Phoenix Culinary Events Fall 2009
The Valley Food Scene Offers Top Chefs, Fresh Fare and Wine.
Sep 15, 2009
As the weather cools down in the Arizona Valley, the nightlife and cuisine heats up. Here are three upcoming culinary events that vary in purpose and style, from wine tastings to prices slashed up to 60% off at top Valley restaurants for Restaurant Week.
Crave Arizona 2009
According to the Arizona Tribune, this culinary event is "an almost impossibly brilliant accomplishment", consisting of three days of wine and food tastings, celebrities, live competitions, classes, art gallery dinners and more. Held October 22 through the 24 daily, this event is located at the Scottsdale Waterfront and activities range from free to $100.
This is the second year for Crave Arizona, which was originally called Eats3, and the directors planned it to be more impressive and exciting then ever. Whether guests are a foodie or not, there is something for everyone.
Activities include:
- The Taste of Art Artwalk, a free stroll for visitors to check out over 100 art galleries complete with beverage vendors and celebrity gatherings.
- National Top Bar Chef Competition and Crave Kickoff Party, master bar chefs from around the country battle live in an outdoor lounge with drinks, DJ's, and platters full of tasty bites from local chefs.
- The Arizona Grand Tasting, over 40 local restaurants, 200 wineries and celebrity chefs. Experience live cooking demonstrations, classes, and wine tastings.
Several other events include BBQ and Bubbles, and Scottsdale Wine Luncheon. Call 480-945-0344 for more details.
Season of Personal Discovery: Food and Wine for the Soul
For chefs or those who enjoy cooking at home, this event is ideal. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is hosting the Season of Personal Discovery from October 23 to 25, where culinary masters display and teach their secret techniques and well-known skills to those who want to become more advanced in their cooking and wine tasting profession, or hobby. Chefs use fresh produce and ingredients from local Valley farmer's markets.
A sample of the highlights include famous chefs and wine experts from around the country and world:
- Robin Goldstein, author of "The Wine Trials"
- The Deen Brothers, stars of Food Network's "Road Tasted" and Paula Deen's sons
- Michael Mina, celebrated James Beard Award-winning chef, partner of 16 Mina Group restaurants and author of "Michael Mina: The Cookbook".
- Karen MacNeil, author of "The Wine Bible" and host of Emmy Award-winning Wine, Food & Friends on PBS.
Season of Personal Discovery event offers several packages for booking the hotel as well as entry fees, such as discounts at the spa when a night is booked, along with lunch with the author parties and cocktail parties. For more information, call 800-908-9397.
Phoenix Restaurant Week
This recurring event is always a big hit throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants and locals. It was set up last year in order to display the rapidly growing and evolving culinary talent in the Valley areas. From September 16 to 26, take advantage of over 80 local restaurants slashed prices and delicious food, ranging from $29 to $58 per 3-course meal per couple.
Participating restaurants include:
- Atlas Bistro
- Avanti
- Bistro 24
- Blancos Tacos and Tequila
- Bloom
- The Melting Pot
- Sushi Roku
- Wildfish Seafood Grill
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Roaring Fork
- Tarbell's
- McCormick and Schmick's
- House of Tricks
- Geisha A Go-Go
- Flemings
This is just a taste of what could be experienced, not to mention the 65 other restaurants involved. If is highly recommended to make reservations for each restaurant, and the Web page will also list all of the participating restaurants.
For out-of-town travelers, it is a good idea to book a relaxing and nearby hotel ahead of time, too.
Bon Appetit! Also, happy drinking, but not so much that nothing is learned from the culinary masters.
 |
