Cooks & Corks 2017

One of my favorite food events to kick off the season here in Phoenix, is going to be here in just a few short weeks! Cooks & Corks is on Friday, October 20, 2017 and it is in its 5th year. Each year has been more impressive than the last. I often get asked by my followers, which food events are worth their time and money, this is one of them. Let me tell you why:

1. The quality of the food samples is high above most other food events.

Let's be real, I go to a lot of festivals and food events. If I'm going to take a few hours to go to one, the food better be on point because that's what I'm there for. Let's not forget the drinks, even though I tend to sway more towards food, for those of you that like to sip and nibble, there's great drinks too. The drinks range from fine wines to spirits and craft beer, plenty for your to sip while you enjoy all the bites. You'll also have the opportunity check out some silent auction items, which always include amazing gifts from local restaurants and retailers.

2. There's no lines for the delicious food!

I'll admit it, I'm spoiled, I don't like lines, I don't want to wait for my food, I enjoy instant gratification. Which is one of the reasons this event is good for me. I don't have to wait in huge lines for the amazing food samples and you never have to worry about them running out of food or drinks. We're talking easy access to samples from some of the top Chefs around town. Derek Biazo, with deseo at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Jeremy Pacheco with LON’s at The Hermosa, Lance Whipple and Samantha Sanz from Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Lisa Dahl from Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Peter McQuaid with Elements Restaurant at Sanctuary Resort and so many more!

3. The location and atmosphere and general vibe of the event is elegant but you're still guaranteed to feel relaxed and have a plenty of fun!

At Cooks & Corks, you have the ability to dress up and feel good about yourself with friends, while still having a memorable night. You'll have the opportunity to laugh, dance, eat, drink and take some pictures at the Fotobot booth. I don't know about you guys, but I appreciate all three of these things the most when I'm going to an event. I want to have fun, I love to dress up, I want the food to be worth it and I don't want to be standing in lines all night long.

Here's the scoop on how to get tickets:

General admission is $125 and includes admission at 6:30 p.m., unlimited food and drink samples throughout the event. VIP admission is $175 and includes early entry at 5:30 p.m., a champagne welcome courtesy of Moet and Chandon Champagne, a gift bag and private seating. Presale tickets for both VIP and general admission are available online at www.cooksandcorks.org.

Cooks and Corks will be located at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, 10600 E Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Patrons are encouraged to come dressed in cocktail attire and bear in mind this is an outdoor event, some guests may wish to bring a light jacket. The Four Seasons Resort at Troon North is offering a special discounted room rate of $359 for guests attending Cooks & Corks, see event website for full details. Complimentary valet parking with be available at check in in front of the hotel lobby.

For more information, visit: www.cooksandcorks.org. All net proceeds raised will support the non-profit Scottsdale League for the Arts in its effort to promote arts and arts education organizations in the Phoenix metropolitan area, via annual fundraisers such as the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and The Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner. Since 2002, the League has contributed more than $4 million to numerous organizations such as Ballet Arizona, Childsplay, and Free Arts of Arizona.

This post was sponsored by the Scottsdale League for the Arts but I promise, when I say it's one of my favorite events, I mean it!