Dhaba Cooking School: Spice Class Saturday, December 7
On Saturday, learn how to blend your own Indian spices at The Dhaba in Tempe. The Spice Class will cover the flavors, aromas and health benefits of more than 50 different herbs and spices commonly used in Indian cooking. Each guest will prepare four popular spice blends, including garam masala and curry powder, to take home at the end of the class. Space is extremely limited, so RSVP by calling 480-557-8800 as soon as possible. The class costs $59 a person and will be from 3 to 6 p.m.
And if you can snag one of the last spots in the class here's a consolation prize. Go to the Dhaba Facebook page to download a coupon for 20 percent off your bill. Valid today through Sunday, December 8 for dine-in only.
Phoenix Brewers Invitational Saturday, December 7
Cocktails get a weeklong affair, and the culinary arts have more than one festival around here, but until last year, Phoenix's craft beer community lacked a signature event. The Phoenix Brewers Invitational was created to be the state's annual celebration of all things beer. The beer-soaked fest will bring dozens of brewers from all over the state and country to sample and learn about a variety of craft beer styles. This year's participating breweries include Phoenix Ale Brewery, Papago Brewing, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company, Colorado's Breckenridge Brewing, Delaware's Dogfish Head Brewery, and more. You can check out the complete list of participating breweries on the Phoenix Brewers Invitational website. Admission to the event is free, but a souvenir mug must be purchased in order to drink. The mug costs $25 in advance or $35 on the day of and comes with 12 four-ounce beer samples. Additional samples cost $2 each. Gates open at noon and close at 6 p.m.
Soba Noodle Workshop Sunday, December 8
On Sunday, the newly opened Clever Koi in Phoenix will host a soba noodle-making class with chef Sonoko Saka, founder of Common Grains. Hosted in conjunction with Hayden Flour Mills, the workshop will explore the Japanese pantry as well as teach how to make and cut your own traditional soba noodles. Students will learn how to prepare soba two ways: cold with soy-bonito dipping sauce and hot in a broth. They will also get to take home noodles and both dipping sauces/broth. The event costs $85 a person and includes the workshop as well as a three-course meal. Space is limited to 15 people so reserve your spot early at the Hayden Flour Mills website.
You can also check out our first impressions of the new restaurant here.
Arizona Stronghold Exclusive Library Dinner Saturday, December 7
If you're feeling up for a road trip this weekend, wine lovers have a good reason to make the trip to Cottonwood on Saturday. Arizona Stronghold, the winery that's been recognized by Wine Spectator and recently the San Francisco Chronicle, will be opening up aged wines from its Arizona Stronghold Library and offering barrel tastings of Black Sheep. The wines will be served in conjunction with a four-course dinner at Seed restaurant in Old Town Cottonwood. The winery will keep its tasting room open until after the dinner to allow attendees to purchase wines. The dinner and wine-pairings cost $65 ($60 for wine club members) a person and can be purchased online or by calling 928-639-2789x214.
Still looking for gift ideas for the wine lover in your life? Check out our list of 5 Arizona Wines to Give a Skeptic, which includes Arizona Stronghold's "Dala" Chardonnay.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
The first Phoenix location of Sam Fox's Blanco Tacos + Tequila opened earlier this week at Biltmore Fashion Park. The restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, serves modern Mexican fare including tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas as well as drinks including original cocktails like the Oaxacan Shandy, tequilas, sangria and Mexican beers. Inside the restaurant offers an open kitchen design, mural and bar -- in addition to a underground private space with a separate bar. For more information visit the Blanco Tacos + Tequila website.
