Celebrity chef and host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” Guy Fieri is returning to Phoenix but not to film his popular show but to host a party at Sanctuary on Camelback Resort & Spa. The “Flavortown Feast and Fiesta” rolls into the luxury resort in Paradise Valley on Thursday April 15th.
Sanctuary’s Executive Chef Beau Macmillan and Bar Chef Christiaan Rollich will co-host the night full of fun, flavorful food and more. Watching the sunset from the resorts Paradise Views & Lower Lawn for the fiesta at 6:30 followed by the after-party at 8:30 in The View’s Ballroom that will feature musical guests D. Vincent Williams and the Nashville All-Stars.
The 3-course dinner includes the Triple D Wedge, Johnny Garlic’s New York Strip and the Colossal Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Triple D Passed Bites and specialty cocktails will also be enjoyed.
Seating is limited to hang with Guy Fieri with tickets available for $500 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling 855-245-2051. The full menu and more information can be found at the resort’s website.
Paradise Valley’s Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa added two reputable personnel to their food & beverage team Executive Chef Beau MacMillan announced. Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz returns to where her culinary career started as one of the first female chefs. Mixoligist and author Christiaan Rollich comes to the luxury resort from the Los Angeles restaurant and cocktail scene.
“Sam and Christiaan represent the next generation of tastemakers and the perfect team to move our culinary program forward,” said MacMillan. “Both have built impressive careers through sheer grit and passion. Both are at the top of their game. And they share a deep respect for each other’s craft that will drive their collaboration as they create a full-circle experience between kitchen and bar for our guests.”
Two-time James Beard award nominee Sanz was last the Sous Chef at Talavera Restaurant at the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. After graduating from Scottsdale’s Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts she worked at Elements where she impressed MacMillan with her talent, passion and culinary prowess. She then went to Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale before to the Four Seasons Scottsdale.
“I am thrilled to be back at Sanctuary—my culinary roots—and to give fresh expression to the vibrant flavors and colors here,” said Sanz. “The opportunity to work so closely with Beau and Christiaan to fully integrate the culinary and bar programs is particularly exciting to me and recognizes the power of food and drink to connect us all.”
Arizona welcomes Christiaan Rollich
Netherlands native Christiaan Rollich started working in the bar industry at Les Deux Cafe to earn extra money while pursuing a acting and modeling career. He authored BAR CHEF: Handcrafted Cocktails in 2019 and Forbes called him “one of LA’s most innovative mixoligists” and is credited by LA Weekly with starting the city’s cocktail renaissance while at celebrated restaurants A.O.C and Luques.
“I love working closely with chefs, studying their techniques and bringing them to the world of drink,” said Röllich. “I can’t wait to see what Beau and Sam will bring to the table flavor-wise, and look forward to exploring and reinventing so my cocktails match their food.”
Weekends just got better at the intersection of Shea and Tatum as Rusconi’s American Kitchen has re-introduced brunch on the weekend. In the past the scratch kitchen had served brunch only on Sunday’s but added Saturday’s from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to get sweet & savory favorites. Eggs, pancakes, soups, sandwiches and entrees with Rusconi’s twist have returned including……..
-Pork Chile Verde with corn tortillas, sunnyside up egg, cotija cheese, green chile sauce, grape tomato salsa and radish, $14
-The Kitchen Benedict featuring beef short ribs, poached eggs, citrus hollandaise, English muffin and creamy red pepper grits, $12
-RAK French Toast with cinnamon cream, powdered sugar and real maple syrup, $10
-Rico’s New Orleans Beignets with house made jam and chocolate sauce, $9
-Roasted Pork Posole with hominy, corn, avocado, grape tomato salsa, and watermelon radish, $7, bowl; $11, large bowl; add an egg for $2 more
-Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Salad with rhubarb vinaigrette, praline pecans, granny smith apples and goat cheese, $12
-Harris Ranch “Kitchen” Burger with goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and tomato, $14 (add a fried egg for $3)
Enjoy house made Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for $5 with you meal whether you choose to dine-in or take-out.
Weekend brunch reservations can be made by calling (480)493-0009 or online at https://rusconiskitchen.com/. Rusconi’s American Kitchen 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 85028
The Salty Sow known for its meat focused menu recently introduced fried chicken dinners to its menu. Two family style dinners are offered for take out and four dinners on the dine in menu.
The Jumbo Chicken Tenders Dinner comes with their signature kale coleslaw & cowboy beans with a choice of a 6 piece (with two sauces) for $17, a 9 piece (with a choice of 3 sauces) for $24 or a 12 piece (with 4 sauces) for $29. Their Southern Fried Chicken Dinner served with kale coleslaw and cowboy beans with 8 pieces of fried chicken bone-in for $26.00.
Dining in you can choose from…..
Tender Bites- 8 pieces of fried chicken, one sauce for $8
Jumbo Tenders- 3 piece, two sauces for $11
The O.G. Sandwich with chicken breast, mayonnaise, kale coleslaw, home-made pickles and French fries for $14
Southern Fried Chicken- 4 pieces, bone-in served with kale coleslaw for $18
Choose Sow Sauce, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Barbeque and Sweet Chili to compliment your meal. Guests looking to spice it up can choose to make their chicken “Nashville Hot” if desired.
Salty Sow is at 4801 E. Cactus Rd. Phoenix 85032. The restaurant opens for dinner daily at 4 p.m.
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
Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday, May 10th and Phoenix area restaurants are preparing for takeout meals. Prie-fixe meals, family style meals and a la carte options are be available but hurry up as time is running out to place your order.
Phoenix area restaurants celebrating mom
Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen is offering a 3-course, prie-fixe meals are available for $35 per person. Add a bottle or 2 of pre-selected wines for $15-$30 a bottle. Pre-order by calling 480-427-2264 for pick up Sunday between 2 – 7 p.m. 7303 E Indian School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
The Roaring Fork gives mom the choice to choose from signature items with entrees, sides & dessert for up to 4 people. A la carte items are available too. Meals are $65- $75 and can be picked up Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. To order head to their website or call 480-947-0795. 4800 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Fired Pie is giving discounts at all 21 of their Phoenix area locations. $5 off orders of $20 or more and $10 off $40 orders. Only available with online ordering and not available on 3rd party deliveries.
Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley has created a special Mother’s Day menu from executive chef Chuck Wiley. A stuffed Roasted Chicken comes with salad, sides and dessert for $39 per person. Add a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label for $45 or a bottle of Prosecco & a bouquet of flowers for $55. Orders are being taken until Thurs. May 7th at 4 p.m. and can be made by emailing or calling the restaurant at 480-624-5431. Pick up between 11a. m. – 4 p.m. 5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley 85253.
PHX Beer Co. celebrates mom on Sat & Sun. with $20 crowlers filled with Bloody Mary’s, Margaritas and Mimosa kits with oj & champagne. $10 of will be donated to Homeward Bound.
VooDoo Daddy’s Steam Kitchen has a “Beignets & Bubbly” family style meal that feeds 4. Orders can be place by calling 480-659-6145 or by heading to their website. Not available with 3rd party deliveries. 1325 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 106, in Tempe.
Chase’s Dinner is giving mom half off her entree all day long from its full menu. Pick up or have it delivered by Postmates and GrubHub. Call your order in at 480-855-3663. 2040 N. Alma School Rd. Chandler 85224.
Padre Murphy’s in Glendale has 3 course family meals of Chicken Marsala ($84.99) or Grilled Salmon ($99.99). Each can be had a la carte too along with beers and cocktails available for purchase. 24 hour notice is required and orders can be called in at (602) 547-9406. 4338 W Bell Rd Glendale 85308.
Downtown Chandler restaurants offering takeout
Crown Plaza San Marcos Resort in the heart of downtown Chandler has a 5 course family meal with main dishes, quiche and more. $125 plus tax and you can add a Mimosa drink pack for $15. Orders need to be placed by May 6th by calling 480-812-0900. One San Marcos Place, Chandler 85225.
Mingle & Graze offers a Mother’s Day Mingle Box charcuterie board, chocolates and more for $50 for four or dinner for 4 at $90. Orders are being taken until May 7th by calling 480-726-2264 or on their website. Pick up Sunday between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 48 S San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225.
SanTan Brewery has Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham and more by the pound on its special Mother’s Day menu. Call 480-917-8700 or head to their website to place an order. Pick up or delivery is on Sunday. 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225.
Serranos Mexican Restaurant will satisfy mom’s sweet tooth with churro donuts topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. 2 for $3.99 or 6 for $12. order on line or by calling 480-899-3318. 141 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler 85225.
The Hidden House offers a al carte brunch with bagels $14, Mixed Berry French toast $14 and more from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. wanting more a celebratory dinner several family meals are available from 3 – 8 p.m. The Filet Family Pack ($150), Duck Breast Family Pack ($90), Chicken Breast Family Pack ($70) or a combination Family Pack ($115). Each family meal comes with two sides and a dessert. Call 480-275-5525 or order online. 159 W. Commonwealth Ave. Chandler 85225.
Peixoto Coffee has boxed pastry for her morning coffee. Call ahead of time for curbside pick-up at 480-275-2843. 11 West Boston Street, Suite 6 Chandler 85225.
Update: Rescheduled to October. Purchased tickets good then, details to come.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has announced the dates and schedule of events for the fourth annual Nirvana Food & Wine Festival. April 16th -19th Chef and Nirvana host Beau MacMillan welcomes celebrity chef’s Robert Irvine, Scott Contant and Bravo Network’s “Top Chef” winner John Tesar. Celebrities including Rob Riggle and The Bella Twins and other chefs will be hosting and having fun with guests along with chefs and mixologists from around Arizona.
“This event is one that is so near and dear to my heart,” said MacMillan. “Having the opportunity to celebrate outstanding culinary talent, mixology, music and more alongside some of my closest friends and fellow foodies is a true privilege. Nirvana really offers something for everyone and that’s a big part of what makes the festival such a special experience.”
The annual festival celebrates food, wine, music and spirits in a most luxurious resort in the valley and has become a very popular festival in only three years.
Tickets for the five headlining events are available with additional events and after parties still may be added to the weekend’s festivities.
Thursday, April 16- Wood, Wine & Wagyu presented by Far Niente
The 2020 festival kicks off with this ever-popular event, featuring superstar culinary talent from across North America preparing Snake River Farms American Wagyu cooked over open-wood flames while celebrity mixologists craft whisky-based cocktails utilizing Woodford Reserve. Guests will then be invited to take their places at the table for an intimate, family style dinner with wines hand selected by Far Niente. Country music superstars D. Vincent Williams, Dillon Dixon and Joe Diffy will provide musical accompaniment. Tickets start at $350.
Friday, April 17- Flutes & Coops
Experience the ultimate Champagne campaign and fried chicken feast headlined by DJ Miss Mixx, Fosterson and 17 of the Valley’s best chefs preparing their best fried chicken recipes. This indoor/outdoor event will feature full bars and cocktails shaken by some of the Valley’s best mixologists with one chef being crowned king of Flutes & Coops by popular vote. Tickets start at $150.
Saturday, April 18- Tequila & Tortillas
Grab the salt and limes! Held at the iconic Hotel Valley Ho, this year’s Dia de los Muertos-themed Tequila & Tortillas event will feature nearly 20 locally and nationally recognized chefs cooking up the best of the best in southwestern fare. Since no fiesta is complete without tequila, several of the Valley’s top cocktailers will be on-site mixing up delicious tequila-based cocktails.
This year’s event also features a team “taco takedown” competition, tequila luges and a stunning art presentation by the renowned Gennaro Garcia. Tickets start at $125.
Saturday, April 18- Best of the West
The biggest event of the weekend, Best of the West will be hosted by Scott Conant and Tony Abou-Ganim and will offer 20 live-action stations showcasing cuisine from the most talented chefs of the Valley and greater Arizona. Set to the backdrop of the stunning Camelback Mountain, this not-to-miss event will also offer live musical performances from Double D and the Nashville Allstars to close out the night. Tickets start at $175
Sunday, April 19- Rosé Parté
The star-studded rosé-all-day trend continues with Rosé Parté, co-hosted by Robert Irvine and the Bella Twins. Guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of the Valley’s top culinary talent as well as taste two-dozen different rosé wines. This brunch-style party will also include craft cocktails, ice carvings, a raw bar and beats by DJ Miss Mixx. Giving new meaning to the term “Sunday Funday,” this is a not-to-miss closing experience. Tickets start at $150.
When Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa resumes its Lunch & Learn series on Sunday November 17th their doing with a celebrity chef. The resorts own celebrity chef Beau McMillan will welcome his friend Aaron Sanchez for the interactive culinary demonstration. Sanchez is co-host of the Food Network’s “Chopped” and a judge and co-host of Fox’s “MasterChef”.
MacMillan and Sanchez will host 125 guests for the 3-course lunch inspired by Sanchez’s latest best-selling memoir, “Where I Came From: Life Lessons from a Latino Chef”. Guests will receive a signed copy of the book at the end of the event. In addition to his TV work Sanchez is chef and owner of New Orlean’s popular restaurant “Johnny Sanchez”. He’s considered to be America’s most prominent Latino chef and when he’s not working on TV he’s donating his time and money to worthy causes.
Lunch & Learn with Aaron Sanchez starts at 11 a.m. and tickets are $135 per person and are all inclusive. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 855-318-9009. Seats are limited so guests are encouraged to make their reservations early.
Since their not body slamming their opponents in the wrestling ring anymore, twin sisters Brie and Nikki Bella are stomping grapes at their Napa Valley winery, Belle Radici. They launched the winery with partner Ryan Hill in 2017 and is Italian for “beautiful roots”. Belle Radici wines along with wines from Hill’s Hill Family Estate Winery will be poured on Sunday September 15th at Hearth ’61.
The dinner is part of the Mountain Shadows Resort’s Sunday Supper Club with food prepared by Chef Charles Wiley. Chef Wiley will be joined in the kitchen by Elements at Sanctuary executive chef Beau MacMillan. The pair worked together at Element’s when Wiley was executive chef and mentored MacMillan.
They’re collaborating on a four-course menu that includes Black Garlic Braised Beef Cheek and Honey Crisp Apple and Daikon Radish Salad.
The monthly Sunday Supper Club pairs wines or spirits with Chef Wiley’s modern cuisine. Upcoming dinners include Rombauer Vineyards on October 20th and Champagne Henriot on December 8th.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. and each seat is 474 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-624-5400.
Building an award winning wine program is no small task and Jim Gallen is no stranger to building them. Gallen, Food and Beverage Manager at Mountain Shadows Resort, built the Wine Spectator magazine’s 2019 “Award of Excellence” wine list for Hearth ’61. Criteria used to judge restaurants for the award include wine pricing, wine director experience, cuisine type & menu pricing and overall wine selection.
F & B Manager Jim Gallen. Photo credit Skyler Scott.
Gallen has over 25 years of experience wine buying having been the wine buyer for Phoenix’s Tarbell’s Restaurant and others. It’s the restaurants first honor by Wine Spectator for its diverse list of over 180 wines from around the world.
It’s important for Gallen to build a wine program that compliments Executive Chef Charles Wiley’s cuisine and culinary events.
Hearth ’61 was one of over 3,800 restaurants around the world to be awarded the honor by Wine Spectator. Gallen will grow the wine program to earn the magazine’s “Best of Award of Excellence” and its highest honor “Grand Award”. The restaurant was one of several Arizona restaurants to earn honors from the magazine including Tarbell’s Tavern and Cafe Monarch.
