Summer's here and the slowdown is palpable. But the flurry of culinary and charity events that started in the spring hasn't sputtered out yet. In fact, one of the longest-running ones takes place this Thursday night.
Flavors of Phoenix makes its 18th annual go-round on May 21 at the Westin Kierland Resort, with cooking from some of the Valley's best-known chefs. You can attend the 6 p.m. reception for $75, or throw down $350 for the full dinner at 7 p.m., which features a designated chef for each table of 12. Guests will get to interact with the chefs, who'll be preparing five or more courses at their cooking stations.
Proceeds will benefit the Desert Southwest Division of the American Liver Foundation.
Get a look at the long list of participants:
Chef Brian Archibald, Ristorante Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, www.desertridgeresort.com/dining/dining.asp
Chef Akira Back, Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar at Bellagio, www.bellagio.com/restaurants/yellowtail.aspx
Chef Todd Berry - Co-Chair, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, www.kierlandresort.com
Chef Matt Carter, Zinc Bistro, www.zincbistroaz.com
Chef Paul Carter, The Phoenician, www.thephoenician.com
Chef Michael DeMaria - Co-Chair, Heirloom An American Restaurant, www.mculinary.com/heirloom
Chef Anthony DeMuro, Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, www.differentpointeofview.com
Chef Peter DeRuvo, Sassi Restaurant, www.sassi.biz
Chef Rick Dupere, Ritz Carlton, www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/phoenix/dining/venues/bistro24/default.html
Chef Robert Graham, Arizona Grand Resort, http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/phoenix-fine-dining.php
Chef Sean Griffin, BOURBON STEAK at the Fairmont Scottsdale, www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/guestservices/restaurants/BOURBONSTEAK.html
Chef Christopher Gross - Co-Chair, Christopher's Restaurant and Crush Lounge, www.christophersaz.com
Chef Lee Hillson, T. Cook's, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com/tcooks.htm
Chef Michael Hoobler, Desert Highlands Scottsdale, www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
Chef Eric Howson, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, www.scottsdale.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp
Chef Troy Knapp, Compass Restaurant, www.phoenix.hyatt.com
Chef Craig Leeser, Wrigley Mansion, www.wrigleymansionclub.com
Chef Donald Lemperle, Asia de Cuba, www.mondrianscottsdale.com
Chef Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary, www.elementsrestaurant.com
Chef Roberto Madrid, Deseo, www.kierlandresort.com/pages/deseo_main/index.html
Chef Aaron May, Sol y Sombra, www.solysombraaz.com
Chef Mel Mecinas, Talavera at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale/vacations/dining.html
Chef Justin Pfeilsticker, Trader Vic's, www.hotelvalleyho.com
Chef James Porter, Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar, www.tapino.com
Chef Michael Rusconi, Lon's at the Hermosa Inn, www.lons.com
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café, www.barriocafe.com
Chef James Siao, Taggia Restaurant at the FireSky Resort and Spa, www.taggiascottsdale.com
Chef Scott Tompkins, SKYE Fine Dining and Live Entertainment, www.skye-restaurant.com
Chef Marcellino Verzino, Marcellino Ristorante, www.5staritalian.com
Charles Wiley, Cafe ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho, www.hotelvalleyho.com