Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

For four days this spring, Scottsdale will be heaven for fine food aficionados with the debut of Nirvana, a culinary festival hosted by Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. Destined to be an annual event, the inaugural Nirvana will evoke “a flavorful state of mind” as it brings together festival-goers with world-acclaimed chefs and winemakers for a series of tastings, special meals, and a celebrity golf tournament, April 27-30, 2017.

If “a gourmet is a being pleasing to the heavens,” as French gastronome Charles Pierre Monselet once said, then Nirvana is certain to live up to its name. Sanctuary’s own star Executive Chef Beau MacMillan will share the spotlight with Robert Irvine, Todd English, Scott Conant and renowned chefs and mixologists from Scottsdale’s most exciting local restaurants. Also playing a starring role will be Arizona’s glorious spring weather and famous sunsets, with Sanctuary’s mountain perch offering the ideal vantage point.

Tickets are sold at www.NirvanaFoodandWine.com. A portion of proceeds will benefit HopeKids, an organization that provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-­threatening medical condition.

Festival-goers can make it a vacation by reserving a casita, suite or private home at Sanctuary, one of the most celebrated resorts in the U.S. Room rates will start at $479 per night, plus tax and resort fee, with a two-night minimum. Book at www.NirvanaFoodandWine.com.

Today's events:

Birds and Bubbles

Hosted by chef, restaurateur, author and television personality Todd English

Friday, April 28, 7-10 p.m.; The Views Ballroom, Lawn; $135 per person, $225 VIP

Fried chicken and Champagne come together in an inspired pairing as guest chefs put their own spin on the southern specialty, complete with side dishes and bubbly. The all-star local line-up includes Stephen Jones (The Larder + The Delta and Homeboy’s Hotsauce), Cullen Campbell (Crudo and Okra), Justin Beckett (Southern Rail), Jeremy Pacheco (LON’s at The Hermosa Inn), Gio Osso (Virtù at The Bespoke Inn) and Beau MacMillan. They will be joined by visiting chefs from Palm Beach, Fla.: Clay Conley (Buccan and Grato) and Lindsay Autry (The Regional Kitchen & Public House). Festival-goers who book VIP admission enjoy personal time for 45 minutes with their favorite chefs.

American country singer/songwriter D. Vincent Williams & the Nashville Allstars, whose “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” sung by Otto James, topped the country charts in 2008, will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. His songs have also been recorded by major artists like Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, and Rascal Flatts (“I’m Movin’ On”).

Master of Taste honoring Chuck Wagner

Friday, April 28, 7-10 p.m.; Casa Seven; $350 per person; limited availability

Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards, and scion of the legendary Napa Valley vintner family, will be the guest of honor at an intimate dinner at one of Sanctuary’s elegant private estate homes.  The evening will showcase the exceptional vintages of the Wagner Family of Wine and three generations of winemaking talent. Preparing the feast will be local chefs Christopher Gross (Christopher’s and Crush), Matt Carter (Fat Ox and The Mission), Mark Tarbell (Tarbell’s and Tarbell’s Tavern), and Beau MacMillan.