Roy’s is the second East Valley restaurant to announce it is extending its menu special from Arizona Restaurant Week, which concluded Friday.

Earlier, Don & Charlie’s in Scottsdale announced it would continue to offer its three-course, $29 menu for the entire month of October.

Roy’s, which has locations in Scottsdale, Chandler and Desert Ridge in Phoenix, only is offering its special menu through Monday, Oct. 6.

It includes choice of appetizer (ahi tuna or pear and arugula salad), entree (prosciutto-wrapped tiger shrimp, gorgonzola and spinach crusted salmon, Mongolian grilled top sirloin barbecue or braised Hawaii Kai beef short ribs) and dessert (hot chocolate soufflé [pictured] or strawberry shortcake).

The $29 fixed price does not include beverage, tax or gratuity.

Info: roysrestaurant.com.

SanTan Brewing Co. will celebrate its one-year anniversary by hosting an Oktoberfest event from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.

The downtown Chandler brewery and restaurant will set up a parking-lot beer garden with vendor booths, live music and a beer maid contest. There will be a $20 admission to the beer garden area.

Participating brewers will include BJ’s, Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch and Prescott Brewing Co.

Info: (480) 917-8700 or santanbrewing.com.

The slumping economy apparently has claimed more East Valley restaurants.

The Manna Cafe, a Korean barbecue restaurant that took over the former Godfather’s Pizza restaurant on the southeast corner of Country Club Drive and Guadalupe Road in Gilbert, has closed. A notice posted on the door indicates the landlord re-took possession of the premises Tuesday.

Primo Italian Cuisine, located on the northwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads in Chandler, also has closed its doors. The restaurant featured homemade pastas and Italian entrees.

Last month, Michel Wall of Chandler won Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill’s annual Chile Fest dessert contest.

Since then, a couple readers have been looking for the recipe of Wall’s chipotle chocolate torte topped with peaches, raspberries and cinnamon vanilla whipped cream.

The dessert is on Z’Tejas’ menu through Sept. 21 at all four Valley locations. A dollar from every sale benefits the Foundation for Blind Children. Info: ztejas.com.

• Previous: Chandler woman wins Z’Tejas chile dessert contest (Aug. 24, 2008)

(more…)

Look out, Buffalo Wild Wings. Buffalo Wing & Rings, one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant chains, will open its first East Valley location in Chandler in mid-October.

The Ohio-based chain currently operates 36 restaurants, 15 in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. It plans to open another dozen by the end of this year and have a total of 85 by the end of 2010.

Besides wings (10 for $7.99), Buffalo Wings & Rings’ menu includes burgers, chicken tenders, gyros, popcorn shrimp and mini corn dogs. No individual menu item is more than $8.

The Chandler location will be on the northeast corner of Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard.

• Check out Buffalo Wings & Rings’ menu

The opening of Sam Fox’s first Chandler restaurant has been pushed back three weeks. Sauce, his fast-casual gourmet pizza chain that had been scheduled to open its ninth Arizona location on Sept. 23, now is expected to launch it Oct. 13.

The latest addition to Fox’s restaurant empire — which includes Olive & Ivy, North, Greene House, Bloom and several other brands — will be one of the first restaurants at the south Chandler development known as Downtown Ocotillo.

Located on the southwest corner of Dobson and Queen Creek roads, Downtown Ocotillo will have what its developers call “the charm and flare of a Santa Barbara main street.” Other restaurants announced, so far, for the 25-acre site are Sapporo, The Egg & I Cafe and Port of Subs.

• Read my June 2007 review of Sauce
• Check out Sauce’s website

When the Food Network’s popular program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” decided to do a show on ice cream, it searched nationwide for three interesting ice cream shops.

One of those, it turns out, is right here in the East Valley. Aunt Lena’s Creamery in Chandler is featured in the episode entitled “Brain Freeze,” which debuts at 10 p.m. today (7 p.m. if you have the Food Network HD channel).

Aunt Lena’s offers a rotating selection of nearly 150 flavors of gelato, an Italian version of ice cream that owners Ray and Cheryl D’Ottavio (pictured above) say is more flavorful than traditional ice cream.

“Ice cream is made with up to 18 percent butterfat, which is basically heavy cream,” Ray D’Ottavio says. “It tends to coat your tongue and your tastebuds can’t really taste the ice cream as well.

“Gelato is only made with milk. Since it’s lighter, the flavors come out more. Plus, it has a third of the calories.”

(more…)

D’Vine Bistro and Wine Bar celebrates the one-year anniversary of its Chandler location with day-long festivites Saturday. The day’s activities will include chef Ramon Rice’s barbecue buffet ($12) from 1 to 3 p.m., a champagne bar from 6 to 8 p.m., dinner specials and live music from Newton’s Theorem from 8 to 11 p.m.

The restaurant (pictured at left), on the northwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads, also is offering a special rate at the Holiday Inn next door for patrons who don’t want to drive. Info: (480) 782-5550 or dvinewine101.com.

• Urban Campfire won’t re-open this Friday as planned. The restaurant on the southeast corner of University Drive and Rural Road closed 10 weeks ago for renovations. Chef and co-owner Robert Stempkowski says the building’s foundation needed unexpected repairs and the work is running about two weeks behind schedule.

• Chandler gelato shop Aunt Lena’s Creamery will be featured Monday on the popular Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” hosted by Guy Fieri. The restaurant, located on the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road, offers more than 140 flavors. Info: (480) 802-1100 or auntlena.net.

(more…)

Scantily clad young women roll giant dice and dance suggestively to American pop songs. A small man is pulled out of the audience and starts to sing — badly. But he’s given a wad of cash as the crowd and dancers cheer.

This is “Wowowee,” the No. 1-rated television show in the Philippines, which — no matter the time of day — always seems to be on the big-screen TV at Gingerroot, a new Filipino restaurant on the northwest corner of Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard in Chandler.

The zaniness of the show stands in stark contrast to the almost chic dining room, an intimate space where nine tableclothed tables are carefully arranged in three perfect rows. Still, the evening’s 10 other diners, all of whom appear to be Filipino, are watching with rapt attention.

Now, I must admit, I’m not experienced with Filipino food. But I like Asian cuisines — Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese — so I’m excited to try Gingerroot, which replaced the Boracay Grill, another Filipino place, and still has some of the same staff.

(more…)

Nick Haddad maybe should have chosen a different name for Sautee. Whenever I mention his nearly year-old Chandler restaurant to someone, the reaction usually is the same.

“Sautee? Never been there. I don’t like French food.”

Well, forget about foie gras and frog legs. Sautee mostly serves good ol’ American favorites like steaks, chicken and burgers, albeit slightly fancy versions.

For the most part, Sautee is a casual, comfortable place. The industrial-like interior is energized by an infusion of primary colors, courtesy of lights, glass panels and modern artwork.

It also can be a fairly noisy place, especially if you’re seated next to the open exhibition kitchen, which is dramatically framed with a broken mosaic of red and orange tile.

Calamari ($10, pictured below) is a must-have appetizer. Six-inch-long strips of squid are soaked in buttermilk for hours and then flash-fried. Slightly crunchy on the outside yet tender on the inside, it’s one of the best preparations I’ve tasted.

(more…)

With the first six months of 2008 in the books, it’s time for a mid-year look at the best restaurants that have opened in the East Valley. Despite our economic doldrums, it’s been a banner year. Here, no particular order, are the 10 new restaurants that have most impressed me, taking into consideration their respective categories and niches:

Humble Pie: This cozy pizzeria and wine bar (pictured above) at Hilton Village makes delicious 11-inch, wood-fired pizzas topped with locally produced meats and farm-fresh vegetables, complemented by wines and beers selected by co-owner Tom Kaufman (Rancho Pinot Grill). 6149 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 556-9900, humblepieusa.com.

Digestif: Restaurateur Peter Kasperski (Cowboy Ciao, Sea Saw, Kazimierz World Wine Bar) adds another jewel to his empire with this SouthBridge eatery, which sets chef Payton Curry’s rustic “Cal-Ital” menu to an indie music vibe. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 425-9463, digestifscottsdale.com.

Bar Tepo: This stylish yet casual New American eatery from Valley restaurateur Steve Short (Basis, Atlasta Catering) offers unusual treats, such as roasted artichoke and Boursin cheese puffs with a bacon fondue or brown suger Hoisin chicken tacos with mango salsa. 1652 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, (480) 633-0155, bartepo.com.

Fine’s Cellar: Michael Fine, founder of Sportsman’s Fine Wines & Spirits, started with a great wine list — also available in the barrel-vaulted restaurant’s retail shop — then tasked chef Cullen Campbell to create an all-day menu of gourmet sandwiches and entrees to match it. 7051 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, (480) 994-3463, finescellar.com.

Cork: Robert and Danielle Morris’ ambitious small-plates restaurant and wine bar in Ocotillo offers delicious nibbles of everything from lobster to pheasant to antelope to ostrich. Traditional-sized dishes are served for lunch and Sunday brunch. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773, corkrestaurant.net.

Roka Akor: Trendy London restaurant Roka chose Scottsdale for its first North American spinoff, where marinated meats, seafood and vegetables are cooked over oak charcoal on a large robata grill. Sushi and Japanese kitchen dishes also are available. 7299 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 306-8800, rokarestaurant.com.

Latitude Eight: Novice restaurateur David Fliger’s simple yet modern Thai grill is the latest gem in restaurant-rich downtown Chandler. The family-run eatery — Fliger’s mother oversees the kitchen — boasts a wonderful five-course tasting menu for a mere $13. 11 W. Boston St., Chandler, (480) 722-0560, latitude-eight.com.

Eddie’s House: Chef Eddie Matney’s first public foray into the East Valley presents his eclectic versions of American comfort foods in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Look for Matney bantering with guests and handing out samples nightly at the chef’s counter. 7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, (480) 946-1622, eddieshouseaz.com.

Bourbon Steak: Taking over the former space of the Fairmont Scottsdale resort’s well-regarded Marquesa, celebrity chef Michael Mina brings the American steakhouse into the 21st century with three tiers of beef, topped by a $175 Japanese “A5” Kobe New York strip. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, (480) 513-6002, michaelmina.net.

Culver’s: Yes, it’s a fast-food restaurnt. But this Wisconsin-based chain’s famous ButterBurgers — the buns are buttered, then toasted — are the epitome of fast-food burgers. Delightful frozen custard desserts cap off this guilty pleasure. 1909 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, (480) 733-5330, culvers.com.

Related links:
• View this story as a slideshow with photos of all 10 restaurants
• Review my top East Valley restaurants of 2007

Bar Tepo, the New American restaurant that opened earlier this year at Dana Park in Mesa, has launched some daily lunch specials, including poblano and chicken mac ‘n’ cheese ($7), tempura fish and sweet potato chips ($8) and a cilantro and chile seared chicken quesadilla ($7).

• Read my April 2008 review of Bar Tepo 

(more…)

With the price of just about everything spiraling out of control, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy a delicious lunch for less than $5? When I’m trying to stretch my restaurant budget, I turn to East Valley pizzerias, many of which offer a slice or two for just a few bucks. Some even throw in a drink. Here are five of my go-to spots:

(more…)

After a couple months of delays, KiZake Sushi & Martinis finally has opened in downtown Chandler. Chef Hiro Taniguchi’s cozy eatery, decorated in blue and white, features a natural wood sushi bar with 11 seats, a half-dozen four-person tables and a booth.

(more…)

As we celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, it’s the perfect time to recognize America’s culinary heritage. From New England clam chowder to Cajun gumbo to Texas beef brisket, the United States enjoys a gastronomic diversity few countries, if any, can rival. Here are five East Valley restaurants that embody the spirit, and appetite, of America:

Ted’s Hot Dogs
Nothing’s more American, according to tradition, than hot dogs and apple pie. If you’re looking for the former, Ted’s Hot Dogs offers delicious charcoal-broiled jumbo dogs, footlongs and cheese dogs that trace their pedigree back to Buffalo, N.Y., in 1927. Today, the chain has seven locations in western New York and one in Tempe — maybe because Ted’s president Spiro Liaros lives here and oversees it. 1755 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, (480) 968-6678 or tedsonline.com.

Iowa Café
For apple pie, you won’t find any better in the East Valley than those at this east Mesa café, which has been owned by a string of Iowans, including current operator Pam Ohsman, during its 23 years. Pies ($14.99, or $2.59 a slice) also come in 17 other flavors, not including seasonal varieties. Make a meal by starting with one of the café’s breaded pork tenderloins or Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwiches. 5606 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, (480) 985-2022, iowacafe.com.

Pinnacle Peak Patio
The self-proclaimed “original Western steakhouse” has been serving its streamlined menu of mesquite-broiled steaks, ribs and chicken since 1957. Eight separate dining areas can accommodate nearly 2,000 people, and there always seems to be a few who show up in neckties, which end up cut off and displayed on the wall. 10426 E. Jomax Road, Scottsdale, (480) 615-1113 during day, (480) 585-1599 at night, pppatio.com.

Red White & Brew
Dishes ranging from chicken and cheese empanadas to Cajun chicken to coppa stracciatella pay homage to America’s ethnic diversity. The Chandler location celebrates its one-year anniversary Friday by extending its patio an extra 40,000 square feet for live music, family-friendly games and prize giveaways starting at 11 a.m. 6740 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, (480) 807-9393; 4850 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, (480) 305-6993; rwbaz.com.

Heart Attack Grill
This burger joint has garnered national and international attention for its zealous embrace of America’s unhealthiest eating habits. “Quadruple Bypass” cheeseburgers (made with four half-pound beef patties and 12 strips of bacon), french fries “deep-fried in pure lard” and caffeine-laden Jolt Cola hare hawked by young female servers dressed as sexy nurses. U-S-A! U-S-A! 6185 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, (480) 205-7777, heartattackgrill.com.

Red White and Brew will celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Chandler location with a huge outdoor party from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. The restaurant, located on the northwest corner of Gilbert and Chandler Heights roads, will expand into 40,000 square feet of its parking lot to offer outdoor grills and family carnival games.

Raffle prizes include Diamondbacks tickets, $100 Neiman Marcus gift cards and $100 and $50 gas cards. The grand prize is a $3,000 Rockford Eastgate stereo system. The Weezul Brothers Band perform at 5 p.m.

The free event is a fundraiser for The Choir Boys, a non-profit motorcycle club that helps the families of fallen law-enforcement officers. Info: (480) 305-6993 or rwbaz.com.

• Humble Pie, the six-month-old gourmet pizzeria from Tom Kaufman and partners, has expanded its menu. It now offers lasagna made with Schreiner’s Sicilian sausage ($9.95) and three sandwiches: mortadella ($8.95), chicken ($8.95) and turkey and salami ($9.95). New desserts ($6.95) include cannolis, brownies, root beer floats, chocolate and olive oil gelato and the ubiquitous pizza cookie. Info: (480) 556-9900 or humblepieusa.com.

• SWB, the Southwest bistro at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, has introduced a six-item “A La Mode” summer dessert menu, including a chocolate ice cream tiramisu (espresso-laced ladyfingers, Belgian chocolate ice cream, mascarpone and chocolate espresso beans) and a Mediterranean Coupe (pistachio ice cream, olive oil cake, apricot compote and yogurt). Info: (480) 444-1234 or scottsdale.hyatt.com.

• I Am The Center, Robert Black and Austin Vickers’ three-story “holistic lifestyle complex” in downtown Tempe that includes chef Damon Brasch’s wonderful organic bistro, has closed for the summer, according to its website. Info: iamthecenter.com.

• Chompies is celebrating the Fourth of July with an all-you-can-eat ribs feast for $10.99. The New York-style deli also is selling red, white and blue versions of its traditonal black and white cookies. Info: chompies.com.

• If you love Jamba Juice as much as I do, you’ll be happy to know ready-to-drink bottles of smoothies and juicies now are available in six flavors at Safeway and Albertson’s. Look for them at Fry’s and Bashas’ by the end of summer. Info: jambajuice.com.

• Mark your calendars: July 11 is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A. Free meals are given to anyone fully dressed as a cow and, yes, there are East Valley residents who take advantage of the offer. Info: chick-fil-a.com.

• Sake2me, which claims to be the “first single-serve, naturally flavored, ready-to-drink infused sake beverage,” has made its Arizona debut. You can find it at BevMo and AJ’s, among other places. Info: sake2me.com.

Hard-working restaurant owners need vacations, too. It’s no surprise that many choose to take time off in July, traditionally the slowest time of year for East Valley restaurants. Among the more notable closings:

Binkley’s, Kevin Binkley’s acclaimed Cave Creek restaurant, closes Tuesday for four weeks. It re-opens Aug. 1

Cyclo, Justina Duong’s wonderful Vietnamese eatery in Chandler, closed Sunday for two weeks. It re-opens July 15.

Classic Italian Pizza, Azhar Began’s Tempe strip-mall gem, also closed Sunday. It re-opens July 11.

Los Dos Molinos, at least the Mesa location, also has closed. It re-opens July 15.