LDV Winery owners Peggy Fiandaca & Kurt Dunham are doing more than making wine and running a winery, they’re hosting Facebook Live cooking classes. Every Thursday at 4 p.m. MST thru May 7th the couple is hosting “From the LDV Winery Kitchen”. Join them on their Facebook page to learn how cook these special meals and learn about which wines pair best with each. There is no cost to participate in the classes.
Guests are encouraged to cook with them while you SIP (shelter in place) on a glass of wine or 2. Wines are for sale on their website with the LDV Winery Kitchen package of 10% off . Wines can be picked up at their wine gallery in downtown Scottsdale or shipped to you for a $5 fee. Recipes will be posted on their Facebook page every week.
The schedule for the Facebook Live cooking classes are as follows.
April 16 — Spicy Shrimp Pasta paired with 2014 Sky Island Syrah
23 — Flatbreads Three Ways paired with 2013 Sky Island Petite Sirah
30 — Grilled Ribeye Steak with fire cracker onions with roasted potatoes paired with 2014 The Signature Petite Sirah
May 7 — Pork Tenderloin with two fire roasted peppers sauces and Mexican corn paired 2015 DECADE Red Wine Blend
Billed as where “Top Chefs Vie for Food-Pairing Glory”, Epicuriad 2020 will have more than 15 local chefs competing to win the coveted Epicurean chefs jacket while raising money for the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. Harley Davidson of Scottsdale will host the 8th annual event on Saturday May 2nd at 6 p.m.
Each chef will be tasked with creating a dish that will pair well with a specific beer and wine. Attendees will vote for ” Best Plate” and “Best Pairing” crowning a winner. Money raised will benefit research and programs for brain tumor and patients put on by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation.
Tickets for Epicuriad 2020 are limited and can be purchased at their website. General Admission tickets are $85 and VIP is $100. Harley Davidson of Scottsdale is at 15656 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale 85260.
With five weeks left in 2019 restaurants and resorts are looking beyond the holiday season as they plan for 2020. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has announced their monthly Winemaker Dinner Series schedule of featured wineries for the first six months of 2020. The six wineries featured are from premiere California growing regions of Napa Valley, Russian River Valley and Paso Robles.
The popular dinners take place on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner starts with hors d’oeuvres at a wine reception before the featured wines are paired with a four course dinner.
January 23rd Grgich Hills Winery
Grgich Hills Estate is a winery located in Rutherford, California in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery changed its name (from Grgich Hills Cellar) in 2006 when it first began producing only “estate grown” wines made from grapes grown exclusively in vineyards owned by the winery.
February 27th Alpha Omega Collective
Alpha Omega, a family-owned boutique winery, features Bordeaux-inspired releases. It began its journey in 2006 being recognized as one of the great wine estates in the world. Founded by Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega handcrafts wines from historic vineyards throughout Napa Valley.
March 19th Copper Cane by Joe Wagner
Owned and operated by Joseph Wagner in Napa Valley, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions houses a collection of brands that are crafted to offer a touch of luxury for everyday indulgence.
April 16th ZD
Founded in 1969, ZD Wines is owned and operated by the deLeuze family. Over three generations of the family showcase their passion for wine as ZD has gained the recognition of being one of Napa Valley’s favorite wineries, offering unrivaled world-class wines. The winery is located in Rutherford, a premium Cabernet Sauvignon growing region in the heart of the Napa Valley.
May 21st Silverado Vineyards
In 1981, Ron and Diane Miller established Silverado Vineyards in the heart of the Stags Leap District. They had purchased the vineyard several years earlier from Harry See who identified and propagated a special field selection of Cabernet, which UC Davis has designated as a “Heritage” clone, one of only three Cabernets in California to be given this distinction.
June 25th JUSTIN Winery
World-class wines from the heart of California. JUSTIN specializes in Bordeaux-style varieties, combined with traditional winemaking practices.
July 23rd La Crema Winery
Located in the Russian River Valley and established in 1979, the winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate vineyards throughout California. La Crema Winery is part of Sonoma-based Jackson Family Estates, owned by Laura Jackson-Giron and her sister Jennifer Jackson.
Seats are limited for each epicurean experience and cost $115++ with reservations being made by calling the Hyatt Regency at 444-1234 x 8650. “Take Home” wines can be purchased after the dinner at a discount with repeat guests receive a 10% off the next dinner.
Arizona isn’t just home to many great restaurants, it also is home to many small artisan food producers. One of those is the newly re-located Gayle’s Chocolates in Cottonwood. Gayle’s started in Michigan in 1979 but was recently sold to Sedona residents, Michael and Andrea Portnoy. Friday September 20th will have the Portnoy’s introducing their chocolates at one of their first events, Vortex Crunch Event.
“Six years ago, when we tried Gayle’s we knew it was love at first bite. Now we are taking her creations and bringing them to the southwest. Taking inspiration from the Sedona Vortex’s our newest treat, the Vortex Crunch is sure to be a sweet and salty spiritual experience,” said Co-owner Michael Portnoy.
Carlson Creek Vineyards is partnering with Gayle’s Chocolates for the first of what hopes to be an annual event. Vortex Crunch is the newest addition to the line of homemade chocolates. Loaded with rice krispies, Michigan cherries, almonds, cashews, toffee, glazed orange peel, toasted coconut and a layer of semisweet chocolate. All ingredients combing for a sweet and salty taste.
Carlson Creek will pair their 2014 Rule of Three red blend and 2017 Muscat with the chocolates.
The Vortex Crunch Event will from 12 – 3 p.m. at Gayle’s Chocolates Willy Wonka like factory in their flagship store at 541 N. Main St. Cottonwood 86326. For more information visit their website.
Long time Phoenix restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore of Tomaso’s knows his way around the kitchen and dining room after serving guests since 1977. He also knows what wine goes well with his authentic Italian specialties coming from his kitchen. On Saturday August 25th he will share his culinary knowledge as he prepares a 4-course dinner that pairs his food with wine inspired by his Sicilian upbringing.
Tomaso’s wine pairing menu
The dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. with a reception as guests arrive with dinner starting at 7. Guests will dine on…..
Swordfish Braciola with seafood and zucchini blossom couscous paired with Monte Olimpo- Chardonnay Insolia blend.
Veal with wild mushrooms & truffle ravioli paired with Monte Olimpo – Cabernet Sauvignon Nero d’ Avola blend.
Grilled Prime Bistecca a la Siciliana with Sicilian croquettes and grilled asparagus paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mixed Berry cake with Peachello.
The dinner costs $80 ++ per person with reservations being made by calling 602-956-0836. For more information visit http://tomasos.com
Tomaso’s is at 32235 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix 85018
Buckeye’s modern Tempo Urban Bistro and Coffee Bar will be hosting a 5-course dinner paired with wines from one of Napa Valley’s classic wineries, Robert Mondavi. The dinner will be a great way to end the weekend will take place on Sunday August 19th at 6p.m.
The three year old Tempo Urban Bistro in the Verrado neighborhood of Buckeye will prepare dishes from chef Steven Maynard for this special evening. The menu will be…
First Course — Pork Belly Steam Bun with hoisin glaze, cilantro, and pickled onions
Second Course — Artichoke and Leek Frittata with frisee salad and heirloom tomatoes
Third Course — Cioppino, Italian fish stew
Fourth Course — Seared Breast of Duck with dark cherry jus and parsnip puree
Fifth Course — White Chocolate Pots de Creme
The wine pairing dinner is $65 per person and reservations can be made by calling 623-594-6788 and the bistro is at 21067 W. Main st. Buckeye 85396. For more information check out their website.
The Phoenician’s newest restaurant Mowry & Cotton pairs California wines from acclaimed winemaker Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Winery this Friday March 23rd.
The dinner comes on the heels of Mowry & Cotton’s first “Meet at Mowry” social dining series. The community dining styled dinner will feature a reception and 3-course dinner paired with 5 wines from Napa & Sonoma counties. Director of Winemaking Greg Urmini is the evening’s special invitee and will make his way to each table to speak about the wines and winery.
Mowry & Cotton menu with Paul Hobbs wines
The dinner will feature locally sourced vegetables, fresh game and a variety of seasonal ingredients paired with wines that will compliment the meal. The reception is called for 6:30 p.m. with dinner to start at 7.
TABLE “GAME” BOARD
bruleed foie, confit rabbit, quail egg country paté, fennel mostarda, cherry compote, miso mustard, house pickles, crispy flatbread
CABERNET FRANC Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County, 2014
Save Your Seat
With limited seating reservations are needed and can be made by calling 480-423-2530 or email 00103RestaurantReservations@luxurycollection.com The cost for the evening is $60 per person plus including tax & tip.
Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician is at 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251.
We’ve seen a lot of chefs combine forces as one way to share the higher costs of running a restaurant(s) these days. The latest duo to design a strategy is local chefs Jennifer Russo of The Market Restaurant + Bar at Jennifer’s and chef David Duarte. The duo started this week with a culinary commencement dinner featuring both chefs preparing dinner for their “space share” concept.
Sharing space at The Market Restaurant + Bar
The “space share” strategy will allow the two chef’s to work independently while sharing the same equipment, dining room etc. Jennifer will continue to serve brunch, lunch and dinner her customers have been coming back for.
The Market Restaurant + Bar will be open Sat. and Sun. from 9a.m.-3p.m. for brunch, Wed. Thurs. & Fri. from 11 a.m.- 10p.m. and the 1st & 3rd Sat. for dinner from 5p.m. – 10p.m.
Chef Duarte’s new concept
Chef David Duarte’s “Finestre Modern Gastronomy” will serve dinner at The Market on Sun, Mon,Tues. and the 2nd & 4th Sat. from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Finestre Modern Gastronomy will serve a 5, 7, or 9 course seasonal menu that can be paired with or without wine. Prices will range from $60- $225 per person based number of courses and wine pairing.
“It’s truly my honor to share the space at The Market with David. He’s a culinary genius and will offer a stellar menu that is sure to wow guests,” said Russo.
The Market Restaurant + Bar is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. #Ste. A Phoenix 85018. For more information and to make a reservation call 602-626-5050 or at http://themarketphx.com/
After a short holiday hangover the first week of January, 2018 starts quickly on the Phoenix food and wine scene. The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s is hosting its first wine dinner of 2018 Wednesday January 10th as it pairs with Hall Wines from Napa and Sonoma Counties at the Arcadia Lite neighborhood restaurant.
Hall Wines & pairings
The 6-course family style meal will be paired with 5 wines from Hall Wines and its Sonoma partner Walt Wines.
The first 3 courses paired will be paired with Walt Wines chardonnay & pinot noirs from Sonoma with the bigger reds saved for the last 2 courses from Hall Wines in St. Helena.
Walt Chardonnay Seared Diver scallop with a citrus beurre blanc, blood orange, crispy shallots and chive oil with corn nut dust
Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay Pan-seared breast of canard duck with sweet potato fondant drizzled with a balsamic cherry reduction topped with kale crisp
Walt Pinot Noir la Brisa Pappardelle pasta with porcini mushroom crème and dehydrated prosciutto, Cherve and oregano leaves
Hall Merlot Coq au vin prepared with pearl onions, baby root vegetables and lardon in classic presentation
Hall Cabernet Tri-colored peppercorns and flakey salt crusted rib eye with wilted greens and potato crème and Chef’s red wine reduction
Sweet Chocolate shortbread cookie with macerated berries and dark
This classic pairing dinner starts at 6:30 the evening of the 10th. $85 per person.
RSVP to 602-626-5050. The Market is at 3603 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix 85018. http://themarketphx.com/
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.
