The Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) has unveiled a brand-new event designed to boost business for independent restaurants and celebrate culinary talent across the state. Arizona Chef’s Week will run from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 10, offering diners a chance to enjoy specially curated menus at restaurants throughout the Valley and beyond.
This 10-day culinary experience is the latest effort by the ARA to support Valley dining establishments, particularly during the slower summer months that can be challenging for the hospitality industry.
ARA President and CEO Steve Chucri emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Year-round, it is our mission, our calling and our passion to promote and advocate for our hospitality industry. Summertime in the Valley serves as a particularly challenging period for many restaurants, and therefore, it is more vital than ever to support. This event is truly about residents supporting restaurants while experiencing an incredible meal.”
Modeled after the popular Arizona Restaurant Week events held each spring and fall, Arizona Chef’s Week will offer diners the opportunity to enjoy three-course prix fixe menus priced at $55 or $66 per person. However, unlike Restaurant Week, this new event places a special emphasis on chef creativity.
Participating chefs are encouraged to create exclusive dishes not found on regular menus, allowing them to highlight seasonal ingredients, inventive flavors, and one-of-a-kind presentations designed just for Chef’s Week. The debut will feature a selected group of restaurants, providing them with a spotlight to boost visibility and revenue while showcasing their culinary innovation.
Among the early participants are some of the Valley’s most notable dining spots, including Beckett’s Table, Citizen Public House, Espiritu Mesa, Evo North Scottsdale, Fire at Will, Hush Public House, Phoenix City Grille, Rusconi’s American Kitchen, The Americano, The Gladly, The Mexicano (Chandler and Phoenix), and Wren & Wolf, among others. For more information, visit azrestaurant.org.
