Spicing It Up: Hot on the heels of its partnership with Mark Tarbell on a citrusy vodka (which we awarded a Best of the Valley editor’s pick for Best Spirits Collaboration, NBD), Blue Clover Distillery is shaking up another collab. This time, owner/distiller Weston Holm has hooked up with the folks at Scottsdale liquor hot spot Trevor’s. The booze enthusiasts created a private-label Mango Habanero Vodka, available exclusively at Trevor’s for $19.99 for a 750-mL bottle.
Raising a Toast: Wine Spectator recently released its esteemed “Best of Award of Excellence” list, and we spotted a little local love. Ember, the fine-dining flagship of We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, was among the class of 2021 honorees. “The ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ really belongs to our advanced sommelier Dennis Payne, whose 31 years of experience and painstaking efforts over the past year have resulted in this impeccable award-winning wine list,” says Zac Gallo, We-Ko-Pa’s executive director of food and beverage. “Not only has Dennis cultivated an extensive wine and spirit program, but he ensures the proper care, storage and handling of our collection to maximize our guests’ dining experiences.” Ember’s 37-page wine list includes 517 wines by the bottle and 26 by the glass. The restaurant is one of only 19 in the state to hold this honor.
Fresh Catch: Koibito Poké is rolling through summer with a slew of new deals and offerings. Most exciting is a new food truck, which will debut sometime soon. A new summer happy hour launches this Friday, July 23, giving guests specials on beer, wine and sake weekdays from 4-6 p.m. and all day on weekends through the end of September (currently at the Arcadia, Chandler and Scottsdale Waterfront locations only; coming soon to Gainey Ranch). Finally, if you can’t get to Disneyland or Hawaii this summer, you can get the next best thing with a Dole Whip (5 ounces, $4.99).
Tropical Obsession: Speaking of Hawaii, keep the aloha spirit going with island-inspired specials at Original Breakfast House. On Saturday, August 7, from 8-11 a.m., the North Phoenix institution will host Hawaiian musicians and dancers while diners enjoy a cadre of specials. Highlights include short rib loco moco ($15.50), kalua pork Benedict ($15.50), Kona coffee shrimp and coconut grits ($16) and Hawaiian plate lunch ($12.50-$13.50). These are available daily for dine-in and takeout orders throughout August.
