Client-Worthy Culinary Events
December 21, 2016
Diana Brandt
Founder, Arizona Foodie
As a new year starts, the Phoenix metro food scene begins to rock and roll. Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to attend almost every single culinary event in the valley. Many of these events cost a pretty penny — with various venues to choose from it’s hard to know which food festivals are truly worth the money and your valuable time. I’ve found the following events to be exceptional to attend yourself or as a treat for your clients:
7 Chef Singh Along
Picture yourself outside on a farm, under the stars, lights twinkling above you, the aired filled with laughter and the smell of food coming from the kitchen. The 7 Chef Singh Along, hosted by Local First at Singh Farms, is a unique dining event featuring a farm-fresh five course meal prepared by 7 of my fav Chefs. Tickets are $160 each. This event is slated for March 1st.
Devour, A Culinary Classic
One of my favorite events over the past few years has been Devour, a Culinary Classic. It encompasses two days filled with some of the best Chefs from around town, slinging cocktails and impressive bites. You’ll find that for the $109 GA ticket or $175 VIP ticket, there is more than enough to eat and drink. If you’re lucky you can still grab a few tickets to this event on March 4th & 5th but they do sell out quickly, so don’t hesitate and plan ahead.
AZ Wine & Dine
One of the biggest complaint you’ll hear about food festivals is the lines. At AZ Wine & Dine, I have never had this problem. The festival takes place on April 13th at the Scottsdale Quarter, hosted by the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association. You’ll find renowned Chefs from top resorts and restaurants bringing their A game. Food is all paired with some of the finest wines, craft beers and jazz music. Tickets are a steal at $65 each!
Cooks & Corks
The Scottsdale League for the Arts has brought the Valley a few food festivals from the Scottsdale Culinary Festival to the Chocolate and Wine Festival. The one that you’ll find me at each year is Cooks & Corks. Held outside on the gorgeous grounds of The Four Seasons Resort at Troon in November, this event is guaranteed to wow any client. The Chefs that participate each year are top notch and the bites that they create are always palate pleasers. Tickets are $125 for GA or $175 for VIP.
AZ Central Food & Wine Experience
This is on the top of my food festival list. This event started with a bang two years ago and continues to pull out all the stops, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us Nov. 3-5. Each year this festival has pulled in big names from Graham Elliot to Mario Batali. The actual festival runs Sat & Sun, but they have plenty of other food experiences you can pay extra for. Each day is filled with activities to enjoy from Chef Panels to cooking demonstrations, on top of the plethora of food from spectacular restaurants and don’t worry, there’s plenty to drink. The extra events include experiences like the grand finale dinner or a meal cooked by Mario Batali. All the events sold out pretty quick in 2016, so keep an eye out for tickets this year. Prices from $65 to over $100 depending on the event you want to attend.
So what’s the deal with paying for VIP tickets and is it worth it? At most of these events, if you can afford it, do it! You get the opportunity to eat and drink at a leisurely pace before the masses arrive and the lines form.