Now that we’ve brushed off our New Year’s resolution to lose weight, it’s time to start enjoying food, wine and other culinary creations again. This spring get ready for a buffet of some of Arizona’s best cuisine.
March 3: The Surprise BBQ Festival
Come enjoy $2 samples of some of the best chicken, pork, ribs and brisket from more than 30 barbecue teams from around the nation while they battle it out for $10,000 in prize money. Full plates of barbecue, including sandwiches and ribs, can be found intertwined alongside live bands, a kid’s zone, contests, rides and a whiskey expo throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale now for $10; kids under 12 are free. VIP ticket holders will receive a gourmet barbecue plate from the VIP caterer, barbecue BBQ sample tickets, an open bar in the VIP tent and a pass into Whiskey Row. www.surprisebbqfestival.com.
March 10-11: Devoured
The annual culinary event hosted by the Phoenix Art Museum promotes Arizona food, wine and restaurants. Guests will enjoy food experiences, culinary demonstrations and showcases from local artisans, farms, food producers and vintners. In addition, guests will receive general admission to the Phoenix Art Museum. Tickets vary from $69 for one day to $130 for both days. Museum members receive discounted tickets. www.devouredphoenix.com.
March 24: Downtown Chandler’s Great American BBQ & Beer Festival
Throw out the picnic blankets and prepare for a finger-lickin’ good time at Downtown Chandler’s Great American BBQ & Beer Festival. From 12-8 p.m. there will be live entertainment, a kid’s zone and a bike show, all in a traditional backyard barbecue atmosphere. Event proceeds from the estimated 5,000 patrons will benefit the Downtown Chandler Community Foundation. Tickets are $10; kids 12 and under are free. www.chandlerbbq.com.
April 12: AZ Wine and Dine
The Arizona Wine and Dine Festival at the Scottsdale Quarter is a showcase of Arizona’s top resort restaurants hosted by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. Guests will enjoy samplings from resorts, and Scottsdale Quarter restaurants, and sip on vino from boutique wineries and microbreweries while listening to live jazz music. The silent auction gives guests the opportunity to purchase Arizona getaways and gift certificates. The event is from 5-8 p.m. and is for 21-and-over guests only. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. www.azwineanddine.com.
April 17-22: Scottsdale Culinary Festival
The 34th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a buffet of delectable events from April 17-22. Some of the events include: The Chocolate & Wine Experience; Bubbles & Bliss; Burger Battle; Eat, Drink & Be Pretty; the Great Arizona Picnic; the Picnic After Party; a Tequila Experience; the Southwest Festival of Beers; Blues and Brews and the Wine Country Brunch. There will also be a family zone, celebrity shows, a Skyy bar and VIP experiences. Each event is held at different locations and requires a separate ticket. Be on the look out from celebrity appearances from Travel Channel’s Adam Richman and Andrew Zimmern. www.scottsdalefest.org.
