out their vintages – followed by after-dinner drinks and cigars. At each Winemaker Dinner, this year hosted monthly at Wright’s at the Biltmore, guests dine on an original multi-course menu paired with specially selected wines of a noted vintner. Just kicking off its 27th season, the Oct. 6 event will feature Craggy Range Winery, a high-end family owned winery situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. For its Nov. 3 offering, guests will enjoy Freemark Abbey Winery, a trailblazer of Napa Valley whose varietals date back to the 1800s.
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here is nothing better than a great meal. Except, perhaps, a great meal that delivers a little something extra with every course – be it wine pairings, a celebrity guest or even … murder! Here is how some of the Valley’s top restaurants are providing dining experiences beyond just what’s on the menu this month.
The Gladly’s Sunday Supper Parties Every Sunday in October, 5 p.m. $25++ This now-weekly “come-as-you-are” dinner gathering of friends offers a heaping, table-sharing serving of appetizers, sides and entree – all served at once. Just like an at-home supper party, simply sit down with your crew and let The Gladly team serve the all-at-once meal, keeping the table convo going. Expect the menu to change weekly and boast the best of chef Bernie Kantak’s signature comfortcooking style. Bottled cocktails, which serve four guests each, are also available and start at just an additional $20.
Coup des Tartes’ Mafioso Murder Mystery Dinner
DINNER AND A SHOW Themed Dining Events that Delight ALISON BAILIN BATZ
first Tuesday of select months, these three-course dinners, which include a welcome beverage and beer or wine selections, are hosted in Southern Rail’s private dining room and always have an overarching theme. For October, the menu and program will focus on Beckett’s admitted “Obsession with the perfect, balanced bite.” Moderated by local food blogger Joanie Simon and limited to just 18 guests, the lively discussion is topped only by the flavors in each course.
Southern Rail’s Dinner with Justin
Arizona Biltmore’s Winemaker Dinner Series
October 4, 6:30 p.m. $75 inclusive of tax and gratuity Chef Justin Beckett has been cooking in Phoenix for 16 years and loves making new friends as much as catching up with the old. In fact, it was the motivation behind him creating his now-famous “Dinner with Justin” series. Offered the
October 6 and November 3, 6:30 p.m. $120++ For more than a quarter of a century, the Arizona Biltmore has offered its Winemaker Dinner Series, extravagant epicurean evenings that combine innovative gourmet dining and acclaimed wines – with the winemakers there to discuss UPTOWN |
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October 8, 6 p.m. $65++ Did someone at dinner order “a hit?” During this mob-themed murder mystery dinner at Coup des Tartes, a long-time BYOB restaurant that now offers a full selection of artisan cocktails, beer and a strong wine list, guests can expect an Italian-themed menu featuring short rib pappardelle, creamy pancetta sauce, chicken parmesan and – of course – homemade cannoli, along with an interactive show. Lest you think the wait staff will be playing the part of the Mafioso while bringing each course, the program is put on in partnership with Murder Ink Productions, an award-winning dinner theatre company that has been producing themed shows like this one for nearly 30 years.
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn’s Culinary Powerhouse Dinner October 27, 6 p.m. $125++ What’s better than one award-wining chef? Well, two chefs, of course – plus wine pairings. LON’s own Chef Jeremy Pacheco will welcome Michelin-Starred Chef Alessandro Stratta to join him in the kitchen to craft a five-course dinner for the ages, pairing each course with sommelier-chosen wines from Burning Tree Cellars out of Cottonwood, Ariz. Seating for the event will be limited and reservations must be made in advance.