Foodie news roundup for the week of Jan. 23.
Teaspressa will be moving locations on Feb. 1 and expanding its products and café locations locally and nationally. (Teaspressa was launched by local entrepreneur, Allison DeVane.) DeVane will be opening a Teaspressa Signature Café this spring as Teaspressa’s flagship location. On Feb. 1, Teaspressa will no longer be operating from its Old Town Scottsdale location, which is currently a shared space with Teaspressa and Ruze Cake House, to open its first Signature Café in Phoenix. The Teaspressa Signature Café model will be leveraged across the U.S. during its national expansion that includes launching more than 10 café locations throughout the U.S.
Bluewater’s “Foods of Love” celebration every February that tests the aphrodisiacal qualities of oysters and Champagne has become so popular that Executive Chef Jason Mazur has expanded it this year into a special three-course menu served as a tasting event and throughout the month. “Bluewater’s Foods of Love” on Feb. 7 starts with Michelle Brut by Domaine Ste. Michelle or a Champagne cocktail before the three-course menu. $35 per person, and reservations are required for Feb. 7 seatings at each restaurant starting at 6:30 p.m. Unable to attend the special Feb. 7 celebration? Order the menu throughout February for $40 with Champagne or $35 without.
Lee and Ken Singh have opened Singh Meadows in Tempe, a 72-acre organic oasis overflowing with fresh-plucked veggies, gourmet local foodstuffs and lake-filled grounds. Open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, Singh Meadows also tempts with an on-site cafe and fresh juice bar, led by Frank Belosic, Jay Bogsinske and Dan Medlen. Now serving grab-and-go salads, pastries, as well as locally roasted coffee and fresh pressed juices. In the near future look for house-baked pizzas, home-made pastas and many more from-scratch food options.
The Original Gino’s East of Chicago has announced it is now accepting applications for a variety of different positions. The Chicago-based restaurant will be located at 3626 E. Indian School Road in Arcadia and is expected to open in mid-March. Applications can be filled out and emailed to arcadia@ginoseast.com.
From now until March 31, Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill will donate a portion of cornbread sales to The Pat Tillman Foundation. Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships – building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.
Tonight, The Garden Session Series at Nobuo at Teeter House is back. Known for its live musical acts, low-cost snacks and cheap libations in an open-air garden setting, The Garden Session Series takes place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Jan. 26. On the menu are $5 steamed buns and specially priced cocktails, among other offerings, and it will be available to diners enjoying the sounds of Phoenix-based Mariachi de Grand Ave. As always, admission is free for Nobuo’s Garden Session Series, so reserve a spot by calling 602.254.0600.
With Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s new program, PlayDateNight, parents can drop off their children in the Resort’s Kids Club while they enjoy a meal at one of the Resort’s restaurants. Open to local guests as well as those staying at the resort, while the adults are dining, their children. ages 4 to 12, enjoy an evening of fun at the Kid’s Club Pajama Party. Kids can arrive in their PJs if they wish and are treated to games, crafts, movies and a kid-friendly dinner, such as pizza. Sunday through Thursday evenings, the program is $120 per family with parents enjoying a $120 credit when they dine at either deseo or Nellie Cashman’s. On Friday and Saturday nights, the program is $120 per family with parents enjoying a $100 credit when they dine. PlayDateNight at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is available by reservation only starting Feb. 1, 2017 and is subject to availability.
The culinary team at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia hosts the Chef’s Secret Garden Dinner Series, one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase visiting distilleries and winemakers from across the country. Each event invites guests to indulge in quality ingredients sourced locally in a live demonstration format. Prepared by Executive Chef Marcos Seville and taking pace in the Chef’s Kitchen, each family-style dinner includes three courses artfully paired with libations from distinguished winemakers and distillers. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m., spend an intimate evening with Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji, owner of Miura Vineyards and Managing Director of Clos Pissarra. $110 per person.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North welcomes Executive Chef Chuck Kazmer, a 25-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, to the Scottsdale property’s three main restaurants – Talavera, Proof, an American Canteen, and Saguaro Blossom poolside grill – in addition to Onyx Bar & Lounge and all food and beverage service throughout the conference and banquet facilities. Prior to joining the Scottsdale team, Kazmer served as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Amman.
National Crepe Day is Thursday, Feb. 2 and The Crepe Club (pictured) wants to be sure everyone can celebrate. In the French tradition of La Chandeleur (Jour de Crepe), guests will be able to get a free Nutella or Parisian (butter and sugar) crepe at any of the three The Crepe Club locations (Tempe, San Tan Village in Gilbert and the Biltmore Fashion Park).
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