Kona Grill Opening in Scottsdale Quarter

On June 12th, Locally based Kona Grill, which operates over 40 locations across the country, is set to open their newest restaurant in Arizona. The newest spot located at 15345 N. Scottsdale Rd. Suite #K-100 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 in the Scottsdale Quarter will be their fifth in the state.

Along with a menu focusing on modern American cuisine, Kona Grill has an extensive sushi menu that features fish flown in everyday.  A few highlights:

• Kona Churrasco - Flank steak, chimichurri sauce, house mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables
• Macadamia Nut Chicken - House mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, shoyu cream, pineapple-papaya marmalade
• Cuban Sandwich - Braised kalua pork, ham, swiss, homemade pickles, mustard, baguette, sweet potato fries
• Lobster & Tuna Flatbread - Avocado, red onion, tomato, citrus aioli

You can check out the rest of the menu here and look for other locations.

Five Restaurants Coming Soon to Metro Phoenix

Though information is light, here are some quick hits on 5 restaurants soon to open in the Phoenix Metro area:

1. When in Rome - Brought to you by the folks from Tomaso's, When in Rome will be located at 23655 N Scottsdale Road # 120 Scottsdale, AZ 85255.  A specific opening date is not yet known, however North Scottsdale Lifestyle magazine has more on Tomaso himself and gives some hints as to what ingredients we can expect to find on the menu.

2. Casa Anejo - Planning for a May opening at 5602 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 next to The Colony, Casa Anejo makes it clear tacos and tequila will be on the menu.  Though at this this time, the venture by the same folks who opened Stock & Stable last year, Evening Entertainment Group, details are still limited.

3. Panera Bread - A new location is coming to the Paradise Valley Mall area.  Located at 4512 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032, this will only add to Panera's increasing presence in the valley after having recently converted several Paradise Bakery locations into Panera Bread locations.

4. Artezania Kitchen & Cantina - Not much is yet known about this upcoming restaurant attached to the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hotel in North Scottsdale at 7677 E Princess Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 next to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. According to the purveyors, Artezania Kitchen & Cantina, "is a fresh ingredient concept incorporating a modern twist on southwest cuisine with a specialty craft beverage program focusing on Tequila and Mezcal."

5. Döner Dudes - To open near the Tempe ASU campus, right between the Vista Del Sol student housing and the Adelphi Commons at 681 E. Apache Blvd. #107 Tempe, AZ 85281, Döner Dudes, "is a fast-casual restaurant serving authentic Turkish Mediterranean food to our guests. Our atmosphere is casual yet professional at all times." Wondering what a döner is? It is a Turkish kebab, "cooked on a vertical rotisserie are the Arab shawarma, Greek gyros, and Mexican Al pastor."

The Vig to Open Fifth Restaurant in the Valley

The Vig, already with three Phoenix locations in Arcadia, Fillmore, and Uptown, as well as one in Scottsdale at McCormick Ranch, is preparing for an April opening of their fifth restaurant in the McDowell Mountain Ranch area of Scottsdale, near the corner of Bell Rd. & Thompson Peak Pkwy.

The mountain views are going to be a draw for this location and The Vig has already planned for those that love the trails nearby.  According to Jessie Palm, director of PR & Marketing for Genuine Concepts via ABC15:

"Because it is relatively close to the mountains, the restaurant will have lockers and a locker room for guests to change, get cleaned up and have lunch or dinner, she said."

The photos shown here by The Vig highlight the Pozole and the Cheeseburger with Fries.  Check out menus for each location, which include sandwiches, salads, pasta, tacos, and seafood, at the main Vig website.

Uberrito to Open in Phoenix Arcadia Neighborhood

Headquartered in Texas, Uberrito is set to expand with their second spot outside of the Lone Star State, which just so happens to be their second spot in Arizona.  To be located in the Arcadia Gateway Shopping Center on the southwest corner of Indian School Rd. & 44th St. near the soon to be opening Smashburger and Doughbird, Uberrito hopes to make their mark on the fresh-Mex market and beyond:

"Über is a German word that means “above” or “beyond.” Burrito is a Spanish word that means, well, “burrito.” Überrito stands for who we are and where we go—above and beyond burritos. In this land of fresh ingredients, we defy the predictable preconceptions of beans and tortillas to create bold new flavor inspirations. Cuban to Cajun, Mexican to American—we offer taste combinations you won’t find anywhere else."

At Uberrito you can create your own burritos, bowls, salads, and nachos and for those who want something pre-designed, they have their "Ten Tasty Tacos" available as well.

Wondering where that first Arizona Uberrito is? You will find it at 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108 Phoenix, AZ 85028.

Related: Four More Restaurants Coming to Same Arcadia Shopping Center

Update 3-9-17: Along with the specials happening on opening day, Uberrito is having a free "Sneak Eat" event two days prior to the March 23rd grand opening of their new Arcadia location at 4325 E Indian School Road, #150 Phoenix, AZ 85018.  If you register here, on Tuesday, March 21st you and one other person, if you so choose, will be able to enjoy "one free burrito, bowl, salad, or nachos combo per person" between the hours of 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm.  Again, you must be registered at the link in order to participate.  See additional details at the registration page.

Update 3-19-17: According to Uberrito the location of the "Sneak Eat" event mentioned in the previous update has been moved,"due to outside complications."  The event will now take place for anybody who signed up at the same time you signed up for, but at the existing Phoenix location at the northeast corner of Tatum Blvd. & Shea Blvd. - 4912 E. Shea Blvd. #108 Phoenix, AZ 85028. 

El Pollo Loco Opening 3 New Arizona Restaurants

Baja Shrimp Tacos - Photo by: El Pollo Loco

Already with 23 locations in Arizona, El Pollo Loco is set to open 3 more within the next couple of months.  The locations are:

• 4302 W. Cactus Rd. Glendale, AZ 85304
• 15255 N. 64th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• 7204 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 

For those who do not know, El Pollo Loco got its start on a pretty well known street in Los Angeles, 

"In 1980, the very first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles where El Pollo Loco quickly became a local favorite. With authentically prepared flame-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken, freshly prepared ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere customers knew they had a unique dining experience unlike any other in their neighborhood.  As word spread, so did our popularity and locations -- establishing El Pollo Loco as a true local brand throughout California."

The current promotional menu is centered around Baja style shrimp.  This includes a Shrimp Wrap, a Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, a Shrimp Tostada, and Shrimp Avocado Tacos.

Grabbagreen Opening in Gilbert - 2 More to Follow

Coming in March, Scottsdale-based Grabbagreen will be opening in Gilbert at 75 E Rivulon Blvd.**** near the recently opened L.A. Fitness and Jersey Mike's in the Rivulon development in a continuation of their rapid expansion.  And they are not stopping there.  Two more locations will be opening up with one in the Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale and the other located in Phoenix.  What is Grabbgreen?  They describe themselves this way:

"Grabbagreen’s Eat Clean® menu is preservative-free, naturally gluten-free and GMO free. The whole food menu is based on super food ingredients and offers a full selection of grain and green-based bowls with fresh hormone-free and antibiotic-free proteins provided by local farms, fresh-pressed juice, handcrafted smoothies and acai bowls, breakfast, and healthy kid-friendly items."

Check out the menu which includes grain or green-based boxes, breakfast, smoothies, and juices.  Nutritional information is also provided on the website.  Some menu highlights:

• Patagonia - Black Bean, Cilantro, Corn, Quinoa, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Steak, Chimichurri
  
  Sauce (Pictured, Credit: Grabbagreen)
• So Cal - Avocado, Chicken, Cucumber, Flax, Mint, Red Pepper, Spinach, Feta, Quinoa Noodle, Balsamic Flax Sauce 
• Moroccan Mac & Cheese - Chicken, Cheddar Jack, Feta, Quinoa Noodle, Harissa Sauce 
• Gangnam City - Bean Sprout, Brown Rice, Chia Seeds, Cucumber, Edamame, Kale, Spinach, Steak, Sesame Sauce
• Amalfi Coast - Chia Seeds, Cucumber, Kalamata Olive, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Spinach, Tomato, Feta, Mediterranean Pomegranate Sauce
• Energy Elevator Smoothie - Agave, Banana, Cacao, Flax, Almond Milk, Espresso, Vanilla, Whey Protein
• Immunization Station Smoothie - Agave, Banana, Kale, Strawberry, Carrot Juice, Immune Powder

****Google Maps does not like 75 and defaults to 275 E Rivulon Blvd. - However you look at it, this is located at the NE corner of the Santan 202 & Giblert Rd.

Update (3/13/17): Grabbagreen in Gilbert is now open.

Opening Soon: Modern Market in Old Town Scottsdale

Roman Salad - Photo by: Modern Market

Modern Market will be opening their first Arizona location on Monday, February 27th with more to come later this year. Located at 4821 N. Scottsdale Rd. #109 Scottsdale, AZ 85251, according to Modern Market, they have created a menu with something for everyone:

"We cook using simple, whole ingredients that come from farms, not factories. We make most things from scratch, even down to our salad dressings and pizza dough. This has led to a menu that satisfies virtually any dietary requirement – vegan, celiac, paleo, raw, south beach, high carb, low carb, and also low GCI."

 A finalized menu is not listed for the Old Town location, however, Modern Market is known for soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizza as well as a breakfast selection, beer, and wine. The menus across the country, including Texas, D.C., Maryland, and Colorado are all very similar so it would be fair to say what we see on those menus should closely reflect what we see here.  Check out a menu from one of the Denver locations.

Additionally, Modern Market plans to open 2 more Phoenix area spots this year.  They will be located at 4901 E Ray Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044 and 16203 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.  Stay tuned for more updates as the AZFoodDude gets them.

Naked BBQ Coming to Scottsdale in February

Naked BBQ, which opened it's first restaurant at 2340 W. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85023 back in 2015, is looking at a February opening in the spot formerly occupied by Cousins' Subs at 10240 N. 90th St #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

While the BBQ scene is expanding in Scottsdale, Naked BBQ doesn't take sides according to the AZCentral article, “We’re region agnostic,” he said, “and we really just focus on offering high-quality meat. We make several sauces — sweet, mustard or vinegar — which we offer on the side and leave that choice up to the customer. Some want sauce, some don’t.”

Monday - Thursday, Naked BBQ is open from 11am until the meat is sold out and on Friday and Saturday they are open from 11am until 8pm.  The menu consists of pulled pork and chicken, brisket, sliced turkey, slaw, corn bread, mac & cheese along with additional options. Check out the rest here.

Rehab Burger Therapy Opens 2nd Location

Rehab Burger Therapy, winner of three "Best Burger in Arizona" awards last year, has branched out from it's Old Town Scottsdale roots.  Just a few short days ago, the trio of friends who opened the first restaurant in 2012, opened a second location at 21 E. 6th St. #146 Tempe, AZ 85281.  With everything from chips & salsa, wings, salads, and pasta to burgers, sandwiches, and alcoholic beverages, this menu really has something for everyone.  Here is just a taste:

• Nelson's Verde Con Pollo - A flavorful blend of green chili's, cheeses, and tender grilled chicken served with fresh corn chips for dipping
• Alfredo San Carlo - Fettuccini alfredo with a southwestern twist topped with tomatoes, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
• The Porkster Burger - A relapse burger grilled to order, then covered in rehab's own bbq pulled pork and cheddar cheese.
• Hangover Burger - Fried egg, bacon, colby jack cheese, and hatch green chili
• Venice Beach Club - Sliced turkey breast, bacon, havarti, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and sprouts served on toasted beach bread with your choice sauce

Happy Hour is everyday from 11am to 6pm except Thursdays, when Happy Hour lasts all day.  Checkout the hours, other menu items, and more at their website.  

Pei Wei Introduces Thai Inspired Bowls & More

Just a few days ago, Scottsdale-based Pei Wei rolled out two new menu items to all of their 200 restaurants nationwide.  The Supergreen Thai Coconut Curry and Thai Basil bowls are described by Pei Wei as follows:

"Supergreen Thai Coconut Curry has a spicy and sweet flavor profile, featuring chicken, carrots, green beans, Swiss chard, onions, Thai basil, fresh cilantro, scallions and lime. The aromatic Thai Basil bowl combines a sweet-savory sauce with chicken, garlic, ginger, red bell peppers, onions and green beans. Both wok-seared dishes can be ordered with a choice of rice, noodles or quinoa."

Additionally, a look at the menu shows 2 new noodle bowls: Blazing Bangkok Peanut Noodle and Chicken Chow Mein.  The Blazing Bangkok Peanut Noodle includes chicken and noodles which are wok-seared in Thai chile peanut sauce, "with ginger, red bell peppers, onion, swiss chard, and Thai basil garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh lime."  Meanwhile, the Chicken Chow Mein also includes wok-seared chicken and noodles, "tossed in savory soy sauce with green beans, swiss chard, red bell peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, and scallions."

Click here to find your nearest Pei Wei location.

Latest Valley Food News

The following is the latest in Valley food news over the past week or so from AZCentral:

Davonti Enoteca Opens in Old Quilted Bear Location

Whoopie Baking Opening Scottsdale Shop

Caffe Daniel, Specializing in Italian Cuisine, Coming in October

Fate Brewing Co. Moving to Old Scottsdale Location of Grapes

Founder of Miller's Deli Opening Deli in Scottsdale

Market Street Kitchen to Open by Mid-September

Bonjour Vietnam Set to Open in Hotel San Carlos by End of August

Latest Valley Food News

Some of the latest food news from around the Valley from AZCentral:

Photo by: Matt's Big Breakfast

Pellini Italian Eatery Set for an October Opening in Scottsdale

Matt's Big Breakfast to Get Bigger Location by Late August

SoChu House Now Open in Central Phoenix

Downside Risk Coming Back to Scottsdale

Fifth Humble Pie Location Set for Peoria

NYC's Ben & Jack's Steak House Coming to Scottsdale

Mid-August Opening for Angels Trumpet Ale House in Phoenix

Jimmy Woo's Closing, May Reopen Elsewhere, Morning Squeeze Taking Over Spot

Valley Restaurant Openings, Closings & More

Courtesy of AZCentral and the East Valley Tribune, here are some of the food happenings from around the the Phoenix Metro area:

Los Dos Molinos Moving into Recently Closed Padres Modern Mexican Cuisine Location

Central Bistro to Open this Summer at 32nd Street & Camelback in Old Zen 32 Spot

Kelly's at SouthBridge Now Open in Old Town Scottsdale

Multiple Valley Restaurants Will Open at Sky Harbor Airport

Harvey American Public House Opens in Gilbert

Praying Monk Restaurant & Bar Now Open in Scottsdale

Another Food News Update

To kick off the new week, here is another local food news update.  All stories are courtesy of AZCentral:

Chipotle Has Opened in Gilbert's SanTan Village

Three New Restaurants Open in Moon Valley Area

Fuego Cantina Opens in Former Chuy's Spot in Phoenix, Fuego CityScape Coming in June

Tempe Marketplace's D'Arcy McGee's Closes

Spotted Donkey Location Closes "Temporarily"

Food News From Around the State

The AZFoodDude knows it's been quiet here, so with a free moment today, here are some food headlines from around the state over the past week or so.  All stories are courtesy of AZCentral:

Tucson Restaurant, Janos, Closing After 29 Years

May's Vitamin T in Downtown Phoenix Shuts Down, Plans to Open Praying Monk in Scottsdale 

El Santo Cantina, Patio Bar, & Restaurant Has Opened Near Scottsdale Airport 

Three Different Restaurants Specializing in Barbecue Opening in Chandler

Chef Chu Closes Sens Asian Tapas & Sake Bar, Opening SoChu House and Lantern

Ranch House Grille in Arcadia, Closed Since November 2010, Has Now Reopened

Two New Babbo Italian Eatery Locations Opening in the East Valley

Culinary Dropout to Anchor New Central Phoenix Development

The development, located at 5632 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85014, is looking to open sometime late this Fall.  According to the press release, the development is described as:

...an indoor/outdoor urban dining and lounging hub...in the heart of Central Phoenix. Housed in a former auto and motorcycle dealership known for its iconic steel shade structure, the multi-use space will share a large park-like outdoor recreation area and beer garden and will be anchored by Fox Restaurant Concepts' second Arizona Culinary Dropout and a new fish house and oyster bar. The development will also include a local coffee shop and two retail spaces, which will be operated by other local companies.

This will be the second Culinary Dropout in Arizona, with the first one near Fashion Square Mall at 7135 E. Camelback Rd. #125 Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 

Hinted at above, the new unnamed fish house and oyster bar by Fox Restaurant Concepts:

...will have a Brooklyn-like vibe and be reminiscent of an old urban seafood shack. The restaurant will serve a raw bar focused menu, in addition to comfort food such as chowders, fish and chips, and po-boys. From the raw bar, order fresh seafood such as prawns, razor clams, and oysters flown in daily. Pairing well with the menu, the fish house will also serve a stand-out white wine menu and an eclectic beer list.

Besides the food, developers are hoping the large shaded park area will attract people with live music, outdoor games, and of course, ample parking.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Opening Second Scottsdale Location

The Dallas-based barbecue chain is set to have their third Arizona location open this June.  Located at 7919 E. Thomas Rd. #111 Scottsdale, AZ 85257, this spot will be the second in Scottsdale.  With over 15 years in the restaurant industry, local franchisee Erik Forrest hopes to "bring great authentic barbecue with a family friendly environment to the area." 

An additional location opened last August in Mesa, meanwhile the Dickey's in Phoenix closed late last year.  Find out more about their food by checking out the Dickey's menu. 

Detours Tavern Opening in Scottsdale (Exclusive Sample Menu)

Looking to open in early April, Detours Tavern will be located at 2922 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.  Detours will offer organic, all-natural meat selections and hopes to promote healthy food choices.  The newest restaurant and bar in South Scottsdale will have televisions, a patio, and a family friendly atmosphere.

Having seen a preliminary menu, the AZFoodDude can once again provide you with an exclusive look at a sample list which includes appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches & burgers, entrees, pizza, and dessert:

Appetizers

• Crisp Tender Calamari ($8)
• Artichoke Dip w/Flatbread ($8)
• Homemade Hummus w/Pita Chips ($7)
• Beer Battered Onion Rings ($7)

Salads

• Field Greens w/Feta Cheese & Pecans ($9) - Add Grilled Chicken ($2)
• Grilled Salmon Over Field Greens ($11)

Sandwiches/Burgers

• 1/3lb Detour Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($2.50) - Ground Turkey ($2) - Add Bacon ($1)
• Green Chili Burger ($8) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• California Burger on Grilled Parmesan Bread ($9) - Detour to a Bison Burger ($3) - Ground Turkey ($2)
• Chicken Salad Pita w/Sprouts ($8)
• Grilled Chicken on Sourdough ($9)
• Portobello Burger w/Roasted Red Pepper ($10)

Entrees

• Pork Loin Medallions w/Shallots & Apples ($12)
• Grilled Chicken Breast Marinated in Tequila Lime ($12)
• Sirloin Steak ($13)
• Fish of the Day ($14)

Wood Fired Pizza/Flatbread

• Roma Tomatoes, Basil, Roasted Red & Green Peppers ($7) - Add Shrimp ($2) - Chicken ($1)
• Sausage, Pepperoni, & Country Bacon ($9)
• Chicken & Artichoke Hearts ($10)
• Build Your Own ($8) - Additional toppings are ($1)

Desserts

• Assorted Pies, Cakes, & Muffins ($6-$8) 

More information can be found on the Detours Tavern Facebook page.

Cheesecake Factory Adds 14 New Items

There are currently six Cheesecake Factory locations in Arizona, one in Tucson and five in the Valley, and now, available at all of them, are 14 new items on top of the over 200 dishes already offered. 

The new items are:

SkinnyLicious(TM) Shrimp Creole - Photo by: The Cheesecake Factory

• Santorini Farro Salad - A fresh light combination of farro, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, red onion, Feta cheese and tzatziki. Tossed with vinaigrette
• SkinnyLicious™ Chicken Enchiladas - Covered with our red chile sauce and melted cheese. Served with escabeche vegetable salad
• SkinnyLicious™ Pasta - Gemelli pasta with sautéed chicken, fresh tomato, marinara sauce and fresh basil
• Island Grilled Chicken - Grilled soy glazed chicken breasts topped with macadamia nuts. Served with fresh vegetables and a little white rice
• Shrimp Creole - Shrimp simmered in a spicy Tasso-tomato sauce with sautéed peppers, onions and garlic. Served with a little white rice
• Shrimp Toast Lollipops - With ginger, garlic, green onion, cilantro and sesame oil, lightly breaded and fried crisp
• Shrimp and Grits - Sweet corn-white cheddar grits, covered with sautéed shrimp and spicy Tasso sauce
• Fresh Kale Salad - Cranberries, apples, Marcona almonds and green beans. Tossed with our buttermilk-black pepper dressing
• Papas Bravas - A Spanish favorite. Crispy, golden brown potatoes served with garlic aioli and spicy bravas sauce
• Over the Top Meatloaf Sandwich - Covered with Guinness® marinated Swiss cheese, portabella mushrooms, caramelized onions, aioli and arugula on grilled brioche. Served with housemade tomato-bacon jam
• Green Chilaquiles with Carnitas and Eggs - Tender slow-cooked pork with roasted poblano peppers, cheese, onions, cilantro and crisp corn tortillas. Garnished with tomatillo-chile sauce, tomato and sour cream
• Sweet Corn-White Cheddar Grits
• Coffee Mocha Chip Shake - Creamy coffee ice cream blended with chocolate chips
• Nutty Chocolate Marshmallow Shake - Our Chocolate Shake with marshmallow and toasted almonds

Nimbus Bistro Opening in Scottsdale

Opening their second location, Nimbus American Bistro & Brewery is set to swing open their doors on March 15 at 7001 N. Scottsdale Rd. #147 Scottsdale, AZ 85253 in the Scottsdale Seville.  The Nimbus website states that they will be serving, "American grill favorites, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, salads, cocktails and our world famous Nimbus Brewery line of delectable beers, seven days a week."  To get a better idea, check out the menus for the original location in Tucson. 

The hours for Nimbus in Scottsdale are as follows:

• Sunday - Wednesday: 11am to 11pm
• Thursday: 11am to Midnight
• Friday - Saturday: 11am to 2am
• Happy Hour: Daily from 3pm to 6pm
• Reverse Happy Hour: Friday and Saturday 10pm - 2am

Nimbus will have live entertainment on Saturdays and will show every NFL game during football season.  In terms of atmosphere, assuming the Scottsdale restaurant is similar to the Tucson spot, Nimbus "invites the entire family to enjoy the atmosphere of our nationally acclaimed brew pub, right in your backyard."