Like you need another reason to party. In case you actually did, Cinco de Mayo will soon be upon. Since we’re in the southwest and neighbors with Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a partying tradition in the Vally. This year, you should probably head to anyone of Sandbar’s locations. All three locations will be hosting an all-day and all-night fiesta on May 4 and May 5. Called Cinco de Sandbar, the days will be filled with drink specials and live music from local bands and DJs like Black Bottom Lighters, The Walkens, and The Hourglass Cats.

Listen up all of you beer connoisseurs, Arizona Beer Week will be hitting the Valley February 16 – 23. That is seven whole days of delicious micro, craft, some of the best beers in the world, and much more. Well, we just got news that Tempe’s World of Beer will be joining the festivities this year. In celebration of Arizona Beer Week, WoB will host four craft brewers, where you can marvel and taste the beauty that is craft beer.

Monday, February 18, 2013 at 12:00pm, featuring: Odell Brewing. Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 12:00pm featuring: Firestone Walker with David Walker. Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 12:00pm featuring Four Peaks Tap Procurement Party. Friday, February 22, 2013 at 12:00pm featuring: Dogfish Head Brewery. 

It’s here. Thanksgiving is just three days away. If you’re lucky, this will be a three-day work and/or school week for you. So how can you celebrate the long weekend? Start it off right by heading to World of Beer on Mill Ave this Wednesday.

Starting at noon on Wednesday, students and faculty from any school will be eligible for 50% off all drafts. Yes, that’s right. Half off all draft beer the day before Thanksgiving.

Trust us, it’ll be hard to choose what beers to get with their 50 different bottles and over 500 on tap. But, if you can narrow down the selection, be sure to build a six pack to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. That way, you can prove to your dad and uncles that you’re a beer connoisseur.

It’ll be the showdown of the century at Lucky Break on October 11. Craft beers from Arizona and Colorado will go head-to-head to see who is better. In homage to the Colorado Buffaloes versus the Arizona State Sun Devils football game, Seeing how both Arizona and Colorado make exceptional beer, Lucky Break thought it would be a good idea to pit eight Colorado brews against eight Arizonan.

The Challengers: 

Oskar Blues Old Chub vs. Four Peaks Kiltlifter

Boulder Beer Mojo IPA vs. Mudshark Desert Magic IPA

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter vs. Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter

New Belgium Fat Tire Amber vs. San Tan Epicenter Amber

Left Hand Milk Stout vs. Mogollon Apache Trout Stout

Tommyknocker Nut Brown vs. Oak Creek Nut Brown

SKA Brewing Pinstripe vs. Sleepy Dog Red Rover Irish Red

Great Divide Raspberry Ale vs. Lumberyard Raspberry Ale

The best part? You get to decide who the winner is. Just try and not be biased toward AZ. For the sake of competition, let’s win in the most honorable way.

Fridays just got a whole lot better. The Mint, one of Scottsdale’s hottest bars and nightclubs, has just announced a new happy hour deal where you can pop bottles without breaking your wallet.

From 4 – 9 p.m. every Friday (starting today!), you can quench your thirst for fun with a glass of VeuveClicquot for $10 or an Ultimat Vodka drink for $5. Tables of guests can sip on an entire bottle of Veuve Clicquot for $50. What’s even cooler is that anyone that purchases a bottle will receive a complimentary tasting plate of hors d’oeuvres. The tasting plate will be chef’s choice, featuring flavors from The Mint’s new menu. Possible samplings include Tuna Tartare, Tempura Cod Sliders, Yakitori, Wonton Chips, Apple Cider Salmon and Korean Pork Sliders.

We know what we’re doing tonight.

The Mint | 7373 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Fox Restaurant Concepts wants to help you cool down the rest of the summer. The people who brought you Arrogant Butcher, Olive and Ivy, Culinary Dropout, and Sauce (among many more great places) will be providing you with great drink specials through September 11.

Daily happy hour specials, brunches, community dinners, live performances and more, at all Phoenix and Tucson locations of Fox Restaurant Concepts will be the places to be this summer. Let’s take a look at some of the great deals that are available.

The Arrogant Butcher- Appetizer and Drink Specials: $2-$8, Mon.-Sat., 3-6 p.m.

Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Phoenix- Summer Drinks & Summer Eats: Sangria, $6 glass/$16 pitcher; Tall Boy Beers, $6 single/$20 Bucket of 4; and Small Plates, $3 Tostadas & $3 Tacos. Happy Hour specials: half-off starters, specialty margaritas, draft beers and well drinks, Mon.-Fri., 4-6 p.m.

Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Tucson- Summer Drinks & Summer Eats: Sangria, $6 glass/$16 pitcher; Tall Boy Beers, $6 single/$20 Bucket of 4; and Small Plates, $3 Tostadas & $3 Tacos. Happy Hour specials: half-off starters, specialty margaritas and Mexican beers, daily 4-6 p.m.

Culinary Dropout- Double Blind Happy Hour: Paper Bag Beer and Shot for $6 and Reverse Happy Hour specials, Sun.-Thurs., 9:30 p.m. to close. Party like a rock star with kick-ass bands on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.

»READ MORE

World of Beer, the popular franchise will open its first west coast location tomorrow. World of Beer, which is exactly what it is, will make Mill Ave its new home on August 8 at noon. Located on the corner of Mill Avenue and 6 Street, the bar features an astounding collection of brews, from micro to macro.

If you’ve been frequenting Mill Ave recently, then you’ve seen the construction of the old 1912 building. The bar will have 58 beers on tap (awesome, right?) and have 500 beers available in bottle. We’re going to say that again: over 500 different beers in total. They feature local favorites and beers from all over the world, hence the name. And guess what? They’re planning on adding more taps. Yeah, we thought you’d like that.

The Perfect NFL Bar

World of Beer Tempe will occupy a 100 year old bank building on Mill Avenue and will be the new home of Valley sports fans. As a special perk during the NFL season, WOB will offer complimentary tailgate food for its customers while they enjoy their favorite Sunday game on one of their 23 50-inch TV’s.

Opening Week Festivities 

The opening week line-up of activities starts tomorrow with The Black Bottom Lighters performing from 9pm to midnight.  Thursday is Ladies Night “Pint Out.”  Ladies get half off select drafts while singer Angela Ferrari performs from  9pm – midnight. The live entertainment continues Friday with another local favorite, Jake Dean.  And hot dog lovers rejoice – Saturday, August 11 debuts WOB Tempe’s first “Brewery Spotlight” with a special Four Peaks Brewing lineup and Short Leash Hot Dogs will be here, along with afternoon musical guest Adam Shero.

We can’t wait to check out the latest hot spot on Mill. Won’t you join us?

World of Beer | 526 South Mill Avenue | Tempe, Arizona 85281

It’s no secret that we here DLT are big fans of beer. We are human, after all. But when you combine our favorite beverage with an amazing restaurant, well, then you have our hearts…and our wallets. Enter: The Windsor. This funky CenPho eatery has quickly become one of our favorite places to chow down due in large part to the awesome atmosphere, great menu and throwback cassette wall. But now, we can add another reason to park it on the patio and it’s all got to do with (you guessed it) beer. This passed Tuesday, The Windsor introduced their Beer Dinner Series with outstanding results.

So why are we telling you this? Because if you missed it the first time, there are three more chances for you to get your drink on in the coming weeks. On August 6,  August 20th and September 3, the series will continue featuring beers from breweries such as Sierra Nevada, San Tan Brewery, Oskar Blues and Four Peaks. For just $40 a pop, you can enjoy awesome food like Petite Filet and Short Ribs and was it down with something tan and frothy to compliment your meal. To tap top it all off, you can finish your night off with a delicious root beer float to keep the theme going.  To make reservations call 602.279.1111 or send an email to [email protected]

“Season of change” might be a bit cliché (or cheesy since we’re talking food), but it rings true as the local summer restaurant scene is best summarized under two headings: 1) entrepreneurs making moves and taking chances and 2) seasonal deals and menu offerings for those brave enough to endure the desert temperatures this season. Sounds exciting, right? Well, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

1) entrepreneurs making moves and taking chances this season:

You know Johnny Chu from his past and present restaurant endeavors throughout the Valley. The latest of which involves relocating and reinventing his downtown restaurant, Sens Asian Tapas, to the corner of Central Avenue and Thomas Road under the new name SoChu House Neo Asian + Martini Bar. This new location and new concept is set for grand opening July 19. Chow Bella has the story.

»READ MORE

Apparently Brady-Siegel had the right idea after all: Beer & Donuts album circa 1987.

It hardly matters what time of year it is or how much it will cost you, beer and donut enthusiasts from far and wide are rejoicing with the recent release of pairings that will be featured at Il Vinaio for this one-of-a-kind event.

From 2 to 5 p.m. on July 28 the following featured craft beers and their accompanying house-made gourmet donuts will be available:

SanTan Mr. Pineapple hefe and Lemon Poppyseed Donut

Goose Island Matilda strong pale ale and Conch Fritter

Goose Island Pepe Nero black pepper saison and Bacon Bleu Cheese Donut

Firestone Walker Double DBA and Pecan Pie Donut

Cost is $16 and donuts are limited to the first 72 people, so quit drooling and ensure you get to partake by calling (480) 649-6476 to RSVP.

Il Vinaio | 270 West Main St. | Mesa, Ariz. | 85201

Looking for a classy way to celebrate Independence Day in style and in air conditioning? Why not at the top of a Valley resort, in front of floor-to-ceiling windows where you can view firework shows stretching from Phoenix to Scottsdale?

The Phoenician’s J&G Steakhouse invites you to share this holiday in their restaurant’s open seating while enjoying specialty cocktails, a full a la carte menu or their Fourth of July-themed prix fixe menu Wednesday.

The July 4th Prix Fixe Menu includes three courses. Choose between local watermelon gazpacho, jumbo shrimp cocktail or heirloom Tomatoes with fresh raspberry vinegar and goat cheese for the first course. Next up is a grilled tuna burger, french fries, miso mayonnaise and yuzu pickles; barbecue sirloin tip with creamy local corn; or  a grilled pork chop, cherry mustard and sautéed mustard greens. The third course includes your choice of strawberry charlotte sundae, popping cherry pie or warm chocolate nougat tart with praline ice cream.

Festive 4th of July cocktails are available for $12 and include Red: Sour Cherry Caipirinha (Pirrasunga 21 Cachaca, cherry, lime), White: Vanilla Cream Soda (Svedka Vanilla Vodka, caramelized Sugar and club soda) and Blue: Blueberry Lemonade (Ketel One Citroen Vodka, lemon, blueberries and Sprite).

The July 4th Prix Fixe Menu is $45, is available Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Unless you know someone in the Valley with a time machine disguised as a 1981 DeLorean or plan on buying a pair of Nike’s $37,000 Marty McFly shoes, we recommend you celebrate the past as well as the future by attending “Mack’s Back to the Future” party Saturday.

The event, hosted by Iguana Mack’s in Chandler, will commemorate the staff, drink specials and games that made the East Valley roadhouse famous over the past 10 years, while welcoming a new menu and a new look under the new management.

Participate in live lizard races, beer pong, flip cup, beer chugging, cornhole and hoverboard racing (you wish) beginning at 11 a.m. Prizes will be given away all day. Live music by local bands (sorry, not The Pinheads) kicks off at noon, followed by a patio barbecue and drink specials beginning at 1 p.m. Guest DJ’s, drink specials and games will continue until close (which, of course, is when need the time machine).

So, set your Casio digital calculator watches because the past, er, the party is something you won’t want to miss.

Photo courtesy of K.I.S.S. Pizza.

The Venue of Scottsdale has announced plans to open a new “back East pizza and beef joint” in the space next door.

Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.), a fast-casual concept eatery boasting simple ingredients and classic big city food, is expected to open by late July.

Under the command of chef Anthony Crocenzi, a native of Chicago, the restaurant will feature Chicago and New York style pizzas (whole or by the slice), Italian beef, Italian sausage and New York Italian grinder sandwiches, Chicago dogs and antipasto salads.

Also projected to open in the two-story space adjacent to the venue is V2 Lounge (pronounced “V squared”). Stay tuned for details or visit the K.I.S.S. Facebook page for more information.

The 11-ounce Piedmontese All-Natural Bone-In Strip Steak as featured on the new summer menu. Photo courtesy of Seasons 52.

There’s something about summer that has Arizonans craving change. It could be the temperatures, it could be allure of an ocean (however far away) or it could just be the exceptional measures Valley restaurants take to accommodate that summer state of mind.

Like many Valley restaurants, Seasons 52 has introduced a new summer menu that features seasonal offerings in celebration of those of us who stick around for the not-so-tourist season.

Known for its fresh grill and wine bar, Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year to capture the flavors of the season.

“… the summer menu features a variety of grilled vegetables, seafood and poultry that depict the essence of the season,”  said Cliff Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52.

»READ MORE

Wait, what? Yes, you read correctly. We all know that countless bars, clubs, and restaurants have exclusive Ladies’ Nights where fine females don’t have to pay a cover and get free booze. That’s cool, but where’s the motivation for opposite sex? In a society where gender roles are slowly going the way of the Dodo, Blue Wasabi Sushi and Martini Bar in Scottsdale and Gilbert is starting a revolution.

Starting tonight, Blue Wasabi is introducing the Valley’s first men’s night with ‘Rocks and Rolls,” which features smoking deals on drinks on the rocks and awesome sushi rolls. Clever, no? Sorry ladies, this deal is for the guys only. With names like the ‘Chuck Norris Roll’ and the ‘Fightin’ Irish’ cocktail, these guy-specific items are definitely playing to a certain crowd.

“There’s no shortage of Ladies’ Nights around town, so we thought it was about time the guys had a night of their own — Rocks and Rolls at Blue Wasabi is exactly that,” Jim Moran, owner of Blue Wasabi said. 

The deal gets even better. Every Wednesday the guys will get the chance to win a pair of Arizona Diamondback tickets in a raffle and all you have to do is show up and enter.

“New drinks, the same great Blue Wasabi food on special and for a limited time, the chance to win Diamondbacks tickets,” Moran said. “Wednesdays officially belong to the guys now.”

For your nearest Blue Wasabi location, click here.

Now that we’ve convinced you to view this urban property, don’t miss Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails where executive chef Stephen Jones and master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout have complimented the already innovative “gastro-lounge” concept with their decadent menu items and lavish cocktail creations.

As you well know, no piece of real estate is compete without landscaping (i.e. the the hotel’s pool deck). This third floor “pool by day, lounge by night” features a 180-degree view of downtown as well as the Lustre Bar which is open daily from noon to midnight. »READ MORE

Courtesy photo.

Eating foreign foods and bumbling over the basics of another language may sound like components of an unforgettable trip abroad, but we’re actually referring to international dining around the Valley. Much like traveling, food is best when shared with loved ones and good friends. Here are four international suggestions guaranteed to please the vegetarians and the carnivores in every group.

Mijana in Scottsdale is a Lebanese restaurant that has it all; flavor and class, more vegetarian options than you could possibly consume and live music and entertainment. Catch the buffet Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. After 2 a.m. the place transforms into Hoookahmania lounge and offers a wide variety of Hookah flavors. »READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Mastro's Restaurants.

Because June is about dads and grads, we’ve pulled out all the stops and brought back a sophisticated classic this week. The Boulevardier, courtesy of Mastro’s Restaurants, is not only a super manly cocktail with an interesting history, but also is defined as a wealthy and fashionable socialite (no joke, check Google). But hey, if the shoe fits.

Ingredients

3 count Bulliet Straight Rye Whiskey

2½ count Vya Sweet Vermouth

1 count Campari

Sports? Father's Day? Why not celebrate with a locally brewed beer. Here are some recommendations. Photo courtesy of Yumsugar.

With the NBA Finals underway, Diamondbacks’ season in full swing and the Stanley Cup just wrapping up (great run, Coyotes) it is no surprise that we’re seeing an influx of beer news, beer consumption and beer recommendations. In order to remain relevant and keep our buzz going, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Let’s hope by now you’ve at least decided on a Father’s Day gift for dad (even if you haven’t crossed it off the shopping list yet), but for those of you procrastinators out there here are six brilliant beer suggestions based on your dad’s personality, thanks to Chow Bella.

If you’ve had your gifts for pop bought and wrapped for weeks now (and we’re boring you at this point), we turn to Mouth By Southwest for five fruit-flavored Arizona beer profiles. Don’t simply judge a beer by it’s cover fruit, be sure to try some of this frosty-cold, sweet summery bliss.

In other beer news, Mouth By Southwest is reporting that the opening of World of Beer in Tempe has been pushed back from July 2 to July 23. Construction permitting, you should be able to watch your favorite teams compete at the London 2012 Summer Olympics while sipping an international brew (since it is all about sports after all).

Work week got you down? If the daily grind is taking its toll on your, you know, “you-ness”, it might just be time to take a little trip somewhere more exotic for your nightly happy hour. Don’t fret, you don’t really have to travel far, just to Downtown Phoenix’s Rum Bar for their new ” A-RUM-a Therapy” punch social hour. Every weekday from 5-7 pm, you can now enjoy $5 rum punch and specially priced (delicious) food to help you relax after a tough day. The ever-changing bowl of punch will always feature the best ingredients, the freshest of fruits and the most carefully made concoctions to quench your thirst and relax your mind (as if owner, Dwayne Allen, would have it any other way). You can also look forward to a new menu of summer cocktails that Arizona’s only everyone’s favorite exclusively rum establishment rolled out just last week. Take a peek here  and be sure to take a little time to stop in Rum Bar or neighboring restaurant, The Breadfruit, to eat some authentic Jamaican cuisine and adopt a more Caribbean state of mind, if only for a little while.

Rum Bar l 108 E Pierce St., Phoenix, AZ 8500 l 602 267 1266 

Being one of the most popular steakhouses around the Valley, Fleming’s is making sure to stay ahead of the game by introducing its new Bar la Carte menu this summer.

Exclusive to the bar, the menu offers guests six new dishes available any time, any day of the week. If you think these are just appetizers, you are mistaken friend. More substantial than the typical “bar bites” found at other restaurants, the addition of this Bar la Carte menu makes Fleming’s bar as much a destination for food as it is for wine and cocktails.

Fleming’s, being the classy bunch they are, have paired not only wine, but a variety of cocktails and beer with each of the six new menu items. Here’s how we know it’s good: Flemming’s spent over a year testing and tasting before deciding on the menu. Talk about research (where can we sign up for that job?)

Here’s a look at what the menu has to offer.

“Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($15) served with crispy fried green beans, thin slices of lemon, and a caper-mustard dipping sauce; Prime Steakhouse Meatballs ($9) in a spicy peppercorn sauce with shitake mushrooms; Fleming’s Original Prime Rib Melt ($16) is slow roasted prime rib stacked on a toasted parmesan baguette with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, whole-grain mustard, horseradish slaw, and au jus for dipping; Filet Mignon Flatbread ($12) is topped with Danish Blue and Monterey jack cheeses, and red onion confit.”

There are four Valley locations, to find the one closest to you, click here.

Photo courtesy of Del Frisco's Grille

It is no coincidence that Saturday marks both Arizona’s Annual Strawberry Festival and the opening of Del Frisco’s Grille at the Esplanade – the latter being home to Apt. 5D, our featured beverage recipe. This cocktail just so happens to be a strawberry celebration in and of itself. It’s simple, festive and certain to refresh.

Ingredients

3 oz. SKYY Vodka

1 oz. simple syrup

1 oz. lemon juice

¼ oz. Balsamic Vinegar

4 muddled strawberries

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Add ice and shake (stirring optional).

3. Enjoy.

Wish you were catching a wave at Waikiki beach or on a yacht cruising the Caribbean? How about a staycation dining experience at one of these five Valley restaurants. Photo by Kara Philp

Let’s face it, vacation season is upon us and while most Valley residents can’t take the entire summer off to soak up the sun poolside or sip tropical drinks on sandy beaches, we can still pretend. Enter the vacation dining experience; one part staycation and one part tropical cuisine and ambiance.

If seeing (and tasting) is believing, you could mistake these five local hotspots for an evening in paradise. Read all about it after the jump.  »READ MORE

When life hands you lemons, you head down to the nearest bar and drink away your sorrows. Oh, that’s not how the saying goes? Well someone should tell the people down at Tilted Kilt because their new cocktails seem to suggest they think otherwise.  Like that lemons serve a much better purpose when they’re shaken to a pulp on the rocks with alcohol and we have to admit, we agree wholeheartedly. Starting June 11 – August 5th, Tilted Kilt will be serving seven new “Shaker” cocktails which are handcrafted at the bar in mason jars (um…awesome?) and then shaken at your table by a scantily clad plaid Tilted Kilt girl. Pictured is the Watermelon Shaker which includes Bacardi Superior Rum, Monin Watermelon Syrup, Finest Call Premium Lime Sour, Cranberry Juice and garnished with a cherry and, you guessed it, lemon slices. If you feel the need to mix up your summer routine, then shimmy on down to one of the six Valley locations  and just shake it off.

After a Memorial Day weekend that included the finale of Arizona Spring Restaurant Week as well as the end of Anthony Bourdain’s run with No Reservations, we’re nearly at a loss. Nonetheless, here’s the redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: 

In case you’re looking to replace your Travel Channel foodie, we recommend checking out Valley restaurants as they are featured in the Food Network’s series, Mystery Diners. The season premiered Friday and here is the schedule courtesy of Chow Bella.

Since nothing quenches the incessant summer thirst quite like a day at the pool, bar, pool/bar, Scottsdale’s new El Santo is perfect for getting the job done. This pool-cantina-patio-bar hybrid is the brainchild of Bryan Chittenden and is a seasonal and flavorful oasis for those looking for more than just a tan. As featured by Chow Bella.

If flip flops and fish tacos aren’t your idea of a good time inland, perhaps The Phoenix Ale Brewery’s First Friday mash up of art, fashion, beer and music is more your speed. For more info, click here.

Photo Courtesy of El Santo Cantina.