Taste Tidbits

Foodie news roundup for the week of May 8.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlor has unveiled its fourth-annual Book o’ Cocktails. The 32-page more-than-a-cocktail menu features a fun, fairytale theme with several can’t-miss newbies, B&T favorites and beloved classics. Among the must-try new cocktails is Taste the Rainbow (pictured), a made-for-Instagram concoction of house-infused kaffir lime gin that added to sloe gin and fresh lime, pineapple and strawberry. To top it off, a rainbow of dehydrated raspberries and colored powered sugar. Other new favorites–and perfect for summer sips–include the ginger-y Hierba Buena, the Jic-up, made with smokey mezcal, and Ship Load of Rum, which will have you dreaming of a tropical vacation.
The 7th annual ameriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival has moved to a new location this year at the Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix and is taking place Saturday, May 13, from 12 to 6 p.m.  Guests can expect pours from more than 250 canned craft beers, live music, local food purveyors and much more. This is a 21-and-over event. Tickets can be found here.
On Fridays at 6 p.m., May 12 through June 30, join Mountain Shadows for its Sunset Champagne Toast. Join in Friday evenings on the Mountain Shadows Lawn for a special Champagne sabering and toast. Enjoy a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot while watching the sun set over Camelback Mountain.
Scottsdale’s new Zen Culinary now features a signature lunch special item for only $7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Options include chicken pad Thai, pork belly ramen and more.
Valley beer lovers are invited to enjoy pints of Mike Hess Brewing Claritas Kölsch beer infused with raspberries during Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen’s Firkin Friday event beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12. Firkin Friday is a monthly event featuring a specialty flavored brew that you won’t find anywhere else. May’s light lager will be sold for $6 a pint while supplies last Friday night.
In honor of National Burger Month, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar is inviting diners to share their ZinFull moments. (What is a ZinFull moment? Perhaps it is sharing a Zinburger with friends you haven’t seen in a while or your kiddos splitting their favorite Zinburger concoction.) Follow Zinburger on Instagram, post your favorite ZinFull moments at Zinburger on Instagram, tag @EatZinburger and use the hashtag #ZINfullmoment because at the end of National Burger Month (May), Zinburger will randomly choose a winner to receive Zinburger for one year.
Mora Italian has began its Saturday and Sunday brunch service, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A live DJ and dishes ranging from savory to sweet are part of Phoenix’s newest brunch draw. Dig into baked eggs with semolina pudding, sausage and porcini ragu or the chef’s take on French toast ($14), featuring blackberry stufato, goat’s milk crema and almonds, among other fabulous a.m. eats.
Elly’s Brunch & Café, a Chicago favorite know for its fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, famously fluffy pancakes and massive menu of made-to-order comfort foods, is now open at Phoenix’s revitalized Uptown Plaza. Elly’s Brunch & Cafe will serve up classic American breakfast, brunch and lunch fare, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, 365 days a year.
Cartel Coffee Lab locations will offer up complimentary, hand-decorated macaron (from Ruze Cake House) with any coffee purchase this Mother’s Day for Mom.