Welcome Chicken + Donuts Saturday, December 20
Don't freak out but this Saturday two of the Valley's top chefs will be teaming up with Welcome Chicken + Donuts to create some Japanese-themed specials. Sweet Republic's Helen Yung tells us that she's working with the new Phoenix restaurant on some ideas such as red bean filled donuts dusted with kinako (roasted soybean powder) and matcha salt and yuzu donuts with black sesame glazed. On the savory side, Lori Hashimoto of Hana will be helping to cook up some new fried chicken sauces. They're playing with idesa such as umeboshi, or Japanese salty pickled plums, fried chicken. There's even talk of sweet potato, marshmallow and pecan ice cream between two halves of a cake donut. The specials will be available this Saturday. For more information keep an eye on the Welcome Chicken + Donuts Facebook page.
See also: 2015 Devoured Culinary Classic Tickets Are On Pre-Sale Now; Here's the Expanded Lineup of Events
Hotel Valley Ho Anniversary Party Saturday, December 20
Old Town Scottsdale's Hotel Valley Ho first opened its doors on December 20, 1956 and reopened on the same date in 2005. That means this weekend marks the mid-century-modern landmark's 85th anniversary -- and you can bet they'll be celebrating in style. On Saturday night from 8 p.m. to midnight you're invited to the ZuZu Lounge at Hotel Valley Ho to enjoy live music from singer and guitarist Jack Young, while sipping on drink specials such as $3 draft beer and your choice of $6 cocktails featuring Cruzan Rum, Milagro Tequila and Reyka Vodka. Samplings and giveaways will begin at 6 p.m. For more information check the Hotel Valley Ho Facebook.
Weekend Brunch at Salut Kitchen Bar Sunday, December 21
Tempe's Salut Kitchen Bar has launched a new weekend brunch with dishes such as The Salut benedict Florentine ($9.75) made with baby spinach, shaved prosciutto, poached eggs, and lemon hollandaise an English muffin. Other brunch menu items include Triple Quinoa Protein Pancakes ($11) with tri-colored quinoa, cinnamon, honey, whipped cream, and macerated strawberry; Chicken + Waffles ($13) with organic fried chicken, a Belgian waffle, cinnamon compound butter, honey, and maple syrup; and The Cowboy Omelette ($10) made with peppered bacon, Mexican chorizo, tomato, wild mushroom, and cheddar. On the drinks side, the restaurant offers Bottomless Mimosas for just $18 with refills for one cent -- and the dog-friendly patio means you don't have to leave your four-legged friend home alone. Salut's brunch goes from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. For more information check the Salut website.