We’ve tracked down some of the 2012 Best of Our Valley winners to find out what they’ve been doing since March. This month: Food & Restaurants.

Table XII: Best Private Dining
There’s nothing like a personal chef preparing a five-course meal with wine pairings for you and 11 friends—especially if it’s a renowned celebrity chef like Beau MacMillan. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa’s private dining quarters at Table XII wows taste buds with fresh seasonal menu offerings prepared specifically around a private party’s taste.

Favorite Dish:
Miso-glazed Scottish salmon with ginger bok choy, udon and coriander.

The Mint: Best Asian Cuisine and Sushi
In the heart of Old Town stands a former bank-turned-restaurant and lounge, fittingly dubbed The Mint. But this spot also acts as a premier venue for lively nightlife and charitable Valley events. One of our favorites was the 50 Shades of Mint party in July, dedicated to the best-selling romance novel, “50 Shades of Grey.”

Favorite Dish:
Chicken Yakitori. This Thai curry-marinated chicken is served with an assortment of scrumptious dipping sauces.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival: Best Food Festival
Families and foodies alike flock to this annual melting pot of mouthwatering dishes and a week full of see-and-be-seen events. The festival, presented by the Scottsdale League for the Arts and taking place April 9-14, returns for its 35th year with a new general manager, Kristin Castle.

Favorite Event:
Great Arizona Picnic. Hungry Scottsdalites head outdoors to this over-the-top picnic where they can visit a beer garden, check out a burger battle, sample goods from top Valley restaurants and more.