The invention of boxed wine (also known as cask, goon, or boxy wine) turned 50 years old this spring. Modeled after portable leather bladders used to transport personal wine in Spain, the bag-in-a-box wine package is sometimes synonymous with cheapness, excess vice, and low quality. However, everyone has at least one…
In June, Eric Glomski, the winemaker behind Page Springs Cellars and Arizona Stronghold, released his latest project: a new wine label called Provisioner. Priced at $10 or less per bottle, Provisioner White is made from French Colombard, Chenin Blanc, and Malvasia grapes. It’s a light wine, focused around crisp citrus…
Independents Week Pub CrawlFriday, July 3 In case you didn’t already know, this week is National Independents Week, the annual weeklong celebration of local businesses. And to help celebrate, Local First Arizona invites you to support some of your favorite independently owned bars during the Independents Week Pub Crawl in…
There are dozens of great events happening around the Valley this weekend to celebrate Independence Day. And if your schedule isn’t already packed with picnics, barbecues, and fireworks displays, here are our picks for some not-to-be-missed food and drink deals. 74 Cent Tacos at Taco Guild Taco Guild in Central…
Tomato Dinner at Binkley’s Wednesday, July 1 This Wednesday evening, Chef Kevin Binkley will host a 15-course tomato dinner at Binkley’s in Cave Creek. Items including Tomato Tartare, Caramelized Tomato Braised Pork Short Ribs, and Cinnamon-Tomato Panacotta with Rum Currants will be served alongside passed hors d-oeuvres. Dinner will begin…
Nothing evokes sophistication and class like hosting your own wine and cheese party. However, while browsing through the tantalizing selections at Whole Foods or AJ’s, it can be difficult to know which wines go with which cheeses. In fact, pairing wine with food can be challenging in general. We know…
Phoenix Ale Brewery 4th Anniversary Party Friday, June 26 Celebrate with Phoenix Ale Brewery this Friday as the brewery marks its fourth year in the local beer business. From 5 to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy $4 pints of beer, bar snacks, and a full roast pig. The brewery will also tap…
When a new spot opens in town, we can’t wait to check it out — and let you know our initial impressions, share a few photos, and dish about some menu items. First Taste, as the name implies, is not a full-blown review, but instead a peek inside restaurants that…
Grand Opening of Over Easy Tempe Tuesday, June 23 Valley breakfast joint Over Easy is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location this Tuesday. Beginning at 6:30 a.m., anyone standing in line outside the new Over Easy, which is located at The Yard in Tempe, will receive a free…
Along with mojitos and mai tais, sangria is a quintessential “umbrella” drink, perfect for poolside sipping. Traditionally made with wine, fruit juice, brandy, and heaps of chopped fruit, this Iberian classic is proof that sometimes wine can undo its top button and party down a bit. Here are our five…
Dinner Lab Pop-Up with Chef Chris McKinley Friday, June 19 Dinner Lab returns to Phoenix after its inaugural event in April, this time with chef Chris McKinley at the helm. The theme of the secretive dinner will be “The Revival: Refined Compositions of the Past,” and will include dishes similar…
Four Peaks Brewery & AZ Distilling Co. Cocktail Dinner at The GladlyToday Put some local in your glass this Monday at The Gladly, which will host a cocktail dinner featuring Four Peaks Brewery and Arizona Distilling Company. The six-course dinner will include dishes such as frog legs with Homeboy’s jalapeno…
In the hierarchy of dessert, French pastry is arguably king. There are few things lovelier than a well-made pain au chocolat, so naturally, our hopes were high for dessert at French Grocery — as it turns out, maybe a little too high. French Grocery has been open for two years as…
Earlier this spring we told you about the arrival of Sorso Wine Room at the Scottsdale Quarter. We had heard about the 32-tap WineEmotion dispensing system, and to be honest, were pretty eager to try it out. It sounded so strange and intriguing; we needed to experience it first hand. …
9th Annual Bloomin’ Beerfest at the Irish Cultural Center Saturday, June 13 Have you ever celebrated Bloomsday? Well, here’s your chance, bibliophiles. Surround yourself with Irish literature and culture on Saturday during celebrations based on the events of James Joyce’s Ulysses. From 7 to 11 p.m., beer tastings, as well as…
$10 Burger & Beer Tuesdays at Pink Pony Tuesday, June 9 Pink Pony in Scottsdale is working to make Tuesdays a little more interesting, with the offer of one burger and one beer for $10. Choose between a cheeseburger or “Blue Burger” — two 5-ounce Niman Ranch patties, bacon, tomato,…
Just because the snowbirds are gone and you can actually find parking around town, doesn’t mean your social calendar has to completely dry up. In fact, there are wine dinner series and even educational events happening all over town during the next few months. So you don’t have to wade…
Artisan Food Fair at The Newton Sunday, June 7 From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7, fans of handmade and small-batch foods can gather at The Newton in Phoenix for an Artisan Food Fair. Local companies such as Fire Lips Hot Sauce, Gilbert Olive Oil, PB Americano, Fluff It…
Three-Course Special Sunset Menu at J&G Steakhouse Today Starting today, J&G Steakhouse will offer a three-course meal from its “Sunset Menu” for $40 per diner. The menu includes summer-inspired items such as Steamed Shrimp Salad, Slowly Cooked Salmon, and Raspberry Rose Pavlova. Diners can also enjoy a bottle of wine…
Summer is upon us, Phoenicians, and that means it’s time to switch up our wine game. Gone are the days of spicy Merlot and bold Bordeaux — for now at least — and here to take their place are light, chilled white wines and rosés. But that doesn’t mean you have to give…
Traditional Crawfish Boil at Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend Saturday, May 30 This weekend, kick off summer with a Louisiana tradition that’s almost as American an apple pie. On Saturday, Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend, located at The Yard in Central Phoenix, will host a classic Southern-style crawfish boil. For $36 per…
Lunch at The UptonTuesday, May 26 Grabbing a quick, budget-friendly lunch in Scottsdale just got a lot easier thanks to the new counter service “Local Lunch” menu at The Upton. Capping the cost at $12 (including tax), the menu includes items such as Bistro Steak, House Turkey Pastrami, and the Simple…
