Keeler Hospitality Group introduces new Beverage Director

Keeler Hospitality Group, the owners of Liberty Station American Smokehouse & Tavern, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and Poppy’s Office has announced that Tait Ludwick as the group’s new Beverage Director. Ludwick was hired five years ago at KHG as a busser and worked his way up to a server, bartender, bar manager and restaurant manager before taking over his new role this month.

“We have seen Tait grow with our company over the last several years,” said Matt Keeler, KHG’s CEO and co-owner. “We are confident he has the talent, work ethic and dedication to excel in this role and look forward to supporting his efforts.”

In his new role Ludwick sees his job from not just from a business perspective for Keeler Hospitality Group but also from the guest’s perspective. His goal is to bring the “taste and experience” and plans to elevate the guest’s experience while introducing guests with new ideas and flavors they haven’t seen in cocktails. “I am grateful I have been given the tools at Keeler Hospitality Group to improve myself and my skills,” said Ludwick. “Whether it’s tasting new spirits and wine to gain more knowledge or the fact that there is always something to learn and improve on, this company makes me feel at home.”

His first order of business is to add new bourbon selections at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and to introduce a new cocktail menu based on guest’s preferences at both of Liberty Station’s Scottsdale locations.

Poppy’s Office launches the 12 Drinks of Christmas on Friday

There’s still time to get in the holiday spirit with a glass filled with your favorite spirits and North Scottsdale’s hidden gem, Poppy’s Office is giving you 12 reasons too. Starting this Friday, December 13th and through Christmas Eve a new cocktail will be offered each day.

The 12 Drinks of Christmas at Poppy’s Office are (feel free to sing along with your true love)….

On the 1st Day of Christmas: St. Nicholas is made with cognac, crème de cassis, agave, Quinquina, Angostura bitters and Xocatl Mole Bitters.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas: Jingle Juice with Benchmark bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, Giffard Apricot, cinnamon simple, Giffard Gomme syrup and Angostura bitters.

On the 3rd day of Christmas: Mr. Narwhal featuring Miles gin, sweet vermouth, Amaro Lucano, Aperol, Angostura bitters and toasted almond bitters.

On the 4th day of Christmas: The Naughty List made with Benchmark bourbon whiskey, Pandan simple, Xocatl Mole Bitters and black walnut bitters.

On the 5th day of Christmas: North Pole Smash featuring Piggyback Rye, Amaro Nonino, Amaro Lucano, crème de cacao, cinnamon simple and lemon juice.

On the 6th day of Christmas: Fireside Old Fashion with Reposado Tequila, cinnamon simple, black walnut bitters and Peychauds Bitters.

On the 7th day of Christmas: Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins with Amaro Braulio and hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallow.

On the 8th day of Christmas: Grinch’s Heart featuring Selva Rey, lime juice, pineapple juice, Crème de Mure, Coconut Alchemist and orgeat.

On the 9th day of Christmas: Silver Bell made with Tommy Rotter Barrel Aged Gin, lemon juice Pamplemousse, cinnamon simple and a crème de mure float.

On the 10th day of Christmas: The Forghetti with Fernet Branca and Borghettis and a lemon twist.

On the 11th day of Christmas: Red-Nosed Negroni with Miles Gin, cacao nib-infused sweet vermouth and Hibiscus Campari.

On the 12th day of Christmas: Adam and Eve featuring Adam’s Hot Buttered Rum with whipped cream, a candy cane and powered cinnamon.

 

 

 

 

Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

Lamarca takeover for National Prosecco Day at Wine Girl

Next Tuesday, August 13th we celebrate the sparkling wine of northern Italy’s Veneto region. The Scottsdale wine bar is celebrating with the popular Lamarca for guests who pop in for the “Paint & Sip” celebration. Personalize your prosecco bottle by painting a full-size bottle for $45 or a mini bottle for $30. After the 13th enjoy several Lamarca bubbly-inspired drinks including the Prosecco pop, Hugo Spritz, Raspberry Sgroppino and the Mini Lamarca bucket & bottles will be ready to order at a special, discounted price.

The Bigger Picture cocktail dinner coming to Poppy’s Office

The chefs and mixologists at the north Scottsdale (Terravita) speakeasy have designed a dinner and drinks four-course dinner to take your senses on an adventure. Next Wednesday, August 14th taste small bites, new & exciting dishes and inventive cocktails for $100++ per person. Seating for the 6 p.m. dinner is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 480-602-2906.

Pillsbury Wine Company nominated for “Best Sustainable Winegrower”

The Arizona winery was nominated in Green Living’s Best of Arizona. You can vote until the end of the day August 21st at this link.

Fazoli’s opens newest location in Glendale

Kind Hospitality announced the opening of its third Phoenix area location recently at 5825 W. Peoria Ave. Known for pastas, subsandwiches, pizzas and their popular breadsticks (they sold almost 67,000 in the first few weeks) Fazoli’s and Kind has plans to open more locations around Arizona.

Changes happening at Ling’s Wok Shop

The Scottsdale restaurant is now 100% fresh casual with only counter service, previously it had been “flex-casual” going between counter service & full service. They are now more focused on the menu and daily specials that include…..

  • Lucky 8 Happy Hour – $8 Happy Hour Drink Specials daily from 11am – 6pm and $8 Happy Hour Food Specials daily from 3pm – 6pm

  • Manic Mondays – enjoy a complimentary cup of Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup or Cucumber Salad with the purchase of any entree

  • Take Out Tuesdays – 20% off all online and in-app orders using the promo code “TAKEOUT”

  • Wok & Wine Wednesdays – ½ priced bottles of wine all day long

  • Thirsty Thursdays – Enjoy Happy Hour Drink Specials all day long

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Keeler Hospitality Group founder passes away

The Arizona restaurant community lost a good one this week when Paul Keeler sadly past away. He spent his career in the hospitality industry around the country running hotels & restaurants. He & his family owned Liberty Station Tavern in DC Ranch & Terravita, both in north Scottsdale and Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree. They also owned to restaurants around the country. My condolences go out his family.

Serrano’s “Pink Out” in memory of Stephanie Serrano is tomorrow

All four locations will remember co-owner Stephanie who passed away from breast cancer 2 years ago this month. A portion of proceeds from sales during the month of October special will be donated to local non-profit Check for a Lump. The October specials are Stephanie’s Stacked Enchiladas, Pink Out Margarita Sampler and Pumpkin Spice Churro Donut.

A few seats still available for Monday’s dinners.

Jewel’s Cafe in Phoenix is hosting San Francisco chefs Frank Gama & Victor Aguilera for cannabis infused dinners. There are two seating’s at 5 & 8 p.m. with details and how to reserve your seats in this post from a couple of weeks ago.

Gilbert Oktoberfest is next Saturday, October 23rd.

Local craft brewers, live music, food and games will be happening at Gilbert Regional Park next Saturday from 2 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 and on-sale now with children under 12 free.

Carlson Creek Vineyard releases new wines

Four hearty & bolder red wines are now available for the cooler temperatures. 2018 Rule of Three $33- 45% Malbec, 33% Grenache & 22% Syrah 2018 Malbec $47, 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon $45 and 2020 Odyssey $50- a blend of Cabernet & Malbec. All wine make for great holiday gift giving and go well paired with the flavors of holiday meals. Wines can be purchased online or at their Scottsdale, Cottonwood or Willcox tasting rooms.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery opens 2nd Arizona location

The one stop wine shop, tasting bar & full service restaurant open their 2nd location in Chandler next Monday September 27th. It’s their second location to open in less than a year as they opened in north Scottsdale in December 2020. See my Instagram for my sneak peek tour and tasting.

Today is Press Coffee’s “Day of Giving”

The locally owned coffee roaster & cafe is looking to raise $25,000 at its 8 valley locations today. This annual event is raising money for Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and is donating 100% of today’s profits from on-line & in-store sales with other valley businesses offering to match Press’s donation.

Wren House Brewing beer pairing dinner at Liberty Tavern next week.

The tavern & smokehouse location at Terravita hosts a dinner with the local brewer’s craft beers paired with chef crafted dishes. On the evening of Wednesday, September 29th guests will enjoy 4 -courses that include Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Smoked Brisket Mole and more for $55++. Reservations are required and space is limited. Visit their website for more information.

Fired Pie is holding a hiring fair September 29th

The expanding fast casual pizzeria is looking to hire 2-3 people at each of its 21 locations around Phoenix and is welcoming people to come in and apply & interview next Wednesday. Back & front of the house, managers and shift leaders have openings and those interested can head to any location from 1:30- 6 p.m. on the 29th. Pay is up to $15/ hour plus $45 bonus after 45 days on the job. Shift meals and other benefits are are offered.

The Italian Daughter launches new dinner menu

The newish Italian restaurant in north Scottsdale has added several new dishes to it extensive menu. Look for dishes such as Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp, Sicilian Seafood Salad, A Mozzarella Tasting Board, a 12 oz. Chicken Breast Marsala & Short Rib Porcini Ravioli and more.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast, Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

Around the valley restaurants serve Christmas & New Year’s Eve meals

Restaurants around the valley are getting ready to give 2020 one last “f**k you” as they prepare the last meals of the year. Christmas (Xmas) and New Year’s Eve (NYE) menus are planned and restaurants are taking reservations and orders for dining in or taking out for your holiday dining. These restaurants are doing the cooking for you but you need to get your reservations or orders in soon before it’s too late.

The Roaring Fork– Scottsdale- NYE – Dine-in 12/31

The Boulders Resort & Spa- Grill Kitchen- Carefree (Xmas & NYE)– Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31. Take-out on 12/25

Miracle Mile Deli– Central Phoenix (Xmas)- Take-out order by 12/22 for pick-up on 12/24.

Belle’s Nashville Kitchen– Scottsdale (NYE)- Dine-in 12/31

Vicino’s Local Italian– Scottsdale-(NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- (NYE)- Take-out order by 12/29, for pick-up 12/31.

Trapp Haus BBQDowntown Phoenix – (Xmas Eve & NYE) Take-out, pick up on 12/24 & 12/31.

Romeo’s Euro Cafe– Gilbert- (NYE)- 12/31 Dine-in.

PHX Beer Co.- Scottsdale- (NYE)- Dine-in or take-out on 12/31 and 1/1/21.

The Thumb– North Scottsdale (Xmas Eve)- For pick-up on 12/24

T. Cook’s at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa – Phoenix (Xmas & NYE) -Dine-in 12/25 and 12/31.

Marcellino Ristorante– Scottsdale– (Xmas & NYE) Order by 12/22 pick-up 12/23. Dine- in 12/31

Match Market & Bar– Downtown Phoenix (Xmas)- Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/19 pick up 12/24.

SanTan Brewing Co.– Chandler & Phoenix (NYE)– 12/31 Dine-in & take-out.

Hotel Valley Ho– Old Town Scottsdale (Xmas)– Dine-in 12/25, take-out order by 12/21.

Fleming’s Prime SteakhouseGlendale, Chandler, Scottsdale & DC Ranch – (XMas Eve & NYE) – Take-out 24 hour notice. Dine- in 12/24 & 12/31.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa– Paradise Valley(Xmas) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/25 and 12/31.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen– Phoenix/Paradise Valley (Xmas Eve) & (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/24 and 12/31.

The Craftsman Cocktails & Kitchen– North Scottsdale (NYE)– Dine-in 12/31

Aioli Gourmet Burgers– Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/17 pick-up or delivery on 12/23.

Cowboy Club– Sedona (NYE) – Dine-in on 12/31

Phoenix City Grille– Central Phoenix (Xmas) – Order by 12/18 pick -up 12/24

Taphouse Kitchen– Phoenix & Scottsdale (Xmas Eve) – Dine-in on 12/24

Liberty Station Tavern- Scottsdale (DC Ranch & Terravita)(Xmas) – Order by 12/20 for pick-up 12/24.

 

 

Social distancing “parking lot picnic” at Liberty Station Terravita

We’re all going a little stir crazy by now with all this social distancing and staying home unless necessary. The Terravita location of Liberty Station American Tavern & Smokehouse is hosting a “parking lot picnic” Saturday, April 25th for those looking to get out for a bit. From 3 – 6 p.m. call in & pick up your order, park the car, roll down the windows or lower the tailgate and enjoy your delicious meal.

Popular local musician Jaty Edwards will be playing live music while you enjoy your dinner and social distancing. The restaurant is open daily from 12 – 7 p.m. for pick up & delivery and offers 50% off all alcohol with any takeout order.

To place an order call 480-595-9930 or visit their website. Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse ­- Terravita is at 34522 N. Scottsdale Rd., #180, Scottsdale 85266.