Foodie news roundup for the week of Feb. 20.
This weekend, one of the Valley’s most anticipated culinary events takes place: Devour Culinary Classic. As of this week, the majority of the Devour events have sold out. All available tickets have been claimed for the Seven Chef Singh Along, the Devour Phoenix Film Screening: Elements, Devour Culinary Classic: Saturday, and Devour Culinary Classic: Sunday. However, tickets still remain for the Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition (Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. at DeSoto Central Market in Phoenix) and Palette to Palate (held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 2 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel). Tickets are available for purchase at devourphoenix.com/classic.
Modern Market (pictured) is bringing its craveable and affordable menu of all-natural breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, all served up quickly inside a stylish rustic-modern setting, to Scottsdale starting Monday, Feb. 27. Modern Market is a revitalized mid-century modern building at the northeast corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Highland Ave. and features clean, simple food made from-scratch with locally sourced ingredients, ordered from a counter and served fast.
Sandbar Chandler and Sandbar Desert Ridge are the places to be to celebrate New Orleans -tyle food and fun. From Feb. 24-28, both Sandbar locations will be offering crawfish and shrimp tacos, along with jambalaya, in celebration of Mardi Gras. Sandbar will also be offering drink specials that include $5 Hurricanes and $1 Jell-O shots.
Sprinkles is getting in on the gender-reveal fun. Just have your doctor write “girl” or “boy” inside an envelope and bring it into Sprinkles. The gender-reveal cupcakes say it all with a concealed pink or blue frosting and your choice of sugar decorations. Also, in honor of the Academy Awards, you will be able to get the classic red velvet cupcakes decorated with shiny gold stars from Feb. 24-26.
In honor of Pączki Day on Feb. 28, Liberty Market in Gilbert is taking pick-up pre-orders for a dozen or more of the rich, jelly-filled pastries; the deadline for pre-orders is Sunday night, Feb. 26. Liberty Market is offering a choice of two fillings: vanilla bean custard or raspberry jam. Smaller orders will be taken first-come, first-served in person at the restaurant after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, while supplies last. Paczki are $3 each or $33 per dozen. To order call Liberty Market at 480.892.1900 or email info@libertymarket.com.
Join Pomelo, Luci’s at The Orchard and Splurge Ice Cream and Candy Shop for an afternoon of beautiful art from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. Local artist, JoAnn Augur will be showcasing her oil, acrylic and pastel pieces for sale in the charming lawn and barn area on this historic property. If you purchase one of JoAnn’s pieces during the event, you will receive 10 percent off your tab at Pomelo.
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana has unveiled a revamped happy hour. In honor of the occasion, Pomo will run extended happy hour specials from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 24. Afterward, the menu will be available during Pomo’s regular happy hour in the bar area, held from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. New additions include Mozzarella Fritta ($4), Pomo’s take on the traditional mozzarella stick, and Gamberi Pomo ($8), sauteed shrimp swimming in a zesty chili pepper tomato sauce with cherry tomatoes, olives and mozzarella. Pomo’s happy hour menu also offers drink deals like $4 draft beer and house wines, $5 prosecco and well drinks, and $7 craft cocktails.
On Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Market Street Kitchen presents a Melville Wine Dinner, featuring Chad Melville, head winegrower. For $85 plus tax and gratuity, enjoy five delicious wine-paired courses, including braised lamb shank and black tea-steamed hamachi.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., visit any Valley Snooze, an A.M Eatery location for a special National Pancake Day menu of from-scratch, highly creative pancakes for $3.50 each. Dig into The King Cake (Bbttermilk pancake filled with white chocolate chips, topped with lemon curd, blueberry mascarpone and toasted coconut) or the Acai of Relief (buttermilk pancake filled with blueberries, topped with açaí berry coulis, granola, toasted coconut, banana whipped cream and finished off with a drizzle of honey and chia seeds). Plus, each Snooze location will be donating 100 percent of pancake sales on this day to support local community garden projects nearby.
This Fat Tuesday, Southern Rail in Phoenix is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration complete with festively themed menu specials on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The festivities will include signature New Orleans-style cocktails, King Cake and a costume contest.
Celebrate at the monthly Monday Night Chef’s Table series hosted by ZuZu inside Hotel Valley Ho. A seasonal four-course menu is paired with four wines or spirits from the special guest. At the upcoming dinner on Monday, Feb. 27, savor four courses, with each course paired with a different wine from Melville. Chef LaCasce and the special guest will discuss the evening’s fare and how the wines are made. The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and costs $68 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made at 480.421.7997.
This Fat Tuesday (Feb. 28), TEXAZ Grill in Phoenix will be serving up authentic New Orleans food and drink specials all day long, with $6 Hurricane cocktails and traditional sugar-dusted $5 Calas offered all day long. Enjoy a delicious lunch special (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Louisiana favorite house-made chicken gumbo offered by the cup ($3.50) or bowl ($4.50). Plus, available only during happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.), TEXAZ Grill will be offering $1 fresh-shucked Gulf oysters for a true test of New Orleans (limited availability).
Join Sorso Wine Room Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to close for Sip for a Cause. Ten percent of the sales during the promotion will be donated to benefit Reigning Grace Ranch, a nonprofit that pairs rescued horses with foster kids, giving them much needed therapy and life skills. During this special event, enjoy live music starting at 4:30 p.m. plus happy hour pricing all day.
Join Chef Michael Rusconi for a special February Luncheon and Cooking Class on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rusconi’s American Kitchen. Chef Michael will instruct the preparation of some of his signature dishes, including Key West shrimp salad and dark chocolate bread pudding. Cost is $65 and includes instruction, recipes and a three-course lunch to follow. Wine pairings with lunch available for a $12 supplement.
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