As memories of last years Slider Throwdown fall deeper into our subconscious we are made aware of this years Throwdown that is slated for Sunday November 12th from 12-3p.m. back at Kierland Commons.
For only $30 each attendees will be able to sample all the sliders and 3 non-alcoholic drink tickets. After tasting the sliders people will be able to vote the “People’s Choice” award along with “slider expert” judges for to see which food truck will wine “Best Slider”.
Food trucks competing include:
Two Fat Guys Grilled Cheese Mango Flats Aioli Burger Food Diva Head to Hoof Left Coast Burrito Emerson Fry Bread
One restaurant will partner with the Slider Throwdown to offer a signature cocktail at the chosen restaurant.
Proceeds from this years event will be donated to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation(AFFCF). The money raised will help foster children enjoy their childhood despite unfortunate circumstances.
Kris Jacober, Director of the AFFCF, says, “We help these children through difficult circumstances by providing them with resources and allowing them to take part in enjoyable activities that promote self-esteem.”
You can help by purchasing you Slider Throwdown tickets and having a good time enjoying the delicious sliders.
If you attend charity events around the Phoenix area you’ve probably been to “Live & Local” event hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale.
Always a favorite on the charity circuit and one of the biggest fund-raisers of the year for BGCS, 2017’s event will be on Sunday Nov. 12th at The District at Desert Ridge in north Phoenix.
“It’s an honor to bring recognition to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, an organization we’ve passionately supported for many years,” said Stacy Bennett, GoDaddy Corporate Responsibility Lead. “Beyond supporting a worthy cause, we’re looking forward to getting the community together to enjoy local food, libations and entertainment.”
Food and entertainment
The red carpet dining and entertainment event starts at 6 p.m and honors Arizona’s dining, cocktail and live music communities.
Presented by GoDaddy and co-sponsored with the Arizona Restaurant Association this years event includes delicious bites to eat from local restaurants such as Tryst Cafe, The Thumb, Chef Wade’s Bistro on Wheels, Chase’s Diner, The Melting Pot, Postino, Bertha’s, Taste of New Mexico, and The Dhaba.
Under the stars, guests can dance to live entertainment from local bands that will take the stage from 6p.m. – 9p.m.
Get your Live & Local tickets
General Admission tickets are $65 and give guests access to live entertainment, beer garden, wine tasting and 20 samples from restaurants.
VIP tickets are $150 with cocktail bar with drinks crafted by mixologists, upgraded wines, 10 additional restaurants for VIP’s and the after party from 9p.m.-11p.m.
“We are grateful for the partners and sponsors who come together, work hard and put on such an amazing event to help us continue to serve children and teens in need throughout Greater Scottsdale,” said Dr. Lisa Hurst, BGCS CEO.
Details are starting to emerge about one of the highly anticipated food festivals of the southwest as the 2018 Devour Culinary Classic is less than 7 months away.
This 2 day food event takes place on Saturday and Sunday March 3rd & 4th 2018 and moves this year to the Desert Botanical Garden on the Phoenix/Scottsdale border. Skip breakfast as this annual event opens its doors each day at 10:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
“Just like all the participants in the Devour Culinary Classic, the Garden is proud to fly the ‘locally grown’ flag,” says Desert Botanical Garden Executive Director Ken Schutz. “We look forward to hosting the event in 2018.”
Local First Arizona started Devour Culinary Classic almost 10 years ago and has become a model food event around the country for supporting locally owned restaurants, wineries, brewers and more.
“Our main objective is to support the development and promotion of the culinary and extended local food community and culture in Arizona, bringing deserved local and national attention to our state’s food scene,” said Kimber Lanning, founder of the event and Executive Director of Local First Arizona. “We believe we’ll be even better suited to showcase Arizona’s one-of-a-kind culinary culture with Desert Botanical Garden as our host.”
Devour Culinary Classic chef talent
As of the end of August, over 30 chefs from around Arizona are confirmed to strut their stuff with the list continuing to grow. A few of the names you can expect to see are…..
Bernie Kantak The Gladly & Citizen Public House, Danielle Leoni The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, Kat and Brad Moore Short Leash Hot Dog, Jeff Smedstad Elote Cafe, Tamara Stanger Helio Basin Brewing Co. (Winner of last year’s Devour Excellence Award)
Ticket packages, Week of Experiences and more.
Before the Classic goes off there are two events leading up to the festive weekend. The Devour Classic Bartending Competition shakes things up on Fri. February 25th from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and the Seven Chefs Singh Along prepare a meal under the stars on Wed. February 28th from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. More details can be found on event links.
Tickets go on sale for members of Local First Arizona localist program, Desert Botanical Garden and Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance to all events of November 1st, 2017 and to the public on November 13th, 2017. Tickets are limited to all events and non-members should consider membership to above groups for pre-sale tickets.
3 ticket packages are available for those that want to experience much of what the event has to offer. Early entry, Cooking demonstrations, access to wine and spirits tents, meet and greet with chefs and more are available. The single day packages are The Tasting Package$105, The Connoisseur Package $165 and The VIP Package $205. See ticket link above for individual package perks.
As details continue to become available be sure to check the website for updates.
Calendars are starting to fill up with food festivals and the like with another just announced as Rock the Guac is scheduled on National Guacamole Day on September 16th at The Camby Hotel in Phoenix. 12 Phoenix area chefs will create their version of guacamole for guests to sample and celebrate the delicious food.
Matt Carter at last years event. All photos courtesy of Rock the Guac
Rock the Guac chefs
Rock the Guac is brought to us by the same people who brings us Arizona Taco Festival in mid-October. The 12 valley chefs preparing their guacamole for the friendly competition are….
Forest Hamrick- La Hacienda – 2016 Rock The Guac winner
Dushyant Singh- Artizen, Crafted American Kitchen & Bar at The Camby Hotel
Richard Hinojosa- CRUjiente Tacos
Aaron Pool- Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
Alex Stratta- Match at The FOUND:RE Phoenix
Mel Mecinas- Private Chef
Aaron May- Goodwood Tavern, Malibu Burger Co.
Jennifer Russo- The Market by Jennifer’s
Fidencio Alatriste- Toro Latin Restaurant
Laura Gonzalez- Taqueria Centro
George Alatriste- The Mission
Beau MacMillan- Elements
Get Tickets
The event starts at 6p.m. and tickets are only available online for $40 in which each guest has unlimited guacamole, 2 drink tickets for margaritas and beer, a taco station hosted by The Camby. If you’ve ever been to the Arizona Taco Festival then you know there will be plenty of fun and live entertainment on this lively evening. Tickets available here.
Part of the proceeds from Rock the Guac will be donated to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, a non-profit which heals homeless and abused children thought art and expression.
Here’s another food festival to add to your foodie calendar as Arizona’s 1st Mac & Cheese Festival arrives at the Scottsdale Waterfront on Saturday October 7th.
This Friday July 14th being National Mac & Cheese Day is a great time to “tease” yourself as tickets go on sale for this cheesy festival. Discounted General Admission tickets can be purchased all weekend when you use the promo code MacCheeselove
Local valley restaurants will prepare their unique style of this comfort food which will be washed down with libations from from local supplier.
Festival goers will enjoy cheesy goodness from 12 noon -7 p.m. and during those 7 hours foodies can take a food break inside Game Central playing ping pong, Jenga and other games to burn off the calories. A craft beer exhibition will also open to pair with your tasty samples.
Want to learn the secrets of making mac & cheese then make sure you check out cooking demonstrations from from participating chefs. The schedule of demonstration will be released on August 1st.
As the Fall 2017 food festival calendar is starting to come together save the weekend of Nov. 4th & 5th for the 3rd annual AZCentral.com Food & Wine Experience. As of now there are 30 local chefs set to participate at Salt River Fields with more to be added to the line up.
Kerry Dunne of R Entertainment says “All together with sponsors, restaurants and industry purveyors, we have created in Scottsdale an event that inspired an entire series of Food & Wine Experiences in USA Today markets from Detroit to Ventura. For years, we worked with our compatriots here to create this signature event and it’s inspired the country.”
Featured Events
The 2 day festival features sampling of foods from local and guest chefs along with other opportunities for seminars, a wine tasting and meet and greets. Tickets can be purchased at http://foodandwine.azcentral.com/ with subscribers receiving $15 off at this link http://www.azcentral.com/insider Here are the featured events and costs of tickets
Grand Tasting. Tickets in advance are $85 and offer unlimited sampling of chef creations; access to chef demonstrations and panels; and tastings of fine wines, craft beers and distinctive spirits. Saturday or Sunday
VIP Grand Tasting. Tickets in advance are $120 and guests enjoy all the benefits of the Grand Tasting, plus entry at noon, access to the VIP Lounge, and private tastings from wineries and distillers. Preferred parking and VIP restrooms
The Cellar. A $20 upgrade to any ticket above, the wine seminar offers special tastings and an insider’s knowledge of wines sampled; led by the winemaker or wine ambassador.
The Chef’s Package. A $180 ticket, a private meet & greet with a special guest chef of national renown. Details coming soon
Private Dining ‘Experiences.’ A schedule of separately ticketed private dining Experiences created by popular chefs and restaurateurs will be announced soon. Experiences can occur within the event footprint or at participating restaurants.
All photos courtesy of Fleur Com Group
Local chefs at Salt River Fields
Many familiar names will be cooking up their delicious bites to attendees to enjoy at the Grand Tasting. Check the website for updated participating chefs.
Jacques Qualin, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician Resort
Bernie Kantak, The Gladly and Citizen Public House
Alex Stratta, multiple award-winning chef
Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot
Gio Osso, Virtù Honest Craft and Nico’s Heirloom Kitchen
Stephen Jones, The Larder + The Delta
Jennifer Russo, The Market by Jennifer Russo
Aaron Poole, Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
Paul Haworth, Cartel Coffee Lab
Charles Wiley, Hearth `61 at Mountain Shadows Resort
Russell LaCasce, ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
George Frasher, Frasher’s Smokehouse
Chef Joshua James “Chef J” Amonson, Bourbon & Bones Chophouse | Bar
Matthew Hobbs, Match: Cuisine & Cocktails at FOUND:RE Phoenix
Doug Robson, Otro Café
Dustin Christofolo, Quiessence at The Farm
Tommy Plato, restaurateur, Second Story Liquor Bar
Raveen Arora, restaurateur, The Dhaba
Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ, in a rare appearance in the Grand Tasting
Anthony DeMuro of Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs
Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Dushyant Singh, Artizen at The Camby
Paulina Martinez, El Panzón & Frida
Tonya Saidi, Mamma Toledo’s The Pie Hole
Helen Yung, Sweet Republic
Nekter
Salt River Fields is at 7555 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale 85258 (480)270-5000
In this hectic world we live in some times its better to “Save the Date” if you’re looking to schedule your month of September. With the return of cooler weather and food festivals circle Saturday September 16th on your calendar. The 6th Annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest returns to the streets of downtown Chandler with eating competitions, midget wrestling, a tequila tasting, a low rider car show and of course tacos.
All photos of Rockin’ Street Taco Fest courtesy of HDE agency
Two dozen local restaurants will be preparing creative tacos made with fish, shrimp, carne asada, chicken, carnitas, vegetables and more. Chase your tacos down with a cold cerveza, aqua fresca and margaritas. Make sure you save room for churros, elote and palettas.
Live entertainment and participating restaurants will be announced soon as final plans are being made. To get updates you can check out http://www.rockintacoaz.com/
Rockin’ Taco Street Fest tickets
The festival starts at 12;00 p.m. and runs through 9:00 p.m. with General Admission tickets available in advance, online for $10 and $12 at the gate. Bring non-perishable food donation for the United food Bank and save $2 with purchase at the door. Food and drink sold separately.
A limited supply of VIP tickets are available on-line only for $75. VIP access include 6 alcoholic drink tickets, unlimited water and soft drinks, catered food from Chandler’s El Palacio Restaurant and Cantina, private seating and restrooms and more. VIP admission is only for 21 and over.
Donation to Downtown Chandler Community Partnership
Part of the proceeds from Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will go to the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership(DCCP), a non-profit corporation to help leadership and use of resources to promote and market downtown Chandler as a regional hub for shopping, dining, living, culture and the arts.
The Fest will take place at Dr. AJ Chandler Park at 178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
When we hear the word “Nirvana” we automatically think of the “grunge rock” band of the 1990’s. Definitions of the word slightly vary but many consider it the “ultimate state of happiness” which is what the culinary and marketing team at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa are hoping for as they were brainstorming for a name of their new culinary festival.
Chef Todd English. All photos Courtesy of Eric Mower & Associates
An exciting 4 days is planned from April 27th- 30th as festival goers will be able to mix & mingle with celebrity chefs Todd English, Robert Irvine and Sanctuary’s own Beau MacMillan as they team up with other visiting chefs and Phoenix area chefs, wine makers and mixologists for themed dinners, tastings and a golf tournament.
With our beautiful weather and sunsets you may want to turn the festival into a vacation and stay at Sanctuary in one of their suites, casitas or a private home. A 2 night minimum is required and rooms start $479 per night plus tax & resort fee.
Sanctuary on Camelback infinity pool courtesy of Eric Mower & Associates
Tickets for the festival can be purchased at http://www.nirvanafoodandwine.com/ with the schedule of events below. Part of the proceeds from the festival will benefit HopeKids, an organization that provides events and support for families with a child who has cancer or other life threatening diseases.
Torch
Hosted by celebrity chef and television personality Robert Irvine and local celebrity mixologist Jason Asher, owner of Counter Intuitive and Undertow
Thursday, April 27, 7-10 p.m.; Infinity Pool and Lawn; $125 per person
Torch will kick-off the festival with a poolside Polynesian fantasy. Mixologists will compete at eight stations, as guests rub shoulders with an esteemed panel of judges to select winners of the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.
Birds and Bubbles
Hosted by chef, restaurateur, author and television personality Todd English
Friday, April 28, 7-10 p.m.; The Views Ballroom, Lawn; $135 per person, $225 VIP
Fried chicken and Champagne come together in an inspired pairing as guest chefs put their own spin on the southern specialty, complete with side dishes and bubbly. The all-star local line-up includes Stephen Jones (The Larder + The Delta and Homeboy’s Hotsauce), Cullen Campbell (Crudo and Okra), Justin Beckett (Southern Rail), Jeremy Pacheco (LON’s at The Hermosa Inn), Gio Osso (Virtù at The Bespoke Inn) and Beau MacMillan. They will be joined by visiting chefs from Palm Beach, Fla.: Clay Conley (Buccan and Grato) and Lindsay Autry (The Regional Kitchen & Public House). Festival-goers who book VIP admission enjoy personal time for 45 minutes with their favorite chefs.
American country singer/songwriter D. Vincent Williams & the Nashville Allstars, whose “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” sung by Otto James, topped the country charts in 2008, will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. His songs have also been recorded by major artists like Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, and Rascal Flatts (“I’m Movin’ On”).
Master of Taste honoring Chuck Wagner
Friday, April 28, 7-10 p.m.; Casa Seven; $350 per person; limited availability
Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards, and scion of the legendary Napa Valley vintner family, will be the guest of honor at an intimate dinner at one of Sanctuary’s elegant private estate homes. The evening will showcase the exceptional vintages of the Wagner Family of Wine and three generations of winemaking talent. Preparing the feast will be local chefs Christopher Gross (Christopher’s and Crush), Matt Carter (Fat Ox and The Mission), Mark Tarbell (Tarbell’s and Tarbell’s Tavern), and Beau MacMillan.
Golf Tournament
Saturday, April 29, 10:30 a.m. registration and 12 noon tee; Mountain Shadows; $400 per player
Each foursome will be paired with a renowned chef, star mixologist or notable sports figure at this fun-filled celebrity golf tournament being played at the long-awaited Mountain Shadows course at the base of Camelback Mountain. Plenty of food, beer and spirits will round out an unforgettable day on the links.
Best of the West
Hosted by chef/restauranteur (Mora Italian) and Chopped judge Scott Conant
Saturday, April 29, 7-10 p.m.; Praying Monk and elements restaurant; $145 per person, $225 VIP
Sanctuary’s signature restaurant, elements, and its indoor/outdoor Praying Monk venue will be the setting for Nirvana’s final evening event. More than a dozen elegant restaurant stations will be manned by celebrated chefs from throughout the West, including James Porter (Terra Farm + Manor), Samantha Sanz (Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North), Sean Currid (Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails) and Beau MacMillan. VIP attendees gain early access and extra time with the chefs.
New Orleans Jazz & Bourbon Brunch
Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; elements; $85 per person
Nirvana will come to a rousing finale with a N’Awlins-style jazz brunch complete with live music and a Bourbon twist, serving up everything from étouffée to feather-light beignets at this fun sit-down event.
If it’s the time of year when everybody claims to be Irish & leprechaun sightings are on the rise then it must mean St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, 13 days & counting down to be exact. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day downtown Chandler’s favorite Irish pub, Murphy’s Law is hosting an evening full of games, food, crafty beers, Irish dancing and more for Shamrock Fest on Fri. March 17th.
The Paddy gets started at 4 p.m. across from Murphy’s Law in AJ Chandler Park with live music from locals bands August in Stereo, Radiofix, Retro Connection & Volitale Minds. Festival goers can hangout in The Lucky Leprechaun zone with wee man wrestling, The Kiss Me I’m Irish zone with lawn games, eating contest, cabbage bowling and more fun activities.
St. Patrick’s Day traditional corned beef & cabbage
Local and craft beers will be available in the Bagpipes & Brews lounge as you listen to bagpipe players then make your way to the Four Leaf Clover food court for traditional corned beef and cabbage, bangers & mash, Sheperd’s Pie and more.
General admission tickets for this 21 & over event are available on-line for $8 and $10 at the door. VIP tickets are available only on-line for $80 and include 6 drink tickets, a private bathroom, catered food, private seating and front stage access. Tickets can be purchased at http://holyshamrocks.com/
Part of the proceeds from Shamrock Fest will be donated to the non-profit Downtown Chandler Community Foundation (DCCF) which helps to mobilize leadership & resources for the development of downtown Chandler as a regional destination for shopping, culture, living & the arts. http://www.downtownchandler.org/
The 2nd annual PHX Vegan Food Festival will be returning to the Phoenix Art Museum next Saturday Feb. 25th with a larger space to accommodate more food vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and an upgraded VIP Experience. This family friendly event will be held outside from 11 a.m. – 5p.m.
There will also be chef demos and presentations from industry experts including Chef Jason Wyrick of The Vegan Taste, Kristin Lajeunesse, Blogger and Author of Will Travel for Vegan Food, and Author, Wellness Coach and Vegan Chef, Tess Challis. A kids activity area will be available hosted by Free Arts of Arizona.
In attendance will be local vegan and vegan friendly restaurants, food trucks and vendors including 24 Carrots, Café Lalibela, The Coronado, Juice Core, Local Lunchbox, Mi Vegana Madre, Pomegranate Café, Urban Beans, Simon’s Hot Dogs, and Southern Fried Vegan. Guest will be able to enjoy samples of food as well as speak with the vendors about their vegan friendly products and services.
Davisson Entertainment is the organizer of the PHX Vegan Food Festival and according to Daniel Davisson, founder “We were blown away by the reception we received from the first PHX Vegan Food Festival, proving that the Valley has been hungry for this type of event. We learned a lot from the inaugural event, so the second annual festival promises to be even bigger and better, creating more excitement and awareness for the vegan community,”
General admission tickets are $25 and include access to the entertainment, vendors & food samples and the VIP admission is $50 and has early entry an hour earlier, 2 beverage tickets, reserved seating for demos and complimentary parking for the first 150 guests. Kids 12 and under are free.
