Great American BBQ and Beer Festival, Half Off Poke in Tempe, and More in Metro Phoenix From Monday, March 20 to Sunday, March 26

Storytellers Dinner at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale
Wednesday, March 22

One of the Valley's newest hotel restaurant's Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at Andaz Scottsdale is hosting its second Storytellers Dinner series on Wednesday, March 22. These dinners are part of an ongoing culinary series that brings together local partners for an evening featuring a curated menu and conversation. Executive Chef Adam Sheff and the mixologists of Weft & Warp Art Bar will be joined by tequila expert Grace Jahn of Casamigos Tequila. Diners can enjoy cuisine from a four-course menu paired with cocktails made with tequila. Tickets cost $85 and include tax and tip, a welcome cocktail, a reception, and a four-course dinner. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Make reservations by calling 480-214-4622. For more information, visit Andaz Scottsdale's website.


"Grilling Tips of The Trade" Cooking Class
Friday, March 24

Since the warmer temperatures are here to stay, consider sharpening your grilling skills at Rio Salado College in Tempe on Friday as part of its spring workshop, "Grilling Tips of the Trade." Participants will marinate vegetables and meats and then learn how to grill them. After you've prepared your food indoors, you'll head outside to grill and then enjoy the fruits of your labor with your classmates. Class is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 per person. For more information, visit the Eventbrite link.


Discounted Poke at Ahipoki Tempe
Saturday, March 25

Ahipoki Tempe is throwing a grand opening party on Saturday, March 25, and you can get half off on all its poke bowls on that day. Additionally, the first 20 people in line before 11 a.m. will receive coupons for 20 free poke bowls. The Tempe location is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The address is 1015 South Rural Road, #107, in Tempe. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

Great American BBQ & Beer Festival
Saturday, March 25

For a celebration of all things barbecue and beer, head down to Chandler on Saturday for the annual Great American BBQ and Beer Festival. More than 60 barbecue and food vendors including local places like Bobby-Q, Honey Bear’s BBQ, and Porkopolis BBQ will serve up to 20,000 pounds of barbecue paired with 200 kegs of craft beer from SanTan Brewing Company. Guests can also dig into traditional fair foods like brats, pretzels, ice cream, pie, cupcakes, berry kabobs, gelato, fry bread, churros, hot dogs, beef jerky, key lime pie bars, corn dogs, kettle corn, and lemonade. Presale general admission tickets cost $15 online and will cost $20 at the gate the day of the festival. The festival is from noon to 10 p.m. It's located in downtown Chandler at the Dr AJ Chandler Park at 178 East Commonwealth Avenue. For more information, visit the event's website.

My Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge
Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26

Make your way over to Steele Indian School Park in Central Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday to sample a variety of salsas from restaurants and individuals alike. More than 90 contestants will whip up their own salsas in hopes of being crowned grand champion via a people's choice award vote. Attendees also can enjoy live music, cold beer, and margaritas. The challenge is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $15 per person. For more information, visit the festival's website.