Spring seems to be the season of culinary festivals in these parts, but now there's something to look forward to on the other side of summer: Eats3, a new culinary festival scheduled to debut October 23-25 in downtown Scottsdale.
I expect it to be a good one, too, since it's being organized by Savor Scottsdale, a recently formed organization of independently owned restaurants.
That means some of the best-known names in the Valley are behind the event -- Atlas Bistro, Canal, Cowboy Ciao, Don & Charlie's, Kazimierz, Lon's, Methode Bistro, Mosaic, Pischke's Blue Ribbon, Razz's, the soon-to-open REM, Sea Saw, Sol y Sombra, Tapino, Foodbar, and Painted Horse.
(Coincidentally, and sadly, I happened to learn earlier today that Twisted -- an inaugural Savor Scottsdale member -- has closed.)
Eats3 promises food and wine tastings, chef exhibitions, an art walk, a bartender competition, and an appearance by the legendary Jacques Pepin (wow!).
I've already saved the date in my calendar.