Sassi Restaurant creating fresh pasta dishes for Taste 2010
Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Taste 2010, held at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 11, 2010, was definitely a culinary dream come true.
Potato gnocchi from Barney's New York at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Veuve Cliquot Champagne. I didn't think life could get much better. But Taste 2010 was filled with exceptional food from 50 of the Valley's finest restaurants, wines from around the world, and beers from across the globe.
Even a certified, die-hard, non-beer drinker such as myself discovered a beer I enjoyed. The Saison Dupont from Belgium, distributed by Crescent Crown, is new to the Valley and found at most larger distribution locations, including BevMo.
One of my favorite desserts at Taste 2010 was the frozen strawberries, dipped in hot chocolate and chocolate pop rocks, from Arizona Biltmore's Frank + Albert Restaurant. Of course, Executive Chef Todd Sicolo's jovial table-side service made the strawberries, and Biltmore's hospitality, even more welcoming.
Food and wine from around the Valley and across the globe was highlighted at Taste 2010
Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
The sushi from Roka Akor was spot-on and the filet-wrapped asparagus from Sushi Roku showcased that restaurant's ability to put out exceptional food every time, even in the most trying surroundings.
Sassi Restaurant in Scottsdale was whipping up a pasta dish right before our eyes and it was a bite I wanted to go back for -- but I forced myself to move on since there was so much more to sample.
There was pizza from Grimaldi's, the best little bite of shrimp and guacamole on a chip from Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill, and a luscious tiny red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes.
The list goes on. Taste 2010 featured food from around the Valley served up with beer, wine and spirits to suit every taste. I had some lovely Oregon Pinot Noir that I'll go looking for in my neighborhood market. If I don't find it, I'm going to be putting in an order.
Taste, A World of Flavors is the annual fundraiser for Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix. This 36th annual event was a huge success judging by the crowds. People were everywhere, enjoying the food, the company, the beverages, and listening to great music.
Chris Parker Project performing at Taste 2010. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Performers on hand to entertain the crowds were Instant Classics, C.C. Jones Band featuring TNT, Chris Parker Project, Soul Man, and Dan Dunn.
Following Taste 2010, the party continued for those who chose to attend the Post Taste event at Westin Kierland. The evening was perfect at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. The wide patios were welcoming for the party goers, entering the luxury event via the red carpet leading to the beautifully-decorated ballroom.
Plans for the 37th annual event, to be held in April of 2011, are already underway. You can visit the website at http://www.tastephx.com to sign up for the mailing list for updates on the 2011 event and to join the Twitter and Facebook pages for the event.
Taste 2011 is one culinary event in the Valley you don't want to miss. The food is mouth-watering, the location ideal for wandering from booth to booth, and the cause -- the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix -- is worth every penny of the cost of admission. I can't wait for Taste 2011.
Comments