Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers Winemaker Dinner Series

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has announced their lineup for their Winemaker Dinner Series for the rest of 2019. The dinners will feature California wineries paired with a delicious four-course menu prepared by chefs Juan Solorio & Joaquin Estolano Jr.

Dinners will be held in the resorts Alto Ristorante e Bar and will start with an appetizer and wine reception at 6:30 followed by dinner at 7. I recently had the opportunity to taste the several dishes prepared by the creative culinary team and guests are in for an epicurean experience. To see what I dined on visit my Instagram @SandyWass.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa’s Winemaker Dinner Series.

Nickel & Nickel -Thursday, May 23, 2019

Established in 1997, Nickel & Nickel are devoted exclusively to producing 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines that best express the distinctive personality of each vineyard.

Joseph Wagner Wines -Thursday, June 20, 2019

A family of fine wines, Joseph Wagner is made from some of the best regions in California.

Frog’s Leap- Thursday, July 18, 2019

Adhering to the premise that the greatest wines are those that truly reflect their soil, climate and circumstance. Frog’s Leap believes the winemaker’s role is to stand back and let the natural beauty of grapes show through.

BV (Beaulieu Vineyards)- Thursday, August 15. 2019

Founded in 1900, BV continues with the spirit of innovation to produce exceptional wines that stand among the world’s finest.

Duckhorn- Thursday, September 19, 2019

Over the past 40 years, Duckhorn has established itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines.

The per person price for June through September is $95++.

Orin Swift- Thursday, October 17, 2019

Combining excellent wines with creative labeling, Orin Swift has grown very fast to become one of the wines most enjoyed.

Plumpjack- Thursday, November 14, 2019

Their wines are a reflection of their unique terroir, the passion and precision of their winemaker, and their commitment to craft wines consistently express the distinct qualities of their estate vineyards in the Oakville appellation.

ZD- Thursday, December 19, 2019

Over three generations, their passion for wine has gained ZD the recognition as one of Napa Valley’s favorite offering unrivaled world-class wines.

The per person price for October through December is $115++.

Reserve your seat

Because seats are limited, reservations are required. To make a reservation call (480)444-1234 ext. 8650. Repeat guests will receive 10% off the new dinner. To see menus as they are planned visit their website. Wines will be available for purchase at a discounted price.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is at 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale 85258.

The popular House Brasserie is under new ownership

Scottsdale’s The House Brasserie changed ownership recently with the new owners looking to continue serving great food and service. Opened in 2012 by chef Matt Carter, Brian Raab and Terri Ellisnor it became one of old town favorite restaurants. It got its name because it’s housed in the second oldest house in Scottsdale.

New owner Joseph Ieraci, an ASU graduate, has the restaurant industry in his blood as a 2nd generation restaurateur. Ieraci returned to the valley from his native southern California in search of a restaurant but not just any restaurant. “My wife, Julie, and I absolutely fell in love with The House Brasserie because we could tell it had been hand-built and run with a lot of love.” Ieraci was attracted to the unique location of the house which is surrounded by patios, tall trees and a cozy inside dining room.

Head Chef Brandon Jedd stays with Ieraci continuing to serve global inspired dishes using gourmet ingredients and French cooking techniques. Jedd has been overseeing kitchen operations at The House for several years after starting as a line cook.

“As hard as it was for us to say goodbye to The House, we’re so excited it’s in great hands with Joseph Ieraci and chef Brandon Jedd,” says Brian Raab. “With the success of The Mission in Downtown Scottsdale as well as at Kirkland Commons, plus Fat Ox, it just made sense to have a single owner-operator who can give this amazing restaurant the attention it deserves.”

Ieraci will bring back the seasonal weekend brunch but for now is serving dinner Tuesday – Sunday from 5-10 p.m.

The House Brasserie is at 6936 E. Main St. Scottsdale 85251. For more information visit their website.

Rancho Pinot celebrates 25 years with throwback dinner series

Most of us don’t know what we’re doing 6 days from now let alone 6 months from now but in this case advanced planning is needed. Scottsdale’s Rancho Pinot celebrates its 25th anniversary later this year and is celebrating with 4 Throwback dinners as owner Chrysa Robertson invites her mentors and those she’s mentored to help re-create meals from the past.Rancho Pinot

The dinners will take place over 4 weeks in November.

Rancho Pinot has been serving customers farm to table meals using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients long before it was cool and Robertson helped start the first Phoenix chapter of Slow Food International.

What does she attribute to surviving 25 years with the ups and downs of owning a restaurant?

“My tightknit family taught me to appreciate and love food early on,” said Robertson. “I’ve always believed that in addition to food, it’s about hospitality. I could never do what I do without the support and talent of all the people – my family – who work with me. When guests come to Rancho Pinot, they’re coming to my home. I want my guests to feel good, taken care of and to have a civilized dining experience.”

Rancho Pinot Throwback dinners

Chrysa honed her kitchen skills in California before returning to Arizona to open Rancho Pinot in 1993. The dinners pay homage to those who inspired her and whom she’s inspired including FnB chef/owner Charleen Badman and Sacha Levine who’s opening her own restaurant.

The wine will be flowing as Rancho Pinot strolls down memory lane with theses weekly dinners.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 Girls Night

A dinner featuring several of Chef Robertson’s counterparts at Rancho over the years, including Charleen Badman of FnB in Scottsdale, Sacha Levine formerly of Ocotillo Restaurant, Michelle Mango of Mango Cakes, Shannon Plowman of La Vie in Pinetop and Wendy Lair, a personal chef in Northern California.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 Wine Night

A nod to Master Sommeliers, Wine Night features two Rancho Pinot alums, MS Bobby Stuckey and MS Christopher Tanghe, as they work the floor, pouring special bottles paired with an equally extravagant menu.

Thursday, November 15, 2018 Southern California Days

Mentor and inspiration, Nancy Silverton – currently Mozza and Chi Spaca in LA – formerly of Campanile and La Brea Bakery, joins friend Suzanne Tracht of Jar Restaurant in LA, to remember Chef Robertson’s time working in Los Angeles in 1990 with a fun and collaborative menu.

Thursday, November 29, 2018 Northern California Days
Celebrating Chef Robertson’s Napa Valley experience with Terra Restaurant’s Chef Hiro Sone and former sous chef, Jim Neal, this evening brings the famed flavors of Napa Valley to the Sonoran Desert for a can’t-miss culinary dinner event.

Starting in October you can RSVP by calling Rancho Pinot at 480-367-8030 or email to ranchopinot@hotmail.com

Rancho Pinot is at 6208 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale 85250. For more information see their website.

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/