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Get $20 worth of food at Gilbert Pizza for $10 with today’s Groupon.

The third round of Chef Off, a friendly culinary competition between East Valley chefs, takes place one week from today at DownUnder Wines in Gilbert. Romeo Taus (Romeo’s Euro Cafe) will compete against Jared Lupin (DownUnder). Each will prepare three

Dutch Bros. Coffee celebrates the grand opening of its ninth Valley location – at Greenfield and Southern in east Mesa – by giving customers free 16-ounce coffees, freezes, smoothies, and energy drinks from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. The other eight

Meet local BBQ sauce purveyor Fred Gardner, aka “Freddie G.,” from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Pittsburgh Willy’s in Chandler. Gardner (pictured on left with PW owner Randy Walters) sells two Freddie G. sauces – his award-winning Original and a

If you like the Queen Creek steakhouse, you may want to pick up one here.

Joe’s Farm Grill is closed today for some remodeling – including a re-designed beverage and condiment station – but will reopen Thursday to continue its annual Dog Days of Summer promotion. Every late summer, the Gilbert eatery offers a month-long

MXSW is happy to announce the latest addition to its roster of supporters: Buon Gusto in south Tempe. Buon Gusto took over the former Picazzo’s Pizza on the northeast corner of Kyrene and Warner a couple months ago. The eatery features gourmet

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill kicks off its eighth annual Chile Fest today. The promo, which celebrates the harvest season of New Mexico’s famed Hatch chile, runs through Sept. 23. The chain’s four Valley locations, including those in Tempe and Chandler, will

Edible Exchange has enlisted three of the Valley’s best-known chefs for a FarmTable Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 14, at Superstition Farm in southeast Mesa. The four-course meal will be prepared by (pictured above from left to right) Matt Carter (Zinc

The Spot, an eight-month-old eatery on the northeast corner of Higley and Ray in Gilbert, used the holiday weekend to test a new breakfast menu. The menu officially will be launched this Saturday and be available every day. Highlights include

Cherry Cordial Tarts (pictured) will be one of the five featured menu items at this week’s “Taste of Romeo’s Euro Cafe” dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The other items: Portobellini, Tortellini Feta Salad, Transylvania Chicken, and Vasco De Gama. The weekly

After a soft opening last week, Brooklyn Eddie’s Subs holds its official grand opening today on the northwest corner of Elliot and Cooper (Stapley) in Gilbert. Beside an array of hot and cold subs, the Brooklyn-style delicatessen offers hot dishes

Queen Creek Olive Mill is celebrating the three-day holiday weekend with a bunch of events: Friday, it’ll be making its “Arizona-style” artisan pizzas from 4-10 p.m. Enjoy happy hour drink specials from 4-7. Saturday, Harry Matthews will perform from 6-9

Taiko is offering a two-day special to increase business over the typically slow Labor Day weekend: All-you-can-eat appetizers and sushi for just $19.95. The offer is good Saturday or Sunday. The Chandler Japanese restaurant says it will provide diners with

The newly remodeled and relaunched First Round Draft in Gilbert will hold a Wing Mania chicken-wing-eating contest at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6. Ten contestants will have three minutes to eat as may wings as possible. The winner will get

Nicantoni’s Pizza is hosting a pair of September fundraisers for the Arizona Burn Center. On Thursday, Sept. 6, firefighters will talk about fire safety during a special Bike Night at the Gilbert pizzeria. Burn center representatives will be on hand

Last month, Liberty Market announced the 31 daily specials for its annual Burger Daze promotion in August. Included was a foie gras burger, which prompted the inevitable complaints. Within 48 hours of the announcement, restaurateur Joe Johnson backtracked and eliminated

After last week’s planned opening was scuttled by a defective cooler, Bad Mother Cluckers finally has opened its doors in Tempe. The eatery, which serves rotisserie chicken, is located on the north side of University just east of Mill. Menu

Flanny’s will host a promo tonight for San Diego’s Green Flash Brewing. From 5-7 p.m., the Tempe bar will have Green Flash’s West Coast IPA, Hop Head Red IPA, and seasonal Retro extra pale ale on tap. Pints will be

Wiener schnitzel – lightly breaded and pan-fried pork cutlets served with garlic-horseradish mashed potatoes (pictrued) – are one of the five regular menu items spotlighted in this week’s “Taste of Romeo’s Euro Cafe” dinner. Also on the menu: Greek Skins, Grilled

Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin will be serving barbecue today at Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert. Palin is in the East Valley to campaign for congressional candidates. Today’s event will include several political speeches. Joe’s Farm Grill, located on

TQLA, a Houston restaurant and bar that features more than 200 tequilas, will open its first spinoff location next month in the former Sautee building at Dana Park in Mesa. The Houston location sells eight tequilas on tap – cooled

If you were planning on getting some free rotisserie chicken today or Saturday at Bad Mother Cluckers, you better make other plans. Looks like the Tempe restaurant’s grand opening is on hold. “We are bummed!” reads a notice on BMC’s website. “Due

RigaTony’s is offering a free spaghetti dinner to its fans on Monday, Sept. 3, with a small catch: 1,500 people have to sign up through Facebook. The longtime Italian restaurant, which recently moved from Chandler to Tempe, is calling it

Sai Wan Hong Kong Bistro opens today at Superstition Springs Center in east Mesa, according to AZ Central. The Chinese restaurant serves Americanized favorities like kung pao chicken ($9.25), beef with broccoli ($9.95), mu shi pork ($9.25), and shrimp lo mein

Latitude Eight, the accaimed Thai restaurant in downtown Chandler, is closed for lunch through Thursday, but remains open for dinner starting at 5 p.m. The four-year-old restaurant is putting final touches on new menus for lunch, happy hour and dinner.

In what’s being billed as a battle between the “Crouching Tiger” and the “Transylvanian Garlic Keeper,” chefs John Wong and Romeo Taus will face off at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the second round of Chef Off! The two will prepare

Mezzogiorno – an appetizer of roasted red peppers, peas, artichoke hearts, and fresh mozzarella cheese in a pesto Dijon vinaigrette (pictured) – is one of five menu items featured at this week’s “Taste of Romeo’s Euro Cafe” dinner Thursday. Other courses this

“The Hunger Games,” the 2012 movie based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling young-adult novel, is the feature for tonight’s Monday Movie Night at SanTan Brewing in Chandler. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, who competes in an annual televised

Queen Creek Olive Mill hosts its first-ever gelato social from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Locally made gelato and sorbetto are available in flavor combos like dark chocolate gelato drizzled with bacon olive oil and pistachio drizzled with fig balsamic. There’s even

Gilbert approved the liquor license for the town’s first microbrewery, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company, Thursday night. The brewery will be located on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Guadalupe Road. The space formerly was Korean BBQ joint QQ Grill. The license

Fat Willy’s Family Sport Grill is throwing a Country Night party Saturday at its Chandler location. The evening will include Western-themed food specials like BBQ ribs, chicken-fried steak, and pulled pork. There also will be drink specials. Valley country band

Sunshine’s Motor City Cafe will pay homage to a Detroit tradition – the Woodward Dream Cruise – Saturday with their own Arizona version of the world’s largest one-day automotive event. The Dream Cruise began in 1995 as a fundraiser for

In honor of National Brat Day, SanTan Brewing is offering a SanTan Sonoran Dog, a juicy jalapeño-and-cheddar-stuffed brat with house-smoked chipotle bacon nestled in a soft tolera roll and topped with chile lime mayo, guacamole and fresh pico. The price, which

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, a Lousiana-based fast-food chain, opens its first East Valley restaurant Friday in Tempe. The new store, located on the northeast corner of University and Rural, serves only one entree: chicken fingers (fresh, never frozen) with its

Today is National Brat Day, and Pittsburgh Willy’s is marking the occasion by adding a brat to its menu for one day only. Get a grilled brat, sauteed in SanTan Brewing beer, with the Chandler hot dog shop’s special-blend sauerkraut on

MXSW reader Ron Youngblood passes along this announcement: The original R.T. O’Sullivan’s, on Southern just east of Alma School in Mesa, is closing its doors Saturday, Aug. 25. Since opening 15 years ago, the spacious sports grill, which has more

Shrimp Giouvetsi on Fillo – bay shrimp sauteed with garlic, green onions, artichokes, tomatoes, herbs and spices, baked on a fillo crust with feta and cream cheese (pictured) – is one of five menu items featured at this week’s “Taste of

Gilbert ice cream shop Udder Delights has a Groupon deal: $10 for $20 worth of ice cream treats. There’s also an option of paying $20 for $40 worth of cupcakes or personalized ice cream cakes. (Note: Cupcakes and cakes must

After its annual July hiatus, Cork resumes its monthly Sunday tasting menus with Taste of Squash on Aug. 26. The $35 prix fixe menu features four squash-centric courses, plus an optional starter of zucchini fritters and fried ricotta-stuffed blossoms with

Ready Pac Foods has recalled 300,000 cases of apple slices and pieces for possible listeria contamination. It also has recalled another 300,000 packaged products containing apples available at fast-food restaurants and supermarkets. Not all the recalled products from 38 states

Fox restaurant-makeover show “Kitchen Nightmares” is looking for failing Valley restaurants to receive chef Gordon Ramsay’s magic touch. In each episode of the show, the British chef visits a struggling restaurant, analyzes the problem areas, and comes up with solutions to

Just five months after unveiling Postino in Gilbert, prolific Valley restaurateur Craig DeMarco has leased the other half of the building for a brand-new Mexican concept. Postino opened its third Valley location in March – DeMarco’s first foray into the

A wrongly convicted CIA agent (Guy Pearce) must rescue the President’s daughter (Maggie Grace) from an orbital prison overtaken by inmates in “Lockout,” tonight’s Monday Night Movie at SanTan Brewing. Pearce, perhaps best-known for “Memento” and “L.A. Confidential,” used weightlifting

Hard to believe Shark Week is 25 years old. In honor of the Discovery Channel’s annual marathon of shark programs, Harvey American Public House is chumming the waters with a bunch of specials this week. The Gilbert restaurant and bar

The folks over at All Coupons Rock sent me a reminder the Melting Pot offers free cheese or chocolate fondue when the temperature reaches 112 degrees or higher at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The important thing to remember: The free fondue is available

Here’s perhaps the only good reason to enjoy today’s heat: You get a bigger discount at The Sushi Room. The Chandler eatery is running a summer promotion that gives diners 20% off if the temperature exceeds 100 degrees, 25% off

Today, Liberty Market throws a unique twist into its month-long Burger Daze promotion, which features a different specialty burger every day. Today’s offering from the Gilbert restaurant is called a Dessert Burger (pictured), with a “bun” made from a vanilla

A few of today’s drink deals around the East Valley: Hungry Monk: $3 local pints of the day, plus 99-cent chicken tenders Devil’s Advocate: $1 domestic pints 11-4 p.m., plus $3 sliders all day Lucky Break: $2 domestic pints Cogburn’s: $2 Coronas,

The Hungry Monk welcomes the arrival of SanTan Brewing fall seasonal Count Hopula at 5 p.m. Thursday. Besides tapping the 2012 version of the blood red imperial IPA, they will be giving away swag and full growlers of Count Hopula.

Free cookie at The Spot Did you know The Spot gives out free cookies the first Tuesday of every month? No purchase is necessary – just stop by the cozy eatery on the northeast corner of Higley and Ray in

National Chili Dog Day slipped by without much fanfare last week, but Pittsburgh Willy’s is holding a belated celebration today. Get a chili dog (with Hebrew National all-beef dog) for just $2, or three chili dogs for $5. And Saturday,

When I talked to Brian Banasek earlier this year, the former S’Bistro chef was running nearby De La Cruz Bistro and negotiating to buy the downtown Mesa restaurant. Suffice to say, things didn’t go well. After several frustrating months, owner Omar

Cork is back. After its annual month-long summer hiatus, the Chandler fine-dining restaurant reopens tonight with its seasonally adjusted late summer menu. New dishes include: Slow-roasted pork belly with honey-grilled peaches, cherry chutney, Humboldt Fog, and shortbread ($16) Watermelon salad

Two weeks ago, Urban Tea Loft owner Glynis Legrand revealed her husband, Eric, was undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. The couple were closing their five-year-old downtown Chandler eatery to focus on his recovery. Thankfully, Glynis says her husband

Babbo Italian Eatery, a small local chain that just opened its first East Valley location in Tempe in May, holds its annual Friends & Family Day today. Print out Babbo’s online coupon to receive 20 percent off lunch or dinner.

Taste, the annual culinary festival in downtown Chandler, returns this fall with several changes. The fest, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 6., will shift back to evening hours after the last year’s event was held on a 102-degree afternoon.

Looks like those new-but-empty Fresh & Easy markets around the East Valley won’t be opening any time soon. Tesco, the British conglomerate that owns the U.S. chain, just laid off 50 people at Fresh & Easy’s headquarters in California. Fresh

Maricopa County’s animal shelter in Mesa is in desperate need of dog food. If you’d like to donate some but don’t want to deliver it all the way over to the shelter, here’s another option: Pittsburgh Willy’s is collecting dog

Today is annual Lasagna Day at Brio Tuscan Grille, which means you get 50% off lasagna at the Italian restaurant chain. The deal is good for dine-in only, while supplies last. Brio’s Lasagna Bolognese Al Forno, oven baked and layered

It’s National Cheesecake Day, and the Cheesecake Factory is offering diners a slice of any cheesecake for half price today. The deal is good for dine-in only, and there’s a limit of one slice per person. Today also marks the

A not-so-appetizing sight greeted would-be diners today at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill in Ahwatukee: A rare closure sign from Maricopa County health inspectors. The bright red notice (shown in a photo snapped by Valley food journalist Geri Koeppel) cites “failure

Pittsburgh Willy’s is celebrating National Hot Dog Day – that’s today – with 6-inch Hebrew National all-beef dogs on a regular roll for just $1 (limit of five). The quarter-pound Big Willy dog on sesame seed bun is $2 (limit of

From 1-4 p.m. Saturday, D’Vine Chandler will hold a Wine 101 class covering wine history, wine tasting, and food and wine pairing. Cost is $25 per person and includes all the wine and munchies. The class is limited to 25

Less than 48 hours after announcing the lineup of 31 specialty burgers for its annual Burger Daze of August promo – capped with a Foie Gras Burger – Liberty Market has changed its mind, issuing the following statement: Given the

Liberty Market is celebrating the 47th birthday of its Faema E61 espresso machine Sunday by giving away free in-house espressos, macchiatos or cappuccinos. Liberty Market owner Joe Johnston, a big fan of all things Italian, bought the classic machine from a

The numbers are in from the third annual Ultimate Slider Celebration at Chompies on Wednesday. According to Chompies, diners consumed a record 11,495 Jewish Sliders, which were just 99 cents at the deli’s four locations. That easily beats last year’s

(Update 7/20/12: After customer complaints, Liberty Market decided to replace the Foie Gras Burger with a Filet Oscar Burger) Liberty Market brings back its annual Burger Daze promotion in August – 31 days of specialty burgers featuring flavors from around

It’ll be hopping on the northeast corner of McQueen and Warner in Gilbert tonight: There are only a few seats left on the DownUnder Wine Bar & Bistro party bus. Diners will meet at 6:15 and enjoy one course at each

Here’s your chance to try the sliders that took down Adam Richman. Chompies is holding its third annual Ultimate Slider Celebration on Wednesday. Original Jewish Sliders – mini challah rolls filled with moist lean brisket, mini potato pancakes, and jack

Mark’s Cafe is no stranger to helping out those in need. The Tempe mom-and-pop restaurant was on the receiving end of such generosity in 2010, when local businesses, customers, and volunteers banded together to help the struggling Culinary Solutions Cafe

It’s hard to believe there have been eight “American Pie” movies. The first three – “American Pie” (1999), “American Pie 2” (2001) and  “American Wedding” (2003) – opened in theaters, but the rest were straight-to-DVD until this year’s “American Reunion,”

It’s Friday the 13th, which isn’t a bad omen if you’re looking for a dining deal today: At Chick-fil-A, you will get a free meal if you’re dressed up as cow. It has to be “head to hoof.” But if

On Thursday, July 19, D’Vine Bistro and Wine Bar in Chandler will host a five-course dinner showcasing Rutherford Hill, a California winery known for its well-regarded but reasonably priced Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the more intriguing pairings: Rutherford

It’s July 11 (7/11, get it?) so convenience store chain 7-Eleven is celebrating its 85th birthday with its annual Free Slurpee Day. Get a 7.11-ounce cup of instant brain freeze at any store before 7 p.m. 7-Eleven gave away about

Kelly Brown of Mesa needed just 25 minutes to become the latest diner to take down Chompies‘ Ultimate Slider Challenge. To win, a diner must consume a 5-pound platter of 12 of deli’s signature Jewish sliders (filled with brisket, mini potato

Normally when a chef and a wine rep compete in a cooking contest, my money would be on the chef. Lori Hassler isn’t your typical wine rep, though. Although she now works for wine distributor Young’s Market, once upon a

Romeo’s Choice Skins – Italian sausage, onions, peppers and mushrooms covered in melted provolone and served with yogurt dressing – will be one of five menu items featured at this week’s “Taste of Romeo’s Euro Cafe” dinner. The other four courses: Broiled

Many critics say Michael David wines are too rich, too alcoholic and too hard to pair with food. But consumers love them. Really love them. Judge for yourself when DownUnder Wines & Bistro hosts a five-course dinner Thursday featuring five selections

SanTan Brewing hosts its annual Christmas in July Saturday with a traditional holiday meal of roasted turkey, glazed ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. The downtown Chandler brewery’s two holiday seasonals, Winter Warmer and 12 Daze Caramel Spiced Amber, will be

If you’ve wanted to check out acclaimed Kai but have balked at the price (the five-course tasting menu starts at $120), the Wild Horse Pass restaurant is offering a $65 summer special featuring some of its signature menu items. Get the heirloom

Porkopolis, the burgers-and-barbecue joint that opened in April at Arizona Avenue and the 202 in Chandler, has started Monsoon Mondays – all the ribs you can eat for $20 – for the rest of the summer. The Monday promotion also

D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar in Chandler just launched a late-night happy hour. From 8 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday, get $5 featured cocktails, $10 off bottles of wine and $2-$5 off glasses of wine. There also are food

Stop by Ahwatukee wine and cheese shop Wedge & Bottle any time between 5 and 7 p.m. today for a wine tasting with Action Wine & Spirits. Sample four wines for $5, which can go toward purchase of a bottle.

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen in south Tempe has a new name: Buon Gusto. New owners took over the health-conscious pizzeria on the northeast corner of Kyrene and Warner a few months ago and decided to break away from the small