Local Foodie News

All the news that’s fit to nosh.

Wine and Dine Festival-Style: The Verde Valley Wine Festival is returning to Cottonwood for its sixth year. Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, savor samples from a variety of the finest local wineries, restaurants and artisan vendors. The events will kick off with the First Crush VVWF Gala & Auction at the Old Town Cottonwood Clubhouse on Friday night from 6 to 9 p.m. The festival will take place at Riverfront Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Saturday, when guests can enjoy food and arts and crafts vendors, and live music in addition to delicious wine. Proceeds from the event will go to three nonprofits whose missions are the foundation of the Arizona wine industry. Tickets for the gala and auction are $150. Festival tickets are $35 online and $45 at the door. 

Battle of the Burgers: This epic burger battle started on National Hamburger Day (March 27) and will go through Sunday, May 28 at ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho. ZuZu will feature a local chef’s burger on its brunch menu each week. From 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, guests can enjoy the burger of the week and help determine who will claim a $500 cash prize and the title of best burger, which will be featured as a seasonal menu item all summer. Burgers are $19 and come with fries or fruit on the side. 

Provision Coffee is Pro-Environment: The local coffee spot with locations in Phoenix and Arcadia is making a commitment to the environment with some sustainable swaps. Provision Coffee’s bags are omnidegradable, which means they’re biodegradable, recyclable and compostable. Its new steel cans are also 100 percent recyclable, so they’re better for the environment and ensure fresher coffee. Provision leadership also worked with local artist Blaise Danio to design a new label for the cans. 

The Day-Drinking Train has Entered the Station: Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse is welcoming day-drinking season with an array of spring cocktails. In addition to its already vibrant bar program, these cocktails are creative and designed for warm weather and good vibes. Some of the cocktails include Stacie’s Mom (Has Got It Goin’ On) with Empress gin, pineapple, banana, fresh lime and Cave Creek Olive Oil Company’s peach balsamic, the White Lotus with St. George pear brandy, Prosecco simple syrup, pamplemousse, fresh lemon and CBD- and grapefruit-infused sparkling water, and the Backyard BBQ with Maker’s Mark bourbon, BBQ simple syrup and smoke bitters. Sip on these delightful mixed drinks throughout spring at Liberty Station’s two Scottsdale locations.

Get Your FwB to FnB: FnB Restaurant in Scottsdale is partnering with Blue Watermelon Project for a fundraiser on Saturday, April 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Blue Watermelon Project is an independent nonprofit organization made up of chefs, restauranteurs, farmers and community food advocates. They work to educate and help students develop healthy relationships with food. Enjoy some fabulous food and wine for a good cause. General admission is $250 and tickets can be purchased here.

The Most Edible Time of the Year: Arizona Restaurant Week returns Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 28. The Arizona Restaurant Association’s 10-day extravaganza serves as a period of culinary discovery. Diners can explore and expand their palates at a variety of restaurants for a fraction of the cost. Typically, more than 130 restaurants statewide participate. Some participants for spring 2023 include SanTan Brewing Co., Mora Italian, Ling’s Wok Shop, Indian Delhi Palace, Charleston’s Restaurant and more. During Arizona Restaurant Week, participating restaurants serve limited-edition menus and guests can devour a three-course prix fixe menu for just $33, $44 or $55 per person.

$avings:Good Deals in the Haus: Award-winning local brewery Pedal Haus is celebrating its 7-year anniversary with $7 food and drinks. On Saturday, April 29, all three locations will be offering two for $7 Day Drinker beers as well as beer steins, burgers, brats and margaritas for $7. The event starts at noon and ends at 7 p.m. Guests will also have the chance to win prizes by purchasing custom scratch-off tickets. Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. All funds from ticket sales will be donated to Almost There Rescue, a local nonprofit that helps save pregnant dogs and care for their puppies.