Sips & Bites: News from the Phoenix restaurant community

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

It’s A Wrap Month and more Summer Specials at Miracle Mile Deli

Summer is here and so are some deals at the Central Phoenix deli in June and July.

June is “It’s a Wrap Month” at Miracle Mile Deli. Choose from three mouthwatering wraps for just $15, served with a side and a crisp kosher dill pickle:

Honey Crispy Chicken Wrap – Crispy white meat chicken, romaine hearts, wonton noodle strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage, tossed in our Asian honey sesame dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Chipotle Ranch Turkey Wrap – White meat turkey breast, fresh avocado, shredded asadero cheese, romaine hearts, tri-color tortilla strips, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Chipotle Ranch dressing, and wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

Athena Chicken Wrap – Grilled white meat chicken breast, Feta cheese, romaine hearts, crispy onion strings, shredded carrots, and red cabbage tossed with our Greek Athena vinaigrette, wrapped in a spinach flour tortilla.

From June 1 to August 31, Miracle Mile’s popular Summer of Shakes & Floats returns! Cool off with a classic milkshake or ice cream float for just $6.

“Burger at The Bar” in June at Virtu Honest Craft

Every Wednesday in June, Chef Gio Osso creates a uniquely creative burger paired with hand cut fries and draft beer. Sounds good right, but there are some rules….Only 12 burgers made each week, Only at the bar, No splitting, No reservations and No exceptions. Each burger for the following week gets revealed the Friday before(today!!) at their website or on their social media.

DAOU Wine Dinner at Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen

The Downtown Scottsdale restaurant hosts a 5-course dinner paired with wines from the Paso Robles winery on Friday, June 20th at 6:00 p.m. The night starts with an Heirloom Tomato Salad before the pasta courses and the Filet Mignon entree, all paired with red, white & rose wines. Seats are $125++ per person and to see the full menu & reserve your seat head to their website or call 480-427-2264.

New Summer hours at LDV Winery’s tasting room

The Downtown Scottsdale tasting room that pours award-winning Arizona wines has new hours for the summer. They open 7 days a week at noon until 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s. Happy Hour just got happier where you can get a glass of wine for $7.00 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday. Also happening this summer……..

Date Night Fridays starting at 6:00 p.m. get two flights of wine & choice of a meat or cheese charcuterie board for $41.62. The price includes a free flight, 10% off the board, and an 18% gratuity.

Mid-Week Summer Sale- Every Tuesday and Wednesday get 50% off all bottles of wine to enjoy at the tasting room or take home and all boards are $5 off.

2025 Summer Chef Series from Devour Phoenix

We’re still a month away from the official start of summer 2025 and no matter how hot it gets, you still must eat. So why not let four of the best chefs from around the valley cook for you once a month. If that sounds good to you, the 2025 Summer Chef Series dinners are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of the month from May to September with each dinner featuring two valley chefs who will create a seasonal 4-course menu to celebrate community and showcase local culinary creativity.

Each month’s dinner starts at 6 p.m. and tickets for the Dinner Series are an all-inclusive $1,250 per person ($250 per dinner) and come with curated drink pairings. Heading out of town to cool off, don’t worry the tickets are transferable and they make great gifts for your favorite foodie or split with friends. There will be no refunds. One guest at each dinner will win a pair of tickets to the 2026 Devour Culinary Classic. The series is a partnership with Local First Arizona and In Good Spirits Hospitality with the schedule below.

  • Monday, May 19 – Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at The Larder + The Delta
  • Monday, June 16 – Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
  • Monday, July 21 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
  • Monday, August 18 – Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at  Hana Japanese Eatery
  • Monday, September 15 – Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft

For more information and to reserve your seat 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.

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 DishBeef Wellington, Wren & Wolf 
  • Most Crave-Worthy BurgerDouble Burger, Bad Jimmy’s 
  • Arizona Grown PurveyorsHayden Flour Mill 
  • Favorite Local Craft BeerSpellbinder, Wren House Brewing 
  • Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail ProgramPoppy’s Office 

Experiences

  • Outstanding Bar/Nightlight ExperienceBarcoa Agaveria 
  • Ultimate Patio AtmosphereLon’s at the Hermosa Inn 
  • Exceptional Culinary ExperienceCourse Restaurant 
  • Iconic Speakeasy ExperienceTell Your Friends 

Restaurants

  • Top Sushi RestaurantUchi Scottsdale 
  • Emerging Restaurant of the YearLe Ame 
  • Uniquely ArizonaMariposa 
  • Outstanding Hospitality GroupGenuine Concepts 
  • Phenomenal Fast Casual ConceptTaco Chelo 

People

  • Team Member of the YearAvelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma 
  • Manager of the YearJacqueline Verge, The Americano 
  • Top Mixologist/BartenderMichael Hopper, Atria 
  • Top ChefIvan 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.

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.

Virtu Honest Craft serves chocolate dinner for Valentine’s Day

With many options for Valentine’s Day dinner, Old Town Scottsdale’s Virtu Honest Craft offers a unique take for dinner on Friday and Saturday, February 14th & 15th. Throughout the 4-course dinner guests will enjoy both sweet and savory flavors as Chef Gio Osso and his team will be using chocolate as ingredient that will offer unique flavor combinations.

The evening starts with an amuse bouche, a roasted blonde chocolate & foie gras bisque and women will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne and a red rose. The prie-fixe menu is…..

  • Crudo: filet mignon tartare, horseradish roasted chocolate aioli, salted radish, crispy shallot crumble
  • Al Forno: lasagna, prosciutto cotto, for di latte, pistachio white chocolate bechamel and parmigiano
  • Capesante: scallops, bacon caramelized onion potatoes, green chile white chocolate beurre blanc
  • Manzo: brut cocoa umami dusted filet mignon, foie gras potato, garlic butter asparagus, cocoa demi

The menu starts at $175 per person with a wine pairing option available for an additional $75. For more information and to make a reservation visit the Virtu Honest Craft website.

 

Whole pig multi-course dining experience at Virtú Honest Craft

Ahhh fond memories of pig roasts from days gone by make my mouth water when thinking about what award-winning chef Gio Osso can do with a whole pig. That experience is available by Osso at his Virtú Honest Craft with 36 hour’s notice for you and at least of your foodie friends.

The one-of-a-kind four-course dining experience starts with a table full of antipasto that includes charcuterie & cheeses then salad & pasta and house made sausage before the main event. Bring on the 9-to-11-pound whole roasted cochinillo pig that’s been smoked and roasted. Served with charred lemon, salsa verde, Calabrian potatoes, broccoli rabe and side dishes of Osso’s choice. Your experience finishes on a sweet note with indulgent desserts that include chocolate cake.

Perfect for large families and special occasions, the experience costs $150++ per person with a 6-person minimum and at least 3 day’s notice. To book the whole pig dinner call 480-946-3477 or visit Virtú’s website for more information.

Photo: Arizona Restaurant Week preview.

Arizona Restaurant Week www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com returns Saturday September 21st – Sunday the 29th, 2013 and I recently was invited to preview some new restaurants along with some long time favorites and a few dishes of what they’ll be serving that week. If a picture is worth a 1,000 words then the following pictures are worth……

Pig & Pickle 2922 N. Hayden Rd. (at Thomas Rd.) Scottsdale, 85251 (480)990-1407 www.pigandpickle.com
Sapporo 14334 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, 85254 (480)607-1114 www.sapporoscottsdale.com
Virtu 3701 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, 85251 (480)946-3477 www.virtuscottsdale.com
Roaring Fork 4800 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, 85251 (480)947-0795 www.RoaringFork.com

Virtu's Roasted Beet salad
Virtu’s Roasted Beet salad

Sapporo's Blue Jumbo Crab Cake w/ Grilled Corn & Cucumber Salsa
Sapporo’s Blue Jumbo Crab Cake w/ Grilled Corn & Cucumber Salsa

Virtu Starter Kit- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Plymouth Gin, Grapefruit Bitters, Bitter Lemon Soda
Virtu Starter Kit- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Plymouth Gin, Grapefruit Bitters, Bitter Lemon Soda

Pig & Pickle
Pig & Pickle

Pig & Pickle's Braised Duck leg on Kool wild rice & quinoa
Pig & Pickle’s Braised Duck leg on Kool wild rice & quinoa

Sapporo's Cougar Roll
Sapporo’s Cougar Roll

Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Parmigiano Reggiano Polenta
Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Truffle Parmigiano Reggiano Polenta

The Roaring Fork's White Chocolate Oreo Pie & Heath Bar Bark
The Roaring Fork’s White Chocolate Oreo Pie & Heath Bar Bark