Scottsdale Culinary Festival 2011

The 33rd Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival will takeover Scottsdale this April with six fun filled days of wine, food, and live music.

Appetizers

Check out this year’s Scottsdale Culinary Festival schedule full of savory delights, culinary stars, champagne brunches and celebrity chef dinners.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony – 7 p.m. (invite only)
The 20th annual Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame will honor its newest recipients, as top chefs and restaurant industry professionals from across the state gather in downtown Scottsdale for this great achievement. This year will recognize the winners of three categories as chosen by a public vote; Chef Extraordinaire, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire and Exceptional Establishment.

The Kick Off Party – 7-10:00 p.m.
The 2011 Scottsdale Culinary Festival ignites with The Kick Off Party. Hosted by SKYY Vodka at SHADE, the stylishly sophisticated lounge at the W Scottsdale, the evening will be flowing with hors d’oeuvres, specialty cocktails, tracks provided by DJ Knick Knack and vivacious company to ensure the Festival starts off right.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Chef Tribute Dinner – 6:30 p.m.
This year will honor world renowned chef/restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten with a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Michelin starred Chef Jean-Georges will be in the kitchen preparing a five course, wine-paired tasting menu featuring classic dishes from his restaurants around the world; from Thailand to New York City and everywhere in between.

Thursday, April 7, 2011
Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner – 6 p.m. Reception, 7:30 p.m. Dinner
A rare, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, it’s a collaborative dinner in the company of true artisans. Eight James Beard award-winning chefs from around the country prepare a multi-course meal complete with carefully selected wine pairings.

The Chocolate & Wine Experience – 7-10 p.m.
Indulge your sweet tooth with chocolate creations from the Valley’s best pastry chefs expertly paired with unique wines from around the globe. Held in the breathtaking skyscape of Degree 270 atop Talking Stick Resort, this luscious pairing will make you think you’ve reached the threshold of heaven.

Friday, April 8, 2011
Eat, Drink & Be Pretty Party – 7-11 p.m.
Taste, trends and thrills unite for this culinary soiree. Not only are there a menagerie of tastes from local restaurants, varietals of wine and an array of cocktails, runway models will strut breakthrough styles and must-haves of the moment. Once your appetite for food and fashion are satisfied, fulfill your craving for fun with a dynamic performance from an elite entertainer.

Saturday, April 9, 2011
Chef Wine Dinners – 6:30 p.m.
Join award-winning chefs at seven of the Valley’s top restaurants for a series of exclusive four-course dinners paired with rich vintage wines. The dinners are limited to 24 attendees per restaurant to ensure an intimate and savory experience.

Sunday, April 10, 2011
Wine Country Brunch™ – 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
A spread of brunch favorites and ever-flowing champagne or mimosas is available to guests of the Wine Country Brunch. While feasting on a lineup of delicacies, an equally impressive display of tantalizing luxury items is open for your bid at the brunch’s Silent Auction.

Best of the Fest™ – 6:30 p.m.
The finale! This extravaganza will lift the spirits and please the palate. Eleven of the Valley’s finest chefs share the stage to craft a sumptuous five-course, wine-paired feast served in a beautiful outdoor setting. It’s the perfect ending to the nation’s longest-running food festival.

All Weekend (April 9 & 10)
Great Arizona Picnic™ (GAP) – Saturday 12-9 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m.
Sample food from 50+ restaurants and enjoy cooking demonstrations from local and national chefs. Taste vodka-inspired drinks at the SKYY Bar, tequila cocktails at the Patrón Experience, 200+ beers at the New Belgium Southwest Festival of Beers or a glass of wine with the Robert Mondavi Discover Wine Tour. Dance to rocking music performed by bands on two main stages. You can even have some family time at the Family Zone.

Cooks & Corks™ – Saturday & Sunday 12-4:30 p.m.
Part of the Great Arizona Picnic, spice things up at this two-day culinary affair showcasing cooking demos from some of the nation’s most prestigious chefs. This includes, Food Network’s Robin Miller, Sam the Cooking Guy, Bravo Top Chef Masters’ Chef Jonathan Waxman and Chef Wilo Benet, and Food and Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2010 Chef Jonathan Sawyer and Chef Alex Seidel. Exquisite cuisine will be available in the atrium from many of Arizona’s tastiest restaurants, as well as wine samplings from exceptional vintners.

For more information visit scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org.