We’re kicking off the second week of August with shocking news from a major fast-food chain, back-to-school deals and barbecues, and a Midwestern favorite making its Arizona debut. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Go, Going, Gone
Fast food chain Salad and Go filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and then we heard news that it abruptly closed its remaining 70 stores across Arizona and Nevada on August 5. The concept first opened in Gilbert in 2013, and the sudden closure reportedly surprised even some employees who showed up to work only to learn they no longer had jobs. We’re sad to see this one go, especially for the cheap iced coffee and green juice.
Another Summer Hiatus Turns Permanent
It seems to be a trend this summer: A restaurant announces a summer hiatus only for it to become permanent. After a decade in Old Town Scottsdale, Sel Bistro took its annual summer break. But, instead of reopening, the husband-and-wife team behind the à la carte, French-inspired concept shared a heartfelt goodbye with the community, thanking diners for 10 wonderful years. No word yet on what will take its place on Main Street.
Kids Eat Free for a Cause
Luna Grill’s Mesa and Gilbert locations are partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs in the Valley to support local youth. Now through August 31, kids eat free at these locations. Plus, 20% of qualifying purchases will be donated to the organization. Support local and save money? It’s a win-win and overall great news.
Movie Night at Marcellino
Starting now, Marcellino Ristorante invites groups of up to 10 guests to a night at the movies. Or at least, a night watching movies in its private dining room. The weekly events take place Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
As for the line up, the schedule includes five award-winning, Italian-themed movies, including Nonnas and My Cousin Vinny. The private room is complimentary with dinner service, and guests can order from the regular menu, the nightly specials, or a three-course prix fixe Summer Supper Special.
News of Midwestern Shrimp and Steaks Headed This Way
Indianapolis’s iconic Harry & Izzy’s is known for steaks and the famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail. Now, news is Phoenix will welcome the restaurant’s first location outside Indiana on August 26 at the redeveloped Paradise Valley Mall. The 8,300-square-foot restaurant will include a 2,400-square-foot patio, outdoor bar, and seating for nearly 350 guests.
Back-to-School BBQs
Dirtbag’s Phoenix is hosting the Back-to-School BBQ from 4 p.m. to close on August 15 with burgers, wings, pizza, shareables, cold drinks, and live music from JT Soriano. Horse & Hyde Uptown follows with a smokier, music-centric sendoff to summer August 22, featuring barbecue, cold drinks, and a live performance from Jameson Houston from 4 p.m. to close.
End-of-Summer Savings
Did you hear the news? Restaurants across Phoenix are rolling out back-to-school and end-of-summer savings. We rounded up 15 of the best deals so you can pinch a few pennies through Labor Day.
On the Menu
Gotta Have a Matcha
Ling’s Wok Shop’s new matcha bar has a colorful lineup of made-to-order drinks available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Try the Strawberry Matcha, Iced Jade Latte, or the Ube Matcha with sweet purple ube. In this weather, an iced matcha sounds pretty good right about now.
A Seasonal Item Becomes a Staple
Thirsty Lion Scratch Kitchen regularly rotates seasonal dishes, but every once in a while, one becomes too popular to take away. That’s exactly what happened with the Miso Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, featuring mango, edamame, and yuzu vinaigrette, which has officially earned a permanent place on the menu.
Everything Bagel Latte
Yes, you heard that right. Philadelphia and Ziggi’s Coffee have just launched the Everything Bagel Latte, a collaboration found at over 120 participating Ziggi’s Coffee locations nationwide. Just like it sounds, the morning pick-me-up includes Philadelphia Cream Cheese, tahini, vanilla, espresso, whipping cream, milk, and a dash of everything bagel seasoning. Would you try it?
From Stadium to Statewide
Someburros’ fan-favorite nachos are usually reserved for State Farm Stadium and Chase Field, but for a limited time, you’ll find the cheesy creation at every Someburros location. And just in time for football season, thank goodness.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Thursday: Laymoon Café is an authentic Palestinian-Syrian community café and pastry shop in downtown Tempe. We loved its Middle Eastern-inspired coffee enough to include it in our best coffee shop roundup, but don’t overlook the pastries and savory bites. I’ll be pairing a Salted Caramel Date espresso with a Zaatar Bagel slathered in labneh and the Spiced Zaatar Avo Toast topped with pomegranate seeds.
Friday: Now that Salad and Go is gone, I’m headed to Paper Bag Sandwich Co’s new shop inside The Frederick in Uptown Phoenix. The sandwiches are served on schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread, and I’m hankering for the sweet-and-zesty Hall Pass with turkey and whipped ricotta. I will probably have to pick up my teen’s favorite too, the Starting Q.B with pesto and prosciutto.
Saturday: Japanese curry and sushi is calling—and we plan to answer. That’s why we’re headed east to Momo no Hana, a small, family-owned izakaya in Apache Junction. It’s known for Japanese comfort food like the yaki gyoza, spicy tuna rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, and, of course, Japanese curry.
