An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.
Join The Vig for a 4 course dinner featuring Mother Road Brewing Company. Cost is $66 per person. For menu details and reservations:
April 10th at Vig McCormick Ranch: Click Here
April 17th at Vig Park West: Click Here
Join The Genuine for a special pre-Derby four-course dinner featuring Woodford Reserve. Cost: $99 pp. To make reservations, visit OpenTable.
Celebrate Arizona’s exceptional craft beverage community, including beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options .Tickets: $50 pp and include entry into the festival alog with:
- 15 Drink Tickets
- Commemorative Tasting Cup
- Local Vendors & Artists
- Beverages To Go available for purchase
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.
Join The Vig Park West for a 4 course dinner featuring Mother Road Brewing Company. Cost is $66 per person. For menu details and reservations: Click Here
Join Luna by Giada for a special evening with winemaker James Hall, the visionary behind Patz & Hall. Cost: $235, All-Inclusive Price (includes both tax and gratuity). For reservations, visit OpenTable.
Photo: Hotel Valley Ho
Arizona Tiki Oasis is an island lifestyle meet-up held at one of the best-preserved Mid-Century hotels in America – Hotel Valley Ho. Wear your most festive aloha wear; sip tropical cocktails; browse the pop-up Art Show; relax in a cabana by the pool; learn about mid-century design; shop the outdoor marketplace, and enjoy the overall island-in-the-desert vibe. All-day festivities include seminars, pop-ups, and live music and performances, along with special events like Glam-O-Rama, the Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle, and rooftop take-overs. For tickets and the full schedule, visit AZTikiOasis.
Photo: Hotel Valley Ho
On Friday, Arizona Tiki Oasis at the Hotel Valley Ho invites all to the Glam-O-Rama for an evening of fashion, food, and cocktails. Start with a VIP reception at the OHasis Pool at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. on the hotel’s lush Palm Court. Enjoy live music by The Martini Kings, top-notch tiki cocktails, supper under the stars, and a a mid-century modern vintage fashion presentation. The event costs $139 per person with an additional $50 for the VIP reception and includes tax and gratuity. Tickets include dinner and three drinks and can be purchased at THIS LINK.
Don your Derby best and join Mowry & Cotton for a lively afternoon to catch the race excitement. Guests are encouraged to get gussied up and don their fanciest hats, spring dresses and sharpest suits. Mix and mingle while enjoying signature cocktails and an array of sweet and savory Southern delicacies. Woodford Reserve will be on hand serving up samples, and signature Kentucky Derby labeled bottles will be available for purchase with custom engraving. Cost: $150 ++ per person. Admission includes all food, two signature cocktails, bourbon samples, contest prizes, a take home bag, and activities. To purchase tickets, visit www.thephoenician.com/events/kentuckyderby
2025 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week will kick off ten days of dining on May 16, with nearly 200 restaurants showcasing three-course prix-fixe meals for $33, $44 and $55 per person. For a full list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com.
The Annual Foodist Awards recognizes Arizona’s incredibly talented individuals and companies. Dive into a spread of mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, explore delightful food stations, and sip on curated beverages. For tickets, visit THIS LINK. Congratulations to this year’s finalists:
Food and Beverage: Standout Signature Dish
Beef Rendang, Kembara
Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf
Birria Dumplings, Santo
Most Crave-Worthy Burger
Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s
Hush Burger, Fire at Will
The Great One, Chuckbox
Top Sushi Restaurant
Across the Pond
Sushi Friend
Uchi Sushi
Arizona Grown Purveyors
Hayden Flour Mill
Noble Bread
Ramona Farms
Favorite Local Craft Beer
American Pie, Cider Corps
Church Music, The Shop Beer Co.
Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing
Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program
Bar 1912
Barcoa Agaveria
Poppy’s Office
Experiences: Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience
50 Shades of Rosé
Barcoa Agaveria
Little Rituals
Ultimate Patio Atmosphere
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
Lou’s at Papago Golf
Thea
Exceptional Culinary Experience
Atria
Course
Vecina
Iconic Speakeasy Experience
Little Debbie’s
Poppy’s Office
Tell Your Friends
Restaurants: Emerging Restaurant of the Year
Le Ame
Mensho Ramen
Pizza to the Rescue
Uniquely Arizona
Mariposa
Old Town Tortilla Factory
Richardson’s
Outstanding Hospitality Group
Genuine Concepts
Haunted Group
In-Good Spirits
Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept
Amelia’s by EAT
Taco Chelo
Worth Takeaway
People: Team Member of the Year
Ann Nowak, Citizen Public House
Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma
Daniela Torres, Spoke & Wheel, Sedona
Manager of the Year
Brendon Franko, Wildflower
Jacqueline Verge, The Americano
Ryan Blumenfurth, Ling & Louie’s
Top Mixologist/Bartender
Michael Hopper, Atria
Lexi Scott, Thompson 105
PJ Vader Baron, Melinda’s Alley/Hyatt
Top Chef
Anthony Apolinar, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
Claudio Urciuoli, Source
Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf
Join Chef Alex Trujillo and Chef Amado Cordero of J.T. Prime for a special dinner showcasing the wines of Valle De Guadalupe with guest Jorge Maciel of Cava Maciel. Cost: $150 pp. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
On April 2, Campo Italian welcomes guests to an exclusive dinner featuring Masi DOCG Veneto wines. Cost: $119 pp. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
Élephante Scottsdale is collaborating with Uchi Scottsdale for their Annual Chef Collaboration Dinner series. Join Uchi as they welcome Executive Chef Phil Rubino for an exclusive menu that blends Mediterranean flavors and Japanese cuisine. Tickets: $200 pp++. Optional beverage pairing $70 pp. For reservations, CLICK HERE.
Join Uncorked, featuring over 100 wines from across the globe, gourmet food trucks, DJ and more. General admission ($65) is at 7 pm. Early admission ($80) is at 6pm with a dedicated check-in line during the first hour. VIP ($100) begins at 5:30pm with exclusive access to batting practice on the field from 5:30-6pm and an exclusive VIP area with additional premium wineries. For more information and to purchase tickets, VISIT THIS LINK. This event is 21 and over only.
Join The Vig Park West for a special beer dinner featuring AZ LOC ALE BEER CO. For menu details and to make reservations, visit OpenTable.
Join Sel as they celebrate nine years by rolling out the red carpet! Dress to impress, strike a pose at our step-and-repeat, and kick things off with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Then, enjoy a four-course dinner paired with wines from across France. End the night with dessert, a special digestif, and a gift to take home. Cost: $250 pp. For reservations and more details, visit THIS LINK.
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is honoring the rich flavors of France on Wednesday March 26th. The event will kick off with a reception at 5:30pm followed by a 6:00pm dinner.Cost is $125 per guest, and reservations are now open.
Join Phoenix City Grille for a special whiskey dinner hosted by John Christie. Call (602) 266-3001 to reserve.
Join the Gila River Resort & Casino - Santan Mountain for the third annual Agave Wars. On Monday, March 24, The Valley’s best bartenders will be shaking and mixing their cocktail creations for the coveted title of “Cocktail Champion.” Free to Attend | 21+ Event. Tacos & Craft Cocktails Available for Purchase.
Cruise over to Simple Machine Brewing Company on March 23rd for an afternoon packed with automobiles, brews, and local vendors! Admission is free, but for $45 receive 2 brews, a limited-edition Gears & Beers glass, and a long-sleeve shirt You can also pre-order a shirt only for $30. For more information, visit THIS LINK.
Join The Market by Jennifer’s for this special weekend. To reserve your space, visit THIS LINK
Photo credit: Debby Wolvos
The 2025 James Beard Foundation® Phoenix event of the Taste America culinary series will take place at Valentine. Presented by Capital One, TThe James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® dinner at Valentine will be an intimate gathering with a multi-course menu created by TasteTwenty host chef Donald Hawk of Valentine, chefs Alex Martin and Yotaka “Sunny” Martin of Lom Wong, and chef Crystal Kass of Valentine.
Tickets are $250 per person and include beverage pairings for seatings at 5 pm and 8 pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.
Celebrity Wine & Spirits presents an adventure of the palate, featuring a rare collection of famously named wines, spirits, and beers at the beautiful Scottsdale Civic Center. Celebrity guests include former WWE Divas champ-turned-reality TV star and influencer extraordinaire Brie Garcia of The Garcia Twins (formerly The Bella Twins), with her Bonita Bonita Wines; film and TV star Joe Mantegna, with his Señor Rio Tequila; Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Neil Giraldo and his Three Chord Bourbon; Arizona’s own Phoenix Suns power forward Tom Chambers, with his Bajarriba Tequila; pro-golfer Cristie Kerr and her Kerr Cellars label, and legendary rocker Roger Clyne with his Cancion Tequila, among others.
VIP tickets: $100 pp. GA: $50 pp. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.
The Market By Jennifer’s by Chef Jennifer Russo invites guests to an exclusive Bonita Bonita Wine Dinner featuring a specially curated four-course menu paired with wines from Bonita Bonita, the wine label co-founded by Brie Garcia and Nikki Garcia (former WWE stars and Total Bellas alum). The evening will include a special appearance by Brie Garcia, offering guests the unique opportunity to celebrate female-founded wine and a chef-driven menu created by a female-powered restaurant during Women’s History Month.. Cost: $120 per person, Reserve your spot by calling (602) 626-5050.
Join J&G Steakhouse for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and premium tequila pairings in the stunning Mountain View Room. Located on the fifth floor of The Phoenician resort, J&G offers spectacular views of the Valley, creating the perfect backdrop for this exclusive event. Special guest Andrew De Neef, Sales Manager for Corrido Tequila, will guide guests through the story and craftsmanship behind the brand. Price: $125 per person (plus tax & gratuity). For more details, and to make reservations, visit THIS LINK.
6:00 PM – Reception on the Patio
6:30 PM – Multi-course menu crafted by J&G Steakhouse’s Executive Chef, Jacques Qualin, paired with Corrido Tequila selections.
Join The Mick for an exclusive 5-course wine dinner featuring the acclaimed wines of Ancient Peaks Winery. We are honored to welcome Doug Filiponi, one of the owners of Ancient Peaks Winery, as our special guest for the evening. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy exceptional wines, hear insights from a leading figure in the industry, and experience an unforgettable night of food and wine at The Mick. Cost: $199 pp ++ Reserve
PHOENIX magazine’s Dish Fest is a one-of-a-kind food festival celebrating the BEST DISHES around the Valley. This event is 21+. Tickets (depending on Early Bird Pricing): VIP tickets $115 to $135 pp. GA $70 to $90 pp. For a full lineup of restaurants and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK. Ticket price includes:
• Unlimited bites from all participating restaurants
• Beer, wine and spirit tastings
• Demonstrations with Joy Bus chef and founder Jennifer Caraway.
• Beer garden and food truck plaza
Flavors on Main is a self-guided tour of Downtown Mesa’s burgeoning food and beverage scene centered on Robson & Main. Featuring award-winning breweries, eateries, a local distillery, and more, this quarter-mile block provides exceptional flavors for any palate.For details, and to purchase tickets/wristband ($25 pp), visit THIS LINK.
Lace up your sneakers and rally your running crew – it’s time for Tempe Checkpoints! Join us at The Shop Beer Co. in Tempe for an epic hour-long adventure around town. Collect raffle tickets at cool local spots, then finish strong with a post-run celebration at The Shop. Enjoy tasty brews, delicious eats, and a chance to win some awesome prizes! Let’s run, raffle, and raise a glass together! For more information, visit THIS LINK.
Featuring pop-up versions of the world’s best bars, and a literal circus of a cocktail party, Arizona Cocktail Weekend (AZCW) returns. Highlighted by three main events (The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars and The Last Slinger Standing), the 2025 AZCW will also feature exclusive tastings, expert-led seminars and can’t miss cocktail events at bars across downtown Phoenix. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit arizonacocktailweekend.com
Chef Charles Wiley
Join Hearth '61 at Mountain Shadows Resort for their Sunday Supper Club series. One Sunday a month, they will feature a guest chef, artisan supplier, winery or distillery. Savor four courses thoughtfully paired with beverages and enjoy conversation from Chef Charles Wiley and the special guest. 6 p.m. | Reservations required. Cost is $189 per person plus tax and gratuity, and reservations can be made at 480-624-5458. For menu and more details, visit this link.
Join Café Allegro at the Musical Instrument Museum for a special five-course dinner featuring Chateau Tumbleweed in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Wines will be paired with a special locally sourced menu designed by MIM executive chef Paul Steele and pastry chef Vanessa Bejar. Dinner will be accompanied by live Indigenous music and served in MIM’s main courtyard. Cost: $150 pp. For menu details, and to reserve your seat, visit THIS LINK.
Presented by Rio Nuevo and produced by Tucson Foodie with support from Borderlands Brewing Co, Finley Distributing and Tap + Bottle, the 5th Annual Tucson Craft Beer Festival will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 6 pm. It’s the best way to explore the many outstanding locally crafted brews in one tasty afternoon. Cost to attend is $50 pp and $25 pp for Tucson Foodie Members. Each person gets a commemorative tasting glass, tickets for thirty 2-oz tastings. Glasses and tickets may be picked up at any venue beginning at noon. For tickets visit https://tucsoncraftbeercrawl.com
Devour Culinary Classic brings together the culinary and beverage leaders that are establishing Arizona as a sought-after destination. Enjoy the setting of the Desert Botanical Garden and savor Arizona's best food and beverage amidst the beautiful backdrop of the largest botanical garden in the southwest.
Early Entry ($225) — 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
General Admission ($150) — 11:30 A.M. - 3 P.M
https://classic.devourphoenix.com/tickets/
Join Hotel Valley Ho for a very special pop-up dinner in ZuZu featuring Petite Maison for a four-course throwback menu by Chef James Porter of TERRA farm+manor and Breadworks paired with from Frank Family Vineyards wine. Then stick around for the Industry Night After-Party, where all are welcome to enjoy the featured Petite Maison Coffee Cup Cocktail and late-night bites from Executive Chef Russell LaCasce.
$139 per person plus tax + gratuity | reservations required. For reservations and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.
Join Wesam Kawa of Du Coeur wines for an extraordinary evening at La Zozzona. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a multi-course menu paired with Du Coeur's renowned Pinot Noirs and robust Syrahs. Meet & Greet will take place in La Zozzona's lounge 7 pm-8 pm. Dinner will begin promptly at 8 pm. Cost: $250 pp. Click THIS LINK to make your reservations.
Get ready for a culinary showdown at the first-ever Sunday Dinner at The Duce! Three amazing chefs will each present their unique spin on this classic dish, and you'll be the judge, casting your vote for your favorite version. It’s like a live cooking show where you’re the star—eating your way through mouthwatering creations while deciding who takes home the crown. Jennifer Caraway of The Joy Bus, Derek Christensen of Nordborg, Steadfast Diner, Wren Südhalle, and Angy Dykstra of Carcara. Tickets: $150 pp. For details and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK.
5:30-6:00pm - Arrival with hors d'oeuvres
6:00-8:00pm - Each chef presents their version of Surf & Turf with time for Q&A. Paired cocktail with each chef’s dish
8:00-8:30pm - Award Presentation and mingle with the Chefs.
Join Hearth ’61 as we take you on a journey through the wonderful world of wine and spirits. Our talented beverage experts will guide you through a tasting seminar and history lesson worth savoring. Each seminar is 30 to 45 minutes, including a light, paired nosh. $45 pp. Tickets are available at mountainshadows.com. Upcoming events:February 15 | Burgundy & Bordeaux
Join Chef Marcellino Verzino for his monthly “Learn & Lunch” cooking classes where guests will have a chance to watch Chef Marcellino cook at the intimate Chef’s Island and hear his inspiration behind each dish. The cost is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Call Bettina at 480-990-9500.
MARCH 15: Chef’s surprise ravioli
APRIL 12: Risotto Alla Fragola - Chef’s creamy risotto with Strawberries, Onion & Parmigiana (you won’t believe this flavor combo!)
MAY 17: Involtini di Pollo ed Asparagi - Breast of chicken rolled with a light orgonzola/mascarpone & asparagus points
