Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? Here are a few things we have on our plate including a fundraiser for food community member Lisa Guingo, who recently was diagnosed with lung cancer, and a Greek cooking class with Denise Clayton of Denise Is Cooking. Don't forget this weekend is your last chance to vote for the best flavor in Gelato Spot's chef flavor competition. And mark your calendars for our New Times Best of A'Fare. Tickets are on sale now.
Fundraiser for Lisa Giungo at Union at the Biltmore Friday, September 6
When the food community heard early last month that restaurateur, chef, and businesswoman Lisa Giungo had been diagnosed with lung cancer, support poured out to help her beat the aggressive disease. This Friday, Union at the Biltmore Fashion Park will host its own fundraising event in Lisa G.'s honor. From 6 to 8 p.m., 20 percent of all sales will go to Lisa -- there will also be raffles, prizes and music. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased online and you can also make cash donations through the event website.
See also: Local Food Community Rallies Around Lisa Giungo as She Fights Lung Cancer
"Grin and Beer It" Art Show Friday, September 6
This First Friday art show combines beer and art as 6th Avenue Gallery and local designer Erik Von Weber present a show of craft beer labels inspired by coveted values. The fictitious beer label art will be enlarged as posters, coasters, and T-shirts throughout the gallery in appreciation of the important but often-overlooked virtues of life. "Grin and Beer It: A Cheeky Menu for Hoppy Living" will be on show from 6 to 10 p.m., during which time attendees will be able to sample craft beer and vote for their favorite labels.
4th Annual Brazilian Day Arizona Festival Saturday, September 7
This Saturday, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate its fourth annual Brazilian Day Arizona Festival, the largest Brazilian Independence Day event in the state. The entire family is welcome to experience the culture of the country through live music, dance, martial arts and activities. Food, drinks, and wine will also be available while you watch more than 40 performers from Brazil. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $5 for children and can be purchased online. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
"It's All Greek To Me" Cooking Class Sunday, September 8
Opa! It's going to get a little Greek this weekend when Denise Is Cooking's Denise Clayton school's some folks on how to create the taste of the Greek Isles. The $45 class will begin at 4 p.m. and includes recipes and a dinner of the finished dishes. The menu includes hummus and pita bread, Greek salad, Spanakopita, and loukoumades for desert. Space is limited. Reserve your spot online.
Gelato Spot Local Chef Flavor Contest Sunday, September 8
If you haven't had a chance to taste any of the dozen chef-created flavors of gelato the Gelato Spot offered this summer, this Sunday will be your last chance; the contest to find the best flavor ends this week. Over the past three months, we've narrowed it down to three semi-finalists: Tracy Dempsey's Shoyu Chocolate and Macaroon Streusel, Cullen Campbell's Olive Oil Lemon Zest and Stracciatella and Justin Beckett's Arizona Peach Cobbler. The chef with the most gelato sold this week will receive a check for $5,000 to be presented to the Phoenix Children's Hospital in his or her honor.
