Welcome to the very first Phoenix edition of Plate Full of News, where we’ll bring you the latest restaurant openings, chef moves, menu updates, and a few noteworthy spots to check out around the Valley.
It’s no secret that the Phoenix restaurant scene is sluggish this time of year. The snowbirds have flown away, locals are hiding indoors, and many restaurants are looking for creative ways to get people through the door.
The upside? Summer is also when some of the best deals, happy hours, special events, and limited-time menus pop up. This week, we’re focusing on where to watch the World Cup, where to save a little moolah, and why you should absolutely try my new favorite Mexican restaurant.
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The 411
Grand Opening
Arizona-based chain Someburros will open its newest location in Peoria on June 30. The new Lake Pleasant restaurant will serve guest favorites like Pollo Fundido, machaca burros, and breakfast tacos, along with a new offering: Mini Burros designed for on-the-go snacking.
F&B Director Announced
Old Town Scottsdale’s newest rooftop restaurant and bar, Cielito, has named William Allgood its new food and beverage director. An Arizona native, Allgood brings more than 15 years of restaurant experience to the role. Bonus, he’s also a working DJ.
Do It For the Birds
National Pink Flamingo Day is this week, if you observe. To support conservation efforts for the iconic pink bird, The Pemberton is partnering with the Phoenix Zoo to offer a “Pink Flamingo” cocktail. For every drink sold, the outdoor community hub will donate $1 to the zoo. Plus, guests who show a valid Phoenix Zoo admission ticket within a week of their visit will also receive 15% off purchases through Aug. 16.
On the Menu
Tequila Time
Phoenix cocktail bar Grey Hen Rx, situated in the iconic Century Grand, is paying homage to Juarez, Mexico, circa the 1920s, with a tequila-centered cocktail menu for the summer. We are already making plans to try them all.
Southern Italy in the Sonoran Desert
No Amalfi Coast plans this summer? Me neither. Lucky for both of us, chef Joey Maggiore at The Italiano is bringing a new “Summer in Amalfi” menu inspired by Italy’s coastal flavors. For $39 per person, guests can enjoy a four-course menu featuring dishes like Zucchini Napalitano, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and a refreshing Sorrento lemon sourbet—available only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cocktails for a Cause
Maple & Ash Scottsdale is hosting a Pride Drag Brunch on June 28 with performances, cocktails, and a special brunch menu that will include a fire-roasted seafood tower and caviar. The restaurant is also serving its Cherry on Top cocktail through June, donating $2 from every drink sold to the Phoenix Pride Community Foundation.
Don’t Miss This Week
Wednesday: Pastry chef Will Porter is making quite a stir with his French-inspired bakery, Sablé Boulangerie, in downtown Gilbert (and maybe for his dreamy looks too). Since opening in March, it’s become nearly as famous for its wrap-around lines as its croissants and baguettes.
Porter spent four years studying and working in renowned French bakeries before bringing his talents to the Valley. I haven’t yet braved the long lines, but the pain au chocolat is calling my name and today is the day.
Week-long fun: Whether or not you’re the world’s biggest soccer fan, the games are on, and bars and restaurants across the Valley are broadcasting. We are there with bells on, both for the sport and the food. We’ll start at The Plaza Bar at the Scottsdale, which introduced a special food menu for the tournament, including Nueskes smoked sausage, maple wings, and a birria quesadilla. Next up, local staple, Pedal Haus Brewery, has $4 Day Drinker Light Lagers and $2 off the “Haus” beers for select games. It has a real sports bar vibe, making it a fun place to settle in and watch.
Friday: I just sampled Queen Creek Olive Mill’s “Chill at the Mill” summer menu, and it’s a quality offering. Think homemade wood-fired pizzas, garlic fries, and meatballs. The flour for the pizza dough is imported directly from Italy. I learned the mill cooks in a mix of beef tallow and its own olive oil (pst, try these other seed-oil free kitchens too) and sources many of its veggies from its own garden. And the gelato is perfect on a hot day.
