Grassroots - New Concept by Wally's Owners to Open Soon in Scottsdale

The owners of Wally's American Pub N' Grille at Gainey Ranch and Arcadia are set to open their "next generation concept" named Grassroots at 8120 N. Hayden Rd. Suite E-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

One of the goals of the new concept is to provide great tasting dishes that cater to the health and cost conscious while also offering a socially inviting atmosphere.

Grassroots aims to use locally grown vegetables and will offer "spit-fire roasting, wood-chip smoking and open-flame grilling as flavorful methods of preparing made-from-scratch classics."

The AZFoodDude will pass along more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE (12-13-11): Check out a sample of menu items obtained by the AZFoodDude.
UPDATE (12-16-11): Grassroots is now open.

Dairy Queen's December Blizzard of the Month - Candy Cane Chill

In November, Dairy Queen gave us the Caramel Nut Roll Blizzard, for December however, Dairy Queen is offering the very appropriate Candy Cane Chill Blizzard as the Blizzard of the Month.  The Candy Cane Chill Blizzard is composed of "Peppermint candy pieces and choco chunks blended with creamy vanilla soft serve."

If you are wondering, a medium size Candy Cane Chill Blizzard has 800 calories, 22 grams of fat, 14 grams of protein and 104 grams of sugar.

Subway's December $5 Featured Footlong - Western Egg & Cheese

This month, the Chicken Marinara Melt will give way to the Western Egg & Cheese as Subway's $5 featured footlong.  As far as the AZFoodDude can tell, the "Western" Egg & Cheese is the same as the Black Forest Ham, Egg & Cheese.  That sandwich comes with ham, cheese, veggies (green peppers and red onions recommended), your choice of egg or egg whites and is shown on flatbread or an English muffin.

In terms of nutrition, you can check out this Subway site and calculate how many calories, fat, protein, etc. will be in the sandwich based on how you want the sandwich made, egg or egg whites, for example.

Burger King Debuting New Fries

By Monday, December 5, all U.S. Burger King locations will be serving up their new thicker fries.  The current recipe has been around since 1998, but due to strong competition from chains like Wendy's and Five Guys, Burger King felt a change was necessary.  According to Reuters:

Burger King said it made the new fries thicker, reduced sodium and added a coating that makes them crisper and keeps them hotter longer...The fries are cooked in trans fat-free vegetable oil and do not contain animal products

There will be no change in price for the fries on the menu and in fact, on Friday, December 16, Burger King will be offering the "value" size for free on what the chain is calling "Free Fries Friday" with no purchase required.  All this really means is that you have a choice to make, do you wait until December 16 or do you just go out and try them as soon as you can?

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Arizona Expansion Heats Up

Photo by Freddy's - Gilbert, AZ

Back in May, the AZFoodDude reported on some opening and upcoming Freddy's restaurants.  While there is no more information at this point about the Scottsdale location mentioned in the earlier post, the location at 129 E. Williams Field Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85295 has recently opened, bringing the current number of operating stores to five.

In addition to the Scottsdale location, the AZFoodDude can report that there are two new upcoming Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurants.  The first one is in Chandler at 3476 W. Frye Rd. Chandler, AZ 85226 and the second will be the first restaurant in the Tucson area at 3725 W. Orange Grove Rd. Marana, AZ 85741.

Check out the menu of the Kansas-based chain started in 2002 by WWII veteran Freddy Simon and his sons.

Bloom Closes in Scottsdale, Highgrove Grill to Take Place

Bloom, over at 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. #402 Scottsdale, AZ 85253 closed over the weekend.  From AZCentral:

According to Fox, the move resulted from a combination of circumstances. On the one hand, Fox acknowledged that after a decade, Bloom needed to be "remodeled and renovated." On the other hand, he said, "we were at a crossroads," because Bloom "is not a brand we are going to grow." So when he got an offer from Highgrove Grill to take over the lease and buy the furnishings and equipment, he accepted "with mixed emotions."

Hoping to open in a few weeks, Highgrove Grill will be an "American eatery and wine bar."