As temperatures climb across the Greater Phoenix area, chefs are finding creative ways to keep diners cool. We’re also celebrating two restaurant anniversaries, National Mac and Cheese Day, and proof that the Valley has gone to the dogs—in the best way.
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The 411
National Mac and Cheese Day
Happy National Mac and Cheese Day to all who celebrate. Looking to observe this cheesy holiday? Pickleman’s Gourmet Café in the Arrowhead area is known for serving creamy white cheddar mac and cheese dishes, plain or topped with goodies such as barbecued pulled pork and Buffalo chicken versions. Celebrating the food holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in a little comfort food.
A Community Celebration
Raise a glass to The Whining Pig Gilbert, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a party from July 17 to 19. The three-day fete includes live entertainment, food and drink specials, and pop-ups from local vendors, including a tattoo studio, bookstore, and coffee shop. There’s also an all-day happy hour on Sunday. Known for having a wide craft beer selection and killer grilled cheese sandwiches, this promises to be a community celebration worth attending.
Dogs Eat Free
Pedal Haus Brewery is giving four-legged guests their own happy hour at each location. Dogs receive a complimentary burger patty, bacon, or chicken breast Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. while their owners enjoy happy hour specials on appetizers, locally crafted beer, and cocktails. It’s a pup’s dream.
Tacos Out, Mexican Restaurant In
It was just announced that Joyride Tacos off of Central Avenue and Colter Street will shutter next month to make way for a new concept. This time it will be a collaboration between restaurant powerhouses Chiwas Hospitality Group and Upward Projects, which operates the popular Postinos chain. Joyride will make room for Lado A Lado, which will serve live-fire Northern Mexican food and offer a coastal raw bar.
On the Menu
Watermelon Sugar High!
July is National Watermelon Month, and Diego Pops is celebrating with a Seasonal Watermelon Salad featuring cotija, pepitas, jalapeño vinaigrette, and fresh watermelon, plus a refreshing Watermelon Mint Margarita made with muddled watermelon and fresh mint.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is also embracing National Watermelon Month with a Smashed Watermelon Margarita made with blanco tequila and house lime sour. Other seasonal dishes include a Chopped Chicken Salad with strawberries and mango and a Mexican Tuna Tartare available exclusively at Blanco Reserva in Paradise Valley.
Keep in High Spirits During High Heat
Elvira’s at DC Ranch is offering a three-course summer prix fixe menu for $50 per person. Think Hamachi Aguachile, Grilled Mexican Street Corn, Chile-Lime Snapper, Coffee-Ancho Short Rib, and Mango Flan with whipped vanilla cream. You can also stop by from 4 to 6 p.m. for happy hour specials on wine, cocktails, tacos, shrimp skewers, and ahi tartare.
Don’t Miss this Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots.
Thursday: Not tired of watermelon yet? Us, either. Today, we’re headed to Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails for its seasonal Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with candied cashews, whipped feta, a Dijon-shallot vinaigrette, and yes, more watermelon. If you’re still hungry, the Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken deserves a look.
Friday: I just tried Pizza to the Rescue and loved my experience. The restaurant donates a whopping 25% of proceeds to Almost There, an Arcadia animal rescue. Pizzas are made with Italian-imported flour and baked in a wood-fired oven from Naples.
Try the chorizo pizza or the classic margherita, and if the weather cooperates, you might even meet one of the rescue puppies on the dog-friendly patio. The ambience, blending Mediterranean and mid-century vibes, make this an especially fun place to linger.
Saturday: Hash Kitchen celebrates its 11th anniversary July 18 with DJs, penny bottle mimosas, giveaways, anniversary swag, and a limited-time Funfetti Cannoli Donut at all six Valley locations. If it’s your first visit, order the Best F#*%ing Birria Hash—you won’t regret it. You can bet we will be there for the party and the hash.
