Tacos from left to right: mesquite honey chicken, seasonal vegetables (including tepary beans), and coffee-rubbed tri-tip.
Shelby Moore
Tuesday, July 11
Last week, we wrote about Helio Basin Brewery's uniquely Arizona-style tacos made with local ingredients like cactus and Native American heritage corn. Tuesdays are the best time to try these delicacies, because on Tuesdays you can get two of the fresh-griddled tortilla tacos and a pint for just 10 bucks.
Go Out for Some Throwback Sweets
Wednesday, July 12
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ruže Cake House in Scottsdale will be kicking off its "treats of childhood week." This week, they will be whipping up homemade Twinkies, animal cracker cake, and 10 macaron flavors with retro themes like Pop Rocks, Pop Tarts, blue slushie, circus animal cookie, Little Debbie cake, and Sunny D. On top of the special sweets, the shop will be giving out complimentary cotton candy shot toppers for all their boba drinks, which include unusual flavors like fresh lemonade, prickly pear jalapeño, fresh steeped lavender, and strawberry mash boba. A visit to the bakery is a guaranteed way to get your hump-day sugar rush.
Test Your Hummus Skills
Friday, July 14
Start the weekend with a culinary challenge as you try to develop the "next big thing" in hummus flavors. Pita Jungle is hosting a six-week social media contest, running through Friday, August 11, during which you will have the chance to show your hummus-making skills by submitting creative hummus flavor ideas. The flavors will be tested by the pros at Pita Jungle, and prizes will be handed out each week. The grand prize-winning hummus chef will earn free hummus for a year, plus their concoction could be added to the restaurant's seasonal menu. Details are available on their Facebook page.
Take a Caipirinha Class
Saturday, July 15
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen will host a Caipirinha Cocktail Class for $20, during which participants will learn how to make the famous Brazilian cocktail.
Watch a Bar Brawl
Sunday, July 16
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa’s battle of the bartenders returns to Jade Bar this Sunday, kicking off the annual summer showdown between top Valley mixologists. First up are Bitter & Twisted's Piroose Hajizadeh-Amini and Clever Koi's Gavin Pena. Spectators can enjoy music courtesy of DJ Hybrid and a menu of “Bar Brawl Bites” at happy hour prices, starting at 8 p.m. Jade bar’s lead mixologist Eddie Aces will emcee the events, which will highlight specific spirits and ingredients each week. The final cocktails will be judged by a panel of local celebrities.
