Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We've got you covered. Check out what's on our plate.
Bastille Day
On Sunday, July 14, the French and francophiles around the world will celebrate the national French holiday, Bastille Day. Mostly, we'll be using it as a good excuse to indulge in some authentic French cuisine, which is being offered at restaurants all over the Valley for the annual occaison. At Coup de Tartes in Phoenix, they're starting the party today with special menu featuring Court de Tarte Escargot ($10) and Provencal Veal Chop ($31). Their Bastille Day menu will be available through Sunday. Call 602-212-1082 for reservations.
More events this weekend: - Ex-Quiessence Chef Opening July-Only Pop-Up Restaurant on Tempe's Mill Avenue
Petite Maison in Old Town Scottsdale will host its Bastille Day Celebration today through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. The four-course menu features Seacat Garden Cherokee Tomatoes in every dish, including Cherokee Yellow Tomato consommee, butter poached Pacific cod, and Cherokee Orange, Yellow, Red and crimson triffle. The $59 dinner includes wine pairings and reservations are required. Call 480-991-6887.
If raising a glass is more your style then head to La Bocca in Tempe, where they're celebrating on Sunday by popping bottles of Saint-Hilaire, France's oldest sparkling wine. Created by Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilare more than 450 years ago, this sparkling wine out dates the first Champagne by 100 years. Available for $8 by the glass or $28 by the bottle. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.
Chili Cook-Off in the Pines
If you're up for a road trip to Pinetop, there's plenty of chili to be tasted on Saturday, July 13, at the 15th annual Chili Cook-Off in the Pines. Gates will open at 10 a.m. for a day of arts and crafts, live music, raffles and of course, chili. And we're not talking about some amateur hour competition -- this regional open championship and Arizona State Bean Championship will qualify winners for the Terlingua International Chili Championship. Parking and admission to the event are free and will be held at The Orchard at Charlie Clark's Steakhouse, 1701 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop, AZ. For more information, visit the event website.
Food Truck Caravan: "Caravan Classics"
From 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, Scottsdale movers and shakers can grab a bite at the Food Truck Caravan, which will be located on the northwest corner of 5th Ave. and Goldwater in Old Town. The theme this week will be "Caravan Classics" so expect classic rock from Bandero and a menu of classics from around the world. Featured trucks at this week's event include The Grilled Cheese Truck Phoenix, Luncha Libre, Sweet Magnolia's and Torched Goodness. Visit the Food Truck Caravan website for more information.
Flights of Fancy Beer Sampling Party
Head over to Handlebar in Tempe from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13, for a beer-sampling party featuring the brews of New Belgium Brewery. The $10 (in advance)/$12 (at the door) ticket will get you a flight of New Belgium Brewing Company beers including its Pluot Ale, Paardebloem Ale and more. It also includes either a bratwurst or a large order of fries, and Handlebar's resident "Beer Geek" Nick will be on hand for educational purposes. Purchase ticks online or visit Facebook for more information.
Peach Mania
Pick your own peaches this weekend at Apple Annie Orchard's 15th annual Peach Mania Festival. The event includes an all-you-can-eat peach and pancake breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. and apple-smoked burger lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In between meals you can take a free wagon ride, pick some peaches or sample dozens of peach-filled products (think: homemade peach pie and a bowl of peach ice cream). Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit the Apple Annie Orchard website.