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or more than a dozen years, Phoenix Cooks has been among one of the can’t-miss culinary events of the summer. Hosted by iHeartMedia, it’s a foodie event on the grandest of scales that brings together chefs from more than 50 restaurants and resorts from across Arizona as well as nearly 100 beer, wine and spirit brands for a day of sipping, savoring and supporting a great cause. “This year, proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ), which provides every person with intellectual disabilities a place of welcome, acceptance and the chance to be their best,” says Kelly Manders of iHeartMedia. “The practices learned in SOAZ also impact their life skills – sports training enhances focus and provides a structure for important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals.” According to Manders, SOAZ empowers more than 180,000 individuals, and Phoenix Cooks has raised more than $390,000 for local charities since its inception in 2004.
The 13th annual Phoenix Cooks ushers in food and fun BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
If You Go…
What: Phoenix Cooks When: Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale Tickets: Advance, $85; at the door, $100; designated driver, $60 Information: www.phoenixcooks.com
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During the event, guests can expect small bites from popular local eateries including MATCH, Deseo, North Italia, Tanzy Restaurant and The Greene House as well as sips from Hensley and Breakthru Beverage Arizona, which is one of the largest distributors of wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages in the state. Several chefs will also take part in a friendly competition throughout the day akin to Iron Chef, where they will be tasked with preparing a dish using a mystery ingredient in front of a live audience. “We will also be handing over the stage to several famed local chefs and beverage partners – one every half hour, in fact – to allow them to give interactive cooking demonstrations, cocktail pairing advice, and even pull guests on stage to cook with them throughout the day,” Manders says. General admission tickets include all food, wine, beer and spirit tastings as well as stage demos. There are also designated driver tickets available, which are limited to food and non-alcoholic sampling.