The competition took place in Las Vegas over Labor Day weekend. Shaw came away with first place and headed back to Phoenix to continue perfecting his mixology skills – perhaps to cement another first-place win at next year’s Coramino Cup.

Actor Kevin Hart and Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation tequila maker, founded Gran Coramino Tequila. The competition brought together 10 – out of 950! – bartenders from across the country.

Shaw’s win earned him a feature in Chilled Magazine and a $10,000 grand prize. In the coming months, he will continue to display his talents at an assortment of Gran Coramino occasions, including red-carpet events, live shows, exclusive parties, and more. Hart, a judging panel from Chilled Magazine, and other industry experts selected Shaw as the 2024 annual contest winner.

“Gran Coramino was created to celebrate the hard work required for excellence, especially during the moments that no one sees,” Hart said in a press release. “Bartenders embody the ‘Hard Work Tastes Different’ motto we live by – they work to make sure people have a good time – and they make it look easy.”

Shaw was one of six bartenders tested on a variety of skills. The other finalists came from venues in LA, Chicago, Miami, and Vegas. Participants were evaluated on “hustle, accuracy, charisma, and overall presence, showcasing why they are the hardest working bartenders in the industry.”

“Six peeps from all ends of the country coming together for one goal: to show how important we are to the industry,” Shaw said in an Instagram post. “Connections, making people smile, and having fun are the goals I’ve set to conquer in my lifetime, and I’ve done a pretty damn good job at it so far.”

Shaw has honed his bartending talents at The Montauk in Scottsdale for the past two years, thanks to an extensive specialty cocktail menu program that he spearheaded. His win was a testament to the originality, experience and vibrant personality he brings to his teammates and customers.

For more information, visit grancoramino.com or themontaukaz.com.

The new taproom is designed to encourage conversation, foster connections, and bring people together by creating a comfortable setting to enjoy a cold pint of beer.

The venue, spanning over 10,000 square feet, will undergo a complete transformation before opening. The first floor will boast a central sunken seating area, towering 33-foot ceilings, a 19-tank brewing system that offers a captivating view of the brewing process, a full kitchen, and seating for 110 diners. These unique features are designed to enhance your brewery experience.

The second floor will feature an additional bar and space for up to 100 guests, making it perfect for private events. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a 1,185-square-foot patio equipped with fire pits and misters.
“Formation Brewing is the culmination of 13 years of passion for and experience in brewing, events and hospitality,” CEO Robert MacEachern said. “When it comes down to it, we want to be known as a go-to place that serves great beer and food, where people are happy to be and where they feel that strong sense of community and inclusivity.”

Once complete, Foundation Brewing will offer a diverse selection of 24 taps—18 on the main floor and six on the mezzanine. Guests can look forward to sampling four signature beers that take inspiration from Arizona’s landscape: Cloud Drifter Hazy IPA, Desert Racer Pilsner, Sun Crest Tart Peach Ale, and Western Winds West Coast IPA. These unique brews will also be available in pre-packaged 12-ounce cans. Alongside these new brews, the kitchen will provide a full menu featuring local Arizona ingredients with products sourced from area farmers and vendors, promising a culinary experience like no other.

Alongside the new brews, the kitchen will provide a full menu featuring local Arizona ingredients with products sourced from area farmers and vendors.

“We’ve been inspired by nature and our surroundings,” MacEachern said. “Just like stones that shape grand arches or birds soaring in unison, Formation can create something greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we brew fantastic beer and create a shared experience that unites us all.”

For more information, visit formationbrewing.com or follow along on Instagram @FormationBeer.

This all-new experience transforms the space into an homage to the energetic streets of Lower Manhattan’s historic Chinatown, blending storytelling with bold, American-Chinese fusion and one-of-a-kind cocktails.

“Our goal has always been to push boundaries,” Barter & Shake – the hospitality group behind Century Grand – Partner Mat Snapp said. “We’re willing to do what people can’t or won’t do. With this new concept, we’re inviting guests to step off Platform 18 at Century Grand and into an era of mystery, glamour, and discovery, where every corner offers a new surprise.”

Stepping inside the House of Exotic Exports, guests are transported into a lavish 1924 emporium filled with rich decor, moody lighting, and an eclectic mix of music curated in collaboration with local music aficionado and owner of Central Records, Jake Stellarwell. The ambiance suggests a hidden marketplace brimming with exotic treasures. Many of the cocktail offerings are twists on classic Chinese dishes, served in ornate glassware and promising an immersive experience that feels like “time travel in a glass.”

“With every new chapter at Grey Hen, we strive to transport our guests to a different world,” Director of Operations Cortnie Cozeck said. “M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports is not just a bar; it’s a portal to another time where you can lose yourself in the allure of old Chinatown. Each sip reveals a new story.”

Another standout feature of the new experience is a working 1920s phone booth that operates on vintage Buffalo nickels, enabling guests to call numbers from an authentic Manhattan Telephone Directory to uncover hidden stories and secrets.

Patrons can try daring bites like spicy chili peanuts, house-made jerky, and a refreshing cucumber salad, all crafted to pair with the imaginative drinks available within. Every page of the menu is a treasure map, guiding guests through hidden narratives and unexpected flavors that make for a multi-sensory experience.

Guests at Grey Hen Rx can also purchase full bottles of hand-selected spirits from the House of Emporium or to savor the flavors at home. New drinks include:

•Tall Cucumber: Calamansi-Infused Reyka Vodka, Sōtō Sake, Lemon, Culantro, Champagne

•Chop Suey: Mandarin-Infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, Cachaca, Thai Basil, Fernet, Mango, Red Bell Pepper, Carrot, Lemon + Lime

•Very Special Walnut Shrimp: Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask, Ramazzotti, Vicario Nonino, PX Sherry, Banana

•Wonton Soup: Botanist Gin, Jefferson’s Small Batch Bourbon, Yellow Chartreuse, Angry Duckling Wonton Broth, Lemon, Mandarin, Toasted Sesame, Charred Scallion

•Tom Kha: Coconut-Washed Roku Gin, Lemongrass, Ginger, Lemon + Lime, Fresno Chili Tincture

The new concept will also offer nonalcoholic cocktails. For more information on M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports at the Grey Hen Rx visit centurygrandphx.com.

“I wanted to create a different take on the stereotypical ‘country honkytonk,’” Founder Aaron Lopo said. “I love double meanings, and the name ‘Horse & Hyde’ reflects that playful and layered idea. More importantly, we aim to give a platform for young artists to master their music crafts and get seen.”

Horse & Hyde’s atmosphere transports guests into an upscale Nashville setting. The new location includes exposed old-world brick walls, tufted booths, candlelight, a fireplace, and a denim-colored feature wall.

Highlights also include a mirrored mosaic longhorn and stunning bar tops. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and an impressive food menu while listening to talented local country music musicians.

Signature drinks include the Cowboy Carajillo, known for its delicious taste and the owner’s pride in serving fresh espresso, the barrel-aged bourbon cocktail “City Slicker” and the Lavender French 75. The menu’s addition of smoked meats through a new commissary enhances the authentic saloon experience.

Horse & Hyde is a “neighborhood hitching post” in Uptown Phoenix, providing a welcoming community gathering place. Lopo’s dedication to creating a family-like atmosphere ensures that guests receive great service, comfort food, and an upscale Nashville-style ambiance.

The Uptown location’s recent enhancements reflect Lopo’s passion for culinary creativity. Lopo began his journey on a food truck in Philadelphia, followed by experiences in hotels, large and local restaurants and consulting. His desire to create memorable dining experiences through thoughtful restaurant design led to the opening of Horse & Hyde.

The new location will also feature a daily happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. and live music performances every night. For more information, visit horseandhyde.com.

The downtown Phoenix haunt planted its roots in 2014 as a bar based on adventure and passion. The cocktail lounge breathes new air into classic drinks to elevate the experience, including five different takes on a Negroni – what the owner calls “one of the greatest cocktails ever created.”

The lounge offers a choose-your-own-adventure-like experience, using The Cocktail Map with illustrations to steer customers toward a drink they will enjoy, from Divergent (adventurous) to Play It Safe (classics) to To The Point (spirit-forward) to Refreshing (approachable crowd-pleasers).

A popular feature of the menu, the Hall of Fame, highlights popular tried-and-true cocktails with a few recent additions, like the Split Decision (whisky, banana Madeira, cardamom bitters) and the MVP (clarified with house rum blend, strawberry tea, coconut milk, and exotic spices).

Owner Ross Simon debuted the bar after numerous career successes, including working up the ranks at “London’s most highly regarded and creative bars, the award-winning Lab Bar.” Simon created his “dream lounge” focused on consistency and quality.

“Since our beginning, we have been focused on the art and theatre of bartending, making everything from scratch, and ensuring we’re the best of the best,” Simon said.

From its inception, Bitter & Twisted has elevated its cocktails with its crystal-clear large-block ice because, as Simon said, “the quality of the ice used in our bar can make all the difference in our guest’s experience.”

The establishment is located in the historic Luhrs Building, also known as the former Arizona Prohibition Headquarters. It offers innovative bar bites alongside its award-winning and globally recognized cocktail program and menu.

The lounge continued to uphold its award for World’s Best Cocktail Menu by the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail, an annual trade conference, festival and gathering of cocktail and spirits industry professionals in New Orleans. They were nominated in 2024. The innovative anniversary menu includes the following:

The Dinapoli: A savory gin martini with flavors of pancetta and tomato, a nod to local culinary legend Chris Bianco.

Yuzu Negroni: A refreshing, citrusy twist on the classic with gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, and yuzu blanc vermouth.

Double the Pleasure: A mix of tequilas, house-made tepache soda, mineral water and pineapple oil topped with a rich, pink goat cheese sorbet.

Simon created the menu additions with the Bitter & Twisted bartending team. Mocktails with high-quality, zero-proof spirit substitutions are also available.

“We strive to provide a premium product at an approachable price point for our patrons, as great cocktails should be enjoyed anytime, not just on special occasions,” Simon said.

As Bitter & Twisted toasts 10 years of crafting artful beverages, the cocktail lounge is continuing its legacy with its new menu. For more information, visit bitterandtwistedaz.com.

With its renowned Meyer Constellation sound system, the Ravenscroft Hall offers a unique musical experience. The immersive sounds and unmatched performances can be enjoyed from any seat in the house, making it a must-visit for all music enthusiasts.

The multi-use space and music venue spans 30,000 square feet and is just southeast of Loop 101 and Princess Drive in the Scottsdale Perimeter Complex. The timeless venue at 8445 E. Hartford Drive will begin its 2024 concert series in September.

The first performance will be the awe-inspiring group, Tarbaby. Pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Nasheet Waits take on a compelling, modern jazz sound and prove to be the perfect start to the much-anticipated series.

The second performance in the series brings Grammy-nominated jazz singer Cyrille Aimee to The Ravenscroft stage on October 26. Aimee’s blend of jazz, pop and Caribbean rhythm will bewitch all in attendance.

As the season unfolds, The Ravenscroft will host a diverse range of performances. From Larry Fuller Trio’s musical program that spans “bop, to stride, to swing, to blues” to the Ari Hoenig Trio’s “performance rich in improvisation, rhythmic complexity, and melodic creativity,” there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

The Ravenscroft is bringing back the popular Jazzbird Nights this fall, promising a series of entertaining shows on Fridays and select Saturdays. With up-and-coming, local performances and a selection of wine, local craft beers, and catered meals, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening on your own or with loved ones.

The “first-class jazz lounge” shows start at 7 p.m. Performances include:

September 6: Mercer Patterson Quintet

September 13: Todd Johnson Quartet

September 20: Kevin Sun Trio

September 21: Simon Moullier Quartet

September 27: Ember

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at theravenscroft.com, the Ravenscroft Box Office, or over the phone at 1-800-785-3318 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit theravenscroft.com.

Dirtbags, a notable spot for University of Arizona students, alumni and locals, is making its way to Phoenix this August. Known for its animated ambiance, stellar service and flavorful food, Dirtbags is ready to bring the same qualities and community feel to the Valley. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Dirtbags grow beyond Tucson,” says Gary Welch, owner of Dirtbags Tucson. “We’ve been a staple for generations of students and locals, and continuing that legacy in Phoenix means we can share our tradition with even more people. I’m proud to see the brand expand while maintaining the spirit and atmosphere that makes Dirtbags special.” 

Dirtbags’ history spans generations, with former “Baggers” often returning to the Tucson location to soak in the nostalgia of their college years, hunt down their favorite license plate behind the bar or introduce their children to staff. 

“We are incredibly excited to bring that Dirtbags vibe to Phoenix,” says Scott Hibler, owner of Dirtbags Phoenix. “The Tucson location has been a cornerstone for fun and camaraderie, and we can’t wait to create the same memorable experiences for the people of Phoenix. We’ve kept some of our classic menu items while also introducing new options to cater to the diverse tastes of this vibrant city.” 

Dirtbags’ legacy lies in its hearty food menu, with a well-rounded drink selection and lively atmosphere. Known for super-sized sandwiches, juicy burgers and healthy options, Dirtbags also features a snack selection available on its munchies menu. From daily lunch specials to late-night food fixes, Dirtbags has everything you crave and more. 

The new Dirtbags Phoenix will be located at 4801 E. Indian School Road, set to open doors in mid-August. To see updates on the latest news and opening details, follow Dirtbags Phoenix on Instagram or visit dirtbagsphx.com.

Photos courtesy Dirtbags

Tell your friends to tell a friend: A brand new cocktail and live music lounge is now open in North Scottsdale. Aptly called Tell Your Friends, the underground lounge is located underneath The Americano and can be accessed through a nondescript side door—just like in the movies. 

From lush red velvet chairs and drapes to floor-to-ceiling lights and glistening disco balls, the Gatsby-like lounge is dripping with glamor. The lounge will host live performances from local vocalists to musical acts every night. As music fills the air of the underground lounge, guests can choose from a variety of specialty beverages and luxurious food dishes from two of the Valley’s most awarded culinary professionals. 

The menu is primarily cocktail-driven and includes approximately 20 cocktails. One of the signature drinks is called Friends with Benefits. The drink is made with whiskey, bitters and sugar. The drink is bottled and cured in beeswax. Another signature drink is called Flapper Fizz made with vodka, apple, vanilla, amaro, lemon and champagne. The curation of the beverage menu was thoughtfully overseen by the head bartender Keifer Gilbert. Accompanying the drink menu is a well-curated menu of upscale small bites led by the iconic Arizona Chef Beau MacMillan. 

“At Tell Your Friends, we’re blending simple, snackable dishes with luxurious, memorable touches,” says Chef MacMillan. “Keifer and I collaborated closely to pair phenomenal cocktails with delightful bites that will inspire and excite our guests. Imagine enjoying a great martini with an amazing onion dip on homemade chips or indulging in fried chicken topped with caviar—there’s nothing better. Also, our talented staff embodies genuine hospitality, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and leaves feeling better than when they arrived.” 

The awarded chef adds unique touches to classic dishes, such as TYF Korean Fried Chicken, Fire-Roasted Oysters, Vodka-Cured Salmon & Potato “Pizza,” Caviar D’Aquitaine Ossestra and more. 

Tell Your Friends is open Thursday through Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. Table reservations are highly encouraged as space is limited. Reservations can be made at www.tellyourfriendsaz.com. Walk-ins are available for bar-top seating, but seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Photos courtesy Tell Your Friends

Crust Restaurant Group has introduced a new cocktail experience to the Valley with speakeasy The Goose. 

Upon entering the lounge guests are drawn in with intimate seating, candlelit tables and Art Deco-style decor featuring sleek geometric patterned wallpaper with flashes of gold accents against a classic black-and-white marbled floor. 

The drink menu blends classic cocktails like a Vesper martini, Clover Club and Vieux Carre with modern imitations carefully crafted by The Goose bar team. Slow down and sip on the Down Comforter made with smoked Wagon bourbon, Amaro Lucano Anniversario, pistachio Orgeat and Australian coffee bitters; be bold with the OnlyFeathers, which combes Platinum vodka, fresh passionfruit and lemon juice topped with Prosecco; or stay on theme with the Take a Gander cocktail made of Japanese Whisky, plum sake, pomegranate tea syrup, dry vermouth and clarified milk punch. 

Whiskey flights give guests the option to sample a carefully curated spirits selection or take a risk with a classic pour of something new. Goose Bumps, two shots of premium vodka with two portions of caviar, is another unique offering featured on the menu. 

The food menu, from the Crust Simply Italian Kitchen, flaunts unique shareable plates of tangerine spiced olives, fried calamari, charcuterie board, select pizzas and desserts. 

“As a sister concept to The Ostrich and Blue Heron, you will see many similarities, however, The Goose will stand on its own with many differences like the original decor, elevated wine list, separate food menu and of course some newly creative cocktails,” says Michael Merendino, owner of Crust Restaurant Group. “We will also be offering Goose Bumps which will be an insanely fun way to enjoy caviar and vodka! Come down and say hello.” 

In addition to The Goose, Crust Restaurant Group operates Crust Simply Italian Restaurants, Crust Pizzerias and two other cocktail lounges, The Ostrich and Blue Heron. Plans are also in the works to open another Crust Simply Italian, a dessert shop and an additional cocktail bar in Mesa later this year. 

The Goose is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. The lounge is located within the Mercado del Lago plaza adjacent to Crust Simply Italian at 8300 Hayden Road in Scottsdale.

For more information visit www.thegooseaz.com or www.crustrestaurants.com.

Photos courtesy Crust Restaurant Group

The cocktail lover and wanderer at heart can prepare to enter a world of luxury as Chateau Luxe, Arizona’s most luxurious and nationally-recognized event venue, gets ready to open its brand-new concept, Wander, a Luxe Speakeasy in Phoenix. 

Inspired by the Wonders of the World, Wander, a Luxe Speakeasy is set to open inside Chateau Luxe on Friday, March 8. The 3,021-square-foot speakeasy offers an escape from the ordinary, providing guests thirsty for adventure the chance to experience the world right here in Phoenix.

Guests will be immersed in first-class treatment with Wander’s elevated cocktail experience featuring velvet seating, gold accents and ambient lighting. The experience continues with a private intimate section behind the black-fluted, rounded walls with a vibrant pop of purple to celebrate any occasion. Vibrant arches and high ceilings adorned with an awe-inspiring chandelier serve as the focal point of the space.

“Through my travels, I’ve learned every country takes pride in its natural wonders,” says Deepika Bhalla, founder of Wander. “They’re artisans in how they tell their stories through the two languages we all speak: food and drinks. I wanted to bring that inspirational feeling of wonder to Phoenix.”

Embark on a journey around the world with an immersive cocktail experience at Wander, where Cocktail Guides are ready to transport each individual’s senses through various bespoke cocktails and cuisines. Wander’s cocktail alchemists and Head Bartender Justin Chard have captured the essence of the world’s most remarkable creations through experiential cocktails. The Take the Globe cocktail, for example, is made with Japanese, Indian and Canadian whiskeys served with honey, agave and barrel-aged bitters, and the Kyoto, features cucumber, coconut oil, toasted sushi rice, cardamom and cachaca.  

Wander will also showcase a rotating menu of global cuisine featuring bold flavors with a southwestern flare. The menu includes Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche made with fresh lime juice, pickled onion, cucumber, tomato, charred corn and spiced tortilla chips; Mole Beef Tacos filled with cocoa and adobo braised beef with sweet-pickled onion, cotija cheese and micro cilantro served in locally sourced tortillas; and Vegetable Potstickers served with crispy chili ponzu sauce and more!

From girl’s nights out and first dates to unique birthday celebrations, Wander is the perfect destination to celebrate life’s adventures. Intimate sections are also available for reservation to enjoy exclusive Wander experiences.

Wander, a Luxe Speakeasy will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m.–12 a.m. and Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m.–2 a.m. Follow Wander on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more information and the latest updates. 

Photos courtesy Wander, a Luxe Speakeasy