Foodie news roundup for the week of Nov. 10.
The Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club (VOS) will host its 7th Annual Holiday Wine Soiree event at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 at the W Scottsdale Hotel. All proceeds will benefit Valley Kids Foundation beneficiaries. This holiday event will feature wine tasting, live entertainment a wine pull and raffle all benefiting Valley Kids Foundation. More than 600 guests are expected to attend, including Valley influencers, philanthropists, local celebrities and key members of the media. Tickets are $40 (general admission) or $75 (VIP admission).
On Thursday, Nov. 20 bistro 24 at The Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix will be hosting the Kentucky Classics dinner, a delight for Bourbon connoisseurs. Four signature hand-crafted cocktails made with some of the finest Kentucky spirits will be paired with four dishes created by Executive Chef Garry O’Connor. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. $68 plus tip and tax per person. Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly recommended by calling 602.952.2424.
Executive Chef Chris Mayo has launched a revamped menu this month at Central Bistro (pictured) in Phoenix. Central Bistro’s new lunch and dinner menus feature farm-fresh salads, oven-baked fish, succulent steaks and crave-worthy desserts. Kids also have a new menu; young diners eat free from 2 to 7 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Getting an early start on the season, Bluewater Grill in the Camelback Corridor serves a signature, sustainably harvested version of Holiday Baked Stuffed Maine Lobster throughout November and December.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf invites customers to savor the season with its handcrafted seasonal beverages, premium coffees and teas through Dec. 29. Seasonal drinks include: Toffee Nut Latte and Ice Blended drink; Winter Dream Tea Latte; Peppermint Mocha Latte and Ice Blended drink; and Red Velvet Hot Cocoa and Ice Blended drink.
House of Comedy, located at High Street, is serving up two drink specials sure to wet the whiskers of thirsty patrons this month. One dollar from the sale of each drink special–a cocktail called a Fuzzy Lip–will benefit the Movember Foundation, now through Nov. 30.
Chef Kevin Binkley is teaming up with the Beer for Brains Foundation and Four Peaks Brewery to help raise brain cancer awareness on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Bink’s Scottsdale. The four-course, Beer for Brains Benefit Dinner is $85, and includes pairings with local brews from Four Peaks. Guests will also receive a complimentary tasting glass from the brewery.
On Nov. 15, the 79th Annual Friendly House Tamale Dinner will move into its new event location at The Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix and present an day of family-friendly festival activities. Event committee members are striving to secure the participation of approximately 12 Valley Mayors, who will each in turn identify a selected hometown restaurant to showcase their tamale offerings to event-goers. These vendors will sell tamales of various types (chicken, pork, beef, etc.) along with side items to attendees. A selected number of restaurants offering unique twists on traditional tamales will be invited to participate in the festival as well. At the event, a main stage will be erected at the corner of 5th Street and Van Buren to showcase bands, dance troupes, and other entertainment. A beer garden will be set up, and VIPs will enjoy access to a lovely tiered promenade of the Arizona Center, where a private bar, catering stations, and other surprises await. The Friendly House will raise funds through sales of tickets, beverages, sponsorships, and a portion of tamale sales. For ticket info, visit www.TamaleDinner.com.
The Joy Bus, a nonprofit organization that delivers free, chef-inspired meals to struggling cancer patients’ homes, is hosting a fundraising four-course dinner and silent auction on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Gladly. A single ticket for the event is $150. There is also an option to reserve a table for six (including a bottle of local boutique wine) for $900.
On Saturday, Nov. 15 Caffé Boa in Tempe is hosting a “20” themed celebration in honor of its 20th anniversary. Guests will be able to enjoy a “2 for $20” dining option choosing any two course combinations from Antipasti, Insalata, Pasta Fresca, and Dolci. Seating for the 20th anniversary celebration will begin at 5 p.m. Door prizes, a Champagne toast, and live music will also be part of the birthday bash. Reservations are required; please call 480.968.9112.
On Nov. 14, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Executive hosts Cook & Corks featuring a spectacular multi-course tasting menu, along with other top Valley chefs. The lineup includes: Kevin Binkley, Beau MacMillan, Lee Hillson, Matt Carter and many more. New this year is a pre-event VIP Mix & Mingle with Chefs VIP where attendees can savor gourmet bites while chatting it up with the chefs themselves. During the event attendees will also have the chance to savor a globe-straddling collection of fine spirits, wines, and craft beers.All net proceeds raised at Cooks & Corks will support the nonprofit Scottsdale League for the Arts in its effort to promote the Arts and Arts Education in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, via annual fundraisers such as the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and The Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. Tickets are $125; $175 VIP.
Join the Arizona Wine Growers Association and The Farm at South Mountain for the biggest wine event of the year on Nov. 15: Festival at the Farm. From 12 to 5 p.m., the outdoor event includes live, educational seminars; wine tastings with more than 30 Arizona wineries; picnic lunch prepared by The Farm Kitchen; tasty treats prepared by some Arizona local favorites; live music; and exciting silent and live auction. Tickets are $65 pre-ordered; $75 at the door.
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