2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival

The 34th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival will take over Scottsdale April 17-22, 2012 for six fun-filled days of wine, food, and live music.

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

Tuesday:
Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame – (INVITE ONLY)
Top chefs and restaurant industry professionals from across Arizona will gather to honor the newest members of the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. This event recognizes exceptional chefs, pastry chefs, and dining establishments in the state.

Shaken & Stirred – Held in Scottsdale’s speakeasy destination Mabel’s on Main the Festival is stirring the clocks back to a time when cocktails were essential and masterfully crafted. Making its Festival debut, Shaken & Stirred will let guests sample 3 drinks from a classic era and the perfect treats to match. A full bar will be available for other imbibing.

Wednesday:
Friends of James Beard Dinner – Held at deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, eight of the country’s best chefs prepare a multi-course meal complete with carefully selected wine pairings. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime collaborative dinner in the company of true artisans.

Chocolate & Wine Experience – Indulge your sweet tooth with chocolate creations from some of the Valley’s best pastry chefs expertly paired with unique wines from around the world. You’ll feel as if you’ve arrived in heaven with the chocolate and wine combinations as well as the magical views from Degree 270, Talking Stick Resort’s 14th floor luxury lounge.

Thursday:
Bubbles & Bliss – Held at the Saguaro, it’s an effervescent champagne experience with bubbly cocktails, champagne infused food by Chef Jose Garces, entertainment by DJ Switch and live drummer

• Bubbles & Bliss Dinner- Looking to check out Distrito? As a precursor to the cocktail reception, Chef Garces will be serving up a sparkling wine themed menu based on his Iron Chef Challenge.

Burger Battle – For the first time in Arizona, fifteen of the best chefs and restaurants will compete for the coveted title. Held at Scottsdale Stadium, guests will have the chance to taste and vote for the burger with the best bite. The winning restaurant takes away a shiny trophy and unlimited bragging rights.

Friday:
Eat Drink and Be Pretty – Dress to impress at this fashion-forward food and wine tasting. Not only are there delicious treats available from more than twenty of the Valley’s restaurants and a large variety of wine and spirits, the evening also includes a spring fashion show presented by Carine W., featuring jewelry from Isaac Jewelers, and a high-energy hair style demonstration by Rolfs Hair Salon and Spa. Add music from DJ P-Body inside and Las Vegas show band True to Life outside and you have all the ingredients for a very Eat, Drink and Be Pretty evening.

Saturday:
Chef Wine Dinners – Join award-winning chefs at some 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.

Picnic After Party – Continue the fun from the Picnic and head over to the official after party at the VIP TASTE venue! Held at Clayton on the Park, enjoy DJ entertainment, incredible drinks, dancing, and a great lounge.

Sunday:
Wine Country Brunch – Held at Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, guests will sample from participating restaurants and vote for their favorite brunch dishes. As if that is not enough, there will be an equally impressive display of enticing luxury items available for bid during the brunch’s Silent Auction.

Best of the Fest – The festival finale! A five-course, wine-paired dinner created tableside by one of Arizona’s top chefs. Held on the Marshall Way Pedestrian Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront, it truly is a most elegant Sunday evening affair!

All Weekend:
Great Arizona Picnic – Sample food from 50+ restaurants and enjoy cooking demonstrations from local and national chefs. Additional components include Celebrity Chef Demos, VIP Experiences, Epicurean Expo, Courtside at the Picnic, SKYY Bar, Tequila Experience, Southwest Festival of Beers, and Blues & Brews.

For more information visit scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org.