On Saturday and Sunday, Scottsdale's Civic Center Mall will be transformed into a foodie-centric paradise.
Over 40 local restaurants will sample some of their favorite dishes, and 30 craft breweries and distilleries will sample their top beers and cocktails. Local chefs will also host food demonstrations, a cooking competition for upcoming young chefs, a beer and wine garden, and a vodka lounge.
The 2016 Scottsdale Culinary Festival takes place April 16 and 17 and benefits the Scottsdale League for the Arts.
Below is your guide to the activities and samples.
THE QUICK BITE:
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Where: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
When: Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17
Hours: Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Admission: $10+ (Beer Garden - $40, VIP - $115)
EVENTS:
Culinary Experience Tent: Local chefs, business owners and mixologists share their skills and expertise. Free with admission. View schedule here.
Arizona Wine Seminars: Learn about wine making and production in Arizona, and get to sample some, too. Free with admission. View schedule here.
Teen Cook-Off: Challenge to the Chefs (Saturday only): Teams from Arizona high schools will compete on Saturday to win a $500 Whole Foods gift card, a kitchen start-up package and scholarship money to attend culinary school. Free with admission. Inside Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. View schedule here.
Epicurean Expo: Check out the latest cookware, cutlery and appliances. Free with admission.
2016 North American Spirits Tour: Featured brands include Espolon, Forty Creek Whisky, Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, Wild Turkey American Honey. Free with admission.
Southwest Festival of Beers (Saturday and Sunday): Sample beer, talk to brewers, distributors and restaurant owners. Cost: $40, includes admission into culinary festival, 20 beer samples. View details here.
2016 Family Zone: Perfect or the kids, the Family Zone has been expanded this year. There will be a bouncy house, arts and crafts, temporary tattoos, a magic show, and carnival games with prizes. Free with admission.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery: Sample this winery's selection. Cost: $4 for 4-ounce samples.
THE MENU:
Now we're talking, foodies. Who's going to have samples? Here are a few of the highlights:
- Bourbon Peach Beignet - Beignet Babes
- Truffle and Sundried Tomato Man n' Cheese with Bacon - Black & Bleu American Grill
- Tuna Poke - Crab & Mermaid
- Chicken and Arugula Toast - Dakota
- Chicken Tikka Masala - Marigold Maison
- Back to Manhattan Sliders - The District
- Crepes - Delice Bistro
- Wood-Fired Szechaun Pork Ribs & Lobster Potstickers - Roy's
- Waffle BLT Slider - Two Brothers Brewery & Restaurant
- Coconut Curry Chicken with Rice & Bacon Crackerjax - Squid Ink
- S'mores Gourmet Muffins - The Muffin Girl
Other restaurants: Bourbon Jacks, Caketini, Cien Agaves Restaurant, Angelo's Italian Ice, Crust, DC's Smokin BBQ, Dos Gringos, Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, Honey Bear's BBQ, Inching Bamboo Garden, Jamba Juice, Lulu's Sorbetto, Pastries N Chaat, Pita Jungle, Pork on a Fork, Riot Hospitality Group, Roka Akor, Spinato's Pizzeria, Sushi Roku, and Treatery.
Need to purchase tickets or get more information? Visit www.ScottsdaleFest.org.
