After 6-year absence, a newly rebuilt Casa Ramos reopens in central Mesa

🌮 After a long and unlikely journey, Casa Ramos has reopened on the north side of Main Street, between Stapley and Gilbert, in central Mesa after a six-year absence.

Ben Ramos debuted Casa Ramos in Heber in 2006. His son, Kenny, opened a Mesa spinoff of the Mexican sit-down restaurant in 2011, but it closed in 2017.

Then its successor, La Patrona Mexican Cuisine, was destroyed by fire 🔥 in 2020.

Re-enter Casa Ramos, which decided to open an all-new Casa Ramos built on the same site by Valley-based Laurshan Inc.

Open for dinner Monday and Wednesday-Friday and lunch and dinner Saturday-Sunday.

Another pasta-to-go concept debuts in Gilbert

🍝 Pasta Joint, yet another concept offering pasta, garlic bread, and meatball subs to go (similar to By the Bucket), has opened on the northwest corner of Higley and Queen Creek in southeast Gilbert. Open for dinner Monday-Friday and lunch and dinner Saturday.

Newly hired Röllich revamps Fat Ox cocktails

🍸 L.A. cocktail guru Christiaan Röllich, author of award-nominated ‘‘Bar Chef – Handcrafted Cocktails,’’ has signed on as bar director of chef Matt Carter’s Fat Ox, The Mission, and Zinc Bistro.  His first lineup of eight $18 seasonal cocktails has rolled out at Fat Ox.

Saturday: Original Taste Food and Wine Event

🎟 The Original Taste Food and Wine Event celebrates its 50th year from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at the Scottsdale Civic Center. Tickets are $200 for general admission and $500 for VIP, which covers all tastings and entertainment. You can buy tickets here.