Foodie news roundup for the week of Sept. 18.
Looking for the perfect tailgate dessert? Sprinkles’ GO TEAM Box and TOUCHDOWN Box are available now through Sept. 30, adding the perfect sweet touch to your game-day menu. The GO TEAM Box includes two vanilla, two Black & White, four red velvet and four pumpkin cupcakes. The TOUCHDOWN Box has nine dark chocolate and three velvet cupcakes.
Southern Rail in Phoenix is gearing up for its bi-annual Jazz & Jambalaya series. The series begins on Sunday, Sept. 24, and features sazeracs and jambalaya (pictured), a traditional New Orleans dish with creole tomatoes and rice served with smoked chicken, Andouille sausage and sautéed shrimp. The event is rounded out with smooth tones of live music from local jazz bands. Jazz & Jambalaya will take place every Sunday from Sept. 24 through Nov. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. on the patio. Featured local jazz artists include The Joe Costello Project, The Phoenician Four and Reid Riddiough.
Sonata’s Restaurant in Scottsdale has launched its new fall brunch menu, featuring a variety of American classics with a touch of Old World flavors. Dishes not to miss include the Spicy Shrimp Omelet with onion, jalapeno, cilantro, cabbage slaw, and sriracha mayonnaise; the Cordon Bleu Omelet with ham, smoked chicken, bacon and gruyere cheese; Champagne French Toast with strawberry compote; and the Parfait featuring nut granola, honey Greek yogurt and fresh mixed berries; and much more.
The Horny Toad, the oldest, original restaurant in Cave Creek, is gearing up to celebrate its 41st birthday this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Horny Toad will celebrate turning 41 years old by offering food and drink specials including a half fried chicken with crispy French fries and coleslaw for $8.95 and the Toad’s famous strawberry shortcake, half order, for only $3. The Horny Toad also will feature 16-ounce glasses of Horny Toad Golden Ale for $3 and a prickly pear margarita for just $6. The music of Arizona Territory Band will fill the air from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe is set for a family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. Pedal Haus is partnering up with Sierra Nevada and offering six Oktoberfest-themed beers to choose from, with $10 commemorative one-liter steins and $5 refills. (Dress up in your favorite Oktoberfest attire and get half-off your stein purchase while enjoying $5 bratwurst and $5 pretzel plates!) In addition to listening to a polka band, take part in brat-eating and steinholding contests, as well as Sierra Nevada giveaways and “fan-only incentives” that you can take part in by liking Pedal Haus Brewery on Facebook.
Save the date for Cooks & Chords on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Indulge in tastings from favorite Valley restaurants (including Sierra Bonita Grill, Atlasta Catering, Morrison’s at Mayo, and Fabulous Food Catering) paired with spirits and live acoustic music. More than 350 guests are expected at this year’s masquerade-themed event and to raise funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Proceeds from the event as well as a raffle and silent auction will support MS research, programs and services. Tickets are $75 per person and are available by visiting nationalMSsociety.org/ArizonaCooks or calling 480.455.3958.
Starting on Sunday, Sept. 24, and every Sunday after, Dave and Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace is debuting Sunday Funday from 12 to 4 p.m. on its rooftop patio. Play games like ping pong, giant jenga, corn hole and cup pong while listening to the live DJ. Enjoy $5 select appetizers or the create your own Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. Plus, Late Night Happy Hour runs from 10 p.m. to midnight, offering half-off cocktails, $1 for 22-oz. draft beers and $3 bottles of wine.
Hula’s Modern Tiki in Phoenix and Scottsdale are hosting a hurricane relief fundraiser Sept. 23 and 24. Offered all day and all night, Hula’s will donate $1 from every tropical cocktail sold directly to the Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.
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