Spring is a fab time to be a foodie in the Valley. Here’s a list of the season’s most anticipated culinary events.*
West of Western Culinary Festival—March 14 and 15
Phoenix Art Museum (Dorrance Sculpture Garden, to be specific) hosts the West of Western Culinary Festival, a crowd-pleasing event that features wine tastings, signature dishes, live music, cooking demonstrations and—natch—stunning artwork. Some chefs to look out for include Aaron May of Sol y Sombra and Autostrada; Deborah Knight of Mosaic; and James Porter of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar.
Forks & Corks—April 2
More than 25 of our state’s top dining destinations and boutique wineries will flock to the Camelback Esplanade for this year’s sixth installment of Forks & Corks. (Expect to see booths from award-winning Kai, T. Cook’s and many more.) While you sample the ample fair, bid in the silent auction and treat your ears to the jazzy sounds of Doc Jones & Nayo. The event benefits the educational efforts of the Arizona Hotel and Restaurant Education Foundations.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival—April 14-19
This annual feasting foray, known as the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, has a little something for everything: food and drink (and plenty of it), live entertainment, cooking demos, dancing, fashion shows and much more. Mingle with award-winning chefs at the Friend of James Beard Benefit Dinner or hobnob with the Valley’s most fashionable at the Eat, Drink & Be Pretty Party. And, of course, there’s everyone’s favorite: the fun, casual Great Arizona Picnic.
ZooBrew 2009—April 24
One of the most popular girl bands of the 80’s, the Go-Go’s, will take that stage at this year’s annual sipping soiree at The Phoenix Zoo. More than 3,000 thirsty guests are expected, and they will get to sample specialty food, beer and wine from more than 30 purveyors. The funds raised at ZooBrew will go towards caring for the site’s 1,300 animals.
Taste 2009—April 26
The 35th annual Taste event will spotlight more than 60 wines from around the globe and 50 of the Valley’s top-tier eateries. Taste 2009 will raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and take place on the main street of Kierland Commons. This year’s theme: “A World of Flavor.”
Taste of the Nation Arizona—May 2
Help Share Our Strength in its efforts to end childhood hunger across the nation by attending Taste of the Nation Arizona at Market Street at DC Ranch. Guests will enjoy the city’s finest fare (provided by the likes of elements, Heirloom, Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn and more) paired with premium wines and signature cocktails, live music from The Chadwicks and an auction featuring weekend getaways.
*Please visit each festival’s Web site for up-to-date ticket and event information.
