Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Third annual event in Historic Downtown Chandler is a dazzling celebration of food, craft beer and spirits from local eateries

The table is set for the third annual TASTE. Chandler’s Culinary Festival 2011, scheduled for Saturday, October 15, in Historic Downtown Chandler. More than 30 local restaurants, eateries and food purveyors will join forces to tantalize and dazzle Valley residents at the signature Chandler culinary spectacular.

TASTE. Chandler, presented by HDE Agency, will give patrons the unique opportunity to taste, savor and enjoy the delicacies of Chandler’s finest eating establishments. Guests will indulge in the distinctive flavors of Chandler, set within a casual, comfortable and festive atmosphere.TASTE. Chandler will take place between noon and 6:00 p.m. at AJ Chandler Park West (3 S. San Marcos Place) in Historic Downtown Chandler between Arizona Ave. and Buffalo St.

Tickets are $45 for adults; this is a 21-and-older event. As they enter the event, attendees who purchased a ticket will be given a Restaurant Passport, which includes a restaurant guide, unlimited food samples and 12 beverage sample vouchers.

A new concept is being introduced for the 2011 event. TASTE. Chandler will showcase three TASTE Experience Lounges – a Spirit Lounge, a Craft Beer Lounge and a Wine Lounge – which will feature music, cooking demonstrations, and educational classes. All Experience Lounges are air conditioned; tickets are $10 for admission to each lounge.

The Spirit Lounge will feature a live DJ from noon to 6 p.m. and a mixology/fusion demonstration (courtesy of Alliance Beverage) at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Wine Lounge will feature jazz music from noon to 6 p.m., cooking with wine demonstrations from Le Cordon Bleu at 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and wine tasting classes by Dennis Minchella at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Craft Beer Lounge will feature acoustic music from noon to 6 p.m., cooking with beer demonstrations (courtesy of Whole Foods) at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and beer-tasting seminars from King James Swann at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

TASTE. Chandler will also feature a silent auction between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the "Best of TASTE” awards ceremony from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Portions of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Downtown Chandler Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tastechandler.com.