House of Tricks celebrates its 30th anniversary all week long

One of the valley’s favorite restaurants has stood the test of time and is celebrating with a weeks worth of specials and soiree to celebrate this milestone. Tempe’s House of Tricks celebrates its 30th anniversary on September 6th by bringing back some of its favorite dishes from its 30 years serving unique and satisfying food.

When Bob and Robin Trick opened House of Tricks in 1987 it was the first fine dining restaurant in Tempe.  Since then they’ve  hosted many graduation dinners, special events, wine tastings and charities functions while still serving farm to table dishes from its small kitchen to diners enjoying the beautiful and lush patio setting just off Mill Ave. in downtown Tempe.

House of TricksHouse of Tricks alumni

Several recognizable names in the valley’s restaurant scene worked at House of Tricks including executive chef and owner of Crudo & Okra Cullen Campbell, chef Kelly Fletcher and Brent Karlicek who oversees the beverage program at Upward Projects (Postine Wine Cafe, The Windsor, Federal Pizza and more).

A week long of favorites from the past

With the help of staff, regular customers, family and friends the restaurant will be serving favorite dishes that have been 86’d over the years but will return the week of September 5th- 15th. This opportunity to try dishes will give fans of the restaurant an opportunity to stroll down memory lane and enjoy meals they never thought they’d have again.

Guests can also look forward to a special craft cocktail to commemorate the 30th anniversary created by their in-house mixologist.

30th anniversary soiree

The Trick’s also have a party being planned for the evening of November 5th where guests will be asked to don cocktail attire for an evening of wine, dancing, music and hor d’oeuvres. Still in the planning stages tickets and details for this exciting soiree will be available soon at https://www.houseoftricks.com/

 

Zen Culinary announces executive chef Kelly Fletcher to lead new restaurant

New restaurants are always opening in the Phoenix metro area, one of the more anticipated and ambitious projects is Zen Culinary, set to open later in October in north Scottsdale. Executive chef Kelly Fletcher is a big piece of the puzzle as he’s been tapped to lead the culinary team that also includes Bitter & Twisted’s executive chef Bob Tam as culinary advisor.

Dumplings. Photo courtesy of HDE Agency
Dumplings. Photo courtesy of HDE Agency

Zen Culinary Team

Kelly Fletcher has been around the Phoenix area food scene for quite a while as former executive chef at House of Trick’s in Tempe and recently at El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley. Fletcher has hosted pop-up dinners, been guest chef at many local restaurants and is very active in the Phoenix culinary industry.

Owner Rachel Maculey sought out Fletcher for his food and cultural diversity when it comes to his menu’s, his French training and his commitment to his home-grown Arizona community in an effort to achieve her vision of sharing her family’s culture through food and here upbringing in Thailand. Bob Tam’s bring his culinary ideas including teaching new techniques, introducing new ingredients & his business acumen to this Asian fusion restaurant.

With good food comes good drinks to enjoy and Michael Liberatore is responsible for the beverage program at Zen Culinary. Michael previously worked at Citizen Public House.

Zen Culinary executive chef Kelly Fletcher
Zen Culinary executive chef Kelly Fletcher

Zen Culinary will be serving lunch and dinner from a menu that will include Thai, Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine by using mostly locally sourced organic ingredients that will give diners the opportunity to experience the balance, spice & textures of the teams creations.

Zen Culinary is at 15544 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ, Zen Culinary will be open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. http://www.zenculinary.com/

 

Local chefs compete for best burger at Okra Cookhouse & Cocktail’s Burger Battle

Burgers, burgers and more burgers is what’s on the menu the next 4 Sundays in October as Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails hosts a weekly Burger Battle. 6 local chefs will be competing to see who has the created the tastiest burger. Starting this Sunday October 9th and for the 2 Sundays following, diners can watch the fun and taste the burgers created that will be judged by celebrity judges. Each weeks winner will compete on Sunday October 30th to see which chef has created the best burger.

Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
Photo courtesy of Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails

Burger battle participating chefs

Here are the 6 local chefs competing and the schedule with the fun starting every Sunday at 3pm.

October 9th features Kelly Fletcher from the soon to be open Zen Culinary going up against Gio Osso of Virtu & Nico

October 16th has host Cullen Campbell of Crudo & Okra doing battle against Doug Robson of Otro.

Ocotber 23rd pits Justin Beckett of Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail against Upward Projects Chris Newstrom

October 30th is the finals for the 3 winners.

Burger Battle and brunch for C-cap

Okra will also be serving their regular Sunday specials that include all day happy hour, 1/2 off bottles of wine and mixologist Micah Olson will be creating a special cocktail & punch with Tito’s vodka for the Burger Battle. Part of the proceeds from each weeks event will go to C-CAP , a non-profit that helps get young men and women get started in their culinary arts career.

Okra is at 5813 N. 7th St. Phoenix 85014 (602)296-4147 http://www.okraaz.com