Tag: steak

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival set for Aug. 22 -25

The culinary stars shine bright on southern California when the 9th Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine festival launches for four days in August. Celebrity chefs and local food icons show off the coastal cuisine of southern California cooking. Jerimiah Tower and Nancy Silverton are two of the chefs cooking for guests at diners, cooking demonstrations and more.

The four days start with a series of dinners Thursday evening at restaurants around the city before shifting to the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica airport for the weekend.

Los Angeles Food & Wine festival events

14 culinary events will span the weekend including…..

The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium. 

The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” joins celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and Asian-inspired specialties will share one location for one afternoon.

Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

To see a full list of events, more information and to purchase tickets visit their website.

Sierra Bonita Grill goes back to its roots with new menus

Change is inevitable in restaurants, some changes follow food trends, decor, some are changes in a brand and customer service. Some changes come often with seasonal availability of ingredients. Some changes are years in the making  and that’s the case at Sierra Bonita Grill.

This is the restaurants first major menu change since 2011 and is about getting back to its roots and paying tribute to Sierra Bonita Ranch. The ranch down in Wilcox is Arizona’s oldest continuous family run ranch and where the restaurant got its name.

The popular central Phoenix restaurants menu is influenced by Southwestern and Mexican cuisine but owner Nate Hopper wanted more of a western influence.

Vegetable Noodles and Shrimp. All photos by Debbie Wolvos

“When I first learned about Sierra Bonita Ranch, I knew that I wanted Sierra Bonita Grill to honor our state’s ranching heritage. The updated menu now puts more emphasize on ‘out on the range’ cowboy-style cooking, while still integrating ingredients prominent in Mexican and Native American cuisine. We’re representing the old west, with a modern approach,” said Hopper.

“From the Ranch” at Sierra Bonita Grill

Longtime favorites Buttermilk Chicken, Grilled Fish & Carne Asada Tacos, Smoked Red or Green Chile Pork Roast and the SBG Signature Burger are staying along with others.

Guests will notice separate lunch and dinner menus with lighter options at lunch and heartier dishes at dinner. Included are more salads like the Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with grilled shrimp ($16) and The Bacon Wedge Salad ($16).

Other lighter menu additions include Vegetable and Noodle Shrimp ($28) and Avocado Toast ($10).

Sierra Bonita
Bacon Wedge salad.

The biggest change on the dinner menu is the “From The Ranch” section featuring steaks, chops and chicken. A few include a 14 oz. NY Strip ($38), an 18 oz. split bone-in Ribeye ($42), a 10 oz. bone-in Pork Chop (24) and half roasted chicken ($27). Entrees come served with a choice of side dish and homemade sauce.

Side dishes include a baked potato, seasonal vegetables, green chile mac ‘n’ cheese or green chile scalloped potatoes. Choose a sauce from a selection of horseradish cream, roasted tomatillo, roasted guajillo chile au jus, and chimichurri.

Sierra Bonita Grill is at 6933 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. 602-264-0700 To see their new menus check out their website.

 

J & G Steakhouse re-opens with a refreshing new look and menus.

The Phoenician’s award-winning J & G Steakhouse re-opened this week with a refreshing new look and menu. The 3 month re-model is inspired by the desert landscape and coincides with the re-model of the resorts lobby, spa, lounge and pool.

The restaurant has an all new interior that include wall to ceiling windows offering guests a beautiful south-facing view. Neutral earth tone colors are visible in the main dining room and lounge along with new stylish decor. Shiny metals, new mid-century modern booths and chandeliers were added to offer guests  new look and ambiance.

J & G Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye. All photos courtesy of J & G Steakhouse at The Phoenician

The new interior was designed by Parker Torres Designs who also designed the resorts luxurious recent re-model.

The outdoor dining patio includes new fire pits, seating for more guests and ceiling fans for year round outdoor dining.

New seasonal menu at in the steakhouse

Serving dinner daily from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. guests will enjoy an exciting new seasonal menu from Executive Chef Jacques Qualin. The new menu offers a 30 ounce Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, Roasted Red Snapper with baby leeks & mushroom vinaigrette and an impressive Alaskan King Crab Legs entrée. Additional new menu items include Roasted Porcini & Chestnut Risotto, Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Rack of Lamb.

steakhouse
Roasted Porcini & Chestnut Risotto

Head mixologist Robert Porter has created a new handcrafted cocktail menu including the jalapeno spiced Fiery Mandarin and a classic with a Mexican twist, the Mezcal Negroni. J & G Steakhouse was awarded the prestigious “Best of Excellence Award” for 2018 from Wine Spectator magazine for its worldly wine list.

Fiery Mandarin

J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician is at 6000 E. Camelback Rd. in Scottsdale. For reservations call 480-214-8000 or visit https://www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com/

Bobby Q’s brings tasty BBQ to the Camelback Corridor

Restaurateur Bob Sikora knows a thing or two about opening successful restaurants having opened Bobby Mcgee’s nightclubs growing it to 24 locations around the country and founding Mr. Lucky’s country bar with Willie Nelson. After traveling the country for years searching out and learning about BBQ he opened his first Bobby Q’s Great Steaks & Real BBQ in north Phoenix in 2005 before the BBQ trend started here in Phoenix.

On Monday October 2nd he opens his third Bobby Q’s at Camelback Rd. & 32nd St. I had the opportunity to visit the restaurant to preview it.

The dark & brick walled the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with the exhibition kitchen just inside the front door. Two almond/mesquite wood smoker and rotisserie are situated inside the kitchen smoking BBQ favorites brisket, pork & beef ribs, sausage links and more. The aroma will sure get people’s attention as people wander the its strip mall location.

Tastes of BBQ

My guest and I sampled a few dishes on our visit courtesy of Bob and his team. Executive chef  Mark Hittle and his kitchen team hand run all the meats with their signature rub before they are slow cooked.

We started with the Cajun Shrimp appetizer that are sautéed with Cajun spices and served with garlic bread to mop up the juices. The 6 shrimp were a  good size, had nice seasoning and disappeared pretty quickly.

If you know me you then you know I’m a rib man and went with the Baby Back Ribs that were fall off the bone tender and made me a happy man. The brisket we sampled had the right amount of fat and bark to put up against any brisket around town.

On the side we had the Pecan Cole Slaw which was shredded thin, not to creamy as many can be and topped with crushed pecan adding a nice twist and texture. The side of Mac & Cheese won’t disappoint fans of the cheesy favorite.

We were given a bag of warm mini donuts from the donut machine and are free to all guests who dine at restaurant.

The full menu includes steak, fish, burgers, salads and rotisserie chicken that can be seen on Bobby Q’s website. I can see why Bobby Q’s has garnered many accolades from Yelp!, Open Table and Trip Advisor.

Hand crafted cocktails

In-house mixologist Chris Ortega has created a cocktail menu with his take on classic cocktails that include an Old Fashioned that I enjoyed prepared with rye whiskey and barrel smoked maple syrup. Other cocktails include the refreshing Watermelon Cooler and Bobby Q’s version of the classic Mule cocktail. All cocktails are prepared with premium spirits, fresh fruits and house made syrups.

Old Fashioned. All photos courtesy of Bobby Q’s

The Camelback location will serve lunch and dinner 7 days a week at 11 a.m. and will stay open until 2 a.m. Tues. – Sat. serving a late night menu. Sun. & Mon. they will be open until 10 p.m.

Bobby Q’s Great Steaks and Real BBQ is at 3154 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85016

 

 

 

Small Plates, Big Pours returns to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar for a limited time.

Flemings’s Prime Steakhouse,

New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops
New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops

Wine Bar www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com has brought back its popular Small Plates & Big Pours pairings that starting this week. Guests can pair one of 7 Small Plates with one of 7 premium Big Pours glass of wine for only $24.95. The Small Plates are great for sharing or a lighter dinner and can also give guests the opportunity to try multiple plates and wines. This deal runs through June 30th.

Guests can choose from……

Small Plates
· New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops
· Fleming’s Lobster Tempura
· Colossal Shrimp Skewers
· New Bedford Scallops
· Sliced Filet Mignon
· Braised Short Ribs
· Ahi Tuna

Colossal Shrimp Skewers
Colossal Shrimp Skewers

Big Pours
· Esk Valley Merlot
· Villa Wolf Pinot Gris
· Parducci Petite Sirah
· B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet
· A to Z Winework Pinot Noir
· Hanna Sauvignon Blanc
· Franciscan Estate Chardonnay

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

Fleming’s and San Tan Brewery Announce Inaugural Steak and Beer Dinner

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and San Tan Brewery raise the bar on the natural pairing of steak and beer, with the first-ever luxury Beer Dinner on Thursday, April 18. The two Chandler icons have joined to create a four-course meal highlighting Fleming’s outstanding steak and seafood and San Tan’s award-winning craft beers.

Guests can enjoy this special dinner for $65 (excludes tax and gratuity).

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – Chandler
Thursday, April 18
6 p.m. (reception) 6:30 p.m. (dinner)
905 N. 54th St. • Chandler 85226

Please call (480) 940-1900 to make a reservation

This is the Chandler Fleming’s first beer dinner. Chip Mulala, the brewery’s Minister of Craft Beer, and Fleming’s Wine Manager Bruce Duffy will lead Guests on pairings.

Appetizer: Seasoned Prime Rib Flatbread with Carmelized Sweet Southern Red Onions and Gorgonzola paired with Hop Shock IPA

Salad: Chipotle Seared Scallops with Pineapple and Grapefruit Chutney with Arugula and Strawberry Salad paired with Hefeweizen Wheat

Entrée: Tri Tip Slow Braised in Epicenter Amber Ale served with Smoked Bacon Has, Roasted Asparagus and Natural Jus paired with Devil’s Ale

Dessert: Double Chocolate Porter Ice Cream Beer Float with Caramel and Sea Salt paired with San Tan Porter

http://.flemingssteakhouse.com/

NEW DESMOND’S STEAKHOUSE TO OPEN IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN 247-Seat Restaurant to Boast City’s Largest Open-to View Dry Aging Room

The latest entry in the high stakes arena of New York steakhouses is Desmond’s Steakhouse, opening Monday, Feb. 25 as a contemporary interpretation of the classic genre, melding stylish décor and service with culinary substance. Located in Manhattan’s energetic Midtown West on Seventh Avenue at 38th Street, Desmond’s is less beef-centric and offers more diverse dining experiences than typically associated with steakhouses. Certainly, the imposing 8,000 square foot, 247-seat restaurant showcases USDA prime beef (five different cuts in six sizes), its 50-day matured-to-perfection process finished in the city’s largest open-to-view dry aging room. Desmond’s, however, also presents a large array of non-bovine related offerings, including: succulent selections from the glistening raw bar that will rival the dry aging room as visual food porn; a collection signature dishes such as skillet seared sea scallops, truffled mashed potatoes, asparagus; and steaks of a piscatorial persuasion, including grilled yellow fin tuna, complemented – as are their beef counterparts – by an array of house made sauces.

The diversity of the menu is complemented by that of the experiences Desmond’s Steakhouse affords diners. From a quick bite at the 70 foot-plus marble-topped bar, anchored by the raw bar, or a casual meal in one of the bar area’s high backed leather-clad booths to a business one at the dining room’s spaced-for-private-conversation tables or a romantic dinner at one of its cozy banquettes. There are also sexy crescent-shaped booths for gatherings of up to six and a semi-private dining room.

Being on Fashion Avenue (the local moniker for Seventh), Desmond’s takes a more modish approach to traditional New York steakhouse ambiance. A dramatic Deco glamorous staircase sweeps up from the street level entrance on 38th Street where the predictable burnished wood paneling is enlivened with distinctive architectural elements including glass brick and field stone walls, antiqued red brick coffered ceilings and beige brick framed dark wood floors. Decorative accents such as white subway tile, regal cream crown molding and richly textured wall paper accents are bathed in the glow of the theatrical lighting from statement-making fixtures throughout.
It is an unabashedly swank setting in which a cocktail program showcasing pre-Prohibition concoctions, such as the Gold Rush and Mamie Taylor seems fitting. While the wine room visible behind the bar is testimony to Desmond’s commitment to the appreciation of the viticulture arts.
Desmond’s Steakhouse is at 513 Seventh Avenue, with its entrance on 38th Street. It is open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations and more information, call (212) 391-6900 or visit www.desmondsnewyork.com

Start the New Year Right with Prime Rib and “Savor & Sip” Dinners in January

Fleming's peppersteak
Fleming’s peppersteak

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is serving two dinners priced to entice throughout the month of January, including the restaurant’s popular Sundays-only Prime Rib Dinner and Fleming’s “Savor & Sip” Menu nightly through January 31.

Fleming’s Prime Rib Dinner will be available Sundays from January 7-February 10 at an extraordinary price of $29.95, excluding tax and gratuity. The sumptuous three-course prix fixe starts with a choice of The Wedge, Caesar or Fleming’s salad. Next enjoy succulent Prime Rib with a trio of sauces (au jus, creamy horseradish, Dijon) as well as one of Fleming’s ten sides such as grilled high country asparagus, chipotle cheddar macaroni & cheese or the signature Fleming’s Potatoes. End the evening with any dessert from New York cheesecake to chocolate lava cake or fresh berries with Chantilly cream.

Throughout the month of January, Fleming’s “Savor & Sip” Menu is available nightly for $49.95, excluding tax and gratuity. The dinner includes guest’s pick from Fleming’s two popular “New Classics” steaks and an oversized “Big Pour” of wine. Choose from the Porcini-Rubbed Filet Mignon topped with Gorgonzola sauce and flanked by grilled asparagus spears or the Peppercorn Steak—a prime New York strip with cracked black and white peppercorns served with Fleming’s proprietary “F17” dipping sauce and sautéed French green beans. Fleming’s Director of Wine Maeve Pesquera has selected four wines to pair with the entrées: Dreaming Tree Crush Merlot North Coast 2010-2011 or Women of the Vine Chardonnay 2010-11 which she recommends with the filet. Guests may choose from Colby Red Cab-Merlot Blend California 2010-11 or Franciscan Chardonnay Napa Valley 2009-10 for the peppercorn steak.

There are four Fleming’s in Phoenix in North Scottsdale at DC Ranch, Scottsdale at Lincoln Road, Chandler and Peoria. To find Fleming’s nearest you and make reservations please visit www.flemingssteakhouse.com.