Just because your weekend is over doesn't mean you have to starve. Here's what we have to look forward to this week.
California Wine Dinner
If, like us, you haven't had a chance to get away this summer to sunny California to sip on a buttery Napa Valley Chardonnay or robust Cabernet, don't despair. Chef Raymond Suto of Scottsdale's the Greene House will be bringing the experience (or at least, the taste of it) to us. On Wednesday, July 24, the restaurant will host a three-course wine dinner featuring Y Rousseau Wines from the Russian River Valley. The dinner will start with a reception and tasting of their award-winning 2011 Old Vines Colombard, a varietal originally from southwest France known for its fruity flavors and delicate texture. The dinner will include dishes such as Hamachi sashimi, Korean braised short ribs, and a ginger cake with poached Asian pear. The dinner costs $50 a person and reservations are required. Call 480-889-9494.
Other upcoming events: - Drinks with Mixologist Kim Haasarud, Author of 101 Tropical Drinks, August 22 at Changing Hands - Six Chefs + Six Bartenders = All-Star Cocktail Dinner at Scottsdale's Citizen Public House
Progressive Indulgence, a Three-Course Culinary Dining Experience
On Thursday, July 25, Queen Creek Olive Mill's Trattoria at Biltmore Fashion Park is teaming up with neighboring Christopher's Crush Lounge and Julia Baker Confections to host a three-course progressive-style dinner and educational experience. The night will begin at 6 p.m. with a specialty cocktail, olive oil tasting and appetizer at Queen Creek's Trattoria, after which guests will head to Christopher's and Crush Lounge at 7 p.m. for either a fillet of salmon, bistro tender, or roast sous vide chicken. Finally diners will arrive at Julie Baker's Confections for a slice of red velvet cake, or perhaps a dark chocolate hazelnut mousse cake, accompanied by your choice of wine or espresso. The dinner will be capped at 20 people and costs $56 a person. Reservations can be made by calling Jessie Dargle at 480-888-9290.
Swingin' Dick's Pop-Up
Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Scottsdale is being taken over on Wednesday, July 24 by mixology mastermind Richie Moe of Citizen Public House in honor of his late father Richard "Big Dick" Moe II. The pop-up event will bring everything Chicago to the Old World wine bar -- from red meat and Chicago hot dogs to martinis, red wine galore, and, of course, a swingin' Rat Pack soundtrack. The pop-up event will take place from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be a $5 cover charge, which will be donated to cancer research hospital, City of Hope.
Granite Mountain Hotshot Dinner
On Tuesday, July 23, Sassi chef Chris Nicosia will create a special three-course menu to raise money for the Yarnell Fallen Firefighters Fund, a nonprofit created by the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association and the Prescott Fire Fighters Charities. The evening's menu will include an Insalata Misticanza with local organic greens and vegetables in a balsamic vinaigrette, as well as imported Italian spaghetti with tomato sauce with a choice of meatballs or house made Italian sausage. The $25 dinner also includes either gelato or sorbet for desert and a non-alcoholic beverage. Reservations for the event are available between 5:30 and 9:00 and can be made online.
Rodney Strong Summer Wine Dinner
Long before the Napa Valley became a tourist destination for wine lovers, there was Rodney Strong, a Broadway dancer turned winemaker who helped transform the area into one of the world's best wine making regions. On Thursday, July 25 Bistro 24 will host a four-course Summer Wine Dinner complemented by the wines of Rodney Strong Vineyards. The meal executed by chef Stephen Toevs will include a savory starter, summer salad and pan-seared organic chicken. Each course will be paired with a Rodney Strong wine, including the 2012 Charlotte's Home Estate Sauvignon Blanc -- named after Strong's wife -- and the 2011 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Bistro 24 at the Ritz-Carlton and costs $65 per guest. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 602-952-2424.
