Write On Rubee

An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

Filtering by Tag: Bitter and Twisted

RUBEE TUESDAY: Renata’s Hearth at Arizona Biltmore resort, Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Bitter & Twisted, The Italian Daughter, CRUjiente Tacos

August 15, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.

Bloomingdale cocktail at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour in downtown Phoenix

Friday, July 28: Renata’s Hearth at the Arizona Biltmore (Phoenix). Back to one of my favorites, this time with Meridith May and Bill Brandel, owners of SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines. Stay tuned for my upcoming SOMM Journal feature with Director of Restaurants Timothy Ahrens.

Saturday, July 29: Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). This was the launch of the new 'Tia and Chef' guest chef series with chef-owner Chef Angelo Sosa and I was thrilled that his inaugural guest was Chef Maria Mazon, executive chef and owner of BOCA Tacos y Tequila in Tucson, whom I first met in 2016.

Both of these talented chefs are also well-known TV personalities - Chef Maria competed on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Chopped, and Chef Angelo was on Bravo’s Top Chef for three seasons and HBO Max’s Selena + Chef.

Chef Maria Mazon, writer Christina Barrueta, and Chef Angelo Sosa at Tia Carmen

While the main event was Chef Maria’s special seven-course taco menu, our media group was invited to a pre-dinner cooking demo.

I don’t know who had more fun - our group, or the chefs! Click the photo below to watch the video reel.

Chefs Maria Mazon and Angelo Sosa

And check out our fantasic feast: Thank you to chef Maria who introduced each of her delicious tacos, and GM Maritza for the great education on all our pairings:

Tuesday, August 1: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (downtown Phoenix). Every year B&T releases a new book of cocktails, and this year’s was another winner. It’s no surprise that their book has landed on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Top 10 "World’s Best Cocktail Menu" multiple times.

Hasta La Vista, Berry! at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour

Here are some of my favorites (including the jerk chicken on the food menu, a partnership with Jamaican restaurant, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar):
Hasta La Vista, Berry!: “A lively fusion of Mezcal and Martini & Rossi's Riserva Speciale Bitter dances with Aperitivo Rosato, harmonized by a tangy triple berry shrub. Topped with sparkling prosecco and a splash of club soda."
You Shell Nut Pass: ”An elegant blend of VSOP cognac, house-blended sweet vermouth, and amontillado sherry, harmonized with zesty lemon and a delightful touch of pistachio adds an alluring twist.”
Bloomingdale: “A delicate fusion of Roku gin and elderflower liqueur harmoniously intertwine with crisp Rosé wine and a house dry vermouth blend. A dash of Peychaud bitters completes this elegant, floral masterpiece. Served chilled and up.”
Nibs & Bitters Negroni: “Sous vide cocoa nib mezcal pairs perfectly with the bitter warmth of Campari and a touch of sweet vermouth blend. It's like a fireside chat with an old friend.”
Split Decision: “A silken blend of Tullamore D.E.W. and Monkey Shoulder whiskies, enhanced by rich banana Madeira and aromatic cardamom bitters. Smooth vanilla buttermilk syrup brings it all together, creating a luxurious, spirited sipper.”
M.V.P. “A refined twist on a cult classic Miami Vice, this tempting fusion features a house rum blend, exotic spices, and strawberry tea. Pineapple, coconut milk, and lime intermingle for a refreshing, tropical experience, all clarified for a smooth finish.”

Wednesday, August 2: The Italian Daughter (North Scottsdale). We were invited to check out the new menu and it was a delicious reminder to return here more often. Thank you to Chef Vittorio Colafranceschi, who made one of the best Italian seafood dishes I have ever had - an off-menu special of Dungeness crab guazzetto.

Crab guazzetto at Italian Daughter

Thursday, August 3: CRUjiente Tacos (Phoenix). As always, another great visit to this award-winning gem. Look for my Sonoran Scoop column in the next issue of SOMM Journal!

Check back on next week’s Rubee Tuesday for visits to Bobby-Q BBQ, PHOENIX Magazine Best Fest, Anhelo, Wren & Wolf, and Chilte.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Renata's Hearth, Arizona Biltmore, Tia Carmen, JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Italian Daughter, Scottsdale, Downtown Phoenix, CRUjiente Tacos, Bitter and Twisted

RUBEE TUESDAY: May 1-9: Bitter and Twisted, Mora, Casa Anejo, Proof and Onyx at the Four Seasons, Artizen at The Camby, Kentucky Derby Brunch at Bourbon Steak, North, and CRUjiente Tacos

May 09, 2017  /  Christina Barrueta

A semi-regular feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in the Phoenix area.

On Monday, May 1st, I attended a special media preview of Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour's fourth annual Book o' Cocktails along with a sampling of some of Chef Bob Tam's delicious new dishes.  Loved it! You can read my photo recap by clicking the picture below.  

Afterwards, our friend Kirti joined us for a nightap at Mora Italian, where we shared the foie gras and chicken liver pate with cippolini agro dolce.  And a special treat was chatting with one of the valley's best chefs - chef de cuisine Matt Taylor. 

On Tuesday, May 2nd, I joined fellow media at Casa Añejo Tacos and Tequila, the newest addition to The Colony.  It's a winning trifecta, with a beautiful space designed by HGTV and DIY Network's Kitchen Crashers star Alison Victoria, Riley Jones in charge of cocktails, and Chef Joe Absolor helming the kitchen. Look for a full recap later this month.  

Designer Alison Victoria

Designer Alison Victoria

On Thursday, May 4th, I was on assignment for Phoenix Home and Garden at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.  Pick up the July issue for a feature on Executive Chef Chuck Kazmer and his special summer recipes. I was also treated to a dish on Talavera's "Spring in France" tasting menu running through May 17.  The rabbit paté with caper berries and pistachios, preserved Meyer lemon aioli, and fava beanss is amazing! 

Afterwards, I joined my fellow food writer friend Lauren Topor for Proof's Thursday-only Tiki Pop-Up.  

We sipped our way through tropical tiki drinks such as the Flaming Zombie Bite (my favorite - with Plantation overproof rum, gin, pineapple, orange, and orgeat), Pimm's Plunder (Pimm's, Wild Tonic's Tropical Turmeric kombucha, ginger beer, raspberry, lime, and cucumber) and Piña Luau (ixa reposado tequila, amaro, demerara simple syrup, pineapple, lime).  Chef Dell also shared his delicious housemade kombucha  - thank you Dell!

Don't miss out on Chef Del's rotating selection of Ono Grindz such as this Hawaaian Fried Rice with pineapple, U-5 shrimp and hoisin-glazed scallops, and the bacon bao with turmeric preserved cabbage, chicharrones, charred shallot, and garlic blossoms. Chef Dell cures the bacon for 8 days and then smokes it over black walnut. For more information about this weekly event, click this link. 

And we couldn't leave without enjoying the sunset on the picturesque patio of Onyx.  

On Friday, May 5th, we received a media invitation to explore Chef Dushyant Singh's new dshes at a personal favorite - Artizen at The Camby. Chef not only surprised us with a custom tasting menu but WOW this is one of my best meals of 2017. I was already a huge fan, but now I'm an even bigger one. These are just a few of the fantastic highlights. Some are currently on the menu, and some are still being finalized. Look for a detailed feature later this month.  

Purple potato gnocchi with saffron-poached mussels, charred leeks, asparagus, and a saffron beurre blanc

Purple potato gnocchi with saffron-poached mussels, charred leeks, asparagus, and a saffron beurre blanc

Saturday was the Kentucky Derby. This was my first time joining the Kentucky Derby Brunch at Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, but not my last! Festivities included Bulleit mint juleps, live blues music, and a Southern brunch featuring pickled shrimp, filet mignon with Henry Bain sauce, hush puppies and fried oysters, Kentucky burgoo, shrimp and grits, hot browns, fried chicken, Derby pie, red velvet cupcakes, and more. My friend Kirti and I also left as winners! Each guest drew a horse name as they entered and since Always Dreaming won, so did we - a free overnight stay at this gorgeous resort. 

On Monday, May 8th, I joined fellow travel writers and local tourism representatives to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week. We were hosted by Visit Phoenix at North Italia in Arcadia and feasted on new favorites like zucca chips, Seasonal Vegetable salad, chicken pesto with gigli pasta, and tiramisu.

Across the street is one of my favorites, CRUjiente Tacos. Since they had just launched their new brew collaboration with Pedal Haus Brewery, I had to stop in after lunch, especially as they were promoting a one-day-only taco pairing. Crujiente's award-winning Executive Chef Richard Hinojosa and co-owner Jason Morris worked with Julian Wright and Derek “Doc” Osborne of Pedal Haus to create a blood orange Gose-style beer. I loved it! But get it while you can as it is very limited. Chef paired it with an incredible roasted pork belly taco with orange-habanero glaze, tomatoes, and cilantro mojo.  

For past Rubee Tuesday recaps, visit this link.  Stay tuned next week as I visit Il Capo Pizzeria, attend a private culinary film movie screening, support my friend Kirti at an LLS fundraising cocktail dinner at Hyatt Gainey Ranch (she's been nominated for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year), explore the new cocktail menu at House Brasserie...and film a segment as a guest on Good Morning Arizona!

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Mora, Bitter and Twisted, Casa Anejo, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Bourbon Steak, Four Sesaons Scottsdale, Proof

RUBEE TUESDAY, June 28-July 4: Montelucia, Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Drexyl, Christopher's, Durant's

July 05, 2016  /  Christina Barrueta

A recently-launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.  

Chef Bob Tam's Momo Ramen Burger at Bitter and Twisted

Tuesday, June 28.  I attended a Modern Luxury Scottsdale Magazine event to celebrate their Best of the City 2016 issue at the Omni Resort at the Montelucia, a beautiful venue and one of our favorite resorts. We were greeted with cocktails and guests feasted on delicious food from the team of Executive Chef Michael Cairns and Executive Sous Chef Marcos Seville, such as roasted New York strip loin with creamy cauliflower puree and crab cakes with mangio aioli. Afterwards, we joined writer friend Teresa Traverse and Jacob and Natalie, Homeboys Hot Sauce Best of the City winners,  for a cocktail at Prado.  Thanks for the excellent margarita Victor! 

Wednesday, June 29.  It's always a treat to get together with Melissa Larsen, editor of Arizona Foothills Magazine. Not only was I looking forward to a double date with her and her husband, but it would be their first visit to one of my top favorites - Bitter and Twisted.  We made it for the last days of the June-only Daring Dining Menu, and Chef Bob Tam  sent out a few surprises he's been working on. Wow!! Every time I come here I'm reminded of what a creative genius he is (homemade bagaoong - yes!).  And, as always, so happy they still had a couple of High Spirited Cupcakes left.  

"Grits & Eggs" with Chinese sausage, garlic chives, bean sprouts, soy, Homeboy's Hot Sauce, sesame shallot oil, homemade bagoong

Thursday, July 30.  I couldn't be more thrilled for my wonderful friend Kristy, co-founder of Where Should We Eat, as I celebrated her baby shower with friends and family at Drexyl.  Congratulations to Kristy, Mike, and Baby W! 

Friday, July 1.  If you're active in the beverage industry, you've probably met my gregarious and sweet friend Kelli, who is currently the Disaronno Brand Ambassador West. That meant that as we caught up over Kir Violettes, I received beverage gifts (and education!) during our lunch at Christopher's - another favorite that I need to get to more often. Thank you Kelli! 

Lobster salad and Croque Madame

Saturday, June 3. We joined our dear friends and most frequent dining partners, Bill and Lill of AZ Bitters Lab, at one of our favorite steakhouses - Phoenix' iconic Durant's (though I'm overdue to write a feature, here's a past Happy Hour article I wrote for AZ Wine Lifestyle).  A special bonus was having Mari Howe join us for a cocktail before she moves to Hawaii next week (and an order of her beautiful handmade jewelry).  

Of course, we made sure to bring our Free Dessert for Life chips!

Check back next week when I visit Proof at the Four Seasons for my Spanish burger launch, Arrowhead Grill, explore the Scottsdale Artwalk with visits to Sel, 5th and Wine, Citizen Public House, and head to DeSoto Market for a special event. 

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Bitter and Twisted, Durant's, Christopher's, Prado, Omni Montelucia

RUBEE TUESDAY, May 31-June 6: Bitter and Twisted, La Bocca, Stock & Stable, Tacos Chiwas, The Gladly

June 07, 2016  /  Christina Barrueta

A recently launched feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in and around Phoenix.  

Wednesday, June 1st.  I was thrilled to find out I was Guest of the Week at one of my favorite spots (thanks Ross!), so of course a visit to Bitter and Twisted was in order.  I worked my way through a trio of infused Negronis (rose, Earl Grey tea, and jasmine) and, as always, Chef Bob Tam's food was the perfect, delicious accompaniment.  

Thursday, June 2nd.  I also have a full-time job as a medical editor with a company called Integrity HD and my bosses and owners of the company were in Phoenix for their yearly trip. We had a great time catching up at La Bocca in North Scottsdale.  

Thursday, June 2nd.  One of my favorite PR industry professionals, Jan Brancamonte of J Lauren PR, celebrated five years with a rooftop party and cake and champagne at her office in Tempe. 

Thursday, June 2nd.  Afterwards, I attended a media preview for the opening of Stock and Stable, a fabulous new addition to midtown Phoenix. I loved the space, craft cocktails and the food, such as the double-cut pork chop with Noble bread, peaches and cipollini stuffing and the smoked corn manti with radishes, pepitas, feta cheese, and asparagus.  In fact, I made plans to return next week for lunch with a friend. Photos below by Food & Lifestyles:

Saturday, June 4th.  I spent a fun afternoon at The Gladly for the launch of Homeboy's Hot Sauce's new Verde, and a sneak peek at the The Gladly's Summer Cocktail list which debuts today (June 14).  Click the picture below for a separate recap with details and photos by Chanelle Sinclair of iamchanelle photography.  

Saturday, June 4.  We FINALLY got to Tacos Chiwas, a place all my food-loving friends have been raving about.  We got the namesake Tacos Chiwas (beef, ham and queso asadero), carne asada, and fried tripas tacos and rajas gorditas. Oh yes, we'll be back! 

Sunday, June 5th. I joined friends (including Jenelle Bonifield of Food & Lifestyles and Sarah Mitchell of Eco Mama Green Clean) for dinner at a neighborhood favorite - Pomo.  This time, I tried a new pasta and loved it. I'll be ordering it again - strozzapreti alla salsiccia with a creamy tomato sauce, ground sausage, rosemary, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Tune in next week as I return to Stock and Stable and St. Francis, enjoy a staycation at The Camby, and visit Brickyard Downtown and U.S. Egg.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / La Bocca, Bitter and Twisted, Stock and Stable, The Gladly