Friday, April 17, 2009
Kai Receives Two 5-diamond ratings
Kai Phoenix at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa has been awarded the Mobil Travel Guide's 5-Star Rating as well as AAA's 5-diamond rating.
Phoenix has got the only 5-star rated Arizona restaurant and one of only fifty (out of 60,000 hotels and restaurants rated) in the United States.
Big Feature on Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco in Martha Stewart Living
Our very own Chris Bianco has a wonderful eight-page feature in the May issue of Martha Stewart Living. Great pictures and a step-by-step guide to making pizza dough.
2009 James Beard Award Nominations
The 2009 preliminary James Beard Award nominations are out, and eight Arizona restaurants, entrepreneurs, and chefs are sprinkled on the list.
Winners will be announced on May 4.
Three Arizonans are under consideration for Best Chef – Southwest. Two of them are repeats: Marc Ehrler (Ventana Room, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson) and Kevin Binkley (Binkley’s Restaurant, Cave Creek). Neither made the finals last year.
The newcomer is Beau MacMillan (Elements, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Paradise Valley).
In the prestigious Outstanding Chef category are two Arizona legends, Janos Wilder (Janos, Tucson) and Vincent Guerithault (Vincent on Camelback).
Noca nabbed a spot on the very competitive Best New Restaurant list, and Kazimierz World Wine Bar is up for Outstanding Wine Service.
And Sam Fox has once again made the first cut for Outstanding Restaurateur, a category that salutes those who “set national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship.”
Where To Eat On Easter
April 12th, Phoenix Easter Brunch from azcentral.com
For more information on these and other great Phoenix restaurants visit
4th Floor Grille and Sports Lounge
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
This family-friendly Phoenix Easter brunch includes hand-carved roasted turkey with traditional trimmings, honey glazed ham with rum raisin sauce and sweet chili glazed Atlantic salmon. The slow roasted prime rib is available in 10 oz. and 14 oz. Children servings of turkey and ham are offered. Finish the meal with a trip to the dessert station that features cakes, pastries and tarts. Reservations required. An Easter Feast, Chaparral Suites Resort 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $18.95-$26.95 adult; $11.95 kids 9-12; $9.95 kids 6-8.
480-949-1311.
11 a.m.
Enjoy a picnic lunch consisting of bread, spreads, deli meat, cheese, spring green salad, fruit and cookies. Adult ticket includes picnic and hayride and child ticket includes picnic, egg hunt with candy and pony and hay rides. Reservations required. Easter Picnic and Egg Hunt, 2643 E. Frontage Road, Amado. $35; $25 for age 12 and younger.
520-398-3218.
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
An elegant Easter breakfast is served in the Frank Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom. Guests dine on orange and brown sugar-glazed pork steamship and salt-crusted prime rib of beef. A kids station is provided. Reservations required. Easter Champagne Brunch, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $74 adult; $36 for children 12 and younger.
602-955-6600
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Easter brunch features a buffet along with a chef's carving station perfect for "everybunny." Dessert is also served. Easter Amore Buffet, 2728 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. $34.95 adult; $15 for children 10 and younger.
602-956-0900
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The entire Sunday Phoenix brunch menu is offered all day long. Add some flavor to your Easter meal with omelets filled with sauteed zucchini, cheese and roasted sweet and spicy peppers finished in a tomatillo sauce. And of course, wine and beer from Mexico are available. Enjoy live musical entertainment from noon to 2 p.m. Easter Brunch, 2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Menu prices vary.
602-636-0240
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy an Easter buffet overlooking a picturesque mountain view. Dine on smoked salmon, trout and mackerel, jalapeño chicken and pork sausage. Additionally, pasta and omelet stations are provided. Reservations requested. Easter Grand Buffet, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. $65 adult; $28 for children 12 and younger.
480-293-3636
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dine on a three-course prix fixe menu with a choice of entree. Select the roasted leg of lamb served with mashed potatoes or the pan-seared sea bass served on a bed of basmati rice. Dessert is a warm berry tart. For those wanting to celebrate early, a light Easter breakfast buffet is offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, Westin Kierland Resort and Spa 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix. $25 brunch; $18 breakfast.
480-624-1000
Buster's Restaurant on the Lake
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Easter menu features delicious spring dishes. Try the prime rib served au jus with garlic smashed potatoes and vegetables. Or dine on a three-egg omelet made with cheddar, Monterey Jack and Havarti cheese and served with potatoes O'Brien and wheat toast. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, 8320 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. $10.95-$17.95.
480-951-5850
6-11 a.m.
Dine on poached eggs benedict and roast leg of lamb among other menu items. Easter blue plate specials are also offered during dinnertime. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. $6.50-$14.50 for appetizers; $9.50-$32 for entrees.
480-421-7997
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Easter buffet includes an omelet bar and all the fixings as well as Danish style pancakes. The carving station serves slow roasted beef steamship and roasted leg of lamb. A variety of entrees are served along with sides. Try the mesquite charred chicken with sweet pepper marmalade. Brunch concludes with a wide selection of desserts and a chocolate fountain with peeps and treats. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, Hyatt Regency Phoenix 122 N. Second St., Phoenix. $65 adult; $27 children.
602-440-3166
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The fare includes slow-roasted aged prime rib of beef, baron of achiote-cured kurabuta pork, coriander-crusted leg of lamb, vanilla-scented waffles and the chef's frittata station. Reservations encouraged. Easter Brunch, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort 11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $61 adult; $31 child.
602-866-6350
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy Easter brunch while admiring a scenic view. The menu includes smoked salmon, pork tenderloin, eggs Benedict, rack of Colorado lamb, marinated green lip mussels and herb-roasted duck breast. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, 525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona. $65 adult; $32.50 children 4-11.
928-284-2080
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Easter brunch features a three-course meal prepared by executive chef Gio Osso. Guests can dine on smoked Irish salmon, poached eggs with grilled Taylor ham and strawberry-rhubarb galette with honey gelato. Reservations encouraged. Easter Brunch, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Suite 200, Scottsdale. $49 adult; $19 children.
480-970-4099
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bring the family to dine on a scrumptious selection of breakfast and holiday favorites. The buffet menu includes a wide selection of breakfast meats, omelets and waffles. Carving stations include peppercorn roasted prime rib and honey-cured ham. Complete the meal with desserts of tortes, cakes and tarts. Reservations encouraged. Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet, Scottsdale Plaza Resort 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $39.95 adult; $14.95 for kids 6-12.
480-948-5000
noon-8:30 p.m.
Leave the kitchen drama at home and enjoy Easter dinner in a relaxing setting. The traditional menu that features empenadas, Cuban chicken and gazpacho is served along with a holiday dish that includes ham. Easter Dinner, 4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $4.95-$24.95 price range for menu items.
602-952-1991
noon-8:30 p.m.
Leave the kitchen drama at home and enjoy Easter dinner in a relaxing setting. The traditional menu that features empenadas, Cuban chicken and gazpacho is served along with a holiday dish that includes ham. Easter Dinner, 6245 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. $4.95-$24.95 price range for menu items.
480-991-1496
11 a.m.
Enjoy a lavish Easter buffet with offerings of seasonal fruits and berries, an omelet station with all the traditional fixings and sausages. A carving station features slow-roasted New York strip loin and honey-baked ham. Seating times available at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Reservations suggested. Hightail it for Easter Brunch, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. $46 adult; $36 senior; $18 children 12 and younger.
602-870-1977
7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Treat yourself to a delicious Easter meal of strawberry crepes or eggs Benedict. The regular menu of breakfast treats is also available for ordering. Easter Brunch, 4915 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. $10 and under.
623-939-4663
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
A family-friendly Easter brunch is prepared by Executive Chef, Michael O'Dowd. The menu includes grilled vegetables, seafood platters and imported cheeses. Plus, a carving station along with an omelet station is available. Complimentary champagne is served with the meal. Guests can enjoy their meal inside or on the patio. Reservations required. Easter Champagne Brunch, 5594 W. Wildhorse Pass Blvd., Gila River Reservation. $65 adult; $58 for seniors; $32 for children ages 5-12.
602-225-0100
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrate Easter with a brunch buffet, a barrel tasting and live music. The buffet menu includes breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, fruit and pastries. Reservations required. Easter Sunday Brunch, 35 W. Boston St., Chandler. $24.95 adult; $10.95 kids.
480-792-6927
10 a.m.
A delicious brunch features a little bit of everything. Select classic salads or assorted danishes and muffins. Breakfast goodies of scrambled eggs, potatoes and maple sausage are available. Try the North African spiced leg of lamb at the carving station. Dessert is also offered. Seating times available at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Reservations suggested. Easter Brunch, Pointe Hilton Resort at Squaw Peak 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. $49 adult; $39 senior; $19 children 12 and younger.
602-997-5850
Easter Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday with brunch favorites. Menu selections includes apple-wood smoked salmon, roasted chicken and vegetable quiche, steak and eggs and pecan wood-grilled lamb. A variety of dessert options are provided. A children's brunch menu is offered. Reservations requested.
Easter Dinner, 5-8 p.m.
Enjoy an Easter menu of roasted pork posole soup, baby romaine salad, roasted pork tenderloin, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut and pecan wood-grilled lamb. Dessert options include double chocolate pot au crème. Reservations requested. Easter Dinner, Hermosa Inn 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. $65 adult; $15 for kids 5-12.
602-955-7878
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Welcome springtime by having your holiday meal indoors or out. The brunch buffet includes menu items of Belgian waffles, New Zealand lamp chops and honey-glazed ham. Get your eggs mixed with a wide selection of vegetables and cheeses at the omelet station. A bunny buffet is provided for the little ones with kid-friendly foods of chicken fingers, tater tots and brownies. And rumor has it, the Easter Bunny may even stop by. Reservations required. Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch, The Buttes 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe. $44.95 adult; $19.95 for children 5-12.
602-431-2367
3-9 p.m.
Classic dishes are served to guests like filet mignon, dry-aged New York sirloin or seared steelhead salmon. Side dishes include mushrooms, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and glazed asparagus. For dessert, a duo of vahlrona dark chocolate-caramel tart and strawberry almond torte are featured. Reservations encouraged. Easter Dinner, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. $65.
480-293-3939
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
A family-friendly Easter brunch including breakfast items of eggs, cereal and waffles. Indulge at the carving station featuring Montreal crusted prime rib and cherry-glazed ham. A full salad bar is also available along with a vegetable medley and rice pilaf. Reservations encouraged. Easter Brunch, 10601 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. $36; children 12 and younger pay their age.
480-443-2119
Noon
Celebrate Easter with the Sun City West Polish-American Club. The holiday festivities include a dinner and dance. Guests dine on chicken Parmesan, meatballs and dessert. After the meal, get on the dance floor to show your moves. Mike Corollo, a one-man DJ provides an array of polkas and waltzes. Reservations required. Easter Dinner and Dance, 19803 Johnson Blvd., Sun City West. $15 for non-member; $13 for member.
623-546-0657
Remington's Steakhouse and Lounge
5-10 p.m.
The Easter menu offers two dining options. Dine on a three-course meal that features soup du jour and a choice of prime rib or broiled garlic shrimp. Also, a surf 'n turf dish made for two is offered. Choose between the 4-ounce filet mignon or grilled shrimp. Desserts available include chocolate mousse. Reservations recommended. Easter Sunday Fine Dining, Scottsdale Plaza Resort 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $39.95-$79.95.
480-951-5101
noon-4 p.m.
The Easter brunch features an antipasti buffet with gourmet meats, cheese and bruschetta. Try Tuscany's signature boar ragu with handmade rigatoni pasta. For dessert indulge in tarts, parfaits, mini cakes and a chocolate fountain. Reservations encouraged. Easter Brunch, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. $49 adult; $20 for children 12 and younger.
480-293-3737
10 a.m.
Bring the family for an Easter brunch with a menu of chilled smoked and roasted salmon, salads, carved roasted meats, omelets and various entrées.An ice cream station is available for dessert along with other delicacies. Live jazz music plays while you eat and a petting zoo is provided for children. Seating is offered every half hour. Reservations required. Easter Sunday Brunch, 2401 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $64; $32 for kids ages 3-12.
602-468-0700
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The menu includes a special Rooste version of eggs Benedict with diablo sauce. Scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes and waffles are also served. Meatlovers can feast on selections from the carving stations such as baron of beef, ham with rum raisin sauce, beef fajitas and mahi mahi. Dessert features cookies, cakes and a chocolate fountain. Reservations required. Easter Sunday Brunch, 8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix. $29.95 adult; $12.95 for children 12 and younger.
602-431-6474
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The five-course Easter brunch is served buffet style. Guests can select their food from various locations inside the restaurant and throughout the great outdoors. The elegant cuisine features wood oven-roasted porchetta and roasted leg of lamb with garlic roasted potatoes. Homemade desserts of gelato and cannolis finish off the meal. A kid-friendly buffet is also available. Easter Brunch, 10455 E. Pinnacle Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. $50 adult; $25 children 12 and younger.
480-502-9095
10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Celebrate family and friends over a buffet brunch. Menu items include molasses glazed ham, herb crusted leg of lamb and prime rib. Other items include salads, vegetables and potatoes. For dessert, the chef has prepared a gourmet selection of pastries. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson. $55 adult; $25 for children 6-12.
520-792-3500
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Guests enjoy fare featuring prime rib, turkey, ham, king crab legs and smoked salmon. Other menu items include an all-day egg and omelet station, a quesadilla station and lobster bisque. Finish your meal with delectable desserts of bananas Foster, mini pastries and chocolate strawberries. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. $64.
480-444-1234, ext. 79.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Enjoy an extensive holiday menu of buttermilk pancakes topped with blueberry compote and vanilla cream; green eggs and ham with house-made sausage; grilled salmon with sun-dried tomato risotto cake and grilled asparagus; and eggplant ravioli. Reservations required. Easter Brunch, Royal Palms Resort and Spa 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $65.
602-808-0766
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The holiday fare in the Kachina Ballroom includes honey-glazed ham, scrambled eggs and grilled chicken breast. Guests are treated to piano music as dessert is served. Kids are visited by the Easter Bunny and can receive a festive face painting. Enter to win prizes of a free hotel weekend to complimentary spa visits. Reservations required. Easter Champagne Brunch, 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe. $29.99 adult; $19.99 for children 5-12.
602-225-9000
Easter Breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon
Try breakfast dishes of two eggs served any style, cheese blitzes and Belgian waffles. A complimentary fruit dish is served with every plate.
Easter Dinner, 12:30-8 p.m.
Seven dinner plates are offered. Try the baked ham or rack of lamb. Other dishes include prime rib and salmon. Each dish is served with a choice of soup or salad and a potato or rice. Westbrook Village 19260 N. Westbrook Parkway, Peoria. $17.95-$25.95.
623-566-1491
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Families can dine on a traditional breakfast buffet prepared by executive chef Michel Pieton. Indulge in the omelet, carving and dessert stations. Specialty items include mushroom ravioli with porcini mushroom sauce and honey baked ham with cherry port wine sauce. Reservations requested. Lavish Easter Brunch, Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree. $75; $38 for children 6-12.
480-488-9009
10 a.m.
Guests are treated to an ultimate Easter brunch. The menu features traditional stations offering garlic leg of lamb, prime rib of beef, glazed ham and Phoenician crab cakes. Feast on items at the raw bar with oysters on the half shell, sushi and caviar. Unlimited sparkling champagne is also offered to guests. For dessert, the chef offers specialty breakfast pastries. Bring the kids to partake in the Easter extravaganza festivities with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny with egg hunts at 9 and 11 a.m. Reservations requested. Grand Ballroom Easter Brunch, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. $89 adult; $44.50 children 12 and younger.
480-941-8200
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a buffet of saki-poached prawns and grilled artichoke hummus, eggs benedict, grilled salmon and Belgian waffles with citrus whipped cream. A buffet of desserts is also served. Easter Brunch, Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. $58 adult; $14 for children 4-12.
480-421-7799
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The menu has a little bit of everything. Dine on breakfast favorites of scrambled eggs and pancakes as well as carved bone-in ham and leg of lamb with pineapple relish and mint jelly. A children's menu is available with kid-friendly items of macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders. Bring your basket for the Easter egg hunt hosted by the Easter bunny. The hunts take place at 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. Reservations required. Easter Sunday Brunch, 10320 Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale. $34.95 adult; $12.95 children 12 and younger.
480-585-5300
6:30-11 a.m.
Take in the beauty of Sunday morning with your family over a casual breakfast. Two buffets are offered to guests. Choose the hot breakfast buffet or try the continental buffet. Reservations requested. Easter Breakfast, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. $22 hot buffet; $17 continental buffet; $8.95 children.
480-293-5000
1-6 p.m.
The prix fixe Easter menu features Colorado lamb with Jerusalem Cous Cous, organic vegetables and citrus sauce. Try the vegetarian option of spinach risotto infused with saffron and served with wild mushroom tempura. For dessert, choose between chocolate cake or creme brule. Easter Brunch, Marley Park Plaza 15411 W. Waddell Road, Suite 108, Surprise. $39.95.
623-544-9109
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate Easter with festive menu offerings of made-to-order omelettes with mushrooms, onions and ham. The carving station features oven-roasted lamb leg and mint pepper aioli. Other stations include waffle, pasta and Asian wok. An assortment of desserts is available. Try the Easter chocolate bunnies. Reservations required. Easter Ballroom Brunch, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. $55 adult; $25 children 5-12.
623-935-3811
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bring the family to a gourmet Easter brunch that features everything from tapas and Italian pastas to omelets, frittatas and carving stations. Reservations required. Easter Champagne Brunch, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $78 adult; $38 for children 12 and younger.
602-381-7632
6:30-10 p.m.
Dine on a three-course tasting menu created by Chef de Cuisine, Conor Favre. Dine on prosciutto-wrapped field greens, balsamic roasted crown lamb and bittersweet chocolate served with a glass of Moet and Chandon. Reservations required. Easter Dinner, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $75.
602-381-7632
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March Food Events in Phoenix
Tempe Town Lake
March 7 and 8
The Festival features tastes of more than 100 specialty and micro brewed beers, live music, games and fun for people age 21 and over. Entertainment will be provided by two great bands, the Crown Kings and Mystic Blue. The all-inclusive admission price is the same as last year, $40 in advance for general admission and $50 at the gate. VIP tickets are $80 in advance and $90 at the gate. (VIP tickets are limited to 500 per day.) General admission and VIP tickets include entrance to the event, a souvenir tasting mug, 24 sampling tickets and enjoyment of live music on stage. In addition, VIP tickets include entry to the “VIP Experience” a private VIP seating area with catered food, shade, separate restrooms, early one hour admittance, an event tee shirt and a gift bag.
www.azbeer.com
West of Western Culinary Festival
Phoenix Art Museum
March 14 – 15
The ambiance of a sophisticated garden party. The artistry of renowned Arizona chefs. The flavors of international wines and spirits. West of Western, the Southwest’s premier culinary arts festival, features chefs from top independent and chef-driven resort restaurants and delivers an avant-garde epicurean experience. Held at Phoenix Art Museum, this multi-sensory affair of signature dishes, stunning works of art, live musical performance and
hands-on demonstrations celebrates its fifth anniversary on Saturday, March 14 and
Sunday, March 15, 2009.
Designed as a weekend of fine food, education and entertainment, the highlight of West of Western is the Chefs’ Invitational Grand Tasting, an unparalleled gathering of the Arizona’s top Executive Chefs, Chefs de Cuisine and Pastry Chefs. Participants are selected for their excellence and innovation in the culinary arts and come ready to impress with trend-setting specialties. Set in Phoenix Art Museum’s lush and tranquil Dorrance Sculpture Garden, chefs prepare entrees “al fresco” exposing the art of the kitchen to guests who sample incredible gourmet offerings. Different restaurants will present each day.
www.westofwestern.com
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
April 14 – 19
Various locations in Scottsdale
As the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities (not to mention idyllic weather!)
This year's festival will feature a host of events from cooking demonstrations by some the nation's top chefs to a one of a kind James Beard out of the house dinner. No matter what kind of culinary experience you crave, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival has something for everyone!
www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org