Tag: Tempe

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Fish fry pop-up at Chula Seafood’s “Rosie” location

Saturday 1/11 at 11 a.m. at the south Scottsdale location a.k.a “Rosie” is hosting a fried fish pop-up that includes Chula Seafood Alaskan cod, fish n chips, crispy cod tacos and more.

Hot Pastrami & Pie Week returns to Miracle Mile Deli

From Monday, 1/13- Saturday 1/18 guests can take advantage of a deal at the Central Phoenix deli. Choose from a Pastrami, New Yorker, Straw or Combo sandwich, a side of fries & a pickle and slice of pie for only $19.49.

OverEasy kicks off 2025 with new seasonal dishes

The breakfast and lunch spot with 16 locations throughout Arizona starts the year with two new sweet & savory dishes and a latte. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery the new menu items are…..

  • Red Chile Tostadas – Two crispy corn tortillas, carnitas, feta cheese, onions, black beans, crema, smothered in red chile sauce served with a sunny side up egg
  • Cannoli French Toast – Sweet cannoli cream, cinnamon swirl bread, cannoli streusel, orange zest
  • Caramel Cold Brew Latte $6.49 (Spike It +$3) – Press Cold Brew, cream, house made caramel sauce, whipped cream

Macayo’s closing Tempe location to open a new one nearby

The Mexican restaurant and cantina is closing their location at Rural Rd. & Loop 202 as its lease expires at the end of January. Fear not Mexican food fans, their new location will be just down the road closer to ASU in The Cornerstone on the southeast corner of Rural & University. Expected to open in mid-February it will be more convenient for ASU students & the community and have an outdoor patio.

The restaurant is hiring front and back of the house team members at a hiring fair with on-site interviews on Monday 1/13 until Wednesday 1/15. For more information visit their website.

Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price Taco Tuesday at Ghost Street Asian Taqueria

The virtual kitchen inside Scottsdale’s Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill offers this weekly deal at their website or through their app when you use promo code TACOTUESDAY at checkout.

 

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers opens 18th Arizona location

The new location is now opened at Gilbert Town Square serving up scratch made meals including award-winning cheeseburgers and 150 beers on rotating taps. It will be the first location to have a “Shake and Bake” counter for custom made milkshakes and ice cream cookie sandwiches. The restaurant will start hosting the first ever monthly car show on the first Tuesday of the month. The first car show will be on January 7th, 2025 with all cars welcome and no registration needed.

Tempe Eats to close and transition to an event venue.

Guests wanting to check out the Tempe food hall have until January 7th, 2025 before it closes. From there it will be an event and and private rental venue. It previously hosted fundraisers, live music, Latin Night and Country Night. “We’re excited to focus on creating memorable experiences for special occasions,” said Teresa Nguyen, Owner of Tempe Eats.

Tracy Dempsey Originals wines will be open on today and tomorrow

Despite originally planning to be closed Friday (today) and Saturday, the Tempe kitchen retail shop and bakery will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Perfect timing to pick-up some bubbles for New Year’s Eve and post-holiday sale items. In January the shop will move to a smaller location next door and not many more days left to visit the larger store front.

30% off at Koibito Poke thru December 31st

For the rest of the year those with the Loyalty App can get 30% off when ordering online or in person. You’ll find the savings under the “Rewards” tab on the app. It’s also the last chance to get an extra $10 gift card when purchasing a $30 or more gift card until the 31st.

 

 

 

 

The Spaghetti Shack looking to expand its pasta to-go concept

Started by five lifelong friends in Tempe, The Spaghetti Shack is looking to grow beyond its Tempe and Pinetop-Lakeside locations in 2025. The community focused concept is seeking like minded entrepreneurs with its new franchising program to help serve up its classic Italian American comfort food. Its become a local favorite at both locations with it’s simple crowd-pleasing menu of customizable pastas, meatballs, garlic bread and more.

“We built this business with the same love and energy we’ve shared as lifelong friends,” said Joey Palomarez, President. “Franchising was the natural next step. We want to empower owner-operators who share our values to bring affordable, community-focused dining to their neighborhoods.”

Growing through franchising at The Spaghetti Shack

Potential owner-operators looking to join the Shack family should have a passion for community, culture and collaboration. The Spaghetti Shack model is approachable, inclusive and with a low start-up costs and a proven system is a great opportunity for first-time business owners looking to get into the restaurant industry. A solid foundation and on-going support provide franchisees the necessary tool for collaborating and success.

At The Spaghetti Shack it’s not just about great food, it’s also about giving back to the community and having a lasting impact. Partnerships with Donate Life, Million Dollar Teacher Project and their annual Shacktacular fundraiser, Palomarez and The Spaghetti Shack have proven their commitment to the community and culture and their mission will continue with franchisees.

“We want to be more than just a pasta place,” says Palomarez. “Our goal is to feed families, cater to sports teams, and create spaces where people feel connected to their communities. Every Shack will reflect that mission.” For more information about The Spaghetti Shack and this unique opportunity 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.

Skysill Rooftop Ski Chalet pop-up at Westin Tempe

This is the last weekend for beautiful views of the valley while enjoying festive holiday cocktails and seasonal treats (fondue, gingerbread cookies and macaroons) at the downtown Tempe rooftop bar. $29 gets you a reservation, cider and cake pop with the 360-degree view. Friday and Saturday are 21+ and Sunday is open to all ages and guests are invited to bring an unopened new toy for Toys for Tots. For information and menus for about holiday and NYE dining at their signature restaurant Terra, visit their website. Reservations for the Skysill pop-up can be made at OpenTable.

Rusty Spur Saloon takes money off the wall for charity

The country western bar in Old Town Scottsdale known for its walls full of dollars started a tradition every December by removing the bills and donating them to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. This year they received $6,000 ($5,742 from wall, $248 from owner POV Foods) topping last year’s collection of $5,000. “These dollar bills symbolize not only the memories made here but also the potential to make a difference in our community,” said Janeth Moore, operations manager of Rusty Spur Saloon.

Flour & Thyme is now open for dinner and lunch is coming next week

Good news, Chef Ivan Jacobo’s new restaurant in downtown Phoenix is now open for dinner and starting Thursday, December 26th will start lunch service. F & T is in Jacobo’s former fine dining restaurant Anhelo Restaurant that is relocating to Scottsdale and is expected to open in early 2025. On the menu is handmade pastas, a short rib blend burger, veal tomahawk, duck breast, seafood and more. Lunch is served fro 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5 p.m.

 

Harry Potter inspired pizza and beer collaboration at Spinato’s

Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen is ending 2024 with the last of its collaboration with Steve Larson a.k.a The Wizard of Za with its Rose Au Gratin Pizza available at all locations until December 31st. The Harry Potter inspired pizza was co-created with Jaime Spinato the restaurant’s director of community outreach and brand manager. Like its other collaborations, a local brewer is chosen to create a special beer for the occasion and Phoenix’s Roses By The Stairs brewery created a Belgian style witbier, The Witty Wizard.

Jaime, who embodies the spirit of a true Ravenclaw says “We had a lot of fun creating this pizza, and I’m grateful for Steve’s guidance as we experimented with different ingredients,”. “The rosemary-dressed potatoes lend a savory elegance to the pizza and the delicate borage blossom flowers add a visual and culinary flourish. We added a sprinkle of edible blue glitter to give the dish a magical, almost otherworldly charm.”

The pizza features an Alfredo base with layered sliced potatoes dressed in olive oil and rosemary, garlic, caramelized onions, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, edible borage flower blossoms and it is topped with a sprinkle of edible blue glitter. The Witty Wizard offers hints of lemon, grapefruit, and thyme. The witbier captures a touch of magical whimsy with its enchanting blend of flavors. The zesty lemon and grapefruit bring a burst of sunshine, while the aromatic thyme adds a hint of herbal charm.

The Rose Au Gratin is $11.75 for a personal pizza and $29.75 for a large. A 16 oz. can of The Witty Wizard is $8 and is only available at the restaurant. Local artist Aaron Thomason created the harry Potter like design for the can. For more information visit the pizzeria’s website.

 

ASU’s Cameron Skattebo signs NIL deal with Burrito Express

Now that college athletes can get paid for their name, image and likeness (NIL), Arizona State University running back Cameron Skattebo has signed a deal with locally owned Burrito Express. Brothers Angel and Mark Marin co-own Burrito Express and are ASU alumni presented Skattebo with his first NIL deal. He has since turned down other lucrative offers since signing with Burrito Express.

“We are extremely excited to work with Cam and offer him his first NIL deal,” said Angel. “And we’re humbled by the fact that despite other companies’ best efforts to lure him away from our contract, he has chosen to remain loyal to the Burrito Express family.”

ASU running back Cameron Skattebo

This isn’t the first NIL deal for the community minded Marin brothers who have long supported local sports and will continue to collaborate with ASU athletes. In its 30 years Burrito Express has provided thousands of free burritos to high school sports programs throughout the valley.

With the signing of Cameron Skattebo comes a signature burrito available at all 7 Burrito Express locations. The Boo-ritto is a hearty combination of chicken, beans, cheese, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole and rice for $11.88. To find a Boo-ritto near you or see about their community involvement 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.

Weekend brunch now available at Catalyst Crafted Ales

The Tempe brewery continues its collaboration with S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Tacos) for brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During brunch Catalayst’s Mimosa seltzers for only $7 and red sangria is $5. Brunch specials by S.A.L.T include…

Green or Red Chilaquiles with cheese and refried pinto beans, $13

Additions include egg for .99 cents; shrimp for $4; or chicken, asada, discada or pork for $3 each

Pozole with diced pork and hominy, topped with cabbage and radish, $11

Birria served with three corn tortillas, $13

Quesabirria — three corn quesabirria served with four ounces of birria broth, $13

Bk Burritos, $11 each- Egg and chorizo, Egg, potato and bacon, Egg, potato and chorizo OR Egg and bacon.

Drinks specials all day Sunday and after 5 p.m. for Monday Night Football include.

$5 32 oz. Beer, including A13, Festbier, Positive Visualization and Ultimo Hombre, $5 12 oz. Seltzers, all flavors and$1 Seltzer Jello Shots.

New coffee menu at The Montauk

Need you daily cup of go-go juice well the downtown Scottsdale bar and restaurant has 7 new coffee drinks available until 3 p.m. daily. The beans are roasted locally from Passport Coffee and from Thursday – Sunday a rotating selection of seasonal pastries are available.

Coffee Menu includes:

Latte – Hot or Iced $6, Americano $5, Drip Coffee $3.50, Cold Brew $4.00

Specialty Lattes (hot or iced): $7

Maple Rose Latte, Lavender Vanilla Latte, Coconut Brown Sugar Latte

Extras:

Milk Substitutions ($1) – Oat, Almond, Soy, Half & Half, Syrup Add-Ons (.75) – Dark Chocolate Sauce (Sugar-free available), Lavender, Rose, Coconut, Vanilla (Sugar-free available), Caramel

**Each beverage comes with a double shot, for an additional double shot – $2.50

New seasonal menu at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Four new dishes have debuted on the “Fall Flavors” menu at all 6 Phoenix area locations in Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert locations until December 2nd. The dishes offer seasonal ingredients including apples, pumpkin, cinnamon and more. All four dishes are available for dine-in or take-out.

Italian Blu Salad: Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and red onions tossed with blue cheese dressing and topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, crispy pepperoni and Gorgonzola.

 Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Fire-braised chicken breast, Sweet Baby Ray’s Hot Sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola crumbles and celery.

Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with caramel sauce.

 Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Caramel and diced green apple cheesecake with a cinnamon sugar cookie crust, garnished with caramel and whipped cream.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers owner wins Golden Ticket

Last weekend Chef/Owner Tommy D’Ambrosio competed at the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and won a Golden Ticket to November’s World Food Championship’s Southwest Chef Showdown for his Lobster Quadratini. The pyramid-stuffed pasta is made with Pernod Beurre Blanc, Fennel Fronds, Roasted Chantarelle Mushrooms, Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, and Chili Oil. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to return to the World Food Championships in November, I can’t wait to win it all,” said Chef Tommy.

Los Sombreros to celebrate its 30th anniversary

The Scottsdale location will host a 3-day celebration starting next Friday, October 25th. Guests can expect discounts, entertainment, food specials, giveaways and more.

 

Prince Street Pizza coming to Mill Ave. in 2025

Tempe’s CenterPoint’s owners Wexford Developments has announced that the popular Sicilian and Neapolitan pizza concept Prince Street Pizza will be take over the spot vacated by Jimmy John’s in early 2025. Founded by Lorenzo Hidalgo, Tempe is the first Arizona location to go with locations in NYC, LA, Miami, Toronto Las Vegas, Costa Mesa and others.

“Bringing Prince Street Pizza to Mill Ave is a thrilling opportunity for us. We’re excited to share our New York-style slices and Sicilian squares with a new community that’s full of energy and enthusiasm.  We can’t wait for locals and visitors alike to experience the unique flavors and vibe that have made Prince St. Pizza a staple in NYC,” said Prince Street Pizza Owner Lawrence Longo.

Once opened the walk-up slice shop will serve a selection pizza pies, slices in different sizes including its “Prince Perfection Pie”. It will also join other restaurants in the next year at CenterPoint including a new high-end restaurant and cocktail concept from the owners of Wren & Wolf and Pedal Haus Brewing owner Julian Wright who announced a new cocktail concept.

“Prince Street Pizza is one of the fastest growing pizza companies in the country right now.  The pizza is some of the best I’ve ever had, and this concept will be a great addition to our CenterPoint asset,” said Sam Gordon, co-founder and principal of Wexford Developments. For more information visit Prince Streets website.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Paysan wines tasting at GenuWine Arizona

The downtown Phoenix wine bar welcomes the Central Coast winery that will pour 3 of their “French village inspired wines” on Thursday, September 12th from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and guests get 20% off bottles from the nights tasting. Good news as Wine Club members are free, and reservations can be made here.

Anhelo Restaurant hosts Château Léoville Poyferré dinner

Chef Ivan Jacobo creates a six-course dinner paired with at least 5 wines from the famed Second Grand Cru classified growth winery in Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. Learn about the winery dating back to 1638 and how they’ve adapted to changing times and continue to make world-class wine.  

The dinner starts at 6 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix restaurant and is $275++ with limited seating. Add a glass of Dom Perignon champagne for $75 and reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Daou Vineyards dinner coming to PCG

The new owners of Phoenix City Grille are picking up where was left off by founder Sheldon Knapp with a four-course wine dinner on Friday, September 13th at 6 p.m. The dinner starts with a glass of 2023 rose before dinner and pairing of…….

First Course: Crab Ceviche Tostada with avocado mousse, mango, coconut almond sauce, pickled ginger, micro cilantro and blue corn tortilla paired with Daou Bodyguard Chardonnay, 2021
 
Second Course: Charred Japanese Eggplant with lentils, Parisian cucumbers, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, sumac and mint paired with Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021
 
Third Course: Corey’s Duck Confit with Japanese sweet potato puree, tart cherry chimichurri and thyme paired Daou Sequentis Reserve Merlot, 2020
Fourth Course: House-Made Warm Donut with canela dust, blueberry compote and blood orange gelato paired with Daou Reserve Seventeen Forty Cabernet Franc, 2021.
Seats are $110++ and reservations can be made by calling Brittnee Reed at 602-510-7174 or emailing privatedining@phoenixcitygrille.com

Negroni Week Zephyr Gin dinner at Bourbon & Bones

The Old Town Scottsdale cocktail lounge invites guests to enjoy a 3-course dinner paired with specialty made gin cocktails on Thursday, September 19th at 6:30 p.m. Start the night with a Classic Negroni before dining on shrimp skewers, bacon wrapped filet and peanut butter banana cheesecake. Dinner is $100++ per person with reservations and more information is available here.

Hands on cooking class with Tracy Dempsey

Ever want to learn how to make gnocchi? If so good news as the chef/owner of Tracy Dempsey Originals teaches you on Saturday, September 21st from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at her Tempe shop. Learn how to make potato pillows with recipes and your creations to take home with you. Bring your own apron and refrigerated bag for the leftovers.

The cost is $75 per person unless your an ODV wine member for $68. RSVP by Friday, September 13th at Tracy@tracydempseyoriginals.com with “gnocchi class” in the subject line.

Arizona Cardinals and Spinato’s team up for fresh hot pizza

When the Arizona Cardinals start the 2024 football season, fans attending home games at State Farm Stadium will have new choices for delicious local foods. Some of those new foods was announced with a new partnership for the “Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals” with Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen. It’s part of the family-owned pizzerias 50th anniversary and also marks the pizzeria’s first location in the west valley.

“We are thrilled to announce Spinato’s as the Official Pizza of the Arizona Cardinals and to welcome the Spinato’s family as our Proud Partner,” said Wade Martin, Arizona Cardinals senior vice president of corporate partnerships. “Bringing in beloved, local food and beverage companies is important to us, and I couldn’t think of a better representation of that than Spinato’s. We are excited for our fans to enjoy delicious, locally owned pizza on gamedays this season.”

Come September fans will be able to order three kinds of pizza, an Italian beef sandwich, Caesar salad, cheesy garlic bread and more at four concession stands throughout the stadium. Spinato’s has also partnered with Phoenix’s Cactus Corn to offer “Mamma’s Signature” pizza flavored popcorn. Featuring spinach spice & sweet tomoto, the new flavor will join two other popcorn flavors offered and will be announced soon.

Collaborating on The Red Zone Pizza

The two-family owned businesses have collaborated on the new The Red Zone pizza available at all 6 pizzerias starting September 8th (Week 1 of the regular season). Made with Spinato’s signature sauce, Canadian bacon, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, mozzarella and spinach spice. “The Canadian bacon and roasted red bell peppers bring a red element to the pizza, while the pepperoncini bring a little spice for our Arizona heat,” says Anthony Spinato, Spinato’s CEO.

The made fresh, never frozen pizza will range from $17.75 for a small pizza, $23.75 for a medium pizza and $29.75 for a large pizza at Spinato’s locations. At State Farm Stadium, the price of an eight-inch “The Red Zone” pizza will be $15.50. Fans can also purchase an eight-inch cheese pizza for $13.50 or an eight-inch pepperoni pizza for $14.50.

“Over the past five decades, we’ve worked hard to deliver what we call ‘the Spinato’s experience,’ to our guests. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel like part of a big family. We’ve grown to six locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Phoenix. This partnership marks our first entry into the West Valley, and we could not be more excited to do it with such a beloved sports team,” Spinato said.

For more information visit Spinato’s and the team‘s websites.