Category: cooking

Celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez to appear at Sanctuary on Camelback

When Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa resumes its Lunch & Learn series on Sunday November 17th their doing with a celebrity chef. The resorts own celebrity chef Beau McMillan will welcome his friend Aaron Sanchez for the interactive culinary demonstration. Sanchez is co-host of the Food Network’s “Chopped” and a judge and co-host of Fox’s “MasterChef”.

MacMillan and Sanchez will host 125 guests for the 3-course lunch inspired by Sanchez’s latest best-selling memoir, “Where I Came From: Life Lessons from a Latino Chef”. Guests will receive a signed copy of the book at the end of the event. In addition to his TV work Sanchez is chef and owner of New Orlean’s popular restaurant “Johnny Sanchez”. He’s considered to be America’s most prominent Latino chef and when he’s not working on TV he’s donating his time and money to worthy causes.

Lunch & Learn with Aaron Sanchez starts at 11 a.m. and tickets are $135 per  person and are all inclusive. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 855-318-9009. Seats are limited so guests are encouraged to make their reservations early.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is at 5700 E. McDonald Dr. Paradise Valley 85253.

Hatch Chiles are here and AZ Food Crafters is preparing meals with them

With the arrival of Fall and people on the go AZ Food Crafters offers prepared meals that are fresh and delicious. With the availability of Hatch Chiles the Chandler based food kitchen is offering Green Chile Pork Stew with other meals coming soon. The seasonal pork stew is made with pork shoulder, onions, green Hatch Chiles and homemade green chile sauce. A 16 oz. container is $7.

Other meals soon to be available include…..

New Mexico Red Chile Pork aka Pork Adovada — Slow cooked pork shoulder in New Mexico red chile mixed with seasonings and love. $16 for a 24-ounce container

Red Chile Beef Hand Pies — Red chile-braised grass fed beef in a savory homemade crust. Frozen three-pack, $12

Roasted Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese — Available beginning Friday, September 13, this dish features squash cheese sauce, roasted squash and sage. $10 for a 20-ounce

Shepherds’ Pie Entree – Gluten-free beef, onion, carrot, celery, butternut squash, and sage in butter sauce, topped with mashed gold potatoes. $14 for a 24-ounce container

Chicken Pot Pie – Enjoy chicken pot pie in a variety of ways! The hand pies offer a hand-held version of this comfort food favorite (frozen three-pack, $12) or enjoy a single serving pie-tin with homemade crust topping for $8.

Prepared meals are available until the end of October in limited quantities at their Chandler store or at farmers markets below.

Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market 3502 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix. Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. through September; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. beginning October.

Gilbert Farmers’ Market 222 N. Ash St., Gilbert. Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m.-11a.m. through September; 8:00 a.m.-noon beginning October.

Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market 4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix.  Sunday’s from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. through September; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. beginning October.

AZ Food Crafters 961 W. Ray Rd., #1, Chandler 85225. You can pre-order by calling 480-264-2532. Pick up hours are Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m.-3:00p.m.

 

 

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival set for Aug. 22 -25

The culinary stars shine bright on southern California when the 9th Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine festival launches for four days in August. Celebrity chefs and local food icons show off the coastal cuisine of southern California cooking. Jerimiah Tower and Nancy Silverton are two of the chefs cooking for guests at diners, cooking demonstrations and more.

The four days start with a series of dinners Thursday evening at restaurants around the city before shifting to the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica airport for the weekend.

Los Angeles Food & Wine festival events

14 culinary events will span the weekend including…..

The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium. 

The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” joins celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and Asian-inspired specialties will share one location for one afternoon.

Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

To see a full list of events, more information and to purchase tickets visit their website.

Macayo’s Recipe Boxes make great stocking stuffers

Earlier in the year Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants made available a limited amount of recipe boxes and they sold out quickly. I’m glad to report the custom-made wood boxes filled with family recipes are available and will again sell out quickly. If you haven’t bought presents for your favorite foodie or home chef these would make a perfect gift.

Friday December 14th at 9:00 a.m. they will go on sale on-line and at their Mesa, Phoenix and Glendale locations. Each Recipe Box includes 72 family recipes including Spinach Con Queso, Green Chile Pork Stew and Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad.

Each Recipe Box is $35 plus tax with a limit to 2 per person. Macayo’s will donate $5 of each sale to Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-Cap).

The three locations where the boxes will be available are…..

Mesa- 1920 S. Dobson Rd. 85202 (480)820-0237

Glendale- 6012 W. Bell Rd. 85308 (602)298-8080

Phoenix- 3815 N. Central Ave. 85012 (602)264-6141

 

Learn and lunch cooking class returns to Marcellino Ristorante

Class is back in session at Marcellino Ristorante with new themes and recipes for his monthly cooking class. Limited seating is available at the Chef’s Island where Marcellino will share his secrets to making his hand-crafted Italian cuisine.

Class participants will enjoy lunch following class that includes the main dish from the cooking demonstration along with a salad and dessert.

Classes are from 1 p.m. – 3p.m. with the first class starting in 2 weeks. Reservations can be made by calling 480-990-9500.Cooking class

Saturday, September 22

Cost: $35/per person

Menu: Chef’s fresh pasta and sauce featuring Italian Brocoli di Rape and Salsiccia (sausage)

Saturday, October 20

Cost: $40+/per person

Menu: Ravioli filled with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese

Saturday, November 17

Cost: $40/per person

Menu: Pollo Saporito — humanely raised chicken breast sautéed with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and tomato

Saturday, December 15

Cost: $35/per person

Menu: “Christmas Eve in Italy” featuring Scialatielli alle Vongolle — handcrafted pasta sautéed with Manila clams, olive oil, garlic, white wine and red pepper flakes.

Marcellino Ristorante is at 7114 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale 85251. http://marcellinoristorante.com/

2018 AZ Central Wine & Food experience welcomes Marcus Samuelsson and Aaron Sanchez

Over 60 Arizona restaurants and their chefs return November 3rd & 4th for the 4th annual AZ Central Wine & Food Experience. The 2018 experience moves up the road to Monterra at Westworld and includes celebrity chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Aaron Sanchez.

Marcus Samuelsson
All photos courtesy of FleurCom Group

The Martha Stewart Experience returns

AZWFE welcomes back The Martha Stewart Experience with a Celebrating with Martha theme for guests to get creative just in time for the holidays. You’ll be able to check out Martha’s newest line of kitchen gear and utensils from Macy’s and QVC.

New to this years event is the The Grateful House where guests can make their own salsa and wine charms. Their will be Master Demo lead by a Grateful Influencer to 40 people on a first come first serve basis.

Join Marcus Samuelsson and Aaron Sanchez

On Saturday award-winning chef Marcus Samuelesson will join the festivities along with local chefs. Sunday welcomes chef and Food Network judge Aaron Sanchez who will mix and mingle with guest and more local chefs.

Chefs from across the valley including Juan Zamora of Chula Seafood, Jennifer Russo of The Market by Jennifer Restaurant and Bar and MATCH Restaurant and Lounge chef Alex Stratta will prepare tastes of food.

Get your tickets

Tickets for the two day event are available at their website.

  • Grand Tasting.  $65 limited time offer in advance. Sample delicious bites from Arizona’s most coveted dining establishments. Meet chefs, taste their creations; see cooking demonstrations.  Plus enjoy fine wine, craft beer and distinctive spirits sampling. GT entry at 1pm Sat. and Sun.
  • VIP Grand Tasting. $120 in advance.  For guests who seek all the benefits of the Grand Tasting, they’ll also enjoy private tastings from wineries and distillers, early entry, a VIP Lounge and VIP restrooms. VIP Entry at noon.
  • Chef’s Package Experience with Marcus Samulesson & Aarón Sánchez.  $180 in advance. Enjoy all the benefits of the VIP Grand Tasting, PLUS private meet and greet and book-signing with Marcus Samuelsson Nov. 3 & Aarón Sánchez Nov. 4 [Advance purchase recommended. Tickets subject to sellout.] Chef’s Package begins at 11:30am. Subscribers are eligible for $15 off tickets, available only through azcentral.com/insider.

 

Leave the Thanksgiving Day cooking to these restaurants

Dine-in or take- out here are 3 more Phoenix area restaurants will to do the cooking for you and your family on Thanksgiving Day. Hurry if you plan is to take-out you only have a couple of days to place your order if you it in time for Thanksgiving.

Miracle Mile Deli

This Thanksgiving, order “Everything But the Bird” at Miracle Mile Deli. This local restaurant offers traditional and yummy side orders to share with loved ones. Order by Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. to ensure an on time pick up the day before Thanksgiving. Miracle Mile Deli will be closed on Thanksgiving day.

 “Everything but the Bird” Pricing

Quart of Homemade Mashed Potatoes (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Gravy (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Homemade Stuffing (serves 3 to 4) – $7.49

Pound of Cranberry Sauce (serves 3 to 4) – $4.79

Quart of Potato Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Cole Slaw (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

Quart of Pasta Salad (serves 3 to 4) – $9.49

One Dozen of Kaiser OR Onion Rolls – $10.20

Big Loaf of Rye Bread (24 slices) – $8.99

Regular Loaf of Rye Bread (12 slices) – $4.79

Pound of Hot Pastrami (serves 3 to 4) – $15.98

Pound of Corned Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Pound of Hot Brisket of Beef (serves 3 to 4) – $12.98

Order of 3 Potato Pancakes (with applesauce and sour cream) – $7

Pint of Horseradish – $6.99

Pound of Dill Pickles (approximately 10 spears) $3.79

Quart of Homemade Soup (serves 2) – $9.49

Whole Pie (Pumpkin, Pecan, Apple, Cherry, Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, Boston Cream, Blueberry) – $14

Also taking pre-orders for pies…make sure to get yours in now! The locally owned restaurant is at 4433 N. 16th Street in Phoenix.  Visit miraclemiledeli.com

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace and Luci’s at the Orchard

Whether you need the complete meal or a certain side a la carte, all you have to do is reheat. This Thanksgiving, call in your order at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace or Luci’s at the Orchard for a home cooked meal that’s sure to impress. Pickups at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace only the day before Thanksgiving. Cancellations and final orders must be made by November 20. There will be no refunds after this date. Luci’s healthy Marketplace will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 6 a.m.- 2 p.m. for any last-minute needs.

Complete Meal $159.99 (Feeds 6-8)

12-14 Lbs. Pre-Cooked Premium, All-Natural, Locally-Roasted Turkey

1 Quart Turkey Gravy

1 Pint of Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

1 Dozen Dinner Rolls (Vegetarian)

1 Pumpkin Pie (Vegetarian)

Side Item 1 – 3 Lbs. Cornbread Stuffing

Side Item 2 – 3 Lbs. Seasonal Vegetables (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Side Item 3 – 4 Lbs. Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes (Gluten Free)

Substitute one of the three Side Items for our Seasonal Fall Salad (Butternut Squash, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Roasted Corn and Field Greens served with Citrus Vinaigrette)

A’la Carte Items

Corn Bread Stuffing – $8.99 per Pound

Seasonal Vegetables – $9.99 per Pound

Yukon Gold Herb Mashed Potatoes – $8.99 per Pound

Turkey Gravy – $7.99 per Quart

Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey – $7.99 per Quart

Seasonal Fall Salad (Feeds 6-8 People) – $49.99

Just “The Bird”

$7.49 per Pound (approx. 12-14 Lbs.)

A’la Carte Desserts

Pumpkin Pie – $12.99

Pecan Pie – $14.99

Located on the corner of Bethany and 16th Street, this neighborhood spot is a staple in central Phoenix. Visit www.lucishealthymarketplace.com information.

Luci’s at the Orchard is at 7100 N 12th St. Phoenix http://Lucisorchard.com

Chompie’s

Let Chompie’s Prepare Your Thanksgiving Meal

Chompie’s, Arizona’s New York-style deli, releases its Thanksgiving Day menu today and is now taking pre-orders for whole oven-roasted turkeys, pies, or full course meal packages. The full dinner and a la carte selections are designed to make giving thanks a little easier this holiday season. Chompie’s five Valley restaurants will be open Thanksgiving Day, not just for order pick-ups but also for dine-in service.

“We know how busy it is during the holidays,” says Chompie’s founder Lovey Borenstein. “Sometimes you need a little help in the kitchen so you can spend most of your time with your family.”

Chompie’s turkeys and “fixings” are cooked fresh from scratch using the Borenstein family recipes. They’re made the same day as the scheduled pick up and include re-heating instructions, so they can be served in about 30 minutes.

The Thanksgiving menu includes full meal packages, individual turkeys, and a ala carte sides:

The Traditional Full Meal Package (serves 12-15 generously)  – $219.99

Thanksgiving Dinner (for dine in or to go) – $19.99 per person

Extra Large Whole Oven Roasted Turkey – $99.99  * Carved for $129.99

Fresh Baked Apple or Pumpkin Pies – $12.99 ea.

Fresh Baked Deluxe Pies – $14.99 ea

Homemade Stuffing – $6.99 / lb

Matzo Ball Soup – $9.99 / qt

Homestyle Green Beans – $7.99 / lb

Whole turkey and large dinner packages must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance for pick up on Nov. 22 or 23.  Chompie’s five Valley locations will be open until 3pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Locations:

Scottsdale:  9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale 85260   // 480-860-0475

Tempe: 1160  E. University, Tempe 85281    // 480-557-0700

Phoenix:  4550-324 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix 85032   // 602-710-2910

Chandler:  3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler 85226    // 480-398-3008

Glendale:  7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center #1145 // 623-344-3104