Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? Here's what we have on our plate.
Outta the Heat and Into the Eats: Miami Night Food and Cocktail Party
If your hair's been feeling a little larger than usual, it's because monsoon season officially has begun. Now we can look forward to measurable levels of humidity and incredible heat. Searsucker Scottsdale is embracing the weather on Saturday, July 20 with a Miami-inspired party with Cuban food and drink specials. DJ Mikyl will be spinning Latin beats while episodes of Miami Vice play in the lounge. Guests who arrive between 3 and 5 p.m. can expect complimentary passed appetizers including Cubano sandwiches, Mofongo Aranchini and Bean Gateaux and in addition to their usual selection of craft cocktails, Searsucker bartenders will be pouring the Searsucker Miami Vice and the Pink Flamingo Caipirihna for one night only. Happy hour pricing will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. and at 5 p.m. those who choose to dress up in true Miami style can enter the Best Dressed contest. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Star Spangled Spirits: All-American Vodka Tasting
Independence Day has come and gone, but in honor of the most patriotic month of the year, Chandler's BLD is celebrating American-made spirits on Saturday, July 20. From 5 to 6 p.m. they'll host a tasting of five curated vodkas made right here in the U.S. of A. The event will be held in their private dining room and will include a plate of traditional accompaniments. The tasting costs $30 a person and space is limited. Call 480-779-8646.
Belgian Independence Day
We owe our thanks to the Belgians for a few things, including excellent chocolate, delicious waffles, and, most importantly, beer. And though we don't have a clue about the history or politics behind Belgian Independence Day, it sounds like a perfect excuse to show our appreciation for Belgian brews. On Saturday, July 20 for noon to 2 p.m., Tempe's World of Beer is celebrating the occasion with a selection of rare Belgian-style beers, including Struise Cuvee Delphine, Struise Pannepot Reserva, and Dieu du Ciel! Rigor Mortis Abt. To soak up the suds, they'll have the beer-inspired eats of Chandler's Travelling Monk food truck, which will be serving a Belgian-inspired menu for the event. For more information, visit the World of Beer Facebook page.
Spoken Word & Creative Expression Workshop
If you've been waiting for an excuse to go see "Stocked: Contemporary Art from the Grocery Aisles " at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, this weekend offers a pretty good one. On Saturday, July 20 from noon to 5 p.m., the museum will host a free workshop in creative expression led by members of Phonetic Spit. The group, which participated in the recent "Edible Stories" event, is a spoken word and poetry based arts-in-education provider. Workshop participants will tour the "Stocked" exhibit, engage with Phonetic Spit writers and poets, and have a chance to express themselves on an open mic. Snacks also will be provided. Members of the public can observe at a performance-style tour of the exhibition at 2 p.m. or watch live performances at 3 p.m. Pre-registration for the workshop is required and can be made by calling 480-874-4642. For more information, visit the SMoCA website.
Summer Mixology Class: Rum
Join master mixologist Travis Nass on Sunday, July 21 at the Last Drop Bar at Lon's at the Hermosa Inn for a crash course in all things rum. The class, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., will include history lessons, notes on the liquor's style and flavor and two cocktails per guest. Attendees will get one-on-one direction from Nass and take-home recipes to practice in their own home kitchen -- or bar. Summer Mixology classes are capped at 10 people and cost $30. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 602-955-7878.
