All the news that’s fit to nosh.
Rock Lobstah: Tony and Roushan Christofellis – the genius couple behind the Valley’s favorite healthy fast-food joint, Salad and Go – have a new drive-thru darling. Angie’s Lobster opens today, November 30, at 835 W. Baseline Rd. in Tempe. Tony Christofellis was inspired by his mother, Angie, who had a career in seafood restaurants culminating in owning her own eatery, Angie’s Seafood, just outside of Boston. Angie’s Lobster will offer lobster finger or lobster roll meals – wild-caught Maine and Canadian crustaceans only – with fries, a toasted bun and a drink for just $9.99. No cash accepted, only debit/credit cards and EBT. The drive-thru will open in spring 2022. Until then, visit on foot for walk-up service.
Barbecue Redux: After a pandemic hiatus, KNIX BBQ & Beer Festival shall return this coming spring. The family-friendly fest is slated for March 26, 2022, from noon-10 p.m., at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Attendees can look forward to smoky offerings from more than 20 pit masters as well as an array of beer, spirits and novelty dishes. Live entertainment will include music from Lee Brice, Parker McCollum and Kameron Marlowe. New this year: an expanded VIP area with catered barbecue, a shaded area, private bars, pit access in front of the stage (standing), exclusive entertainment and a commemorative lanyard. If you purchased a 2020 ticket, it will be honored at the 2022 festival. Bonus: A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Greater Cause Foundation.
Fit for Frasier: Need a dose of culture after a holiday weekend spent bingeing Hallmark movies? Bookmark the new event series from LDV Winery and Anticus Fine Art, Books, Jewelry and Design. The Old Town neighbors have partnered on experiences that will be held the second Tuesday of every month at Anticus from 6-8 p.m. Each will include light bites and five wines from LDV “paired” with five artworks. Guests can engage in lively discussion of the sensorial delights with LDV winemakers, Anticus’ owner/curator, the gallery’s artist in residence and, of course, each other. Admission is $50 per person, and guests can register here or call 480-664-4822. Private events for large groups and corporate events are also available – inquire at the same number.
Coffee for Kids: Local coffee chain Dapper & Stout – with locations in Downtown Phoenix, Uptown Phoenix and Glendale – is kicking off Giving Tuesday with a new donation program. For every sale of its signature drinks the Bow Tie (espresso, choice of milk and customizable options including honey, whipped cream, sweetened/unsweetened and decaffeinated) and the Loose Bow Tie (a boozy twist on the above featuring vodka, amaretto, and white and dark chocolate cream), it will donate $1 to Phoenix Children’s.
New Restaurants on the Block: Itching to try something new? Add these to your to-dine list:
- Salad and Go: OK, so not so new for many of us, but this local chain continued its rapid expansion plans on Black Friday with a new location at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The food-court outpost is the company’s first non-drive-thru location. Salad and Go has more than 40 locations in Arizona and Texas, with plans to open several more through the end of 2021 and into 2022.
Eligible Men(us): Exciting new menus are popping up at some of your favorite Valley restaurants. To wit:
- Hash Kitchen: Restaurateur Joey Maggiore’s crown jewel – which recently got a big investment boost – this week debuted a slew of playful new brunch dishes and drinks. On the sweet side: Hash Hash hot glazed doughnuts (hashtag-shaped doughnuts) and The Ferris Wheel (a trio of tie-dye cupcakes with cereal-milk pudding shooters). On the savory: loco moco (the Hawaiian classic of white rice, hamburger patty, brown gravy and poached eggs, here gilded with fried onions) and birria hash (slow-braised chile beef with hash potatoes, taco shells, onions, mozzarella, cilantro, fried egg and birria “sauce”/consommé for dipping). New cocktails range from the watermelon-tastic HK’s Boozy Bucket to cotton-candy-infused Giggle Milk. I’m most excited about The Allison – lime seltzer, coconut rum, and lime and pineapple juices.
- Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants: It’s tamale time! Now through New Year’s Eve, this East Valley institution will offer tamales by the dozen (red beef, pork or green corn) for $29.99. Catering-friendly party trays of flautas, rollups, jalapeño poppers and mini chimis are also available ($39.99-$97.99). Finally, December’s monthly specials include a Cinnamon Skrewball cocktail, barbacoa flautas and caramel flan (adorably served in a jar with whipped cream and a churro).
$aving$: Watching the old budget? Who isn’t? Here are some sweet deals to help you $ave.
- Air Guitar: Score $1 coffee drinks all day at this upscale convenience store in Gilbert. It doesn’t matter if your order is plain drip coffee or a premium brew like a brown sugar macchiato or a peach cobbler latte – they’re all just $1, through the end of 2021. Pair your budget coffee with a bagel or a breakfast pastry by beloved Valley chef Eliot Wexler of Nocawich.
- Looking to save on restaurant gift cards this holiday season? Check out our blog, where we’re keeping a running tally of bonus offers.
