Tag: Chef Russell LaCasce

Wine dinners feature family wineries at local hotels

2022 brings two exciting wine dinners happening this month at hotels known for their monthly dinner series.

The first of the wine dinners is the return of the Hotel Valley Ho’s Versus Series at their signature restaurant Zuzu on Thursday, January 13th. The “Family Feud” dinner has guests determine which wines pair best with Executive Chef Russell LaCasce’s 4-course dinner. California’s Jackson Family Wines (Stonestreet and others) & Wagner Family of Wines (Caymus and more) are the featured wines that will be paired with a Lobster & Artichoke Tart and Filet Mignon being just a couple of the courses. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and is $159 per person plus tax and gratuity. Taste wines you like, you can purchase them to take home as well. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling 480-421-7997

A few nights later on Sunday, January 16th Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort hosts its monthly Sunday Supper. This month’s featured wines will be Arizona’s own Los Milics. The southern Arizona winery is founded by FnB co-owner and winemaker Pavle Milić who will be in attendance to discuss his wines and collaboration with Kelly and Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas Winery. Milić has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation for an “Outstanding Beverage Program” at FnB for his almost all Arizona wine list. His wines will be paired with Executive Chef Charles Wiley and Chef de Cuisine Alfred Muro’s multi-course menu featuring a Diver Scallop and Niman Ranch Beef Tenderloin. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and is $149 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 480-624-5458.

Chef + Farmers Market series returns to Hotel Valley Ho

Don’t let this weeks cooler than normal temperatures fool you, the triple digits are coming. When the heat returns many of the Phoenix area farmers markets take the summer off but not at Hotel Valley Ho. Summer is when their Chef + Farmers Market returns indoors at their Sands indoor venue.

Saturday’s from June 22nd – July 13th from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. guests can enjoy tastes from local chefs, purchase fresh produce and more goodies from local purveyors. While shopping and tasting enjoy live music and sip on Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s or taste wine and spirits. Valley Ho’s chef Russell Lacasce will provide the tasty bites along with Matt Taylor of Mora Italian and Rene Andrade of Ghost Ranch.

Save room to taste the milkshakes made by contestants of the Battle Freak Shake contest to see who makes the best “Show Stopper” Shake.  The winning shake  will be featured in Augustin Zuzu. All attendees will receive a voucher for 25% off a summer visit to Zuzu.

Each weeks Chef + Farmers Market will have a theme from food to music, here is the schedule.

June 22nd- South of the Border

June 29th- Bada Boom

July 6th- Grillin ‘n’ Chillin

July 13th – Sweet Treats

Hotel Valley Ho is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251.

Zuzu releases dates for Monday Night Chef’s Table for coming months

Zuzu and executive chef Russell LaCasce  know how to pull off exciting off menu dinner events. Diners and wine geeks should be excited for their continued success as the next four months of their monthly Monday Night Chef’s Table is set.

The signature restaurant at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho will offer guests a 4-course dinner paired with wines from prestigious wineries. A guest from the winery will be on hand to speak about the wines and pairings. Although all the menus are not finalized the wineries are and dates are as follows….

August 27th Frog’s Leap Winery– Guests can expect a menu of cabbage cured salmon, charred jumbo asparagus with prosciutto and lobster, dry aged pork chop, and chocolate pot de crème with almond crumble.

September 17th- Wagner Family of Wines

October 22nd– ZD Wines

November 12th– Willakenzie Estate

Each of the dinners start at 6:30 p.m. and cost $75 ++ per person and reservations can be made at http://www.hotelvalleyho.com/ or by calling 480-376-2600. Zuzu is at 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251.