Phoenix Cooks – Ignite Your Appetite

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a very fun “foodie” event with a dear “foodie” friend of mine.

Wendy and I went to Phoenix Cooks! which was held in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Westin Kierland Resort and Hotel. The event is held annually to help raise money for The Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It’s a very fun and energetic scene showcasing talented chefs from local Phoenix restaurants.

Being one who is in love with food, this event was pure bliss for me. We roamed two enormous ballrooms packed wall to wall with displays of gorgeous food. There were seas of people migrating from one booth to the next, laughing, eating, and enjoying.

Not only could you sample some of the restaurants specialty dishes, but there were live demonstrations where chef’s would prepare the dishes and teach at the same time.

Wendy and I attended a class held by Chef Rita French from Province at Westin Downtown.

We learned all about the makings of a warm vegetable salad, and how to pick produce from the local Farmer’s Market.

A few great tips shared in this class when it comes to cooking a steak:

1. Season the steak from at least two feet above to ensure even coverage.
2. Heat pan or grill with a little oil till almost smoking before placing the steak on to ensure a nice sizzle.
3. The sizzle in the pan will help seal in the flavor.
4. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting into.

Beautiful presentation, and of course it tasted phenomenal. If you’re ever in Phoenix and you’re looking for a great place to eat, I would highly recommend Province.

Mastro’s Restaurant seriously outdid themselves with this Lobster Mashed Potatoes. I’m talking UN-REAL people. The potatoes were whipped so smooth and delicate, then they were drenched in a buttery lobster sauce with chunks of lobster meat.

My mouth is seriously watering right now. {I went back and got seconds.}

That is definitely one restaurant my husband and I will be going to very very soon.

Then there was this incredible duck and wild mushroom taco from Talking Stick Resort. For those of you that are not from Arizona, Talking Stick Resort is also a Casino.

I had no idea I could eat this kind of gourmet food while playing some penny slots.

Sign me up! Can you say stay-cation?

I love food. I love taking pictures of good food. But most of all, I love eating great food.

My husband and I are major sushi lovers. We go out to sushi at least once a month on our date nights, so I was excited to find a new sushi place called Sushi Roku. They were sampling some of the most delicious seared ahi with a beautifully flavored sauce that married the two flavors perfectly in your mouth.

You can bet this is on the menu for our next date night.

I feel like I could go on and on about all the new places I want to try, and how you need to come to Phoenix and try them with me.

But if I could make one tiny suggestion… plan ahead for next year.

Come visit Arizona and go to Phoenix Cooks! It’s for a great cause, and you’ll leave feeling full, happy, and wanting more.