Chefs Rochelle Daniel & Samantha Sanz headline James Beard dinner

Two of Phoenix’s top chefs are collaborating when the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America returns on Wednesday, February 23rd. Chefs Rochelle Daniel of Fat Ox & Atria and Samantha Sanz (pictured) of elements are teaming as part of the Foundation’s 18 city chef hosted dinner series to raise money, support and celebrate local restaurants. Sanz will host the dinner as its being held at elements restaurant at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort where she’s Chef de Cuisine.

The three course menu will showcase each of the chef’s unique styles of cooking and the restaurants they represent. Dinner begins a bread course from Breadworks by MJ Coe and James Porter. First course gives guests a choice of Sakana Blue baby scallops with shrimp mousseline, apple and seafoam or a vegetarian-friendly brown butter-poached cauliflower with apple and hazelnuts. For an entrée, guests can choose smoked beef short rib with porcini tamal, black truffle mole and pomegranate or a mushroom steak with truffle mole and pomegranate. For dessert guests will enjoy a coffee-chocolate tart with whiskey caramel. Each course is being paired with Arizona’s Rune Wines and a flight of four whiskeys from Rabbit Hole Distillery.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and seats are $350 per pair and also include a swag bag. As part of the Taste America initiative to help local restaurants and diners support the local industry 65% of the dinners ticket purchase goes to the featured chefs to support their business and the remaining 35% goes to the James Beard Foundation’s national programs including Open for Good which has helped restaurants survive the pandemic and re-build. Seating is limited and Covid-19 safety protocols will be enforced. To join Rochelle Daniel and Samantha Sanz get your tickets at the Foundation’s website.

Local chefs on board for RS Gala for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

When Russo & Steele Collector Automobile Auctions rolls in to town in January they’ll be celebrating their 20th anniversary in Scottsdale. One of the highlights of the annual week long auction at Scottsdale Rd. north of Loop 101 is the RS Gala. Local chefs from Phoenix and northern Arizona will prepare hors d’ ouvres for attendees while sipping on festive cocktails. Russo & Steele has partnered with Phoenix’ Children’s Hospital as benefactors of the gala.

“Phoenix Children’s is an incredible organization and we believe in their mission,” said co-owner of Russo and Steele, Josephine Alcazar. “Giving back to our community is what we are all about here at Russo and Steele and we couldn’t be more excited to host this event.”

The evening will also include dancing, live music, a silent & live auction on Wednesday, January 15th.

Local chefs in attendance are…..

Eddie Matney of Forest Highlands

Beau MacMillan of Elements at Sanctuary

Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail

James Porter of Terra Farm & Manor

Marcellino Verizino of Marcellino Ristorante

Dee Dee Maza of Volanti

Ryan McBride of Dorian

Lisa Dahl of Cucina Rustica, Dahl & Di Ristorante

Mediterra Bakery

“Arizona becomes the center of the car world during this one week and Russo and Steele is hands down the most exciting auction,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful to Drew and Josephine for helping raise funds for Phoenix Children’s and couldn’t be more excited to partner once again for this gala.”

Tickets for individuals and tables are available at https://russoandsteele.regfox.com/russo-and-steele-20th-anniversary-celebration