Excitement in Arizona’s restaurant industry was high this week despite current events as The James Beard Foundation announced this week the finalists for the 2020 James Beard Awards. When semifinalists were announced earlier in the year and before the coronavirus epidemic Arizona had 10 in the running to be finalists. When the winners are announced on September 25th, 4 nominees will be representing Arizona.
After FnB’s Charleen Badman won the 2019 Best Chef: Southwest it should come as no surprise to many that 3 others have the chance to bring home the award this year.
The 2020 nominees are….
Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe (Phoenix) for Best Chef: Southwest.
Chrysa Robertson of Rancho Pinot Grille (Scottsdale) for Best Chef: Southwest.
Jeff Smedstad of Elote Cafe (Sedona) for Best Chef: Southwest.
Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix) for Outstanding Restaurant.
Good luck to all.
Winners will be announced via the foundations Twitter feed.
As we are now well into this Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic its taking its toll on every industry around the world. Here in Arizona festivals and events are being cancelled or postponed, restaurants and other business’s are voluntarily cutting back hours. As I saw this weekend several Phoenix restaurants continued to be busy with people going out to eat & drink. Many are sending out emails and posting on social media how their following deep cleaning and sanitizing procedures and following guidelines from local and state health departments.
FnB and Rancho Pinot Grill made tough decisions to close their dining rooms but stay open to provide meals for take out or delivery. I’m sure others will follow with these and other decisions while looking at creative and necessary ways to continue to serve our community and pay staff and other expenses. So far the State of Arizona hasn’t required businesses to shut down the way other states have enforced curfews and closings.
How you can help during the coronavirus
When a cure is found for Coronavirus and the risk of it spreading slows down hopefully many of our favorite restaurants and hospitality industry rebounds with no permanent closures. Sadly I feel several will close permanently due to the sudden drop in business right during our busy season. Dining out is a great way to help local restaurants whether you cautiously dine-in, have food delivered or taken- out or buying a gift card for a future visit. If you do the latter I hope the restaurant or businesses are still in business when you choose to visit.
Looking on the bright side we as a community learn from experiences like we’re going through. New processes are being learned and implemented but may become a reality for when things return to as they were. Full service restaurants like FnB and Rancho Pinot may continue to do more take-out business than traditional dining. As few businesses may fall others will be created to take their place. Hopefully this will be short lived and we can get back to gathering at festivals & restaurants and sharing meals & good times together but it’s up to us to minimize the damage by supporting local restaurants and business when we can afford to and feel safe doing so. Visit Local First Arizona for a list of locally owned businesses you can support. Be safe!
Cooking classes, dinners and tastings are just a few of the events scheduled for LDV Winery to keep locals and visitors busy through the end of 2016. Below is a list of scheduled events for LDV with most hosted at their Wine Gallery at 6951 E. 1st St. Scottsdale 85251.
Photo courtesy of LDV Wine Gallery
OCTOBER
LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – Candy Making and Wine
Sunday, October 9 from 4:00-6:00 PM
Just in time for Halloween! LDV Winery and NutWhats, local candy maker, present a candy making demonstration and discussion about wine pairings. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).
Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef/Owner Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot
Monday, October 10 from 6:00-8:00 PM
An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef/Owner Chrysa Roberson and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery. $95++ per person
Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.
Holiday Little Bites Cooking Class with John & Bev Hersey at LDV Winery
Saturday, October 15 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Astonish your friends this holiday season. Sip, learn, cook, and eat at this fun interactive class. Everyone will be in the holiday spirit at your get-together with “Holiday Little Bites” that are easy, healthy, and scrumptious. Every guest will be begging for your recipes! John is a graduate of Classic Cooking Academy and Beverly is former owner of the Aaron Conant House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s historic Strawberry Bank.
$55 per person. Registration required. Space limited.
Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to reserve your place, space is limited.
Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef Justin Beckett, Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail
Tuesday, November 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM
An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef/Owner Justin Beckett and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal served under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery. $95++ per person
Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.
LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – Cheese & Wine Pairing
Sunday, November 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Expand your palate by exploring the science behind the classic wine and cheese pairing. Wine brings out unexpected nuances in cheese, which enhances both aspects of this quintessential pairing. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).
LDV Sip & Learn Workshop – All About Chocolate & Wine Pairing
Sunday, December 4 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM
What makes wine and chocolate the perfect confectionery match. The workshop will discuss and taste wine pairings with locally made artisan chocolates. $35.00 per person/$65 per couple (includes workshop materials, wine tasting, & nibbles).
Vineyard to Table Winemaker Dinner with Chef Mel Mecinas, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Monday, December 5 from 6:00-8:00 PM
An intimate evening of great food paired with award-winning LDV Winery estate wines. Chef Mel Mecinas and LDV Winemaker Curt Dunham create an incredible meal served under the stars at LDV Wine Gallery. $95++ per person
Call the Wine Gallery at 480-664-4822 to prepay reservations; space limited.
For more information on Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, visit www.LDVWinery.com.