16 minute read
FOOD & DRINK
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Where to eat before or after the game
Sure, catching a Cactus League game is fun – but so is a good meal before or after the event. If you’re heading to Scottsdale Stadium, check out these Scottsdale places to eat. Many of these restaurants have Cactus League specials, so ask or check their websites. BY PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
Butters Pancakes & Café 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite F104, 480- 629-4333; 14795 N. Northsight Blvd., 480-99-0011, butterscafe.com
Arizona Diamondbacks players hang out here and with good reason—Butters Pancakes & Café’s food is innovative. The staff serves only fresh-squeezed orange juice, and strives to source organically grown ingredients from local farmers and producers. Check out the Brioche French toast, fluffy pancakes and moist omelets.
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers 4222 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-941-2747; 5625 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-354-8093; 3950 E. Indian School Road, Suite 150, Phoenix, 602-314-6221; 18529 N. Road, Suite 121, 480-912-7219.
Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers’ awardwinning patties are hand-formed from fresh ground chuck. The rotating beer menu offers more than 130 beer choices – tap, bottled or canned.
Culinary Dropout 7135 E. Camelback Road, Suite 125, 480-970-1700. culinarydropout.com. Enjoy gastropub fare in a way only Culinary Dropout can provide. Developing into a true mainstay among Valley residents, first-timers should check it out to see what everyone’s raving about. Menu items include the “cheap house salad” and 36-hour pork ribs. Detroit Coney Grill 6953 N. Hayden Road, 480-597-4300. detroitconeygrill.com
From authentic Detroit coneys, to made-from-scratch burgers, down to the hand-cut fries using only Idaho potatoes, everything at Detroit Coney Grill is fresh. Having been schooled in the grocery industry, owner David Najor knows the importance of fresh food served right. Miss Michigan? Check out Detroit Coney Grill for Faygo, Better Made Chips, Sanders Bumpy Cake and coneys.
Dorian 7419 E. Indian Plaza, 480-907-5635, dorian.com
Dorian is a modern restaurant that combines California cuisine with Asian flavors and textures. Located in Old Town , Dorian features a seasonal menu of flavorful and bold dishes seared in a mesquite wood oven, craft cocktails and an extensive champagne, wine and beer list.
Eggstasy 6990 E. Shea Blvd., 480.500.5889; 10155 E Via Linda, eggstasyaz.com. See the website for other locations.
Breakfast. Lunch. Mimosas. Eggstasy provides customers with outstanding service, quality food and value while offering the freshest ingredients in the market. Most of the products are purchased the same day. Everything is made from scratch daily, including its soups, pancakes, crepes, waffle batter, pancake sauces and compotes. Orange juice is fresh squeezed daily. Eggstasy is happy to prepare dishes the way customers prefer.
Johnny Rockets 7014 Camelback Road, Suite 576, 480- 423-1505. 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Suite C200, 480-291-8770, johnnyrockets.com Johnny Rockets offers high-quality, in
Lush Burger 18251 N. Pima Road, 480-686-8908, lushburgeraz.com
Lush Burger is a family-friendly, local neighborhood pub and hamburger-centric eatery.
novative menu items, including fresh, never-frozen 100% beef cooked-to-order hamburgers, Veggie Boca burger, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, handspun shakes and malts.
Kelly’s at Southbridge 7117 E. Sixth Ave., 480-393-3205, kellysatsouthbridge.com
Kelly’s wants to celebrate the baseball season with fans. Come to Old Town for happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and all day on Sunday. Check its website for current specials.
Kona Grill 2244 E. Williams Field Road, 480-289-4500; 7014 E. Camelback Road, 480-429-1100; konagrill.com
Since opening its first location in in 1998, Kona Grill has boasted a global menu that features contemporary American favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty cocktails—all made from scratch.
The Living Room 20751 N. Pima Road, Suite 120, 480-404-7465; 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 500, 480-634-6709, livingroomwinebar.com
Enjoy happy hour, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at The Living Room, which serves fresh foods with a contemporary twist, showcasing locally grown ingredients from Arizona-grown producers. New York Bagels 'n Bialys 10320 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-991-3034, nybbaz.com
New York Bagels ‘N Bialys brings the best of New York to Arizona. Breakfast includes Challah French toast and Benedicts. Lunch is just as crave-able, ranging from turkey sandwiches to Reubens. Don’t overlook the homemade soups, fresh salads, smoked fish, burgers and drink specials, as a full bar awaits.
Philly’s Sports Grill 1826 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-946-6666; phillyssportsgrill.com
Locally owned and operated by ASU alumni, Philly’s Sports Grills have become superb neighborhood watering holes. Tons of craft beers, as well as master mixologists and awesome food, keep the locals returning.
Razz’s Restaurant and Catering 10315 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-905-1308, razzsrestaurant.com
With his engaging smile, rich exotic voice and culinary wizardry, Chef Razz Kamnitzer is the charismatic soul of the hip restaurant. The restaurant is small and sleek. A bustling open kitchen transports diners to the hobnobbing, energetic experience of big city dining. The chef is a native of Venezuela with a heritage spanning Europe. Razz offers international classics: paella, bouillabaisse, osso bucco, escargot bourguignon as well as inspired contemporary creations such
SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | FEBRUARY 16, 2020 as macadamia nut-encrusted mahi mahi served with a tropical fruit relish and garlic beurre blanc sauce. Guests who are Food Network junkies will enjoy chatting with Razz as he and his team flambé, sauté and slice it up. Taphouse Kitchen at Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, 480-656-0012, taphousekitchen.com
Taphouse Kitchen offers a menu by Chef Patrick Karvis that’s focused on modern American cuisine with only the freshest and finest ingredients that are complemented by a respectable selection of craft beers. With more than 20 craft beers on tap, Taphouse Kitchen also offers four beer flights, each of which offer 4-ounce pours. Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill, Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1423, 480-284-7292;
At Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill you’ll find great food, more than a dozen big screen TVs, two bars and 52 beers on tap. Ranging from full-bodied I.P.A.s and stouts to smooth ambers and lagers, the Thirsty Lion has a beer for every palate and every plate. Brunch features Irish whiskey French toast, burritos and cocktails. Happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Twin Peaks Restaurant 8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., 480- 483-0921, twinpeaksrestaurant.com
Twin Peaks offers its customers delicious food, cold beer and a welcoming staff, known as the Twin Peaks Girls. The comfortable, mountain lodge atmosphere entices you to sit back, relax and enjoy the game. It houses more than 60 flat-screens. Want to celebrate a big win? Ask the bartender for four-person shotski and select from Jack Daniel’s Honey, Jose Cuervo Silver, Fireball, Lemon Drop or Sex on the Peaks shots for $10.95. Additional location: 2135 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.954.8946. U. S. Egg 7119 E. Shea Blvd., 480-443-5558; 3238 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-947-7344; useggrestaurant.com
The breakfast joint is launching a secret menu for Spring Training in honor of teams that practice here. Zinc Bistro Kierland Commons, 15034 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-603-0922, zincbistroaz.com
Authentic French cuisine, decorations and, of course, the Zinc bar and sidewalk café give this eatery a true taste of Paris. Pangaea Dinosaur Grill 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Suite C-230, 480-434-6577, landofthedinos.com
Dine with the Dinos at Pangaea Dinosaur Grill located at OdySea in the Desert. Enjoy quality, family-friendly dining directly above Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine as well as dinosaurthemed entrees and desserts. Kids will enjoy seeing the animatronic dinosaurs up close while they eat. For information about birthday parties or to see the menu, visit landofthedinos.com Crust 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite F101, 480-948-3009, crustrestaurants.com
Owner Michael Merendino grew up as a first-generation Italian on New York’s Long Island. The food was simple, but the taste was gourmet and authentic, thanks to his mother’s recipes from her small hometown of Abruzzi on Italy’s mainland. Little did he know then, he had inspiration in front of him every night. This is also where Merendino adopted his father’s recipes and where his father developed and recreated the Pizza Rustica from the ideas of the Pizzetta. The Rustica has been a cornerstone of the menu at Crust since they open in 2007. The combination of growing up in the family business and cooking at home led to Merendino opening Crust Simply Italian. There he shares his authentic East Coast style of Italian cooking and where he gets to prepare the recipes of his childhood. Humble Pie 6149 N. Scottsdale Road, 480-556-9900;
Artisan pizzas with fresh ingredients, sandwiches, hamburgers, award-winning fries, pastas, salads and desserts complemented by an extensive wine list and full bar. The upbeat unpretentious environment and high-quality dishes continue to earn Humble Pie its reputation as a neigh borhood favorite. GAME FOOD from page 42
Olive & Ivy Restaurant and Marketplace Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, 480-751-2200, foxrc.com
Get lost in a Mediterranean manner at Olive & Ivy. Patrons can dine under shady trees on the patio, in the signature dining room to indulge in private, or enjoy the outdoor lounge and bar in true nightlife fashion.
Vito’s 10999 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., 480-664-8260, vitospizza.com
Vito’s has been serving Chicago-style, thin-crust pizzas and Italian cuisine since 1986. Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, Vito’s offers dine-in, take-out, delivery and catering services. The restaurant, which has been dubbed the best pizza and best Italian restaurants, has great happy hour and weekly specials. Until March 31, receive a free individual two-topping pizza with the purchase of $20 or more. Not valid with any other offers or promotions.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila 6166 N. Scottsdale Road #601, 480-305-6692, foxrc.com.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila offers modern Mexican fare in a casual-chic setting. Updated classics like tacos, enchiladas, and queso crisps are reinterpreted with fresh, flavorful and unique ingredients.
Caramba Mexican Food 7318 E. Shea Blvd., 480-998-7777; carambamex.com
The fast-casual Caramba eateries have been serving authentic Mexican food to the Valley for more than 25 years. Dishes at the six Valley locations are prepared fresh daily, and they pair nicely with their award-winning margaritas, which are made with premium tequilas.
El Encanto Restaurant 9500 E. Via de Ventura, 480-745-3535, elencantorestaurants.com
Located within Odysea in the Desert, El Encanto Restaurant offers the sights, sounds and tastes of Mexico with authentic cuisine, all handmade and considered to be “the best Mexican food in the Valley.”
Los Sombreros 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, 480- 994-1799; lossombreros.com Los Sombreros gives their guests the opportunity to dine on cuisine unique to Central Mexico, while staying away from the typical Tex-Mex. The restaurant couples regions like San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Oaxaca’s traditional fare and exploring all the fusions and possible innovations related to Mexican cuisine. Los Sombreros offers a unique, relaxed dining experience, with gracious service where every guest will experience a warm welcome. Creative drinks, select tequilas, beer and wine are available. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Los Sombreros serves brunch every weekend beginning at 11 a.m.
Old Town Tortilla Factory 6910 E. Main St., 480-945-4567, oldtowntortillafactory.com
Regional dishes and the best of the Southwest meet at this restaurant, like carne y camerones (filet of beef with grilled shrimp). The cozy cottage and romantic patio among a variety of trees give this restaurant an elegantly casual ambience, but a full bar and 120 premium tequilas for their award-winning margaritas keep this place lively. Appetizer may include cup of spinach con queso, carne asada fries, two street tacos of choice, tomatillo pork nachos, and more. To complement, sangrias, Texas margarita, and well cocktails.
Fatty Daddy’s Ice Cream & Coffee 1608 N. Miller Road, Suite 5, 480-634-6460, fattydaddys.com
Fatty Daddy’s Ice Cream & Coffee offers gourmet ice cream, and cookie cups topped with fresh macaroons and toasted mallow. Coffee, tea and pastries are served from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
44 SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | FEBRUARY 16, 2020 FOOD & DRINK Girl Scout Cookies pair nicely with wine
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ Progress Staff Writer
For six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: The Girl Scout Cookie Program. From January 20 to March 1, more than 10,000 girls in central and northern Arizona will walk around neighborhoods and booth in front of local stores learning entrepreneurial skills while selling delicious cookies.
“It is critical to note that Girl Scout Cookies are about far more than money and sweet treats,” says Tamara Woodbury, CEO of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC). “The cookie program provides girls the skills they need to be fiscally savvy now, and to become successful, financially independent women.”
The qualities that lead to successful entrepreneurship, like curiosity, confidence and innovation, are important for all types of academic and career success. There aren’t many organizations that help girls learn key entrepreneurial skills, like business ethics and decision-making.
GSACPC sold over 2.8 million packages of cookies last year. This year’s goal is 3 million packages.
Want to help them get there in one of the most delicious ways possible?
Consider these surprisingly perfect wine pairings, courtesy of the wine experts at long-time local partner AJ’s Fine Foods, with their 2020 cookie lineup:
Lemon-Ups and Pinot Grigio
These newly released and deliciously crispy cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavors and baked with inspiring messages. Given its zest, consider pairing them with a Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris, which is known for its lemon, pear and apple notes so will be a nice complement, such as Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Pinot Gris ($15) or Ramazzotti Pinot Grigio ($23).
Thin Mints and Cabernet Sauvignon
Likely, these mint-flavored (and vegan) chocolate-coated cookies don’t need an introduction, nor does the way many people choose to enjoy them: frozen. Whether right from the box or out of the freezer, these classics need a wine that can stand up to the mint. Cabernet, perhaps a Fran
Girl Scout cookies are available through March (Photo courtesy Girl Scouts)
cis Ford Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.99) or Foley Sonoma Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($48), is up for the task.
Tagalongs and Port
These heavenly layers of peanut butter with a rich, chocolaty coating also need a red. Given the rich peanut butter flavors, however, a sweet ruby or tawny port will sing on the palate of even the most discerning wine (or cookie) lover. The texture of ports such as Pedroncelli Four Grapes Vintage Port ($20) and Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel Port ($40) are best bets.
Samoas and Malbec
One’s taste buds are always in for a treat when enjoying Samoas, with their caramel and toasted coconut, not to mention drizzle of chocolate. Truth be told, most red wines pair with this crowd pleaser, Perhaps, try Sebastiani Alexander Valley Malbec ($35) or Three Rivers Columbia Valley Malbec ($38). Trefoils and Chardonnay
Buttery with balanced sweetness, these shortbread cookies and chardonnay are made for each other! And, the pairing actually works with both buttery and less oaky bottles alike. A few favorite to try: Roth Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($38) and Blue Rock Chardonnay ($48). graham cracker-flavored sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling. Merlot is the perfect pairing as it is as smooth as the cookie is complex. Both DeLorimier Winery Dry Creek Valley Merlot ($30) and Firestone Vineyard Chairman Series Merlot ($42) are winning ways to pair these sweet treats.
Do-si-dos and Zinfandel
Crunchy oatmeal and creamy peanut butter filling combine in these luscious sandwich-style cookies. Given the peanut butter, one might be tempted to try another port—like with the Tagalongs—but given the depth of flavor that the oatmeal provides, first try them with a bold, big Zinfandel, such as Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel ($26) or Bella Winery Belle Canyon Zinfandel ($45).
Girl Scout S’mores and Merlot
There isn’t much better than these Toffee-tastics and Sparkling Wine
On first blush, one might be tempted to pair these buttery (and gluten-free) cookies with sweet, crunchy golden toffee bits with a similarly buttery chardonnay. And while certainly an option; also consider a fizzy sparkling selection like Korbel Natural ($26.95) or FIZZ Sparkling White Wine ($39).
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Shareable cheesy bread is ridiculously delish I t’s a shareable cheesy, pull-apart round of ridiculously delicious bread.
It’s really so simple to make – maybe 10 minutes of prep time, then into the oven it goes until its golden brown, and the cheese is melted to perfection so when you pull a chunk of bread apart, the mozzarella just stretches and pulls just like those pizza commercials.
It’s fun to make, the ingredients are readily available and I always really enjoy dishes that you plop in the middle of the table and share. You can make this with a round sour dough bread boule, an oblong French or Italian loaf or even mini sour dough rounds for individual servings.
The pesto can be store bought or homemade, the recipe of which I have included here.
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Ingredients: 1 large bread boule (sour dough, French or Italian bread) 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted ¼ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning 1 (16oz) log of sliced Fresh Mozzarella, or two (8oz) balls 1 (8oz) container pesto or 1 cup homemade pesto 1 cup shredded mozzarella 1 cup fresh grated parmesan Optional, marinara or pizza sauce for dipping bread num foil. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cheese has melted and top is golden brown. If bread gets too dark, cover with foil until cheese has melted. Serve immediately. Pull bread apart with your fingers. Dip is marinara sauce if desired.
Watch my how-to video:
jandatri.com/recipe/cheesy-pesto-crack-bread.
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Make diagonal slices one way and then the other three quarters of the way down the bread to form square or diamond shapes on the top of the bread. In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasonings.
Spoon half of the mixture into the bread slits. Cut the fresh mozzarella into ½ inch pieces, and stuff them into the slits. Spoon the pesto into each slit. Spoon or brush the remainder of the butter and olive oil mixture over the entire top of the bread. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasonings. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and fresh grated Parmesan cheese over top.
Place bread on a baking sheet lined with alumi
Homemade Pesto
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil, packed 2 cloves garlic ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts 1 cup extra virgin olive oil ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Combine all ingredients except the olive oil and pulse in a food processor.
Add olive oil and blend until smooth but still slightly coarse. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an air-tight container.