Foodie news roundup for the week of Sept. 9.
Ahipoki has announced a new vegan and gluten-free alternative to tuna: ahimi. This plant-based poke bowl option appeals to vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians and poke bowl fans alike. Ahimi is made of tomatoes, water, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil and has a meaty texture similar to tuna. Ahimi is served in a house-made vegan sauce with hint of sweet onion, garlic, ginger and umami flavors.
Every Saturday and Sunday, kiddos can get a free doughnut at Donut Bar Scottsdale. This weekend’s freebie is a Forky from “Toy Story 4” doughnut; the store opens at 8 a.m. on weekends and goes until they are sold out. Plus, in honor of National Wife Appreciation Day on Sept. 15, Donut Bar Scottsdale is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on its heart-shaped pink crème brulee doughnut.
Tomaso Maggiore–of Tomaso’s fame, of course–is re-imagining his North Scottsdale restaurant, transforming Tomaso’s When In Rome to Tomaso’s Italian Kitchen and opening Wednesday, Sept. 18. Tomaso’s Italian Kitchen will be a modern-casual take on the celebrated Tomaso’s restaurant, curating the best of the restaurant’s 40-year history and incorporating approachable new favorites with a focus on made-from-scratch pasta, a vibrant atmosphere and a can’t-miss cocktail program.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (pictured) joins forces with No Kid Hungry for the seventh consecutive year to fight childhood hunger. Throughout September, in honor of Hunger Awareness Month, guests who dine at any Grimaldi’s location can donate to No Kid Hungry. For every $5 donated, up to a total of $25 per visit, guests will receive a bounce back card matching the donated amount to use on their next visit.
Dave Andrea, owner of Brat Haus, has announced a brand-new concept: DōH! Located in Uptown Phoenix, the shop, which opens Sept. 12, will feature signature drunken doughnuts and New York-style bagels, as well as cold brew, kombucha and prosecco on tap.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m. wine and dining adventurists are invited to Tempo Urban Bistro for an exclusive five-course mystery pairing dinner featuring Freakshow wines. Guests can delight in “seeing is believing” as Chef Steven Maynard reveals five mystery dishes that will be a surprise for the eyes as well as a feast for the senses. Each dish will be exclusive to this menu and paired with a complementary pouring of a Freakshow varietal. Cost is $70 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations may be made by calling 623.594.6788.
The Serrano family will celebrate 100 years as a family-owned business with a Centennial Fiesta at the Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant location in Downtown Chandler from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 19. At the Centennial Fiesta, attendees will be treated to $1 taco (shredded beef or chicken), rice and bean entrees. At 7 p.m., a taco-eating contest featuring local mayors and representatives from police and fire departments will take place with a prize of $1,000 to be donated to the 100 Club of Arizona benefiting families of fallen police officers and firefighters. There will also be family fun, including face painting, raffle prizes and kids’ activities.
Taco Guild will dish up a Guac Flight Trio in honor of National Guacamole Day on Monday, Sept. 16. The trio is $12 with three different guacamoles: house, jalapeno-bacon and pineapple-mint.
