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🍲 BoSa Donuts, the local chain with 50-plus shops throughout the Valley, has launched its new concept, BoSa Kobe Hot Pot, near the northwest corner of University and Farmer in downtown Tempe. The restaurant, which takes over part of the former Dilly’s Deli space, offers pots of simmering soup stock at each table to which diners can add various meats, vegetables, noodles, and condiments. As a grand opening special, get half off your purchase from May 17-31.
🍕 Andiamo Pizza, whose opening I wrote about in February, temporarily closed over the weekend on the northwest corner of Scottsdale and Shea in central Scottsdale. The pizzeria’s rave reviews, especially a YouTube video from One Bite pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy, have forced the owner to close while he creates more space and storage and adds staff to handle the increased volume of orders.
🍔 McDonald’s, concerned about slowing sales for four straight quarters, is considering launching a $5 meal deal to lure inflation-hit customers back to the world’s largest fast-food chain. It reportedly would include a McChicken or a McDouble along with fries and a drink. (The current price for those items at my local McD’s would be $7.67.)
🍔 Lenny’s Burgers on the northwest corner of Alma School and Warner in Chandler celebrates its 40th year in the Valley on Saturday with a classic car show from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., prize giveaways, and $4 single combo meals all day. Free.
🕯️ Lakeside Bar & Grill in Peoria celebrates its 16th anniversary with a ‘‘Sixteen Candles’’-themed bash from 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday. Wear an ’80s outfit and enjoy food and drink specials, a DJ, live music, contests, and more. Free.
🤠 Enjoy local craft beer and cocktails, BBQ and a pig roast, and live music by local artists Nathan Dean & Mandy Jean and Strait Country at the Hillbilly Hoedown from 4-10 p.m. Saturday at SanTan Gardens in Chandler. Tickets: $15-$35.
🇰🇷 Grab some Korean barbecue. kimchi, or a bubble tea at Taste of Korea, a cultural festival and expo from 2-6 p.m Saturday at Kingdom In the Valley Christian Church in north Phoenix. Free.
The Sidewinder, a Southwestern-influenced diner concept from the team behind Progress and Sottise, has opened in the original Welcome Diner space on the northwest corner of Roosevelt and 10th Street in downtown Phoenix.
What’s on the menu? Unlike its higher-end siblings, The Sidewinder offers a menu of ‘‘home style bites,’’ such as a Cheap Sloppy Jo (pictured, $5), Frito Pie (in the bag, $8), Elote Ribs ($10), Not So Sonoran Dog ($9), and ubiquitous Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich ($10). Sides ($5) include smoked ranch beans and jalapeño escabeche.
Slake your thirst: The John Daly (an Arnold Palmer with vodka, $9) and Sonoran Paradise (a chile piña colada, $10) highlight the creative cocktails. Shots and beers (including $3 Budweisers) also are available.
📌 If you go: The Sidewinder, 924 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-626-8535. Open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily.
What’s on the menu? Papa Locos offers tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, and seven specialty burgers. Jay’s has hot chicken sandwiches and tenders in four heat levels. No alcohol is available,
📌 If you go: Papa Locos Tacos & Burgers and Jay’s Hot Chicken, 323 E. Brown Road, Mesa, 480-590-7914. Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
