Friday, December 9, 2011

Scottsdale Restaurant Boom Continues

The AZFoodDude recently reported on the soon to come Grassroots Restaurant at 8120 N. Hayden Rd. Suite E-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85258, and the recently opened Caldero, but there are quite a few other restaurants coming to Scottsdale in the near future...

The House - 6936 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - The owner of Zinc Bistro and The Mission is jumping into another venture.  Described as less expensive than his other restaurants, Chef Matt Carter promises, "an international menu of shareable dishes, everything from paella and poutine to charcuterie and macaroni and cheese." The House is looking to open this upcoming spring.

Au Petit Four - 7217 E. 4th Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - Planning to open by the end of the year, Au Petit Four is probably best known for their pastries, some of which include, "Bavarian flan, eclairs, brioche, apple turnovers, palmiers, scones, custard creams, tartines and pain Suisse, a sweet croissant dough folded over dark chocolate chips then baked." In addition, this French themed cafe specializes in grab-n-go dishes.

CB&C's Burger Challenge - Photo by: CB&C 

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers - 20745 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 - Having opened late last month, CB&C specializes in Build Your Own Burgers.  While building your burger or eating one of the other various menu items such as Prime Rib Sliders, Asian Chicken Salad or Kosher Hot Dogs, you can watch TV on one of their 15 plasma HD televisions. 

Calistro California Bistro - Scottsdale Rd. & McDonald Dr. - Set to open at the Hilton Village Shopping Center in January or February, Calistro will feature, "earth-friendly, farm-to-table Mediterranean theme with wood-fired oven dishes and healthy touches, such as using silken tofu instead of butter, cream or mayonnaise." This will be Calistro's second location and the prices are aiming to be near or lower than Houston's and J. Alexander's.

Cask 63 American Eatery and Wine Bar - 8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 - Slated to open in January, Cask 63, which was first reported to be "Highgrove Grill," will be opening where Bloom recently closed.  AZCentral got a look at a preview menu which included, "wild mushroom flatbread layered in Fontina cheese sauce, caramelized onion, balsamic reduction and truffle oil ($11), tuna Nicoise salad ($14), Clear Springs Farms rainbow trout Meuniere or Amandine ($15, $18), Madeira braised beef short ribs with warm beet salad and candied apple and fig ($16, $23), filet mignon with parsnip puree ($28), and lobster pot pie ($26)."  Along with these items, there will be a daily taco special, a daily sea bass recipe and a daily oyster bar.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

New From Dunkin' Donuts: Texas Toast Grilled Cheese & Holiday Donuts

Announced today, Dunkin' Donuts began selling their new Texas Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  According to Dunkin' Donuts, the new sandwich:
"...features two slices of American cheese and one slice of white cheddar cheese melted between two pieces of thick-cut Texas Toast and served oven-toasted. Guests may customize the sandwich upon request by adding bacon or ham."
The press release also mentioned two special holiday donuts:
"Dunkin' Donuts' Sprinkle the Cheer Donut is a yeast ring donut with red icing and holly berry sprinkles, while the Holiday Star Donut is a star-shaped donut with vanilla icing, filled with Bavarian Kreme and topped with silver nonpareils."
Nutrition:
Texas Toast Grilled Cheese - No information available at this time
Sprinkle the Cheer Donut - 290 calories, 15 grams of fat, 16 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein
Holiday Star Donut - 300 calories, 13 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Smashburger to Open in North Phoenix

Smashburger will be opening at 2470 W. Happy Valley Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85027 on Wednesday, December 14.  This is the seventh of around thirty locations that the local franchisee hopes to open within the next five years.  If you've never been to a Smashburger, the press release gives an idea of what the chain offers:
Smashburger’s signature recipes and create your own burgers are smashed fresh, served delicious every time. But Smashburger is more than just burgers. Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, and fresh tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, fried pickles, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including local beers, wine, hand-spun Häagen-Dazs shakes and IBC® root-beer floats in frosted mugs.
In addition to this upcoming opening, Smashburger has 2 other locations "coming soon."  They will be located at 9918 W. Happy Valley Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383 and 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050.