All the news that’s fit to nosh.
In Vodka Veritas: One of the Valley’s preeminent wine pros is dipping his toe into the vodka still. Mark Tarbell, chef/owner of Tarbell’s restaurant and The Wine Store at Tarbell’s, is partnering with distiller Weston Holm of Old Town Scottsdale’s Blue Clover Distillery on a new citrus vodka. The lemon- and orange-infused spirit will be available just in time for summer sipping. Pick it up exclusively at The Wine Store starting this week.
My Big Fat Greek Dinner: Downtown Phoenix’s arty FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel continues its jet-setting Passport dinner series with a visit to the Greek peninsula on Saturday, May 8, from 6-10 p.m. The event includes a Greek-inspired meal and cocktail specials from Match Market & Bar along with entertainment on the pool deck. “This event is part of the FOUND:RE Passport series, which brings guests and locals the unique flavors from destinations around the globe – without leaving the property!” a spokesperson says. “Attendees receive a FOUND:RE Passport with the opportunity to collect stamps from each destination; those that collect the most stamps during the series have the opportunity to win prizes and giveaways.” Tickets cost just $15 and include one specialty cocktail. Space is limited and masks are required.
The Return of the Buffet: A swift and early casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic was buffets, for obvious reasons. But this week, the new Lin’s Grand Buffet in Mesa is bringing the buffet back with a three-day grand opening celebration. From Tuesday, April 20, through Thursday, April 22, guests enjoy a buy-three, get-one free promotion and a chance to win Lin’s Lucky Ticket, a full year of free endless eating at this new location on Ellsworth Road. To assuage guests’ health concerns, a spokesperson writes: “In response to world events, Lin’s has completely transformed its buffet experience to coincide with social distancing guidelines. They’ve implemented numerous new safety standards ranging from using single-use plates and utensils, using disposable gloves every time you go up to the buffet, social distancing and adding sanitizing stations throughout.”
Circular Reasoning: In anticipation of National Donut Day on Friday, June 4, Bashas’ is bringing back its annual Donut Flavor Craze contest. “To prepare for a month-long donut celebration in honor of this annual holiday – and because travel has been limited due to the pandemic – Bashas’ will soon be on the hunt for the best global donut flavors,” a spokesperson says. “From sweet to savory and everything in between, Bashas’ Supermarkets will give two lucky winners (one kid and one adult) the chance to become Official Bashas’ Donut Ambassadors by having their suggested global donut flavor appear in Bashas’ bakeries across the state during the month of June.” The call for globally inspired donut flavor submissions started on April 19 and will run through May 17. On May 24, Bashas’ will narrow the submissions to 10 finalists who will then be evaluated by “celebrity judges,” including yours truly. Watch the PHOENIX magazine Instagram account for a sneak peek at the finalists in late May.
