The London 2012 Olympics are in full swing and we’ve heard enough fish and chips puns to last us until the 2016 Summer games in Rio de Janeiro.

That said, the Olympic fervor that has overcome news outlets, advertising and social media is a welcomed (albeit competitive and patriotic) change of pace. And food is no exception, if anything it is yet another catalyst for heritage and pride. On that note, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

While we’re on the subject of the Olympics (and who isn’t, btw) we would like to take a moment and congratulate SanTan Brewing on their gold and bronze medals at the U.S. Beer Championships in Atlanta. According to Mouth By Southwest, more than 1,650 beers competed in 65 categories. Read about their victory here.

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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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“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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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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