Seasons 52 has a summer deal that will have you thankful for the absurd temperatures this season guarantees.

For the month of August they have designed a new, personalized wine tasting experience to help guests explore their adventurous wine list and signature flatbreads for $15 per person.

For the wine tasting you will first select a flight of three pours from a hand-selected list chosen by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. After you’ve tasted your selections, you may then choose a full glass of your favorite selection to pair with your choice of flatbread.

This limited-time experience is available daily until 6 p.m., and will run through August 31st.

Del Frisco’s Grille at Camelback’s Esplanade is proud to announce that they have been named one of this year’s “Hot Concepts” by Nation’s Restaurant News. On June 9, Phoenix became the new home of this great restaurant. It is no wonder they won this award. Well, that and the contemporary American cuisine and approachable menu, a vibrant atmosphere, an expansive wine list, hand-crafted cocktails and genuine hospitality, were all factors in the decision as well.

“We built Del Frisco’s Grille to feel modern, inviting, stylish and fun for our guests, and I think the editors at Nation’s Restaurant News saw those qualities come together in a unique way at our restaurant,” Mark S. Mednansky, CEO of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, said.

If you haven’t check out Del Frisco’s yet, we highly recommend that you do.

Del Frisco’s Grille

Here it is, late July and the heat has nearly turned us off to food altogether. It’s certainly too hot to cook, too hot to grocery shop and yet too hot to go out. Although getting all your vitamins and nutrients from cocktails is a tempting suggestion, we’re here to with a hodgepodge (no, not the soup) of the most important news — some of which is guaranteed to make braving the heat oh so worth it. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Most importantly, EaterAZ has the dish on Pollo Campero’s free empanada Friday (THIS Friday).  In celebration of the tasty morsel’s menu debut this week, the location at 7745 W. Thomas Rd. will be serving free empanadas all day. Call the Thomas Road location for more info at (623) 247-1646.

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In a week where instant mashed potato dispensers in Singapore 7-11s dominated food headlines (watch the now viral video here), let’s just say we sifted through the odd, marinated on the gross and poured over the monotonous to bring you the most worthy consumable news (not a zombie joke). Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Let’s start with an appetizer aka an unusual headline or two:

For the main course, a serving of more traditional foodie news local deals:

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Michael’s Cafe has become known as a central Phoenix destination for both soul food and live music. But wait, there’s more. Michael’s is hosting two July events that will surely delight the taste buds of all in attendance.

Michael’s presents Mix & Mingle Wine Tasting with jazz by DJ Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Wines include Canyon Oaks Moscato, Anakena Chardonnay, Cellarmaster’s Riesling, Fizz56 Brachetto Spumante and Gnarly Head Authentic Red. Cheese, crackers, fruit, salad, chocolate meatballs and more will be available for pairings. Cost is $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Save your spot and RSVP here.

Michael’s is hosting the first-ever “Best BBQ in the Valley Challenge” July 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. Bring your grilling gear, your finest marinades, your meat (beef, pork and chicken categories) and find a spot in the parking lot. Judging will be based on taste and presentation with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes as well as one overall People’s Choice Award. Cost is $25 to enter and includes booth, table and tasting utensils for setup. For more information, call Tyrone at Michael’s Cafe at (602) 248-2233.

For more information on Michael’s menu, karaoke, live music and other specials, visit the website or follow them on Facebook.

For some people the distinction between vegetarian and vegan is life changing, for others it’s more of a case-by-case basis. Regardless which classification best suits you, we believe everyone can enjoy vegan cuisine from time to time without feeling guilty about where their leather belt came from.

Even if you’ve mastered the art of vegetarianism, the crossover to vegan will likely bring about a whole new set of challenges – first and foremost: dining out. To help remedy this inevitable and delicious part of life, we’ve compiled a list of our 6 favorite spots for vegan dining:

Bombay Spice Grill and Wine is a perfect alternative to the sandwiches-and-salad vegan cuisine. With a separate and clearly specified vegan menu, as well as an international wine list, what could possibly be better?

The Pomegranate Cafe is a little East Valley gem that features fresh, local and organic ingredients in the entirely vegetarian (vegan upon request) cafe. Since the focus is on seasonal offerings and supporting farmers, you never know what the special might be.

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“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.

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It might be the 4th of July today, but all anyone seems to be talking about is Mexican food. Not that we blame them – few things bring smiles to our faces like a fresh taco and a margarita on a hot summer day. So, once you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and decided to turn off your scorching hot grill, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

According to EaterAZ, Big Earl’s BBQ in Scottsdale is in the midst of a Mexican revolution, from a taquitos transition to a dabble in “tacotory” to full blown Mexico City cuisine. While you’re waiting for the online menu to become officially updated, have a read, or better yet, pay Big Earl’s a visit. Whatever you do, don’t order the barbecue.

Meanwhile in Old Town, America’s Taco Shop is opening a new location, as reported by Chow Bella. Known for being “the home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley, ” this location will bring the restaurant’s count up to five (including the location in Arizona Mills Mall). Are they being franchised? Find out here.

If downtown Phoenix is more your thing, you’ll find new Mexican food there too. Chow Bella has covered opening of Tediberto’s Mexican-inspired vegan restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Get the details here … or skip the vegan joint and dig right in to some Mexican barbecue. Phoenix Bites highlights the prix fixe barbacoa tasting dinner at Distrito in Scottsdale’s Saguaro Hotel. The three-course dinner (plus dessert) is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details.

If we still haven’t convinced you, feast your eyes on Mouth By Southwest’s Taco Tuesday roster. Not to mention how Barrio Cafe, Bianco’s Tacos & Tequila and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage will soon change the dining game for locals and tourists alike at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. Stay tuned for updates.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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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

Civic Space Park's summer concert series (and yoga) take place every Thursday through August. Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix.

Hot summer evenings mix well with dinner out, shopping and, of course, music (not to mention cocktails). So, when the unforgiving sun begins to set and talk of dinner ensues, remember this season provides a unique opportunity to catch live music in a variety of unique venues. Behold the local concert series list:

Civic Space Park: Enjoy yoga and live music for free every Thursday through August. Yoga for all ages takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and live music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June dates feature reggae, jazz and R&B.

Desert Ridge Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the AMC Fountain. With genres ranging from Irish celtic to alternative (and instruments including the accordion and keyboard) the variety here will suit even the most eclectic tastes.

Tempe Marketplace: Artists perform Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. on the District Stage or from 7 to 9 p.m. at the B&N Fountain. Whether it’s jazz, funk or acoustic guitar you’re after, you will find it here (and possibly discover a new favorite). »READ MORE

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

Image courtesy of the Dairy Council of Arizona

In case you’ve missed the skinny thus far, June has been declared Arizona Dairy Month courtesy of the state’s Dairy Council (how fitting) and valley chefs are milking it for all it’s worth. With that in mind, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

The “Moo-ving Milkshake Shop” is a cross between the modern delight of a food truck and the nostalgia of an ice cream parlor in years gone by. Five local gourmet chefs will showcase their own take on milkshake concepts at a different valley restaurant each week of June. With flavors like “Schnepf Farms Peach Cobbler” or “Mexican chocolate with oaxacan chile” you will not want to miss out on this udderly unique summer tour. For a list of chefs and participating locations, click here.

Another, albeit quirkier, way to pay homage to Arizona’s dairy industry is a cheesemaking class at The Fossil Creek Creamery in Strawberry, Ariz. This edible adventure made Chow Bella’s “Ten Favorite Arizona Summer Festivals and Adventures” list. Classes fill up fast, call (928) 476-5178 for reservations.

Pen and Fork has also boarded the milkshake moovement and devised a do-it-yourself milkshake in honor of the state’s beloved bovine. So, why not support our local dairy farms by grabbing some yogurt, ice cream or milk  (and some Kahlúa or Bailey’s, no judgement) for a completely customizable summer treat. Happy Blending.

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.