Arizona’s independent restaurants are more than just places to grab a bite – they’re community cornerstones, where passion, culture, and creativity come together. This summer, diners have a special opportunity to champion these culinary spaces through the return of the Devour Summer Chef Series, a limited-edition experience designed to spotlight talent and support restaurants during their most challenging season.
Running May through September, the Devour Summer Chef Series is a five-part collaborative series featuring some of Arizona’s most celebrated chefs. Each month, two culinary powerhouses team up to create a one-night-only four-course pairing menu, hosted at one of five participating restaurants. These events provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry and camaraderie that define Arizona’s vibrant food scene.
However, the series is about more than just incredible meals – it’s a testament to the solidarity of the chefs, teams, and businesses that pour their hearts into Arizona’s culinary identity year-round.
“Summer is the most challenging season for independent restaurants in Arizona,” Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO of Local First Arizona, said. “The Summer Chef Series is our way of celebrating the chefs, teams, and industry that pour their hearts into this work all year long. It’s a chance to support local in the most delicious way.”
Held on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., each event in the series offers an intimate, immersive culinary evening with minimal seating:
May 19: Chefs Stephen Jones & Lori Hashimoto at Larder + Delta
June 16: Chefs Bernie Kantak & Gio Osso at The Gladly
July 21: Chefs Justin Beckett & Stephen Jones at Beckett’s Table
August 18: Chefs Lori Hashimoto & Bernie Kantak at Hana Japanese Eatery
September 15: Chefs Justin Beckett & Gio Osso at Virtù Honest Craft
Chef Beckett has been in the industry for over 35 years – a career that started in eighth grade at a restaurant called Casanovas on Maui. Beckett’s favorite part of the job is experimenting with food, eating, and creating new dishes, followed by collaborating with other chefs to support the food scene, which is perfect because that’s exactly what the upcoming dinner series is all about.
“These events are very exclusive and limited. The dinners will be delicious and an experience to remember for a very long time,” Beckett said. “I look forward to sharing our summer food vision and letting everyone know all of Chef Gio’s deepest, darkest secrets!”
After 26 years in the industry, Chef Stephen Jones’ passion hasn’t faded a bit. What keeps the fire going is simple: the joy of cooking for friends, family, and the community.
“There are people in this industry that I dearly cherish,” Jones said. “Being able to cook for them, being blessed to feed people…that is why I’m in this industry.”
When it comes to the unique challenges of summer, especially in Arizona, the struggle is real. Yes, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the country, but from May through September, tourism declines, business travel slows, and the massive student population from ASU dissipates.
“Unfortunately, we still are a hotbed for many of the most popular chains in the world, and the mom and pops like myself simply just cannot compete. What’s left is a much smaller demographic of diners during the summer months. This event is for them,” Jones said.
The chef explained that guests can look forward to a group of friends who want to cook together more often but cannot because of their schedules. Menus will be “intriguing and very reflective of the season, lighter in flavor, with grilled items, bold vinaigrettes, and whimsical desserts.”
Tickets are being sold as a limited, full-series package, giving guests the chance to experience all five exclusive dinners. It’s a culinary journey that dives deep into Arizona’s flavors, the stories behind each dish, and the collaborations that make our food community one-of-a-kind. Seats are extremely limited and expected to sell out fast. Don’t miss your chance to support Arizona’s independent restaurants – one unforgettable dinner at a time. Learn more at devourphoenix.com.
