We may not have leaves turning colors, but the Phoenix food scene is getting plenty of other exciting changes. As October winds down, expect a Christmas-themed café to “sled” its way into Peoria, the first Prescott-based restaurant brand to try its hand at a Valley trattoria, and fall-forward menus from the likes of il Bracco and other local favorites.
Plus, it’s the last chance for all things Halloween. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
Christmas (Café) is Coming
Forget December-only festivities or “Christmas in July.” The Christmas Café, a new coffee shop and retail concept, opens this November in North Peoria—and it intends to run year-round with the motto “Joy to the world, 365 days a year.” The concept includes a hot cocoa flight in three flavors, edible snowballs, and Christmas-colored sprinkles. How’s that for holiday magic?
Support Cultivate Coffee Cart After a Fire
Cultivate Coffee is a beloved community staple in Sunnyslope, and we were sad to learn of an accidental kitchen fire that put the shop out of commission. To keep things going, the Cultivate Coffee cart is running out of Sunnyside Commons at 11747 N. 19th Ave., Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help spread the word to keep this Phoenix business alive as it rebuilds.
Scott’s Generations Closes After 37 Years in Phoenix
This one hits really hard. Scott’s Generations, the beloved New York-style Jewish deli founded by father-and-son duo Gene and Scott Snyder in 1989, served its final meal this past Sunday.
“We have watched kids who came in with their parents grow up and bring in children of their own,” Scott Snyder shared. We loved this place for the overstuffed sandwiches, homemade soups, smoked fish, knishes, and cheesecake. It was known as one of the Valley’s absolute best delis.
The New Seasonal Menu at il Bracco
Ready for something fresh? il Bracco’s new seasonal menu is here. We tried (and loved) the Seasonal Burrata Salad with fresh figs, toasted walnuts, and red grapes in a white balsamic vinaigrette; the Cioppino with sea bass, crab, scallops, and clams in a delightful saffrony tomato broth; and the house-made trompetti pasta with seasonal mushrooms. Polish off the experience with a sundae drizzled in Queen Creek Olive Mill’s olive oil.
Festive Sweets at Butta Cakes
Butta Cakes wants to make sure your Halloween is festive enough with cake bites too boo-ti-ful not to try. Little ghosts, bats, cats, and skeletons come in packs of 12, perfect for any planned party festivities. Through November, you can also snag pie packs in lemon, pecan, cherry, apple, and pumpkin flavors.
Restaurants Earn Blue Zones Project Recognition
Congratulations to three Valley restaurant concepts that received Blue Zones Project recognition for their focus on health and well-being: Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, Ling’s Wok Shop, and Ghost Street Asian Taqueria. The recognition acknowledges the efforts made by these restaurants to support healthier environments for employees and surrounding communities. Bravo, guys!
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Announces Fall Culinary Events
Tequila and bourbon pecan pie are coming to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley. On November 11, the resort will host a Cigar & Tequila Dinner with Casa Dragones tequila pairings, a prix-fixe meal, and three premium cigars from Ambassador Cigars. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $250 per person.
Then, on November 12, pastry chef Judy Chavez will lead a bourbon pecan pie demonstration inside Elements’ kitchen. The 11 a.m. class costs $50 per person, just in time for Thanksgiving baking. View Sanctuary’s event for more information.
Get 10% Off at the Stockyards
Ballet Arizona is in its 40th season, and what better way to celebrate than with dinner and a performance? Before heading to the theater, stop by the historic steakhouse The Stockyards for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Mention you’re attending the ballet, and score 10% off your bill. The restaurant currently has a wagyu special on the menu, and over at Ballet Arizona, Romeo & Juliet are creating a special experience.
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU Celebrates Fall With Discounts
Rooftop cocktails at Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU bring game-day dining to football fans. At Lucero, the hotel’s rooftop bar, football fans can find $5 Devil’s Halo beers and an MVP prix-fixe menu for two, featuring tapas, crispy pork belly, chile relleno fritters, barbacoa empanadas, and pollo asado.
Phoenix Rescue Mission Plans Thanksgiving Meals for 3,000 Valley Families
Not everyone can afford to make a Thanksgiving meal, which is where Phoenix Rescue Mission steps in. Through its Thanksgiving for Every Family initiative, the nonprofit will distribute holiday meal supplies for 3,000 families from November 9 to 20 at the Hope for Hunger Food Bank (5605 N. 55th Ave.) in Glendale. Learn more about Thanksgiving for Every Family and how you can help.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Palo Verde Restaurant
For those who want to skip cooking and just enjoy a lux Thanksgiving dinner, let Palo Verde Restaurant at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale host. On the holiday you can book a four-course, family-style meal at the restaurant from 1 to 8 p.m.
The $105-per-person dinner includes seasonal dishes such as fire-roasted corn bisque with chile-lime crema, garden herb-brined turkey with garlic-glazed yams, and butter-basted prime beef tenderloin with wild garlic beef jus. Reservations can be made by calling 480-488-9009.
Mastro’s Restaurants Introduce Movember Cocktails for Men’s Health
A good cocktail for a good cause? We’re listening. Throughout November, Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Mastro’s Ocean Club will participate in “Movember” with two limited-edition cocktails dedicated to supporting men’s prostate cancer research and other health initiatives. No mustache required to participate.
Prescott Group Opens First Valley Restaurant
Hero, the Italian restaurant from Vivili Hospitality Group, will debut October 30, marking the first of three concepts planned from the Prescott-based group. On Roosevelt Row, Hero is said to be a vibrant take on the modern Italian neighborhood restaurant, offering guests handmade pasta and a patio to please. We can’t wait to check this one out and report back.
Chilte Plans a Hangover Halloween Party
Chilte invites you to a post-Halloween hangover party on Sunday, November 1, from 3 to 7 p.m., featuring good food, strange people (their words, not ours), awesome chefs, and DJs. It’s the perfect way to get a little more use out of your costumes!
Angie’s Launches Nine-Location Expansion Across Metro Phoenix
Angie’s The New Fast Food is kicking off a nine-location expansion with a new restaurant at 1739 W. Glendale Ave. in Phoenix. Co-founded by Salad and Go’s Tony Christofellis, the concept serves up $4.99 salads with grilled chicken, $3.99 USDA Prime beef tacos, and 12-inch pizzas starting at $6.99. Additional locations are planned for Queen Creek, Mesa, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Casa Grande.
Flower Child Plans Two West Side Locations
Flower Child is set to open two new restaurants, bringing its health-forward style to the West Valley. The Peoria location opens November 17, and Goodyear is set for December 8.
SanTan Spirit House Introduces All-Day Coffee Program
Coffee and cocktails converge at SanTan Spirit House in downtown Chandler in a brand-new, all-day coffee program. The star of the cup is Press Coffee, which provides the basis for specialty espresso drinks and Red Bull-infused refreshers.
