Sun-sational Scottsdale Arizona 34th Annual Food and Wine Festival 2012

View of the Scottsdale Waterfront on a clear December day. Photo taken from the new pedestrian bridge connecting the Marshall Way shops with the Fifth Avenue arts district. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Scottsdale is in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona. According to the New York Times, it is ”a desert version of Miami’s South Beach” with “plenty of late night partying.” Scottsdale is bordered to Phoenix and Paradise Valley.

Foodies, wine enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs flock to Scottsdale’s 34th Annual Food and Wine Festival.

Official logo of City of Scottsdale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The festival begins with the 25th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation & Friends of James Beard Dinner, featuring winners of the prestigious award who will demonstrate their talents in a collaborative multi-course dinner hosted by The Westin Kierland Resort. There are a number of exciting events, so get your tickets today @ www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org, or call 480-945-7193.

Scottsdale hills (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some of the events:

1. Friends of James Beard Dinner will allow participants to dine with eight of the top chefs in the country, six who have received a James Beard Award during their prestigious careers. The international culinary talent includes the following artisans of the kitchen (James Beard Award Winners in bold):

Chef Susur Lee – Lee (Toronto, Canada), Zentan at Donovan House (Washington, DC)

Chef Levi Mezick – Restaurant 1833 (Washington, DC)

Chef Roberto Donna – La Forchetta Trattoria (Washington, DC) Chef Todd Berry – The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)

Chef Michael Ginor –Lola (Great Neck, NY) & Hudson Valley Foie Gras (Ferndale, NY)

Chef Roberto Madrid – deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)

Chef Douglas Rodriquez – Alma de Cuba (Philadelphia, PA), D. Rodriguez Cuba (Miami, FL), Ola at Sanctuary (Miami, FL), deseo (Scottsdale, AZ)

Pastry Chef Nancy Silverton– La Brea Bakery (Los Angeles, CA)

2. Shaken & Stirred

When: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 6:00pm (Reception) & 7:30pm (Dinner)

Where: Deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort 6902 East Greenway Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (800) 354-5892

Cost: Tickets are $200 per person.

3. Bubbles & Bliss

When: Tuesday, April 17th from 7-10 p.m.

Where: The Saguaro 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Price: $40 per person. For more information, call the Scottsdale League for the Arts office at (480) 945-7193 or visit www.ScottsdaleFest.org.

Stroll around The Saguaro’s pool and sample champagne-infused cuisine designed by Chef Jose Garces. Chef Garces is the 2010 winner of The Next Iron Chef, a James Beard award and is the executive chef/owner of eight esteemed restaurants across the United States including a restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale heading up The Saguaro’s restaurant, Distrito.

3. Burger Battle on Thursday, April 19, 6 PM – 10 PM

WHERE: Scottsdale Stadium 7408 East Osborn Road Scottsdale, Arizona

$55 per person

For the first time in Arizona, twenty of the best chefs and restaurants will compete for the coveted title of Best Burger in the Valley. Those who attend the friendly, burger bash 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. Your musical appetite will also be satisfied with tunes by The Walkens.

Old Town Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. The Picnic is the perfect place to sample fare from over 50 food and beverage exhibitors. Travel Channel’s Adam Richman and Andrew Zimmern will share stories and showcase their culinary prowess. There will also be a Picnic After Party. Hosted at Clayton on the Park next to the Picnic grounds. The After Party will offer DJ entertainment, drinks and dancing.

5. Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame: The 21st annual Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame will honor its newest recipients on Tuesday, April 17th at 7 p.m. Top chefs and restaurant industry professionals from across the state will gather in downtown Scottsdale for this great achievement.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com