Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? Here are a few things we have on the books.
A Cocktail Affair
The word is pretty much out about the good eats coming out of the kitchen at Scottsdale's Roka Akor, but there are quite a few things to enjoy at the Roka Bar as well. On Saturday, August 3, Roka Akor bar chef Allex Pollack will share some of the secrets behind the restaurant's seasonal cocktail list during the first A Cocktail Affair. The course will cover the use of summer ingredients, including fresh peach, watermelon, and sage -- and be prepared to get your hands dirty learning about Roka Bar's infusions, cocktails, and sangria. A Cocktail Affair costs $30 a person and includes the hands-on learning experience, cocktails and appetizers. Call 480-308-8800 or email [email protected] for reservations. Space is limited.
More upcoming events: - Liberty Market's Burger Daze: 31 Surprises in August - Queen Creek Olive Mill Lauching Complimentary Wine Tastings Series in August
4th Annual Grape to Glass Symposium
Wine fans looking for a little road trip this weekend can set their sights on the 4th Annual Grape to Glass Symposium on Saturday, August 3, at Lawrence Dunham Vineyards in Pearce. The one-day event includes an in-depth tour of both the vineyard and winery with the winemaker from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests will also enjoy a wine-paired dinner and barrel-tasting panel providing input into future wines. The after-party, from 4 to 7 p.m., will bring live blues and soul music from Buzz and the Soul Senders. Don't forget a lawn chair and picnic dinner to accompany the show and wines will be available for purchase by the bottle. The symposium costs $65 a person for general admission and includes admission to both events. To purchase tickets, visit the Lawrence Dunham Vineyards website.
Indian Delights Cooking Class
At 4 p.m. Sunday, August 4, Denise Clayton of Denise Is Cooking will share the flavors and aromas of Indian cooking with a limited number of students. The Indian Delights cooking class will focus on vegetarian specialties but will include at least one chicken dish. During the afternoon course, the group will prepare an entire meal, and you can bet it will be a hands-on experience. At the end of the class, attendees will enjoy their feast. The $45 fee includes instruction and food as well as samples of commonly used Indian spices. Registration is available online.
2013 Harvestfest
On Sunday, August 4, head out to Sonoita Vineyards to celebrate the harvest -- yes, that means grape stomping. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the winery will host a festival with wine tastings, winery and vineyard tours, food and wine pairings and horse-drawn wagon rides. Winery tours will take off at 11 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., which leaves plenty of time for grape stomping at 1 p.m. Lunch will be available for $10 aplate from The Steak Out and The Daily Bread. Admission to the event costs $15 and includes wine tasting and a souvineir glass as well as food and wine pairings. Reservations are not required for the event. For more information or directions, visit the Sonoita Vineyards website.
Sweet Republic Ice Cream
It wasn't that long ago -- about a month, come to think of it -- that Food Network Magazine featured Sweet Republic's Toffee Banofi sundae in a roundup of the best ice cream spots across the country. And the national love didn't stop there. Just this week, Food and Wine magazine gave an Instagram shout-out to the Scottsdale spot for its "showstopping" Huckleberry Swirl ice cream. The spring seasonal flavor won't be around for a bit, but for now, we can get our hands on summer hits including Sweet Corn and Cherry Chocolate Chip. Fruit in ice cream? That means it's pretty much healthy.
