Wednesday, Feb. 1, a months’ long search for Arizona’s chocolate dessert champion will culminate with an epic battle at Hyatt Regency Phoenix’s Compass Arizona Grill.
The public is invited to come watch the live cooking contest, co-sponsored by Copper Square Kitchen, Urban Cookies and Classic Cakes and Confections, with the (egg) beating and kneading beginning at 1 p.m.
From Nov. 22, 2011 to Jan. 6, recipes were submitted to organizers. Recipes had to meet four requirements: 1) Must be local; 2) Must feature chocolate; 3) Must be original; and 4) Couldn’t be a winner of any previous contests.
“We are taking a creative yet fun approach to give some Arizonans the chance to become famous locally,” said Compass director of catering Jerry Malone. “It’s a great and exciting opportunity.”
The winner of the contest will have their creation showcased on the Compass Arizona Grill’s special Valentine’s Day menu and throughout the month of February.
Thursday night,
The entire weekend will be a celebration of the Big Race–for distance runners, novice runners, never runners, et al–and much of the action will take place in our urban core.
In addition to Mayor Stanton’s speech, we’ll be awarding DREAMR Awards in five categories (Private Sector Individual, Public Sector Individual, Organization, Project, and Unsung Hero), and the hotly anticipated Best Of Downtown Awards, which go to Downtown businesses and attractions based on popular vote.
Each 2-hour demonstrations include 3 courses paired with Arizona wines or beers, plus a take-home recipe. Tickets are $55 each and Tuesday’s Series kickoff features Chef Elizabeth Meinz of Orange Table. From 6-8 p.m. Chef Meinz will take attendees through her “Breakfast for Dinner” concept, with savory pan syrup, prosciutto Benedict, ravioli with fresh herb ricotta, crispy prosciutto, eggs and bacon foam, all paired with Canelo Hills Chardonnay, Nimbus Blonde, and Pillsbury Child wine. This demonstration is sponsored by Hickman’s Family Farms and Maya’s Farm.
Cooking with Chef Mark Tarbell
The Downtown Phoenix Partnership presents its annual salute to the people and places making the most significant impact in Arizona’s Urban Heart over the past year at the
DINNER
Ice Skating at CityScape
It’s sorta like a green and red flash mob, minus Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Now through May, Taste It Tours will be leading tours of Downtown restaurants Friday-Sunday. The tours begin at 1 p.m. and end around 4 p.m.
Downtown Goings On Jan. 26-29
Thursday, January 26th, 2012Downtown Phoenix is host to over 50 events this weekend. Here’s a sampling to wet your whistle.
You spin me right round, baby, right round
Two of the premier DJs in the Valley are playing Downtown venues Thursday night. DJ Sean Watson is at District American Kitchen & Wine Bar from 7-11 p.m. (FREE) and DJENTRIFICATION joins Dengue Fever and Secret Chiefs 3 at Crescent Ballroom starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $14.
Putting the fun in dysfunction
“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m In Therapy,” plays all weekend at Herberger Theater Center. The hit New York comedy was inspired by the author’s hilariously dysfunctional family, and all the people in his life whose sole purpose was to drive him into therapy… and they succeeded. One part lasagna, one part kreplach, and two parts prozac, you don’t have to be Jewish or Italian to love this show. All you need is to know what it feels like to leave a family dinner with heartburn and a headache. Showtimes vary, tickets are $39.50-$49.50. Psychological thriller “9 Circles” also continues its run in the Kax Theater. Showtimes vary, tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door.
The Peking Acrobats perform at Comerica Theatre Friday night and these gravity defying entertainers remind me of this scene in Ocean’s Eleven where Rusty and Danny recruit The Amazing Yen to be in their crew. Show starts at 7:30, tickets are $25-$48.
High culture at Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall
The beautiful and enthralling ballet “MOMIX Botanica” stops in Downtown for two shows at Orpheum Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17-$21. Meanwhile, over at Symphony Hall, Arizona Opera performs “Madama Butterfly.” Showtimes vary Friday-Sunday, with tickets starting at $40.
Truckasaurus Rex and PTero Dactal the Prehistoric PT Cruiser
You can see less fictional monster trucks Saturday at the Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam at Chase Field. Show is at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $20. Or, fans can watch the action in style at Friday’s Front Row. Call 602-462-3506 for details.
Grand opening for new loft rentals
Looking for a place to live Downtown? The Summit at Copper Square is now leasing units and they are holding an Open House all day on Saturday. While you’re checking out the fancy urban digs, enter to win 2 tickets to Saturday night’s Suns/Grizzlies game.
Fluffy returns to Phoenix with Stand-Up Revolution Tour
Stand Up Live hosts Gabriel Iglesias and friends for one night only, Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38.50-$46.50. Also, Friday-Sunday, Stand Up Live welcomes the “undisputed queen of comedy” Sommore. Two shows Friday and Saturday (7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) and a 7 p.m. show on Sunday. Tickets are $28.
Have a great weekend in Downtown Phoenix!
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