All the news that’s fit to nosh.
Waffle-y Delightful: Celebrate National Waffle Day at trendy local favorite Hash Kitchen on Thursday, August 24. Known for its all-day brunch party atmosphere and unique menu items, Hash Kitchen is the perfect place to recognize this sweet holiday. There are three different waffles to choose from. For those who enjoy the simple things, there’s a classic waffle topped with whipped butter and a warm maple reduction. There’s also a fresh berries waffle topped with locally sourced berries and whipped cream as well as the herb fried chicken and waffle for those that want a mix of sweet and salty. Add in a booze bag or build-your-own Bloody Mary to celebrate this holiday to its full extent.
Meat Me in Mesa: The Downtown Mesa Association proudly presents the Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic, a sizzling showdown featuring pitmasters from across the country. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and will include a one-meat challenge and a four-meat master’s series competition. Teams will compete for a $10,000 prize and bragging rights in front of 5,000 spectators. This BBQ battle will take place Friday, November 3 through Saturday, November 4 and is free for spectators. Guests can participate in judging the pitmasters and food trucks by purchasing a $20 people’s choice ticket which includes a passport offering 10 two-ounce samples or one rib bone. There will also be a teaser event, Downtown Mesa BBQ Wars, in September. Backyard smokers from local city departments and businesses will gather and the mayor, police department, fire department and local businesses will taste and judge each team’s backyard BBQ. Check the Downtown Mesa website for more information.
Farm Fresh: Embark on a transformative Farm to Table culinary journey at Arcosanti in Mayer, Arizona this fall. This five-week immersive experience will unveil the origins of our food and explore diverse production methods. Learn to cultivate nutrient-rich crops, delve into sustainable food production and explore the closed-loop food system. From September 25 to October 31, this program offers hands-on learning, shared meals, community-building and an increased respect for nature. Secure your spot for $1,750 to become part of Arcosanti’s arcology legacy.
Barrels, Bottles & Brews: The ultimate craft beverage experience, AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews is returning to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday, November 18. Enjoy samples from more than 25 craft breweries, distilleries and vintners while taking in the stunning views of the McDowell Mountains. Sip on exclusive locally made drinks, play lawn games and savor the finest flavors of Arizona. Early bird ticket pricing with $50 general admission tickets and $70 VIP tickets is available now. General admission tickets include 12 samples and access to some of the finest food trucks in Arizona from 2 to 5 p.m. VIP tickets offer an extra hour of access to all event amenities. There will also be designated driver tickets that include a swag bag and a chance to win spring training tickets available for $19. To buy tickets and learn more, visit azbottlesandbrews.com.
Chips for Charity: Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill in Scottsdale donated $9,476 to six Valley nonprofits in the first half of 2023 with its Chips for Charity initiative. The six nonprofits supported this year so far include the Pearce Family Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Special Olympics Arizona, Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, RaeRae of Light and Fearless Kitty Rescue. Each month, guests can contribute by enjoying unlimited $5 chip baskets. Half the proceeds from chips and salsa sales are then donated to the chosen nonprofit. Salt and Lime is excited to continue this philanthropic journey through the rest of 2023 and invites customers to join them in making a difference in their community.
Savor the Sounds: Prelude the Flagstaff Fadeaway music festival on Saturday, September 30 with a long-table dinner including a five-course prix fixe menu on Friday, September 29. Cloth & Flame, the state’s leading experiential event company known for its pop-up culinary experiences is hosting this exclusive dinner at High Country Motor Lodge. In addition to delicious food, guests will also get a sneak peek of the country music festival with a live vinyl set and a chance to meet artists from the show. The festival will feature performances by Color Green, Sylvie, The Senators, Spencer Cullum + Rich Ruth and Kacy & Clayton and will benefit the Glen Canyon Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of Glen Canyon. Tickets for the unforgettable dining experience are $260 and include admission to the Flagstaff Fadeaway music festival. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
The Most Edible Time of the Year: The Arizona Restaurant Association is hosting its popular bi-annual event, Arizona Restaurant Week, this fall beginning Friday, September 8 and ending Sunday, September 17. During this 10-day culinary extravaganza, diners can explore and discover amazing food and beverage options at restaurants throughout the state at a fraction of the cost. Guests can enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu for just $33, $44, or $55 per person. Typically, more than 150 restaurants participate. Some of this year’s participants include Carcara, MATCH Market & Bar, Fire at Will, STK Steakhouse and so much more. The full list of participating restaurants will be available here on Monday, August 21.
Raising the Bar: Local cocktail lounge Century Grand has clinched the industry-coveted title “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar” at the 2023 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. To win this title, Century Grand surpassed establishments including two New York cocktail lounges, Double Chicken Please and Overstory, as well as Service Bar in Washington, D.C. While this victory is exciting, awards aren’t uncommon for this industry trailblazer. It has also won a spot on North America’s “50 Best Bars” list, Best U.S. Bar Mentor and Best U.S. Bar Team. Century Grand and the Barter & Shake hospitality team are raising the bar in the cocktail industry and putting Arizona on the map as a cocktail oasis.
New Restaurants on the Block
Batch Made in Heaven: Gilbert’s Batch Cookie Shop is spreading its sweetness across the East Valley with four new locations. Valley cookie enthusiasts will be able to get its unique and scrumptious cookie flavors at the two new locations in Mesa and two additional locations in Gilbert. These new sweet spots will be opening in August and September. More information about the grand openings of these locations will be announced soon.
Sea to Table: Highly acclaimed seafood restaurant, Buck & Rider is set to unveil its newest location at Epicenter in Gilbert in early September. This seafood haven is ready to transport landlocked desert dwellers to a coastal paradise with its raw bar featuring the freshest catches. Fresh fish and other seafood are flown into its Gilbert kitchen daily. The coastal cuisine as well as its market vegetable selections are sourced from small producers showcasing its commitment to sustainability. The 9,500-square-foot indoor and outdoor space will be open seven days a week and will offer daily happy hour deals on beer, wine, handcrafted cocktails, small bites and raw bar selections from 3 to 7 p.m.
Sip in Style: The Coffee Builders breakfast and lunch cafe opened its doors in Downtown Phoenix on Monday, July 31. This cafe is more than a typical coffee shop, it offers sophisticated cuisine including Danish-style smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich on traditional Danish rye bread as well as German and French pastries. In addition to this carefully curated selection of food, it offers premium and elegantly crafted coffee concoctions created by head barista, Johnny Rios, who’s certified by the International Barista & Coffee Academy. Swap your drive-through coffee experience for fine dining vibes inside this beautiful walnut-wood, quartz and brass-lined 1960s storefront. The Coffee Builders is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eligible Menus
NEWjiente at CRUjiente: Modern Arcadia taqueria CRUjiente Tacos recently updated its menu with new dishes and cocktails. Experience the exciting return of golden gazpacho made with local Queen Creek Olive Oil and Arizona heirloom tomatoes as well as the classic grilled street corn. The ChoCRUlate martini, Split the 8s and Glass Cannon cocktails are also making their debut at this beloved taco spot. These delicious and irresistible menu items are sure to give you something to taco bout.
$aving$:
Stay Kool: ATL Wings is celebrating National Kool-Aid Day on Friday, August 18 with a free Kool-Aid drink with a $10 purchase. Sip on nostalgia all day long at all ATL Wings locations throughout the Valley.
Kids Eat Free: Morning Squeeze, a locally owned breakfast and lunch spot, is offering free kids meals to children 12 and under on weekdays through the end of August. The kid’s menu has something to offer for every kid, even the picky eaters. It offers the I Don’t Care (grilled cheese sandwich with fries), I’m Not Hungry (eggs, bacon and potatoes), I Don’t Want That (french toast sticks) and I Want To Go Home (mouse-shaped pancake). Each entrée comes with a choice of soda, juice or milk and no purchase is necessary. This offer is available at all Morning Squeeze locations throughout the Valley.
National Sandwich Month: August is National Sandwich Month and local brunch restaurant, U.S. Egg is celebrating with an all-new sandwich special. This special includes the craving-curing brunch spot’s signature Rocky Mountain BLT with fries and a soda or beer for just $12.69. The Rocky Mountain BLT comes with eight strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toasted wheat bread. This special is available at all six Valley locations.
