Tag: summer

Summer specials return to Marcellino Ristorante

With return of the summer heat come incentives for locals to relax and let someone else do the cooking and Marcellino Ristorante is giving those braving the heat the return of two popular summer specials.

From now until September 6th guests can experience a Marcellino’s fine dining for a good value with his “Summer Supper Special”. The three course prie-fixe meal is served Tuesday thru Thursday from 4 p.m. until closing for up to 6 people per party for $49++ per person. Offered are a variety of antipasto, house made pastas and a decadent dessert. Choose from Caprese with fresh mozzarella or fresh mussels in white wine to start then move on to entrees such as Gnocchi Sorrentina, Salmone Con Cognac or the Pollo Saparito. Save room for the delicious Tiramisu to end your meal. Although not required, reservations for the Summer Supper are recommended and can be made by calling 480-990-9500.

“Dinner and a Movie” summer special

Starting next Tuesday, June 20th catch “Dinner and a Movie” in the restaurants private dining room. Starting at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday enjoy the fore mentioned Summer Supper or order off the regular menu and settle in for an award-winning movie selected for their beautiful Italian setting. The room seats up to 10 people and there is no cost for the movie but dinner service and reservations are required. The schedule of movies include….

June 20; August 9; and August 29: “Only You”
June 21; June 27; September 6: “When in Rome”
June 28; August 8; and August 23: “The Talented Mr. Ripley”
July 11; August 16; and August 22: “Eat, Pray, Love”
July 12; and August 30: “Roman Holiday”
July 15; August 15; and September 5: “The Big Night”

Live music will continue every Thursday and Saturday through June and then every Saturday in July and August. The line-ups of musicians alternate between jazz, old time classics, contemporary hits, adult R & B and acclaimed tenor Daniel Hendricks who performs exclusively at Marcellino’s. The restaurant will close for a brief summer break starting July 16th and re-opening August 3rd. For more information on the summer specials visit the restaurant’s website.

Check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Morning Squeeze lets kids eat free until August 31st

The kids are out of school and if their not at camp one way to keep them happy is to feed them. Feeding them all summer cad add up so Scottsdale’s and Tempe’s Morning Squeeze is letting kids eat free all summer.

Until August 31st kids 12 and under can eat for free during breakfast or lunch, no purchase is necessary. The offer is good Monday – Friday and is for dine-in only.

Morning Squeeze
Egg My Way with bacon and potatoes. All photos courtesy of Morning Squeeze.

Choose from Mouse Pancakes, French Toast Sticks with maple syrup, 1 Egg My way with bacon and potatoes or Grilled Cheese Sandwich with French fries.

With a dog friendly patio, the restaurant is one of the more popular Scottsdale restaurants and has been serving breakfast and lunch since 2013. Your dog even has it’s own Tail Wagger’s menu to order from.

The restaurants are open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Morning Squeeze is located at 4233 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85251 and 690 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, 85287. Visit their website for more information.

Chef + Farmers Market series returns to Hotel Valley Ho

Don’t let this weeks cooler than normal temperatures fool you, the triple digits are coming. When the heat returns many of the Phoenix area farmers markets take the summer off but not at Hotel Valley Ho. Summer is when their Chef + Farmers Market returns indoors at their Sands indoor venue.

Saturday’s from June 22nd – July 13th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. guests can enjoy tastes from local chefs, purchase fresh produce and more goodies from local purveyors. While shopping and tasting enjoy live music and sip on Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s or taste wine and spirits. Valley Ho’s chef Russell Lacasce will provide the tasty bites along with Matt Taylor of Mora Italian and Rene Andrade of Ghost Ranch.

Save room to taste the milkshakes made by contestants of the Battle Freak Shake contest to see who makes the best “Show Stopper” Shake.  The winning shake  will be featured in Augustin Zuzu. All attendees will receive a voucher for 25% off a summer visit to Zuzu.

Each weeks Chef + Farmers Market will have a theme from food to music, here is the schedule.

June 22nd- South of the Border

June 29th- Bada Boom

July 6th- Grillin ‘n’ Chillin

July 13th – Sweet Treats

Hotel Valley Ho is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251.

Keep cool with the “Pie of the Month” at Chase’s Diner

Chase’s Diner in Chandler is featuring a “Pie of the Month” for the hot summer months. Customers can get some relief from the triple digits from May 1st – August 31st with one of our favorite deserts.

During the month of May customers can enjoy a slice of Key Lime Pie. Peanut Butter Crunch is on the menu in June and July offers a cool refreshing Lemonade Pie. The featured pie in August is Chocolate Mint Creme.

Lemonade Pie

Grab a slice after your meal for $4.29 or take a pie to go for $13.29.

Chase’s Diner is at 2040 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85224. They’re open daily at 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sun. – Thurs. and 10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

Chill out this summer at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Looking to get away this summer and cool off, look no further than Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. The luxury resort in Paradise Valley offer guests several ways to chill out whether it be through exercise, food or a refreshing cocktail.

Whether you’re flying in for a few days or live here in town and want to get out of the house these escapes will make your day.

Feel good

Paddle board yoga. All photos courtesy of Jake Goodsell of EMA
  • Paddle Board Yoga                                                                                       Elevate your yoga experience with Paddle Board Yoga. Classes are held in the Infinity pool at 7 a.m. every Thursday – Sunday for just $55 per person.
  • Spa Steals                                                                                                            Guests can escape the heat at the Sanctuary Spa. The 60-minute Swedish Massage and Sanctuary Jewel Facial drop to $119 midweek and $139 weekend (regularly $175/$185). Post treatment, guests can relax in the new Women’s Quiet Room – a windowless, cocoon-like escape designed for tranquility that opened this year.  Guests that enjoy a Monday-Thursday spa treatment receive access to the spa and amenities. Included are the infinity pool, lap pool, steam room, whirlpools, relaxation lounges and fitness center—for the entire day.

The foodie in you

  • Summer in Paradise                                                                                                      Simmer down to a three-course meal by Food Network favorite Executive Chef Beau MacMillan at Elements restaurant. Available for $49 per person (plus 50 percent off select wine bottles), not including tax and gratuity from Sunday to Wednesday, June 3 through Aug. 30.
  • Lunch and Learn                                                                                                              Impress friends with new skills after a culinary lesson from Chef Carl Ruiz, Master Mixologist Tony AbouGanim and Chef Danny Grant. Lunch and dinner events will be Saturdays, Aug. 4, 11, 25 and Sept. 1.
  • Brunch at elements                                                                                              End the weekend on a high note with Sunday brunch at Elements from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Must-tries on the a la carte menu: black truffle benedict on English muffin with breakfast potatoes, nueske’s bacon, grilled asparagus and foie gras hollandaise

Resort cocktail events

Singapore Sling
  • Summer Pour                                                                                                                    Cool off at Jade Bar during The Pour (a very happy two hours) with refreshing drink specials every Monday through Friday between 4 and 6 p.m.
  • Live music and Jaded Nights                                                                                   The sounds of jazz, pop and R&B vocalists take hold at jade bar on Friday evenings from 8 to 11 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. When the sun sets, Jaded Nights begins (9 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 13-Aug. 26). Choose from food and drink specials like $9 craft cocktails, $8 Korean Wings, $10 Jade Burger or the $2.50 oyster special.
  • Saturday Mixology 101                                                                                              Perfect for a sleepy Saturday afternoon, Mixology 101 features resort mixologists sharing techniques and tastings of four innovative cocktail creations. Courses are held at noon each Saturday except Aug. 4, 11, 25 and Sept. 1. Reservations required and first timers will receive 15% off food during their class.
  • Sunday Bar Brawl                                                                                                  The heat is on for the region’s best bartenders. Sanctuary’s Bar Brawl is back for its fourth season with new additions and surprises on Sundays, July 15-Aug. 26. Details coming soon. I can tell you there will be a new chef pop-up experience, with a special happy hour menu crafted by a local celebrity chef at each Bar Brawl event. Also, each week’s Lunch & Learn celebrity will serve as a guest judge. On Friday’s, guest bartenders will create Red Bull specialty cocktails from 9 – 10:30 p.m., the guest favorite featured at Sunday’s Bar Brawl.

Sanctuary on Camelback is at 5700 E. McDonald Dr. Paradise Valley 85253. For reservations call 855-245-2051 or on-line.

 

 

Cool off this summer with Arizona wine

There’s no denying it as we’re about to embark on another hot summer here in the southwest. One of the best ways I’ve found to keep cool is to stay inside (a no brainer I know) and sip on a chilled glass of wine (another no brainer). A refreshing glass of Arizona wine should be in order and the folks at LDV Wine Gallery and Kief-Joshua Vineyards are doing their part to keep you cool.

Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery

Heading to Arizona wine country

One of the best ways to get your Arizona wine is to head to the source. Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin is kicking off their weekly summer concert series every Saturday from 1-3 p.m. this weekend 5/27 with Rhythm Jax, No better way to cool off (yes it’s actually cooler down south) than with wine and live music. Kief-Joshua will also host a “Dinner in the Vines” in July and a harvest festival in August. A line-up of the musicians and schedule of events at the winery are below.

June 3: Jenny Jarnigan

June 10: Bryan Dean Trio

June 17: Corey Spector

June 24: Kroehler & Rovnak

July 1: Sage Gentle-Wing

July 8: Josh McCormack

July 15: Blaine Long

July 22: Joerdie

July 29: Tommy Tucker

August 5: Black Cat Blues

August 12: Jacob Acosta Band

August 19: 76th Street

July 15th is when they will host “Dinner in the Vines” that will include a four-course meal paired with wines for $75.00 per person. This event will take place in the vineyard from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Space is limited, to reserve your seat(s) call 520-455-5582 or email kjvineayrds@gmail.com The menu is…..

Arrival Canapés                                                                                                              Genoa salami coronets with boursin cheese Steamed artichokes with lemon remoulade Mexican caviar in corn tortilla cups

First Course                                                                                                                   Roasted red bell pepper & tomato bisque with fried leek baked parmesan cheese straw

Second Course                                                                                                                    Mix green salad with apple, jicama and citrus vinaigrette

Main Course                                                                                                              Cabernet braised short ribs Twice baked poblano potatoes French green beans with lemon thyme butter

Sweet Course                                                                                                                   Crème Brule in crisp phyllo shells and fresh berries

On August 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  is when The Magdalena Bash Harvest Festival happens. Several new Arizona wine releases, including 2015 Magdelena, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Barbera, along with many new white wines for summer and a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon will be released at the festival. Guests will also enjoy live music and food vendors.

Kief-Joshua Vineyards is at 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, Arizona http://kj-vineyards.com/default.asp

Staying in the Phoenix area

Prefer staying around the comfort of your home, no problem as LDV Wine Gallery in Scottsdale is doing their part to keep you cool.

On Father’s Day their offering 25% off their big & bold (like dad) Petite Sirah. By the glass, the bottle or the case you’ll make his day. A perfect wine for grilling steaks.

A few events are planned for the month of July at LDV………

Wine Appreciation – Wine + Chocolate- Drop in to LDV Winery on Sunday July 9th for a wine and chocolate themed wine appreciation gathering. This event is part of a monthly series of fun, interactive get-together to discuss “All About Wine.” Attendance includes expert-led discussions, little bites and wine, and take-away materials. 5-6:30 p.m. $35 per person or $65 per couple.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club- On Tuesday July 11th Kurt & Peggy will host and cook dinner for their Vineyard to Table Supper Club. This is a wine inspired casual dining experience that celebrates the vineyard to table journey. It includes courses paired with three LDV wines with recipes and great conversations. Space is limited to 20. Cost is $65 ++ per person and payment is required prior to the dinner.

Summer Vacation – Corks, Crafts, & Wine- A few days later on Saturday, July 15th is LDV’s  Corks, Crafts, & Wine Summer Vacation gathering. Bring your glue guns and glue sticks to create wine cork crafts. Sip wine, nibble on snacks and create wine cork crafts. $10 and includes a glass of wine.

To register for any of these events call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 LDV Wine Gallery is at 6951 E. 1st St. Scottsdale 85251. http://www.ldvwinery.com/

 

 

Creamistry to open 4th location at Scottsdale Quarter

Ice cream fans in north Scottsdale will soon find out what all the excitement is about in central Phoenix, Arcadia and downtown Scottsdale when Creamistry opens its 4th location at the Scottsdale Quarter on Friday, May 26th.

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Creamistry combines science & dessert as they use liquid nitrogen to flash freeze 70 plus flavors and toppings to create ice cream.

Creamistry week long specials

To introduce the neighbors to the concept, Creamistry will be offering 5 days of delicious specials starting on Tuesday the 30th. The daily specials are as follows….

Tuesday–Thursday, May 30-31 and June 1: Buy one ice cream, get one ice cream of equal or lesser value free.
Friday, June 2: A percentage of the proceeds earned will be donated to MASK (Mother’s awareness on school-age kids)
Saturday, June 3: Free small ice cream from Noon-2 p.m

Having it made is half the fun

The Creamistry experience starts when you choose your size or type of dessert(waffle bowl, shakes and more). Then pick your ice cream base(organic, gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan or premium) then your favorite flavor from almost 40 options ( birthday cake, sea salt or blood orange sorbet just to name a few) and to top it off pick your toppings (candy, fruit, nuts and more). Everything is then mixed with liquid nitrogen for a smoky & cool looking freezing process.

 

Cool off with summer cocktails at Tavern Americana

We’re still 3 weeks away from the official start of summer, June 20th, that doesn’t mean temperatures will wait to warm up as 100 + degrees and will be here in Arizona much sooner. Tavern Americana in north Scottsdale has gotten the jump on the triple digits with 3 summer cocktails to keep you cool all summer long. The unique mixing of ingredients including Arizona made spirits will hopefully make the Arizona summer that more cooler.

Grayhawk Cooler
Grayhawk Cooler

~ Copper Kettle – Copper City Bourbon / Ancho Reyes Liqueur / Honey Syrup / Lemon Juice

~ Ballast 31 – Hop Infused Ballast Point Fugu Vodka / Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur / Lemon Juice / Grapefruit Bitters / Topped with Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA

~Grayhawk Cooler – Arizona Distilling Company Commerce Gin / Thatcher’s Elderflower Liqueur / Lime Juice / Muddled Strawberries and Cucumber / Topped with Soda

Tavern Americana 20469 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale 85255 (480) 502-6740 urbantaverngroup.com

Drive thru specials & live music Sip Coffee & Beer Garage

sip logo

Just as the calendar flipped to June the temperatures in Phoenix flipped into the triple digits with potential record setting heat. A good way to stay cool and awake is to drive thru Sip Coffee & Beer Garage in Phoenix to get your fill of coffee samples and save some money with Happy Hour deals.

During the month of June when you cruise thru the drive thru you get a free small coffee which will be the new release of Sip’s own roasted coffee in partnership with Cartel Coffee. All summer long from 2-6pm you can save $1 off your coffee when you purchase in the drive thru.

If you prefer Cold Brew in these hot summer days then Monday is your day at Sip because from open to close you can get a growler of Cold Brew and refills for $1 off.

On the last Monday of each month from 6pm – close you will be able to listen to the sounds of musician Adam Reed and friends while your invited to show off your artistic side with Sip’s Live Music & Art night. The night will be sponsored by a craft brewery.

Sip Coffee & Beer Garage is at 3620 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 602-900-5188 www.sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com

Left Coast Cellars wines perfect for spring & summer food pairing

left coast logo
Focusing on single vineyard estate grown wines is the game plan for Left Coast Cellars winemaker Luke McCollum and his team. With the release of the 2015 Truffle Hill Chardonnay & White Pinot Noir they’ve made wine wines that are lighter & refreshing and pair well with easy to make foods for the spring and summer.

The Truffle Hill Chardonnay is age sur lie for 9 months has bit of creaminess and Flinty minerals and nuances of golden apples, pears, spices and figs. Good with salads and shell fish this is what Chardonnay tastes like with it’s hair down.
Left Coast TruffleHillChardonnay-2013-trans
The White Pinot Noir is a rare find and is a deep wine despite its lack of skin color. On the nose there is cardamom, peach, pithy citrus and honey with the palate being similar but also with a hint of orange blossom and slate and mineral finish. The White Pinot Noir pairs well with salads, fish and grilled vegetables.

Both wines are from sustainable vineyards in the Willamette Valley and retail for about $24.

For more information about Left Coast Cellars and where to find there wines check out www.leftcoastcellars.com