Golfers from near and far will be heading to northern Arizona for Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery’s annual Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, August 26th. Money raised from the 2023 tournament will benefit the Williams High School Athletic Department and will again take place at Elephant Rocks Golf Course.
“This event is special to me, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy a fun day of golf while raising money to support a fantastic local group who are doing great things for the youth in our community. I hope everyone who loves craft beer and golf will sign up to join us on August 26th,” says John Peasley, Founder of the northern Arizona brewery and distillery.
The tournament is a 4 person scramble and there will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes for tournament participants. Sign in begins at 7 a.m. on the 26th with the shotgun start at 8. Registration is open and is $125 per person or $450 per foursome before July 16th, after the 16th its $500 per foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available and you can email Liz for more information. For registration and more information see their website.
Hear the brewery’s Alex Phillips on the Pulling Corks and Forks: The Podcast Episode 15.
Scottsdale’s Kasai Japanese Steakhouse is hosting its 2nd annual Fire & Fairways Charity Golf Tournament June 5th at Silverado Golf Club. The tournament will be raising money for Arizonans for Children, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that helps abused, neglected and abandoned children. Golfers will compete for prizes including a 2 year lease on a Cadillac, a golf trip to Pebble Beach, $10,000 cash and more.
“Kasai is eager to help make a difference for Arizona’s foster children,” said Owner Mike Russello. “In 2022, we raised more than $10,000 after costs, and we hope to continue to make a greater impact for our state’s most vulnerable populations.”
The tournament starts at 7:30 a.m. when a helicopter will drop hundreds of golf balls on a putting green with the three closet balls to the hole winning a prize. After the tournament Kasai Japanese Steakhouse will host lunch that will include sushi, teppanyaki, cocktails, raffles and prizes. Guests not playing in the tournament can attend at 12:30 p.m. by purchasing tickets online for $40 or the day of for $50. Guest’s tickets include a buffet lunch, a cocktail and a raffle ticket.
Registration for the tournament is $175 until May 31st. A Slow Roller rate of $225 will be available from June 1st-5th. Sign-in for the tournament will begin at 6:20 a.m. on the 5th. For more information or to register head to their website.
Golfers and beer drinkers get ready to tee it up for a good cause at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery’s annual golf tournament on Saturday, August 27th. This year’s Putts and Pints Charity Golf Tournament benefits the Williams High School Athletic Department will be held at Elephant Rock Golf Course.
“This event is really special to me, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy a fun day of golf while raising money to support a fantastic local group who are doing great things for the youth in our community. I hope everyone who loves craft beer and golf will sign up to join us on August 27th,” says brewery founder John Peasley.
Check-in begins at 7 a.m. with the shotgun start at 8 a.m. with a 50/50 raffle and prizes for golfers. Registration is open for individuals and foursomes for $150 for individuals and $500 per foursome if registered by July 24th. After July 24th foursomes will be $600. Sponsorships for Putts and Pints is available by emailing info@grandcanyonbrewingco.com. Elephant Rock Golf Course is at 2200 Country Club Dr. Williams 86046.
Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.
“Show Us Your Tickets” for a FREE breakfast cocktail at OEB
If you’ve been or are going to the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament this weekend take your ticket to OEB Breakfast Co. for a FREE breakfast cocktail. Only minutes from the TPC Scottsdale, the promotion is good for one week after the tournament. Choose a Mimosa or another breakfast cocktail with proof of attendance.
TLC eXperience rescheduled dinner is next week
The planned January dinner had to be rescheduled for next Saturday February 19th at the new hip event venue Juncture in Phoenix. The monthly supper club menu is a surprise and starts with cocktail hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6. The dinner makes a great late Valentine’s Day gift if you can’t make it to Monday’s dinner at Agritopia.
Still time to order your meals for Devour at Home
Local First Arizona’s Devour Week is a couple of weeks away but you only have until next Friday, February 18th to order your dinners for Devour at Home. Tickets are still available for the Seven Chefs dinner on the 20th which is the lick-off of the annual event. Both events are expected to sell out in the next week so don’t hesitate.
Restaurant delays for Pork on a Fork lead to permanent food truck.
Almost a year ago I blogged about the award-winning Pork on a Fork opening a restaurant in Chandler but like many businesses there have been challenges. In November 21st Sips & Bites’ I mentioned that with delays the owners set up their food truck at the location of where their restaurant will be. With continued delays the food truck is now permanent fixture with a drive-thru opening in March. They still hope to open the restaurant and the food truck will be there until it does. A limited menu of dishes is available Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday’s starting next week February 20th.
Arizona Restaurant Assoc. announces Spring 2022 Arizona Restaurant Week
The 10-day event returns Friday May 20 – Sunday May 29th with local restaurants offering creative dishes created for ARW. The popular event offers 3-course prie-fixe dinners are served for $35, $45 or $55 depending on the restaurant. Many new and returning restaurants participate in ARW with a list of restaurants and their menus available on May 1st and gets update as new restaurants get added. Reservations are highly recommended during the 10 days.
Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery has announced that its popular Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament is returning to Williams’ Elephant Rock Golf Course Saturday September 4th. The 2021 tournament is the 4th year of the tournament and will raise money for the Boys & Girls Club Flagstaff-Williams. Registration is open to individuals and foursomes with the 4 person scramble shotgun start at 8 a.m. with check-in starting at 7 a.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes throughout the morning.
“This event is really special to me, it’s a great day to get out and enjoy a fun day of golf while raising money to support a fantastic local group who are doing great things for the youth in our community. I hope everyone who loves craft beer and golf will sign up to join us on September 4th,” John Peasley, Founder, Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery.
To play in the Putts & Pints Charity Golf Tournament it’s $150 per person or $550 per foursome if registered before July 11th, $600 if after. Sponsorships are available with information available by emailing info@grandcanyonbrewingco.com .
“We’re thrilled and thankful to be the charity benefactor for Putts & Pints. The funds raised from this awesome event will help us continue our mission to inspire and enable young people through our after school and summer programs,” said Mark Cox, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff-Williams.
Elephant Rock Golf Course is at 2200 Country Club Drive, Williams, AZ 86046.
Father’s Day is coming up quickly on June 21 and restaurants know ties and tools aren’t much fun. They know dear old dad wants to eat & drink with friends and family. These Phoenix area restaurants (and a couple up north) are offering deals whether you’re dining in or taking it home.
Central Phoenix
Miracle Mile Deli– $100 of gift cards for only $80 to start until June 21st. Father’s Day meal deal specials include Breakfast In Bed (Feeds 4): Includes 4 Plain Bagels, Whipped Cream Cheese, Nova Smoked Salmon, Capers, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola. $55 Lunch At Home (Feeds 4): Customers can pick up of our Sandwich Kits – $45 Dinner For the Fam (Feeds 4-10): Customers can pick any of our Miracle Meal Deals – Prices range from $55-$95. See website for menu. Please call 602-776-0992 to place an order by 6 p.m. Sat. June 20th. 4433 North 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016
Joe’s Diner – The Number Two ($11.79) includes two eggs cooked any style, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage patties, two pancakes and a cup of Joe. Joe’s Diner, 4515 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. 602-535-4999.
Phoenix City Grille – Specialty Brunch menu item include Steak & Eggs ($19), mesquite grilled flank steak will be cooked to Dad’s preference served alongside chipotle chimichurri, Ramona Farms tepary bean puree, Kennebec breakfast potatoes and grilled Mama Lola flour tortillas. Dinner specials include Prime Rib ($37), a 12 oz. cut served with guajillo chile jus, smoked onion rings and horseradish whipped potatoes; and Seafood Pasta ($25), fresh pappardelle tossed with sautéed wild gulf shrimp, Chula seafood salmon, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes drizzled with lemon caper butter sauce. 5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. 602-266-3001.
Mora Italian– is offering a Father’s Day special for $60 dine-in per person and $50 carry out (carry out excludes liquor). The meal includes as 12 oz Niman Ranch Sirloin Steak with Bagna Cauda Frites. Dads will also receive a cigar and a selected choice of wine, whiskey, scotch or beer.
Downtown Phoenix
Trapp Haus – Father’s Day Gift Basket ($49.99) includes a curated mix of a shot of Maker Mark Bourbon, Helio Basin 602 Larger, PTG Championship Rub, PTG Rootbeer BBQ Sauce, cookies, PTG Pitmaster recipe cards, Trapp Haus Bananda and $10 Trapp Cash. 511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 480-664-4822.
PHX Beer Co. Tap Room and Brewery- make sure to enter your dad (or yourself if you are a dad) to win a free Traeger Mesa 22 Grill (value $500). Now through June 19th either text PHXBeer to 20300 or visit https://www.phxbeerco.com/traeger-contest for the chance to win. On June 19th, one winner will be pulled. One entry per email and must be 18 or older to enter. 3002 E. Washington St.
North Phoenix
Original Breakfast House – Specialty menu items include steak and Portobella Hash ($17), Chile en Nogada Omelette ($16), Shrimp and Grits ($14.50) and Carrot Cakes Pancakes ($11.50). 13623 N. 32nd St, Phoenix. 602-482-2328.
Glendale
Urban Margarita – Father’s Day weekend specialty menu, served all weekend, includes Lobster Flautas ($13), Pineapple Habanero Baby Back Ribs ($18) and Slow Braised C.A.B. Short Ribs ($25) and Jeremy’s Blueberry Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding ($11). For Father’s Day brunch, served until 1:30 p.m., the menu includes Fresh Grapefruit “Paloma” ($13), Sirloin Steak Ranchero ($16), Slow Braised Prime Rib Benedict ($17) and Bananas Foster French Toast ($13). 6685 West Beardsley Road, Glendale AZ. 623-561-6674.
North Scottsdale
Sol Cocina– Father’s Day Brunch Sat & Sun. June 20th & 21st served all day. Scottsdale Quarter -15323 N Scottsdale Rd. 85254 480-245-6708.
Liberty Station Terravita – 20% off all To-Go BBQ Orders OR $1 beers with purchase of any BBQ item (limit 2). 34522 N Scottsdale Rd #180, Scottsdale. 480-595-993
Moe’s Roadhouse – Roadhouse Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Firehouse Jalapeño Burger, fries and domestic draft ($12); Mango Habanero Wings, 8 wings ($8); Hard Milkshake served with a shot of JD/Jameson/ or RocknRye ($8); $2 Domestic Draft 16oz; $3 Specialty Draft. 16oz; $5 Rock n Rye Whiskey, Jack Daniels, Jameson and $5 Titos. 18251 N Pima Rd # F120, Scottsdale. 480-686-8908.
PHX Beer Co.- $4 PHX Beer Co. beers (limit two) for dad! Dad also gets to add free bacon to any entrée, sandwich or pizza. Dad still want to turn up the bacon? Dad’s Favorite Bacon & Beer Flight will be available for just $10. 8300 N Hayden Rd in Scottsdale.
The Americano– is celebrating in style with a Father’s Day “Wagyu, Whiskey and Cigar” menu for $85 per person. Guests will be greeted with choice of Zaddy’s Beer, Grand Canyon Prickly Pear Vodka, or Pacifico Clara Carreno Espadin with Chili-Salt. For appetizers, guests can choose Octopus Fritto, with pickled fennel puree and salsa peperoncino or Wagyu Meatball, with pomodora, parmesan and herb salad. The main course will consist of either Wood fired sirloin wagyu steak & frites, with truffle maitre’d butter and roasted garlic aioli or Pappardelle pasta with milk braised lamb, house-made tomato sauce, mascarpone and mint. Be sure to save room for a decadent dessert of tiramisu and a glass of Very Old Barton Kentucky Straigh Bourbon and cigar to take home. There is also an optional $35 wine pairing available.
More restaurants for dad
Downtown/ Old town Scottsdale
Merkins Vineyards– Merkin Vineyards in Old Town Scottsdale is offering a ‘Take & Grill’ option which will serve four and includes a choice of a main dish – Salmon Filet, Lamb Rack, or Stuffed Squash and comes with sides of Roasted Potatoes, Garden Peas, & Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for $79. For those who want to take dad out, the ‘Bottle & Board’ special will be offered for dining in, which includes four types of cheese or charcuterie items with bread and a bottle of Merkin Vineyards wine for $48.
LDV Winery – Father’s Day basket ($60) complete with a rich, complex 2015 Syrah from LDV Winery and locally made Super Chunk’s signature caramel corn with bacon and chocolate. 7134 E. Stetson Drive #110, Scottsdale. 480-664-4822.
Hotel Valley Ho– Treat dear old dad to the ultimate brunch or dinner experience at ZuZu with jaw-dropping savory menu items available all day long like the Double Steak Benedict with short rib ragout and poached eggs ($18), a 16 oz. Charbroiled Ribeye ‘Oscar Style’ with king crab hollandaise ($42), the #1 Juicy Lucy Burger with smoked blue cheese ($24), and last but certainly not least, the King Kong Bloody Mary with tempura-fried short rib grilled cheese, jumbo poached shrimp, an antipasti skewer, and more ($32). Wash it all down with penny beer pints, available with the purchase of any of the featured entrées. The seasonal brunch menu will also be served from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the seasonal dinner menu will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carefree
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse – Enjoy $1 draft beer or house wine with purchase of any steak (limit 2). 7212 East Ho Hum Road, Carefree. 602-374-4784.
Photo courtesy of Skyler Scott and Mountain Shadows Resort
Multiple locations
Press Coffee– World’s Greatest Dad blend is a limited supply is a balanced blend with nutty flavors and an overall sweetness. It is being sold at all eight Valley Press locations for $16 during the month of June and online. A gift set is also available which includes a bag of the World’s Greatest Dad blend ($16 Value) and a Press MIIR Camp cup ($25 Value) for $35.
Thai Chili 2 Go – Buy One, Get One Free price (all locations) all day. Entrees start at $11. Nine locations throughout the Valley.
Wildflower– Dear old dad gets 2 delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies with all orders.
Pedal Haus Brewery– This Father’s Day dads get a free set of logo’d beer glasses with the purchase of one of three dishes at Pedal Haus Brewery. Grilled Salmon with Israeli Cous Cous and asparagus ($16.25), Full rack of ribs with baked beans and coleslaw ($24.25) or the Double Cut Bone In Pork Chop with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus ($22.25). Tempe 720 S. Mill Ave, #102 85281. Chandler 95 W. Boston St.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria– Grimaldi’s has partnered with Tribute Wine for this Father’s Day meal deal that includes an 18″ traditional cheese pizza, large house or Caesar salad and bottle of Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon for $40. In addition, guests who purchase this select deal can choose from two Father’s Day themed Tribute Wine labels to customize their wine bottle. This deal is available Friday, June 19th through Sunday, June 21st for dine-in or carryout.
Fired Pie– is selling par-baked take ‘n bake pizzas. Guests can order an of Fired Pie’s signature Pizza Creations for $14 and simply throw them on the grill to bake to perfection! Fired Pie will also be running a social media contest to giveaway a Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven.
Tempe
Voodoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen– Offers a family take out meal for dad for $84.95. Included are Hand battered Buttermilk Chicken Tenders, Cheese Grits, Gumbo, eight beignets and a six pack of Red Stripe. Those interested can preorder for pickup by visiting VooDoo Daddy’s website. 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106. 480-659-6145.
Northern Arizona
Cauceaus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room– The Father’s Day package includes a bottle of Bittermilk Oaxacan Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer, a can of Puscifer Queen B Hard Cider, a container of Ramon Peña Bonita Tuna packed in Olive Oil, a bottle of Chili Beak Spicy Roasted Chili Oil, a bar of Goodnow Farms Putnam Rye Whiskey Special Reserve Dark Chocolate and a flight of five Caduceus Wines. This gift set is $69.95. Caduceus Cellars is located at 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Cowboy Club – Burger & Beer special ($12). Choose a Club Burger or a Crispy Chicken Sandwich served with traditional cut or sweet potato fries and a chilled 14-oz glass of beer (chose from any beer on tap). One cent refills up to two times. 241 North State Route 89A, Sedona. 928-282-4200
Even more restaurants
Downtown Chandler
SanTan Brewing & Spirits– If dad that loves to learn about the science and art of making his favorite libations, SanTan Tours is the perfect gift! Located at SanTan’s production facility off Warner & Arizona Ave in Chandler, the tour explores the similarities of both the brewing and distilling process. Samples are included and tickets are just $15 per person and will be offered every hour Saturday and Sunday from 12- 6 p.m.
To maintain social distancing, each tour will be limited to 10 attendees each hour. This is a 21+ over activity only and drink samples are provided. Book your tours today at link above.
Spirit House– There’s no better way to end your Father’s Day than with a night out at Spirit House Tasting Room & Cocktail Bar. Leave the kids with a sitter and join us for a complimentary dads-only tasting of the multiple award-winning Butcher Jones Arizona Straight Rye Whiskey. He’ll also enjoy a wide variety of hand-crafted cocktails include the signature Commonwealth Old Fashioned, Cherry Lime Highball, French 75 and many more.
Spirit House is located behind SanTan Brewing Company in Downtown Chandler at 8 S. San Marcos Place, Suite 106, Chandler, AZ 85225.
Chandler
Chase’s Diner – Meat Lover’s Special ($12.99), which comes with a generous helping of bacon, ham, sausage, two eggs and pancakes. Choice of coffee or tea.2040 N Alma School Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224. 480-855-3663
SanTan Spirits is launching an exclusive club for super fans called, Cask Club! This subscription-based membership is the perfect way to experience SanTan Spirits all year with a curated box of six bottles including Cask Strength and exclusive spirits. Your first box will be ready to pick up during Father’s Day Weekend.
Each new Cask Club subscription comes with your choice of two engraved Glencairn tasting glasses or a mixing glass + a membership sticker. Other Cask Club benefits include 20% off at the SanTan Tours tasting room, a free bottle of bitters on your birthday and $20 gift cards to the brewpub for membership referrals.
Mountain Shadows Resort– Savor brunch at Hearth ’61 from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a special Braised Short Rib Hash ($16) or select any of the classics from the seasonal brunch menu. Prefer to have a memorable dinner experience instead? In addition to the seasonal menu, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe meal including Pan-Seared Dungeness Crab Cake, Oven-Roasted Barbeque Beef Brisket, and Key Lime Pie for $49 per person plus tax and gratuity. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and reservations are required. All menu items are available for dine-in and curbside pick-up. Please call 480.624.5458 for reservations and more information.
If dad is looking to hit the links and take advantage of the beautiful sights out on the greens, treat him to Birdies, Brews, and Views and play a round of golf while sampling craft beers. Then enjoy a Birdie Club Sandwich at Rusty’s, for $94 per person. Give dad the gift of golf all summer long with the Summer Unlimited Golf Pass valid through September 20 for $349 plus tax. For more information and tee times, please call 480.624.5433.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen– A three-course feast ($52/person) with the choice of a starter: American gulf shrimp, guajillo seared ahi tuna or tomato and burrata salad; a choice of an entrée: pecan wood fired grilled prime flatiron stead or boneless short ribs and green chili macaroni; and a choice of dessert: dark chocolate bread pudding or caramelized Nixon square fig and Madagascar vanilla creme brûlée. Service starts at 5 p.m. 10637 N Tatum Blvd suite 101 B Phoenix, AZ 85028 480-483-0009.
Salty Sow– Father’s Day weekend (Fri. – Sun.) get a signature 12 oz. Prime Rib with au jus, mashed potatoes and creamy horseradish for only $29 per person. For reservations call 602-795-9463 or go online. 4801 E Cactus Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85032
Surprise
Reel Pizza Pies– 25% off Meat Head specialty pizza for dine-in or take-out. 13953 W. Waddell Rd., #103, Surprise 85379. 623-800-0909
The LPGA’s Founders Cup tournament pulls into north Phoenix in March and with it will be inaugural Founders Food Fest. The golf tournament at the Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa celebrates its 10th anniversary with week-long festivities and the two day food festival will be on Saturday and Sunday March 21st & 22nd and will feature at seven food trucks each day.
“The Founders Cup prides itself on being the ultimate family golf experience in the Valley, and that now includes this fun and tasty event for golf enthusiasts and foodies alike,” said Scott Wood, tournament director. “We’ve selected the most popular trucks in Phoenix for a food tour guests can enjoy while watching the best players in the LPGA compete this spring.”
Photos courtesy of Ivan Morales at Evolve Marketing & PR
Once inside guests can get their “passport” stamped at each food truck then redeem a fully stamped “passport” for drink tickets at the 1950’s Club, an exclusive tented area on the 9th green.
Saturday’s food trucks include Short Leash Hot Dogs, Ice Cream Sociables and Wok this Way.
Tickets for the Founders Food Fest are $65 per day plus tax when purchased on line and $125 for a weekend pass. Wildfire Golf Club is at 5350 E. Marriott Dr. Phoenix 85054.
Celebrity chefs, food, wine and sunshine what could be better. Not much for five days in April when the 3rd annual Nirvana Food & Wine Festival returns to Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. The popular culinary event celebrates food, wine and cocktails with tastings, events, parties and dinners.
Making their return this year will be celebrity chefs Robert Irvine and Todd English along with Jose Garces. They will join local chefs Christopher Gross, Matt Carter, Scott Contant and host Beau MacMillan.
Two exiting new events have been added to this years calendar Wood, Wine & Wagyu and Nirvana After Party at Fat Ox. Below are all the details of all the events scheduled.
Wood, Wine & Wagyu
Hosted by Chef Beau MacMillan, David Rose and Jason Asher; presented by Woodford Reserve and ZD Wines
Wednesday, April 24, 7-10 p.m.; Paradise Views Patio & Lower Lawn; $225 plus tax per person
Nirvana 2019 will kick off with an intimate, sit-down, family-style dinner featuring Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms cooked over a wood fire by local and national chefs. The dinner also includes craft cocktails made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, specialty wines, a Davidoff cigar reception, and live entertainment.
Master of Taste Dinner 1
Hosted by legendary winemaker Tuck Beckstoffer and Top Chef Alum Bruce Kalman
Wednesday, April 24; 7-10 p.m.; Villa Mariposa; $350 plus tax per person; limited availability
The Master of Taste dinners are intimate culinary gatherings that pair top regional and local chefs with a notable winemaker. The first of four such evenings puts the spotlight on Napa’s Tuck Beckstoffer Wines with pioneering winemaker Tuck himself playing host. The dinner experience will be elevated by Sanctuary’s stunning valley views, seen through the dramatic glass walls of Villa Mariposa, one of Sanctuary’s ultra-exclusive private homes.
Bourbon Street Blues
Hosted by Food Network’s Marc Murphy and Dead Rabbit’s Jillian Vose
Thursday, April 25, 7-9 p.m.; Infinity Pool and Lawn; $135 plus tax per person
This grand New Orleans-style celebration returns for a second year, with guests encouraged to don Mardi Gras-inspired attire while mingling and noshing on an extraordinary spread of food and drinks. Live music will set the beat for guests to dance while the Valley’s top mixologists set the party vibe with inspired cocktail creations.
Master of Taste Dinner 2
Phenom winemaker Jesse Katz pairs up with Chef Dustin Valette
Thursday, April 25; 7-10 p.m.; Villa Mariposa; $350 plus tax per person; limited availability
Nirvana’s second winemaking evening features rising star Jesse Katz, innovative founder of Aperture Cellars from Alexander Valley, California, which focuses on Bordeaux varietals and demonstrates an expression of art both inside the bottle and out, and the highest-rating varietal from California, Devil Proof Vineyards.
Flutes & Coops
Hosted by Todd English and D Vincent Williams and the Nashville All-Stars; presented by Veuve Cliquot
Friday, April 26, 6:30-7:15 p.m. (VIP), 7:15-10 p.m. (general admission); The Views Ballroom, Paradise Views Patio and Lower Lawn; $225 plus tax VIP/ $150 plus tax GA per person
Fried chicken gets fancy during this Champagne-focused soiree, featuring Veuve Clicquot and some of the country’s biggest culinary talent. Festival-goers can book VIP admission to enjoy 45 minutes of personal time with their favorite participating chefs and mixologists including Bar Brawl’s Season 2 champion Kiefer Gilbert.
Master of Taste Dinner 3
Hosted by winemakers Dan Kosta and Rich Aurilia with Chef François de Melogue
Friday, April 26, 7-10 p.m.; Villa Mariposa; $500 plus tax per person; limited availability
Nirvana’s third Master of Taste Dinner brings together legendary winemaker Dan Kosta of AldenAlli (Sonoma, California) with former San Francisco Giants shortstop Rich Aurilia, now a partner in Red Stitch Wine Group (Napa Valley, California).
Bella Twins. Photo courtesy of Jaime Scalici
Nirvana After Party at Fat Ox
Chef host Matt Carter welcomes celebrity mixologist Jillian Vose, Jason Asher and Micah Olsen with top chef Bruce Kalman
Friday, April 26, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Fat Ox, 6316 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; $125 plus tax per person
Nirvana’s first-ever late-night event will be an exclusive, roped-off, live-DJ affair at one of Scottsdale’s sexiest restaurants. Fat Ox chef Matt Carter and mixologist Jillian Vose, formerly of Sanctuary’s own jade bar and now owner of New York City’s hottest cocktail bar, The Dead Rabbit, will headline the see-and-be-seen party. Guests will rub shoulders with the best of Nirvana’s celebrity chefs and local mixologists, including Jason Asher, owner of Counter Intuitive and Undertow and former GQ Bombay Sapphire’s “most inspired bartender”.
Celebrity Golf Tournament
Hosted by The Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella
Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. tee; Mountain Shadows; $$400 per player
Neighboring Mountain Shadows’ Short Course will play host to Nirvana’s hugely popular celebrity golf tournament, hosted by Matt Ginella of The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. Famous faces from the worlds of sports, food and drink will pair up with foursomes for a day on the greens geared towards fun, including delectable small bites, a luncheon buffet and beverages.
Rosé Parté at Wrigley Mansion
Wrigley Mansion’s Chefs Christopher Gross and Jamie Hormel welcome celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Lindsay Autry, mixologist Libby Lingua, the Bella Twins and musical guests The Potash Twins
Saturday, April 27, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix; $150 plus tax per person
The rosé-all-day trend continues with Rosé Parté, returning to Nirvana by popular demand, this time to Phoenix’s storied and elegant iconic mansion, Wrigley Mansion. Also returning to the Nirvana scene are The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie Bella of WWE fame, stars of E! Network’s Total Bellas, and the inspiration behind Belle Radici wines. Guests will enjoy fabulous pairings of rosé and fine food while exploring the historic environs.
Best of the West
Hosted by Chef Scott Conant and celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim
Saturday, April 27, 6:30-7:15 p.m. (VIP), 7:15-10 p.m. (general admission); elements, Praying Monk, jade bar, Sunset Garden, Paradise Views Patio and Lower Lawn; $250 plus tax VIP/$175 plus tax GA per person
The West’s most beloved Arizona chefs will gather for an evening send-off, celebrating Nirvana 2019 with a spectacular walk-around tasting event and an incredible variety of wines. VIP attendees gain early access and extra time with the chefs.
Master of Taste Dinner 4
Hosted by Tim Martin of Tusk Wines
Saturday, April 27, 7-10 p.m.; Villa Mariposa; $500 plus tax per person; limited availability
Nirvana’s final Master of Taste Dinner spotlights winemaker Tim Martin, founder of Napa’s luxury wine brands Tusk Estates, Immortal Estate and Belle Radici. Tim joins Arizona legends Chuck Wiley, Mark Tarbell, Vincent Guerithault, and Alex Stratta for this amazing night of food, wine and special music guests.
Tequila & Tortillas
Hosted by Iron Chef Jose Garces and renowned artist Genero Garcia
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; elements, Praying Monk, jade bar, Sunset Garden, Paradise Views Patio and Lower Lawn; $150 plus tax per person
¡Salud! Tequila is the star of Nirvana’s farewell brunch featuring Southwestern specialties and the best of the blue agave plant. Live music makes it a fiesta to remember as Nirvana bids adios to its 2019 showcase.
Scottsdale’s Starfire Grille has introduced new chef Robin Murphy along with a new menu. The restaurant is inside the clubhouse of the Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale and is part of a $750,000 update at the course.
Chef Murphy bring her passion for food to Starfire and has cooked for Madonna, The Arizona Cardinals and other celebrities.
Starfire Grille Chef Robin Murphy
New additions at Starfire Grille
The biggest addition to the menu are wood fired pizzas cooked in the new wood fired pizza oven. Guests will be able to build their own pizza or order the Tomato & Basil, Meat Lover’s or Everything pizza. All pizzas are just $10- $13.
Because not everybody is a fan of pizza new sandwiches were added including The Italian Meatball and The Batman. Served on Naan bread The Batman is filled with bacon, arugula, mozzarella, tomato and avocado aioli.
The Batman. All photos courtesy of Rose+Moser+ Allyn Public Relations
“We are so excited to introduce these new menu items, and our new wood fired pizzas,” said Chef Robin Murphy. “At the Starfire Grille we are proud to support local farmers, producers and artisans and everything we serve is made fresh on site with the best ingredients available.”
The Starfire Grille offers Happy Hour and they’ve added clams and mussels to the menu. Sunday Brunch is served from 10 a.m – 1 p.m. and offering brunch favorites on a rotating menu.
Updated golf course
For the golfer’s there is an expanded 300 yard driving range and new course layouts with 5 tee boxes. The changes that are expected to speed up your game and will be attractive to all skill levels. Golfers will notice new landscaping on the 18 hole King Course and still offering a park like setting.
Starfire Golf Club is open daily from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily and is at 11500 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85260. For more information visit their website.
