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

Honestly, who doesn’t love prime rib? Back by popular demand, Fleming’s Steak House presents its Summer Sunday three course meal, starring 12 ounces of succulent prime rib. Starting this Sunday, July 1, the three-course meal is available every Sunday through Labor Day Weekend for only $29.95 per person.

The meal features a 12 ounce prime rib served with a trio of sauces, choice of The Wedge, Fleming’s or Caesar salad, choice of a side dish (with 10 to choose from), and your choice of dessert.

Oh, it gets better. Fleming’s also offers a B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon for $40 a bottle. So bring the family and indulge in this great deal.

For a location near you, click here.

Looking for a patriotic way to spend the 4th? Here’s our top five classically American ideas for the entire family to celebrate Independence Day in the Valley next week:

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres - Watch these two teams face off Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. at Chase Field. The first 20,000 fans get a free stars and stripes T-shirt courtesy of Ram Trucks. Tickets start at $12.

Independence Day Music Festival - See country music performances by Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker followed by a fireworks display Tuesday at the Salt River Fields. The event’s pre-party begins at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks display at 10:30 p.m. Admission ranges from $22 to $89 and firework viewing is free with $10 parking.

»READ MORE

We know summertime means BBQs, (enough with the dead horse, right?) If you’re tired of grilling the same old burger and dogs, why not try something a little different? You’re in luck because Executive Chef, Tom Harvey of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood in Scottsdale is kind enough to share one of his favorite summertime grilling recipes. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Charcoal Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Avocado, Fresh Crab, Red Chile and Cilantro Vinaigrette

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.

Photo courtesy of madgstavern.com.

Now that we’ve all dusted off the ol’ grill and eaten our fair share of barbecue (not to mention all of the seasonal sides, deserts and drinks) in a feeble attempt to enjoy the summertime like the rest of the country, here comes July. Not to worry, it’s all about grand openings and summer menus this go-round. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

First, the newly opened and soon to open:

Chow Bella has introduced us to Mad G’s Grill & Tavern in Tempe. Brought to you by Allen and Traci Thompson, owners of The Grind and Chick Rotisserie & Wine Bar, this new spot off of Broadway and Mill opened June 15.

This past week marked the opening of The Habit Burger Grill‘s fourth Phoenix location, which nearly rounds out the new assortment of eateries at the corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix.

»READ MORE

When you drive down the streets of Old Town Scottsdale – because, let’s be real here, no one is walking anywhere right now – you can see pretty much two things: restaurants and art galleries. The scene becomes quite familiar if you live in the area and it’s easy to fall into a routine of always hitting up the same spots. That’s why when any inkling of a new restaurant pops up, it’s nearly impossible not to take notice…and snoop around like a nutrient deprived Nancy Drew. We are of course talking about the upcoming opening of chef Payton Curry’s Brat Haus, and as it turns out, Old Town’s newest restaurant is not so much of a mystery. In fact, its opening on July 2nd is highly anticipated and has been covered by the likes of Chow Bella, AZ Central and EaterAZ.  »READ MORE

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 tliciousaz.com.

As you know, food truck culture (aka gourmet mobile dining) is alive and well in Phoenix. What you may not realize is that a food truck lunch does not mean barbecue and hot dogs. In fact, when it comes to the wide range of food truck specialty offerings throughout the Valley it’s quite the opposite.

The next time you find yourself at a food-truck-worthy event, look out for our favorite local, vegetarian-friendly food trucks:

T-Licious Teazy Tacos – choose between the no meat in me taco and the Diablo Cheese Nachos

Sunshine and Spice - you’ll find a variety of options including a soy shrooms burrito, guacamole rangoons with sauce and a good old veggie burger.

»READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Sam Hjelle.

They don’t call them the dog days of summer for nothing, so before you hit the road for a chilly three-day weekend up north or you pack the cooler and head west for the ocean, check out BringFido.com and see what kind of dog-friendly itinerary these destinations can accommodate.

BringFido.com is worldwide database of dog-friendly hotels, beaches, trails, restaurants and more in almost any city. Not to mention veterinary services and discussion forums.

After your trip be sure to share your dog-friendly experience upon your return so other travelers and their canine companions can enjoy the same attractions and adventures in the future.

Local dog parks provide our four-legged friends with much-needed exercise, so if you are staying in town this summer be sure to visit a dog park in Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix or Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert in the mornings or evenings to avoid peak temperatures. Happy tails trails.

How can you get any more American than with the summertime BBQ? Burgers, dogs, corn on the cob, and our personal favorite: ribs are all on the season’s menu and we know just where to get them. Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market in Scottsdale is definitely more than just a convenience store/gas station. Any local will tell you it’s a popular meeting point for some delicious local coffee or for breakfast and lunch at their Campfire Bistro.

This week, the Bistro introduces an expanded dinner menu and full table service from 4:30 – 8pm nightly. The new offerings coincide with its license approval to serve beer and wine. The best part? Ribs, of course.

Chef Tudie Frank-Johnson has taken the café’s award-winning barbecue and Southern-inspired specialties to create a range of family dinner-worthy dishes. Headlining the menu are the Barbecue Ribs – a half rack of ribs with two side dishes for just $16.

Campfire Bistro | 9393 East Bell Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

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

At DLT, sushi is one of our favorite meals, especially if it comes from RA. So how can sushi get better? Well, by learning how to make it yourself of course! Summer school has officially started. On June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., RA Sushi in Tempe will be hosting its first-ever Sushi 101 class.

Participants will learn the art of sushi rolling while also enjoying lunch (sounds like our kind of summer school). Throughout this cool, interactive class, students will learn of the history of sushi, test their skills in sushi rolling, and enjoy a plethora of tasty appetizers and fresh sushi. For just $35 a person, the lesson include a non-alcoholic beverage (bummer but still fun), miso soup, edamame, two maki rolls, two pieces of nigiri, a sushi rolling mat to take home, and a voucher for a free lunch on a return visit.

Registration is required. Please call 480-303-9800 or email [email protected] to make a reservation. For more information, click here.

RA Sushi | 411 South Mill Avenue | Tempe, Arizona 85281

Photo courtesy of Haute Living.

We know summer means warmer blazing temperatures, but in the desert it’s easy to forget that with summer comes exciting seasonal offerings, lighter fare and brighter colors. So besides all the tropical drinks and excuses to grill (which we are huge fans of, by the way) here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Here in the Valley of the Sun, we can take year-round farmer’s markets for granted, so take some time this summer to support local farmers and enjoy their goods. Our friends at Chow Bella profile a summer staple, the Farmer’s Market Salad at St. Francis. While you’re at it, take a peek at their piece on Binkley’s Heirloom Tomato Dinner, also courtesy of a local farmer. Just in case you’re now feeling inspired, here’s a list of local farmer’s markets, courtesy of Haute Living. »READ MORE

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

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).

The secret recipe of Houston's House-Made veggie burger has inspired many "Almost Houston's" interpretations across the internet. Photo courtesy of chaosinthekitchen.com

If the charbroiled cheeseburger is as classically American as it gets, the veggie burger would be the nation’s unsung hero. The reality of dining out is that every vegetarian hopes to find a fresh and savory meat-free option on any menu they might encounter, but that is not always almost never the case. The veggie burger may not always be the first choice, but is guaranteed to come through for you when searching for sustenance in say, an airport, in a drive-thru or at a sporting event. But why should we penalize this hero with a “last resort” stigma because of our lack of options or poor planning? This week is about revisiting the flavors and varieties that make the veggie burger unique and timeless. Here are five exceptional places to find the most worthy of unsung heros:

Should you find yourself in a steakhouse, let’s hope it’s Houston’s. Their House-Made veggie burger has come to the rescue of so many vegetarian diners. Don’t be deceived by the Monterey Jack cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce or tomato, the magic is in the veggie patty itself.  Which is why the “secret” recipe has created quite a buzz over the internet. To say it’s worth duplicating is putting it mildly. »READ MORE

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.

While we’re practically bubbling over with fondue puns, let’s cut to the cheese chase and let you know what Girl’s Night Out at The Melting Pot has in store for you. It’s time to break out all those old bridesmaid dresses – the ones you have buried in the back of your closet along with your skeletons and secret shame – and head on down to one of three Melting Pot locations this week for a wedding themed girl power extravaganza. For just $30 a person, you can enjoy three courses of delicious fondue including creamy cheese served with assorted sliced bread and apples, a petite entrée with a trio of dipping sauces served with shrimp, meats and veggies and (the kicker) a chocolate fondue for dessert that comes with fruit, brownies, cakes and other sweets that are just used as a decoy to eat melted chocolate like you reallywant to when hanging with your bestest mates. Gather your girlfriends and make your way The Melting Pot Ahwatukee on Tuesday, June 12th, The Melting Pot Arrowhead on Wednesday, June 13th and/or The Melting Pot Scottsdale on Thursday, June 14th to relax and unwind. Why? Because it’s Ladies’ Night.

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

Photo by Kara Philp

Truth be told, most carnivores don’t understand vegetarian cuisine and are often afraid they’ll be forced to eat a flavorless, textureless excuse for a _________ (fill in the blank). All while pretending they’re enjoying it.

In a feeble attempt to dispel such myths, we present the first installment of Mock Meat Monday: a classy look at the local vegetarian scene. Hopefully the next time you have guests in town from Portland or you end up on a blind date with a “veggie” you will call up one of these tasty suggestions. Win-win.

Where else would a respectable vegetarian voyage begin, than from the mecca, the almighty, the godfather: Green. Self-described as “New American Vegetarian,” Green is actually 100 percent vegan and features a gluten-free menu as well. And face it, it’s just plain trendy.

The menu includes traditional comfort food dishes made slightly different than one might be accustomed to, but the flavors and ingredients do not disappoint. With fresh salads and fruit, sandwiches, noodle and rice bowls, pizza (and we’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend the appetizers) supplemented with vegan cheeses and “mock meats” there truly is something for everyone.

The last thing you’ll want to do is to forget to save room for dessert. Green’s infamous Tsoynami’s are nothing short of a vegan blizzard. Not to mention the pastries, espresso and other treats that will remind you how glorious the experience of trying new things can be.

For locations, menu and hours, click here.

This Sunday Funday just got a whole lot more fun with Sushi Roku’s Summer Kick Off Party. From 5-8 pm on Sunday, June 3, you can enjoy Sake Snow Cones, a swimsuit fashion show and sushi, of course, all while listening to some great tunes spun by DJ Soulman. The restaurant, located in The W Hotel in Scottsdale, will have happy hour prices all night long in an effort to kick off some amazing summer specials like Locals Only Pricing (20% for all locals), Sunday Funday (DJ Soulman and all day Happy Hour) and the introduction of summer refreshments like Skinny Cocktail Pitchers and Sake Snow Cones (pictured). If you attend, you will be entered to win a prize package worth $1250 including a night at The W, dinner for two at Sushi Roku and a Vitamin A swimsuit from Diane’s Swimwear, among other things. Seems like things are looking up for summer Sunday’s in the Valley.