Foodie news roundup for the week of May 23.
Every Friday in May and June, grads eat free at The Melting Pot when they come in with a group of four or more. To get this deal, you must mention that you are celebrating a graduation and the graduate and their guests must order from the “four-course experience” menu.
Natural Grocers, a specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements, is opening two new stores in both Phoenix and Chandler on Tuesday, May 31. In celebration of the grand openings, Natural Grocers will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at each location at 7:55 a.m. and will then distribute mystery gift cards to the first 50 customers in line.
Through July 31 at Tilted Kilt, enjoy special entrees that are infused with Samuel Adams’ Wicked Boston Summer. Try the Wicked Boston Big Arse Burger with maple-pepper bacon, American cheese, Samuel Adams Boston Lager caramelized onion relish, leaf lettuce and a ripe tomato. Or enjoy the Wicked Boston Chicken Sandwich made with hand-breaded chicken breast fried (or grilled), maple pepper bacon, American cheese, Samuel Adams Boston Lager caramelized onion relish, leaf lettuce and a ripe tomato. Lastly, there is the Wicked Boston Pulled Pork Sandwich, with slow-cooked pulled pork, maple-pepper bacon, American cheese and Samuel Adams Boston Lager caramelized onion relish, leaf lettuce and a ripe tomato.
The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge has announced plans for two new locations this year. The locally owned group is set to bring their innovative wine concept to Ahwatukee and to Gainey Ranch. The Living Room in Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center is scheduled to open the end of May. The Living Room in the Shops at Gainey Village will follow and open mid-October.
Crave Waffle Sandwich Creations has added monthly waffle and beer pairings and breakfast-themed cocktails. In partnership with Gordon Biersch, Crave is pairing its dessert liège waffles with a rotating draft brew from Gordon Biersch for $7 during happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Crave has also added breakfast cocktails to its menu, including the Blueberry Waffle, which consists of blueberry vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Blue Curacao and whipped cream, topped with savory waffle pieces; Crave Waffle-Tini made with vanilla vodka, caramel and a splash of lemon lime soda; and Cinnamon Crunch concocted with Fireball whiskey and Rumchata.
Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden will be hosting the Flavors of Summer wine dinner featuring garden-fresh tomatoes by Carl Seacat, Seacat Gardens, and Arizona wines by Sam Pillsbury, Pillsbury Wine Company, on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. The dinner costs $50 plus tax and gratuity per person. A credit card is required to reserve a space. Call 480.719.8600 for reservations.
Beginning June 3 and for a limited time only, the Bacon CheddarShack Burger will be joining Shake Shack’s burger lineup. The Bacon CheddarShack Burger ($6.89 for a single, $9.69 for a double) features an all-natural Angus beef hamburger topped with smoked Niman Ranch bacon and Wisconsin aged cheddar cheese sauce. Plus, you can also order up the Blueberry Pie Oh My featuring vanilla frozen custard blended with a slice of Shack-made blueberry pie and topped with whipped cream. The Blueberry Pie Oh My will be available as both a concrete and shake. The Blueberry Pie Oh My will be available June 3 through July 4.
The Baked Bear (pictured) will celebrate the grand opening of its first Arizona location Saturday, May 28 with free ice cream sandwiches from 1 to 3 p.m. The popular ice cream sandwich shop from San Diego will be located just east of Scottsdale Road on Shea Boulevard in the Village at Shea, 7366 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 106.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour is being transformed in an 8-bit paradise and hosting a video game-themed “8-Bitters” party on Thursday June 2 in honor of Phoenix Comic-Con. Door will open at 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., pressing play on a custom ‘Warp zone cocktail menu,’ including special discounts for Comic-Con attendees or ‘cosplay’ guests (aka anyone dressed up as their favorite comic or video game character). There will even be prizes for the best cosplay. Plus, be sure to take a picture with the Photo Bomber Man, while enjoying live DJ music all night long.
Swing by TEXAZ Grill this Saturday, May 28 and celebrate National Hamburger Day with specially-priced burgers ($5.28, normally priced at $7.75), served all lunch long from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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