Downtown Camp Verde is the place to be for pecans & wine in March

Tickets are on sale for the return of the 21st Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival in downtown Camp Verde the weekend of March 19-20th. The Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the Town of Camp Verde co-host the two day festival that will also include a beer garden, local artists and a pecan pie eating contest.

“We have learned a lot as event organizers as the pandemic has continued to take its toll and many of the COVID related changes have turned out to be more popular than ever,” said Michael Marshall, Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Manager. “We have a new style of vendor booth arrangements that is working great and the open-air wine canopy was a big hit with both vendors and attendees last spring.”

Two new experiences have been added to the festival this year including a children’s activity area and live music. Glorybound Publishing is sponsoring a Puppet Theatre & Children’s Art Exhibit and the Northern Arizona Blues Alliance (NAZBA) brings the “Northern Arizona Blues & Roots Review” to the main stage. 8 bands will entertain festival goers during the two days.

13 wineries with new Verde Valley AVA designation will be pouring their newest releases including Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Salt Mine Wine, Cove Mesa Vineyard and the Southwest Wine Center.

Entry to the festival is free and those 21 and over can purchase wine tasting tickets for $20 in advance or at the door for $25. Six wine tasting tickets and a commemorative glass are included and additional tickets can be purchased. The festival will be in downtown Camp Verde at 75 E. Holloman St. 86332 and starts at 11 a.m. both days. Safety precautions will be in place with sanitizing stations and vendors will be socially distanced. For more information visit their website.

El Panzon y Frida celebrates art and food at grand opening

One of the more interesting new restaurant openings of 2017  has been Scottsdale’s El Panzon y Frida. Named after Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and her “pot belly” husband Diego Rivera, the restaurant celebrates its Grand Opening on Thursday July 6th, which is also the day of Frida’s birth.

The colorful restaurant has been opened for a few months  for dinner but decided to lay low and wait until now to introduce itself to the community.  Located in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District south of Camelback Rd west of Scottsdale Rd.  El Panzon y Frida has a hand painted mural of Frida on the wall along with art from both artists.

El Panzon y Frida
El Panzon y Frida Bone Marrow

The menu at El Panzon y Frida

The menu was created by up-and-coming executive chef Paulina Martinez and inspired by Frida and Diego’s feminine and masculine art. The thoughtful and picture worthy dishes include grilled octopus, bone marrow, Bone in Ribeye. along with small plates for sharing and salads.

Signature cocktails such as Sage Margarita & Chili Cucumber Capirihna and craft beers on tap are available to quench your thirst

El panzon y frida
El Panzon y Frida Ribeye. All photos courtesy of Sharon Krieger of West 54 Media Group

The Grand Opening celebration

The celebration starts at 6 p.m. on the evening of the 6th and will include complimentary tastes, cocktails and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to wear bold and colorful clothes as part of the celebration.

El Panzon y Frida  is open at 11am – 11pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11am – 1am Friday and Saturday, 11am – 9pm Sunday. Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 5pm with 50% bottles of wine and $15 bottomless mimosas. Throughout the summer, Social Lounging Happy Hour is extended from 3 – 8pm daily.

El Panzon y Frida is at 7323 E. Shoeman Ln.  Scottsdale, AZ  85251 https://www.elpanzonyfrida.com/

 

 

 

1st Annual Hops and Vines Art Festival for charity in Ahwuhtukee

Hops_and_Vines_This Saturday February 20th from 12 noon- 9 p.m. will be the inaugural Hops and Vines Art Festival with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Cardiomyopathy (FFC). Taking place at Desert Foothills park in Ahwuhtukee festival goers will get to see art, taste wine, beer & food and hear live music & performance art which will give you sensory overload as heart month is celebrated.

Artists demonstrating painting, glass blowing, sculpting and more will be sharing their expertise along with local chefs doing cooking demonstrations & flavor pairings.

“In Ahwatukee there’s such a strong sense of tradition with community events,” Anthony Miller, founder and president of American FFC said. “That’s why I decided to host this inaugural event here. I want to create an environment that people of all ages can enjoy while bringing awareness to cardiomyopathy and those affected by it.”

American FFC is a charitable organization that creates awareness of and supports those affected by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that affects 1 in 500 student athletes every year, often without any sign or warning.

Hops and Vines Art Festival will take place at Desert Foothills Park – 1010 South Marketplace Way, Phoenix, Arizona 85048. General admission is $10 and children 12 and under are admitted for free. VIP admission is also available for patrons 21 and over for $65, which includes six drink tickets, catered food, private seats and private restrooms. For more information www.hopsvinesartfest.com.