Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

A busy week for Chef Joey Maggiore

The chef and owner of several popular restaurants is celebrating this week’s release of his book, Brunch King that is filled with recipes from his Hash Kitchen. And today’s the opening of his newest restaurant, The Italiano at Shea Blvd. and 92nd St.

Arizona Restaurant Week starts today

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular twice-yearly celebration of local restaurants kicks off 10 days (thru Sunday, 9/29) of specials menus around the state. Well over 100 restaurants have created 3-course menus for $33, $44 or $55. Reservations are suggestive and a list of restaurants and menus can be found here.

Family Tuesdays at Red, White & Brew

With the rising costs of dining out POV Foods wants to make it affordable for families to eat out. Starting this week Tuesdays at their Mesa and Prescott restaurants kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Chimichanga Day at Macayo’s

All locations will be celebrating on Thursday, September 26th with specials, giveaways, a pinata smash and more. Specials include….

BOGO Chimis! Buy one a la carte chimi and get one free with the purchase of two beverages (plus, add a side of rice, beans, guacamole or Macayo’s famous Baja sauce for just .78 cents each!). Samples of Dos XX and Don Julio tequila will also be available.

National Dumpling Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

Thursday, September 26th is also National Dumpling Day and TC2GO rewards members get a 6-piece dumpling order for $1 with the purchase of a 6-piece order. orders need to be made on the TC2GO app or online and are available at all locations.

Fall flavors return at STK Steakhouse and Kona Grill

The two Scottsdale restaurants add new menu items to savor the flavor of the season. The new menus include cocktails, entrees, sides and desserts.

Kona Grill– Welcome Back Pumpkin menu- Pumpkin Spice Margarita, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Lobster & Pumpkin Ravioli & Duck Empanadas, Roasted Acorn Squash and Pumpkin Pie.

STK Steakhouse- Pumpkin Menu- Pumpkin Bourbon Smash, Pumpkin Mocha Martini, Pumpkin Ravioli & Lobster, Pumpkin Potato Gratin and Pumpkin Pie. Wagyu lovers can enjoy Masabi Bone Marrow and A5 French Dip.

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.

House of Tricks owners retiring and closing in 2022.

Robin & Bob Trick have been a staple on the downtown Tempe food & wine scene for over 3 decades, before there was a food & wine scene. They’ve decided to retire and broke the sad news on their Facebook page that they will be closing their popular restaurant at the end of June 2022. Until then they will continue to serve happy hour & dinner Mondays thru Saturdays. Thank you for your contribution to the Tempe food & wine scene, they deserve a great send off into retirement.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria launches winter for a limited time

Margarita or Margherita no matter how you spell it, it’s on the new menu at all Arizona locations through March 7th. New menu items include the Margherita Pizza, Arugula Sunset Salad, a Black Cherry & a Reese’s Peanut Buttercup Cheesecake, Black Cheery Margarita & Peach Margarita.

Romeo’s Third Tuesday dinner continues next week

The popular monthly dinner at Romeo’s Euro Cafe in downtown Gilbert is on for next Tuesday, December 21st. The 3 course menu features Mousse of Duck Foie Gras, Pork Shank Latino & Nutella Chocolate Cheesecake. All courses are paired with wine and the dinner is only $39 per person. Call 480-962-4224 to make your reservation.

Thai Chili 2 Go opens newest location Saturday

The west valley gets the 12th location of the popular fast casual concept when it opens in Peoria on Saturday December 18th. The first 50 guests on the 18th get a free entree, then from 19th – 31st guests stopping in to the new location at 16955 N. 75th Ave. will get free order of Thai Dumplings with the purchase of an entree. To order online use promo code Peoria13 to get the free dumplings.

Garden Bar PHX is now open

Holiday cocktails and tasting boards are available at the new cocktail bar from Kim Hasaarud. The downtown Phoenix cottage at 822 N. 6th Ave. is open Thurs- Saturday from 5-10 p.m. and will offer brunch on Sunday’s at 11 a.m. starting December 26th. For more information, to order a cocktail kit or to get on the “Wait List” head to their website.

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.

The running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday

The 1st Saturday of May is the famed Kentucky Derby from Louisville. Here in Phoenix you can celebrate around town at the Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub at Turf Paradise along with other restaurants and bars offering cocktails and food for the festive day. Belle’s Nashville Kitchen, CRUjiente Tacos and Blue Clover Distillery have specials for the day.

May the 4th be with you at SanTan Spirit House

Star Wars fans are invited to dress up like their favorite character from the George Lucas film and head to downtown Chandler to celebrate on Tuesday. Specially created Stars Wars themed cocktails will be available along with Millennium Falcon and Death Star raffles.

Cinco de Mayo happens Wednesday around Phoenix

The popular May 5th celebration has quite a few restaurants around the valley celebrating with food, drinks, live music and more. Head to places such as Z’ Tejas, Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Hopdoddy Burger BarA Su Salud, Ghost Ranch, The Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen, The Spotted Donkey Cantina, Ghett’ Yo’ Tacos,

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants celebrate teachers and nurses

All 7 of the Phoenix area locations celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 3rd -7th with teachers getting 20% off their order. May 6th – 12th nurses can get 25% their orders during Nurses Appreciation Week.

Thai Chili 2 Go emphasize new vegan & vegetarian dishes on menu

Meat and dairy-less Pineapple Fried Rice and Vegetarian Spring rolls are now available for take-out and delivery at all 10 valley locations.

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.

Start 2021 off celebrating National Bloody Mary Day

New Year’s Day lands on a Friday in 2021 so nobody is in a hurry to get back to work so continue celebrating the New Year with a Bloody Mary. U.S. Egg, Pedal Haus Brewery, Angry Crab Shack, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Twin Peaks are all celebrating the A.M. cocktail favorite. Signature Bloody Marys are shaking up your morning as you get ready for what 2021 has in store.

Restaurants continue open new locations around the valley.

Not only is Dog Haus opening a new location but so are Z’ Tejas, Angry Crab Shack & Thai Chili 2 Go. The popular Southwestern & Mexican cuisine restaurant is opening a new lakeside restaurant in February at Scottsdale’s Mercado de Lago on Hayden Rd. at Via de Ventura. Angry Crab Shack has already started serving seafood and its popular Seafood Boils at its 12th Arizona location in Laveen. Thai Chili 2 Go is opening its 11th quick casual restaurant in Gilbert on December 30th.

Still time to order take-out or make a reservation for NYE.

Restaurants continue to take reservations and planning for take-out food as we say good bye to 2020. This updated list has restaurants around the valley serving up your last meal of 2020.

Restaurants continue to give and give in the holiday season.

In November Dominick’s Steak House, Ocean 44 and Steak 44 raised over $64,000 for local charities. Make A-Wish Foundation Arizona, PANDA and The Phoenix Heart Ball/ American Heart Association will benefit from the money raised.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria has raised over $110,000 in 2020 for No Kid Hungry through its fundraising initiatives. May 2021 be as generous to the local community from Phoenix restaurants.

Tis the season to give gift cards to your favorite restaurants

Many have already started their holiday shopping for friends and family with gift cards making for great gifts. Gift cards have two benefits, the restaurants get much needed money up front for expenses and the foodie in your life can visit a new or favorite restaurant. Tis the season to give and receive as many restaurants offer bonus gift cards and discounts to those who purchase the gift cards.

These restaurants are selling gift cards for your holiday gift giving. Be sure to check their website for more information.

Miracle Mile Deli– Phoenix- For every $100 spent purchaser get to pick a surprise gift card worth various amounts.

Los Sombreros– Multiple locations- A $100 gift card purchased gets a $25 gift certificate. A $50 gift card gets a $10 gift certificate.

Fogo de Chao Scottsdale-On Black Friday from 8-11 a.m. the first 200 guests’ in-store will get a FREE lunch dining card for every $100 gift card purchased. There after receive a bonus $25 gift card for $75 in GC, purchases, $75 for $300 purchased and $100 for every $400 purchased.

Garden Bar– Downtown Phoenix- 20% bonus card with purchase of $150.

Tocaya Organica-Multiple locations- Give $50 Get $10.

Pita Jungle– Multiple locations- Spend $25, get $5 in Pita Dough.

S & V Urban Italian-Scottsdale- $30 gift card with purchase of $100 gift card in December.

Peacock Wine Bar– Gilbert- Buy $50 Get $10 or Buy $100 Get $25 in December

Thai Chili 2 Go– Multiple locations- For every $50 purchased get a $10 voucher.

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Scottsdale- Buy $50, get $10 bonus card.

Koibito Poke– Multiple locations- For every $30 spent get a $10 gift card.

Chompie’s Deli- Multiple locations- Purchase $50 get a $10 card.

Fired Pie– Multiple locations- Black Friday get $15 for $50 in purchases. Then $5 bonus card on $25 purchased through December 24th.

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants– Multiple locations- A $10 “Thank You” gift card on $50 in gift card purchases. And a bonus set of Senor Bob and Cha Cha mugs with $100 in gift cards.

Pasta 78– Chandler- Tis the season to save $$ too. Buy a $100 gift card for $85.

Jalapeno Inferno– Multiple locations– Black Friday “BOGO” event. Buy a $25, $50 or $100 gift card get a voucher for same amount.

 

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

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

Hopdoddy Burger Bar gives free burgers to First Responders

Wednesday, October 28th is National First Responder’s Day and the Camelback & Scottsdale locations are responding. Show your badge or come in uniform for a free Classic burger or cheeseburger when you dine-in or take-out.

Marcellino Ristorante begins Fall Wine Dinners

The downtown Scottsdale restaurant known for homemade pastas and authentic Italian cuisine has its first dinner on Tuesday October 27th. Paired with Italian wines chosen by sommelier Dario Soldan of Classico Wines, Chef Marcellino decides on what to serve at the 4-course dinner the day of. Prepaid seats are $75 ++ per person for the 6 p.m. dinner and can be reserved by calling Bettina at 480-990-9500.

“Crazy for Curry” then head to Thai Chili 2 Go

Until Wednesday October 28th, curry fans can get a bowl for half price when a bowl is purchased at regular price. Red, yellow, green, Massamann and Panang curries are available at all locations for pick-up and delivery.

Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza now available at Fired Pie

All 20 locations of the fast casual pizza restaurant are now selling the new specialty pizza. Made with house-made dough Nashville Hot sauce, mozzarella cheese, then topped with Nashville Hot Chicken, spicy cole slaw & chopped Dill pickles. It can be made with regular, cauliflower and gluten-free dough.

Hotel Valley Ho launches The R + R Show virtual cooking class

Executive Chef Russel LaCasce and hotel General Manager Ronen Aviram debut their first free episode of their monthly cooking, cocktail and recipe podcast. Details of each month’s classe and link to the podcast can be found at an earlier post.

 

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

Quick sips of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.

Thai Chili 2 Go has 1/2 off noodle entrees

Tuesday October 6th is National Noodle Day with 1/2 off noodle entrees when an entree is purchased at regular price. All 10 locations offer this special for pick-up and delivery.

Tommy V’s & J. Lohr partner for dinner to raise money for breast cancer

This 5- course dinner on Thursday October 15th will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation as October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The dinner starts at 6:30 and will be taking necessary steps for everybody’s safety.  Tables of no more than 8 people will be 6 feet apart. To see the menu and for more information visit http://tommyvscottsdale.com/ Call 480-427-2264 to make a reservation.

Save money on pizza at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria on Monday’s in October

For the four Monday’s that there are during National Pizza Month guests can save 25% off a 16 inch cheese pizza. The special $12 price is for dine-in or carry-out orders. No 3rd party deliveries. For online orders use promo code “MANGIA” when ordering at all 7 locations in the Phoenix area and Flagstaff.

Macayo’s celebrates National Taco Day Sunday October 4th

$3 gets you Crispy Tacos (shredded beef or shredded chicken) which are regularly $6.59. All locations are offering this for dine-in, pick-up or Macayo Delivery.

Art & Chocolate Artwalk kicks off 46th season

The Scottsdale Gallery Association starts another season on Thursday October 8th for its Gold Palette Artwalk. Glendale’s Cerreta Candy Company will be supplying galleries with pre-wrapped chocolates for guests strolling into view the art. The Artwalk goes from 6:30- 9:00 p.m. in the Arts District near Main St. & Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale.

 

Step up to the plate! Spring Training food & drink deals around Phoenix

It still feels like winter around the country but the boys of summer have arrived in Phoenix for spring training. The 2019 season shouldn’t disappoint nor will the food and drink deals Phoenix restaurants are offering fans. Don’t trash those Cactus League game ticket stubs too quickly because they will score you a food and drink deals at your favorite restaurant.

Here’s my line-up for this years food and drink deals.

Original Breakfast HouseStart your day loading up on 5 new breakfast meals for just for spring training. Chile en Nogada Omelette, Steak and Portabella Mushroom Hash, Shrimp and Grits, Cajun Andouille Sausage and Gouda Scramble  and Tres Leches Pancakes. No ticket stub needed. Original Breakfast House is at 13623 N. 32nd St. Phoenix 85032.

Arcadia TavernSame day game day ticket stub from any team will score you a draft beer for a penny! 4801 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix 85018.

Cider CorpsCubs and A’s fans take your game day ticket stub from one of the Mesa stadiums for $1 off  a pint of cider. On March 14th all pint are $3.14 for National Pi Day(ticket deal not available this day).  Cider Corps is at 31 S. Robson Mesa 85210.

Photo courtesy of Cider Corps

DorianFirst select glass of wine, bottle of beer or well cocktail for $3 with same day game ticket. 7419 E. Indian Plaza Drive, Suite B Scottsdale 85251.

FOUND:RE Phoenix HotelNeed a place to stay when in town, check in with the Play Ball Package and receive 10% off standard room rate, a bucket of beers and peanuts & Cracker Jacks. Reservations good from Fed. 22nd – March 28th. FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel is at 1100 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85003.

Urban MargaritaFree steak, chicken or carnitas taco with same day game ticket from any game. Urban Margarita is at 6685 W. Beardsley Rd., #180, Glendale 85308.

Urban Margarita.

Starlite BBQAll day happy hour pricing with same day ticket stub starting Thurs. Feb. 21st. for 1 drink or food item outside normal happy hour times. Starlite BBQ is at 7620 E Indian School Rd #101, Scottsdale 85251.

Thai Chili 2 Go- All 6 Phoenix area location will trade you your same day ticket stub for a FREE drink or order of Thai Dumplings. See website for a location near you.

Thai Chili 2 Go dumplings

Fired Pie- Score 10% off all pizzas when you dine-in after the game with same day game ticket. Find one of their 19 locations near you at http://firedpie.com/

Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants- Show your ticket stub and get a FREE Famous Cheese Crisp. Over 20 Happy Hour food and drink deals are priced $3-$8. Steal 2nd and take 3rd with that deal. Available at all 8 locations around Phoenix. http://www.macayo.com/

 

 

FREE food as Thai Chili 2 Go opens its first Phoenix location

Local fast casual Thai Chili 2 Go is off to a quick start in the new year as they race to open their first of several Phoenix restaurants Jan. 5th 2019. It’s the seventh location for the popular restaurant and will open at 2750 W. Dove Valley Rd. Phoenix Suite 180.

For the grand opening on the 5th, the first 100 people will get a FREE entree and dumplings. Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai and Red Curry are popular dishes to choose from.

“It’s been a great pleasure to watch the success of our East Valley locations, and now we’re recognizing and answering the demand for traditional and delicious Thai food in the north valley market as well,” says Owner Akshat Sethi. “We began our expansion into this area with our Scottsdale location in the Promenade and are thrilled to see that this market continues to support the need for more Thai Chili 2 Go locations.”

Through Jan. 31st guests get a FREE dumpling appetizer with entrée purchase and get 2nd entrée at 50% off. All locations are open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Thai Chili 2 Go offers dine-in, to-go, delivery via UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub. Find a location near you and orders can be placed here.

 

Local restaurants entice Cactus League fans with food and drink specials

The games have begun for the month-long Cactus League season and Phoenix area restaurants are tempting baseball fans and locals to stop in with food and drink specials. Here are a few local restaurants to cheer your favorite team at before or after the game.

Cactuss League
Photo courtesy of Kassidy McDonald

Cactus League food specials

Fired Pie’s locations in the Phoenix area are offering game day ticket holders 10% off when they dine in after the game. To find a location near you check their website.

Thai Chili 2 Go is giving away a free dumpling appetizer at all 5 valley locations with purchase and a game day ticket stub. To find a location and hours check here.

Photo courtesy of Cider Corps

Mesa’s Cider Corps is extending their hours thru March 31st and offering a $1 off all pints when you bring in a same day ticket stub from Mesa’s Hohokam Stadium and Sloane Park. Hours are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Mon. – Sat. with food trucks on site Fri. & Sat. http://cidercorpsaz.com/

One of Tempe’s newest restaurants Quartiere welcomes baseball fans to come check out their community driven Italian restaurant.  Until April 1st fans can bring any 2018 Spring Training ticket stub for 1/2 off an appetizer or entrée when you purchase an entrée. Pizzas, pastas, salads and more are available at Quartiere

McFate Brewing is bringing fans attending games at Scottsdale Stadium a pop-up beer garden beyond the center field fence at The Clayton House. On game day the beer garden opens 90 minutes before game time with live music, food and of course beer.  No ticket necessary.  The Clayton House is at 3719 N. 75th St. Scottsdale.