather comes many food and drink related festivals, dinners, release parties and other events, enough to make one’s head spin.
beer drinkers 2

Here is list of a few events that should be on your calendar(in no particular order)……

7th Annual Arizona Taco Festival at Salt Rive Fields. Sat & Sun. October October 15th & 16th starting at 11am. $12 online http://aztacofestival.com/

Wine Country Brunch at The Camby in Phoenix– Sun. September 25th. $65 for more information & tickets http://www.scottsdalefest.org/2016wcb

C-CAP’s 3rd Annual Harvest Moon Feast– Mon. November 14th. Desert Foothills Barn in Scottsdale. $150 http://www.ccapaz.org/

Rockin’ Taco Street Festival in Chandler– Sat. Septeber 15th. Starts at 12 noon $8. http://www.rockintacoaz.com/

SanTan Brewing Co. Oktoberfest, Sat. October 1st, 3pm $12 http://www.santanoktoberfest.com/

2nd Annual Phoenix Pizza Festival– Sat. Nov. 19th Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix 11am- 5pm $10 http://www.phoenix.pizza/

Spectator Sips wine dinner at Quintessence at The Farm at South Mtn. Wed. Sept. 28th at 6:30 pm $89++ http://www.qatthefarm.com/page/upcoming-events/

Exploring Vinaigrettes & Specialty Oils at vomFass Scottsdale (at The Waterfront). Sat Aug. 27th 11am $25 www.scottsdale.vomfassusa.com

Make a Wish and Sip for a Cause at Sorso Wine Room in Scottsdale at Scottsdale Quarter. Sat. Aug 28th 11am-10pm. All day Happy Hour. http://www.sorsowineroom.com/