Beat the chill with Thirsty Lion’s winter menu

The temperatures here in the Valley, while not reaching Polar Vortex levels, are starting to dip to jacket weather. When the chill hits and you need a little warming from the inside out, the Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill has some new menu items that just might hit the spot.

Beginning on January 16th, they will be launching their winter menu which features some savory items sure to keep you satisfied and warm all the way through spring.

Starters

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Start your dinner off with the Bacon Wrapped Dates which are filled with a Gorgonzola cream cheese and almonds and then wrapped in maple pepper bacon. These lovingly adorned Medjool dates are then roasted until crispy and served with a balsamic reduction, red pepper curls and spring greens. Looking for bacon but not the dates? Opt for Sauteed Brussels Sprouts which are steamed and then sauteed with pepper bacon, red onions, delicate seasoning and Reggiano cheese. Their Grilled Asparagus, Endive & Grapefruit Salad features spring greens, Belgian endive and arugula tossed in a raspberry citrus vinaigrette with ruby red grapefruit, spiced pecans and Chevre cheese. Fill your pasta wishes with a Grilled Shrimp & Butternut Squash Pasta–chock full of grilled tiger shrimp sauteed with butternut squash, edamame, prosciutto and kale all atop linguine and dusted with Asiago cheese.

Entrees

Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

You’ll find three winter entree options to ponder over. The Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi is seared on a flat top with a passion fruit beurre blanc and sweet Thai chili sauce.

For a richer option, try the Espresso & Porter Braised Beef. This entree is braised with espresso coffee and Black Butte Porter, sweet onions and roasted tomatoes served over white cheddar mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables and balsamic glaze.

For a hearty and comforting option, go with the Oven Roasted Lamb Shank served with white cheddar mashed potatoes, rosemary-mint chimichurri and lamb demi with seasonal vegetables.

Oven Roasted Lamb Shank

Dessert

No matter what you choose, make sure you save room for dessert as it’s a boozy doozy! The seasonal Jameson’s Bing Cherry Bread Pudding gave me a bit of a comfortable buzz just reading the description. This delightful bread pudding is baked with Irish Whiskey and dried Bing cherries and topped with whipped cream and a little whiskey caramel.

Thirsty Lion will also be featuring some seasonal brews and specialty cocktails, all available through March. So, if you find yourself in need of a soul and belly warming meal while shopping about at Tempe Marketplace, stop in and see how the winter menu suits you and let us know your favorite selection.

The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill is located at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe.