Kids’ Corner

KIDS’ CORNER

WHY STEM SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOUR KIDS By Jill “MamaBug” Frier A WORLD OF RAPIDLY that focus on educational programs cepts learned in the classroom, in an CHANGING TECHNOLOGY and activities to encourage and de- after school environment.

As a parent of school age chil- As science and technology have velop a better understanding of STEM dren, you’ve probably heard become increasingly more important for kids. Here are a few of the many • Arizona STEM Adventure. This people touting the wonders in our world, kids will need STEM organizations around the Valley that all-volunteer run event brings together and importance of STEM education skills to succeed more than ever before. offer STEM programs and activities to students and professionals to give kids a for kids. But what is STEM and why STEM is an essential part of everything inspire kids of all ages: hands on experience with a STEM prois it so important for your kid to get up we do every day. Science is key to fessional and motivate students to enter to speed on it? STEM is an acronym everything around us, from medicine, • The Arizona STEM Network, led the world of STEM. The next Arizona that stands for Science, Technology, to the products we use, to understand- by Science Foundation Arizona. This STEM Adventure will take place on NoEngineering, and Mathematics. A ing the natural world. The technology non-profit organization was created vember 16th, 2019, at the Pima Comgood understanding of these areas of to understand and develop that science as a collaboration between Arizona munity College, Northwest Campus. study can help your child have a better is constantly evolving and expanding businesses, educators, government, understanding of how our world works into every aspect of our daily lives. And and philanthropic organizations. The There are loads of resources in the today and give them an edge when engineering is the basic foundation not Arizona STEM Network focuses on a Phoenix area to help make STEM then eventually enter the workforce as only for building infrastructure, like common agenda to graduate more Ari- education fun and relevant to your an adult. roads, bridges, and buildings, but also zona students prepared for the global children. Do your homework and take for the way organizations, businesses economy. steps to get your kids interested in WHY STEM SUBJECTS ARE and governments operate and become science, technology, engineering, and IMPORTANT continually more efficient. • Arizona Center for Afterschool math – these subjects are important STEM learning can help build a child’s Excellence. This organization exposes for everyone’s future. And be sure to critical thinking skills, sense of curios- When interviewed by the We Are kids to STEM-related activities during check out Ladybug’s Blog (www.Laity, creativity, and an understanding of Teachers website, James Brown, execu- out-of-school time, to allow them to dybugsBlog.com) for more articles and technology and the scientific method tive director of the STEM Education learn experientially. Kids engage in recommendations for fun, educational while discovering new things. STEM Coalition in Washington, D.C., and a hands-on activities that require the and interesting things to do with kids education typically presents real-world nuclear engineer by training, explained, practical but fun application of con- everywhere in Arizona! scenarios that kids can work on, study “What binds together the STEM moveand solve with a hands-on, scientific ment is the notion of modern skills. approach. These skills are important Employers talk about problem-solving. elements of “learning how to learn,” Society requires problem-solving. which is a critical element of most Doing your taxes requires problemsolution-oriented, not to mention solving. Those are the types of skills higher paying, jobs. that really matter. A practicing engineer A study by the U.S. Department of learned to solve problems on paper, but Commerce showed that occupations the way it taught me to solve problems involving STEM are growing at 17 per- and to think about problems was really cent, while occupations in other fields important.” are growing at less than 10 percent. The study also showed that people who STEM EDUCATION have a degree in a STEM field general- OPPORTUNITIES FOR ly have a higher income than those who YOUR CHILD are involved in other careers. People in STEM classes can help kids be betthe fields of science, technology, engi- ter problem solvers, more creative neering, and math play an essential role thinkers, and better at observing and in sustaining the current U.S. economy, thinking about the world around them, and will likely remain a critical compo- rather than simply memorizing facts. nent well into the future. STEM education helps drive the inBottom line, a focus on STEM educa- tors of the future. And a good STEM tion gives kids the edge they need to program finds ways to make math and flourish in growing career fields. The science important concepts that are fun U.S. Department of Labor’s work- and interesting for kids. force projections show that nine of will tell you, ‘I didn’t use the calculus I ventors, problem-solvers and innovathe 10 fastest growing occupations STEM educational opportunities that require a college degree will also are more widely available than ever. demand significant scientific or math- Parents and teachers can find proematical training. grams, classes, camps, and museums

COVER STORY THE 10 MOST DELICIOUS DAYS THIS SEASON: ARIZONA RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS MAY 17-26

By Molly Cerreta Smith

For dining enthusiasts, spring in Arizona is a delicious time. The season is sprinkled with some of the best culinary events throughout the state — including Arizona Restaurant Week, which gives Valley foodies a taste of the local dining scene at its finest. Presented by the Arizona Restaurant Association, this spring’s Arizona Restaurant Week spans 10 days, from Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 26, and offers diners a chance to sample prix-fixe menus from local hidden gems to some of the finest dining establishments in the state.

Considered the “most edible time of year,” this season marks the 12th anniversary of Arizona Restaurant Week (ARW), an event which was established to allow restaurants around the state to showcase their culinary chops (many restaurants features dishes during this time that are not on their usual menus) and give diners an opportunity to experience an extraordinary culinary journey that they’ve not yet had the chance to explore. According to Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, another goal of ARW is to solidify Arizona’s position as one of the country’s top culinary destinations by increasing awareness of the nearly 9,000 dining opportunities available throughout the state and also stimulate business for restaurants around Arizona. In fact, participating establishments report an average 20 percent

HEARTH 61 increase in sales during Arizona Restaurant Week. “Each year we are delighted by the growth of the event not only in restaurant participation in Phoenix and around the entire state, but also in the attendance during these 10 days of dining,” Chucri says. “We are proud to be among the organizations that are dedicated to elevating our state’s culinary scene into the spotlight — and that the state’s culinary status is being so well received by our locals and visitors, too.”

Much has changed since the event’s inception in 2008, including the addition of both a spring and a fall Arizona Restaurant Week. The event began with Fall Arizona Restaurant Week, but due to popular demand Spring Arizona Restaurant Week was introduced in 2011. However, one thing hasn’t changed – the format that offers an incredibly budget-friendly way for dinners to experience a fabulous meal at a fraction of what they might normally pay. Each participating establishment offers a three-course prix-fixe menu for just $33 or $44 per person or per couple, depending on the restaurant and its offerings. Restaurants also have the option to include a non-alcoholic beverage within that price and some feature wine pairings for an additional cost. While restaurant’s regular menus are available during Arizona Restaurant Week, many of the ARW dishes are only available during this time — so it’s best to take advantage of these culinary creations while they last!

Currently, there are more than 110 restaurant locations participating in this year’s Spring ARW, and that list is continually growing. Among this number, there is a great selection of restaurants which have been involved since the event’s beginning and many are first-timers, too. Inclusive for all diners, there are vegetarian, gluten-free and other offerings specific to dietary needs available on ARW menus (and are noted online at www.arizonarestaurantweek.com). Some of the highlights this spring include:

HEARTH 61

Located within the Mountain Shadows Resort, Hearth 61’s culinary prowess is the brainchild of renowned local chef Charles Wiley. The ingredient-driven cuisine is a true treat on any given night, but the ARW menu is not to be missed. For $44 per person, guests can choose from starters such as the Local Beet Salad, Chilled Pea Soup and Jacob Bean Ragout and entrees including Soft Shell Crab with spring succotash; Niman Ranch Prime Tenderloin of Beef with bleu cheese fondue truffled mash; or Mushroom Tortellini with prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano brodo. To finish the meal, diners can select from the Yuzu Crème Brulee with sesame shortbread and apricot jam; Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla crème anglaise and apple butter gelato; or Bananas Foster Brioche Bread Pudding with rum caramel and sticky toffee gelato.

MARCELLINO RISTORANTE

Italian flavor and flare come to life at Scottsdale’s Marcellino Ristorante. The nightly cuisine regularly features showstoppers such as handcrafted flavored pastas from saffron to squid ink, fresh crustaceans, wild game, seasonal truffles and more. Chef Marcellino’s talent and passion is evident on each plate, including tempting dishes on his ARW menu. For $44 (plus) per person, guests can choose from Antipasto including Insalata Organiche; Bufala Mozzarella and Prosciutto; Bresaola; or Zuppa Del Giorno (vegetarian-based soups of the day). “Secondo” or main course options include Paccatelli pasta with hearty tomato and sausage ragu; Gnocchi Sorrentina with rich tomato sauce and mozzarella; Pollo Saporito — chicken with mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and pine nuts; Salmon Al Cognac with a touch of cream; and Filettino Con Tartufo with white truffle oil. The Dolce course includes the choice of Italian classics Tiramisu or Panna Cotta. Chef Marcellino has also personally selected wine pairings for each course for an additional $25 (plus).

URBAN MARGARITA

For a taste of Latin and Mexican-inspired cuisine, Urban Margarita in Glendale features its ARW menu for just $33 per person featuring a selection of starters including Mini Jalapeno Cilantro Cream Cheese Chimis, Hatch Green Chile Three-Cheese Nachos and Short Rib Flautas with fresh avocado sauce; main courses including Baja Shrimp with cilantro lime rice and roasted asparagus; eight-ounce Prime Flat Iron with roasted garlic butter and farmers market vegetables; and Slow-Braised C.A.B. Short Ribs with Urban scalloped potatoes. Dessert choices include the Bananas Foster Ice Cream Torta, and Anejo Rum and Maple Brioche Bread Pudding.

To make for a complete (and safe) date night out, Arizona Restaurant Week has even partnered with Lyft offering diners either a $20 credit (for first-time users) or 20 percent off (for existing Lyft customers) to and from their ARW destinations. Regardless of where guests decide to dine, Arizona Restaurant Week establishments offer menus that represent a wide array of cultural cuisine presented in a unique way that highlights the unparalleled talent of Arizona’s local chefs. For a complete list of participating Spring Arizona Restaurant Week establishments and to get a sneak peak of their ARW menus, visit www. arizonarestaurantweek.com.