Foodie news roundup for the week of Sept. 8.
A taste of The Melting Pot.
Joe’s Farm Grill introduces the Dog Days of Summer.
Sprinkles Cupcakes is offering free treats to students and teachers during the month of September. Straight A Tuesdays: Every Tuesday in September students can bring in a test or paper with an “A” letter grade on it for a free cupcake. Sweet on Teachers Mondays: Every Monday in September teachers can flash their official school ID for a buy one get one free cupcake. Also, in honor of the Cardinals first away game, Sprinkles is showing their spirit by offering guests one free Cardinals red velvet cupcake on that Sunday to fans wearing Cardinals jerseys, shirts or hats with a limit of one per customer.
This week, Downtown Phoenix’s new The Local introduces two new weekly programs: Try New Pie Tuesdays, featuring new weekly pizzas topped with special ingredients carefully crafted by Chef Chris McKinley, and Top Your Ramen Wednesdays, new ramen special that runs from 5 p.m. to close, or until the broth runs out, whichever comes first.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen celebrates its second anniversary on Sept. 17. Join Chef Michael Rusconi and his team for a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and cake, as well as a very special menu priced at $33 per person for three courses. A formal toast and cake cutting will happen at 6 p.m. Reservations are required at 480.483.0009.
During the week of Sept. 14 through the 21st, Margaritaville Glendale will be offering guests the opportunity to “round up” their check and donate to Share Our Strength’s “Dine Out For No Kid Hungry,” both in the restaurant and in the retail store. In addition to collecting funds, Margaritaville restaurants will be matching customer “round up” donations for the week to help the nonprofit organization combat childhood hunger. Margaritaville staff will also accept any cash donations that guests would like to contribute.
Enjoy a special four-course menu, paired with amazing Rodney Strong wines, at ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho during its Monday Night Chef’s Table on Sept. 15. The menu includes duck confit and grilled venison loin. $64 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required by calling 480.421.7997.
Proof, an American Canteen, (pictured) at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North hosts a pork-centric “head-to-tail” communal-style dinner on Friday, Sept. 19, featuring beer pairings from San Francisco-based Anchor Brewing. The three-course dinner is $60 per person, inclusive of the beer pairings. Seating is limited, with only 26 spots available, starting at 6 p.m; advance reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 480.513.5085.
In celebration of National Cheeseburger Day on Sept. 18, Burger 21 (with a new location in Scottsdale) will reward members of its email club, the B21 Club, with a free cheesy burger with the purchase of a burger, salad or hot dog from Sept. 17 to 19.
For the second year, Tommy Bahama is partnering with Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Throughout September, donations made at Tommy Bahama Restaurants, full-priced U.S. retail stores and www.tommybahama.com will help No Kid Hungry end childhood hunger in America to ensure that every child gets the nourishment they need to learn and grow.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf invites customers to sip on nostalgic fall dessert flavors with three new limited edition beverages: Butter Pecan Latte, Butter Pecan Ice Blended drink, and Pumpkin Chai Ice Blended drink. The new lineup joins returning fan favorites, Pumpkin Latte and Ice Blended drink. The five seasonal fall beverages from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf are available at participating locations through Nov. 2.
For the second year in a row, Zinburger patrons can support an Arizona boy in his ongoing battle against CPC (choroid plexus carcinoma) brain cancer by ordering the Butterfinger Milkshake ($5) between Sept. 2 and 30. The candy-flavored milkshake was six-year-old Chase Lock’s favorite treat while undergoing treatment last year, so Zinburger is donating 100 percent of the proceeds to his family charity, Lock in Hope.
Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend is casting out the final tasting dinner in its Legendary Dinner Series on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Executive Chef Eric Ramirez will showcase a variety of creative seafood specialties available for one night only in a masterful six-course dinner. The price of this dinner is $55 per person plus tax and gratuity. Wine pairings are available for an additional $20 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. Reserve your seat in person or by calling 602.680.4044.
Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School in Scottsdale will host chef, Justin Beckett, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Chef Beckett will offer a demonstration cooking class where everyone will get to watch him cook, and then at the end of the class, everyone will get to eat all the delicious food that the chef has expertly prepared. Cost is $65 per person. Advanced registration is required by calling 480.596.5628.
Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill at Tempe Marketplace is hosting two official ASU football watch parties this season (Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 15, time TBD). Sparky and the Sun Devil cheerleaders will be in attendance. There will also be ticket giveaways for future games.
Save the date for the third annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest at El Palacio of Chandler on Saturday, Sept. 13. Presented by Corona, doors open at 4 p.m. Highlights include a salsa competition, live entertainment, a street taco station, a margarita hut, a sand bar, beach games, sun, sand, surf and a chance to win a trip to Ensenada. Each $5 admission ticket automatically receives one raffle ticket for the Ensenada trip and additional tickets will be available for $5 each or 2 for $8 the day of the event.
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