Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT

SPRING ARIZONA RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS MAY 17-26:

THE 10 MOST DELICIOUS DAYS THIS SEASON

By Molly Cerreta Smith “We are proud to be among the organizations that To make for a complete (and safe) date night out, are dedicated to elevating our state’s culinary scene Arizona Restaurant Week has even partnered with

For dining enthusiasts, spring in Arizona is a into the spotlight — and that the state’s culinary Lyft offering diners either a $20 credit (for first-time delicious time. The season is sprinkled with status is being so well received by our locals and users) or 20 percent off (for existing Lyft customsome of the best culinary events throughout visitors, too.” ers) to and from their ARW destinations. Regardless the state — including Arizona Restaurant Week, of where guests decide to dine, Arizona Restaurant which gives Valley foodies a taste of the local dining Much has changed since the event’s inception in Week establishments offer menus that represent a scene at its finest. Presented by the Arizona Restau- 2008, including the addition of both a spring and a wide array of cultural cuisine presented in a unique rant Association, this spring’s Arizona Restaurant fall Arizona Restaurant Week. The event began with way that highlights the unparalleled talent of AriWeek spans 10 days, from Friday, May 17 through Fall Arizona Restaurant Week, but due to popular zona’s local chefs. For a complete list of participatSunday, May 26, and offers diners a chance to demand Spring Arizona Restaurant Week was intro- ing Spring Arizona Restaurant Week establishments sample prix-fixe menus from local hidden gems to duced in 2011. However, one thing hasn’t changed – and to get a sneak peak of their ARW menus, visit some of the finest dining establishments in the state. the format that offers an incredibly budget-friendly www.arizonarestaurantweek.com. way for dinners to experience a fabulous meal at a Considered the “most edible time of year,” this sea- fraction of what they might normally pay. son marks the 12th anniversary of Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW), an event which was established Each participating establishment offers a threeto allow restaurants around the state to showcase course prix-fixe menu for just $33 or $44 per person their culinary chops (many restaurants features or per couple, depending on the restaurant and dishes during this time that are not on their usual its offerings. Restaurants also have the option to menus) and give diners an opportunity to experi- include a non-alcoholic beverage within that price ence an extraordinary culinary journey that they’ve and some feature wine pairings for an additional not yet had the chance to explore. According to cost. While restaurant’s regular menus are available Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona during Arizona Restaurant Week, many of the ARW Restaurant Association, another goal of ARW is to dishes are only available during this time — so it’s solidify Arizona’s position as one of the country’s best to take advantage of these culinary creations top culinary destinations by increasing awareness while they last! of the nearly 9,000 dining opportunities available throughout the state and also stimulate business for Currently, there are more than 110 restaurant locarestaurants around Arizona. In fact, participating tions participating in this year’s Spring ARW, and establishments report an average 20 percent increase that list is continually growing. Among this number, in sales during Arizona Restaurant Week. there is a great selection of restaurants which have been involved since the event’s beginning and many “Each year we are delighted by the growth of the are first-timers, too. Inclusive for all diners, there are event not only in restaurant participation in Phoenix and around the entire state, but also in the attenvegetarian, gluten-free and other offerings specific to dietary needs available on ARW menus (and are HEARTH 61 dance during these 10 days of dining,” Chucri says. noted online at www.arizonarestaurantweek.com).

WATER-FILLED FUN AWAITS FAMILIES AT GREAT WOLF LODGE ARIZONA

Careening down slides, bounc- of water-fun. A sampling of the line- three at a lower-level for more of the • River Canyon Run: A rollicking ing in the surf, gathering up of waterpark experiences include: toddler set. family raft ride that sends up to four underneath a giant bucket as a riders on a white-water adventure thousand gallons of water prepares to • Talking Stick Treehouse: Great • Wolf Tail: A thrill-seekers delight. down one of the park’s longest slides. pour down – families will experience Wolf Lodge’s signature, multi-level Guests step into a launch pod and With no steep drops, this is the perfect this joy, and much more water-filled water play structure featuring suspen- listen to the rhythmic sound of a heart- slide for parents and the kids to enjoy fun. With the temperature set to a cozy sion bridges, slides, spray stations beat as they wait for the floor to drop together. 84-degrees year-round, the indoor wa- and other water elements. Atop of out from underneath, hurling them terpark facility will offer weatherproof Talking Stick Treehouse sits a mas- into a nearly vertical, 20-foot free fall, The resort will also feature an overfamily fun for every age and excite- sive, 1,000 gallon tipping bucket that followed immediately by a 360-de- sized outdoor resort pool so families ment level. pours out every three-to-four min- gree, high-speed loop. can take advantage of the favorable utes, to the glee of the guests waiting Arizona weather. Near the outdoor Great Wolf Lodge recently released below. Attached to the play structure • Alberta Falls: This one or two- pool, Great Wolf Lodge will offer an the first details about the waterpark are five water slides, two that origi- person tube slide features drops, adult-only oasis with relaxing chaise and the slides and attractions that will nate from the top of the structure for chutes and serpentine 180- degree and lounge chairs and a private hot tub for be offered inside the nearly two acres more adventurous young ones and 360-degree banked curves. parents to enjoy.