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.

Octo 2025 now on the menu at Virtu Honest Craft

Chef Gio Osso made a name for himself with his Pulpo dish (charred octopus with lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, and Calabrian chile butter) that has remained on the menu ever since his Scottsdale restaurant opened in 2013. Twelve years later he’s introducing for a limited time a new innovative creation. Octo 2025 is charred octopus and potato tostada layered with ‘nduja agrodolce, crispy gnocco fritto, citrus crema, and a punchy padron salsa. Don’t worry, the original is still on the menu.

Passover Special at Miracle Mile Deli

Starting tomorrow Saturday, April 12th- 19th (closed on Sunday) at the Central Phoenix deli get a plate of Brisket of Beef, Steamed Veggies & a cup of Matzoh Ball Soup for $19.49.

Third Thursday specials for ASU students at Skysill Rooftop Lounge

The tallest open-air rooftop in the Valley is at the Westin Tempe and next Thursday, April 17th (Third Thursday) ASU students with proper I.D. specials can save some money from 6-10 p.m. The monthly event has a bucket of 4 ASU Halo Amber Ale beers for $30 and 15% off your total bill with student I.D.

Cien Agaves is going to the dogs for Yappy Hour

The Old Town Scottsdale cantina is partnering with Barb’s Dog Rescue on Monday, April 21st from 4-6 p.m. Find out about adopting a dog, get personalized dog tags engraved and win puppy prizes. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.

Winners from the 2025 Foodist Awards

Every year the Arizona Restaurant Association hosts the awards recognizing many of the standout members of the ARA. Awards were handed out this week and below are the winners. Chris Bianco is this year’s distinguished recipient of the Pioneer Award for his years of commitment to this local food and restaurant industry and the community.

Food and Beverage

  • Standout Signature Dish – Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy Burger – Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown Purveyors – Hayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft Beer – Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program – Poppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience – Barcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio Atmosphere – Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary Experience – Course Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy Experience – Tell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi Restaurant – Uchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Le Ame 
  • Uniquely Arizona – Mariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality Group – Genuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept – Taco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the Year – Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the Year – Jacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/Bartender – Michael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top Chef – Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf 

 

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 Fridays at Chompie’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m hooked on fish n chips, now we all can get a platter at all Chompie‘s Phoenix area locations every Friday. Hand-dipper beer battered cod with crispy fries, cole slaw and homemade tartar sauce for only $17.99 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Chef Joey raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The local celebrity chef is raising money for the next 10 weeks in honor of his daughter Giuliana who has stage 1 Lymphoma. A portion of sales from wines by the glass sales at The Italiano and margarita sales at The Mexicano will be donated to LLS.

Terra Tempe gets Wicked through the end of March

The signature restaurant in the Westin Tempe turns into the Emerald City while the award-winning play has its run at nearby Gammage Auditorium. Signature cocktails like the gin based “Green for Good” and Instagram worthy enchanted bites are available.

Get free bagels at Barrio Bread

While bagel & pizza lovers wait for the opening of, Don Guerra’s Bagel & Slice he’s offering up 2 free bagels with the purchase of a loaf of bread from his Barrio Bread. Until the opening guests can order then pick-up bread and complimentary bagels on Tuesday’s & Friday’s from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at their Hayden Flour Mill commissary in Gilbert.

Ling & Louie’s Buy 1 Get 1 at 1/2 price on weekends

Every Saturday & Sunday get a 1/2 priced brunch entree with the purchase of one at full price at their Scottsdale location. A portion of proceeds from their Big-Hearted Brunch will be donated to local charities. It can’t be combined with other offers, and you should mention this offer when ordering.

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Portillo’s “Beef Bus” rolls into Phoenix

The popular Chicago style food concept has its own food truck that will be at events around Phoenix until April 12th. Favorites such as Italian Beef sandwiches, Chicago-style Hot Dogs, Maxwell Street Italian and Polish sausages and more will be served up in smaller versions. You can find the “Beef Bus” starting today at…

Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9 Phoenix Raceway (7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323); Event Hours: Friday and Saturday 10am–2pm, 4pm–8pm; Sunday 9am–12pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 14 – Sunday, March 16 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 21 – Sunday, March 23 Ostrich Fest (2250 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286); Event Hours: Friday 2pm–12am; Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–11pm; while supplies last

Friday, March 28 Amadio Ranch (4701 W Dobbins Rd, Laveen, AZ); Event Hours: 10am–9pm; while supplies last

 Saturday, March 29  Uncorked Wine Festival Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (7555 North Pima Road, Phoenix, AZ 85258); Event Hours: 5:30pm–10pm; while supplies last

Tuesday, April 1 GCU vs. U of A Baseball, Grand Canyon University (3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017); Event Hours: 5pm–9pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 5 ASU Devilpalooza, Arizona State University (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 7:30pm–11pm; while supplies last

Saturday, April 12 Pat’s Run, Mountain America Stadium (500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287); Event Hours: 6am–1pm

**Dates and locations subject to change without notice**

Virtu Honest Craft to host Balcones whiskey dinner

Reservations are filling up fast for Chef Gio Osso’s five-course dinner paired with the Texas whiskey at his Scottsdale restaurant on Wednesday, March 19th. Kelli Burdick will be on hand to discuss each whiskey and their unique characteristics and pairings. Seats are $125++ per person for the 6:00 start and reservations can be made at OpenTable.

Poppy’s Office planning Westland Whiskey pairing experience

The North Scottsdale speakeasy is hosting a four-course dinner created by Keeler Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Anthony Apolinar. Westland’s Beer Cask, Wine Cask, American Single Malt and Colere whiskey’s will be poured alongside each dish. The dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19th and seats are $55++ and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Durant’s new owners donate unused food to St. Vincent de Paul

News broke last week that the Mastro family and business partner Scott Troilo had bought the iconic Phoenix steakhouse. The new owners are giving it a refresh and making minor changes in the kitchen in time to celebrate the restaurant’s 75 anniversary. Brothers Mike and Jeffrey Mastro had students from their alma mater at Brophy Prep to load and unload the truckload of non-perishable food after last week’s final service before the changes begin.

New restaurant openings

Two new locations that were recently mentioned at Pulling Corks and Forks have now opened.

Macayo’s Family Mexican opened its relocated Tempe location and Lin’s Grand Buffet opened their new Metrocenter location in recent days.

Feta Cowboy now open in Tempe

The founders of Pita Jungle have opened their newest concept, the fast casual Feta Cowboy in Tempe’s McClintock Fountains at McClintock & Warner Rds. The new concept’s flavors show off what happens when you combine Mediterranean and southwest ingredients in a build-your-own environment. Diners can expect to assemble their bowls, burritos and pitas from their in-house crafted menu.

“At Feta Cowboy, the food and flavors are a delicious manifestation of our beautiful American gastronomical experience and the interconnectedness of global cuisine,” says Bassel Osmani, co-founder of Feta Cowboy. “Healthy nutrition and layers of flavor come together in unique ways to create simply amazing food.”

Where rustic flatbread meet tortillas and shawarma meets asada guests, can build their meal with proteins such as brisket, birria, shawarma, taouk and gyro meat that can be grilled, braised or hot off the rotisserie. Build it a top premium rice such basmati or calrose or legumes such as lentils du puy or Roma beans and toss it with dips or seven flavorful sauces including Zhug, harissa and Toom. Signature bowls are also available making the different combinations endless. For the “Lil Cowboy’s” a build-your-own-kids menu is available and different dietary lifestyles can be accommodated.

Feta Cowboy is open seven days a week from 10:45 a.m. – 9 p.m. and is at 1840 E. Warner Rd. Tempe. For more information visit their website.

 

Arizona Aloha Festival to feature island style cuisine

Hawaiian & Polynesian cuisine, culture and entertainment will be featured at the Arizona Aloha Festival at Tempe Beach Park on Saturday & Sunday, March 15th and 16th. The two-day family friendly festival is free to attend and will celebrate the island culture and the Aloha spirit.

Food vendors will be set up serving Hawaiian specialties such as island-style plate lunches, laulau, poi, kalua pork, manapua (steamed pork buns), Hawaiian-style teriyaki, fresh tropical fruit drinks and the infamous sweet & icy Shave Ice.

The gates open both days at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. and the festival will have live entertainment on two stages with more than 25 groups performing, merchandise vendors will feature their gift ideas and more in the Island Marketplace. Artists and storytellers will be teaching island culture where attendees can learn how to hula, play the ukulele and learn about paddling an outrigger canoe. Raffle tickets for a Hawaiian holiday at the Aston Mahana on Maui will be available for purchase.

For more information about the Arizona Aloha Festival visit their website.

Catalyst Crafted Ales rolls out new food menu

Tempe’s Catalyst Crafted Ales has been brewing beers for almost a year and now is releasing a new menu full of new dishes. Some may find the wings, tacos, burgers and more may have a familiar taste as executive Chef Anthony Apolinar has added this new project to his responsibilities at Keeler Hospitality Group. At KHG for over 6 years working in the group’s north Scottsdale restaurants Liberty Station Tavern (DC Ranch & Terravita) and Keeler’s Steakhouse in Carefree Apoloinar knows how to cook in busy environment while mentoring and managing back of the house team members with the goal of guests enjoying their experiences.

KHG got involved last year when CEO & Founder Matt Keeler also took on the role Director of Operations at Catalyst.

“The menu will have a southwestern flare meets traditional brewpub fare vibe. Everything on the menu will pair perfectly with one or more Catalyst beers. Our staff will be ready to make pairing recommendations. I hope everyone will stop by and try the new menu,” said Chef Apolinar.

The now full-service restaurant will also have weekend brunch with French Toast, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos and more.

1 year anniversary at Catalyst Crafted Ales

February 1st marks the first anniversary of Catalyst Crafted Ales and a festive day and night is planned. Guests will enjoy live music, games, food and the release of a new beer, Luppolo Blanc Grape IPA.

“I’m excited to celebrate one year of success in Tempe and look forward to many more to come. The beer community has been extremely supportive of our innovative brewing style, I can’t wait to start pairing our beers with the new food menu,” Will Walthereson, head brewer, Catalyst Crafted Ales. For more information and to view the new menu 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.

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.