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: Tia Carmen

RUBEE TUESDAY: Merkin Old Town Scottsdale, Jade Palace, Osteria Mia, Tia Carmen, The Rose Garden, Lauren Allen Culinary Events, Anhelo

September 19, 2023  /  Christina Barrueta

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

Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale

Friday, August 25: Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room (Old Town Scottsdale). A Scottsdale City Lifestyle assignment on dishes using local honey brought me to one of my favorite chefs - Steve Zimmerman.

Kofta (lamb meatballs with harissa-spiced honey, zhug, toum, and ezme) at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room in Old Town Scottsdale

We were treated to an array of delicious dishes from this talented culinary star - some of which you can read about in the digital issue at this link (page 25), and others that were chalkboard specials.

And I was thrilled to be one of the first to try the new line of naturally-flavored Queen B sparkling meads (lavender, rose petal, jasmine, and bergamot)!

For dinner that night, we were off to Jade Palace (North Scottsdale). Locally-owned Tequila Corrido was the guest of honor at their first cocktail dinner featuring GM Roman Kettler’s excellent cocktails.

Roman Kettler of Jade Palace

Sunday, August 27: Osteria Mia (North Phoenix). We had family visiting from Vegas, so we treated them to dinner at one of our neighborhood favorites.

Monday, August 28: Tia Carmen (JW Marriott Desert Ridge). The SOMM Journal gathered some of Arizona's finest wine and beverage professionals at Tia Carmen for a Gavi Masterclass. The first stop on the Gavi World Tour, it was a delicious deep dive into this Italian white varietal. Click on the photo below for a video, including the delicious spread that the chefs at Tia Carmen created.

Tuesday, August 29: The Rose Garden (Downtown Phoenix). We had a media sneak peek of the new Sur La Bar mixology class that officially launches September 20. For all the details, check out my video by clicking the photo of Trey Biven below:

Afterwards, we were off to celebrate Lauren Allen Culinary Events at their rebrand launch party at The Royal View House, a luxurious 8,600-square-foot home on a 1-acre estate. Coincidentally, I had been to this beautiful property before as it is the home of one of the co-founders of WorldClass, who now rents it out as a stunning venue.

Lauren Allen is known for her exceptional private dinners and events, and her launch party was another fabulous example. Congratulations Lauren!

Wednesday, August 30: Anhelo (downtown Phoenix). We’ve been back to Anhelo recently, but not for a full tasting menu experience. In fact, the last time we had made a reservation to do so, it was our anniversary last November and we had to cancel. We were blown away when we walked in and chef-owner Ivan had closed the restaurant just for us and created a special re-do Anniversary Dinner with this spectacular custom menu.

Custom tasting menu at Anhelo in downtown Phoenix

Needless to say, Anhelo, which has been a long-time favorite, now holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you to Ivan and his team for spoiling us with a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Check back next week for visits to Elliott Steakhouse. Anhelo, Fat Ox, La Famiglia, Pa’La, Atlas Wines, Cala, and Sel.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Merkin Old Town Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, Jade Palace, Tequila Corrido, Tequila dinner, Osteria Mia, Tia Carmen, Anhelo, The Rose Garden

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: Prime at Gila River Resort and Casino at Wild Horse Pass, Tia Carmen, Tarbell’s and Vecina.

July 11, 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.

Elevated Seafood Tower at Prime at Gila River Resort & Casino - Wild Horse Pass

Wednesday, July 28: Prime, A Shula's Steak House Gila River Resorts & CasinosPrime, A Shula's Steak House Gila River Resorts & CasinosPrime, A Shula's Steak House at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass (Chandler). While I’m usually here to attend one of their spectacular wine dinners, this time I was interviewing Chef Michael Dei Maggi, Advanced Sommelier Troy Tranzow, and Gila River Resort & Casinos Corporate VP of Food and Beverage Maj Kayyali for a SOMM Journal feature.

Chef Michael Dei Maggi, Sommelier Troy Tranzow, and Gila River Resort VP of Food and Beverage Maj Kayyali

After a great interview, we stayed for surf and turf that included the Elevated Seafood Tower, Potted King crab (a new favorite!), and Japanese A5 Wagyu (not pictured).

And, as alway, fantastic cocktails thanks to the skills of Camille Tixier.

Camille Tixier of Prime at Gila River Resort and Casino in Chandler, Arizona

Tamarindo Sour (Knob Creek rye, Alma Tepec Chile Pasilla liqueur, lime juice, Camille’s tamarind syrup, grapefruit bitters, and a rim of crushed Lucas tamarindo candy), Vieux Carré, and Sunshine Spritzer (Sloe gin, Italicus, Suze and club soda).

Writer Christina Barrueta of Write On Rubee with the team at Prime at Gila River Resort

Thursday, July 29: Tia Carmen at JWMarriott Desert Ridge (Phoenix). In August, The SOMM Journal is hosting a Gavi Master Class at Tia Carmen, providing a perfect opportunity to join Meridith May, the editor and owner of SOMM Journal, and event manager Dawn for lunch and a walkthrough at one of my favorite restaurants.

For dinner that night. we headed to another of our favorites, Tarbell’s, for a wine dinner highlighting mushrooms with special guest Brian Hedger, owner of local mushroom purveyor Hypha Foods.

Another fantastic experience at Tarbell’s!

Friday, June 30: Vecina (Phoenix). We ended our food-filled week at a Phoenix gem I wish I could get to more often, And this visit was extra-special as we were joined by Abel Arriaga, founder of Compa Spirits, and his family.

I fell in love with this taco árabe when it was a special, so I'm thrilled they added it to the menu! It features WorldClass Ibérico de Bellota pluma with chipotle crema, cashew dukkah, micro cilantro, and Fresno chiles on flatbread.

Taco árabe with WorldClass Iberico de bellotta pluma

Other must-orders include the Raiz Rioja cocktail with guacamole, chicken karaage with aji amarillo and togarashi, hiramasa ceviche with coconut leche de tigre, and skirt steak tacos with cascabel chile.

And this is still one of my favorite octopus dishes in town - WorldClass octopus with mole rojo, white beans, aji verde, and crispy potatoes.

Abel’s mission is to support small businesses across Mexico by curating beautiful artisanal spirits and boutique wines. Naturally, we had to sample some for ourselves, and wow, I was impressed! If you’re heading to Vecina (or see this on any other menus around town), be sure to order a bottle of Parvada Tinto from winemaker Lucía García Alonso in Valle de Parras in Coahuila de Zaragoza (the oldest wine region in America). It’s a rich and layered blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo with notes of cocoa, plum, and black fruit and especially delicious paired with my taco árabe.

And to pair with decadent mezcal banana bread and peanut butter mousse, I was introduced to Lechugilla, a lesser-known agave spirit. Both of these were beautiful expressions of Lechuguilla (two different species), and I can’t wait to explore this category more. Thank you, Abel, for the introduction!

Lechugilla Cumbrita de la Sierra is made by Maestro Destilador Dolores González and hails from Chihuahua. The agaves are cooked in an earthen oven covered with pine needle duff, milled by hand using an axe and wooden mallet, fermented in a stone and clay basin with spring water, and distilled in a unique hybrid still called a "tren."

Lamata Lechuguilla Sonora, crafted by Maestro Vinatero Martín Yépiz in Alamo, Sonora begins with cooking the agaves in an underground oven before mashing with an axe in a wooden canoe. Abel pointed out that with a lot size of only 150 liters, it’s a rare find and has become a collector’s item. Tip: I also spied this on the backbar at Arboleda on my last visit.

Looking to do some exploration yourself? Join me at next month’s Chilte and Compas Spirits cocktail collab! Get all the details by clicking the photo below.

Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Sicilian Butcher, The Mexicano, Thirsty Camel at The Phoenician, and Farm Provisions in Prescott.

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tags / Vecina, Prime, Compa Spirits, Tia Carmen, JW Marriott Desert Ridge

RUBEE TUESDAY: Tia Carmen, Arizona Restaurant Week Preview, The Americano, D & Y Chinese, Arboleda, Pomo Pizzeria Biltmore, Giuseppe's On 28th

May 09, 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.

Mark Stone and Chef Angelo Sosa of Tia Carmen

Restaurateur Mark Stone and Executive Chef Angelo Sosa, co-owners of Tia Carmen at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Saturday, April 29: Tia Carmen, Scottsdale. We were invited to join the one-year celebration of Tia Carmen at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. As I’ve gotten to know co-owners Mark Stone and Chef Angelo Sosa in my interviews (for So Scottsdale magazine, SOMM Journal, and A Taste of AZ), I loved having the opportunity to celebrate their success with them!

I started with a Yuzu and Bergamot Paloma, before commemorating the occasion with a fantastic wine-paired tasting menu of Tia Carmen’s signature dishes (above), all of which have become personal favorites over the past year.

And thank you to Mark for introducing us to - and joining us in - a Don Abraham Extra Anejo Tequila nightcap. It was the perfect ending to a special night at Tia Carmen. For a video Reel of the Grand Opening in 2022, click HERE.

Monday, May 1: Arizona Restaurant Week Dine-Around Preview. The Spring Arizona Restaurant Week takes place May 19-28 this year and I joined a lively media group as we toured three of the 160 restaurants offering special menus: Arboleda for appetizers, Thompson 101 for entrees, and cocktails and dessert at Chauncey Social. Reel:

And since we ended at Chauncey Social which was next door to The Americano, I had to stop by to check out the new cocktails. In addition to an excellent Espresso Martini, I loved the new Live and Let Thai with tea-infused vodka, Velvet Falernum, Chocolate Spice bitters, pandan, blood orange and Prosecco, and the Fiore di Vitae with Salvadoreno coffee rum, Bacardi, pomegranate, lavender, Primitivo and Flores Bitters.

Tuesday, May 2: D & Y Chinese, Glendale. Back to our favorite Chinese restaurant! My mom actually discovered this gem when she was looking for a spot in the NW Valley that had roast duck, but now we’ve been here more often than they have. Not only do they have roast duck (which we usually get to-go), but they also have tanks with fresh lobster, crab, and fish. We try something different every time (the menu is much larger than that on the website), but my current favorite dishes are Westlake soup, salt and pepper pork chop, green beans with XO sauce, sugar pea shoots with garlic, salted fish and eggplant pot, salt and pepper lobster, and roast duck. TIP: Call ahead to reserve your duck order as they sometimes run out.

Some past feasts:

Wednesday, May 3: Arboleda, Scottsdale Quarter. If you’ve read my past Rubee Tuesdays, you already know that this is a favorite of mine. This time, we introduced Meridith May and her husband Bill Brandel, owners of The SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel magazines, to this fantastic spot.

Worldclass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with sourdough tomato toast

I’ve already mentioned previous favorite dishes like hummus and WorldClass Cinco Jotas jamón Ibérico de bellota with pan con tomate (above), but now I’m adding El Bulli olive spheres, foie gras cones, coffee and date-glazed duck breast, and Ibérico pluma to the list! Look for my Arboleda article in the next issue of A Taste of AZ magazine.

Baked Arizona with prickly pear sorbet and Chocolate Marshmallow Sundae paired with a Bonal divestivo at Arboleda

Thursday, May 4: Pomo Pizzeria, Biltmore. There’s a new location for your Neapolitan pizza fix! I’ve been a long time fan of Pomo and their fantastic pizza (and pasta) and featured them in my Phoenix Cooks cookbook. So of course we had to stop by for their Biltmore Grand Opening celebration and enjoy Aperol Spritzes, charcuterie, and a mini Neapolitan pizza.

We continued our ItalIan night with a first visit to Giuseppe's On 28th, a 20+ year Valley fixture. Cute, cozy neighborhood spot and friendly service, with my favorite dish being the lobster ravioli with sage butter special.

Check back next week for visits to Renata’s Hearth, The Phoenician Kentucky Derby Party, a Taste of AZ podcast at Wrigley Mansion, Prime at Gila River Resort & Casino at Wild Horse Pass

And you can follow along on my Instagram as I visit Course (new restaurant alert!), STK Steakhouse, Arboleda, Pa’La Downtown, and The Cave at Quartz Cocktail Bar.

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categories / Rubee Tuesday
tags / Tia Carmen, Arizona Restaurant Week, The Americano, D&Y Chinese, Pomo Pizzeria Biltmore, Arboleda