Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

azcentral Wine & Food Experience returns for a fourth year at new location, Monterra at WestWorld, in Scottsdale, from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4.

azcentral Wine & Food Experience (#AZWFE) features one of the finest Grand Tastings in the country, the anchor element that showcases gourmet samples from more than 60 restaurants over two days in three pavilions, plus a schedule of lively cooking demonstrations and tastings of industry-leading wines, spirits and craft beer.

Chefs and Grand Tasting participants to date include:

• Aaron Chamberlin, Phoenix Public Market Café & Tempe Public Market Café
• Aaron Poole, Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
• Adam Allison, Handlebar Diner
• Adam Dunton, Frank & Albert’s
• Alex Stratta, Match Restaurant & Lounge
• Anthony DeMuro, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs
• Antonio Gordillo, Timo Wine Bar
• Atsade Desta, Cafe Lalibela
• Boulders Resort & Spa
• Brett Vibber, Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine
• Brian Peterson, Wright’s at The Biltmore
• Carlos Garcia, Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
• Carly Loving, Nekter Juice Bar
• Country Velador, Super Chunk Sweet
• Cory Mingo, Mingo’s Louisiana Kitchen
• Dara & Joe Rodger, Shift
• Dushyant Singh, Artizen at The Camby
• Dustin Christofolo, Quiessence at The Farm
• Famished Events
• Fernando Fernandez, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
• Flip Isard, Frites Street
• Forest Hamrick, La Hacienda
• George Frasher, Frasher’s Smokehouse
• Helen Yung, Sweet Republic
• Jacques Qualin, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician Resort
• Jeff Kraus, Crêpe Bar
• Jennifer Russo, THE MARKET by Jennifer’s RESTAURANT + BAR
• Jim Dandy, West Alley BBQ
• Juan Zamora, Chula Seafood
• Julio Mata, Barrio Queen
• Kevin Wemlinger, Bourbon & Bones Chophouse | Bar
• Los Sombreros
• Lou Malnatis Pizzeria
• Matt Nobile & John Araujo, Bella Gusto Urban Pizzeria
• Michael Press, Tanzy Restaurant
• Modern Market
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen
• Top of the Rock at Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes
• Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana
• Proof at Four Seasons Resort
• Raveen Arora, The Dhaba
• Rich Hinojosa, CRUjiente Tacos
• Suny Santana, Taco Chelo
• Sweetz Cold Brew Coffee Co.
• Talavera at Four Seasons Resort
• Tandy Peterson, Mowry & Cotton
• The Clever Koi
• The Melting Pot
• The Thumb
• Tonya Saidi, Mamma Toledo's The Pie Hole
• Tricia Arce, Toasted Mallow

The Martha Stewart Experience. In its second year at #AZWFE, the 2018 installation of the lifestyle leader’s transformative tented event entry takes on a new theme – Celebrating with Martha. Guests can get creative with Martha’s Celebrations line from Michaels; snap a selfie against a fun backdrop with Martha at a café table; explore the lifestyle leader’s newest lines from Macy’s tabletop; grab a glimpse of a cool ‘utensil chandelier;’ and explore kitchen gear, books, Martha’s QVC product line, and more.

The Grateful House. A new addition in 2018, The Grateful House is a hands-on tented area where guests can make their own salsa and wine charms and learn how to decorate desserts. In addition, Grateful will conclude the day in The Grateful House with a master demo led by a Grateful influencer that 40 people can participate in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nov. 3, Marcus Samuelsson. Chef Samuelsson is the special guest Sat., Nov. 3. Samuelsson is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, philanthropist and food activist known for his time as a judge on Food Network’s Chopped, Chopped Junior, Beat Bobby Flay and more.

Nov. 4, Aarón Sánchez. Chef Sánchez joins the chef lineup Sun., Nov 4. Sánchez is an award-winning chef, TV personality, cookbook author and philanthropist. Fans may know Sánchez best from his time as a judge on Food Network’s Chopped and Chopped Junior, he can now be seen as a judge on FOX’s hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF.

Tickets.  Tickets are available at wineandfood.azcentral.com for the two-day event, Sat. & Sun., Nov 3 & 4 and feature: 

• Grand Tasting.  $65 limited time offer in advance. Sample delicious bites from Arizona’s most coveted dining establishments. Meet chefs, taste their creations; see cooking demonstrations.  Plus enjoy fine wine, craft beer and distinctive spirits sampling. GT entry at 1pm Sat. and Sun.
• VIP Grand Tasting. $120 in advance.  For guests who seek all the benefits of the Grand Tasting, they’ll also enjoy private tastings from wineries and distillers, early entry, a VIP Lounge and VIP restrooms. VIP Entry at noon.

Chef’s Package Experience with Marcus Samulesson & Aarón Sánchez.  $180 in advance. Enjoy all the benefits of the VIP Grand Tasting, PLUS private meet and greet and book-signing with Marcus Samuelsson Nov. 3 & Aarón Sánchez Nov. 4 [Advance purchase recommended. Tickets subject to sellout.] Chef’s Package begins at 11:30am. Subscribers are eligible for $15 off tickets, available only through azcentral.com/insider