We finally have a quieter week on the restaurant-closing front, leaving room for happier news. For example, a month-long charity event supporting the unhoused and cancer patients, cocktail wars, Love Island reunions, and plenty of sake.
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The 411
Kanpai! It’s Sake Time.
If sake gets you excited, we have news of an event for you. On Aug. 21 and 22, head to Sake Fest at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Once there, sample more than 40 varieties of Japanese sake, shochu, and beer, all paired with appetizers from a lauded Japanese chef. Expect everything from traditional favorites to rare and unusual pours. Kanpai!
Avondale’s Going Luna
We heard news that Luna Grill opens its first West Valley location in Avondale on August 20. West Valley diners can look forward to the restaurant’s Mediterranean menu of flame-grilled kabobs, signature bowls, wraps, salads, and family meals.
When Life Gives Lemons, Give to Charity
The Pemberton is spending August raising money for AZ Hugs, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the Valley. As part of the monthlong campaign, $1 from every margarita sold benefits the organization, and guests can also donate bottled water at the door.
From August 17 to 23, the effort gets an extra squeeze with The Main Squeeze, a specialty cocktail made with AZ Lemonade Stand’s Watermelon Lemonade, tamarind-infused tequila, Mexican lime and chiltepin bitters, and a Tajín rim. News is that both The Pemberton and AZ Lemonade Stand will donate $1 from every Main Squeeze sold to AZ Hugs.
Wild Deals at Wild Horse Pass
A three-course meal for $33? Yes, please. Ko’Sin at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is serving Native American-inspired dishes and regional comfort food through a rotating weekly menu available through September 9. Over at the hotel’s lobby bar, Sips at Sunset offers a different curated drink-and-appetizer pairing each week through the end of September.
Cocktail Wars
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is hosting its own version of Cocktail Wars, a bartender showdown inspired by the new mixology competition series. The August 25 event is free and features cocktails inspired by the show and reimagined with local flavors and Phoenix neighborhoods in mind.
AZ Distilling, Catalyst Crafted Ales, and Carefree Spirits Distillery are among the participants. If cocktails alone don’t entice you, there will also be sweet treats, gift bags, and the chance to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Love Island Reunions
Love Island fans, take note: On August 31, two Scottsdale hot spots are hosting reunion celebrations. The Hot Chick will air the reunion at 6 p.m. with $3 french fries and Love Island-inspired cocktails, while Wine Girl is going all in with an all-day happy hour. Expect $6 house wines, half-off bottles, $7 mini charcuterie boards, $10 dip plates, and 15% off merchandise.
Cakes to Support Cancer Patients
News is Miracle Mile Deli is selling Joy Cake — five layers of vanilla cake smothered in cream cheese frosting and vanilla icing, with 50% of every $8.60 slice benefiting The Joy Bus. The deal runs from August 20 to 29, all to support the nonprofit’s Dine Out Program, which creates chef-inspired, medically tailored meals for homebound cancer patients.
On the Menu
Happy Hour Todos los Días
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is rolling out happy hour seven days a week, and we aren’t mad about it. Stop in Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or on weekends from open to 2 p.m. for specials like Chicken Pastor Skewers, Crispy Quesadilla Chips, Tuna Tostadas with sweet guajillo chile sauce, and à la carte tacos. Drinks include $20 small margarita pitchers, $6 frozen cocktails, and $5 drafts and bottles.
Fall Flavors Coming Soon
Urban Cookies fans, get ready. The bakery’s fall lineup drops in early September with flavors like caramel, apple, pumpkin, and chocolate pecan joining the cupcake menu. The longtime Phoenix bakeshop, which has been baking from scratch since 2005 and won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, remains one of our favorite Valley stops for a sweet treat.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Thursday: The buzz surrounding Scottsdale’s new gelateria, Allora Gelato, has us intrigued. The couple behind it sold nearly everything they owned and traveled the world for a year-and-a-half to immerse themselves in the craft of gelato making.
We have our eye on the Pistachio Granita with organic coconut water and premium pistachios, plus the Argentinian Churro swirled with dulce de leche. But really, can you ever go wrong with Just Vanilla? We think not.
Friday: I’m ready to go back to JING in Scottsdale. The lavish, Las Vegas-esque experience starts before the first bite, with light sculptures, sparkly chandeliers, and animal prints. Then there’s the food. Start with the Tuna Pizza with ponzu aioli and truffle oil, the Wagyu Beef Bao Sliders, or the fresh Yellowtail Serrano with citrusy grapefruit notes.
Next, I’m craving the decadent Crab Cakes and the Hamachi Crunch with tempura flakes and spicy tuna. Make sure to get a reservation asap, it fills up fast.
Saturday: The weekend is for casual eats, so we’re headed to Bad Hambres for its famous bean and cheese burritos. After all, for us Phoenicians bean and cheese runs through our veins. Sold frozen six at a time, the burritos are made in small batches and are ready to take home for an easy dinner.
