Tag: steakhouse

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Free bowl of menudo on New Year’s Day

All 35 Food City locations in Arizona celebrate National Menudo Month and National Hangover Day January 1st 2023 with a free bowl of menudo. The popular hangover remedy is available from 9-11 a.m. in the deli for dine-in only.

Famous 48 now serving lunch & weekend brunch

The standalone restaurant in the Shops at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale is now serving lunch 7 days a week starting at 11 a.m. Saturday & Sunday brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. until 3:00p.m.

Sunday Funday taco specials at Urban Margarita

Every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. til closing the Glendale restaurant has street tacos for only $2 each. Choose from grilled steak, chicken or carnitas and don’t forget the margarita to wash them down.

Batch Cookie Shop coming to Queen Creek in 2023

The family owned cookie shop in Gilbert announced its second location will be coming to Queen Creek this summer. It will be in front of the new Costco at Rittenhouse and Ellsworth Rds. More details will be available as they get closer to opening day.

OpenTable names local restaurants Top 100 Restaurants in America in 2022

Steak 44, Ocean 44 and Dominick’s Steakhouse in Phoenix and Scottsdale have been named to the prestigious list. All 3 restaurants are owned by father and sons Dennis, Michael & Jeff Mastro and partner Scott Trolio. The list is curated from over 13 million customer reviews on the website from October 31st 2021- September 30th 2022. Also making the list from Arizona is Mariposa in Sedona and The Henry 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.

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse bringing high-end dining to Gilbert

With the end of 2020 not far off we’re looking to 2021 and the anticipated restaurant openings around town. One of the first is Old Town Scottsdale’s boutique steakhouse Bourbon & Bones Chophouse opening at Gilbert’s SanTan Village in mid-January. Square One Concepts opened its flagship location in September 2016 and is looking forward to opening the 2nd location of its fine-dining concept.

Square One Founder and President S. Barrett Rinzler says “There’s demand for fine dining in the East Valley.  We’re honestly thrilled to deliver our specialty chophouse to a community that’s perhaps under-served and appreciates fine food, fine wine, custom cocktails and the taste of great bourbon.

Barrel Boulevardier

The larger Gilbert restaurant will feature two dining rooms and a private dining room for up to 50 people. A contemporary decor will have white and gray tones and a luxurious bar.

Bourbon & Bones Chophouse meats and bourbons

The large a la carte steak selection will include Wagyu Rib Cap, Bone-in Filet, a Dry-Aged Pork Chop, Lamb Chops and more. Fresh seafood including Seared Ahi Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass and Seared Salmon. Side dishes offered include Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Mac n Cheese and more.

Sommeliers will oversee the over 1,500 bottle wine list that includes familiar steakhouse wines and smaller lesser known wines for the connoisseur. True to its name Bourbon & Bones Chophouse will offer one of the largest bourbon collections found anywhere. Classic cocktails will be poured as will aged bourbon meant to be sipped.

“Bourbon & Bones was created to offer a high-quality dining experience in a welcoming atmosphere.  This one has been in the planning stages for well over a year and means a lot to us; it’s larger than our flagship in Scottsdale.  We’ve taken time to carefully develop the interiors and the team is excited to welcome guests in the New Year.”

The dinner only restaurant will serve a daily happy hour when it opens at 4 p.m. Bourbon & Bones Chophouse will be at 2150 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert 85295. For more information and updates visit their website.

Dedicated healthcare workers receiving food from local restaurants

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are putting the community first as they are trying to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The dedicated men and women risk getting the virus and barely get time off to eat or sleep. Scottsdale restaurants Steak 44 and PHX Beer Co. are feeding those workers with warm and delicious meals.

Chicago Cub’s first baseman Anthony Rizzo is donating 50 meals from Steak 44 to workers in the emergency room at Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Thursday April 2nd. The meals are donated by the Rizzo Family Foundation which has paid for 2,000 meals to healthcare workers around the country. It comes at a good time as many hospital cafeterias have been closed down.

“We have worked with the owners of Steak 44 in Chicago on a number of charitable endeavors over the years and we are huge fans of their incredible steaks and seafood,” said Rizzo. “Now thanks to our generous friends around the country we are able to partner with Steak 44 and provide these 50 much needed meals to our bravest working on the front-lines at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”

Steak 44, Dominick’s Steakhouse and Ocean 44 are open from 12 noon – 9 p.m. for white glove curbside service. The restaurants are offering their full menus and all bottles of wine to take home.

“We can’t thank the Rizzo Family Foundation enough,” said Oliver Badgio of Steak 44. “Not only are they providing healthcare workers a warm meal as a way say thank you for everything their doing, but they are also supporting restaurants like ours around the country with a little extra revenue during these tough economic times.” healthcare

PHX Beer Co. donating to healthcare workersSc

Starting Friday April 3rd at PHX. Beer Co.’s Scottsdale location when you buy a 14″ pizza you can purchase a 2nd pizza at 1/2 price to be donated to healthcare workers at HonorHealth Hospitals. Choose from their signature pizzas or build your own pie. This promotion will run for 2 weeks until April 17th. To order call 480-571-8645 and follow them for updates on Facebook and Instagram. PHX Beer Co. is at 8300 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale.

The Americano, an Italian steakhouse coming to Scottsdale in early 2020

The owners of Pomo Pizzeria, Mora Italian and Meat the Ball have announced their newest restaurant that’s expected to open in early 2020. The Americano will be a contemporary Italian steakhouse offering European style personalized service and the finest meats, seafood and more.

The restaurant will feature an open kitchen concept with a wood fired grill for preparing steaks and seafood. Testani Design Group and LGE Design Build collaborated on the interior design of The Americano. Dark gray and light green colors will set the tone for the large dining room. Modern art, crescent shaped booths and butcher block tables will be eye catching and functional. Seating will also be available at the island bar, in the lounge and on the patio.

A world class team at The Americano

Pomo Restaurant Group has brought together an impressive team to run The Americano. Canadian born Executive Chef Matthew Taylor comes from Mora Italian and with his team will serve steaks from purebred Piedmontese cattle & American Wagyu beef, pasta & antipasti and Mediterranean seafood. The restaurant will also have a raw bar and caviar service.

“We are thrilled to introduce our carefully curated menu to guests,” says Executive Chef Matthew Taylor. “The Americano will bring the best of both worlds from Italy and America to provide some of the finest steaks, seafood and pasta that Arizona has to offer.”

Swiss born Paride Guerra will serve as General Manager and comes from the Hays-Adams Hotel In Washington D.C. Guerra has worked in restaurants and hotels around the world including South Beach, Beverly Hills, Switzerland and Australia.

Elya Coffman will be re-locating from south Florida to serve as Director of Service & Beverage. Coffman has previously worked with Philadelphia’s Starr Group & the Michael Mina Group.

An Italian and American wine list will be curated by Head Sommelier Nicholas Padua. The wine list will feature vintage bottles along with wines from boutique and iconic producers. Padua has worked as a lead sommelier here in Scottsdale for the Michael Mina Group and Four Seasons Resort.

The Americano will be at 17797 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85255. For information about the restaurant and hiring visit their website.

Bevan Cellars winemaker to host dinner at Keeler’s Steakhouse

Things tend to slow down a bit in California wine country during the winter. The “down time” gives winemakers the opportunity to leave the vineyard and visit customers throughout the country. Bevan Cellars winemaker and co-founder Russell Bevan will be leaving St. Helena as he heads to Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse for a January 9th dinner.

The 5- course dinner will have Chef Anthony Apolinar’s creative menu complimented by the wines of Bevan Cellars. During dinner Russell will share his story about how the winery got started, growing up in wine country and the wines themselves.

The pairing is as follows.

1st Course: Steelhead Crudo with arugula salad, cucumber and Meyer lemon oil paired with Dry Stack Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

2nd Course: Pan-Seared Monkfish with sautéed spinach, blistered tomatoes and balsamic reduction served with Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

3rd Course: Grilled Duroc Pork Chop with sweet potato puree and pinot noir reduction complemented by Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

4th Course: Prime Petit Filet with adobo marinade, garlic mashed potatoes, Brussel chips and demi-glace paired with Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

5th Course: “Berries and Cream” served with Ontogeny Red Wine, Napa Valley

The dinner starts at 6:30 and is $125 per person plus tax & gratuity. Seats are limited, to reserve your seat call 602-374-4784 or visit http://keelerssteakhouse.com/

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse is at 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. Carefree AZ.

 

Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse debuts new look and menu

After being on the Scottsdale steakhouse scene for more than 15 years Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse debuted a new look to the restaurant along with new Japanese beef dishes. The four month refresh was done after the restaurant was closed each night after dinner service. New lighting, art, flooring, furniture and live music area were updated and also included a new wine wall. The bar has a new bottle display above the bar and new lighting. The staff will don new uniforms and table side wine service is available. The fireplace on the patio received a new Mastro’s logo.

Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse
Wagyu & Kobe On A Stone

The new menu includes Japanese A5 Wagyu and Kobe beef. City Hall is one of two restaurants in Arizona to serve True Japanese Beef. The restaurant secured Kobe Association License to serve 100% Hyogo Prefecture Kobe Beef and A5 Kobe Beef from 100% Tajima Cattle, the most expansive beef in the world.

New dishes include Sliced A5 Japanese Wagyu and True Kobe Beef served on a Hot Stone, Wagyu Beef Sushi Roll, Spinalis Ribeye Gold Cap, Heart of the Rib Eye and Dover Sole.

Mastro's City Hall Steakhouse
Dover Sole

The restaurant expanded its wine list to include wines and spirits from around the world exclusively for Mastro’s City Hall.

Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse is at 6991 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251. For more information visit their website.

Maple & Ash to open August 20th at the Scottsdale Waterfront

One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2019, Maple & Ash has announced an opening date of Tuesday August 20th. The restaurant will open at the Scottsdale Waterfront and will be the first location after the original in Chicago. Two star Michelin chef Danny Grant and partners opened the first restaurant in 2015, before that worked in Scottsdale.

“This has been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to open our doors to the Scottsdale community,” said Chef Danny Grant. “It has been a dream of ours to come home to where I began my culinary career and show off the Maple & Ash experience.”

What to expect at Maple & Ash

Maple & Ash uses wood fired cooking and although they don’t use the word “Steakhouse” in the name it’s considered a modern take on a classic steakhouse. Local chef Sean Currid joins chef Grant to execute the menu that includes the famed “Fire Roasted Seafood Tower” and “I Don’t Give a F*K” (IDGAF). The two chefs met when they worked together at Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary Resort & Spa on Camelback.

Guest will enjoy a world class selection of dry aged beef and fresh seafood. The IDGAF is Grant’s take on a chef’s menu and he thinks is the best choice from the menu. No mention of what’s included with the IDGAF so you’ll have to leave it up to chefs Currid and Grant. Currid boasts an impressive resume having worked around town at Michael’s at the Citadel, Zuzu at the Hotel Valley Ho and Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician.

Sommelier Jason Caballero curates a wine list from around the world that won’t be your traditional steakhouse wine list. Caballero comes to Maple & Ash from Bourbon Steak at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

The centerpiece of the 10,000 plus square foot restaurant will be the 14 foot wood burning hearth. It will be surrounded by the dining room and lounge along with an outdoor patio and private dining rooms.

Maple & Ash will be open daily at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sun. – Thurs. and until 11 p.m. on Fri. and Sat. The restaurant is at 7135 E. Camelback Rd #130 Scottsdale 85251. For more information visit their website.

Restaurant veterans open Modern Oysterbar Chophouse

Today owners Frank Schneider and Cat & Randy Frankel open their new Scottsdale restaurant Modern Oysterbar Chophouse. Combined they have almost a centuries worth of experience on the Phoenix culinary scene including Steak 44, Mary Elaine’s and Mastro’s Ocean Club.

The new 6,000 square foot locally owned restaurant takes over the space vacated by Sonata’s at Scottsdale Rd. and Gold Dust Ave. The modern look offers dark interiors, high top tables in the bar and plush seating for almost 300 people. A private dining room and outside patio can accommodate 30 people in each. The large oyster bar will be the center of attention and seats 12.

“This is not your average steakhouse,” said Cat. “Every detail is being considered to make this a true culinary experience.”

Modern Oysterbar Chophouse
All photos courtesy of Christopher Cashak

On the menu at Modern Oysterbar Chophouse

Executive Chef Mike Bouwens brings his steakhouse experience at Fleming’s and The Capital Grille to Modern Oysterbar Chophouse. That experience will come in handy with 7 cuts of prime meats on the menu. Plenty of seafood including hot and cold seafood towers from the oyster bar along with grilled fish and Modern’s take on Bouillabaisse are on the menu.

Pastry Chef Samantha Frankel background includes Kierland Common’s Zinc Bistro and will show off her dessert and cheese charcuterie skills.

Dylan Frankel will be handling the beverage program at Modern that will include 4 wines, 2 specialty cocktails and beer on tap. Dylan honed his bar skills at Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers and Zinc Bistro.

“We are showcasing the best in meats, raw seafood and in house desserts. The cocktail component is equally as impressive,” said Randy.

The bar opens daily at 4 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5.

Modern Oysterbar Chophouse is at 10050 N. Scottsdale Rd. #127 Scottsdale 85253. To see the full menu and make a reservation head to their website.

The Bourbon Cellar has a large bourbon selection and steakhouse dining

With a name like The Bourbon Cellar you know theirs a lot of the Kentucky whiskey on hand. Over 300 selections of bourbon, one of the largest collections in the Arizona dining scene, some may say the most at this new north Scottsdale steakhouse.

There’s more than bourbon from chef and owner Doug Smith. A farm-to-table high-end steakhouse with a menu that features seasonal ingredients that Smith sources himself.

Smith purchases season vegetables from local farmer’s markets and flies in fresh seafood from daily from around the country and Canada. He hand cuts his own beef, pork, elk, bison and venison purchased from his own butcher shop French’s Meats in Scottsdale.

Photos courtesy of The Bourbon Cellar and Bridges Media Group

“By eliminating the vendors, I can take quality control into my own hands to ensure every guests that dines with us is getting the absolute freshest meal around,” says Smith. “For me, cooking and serving food is not only a way to creatively express myself but also give diners a taste experience they’ve never had before with food that is familiar.”

On the menu at The Bourbon Cellar

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a large menu that includes hand ground 1/2 lb. burgers & sandwiches, salads, appetizers and signature dishes.

Appetizers include crab cakes, Wasabi Deviled Eggs and PEI mussels. All cuts of beef are USDA Prime including Bone-in Rib-eye, a 6, 10 or 14 oz. cuts of Filet Mignon and more.

Bacon wrapped Sea Scallops

Seafood options change daily such as Halibut, Salmon, Ahi Tuna, Swordfish and Sea Scallops.

Seasonal desserts are made daily and side dishes are included with burgers and sandwiches. Sides are a la carte with signature dishes at dinner.

Bourbon selection

With the vast selection of bourbon guest can sip bourbon cocktails and 45 day aged bourbons. The 45 day aged bourbons offer deep character profiles from their barrel maturing. If you’re not sure which bourbons to choose from you can order a flight of bourbon. Bourbon also makes a great pairing for any of the dishes on the menu.

A full bar is available for non-bourbon drinkers.

3rd Wednesday buffet

Smith, a veteran offers a full buffet every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. All of the $15 from these dinners are donated American Legion posts in Phoenix, Cave Creek and Anthem.

The Bourbon Cellar is at 23623 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85255 and opens daily at 11:00 a.am.

For more information and to view the menu see website.

 

High quality and affordable steakhouse coming to Carefree

December is a busy month so you’ll want to keep a day open as Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will be opening in Carefree. It will be the newest concept from the Keeler Hospitality Group who owns the Liberty Station Tavern and Smokehouse in DC Ranch and north Scottsdale. You won’t find the stuffy pretentious steakhouse vibe yet a more social house atmosphere.

“We are extremely elated about the introduction of this new concept and are looking forward to providing it to the diners of Carefree and to our city’s visitors from near and far,” says Paul Keeler, president and CEO of Keeler Hospitality Group. “Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will satisfy the need for a high-value, top-of-the line steakhouse dining experience in Carefree while also staying true to the approachable and comfortable atmosphere the surrounding community.”

Steakhouse
Photos courtesy of Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

A steakhouse menu in Carefree

Keeler Hospitality Group Executive Chef Anthony Apolinar will lead the culinary team. Apolinar knows his meat as he’s been working at both Liberty Station locations.

The menu at Keeler’s will feature specialty cuts of Certified Angus Beef, fresh seafood, chicken and classic American comfort food.

Diners will enjoy sharable “For the Table” starters Lobster Mac & Cheese, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, Mussels and more. Steakhouse staples French Onion Soup and bisque’s along with Caesar, Wedge, Cobb and Mixed Greens salads will be offered.

“Neighborhood Favorites” entrees include Double Bone-In Pork Chops, seared Lamb Loin Chops and Braised Short Ribs. Specialty sides will complement your main dish including Blue Cheese Cream Spinach, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Risotto and loaded hash browns.

Classic cocktails, Arizona beers and a well-balanced selection of wine by the bottle and the glass will be available.

Social house atmosphere in Carefree

A high-end comfortable atmosphere will welcome guests with several seating area offering a neighborhood feel. An island bar will attract guests to the open kitchen and outdoor dining will be available on the patio or rooftop deck.

Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at Keeler’s Mon. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sun. – Thurs and til 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. Happy Hour will be available daily from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and brunch Sun. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will be at 7212 Ho Hum Rd. Carefree 85377.