Foodie news roundup for the week of Dec. 7.
Through Dec. 20, savor the The Frozen Banana Shake Special (pictured) at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. The shake features handmade ice cream, roasted banana mash, chocolate sauce, chocolate dipped banana chip and whipped cream.
Alex Len, center for the Phoenix Suns, is doing a meet-and-greet on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Tilted Kilt at Cityscape in Downtown Phoenix. Everyone is invited to the downtown pub that day to take photos or get an autograph from Len. Suns dancers and the Gorilla will be there to pump up the crowd.
Papa Murphy’s Holdings, Inc. unveiled a tasty new pizza creation that brings together two of America’s favorite foods, bacon and pizza. The result is an indulgent meal that combines the rich and savory flavors of Canadian bacon, crispy bacon and pepper bacon with fresh ingredients and Papa Murphy’s signature dough made in-store daily. The Bacon Bacon Bacon Pizza will be available at participating Papa Murphy’s locations nationwide through Dec. 30.
Tonight, Dec. 10, Chef Nobuo Fukuda is continuing his Garden Session Series at Nobuo at Teeter House, a set of outdoor patio concerts featuring unconventional performers paired with light bites and drinks. Tonight’s event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring Iguaza Duet. Seating is limited; call 602.254.0600 for reservations.
Through Dec. 12, the ATM cupcake dispenser at Sprinkles Cupcakes in Scottsdale will be stocked full of prize vouchers that can be redeemed inside the store. When you purchase your cupcake out of the machine, depending on the day, you could win a Sprinkles cupcake mix, Sprinkles spatula, gift card (anywhere from $5 to $100) or a baking bundle pack. While you’re there, Sprinkles is taking donations for brand new toys through Dec. 15. If you bring in a toy, you get a cupcake for free. All toys will be donated to nonprofit, Baby 2 Baby. Sprinkles JOY cupcake box is also available through Dec. 24, filled with festive flavors including red velvet, vanilla, chocolate peppermint and gingerbread cupcakes.
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho is pairing craft brews with food at their monthly Brew Master Dinner Series. The upcoming dinner on Thursday, Dec. 17 will feature delicious beers from Samuel Adams. Chef Charles Wiley and the brew master will be on hand to discuss the evening’s fare, including four brews, hors d’oeuvre, and a three-course menu. The reception starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event costs $42 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made at 480.421.7997.
Join Eklectic Pie in Mesa on Saturday, Dec. 12 for a family fun day. Enjoy free face painting and balloon art from 12 to 4 p.m., a pizza-eating contest at 3 p.m. (winner will receive a $50 gift card), live music by Gregg Sherman from 5 to 8 p.m., iPad raffle, pizza samples, games and more.
The Wing Counter will host a wing eating competition on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event and a percentage of that day’s sales will be donated to the Blue Line K9 Foundation, a local non-profit to support families of injured police K9s. Wing fans will compete to win free wings for a year (first place), free wings for a month (second place) or a dozen free wings (third place). All contestants will receive a Wing Counter T-shirt. The cost to enter is $25 and interested parties can enter in person at the restaurant or by emailing info@thewingcounter.com. Space will be limited.
Tortilla Fish officially opens its second location, in Arcadia on Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. To celebrate the opening, guests are invited to get in line early for Free Taco Day on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. offered exclusively at the new Arcadia location. Guests will each receive two free tacos, plus a complimentary beverage (one meal per person) and while supplies last.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is collecting new and unwrapped gifts at all locations to benefit The City of Scottsdale’s Toys for Tots program. On Dec. 12, the pizzeria will conclude the toy collection by hosting a special holiday event at their DC Ranch location to present the organization with all the gifts. There will be live entertainment, City of Scottsdale Firefighters and, of course, a special appearance by Santa Claus himself for picture opportunities.
Taste Tidbits
