Every year Food Network star and Valley chef Beau MacMillian hosts the summer series, Lunch & Learn, at the picturesque Sanctuary Resort in Paradise Valley. In years past its either been a who's-who of the city's top chefs or an up-close introduction to some of television's most recognizable chefs. This year is no exception. Beau Mac has lined up a selection of guests that range from one of the nation's top mixologists to an award-winning food writer.
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The 13th season of Lunch & Learn will begin on Saturday, July 26. For each Saturday event, MacMillian will be joined by a different culinary expert who will dish on the tricks and tools or his or her specific trade. Here's who to expect:
The 2014 Lunch & Learn Lineup
Saturday, July 26: Food Critic Troy Johnson
Troy Johnson is a former rock journalist turned award-winning food writer, Food Network personality and humorist, who has appeared as a judge on Iron Chef America, The Best Thing I Ever Ate and is now a recurring judge alongside Beau MacMillan on Guy's Grocery Games.
August 2: Mixologist Jason Asher
Jason Asher is head mixologist for Young's Market Company of Arizona, designing and implementing beverage programs statewide. He began his culinary journey at Sanctuary's jade bar, and was named the "Nation's Most Inspired Bartender" of 2010 by GQ as well as one of "Arizona's Top 100 Culinary Trendsetters."
August 9: Jamie Gwen
Jamie Gwen is a celebrity chef, certified sommelier, cookbook author and radio personality who recently won Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen and served as a judge for Fox TV's Master Chef alongside Gordon Ramsey, Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich.
August 16: Chef Edward Sylvia
Edward Sylvia is founder and executive chef of Manhattan's prestigious catering company, Certé, of the go-to for Manhattan's most prominent corporations and fashion houses, and has made frequent appearances on local and national TV.
August 23 (dinner event): Pastry Chef Elizabeth Falkner
Elizabeth Falkner is an award-winning chef who has competed in multiple culinary competitions including Food Network's Next Iron Chef, Redemption, Iron Chef America and Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs, for which she was a finalist and runner-up. She has been a three-time competitor on Food Network's Challenge, as well as a contestant on Bravo's Top Chef Masters.
Each event will include a three-course meal with wine, as well as an interactive demonstration and recipes from the guest expert. The events all start at 12 p.m., except the August 23 dinner event, which will start at 6 p.m. Lunch events cost $75 a person; the dinner event costs $125.
Reservations are required for all events and can be made by calling 480-607-2300.
And for those who want to extend the visit to resort, Sanctuary is offering a special rate of $199 -- with a complimentary suite upgrade based on availability -- for Lunch & Learn guests.
