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

Scottsdale Getting Multiple New Restaurants Later This Year

AZCentral seems to be rolling in stories about new restaurants coming to Scottsdale. So, let's get started:

Lamp Wood Oven Pizzeria - Specializing in Neapolitan pizza, Lamp Wood Oven Pizzeria will be firing up pizzas in their oven at no less than the required temperature of 905 degrees. The menu isn't finished just yet, but there will be a few appetizers like zucchini cakes as well as beer and wine and of course a lot of pizzas. From the article,

...The Scientist (thinly sliced Italian-cured meats and green olives), The Simple (wild arugula, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil and prosciutto crudo), and a white pie called The Gordon (dried capacolla, spinach, crimini mushrooms, goat cheese, garlic and sharp provolone). 

Lamp Wood Oven Pizzeria will be located at 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and is looking to open in late September or the first part of October.

Lotus Bar & Grill - Next up, the Lotus Bar & Grill will be serving up the unique fusion of Asian fare with a sports bar. It is made clear by the article that there will be two separate areas, the grill area where you can dine as in a normal restaurant and the bar area where you can eat but also take advantage of almost 30 HD TV's. The menu looks like a mix of all kinds of Asian dishes, everything from Chinese to Indian and Japanese to Korean. Open from 11am - 11pm, Sunday through Thursday and 11am - Midnight on Friday and Saturday, the Lotus Bar & Grill will be located at 9030 E. Via Linda Scottsdale, AZ 85258 and is reported to be opening within the next few days.

Barrio Queen Tequileria & Silvana Bistro - While the plans for her Gilbert restaurant fell through, Silvana Esparza will be opening a casual eatery and a high-end restaurant at the former spot of Metro Brasserie at 7114 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85251. According to AZCentral, Barrio Queen Tequileria will feature "tacos, pork al pastor, posole, pambazos (a street sandwich like a torta), mole, aguas frescas and margaritas." Meanwhile, Silvana Bistro

...will be a "Euro-Mexican" concept that is "on the elegant side of Mexican cuisine." Featured dishes will include lamb steamed in a bag made of maguey cactus, duck-confit tacos, and jalapeños stuffed with salmon escabeche.

It should be noted that Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza is behind the successful Barrio Café at 2814 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006. According to the Barrio Culinary Concepts website, both restaurants will be opening later this year, Barrio Tequileria in late fall and Silvana in the winter.

Free Lettuce Wraps at P.F. Chang's

According to P.F. Chang's Twitter feed, the Chinese bistro will be offering a coupon for their signature lettuce wraps:

Our 18-year anniversary FREE Lettuce Wrap promo begins tomorrow. Visit our facebook fan page to get yours.

Various reports say the coupon will be available on the P.F. Chang's Facebook page tomorrow (7/6) so keep an eye out.

If you are wondering, the wraps are described this way on the menu:

Our signature appetizer. Wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions, and water chestnuts served over crispy rice sticks and served with cool, crisp lettuce cups.

Also, the wraps can be ordered vegetarian style and made with tofu.

Recent Restaurant Openings 5/22

The following is a list of some recent restaurant openings in the state:

Firehouse Subs - 20165 N. 67th Ave. #122B Glendale, AZ 85308 - The Jacksonville, FL based chain's fourth Arizona location.

Agave Blue Frozen Yogurt - 13778 W. McDowell Rd. #301 Goodyear, AZ 85395 - In addition to yogurt, Agave Blue sells cupcakes and Mini Melts Ice Cream.

China Red Cafe - 13000 W. Indian School Rd. #A-1 Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 - Recently opened Chinese food restaurant that's open 7 days a week with a wide variety.

Urban Picnic - 218 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201 - Breakfast, gourmet homemade sandwiches and free delivery to downtown Mesa.

Noble Hops Gastropub - 1335 W. Lambert Ln. Oro Valley, AZ 85737 - Just opened and billed as a "pub for foodies." More opening information can be found here.

Black Chile Mexican Grill - 2502 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 - Previously reported here by the AZFoodDude and now open. Among the tacos and enchiladas, you'll find 125 brands of tequila.

Brugos Pizza Company - 2501 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016 - Located in the old Picazzo's area at the Camelback Esplanade. Third company location, first in Arizona.

Spinato's Pizzeria - 4848 E. Chandler Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85044 - Recently opened their fifth spot, located in Ahwatukee area. Menu includes gluten-free items. More information and other locations mentioned here.

ShinBay - 7001 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 - Closed his ShinBay in Ahwatukee after 5 years in 2006, same owner, new location.  Sushi, limited seating, and open Wed-Sun.

Stone & Vine Urban Italian - 9343 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 - Classic Italian with a contemporary touch. Claims the "best eggplant parmigiana ever."

Frosty Jake's - 3102 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716 - Specializing in frozen custard, Frosty Jake's recently opened in the old Hamburger Stand space.

Mercado San Agustin - 100 S. Avenida Del Convento Tucson, AZ 85754 - Tucson's first public market includes multiple restaurants of various sizes, click here for more information on each eatery.

Recall: Some Simply Asia Foods, LLC Products Have Unlabeled Ingredient

Simply Asia Foods, LLC has recalled 4 products due to an unlabeled milk ingredient.  From the press release:

"Thai Kitchen^® Noodle Carts (Sweet Citrus Ginger, Thai Peanut, and Spicy Thai Basil) and Simply Asia^® Noodle Bowl (Roasted Peanut). These products contain an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product...The recall was initiated after the discovery of an ingredient being used containing low levels of sodium caseinate (a milk derivative) in coconut powder. The ingredient statements on the packages do not list milk as an ingredient."

At the time of the recall, there had been no reports of allergic reactions or illnesses.