Celebrate The 26th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Get into it - the 2004 Scottsdale Culinary Festival is just around the corner. Celebrate, participate, volunteer or sponsor the Valley's biggest and best culinary event. Achieve that warm and fuzzy feeling by supporting a wonderful cause by getting involved with the 26th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Gourmet food takes center stage April 13th- 18th, 2004 as wineries, chefs, celebrities, locals and tourists alike gather together for an unprecedented culinary gala.
It's hard to imagine a better time or place - from orange blossoms and beautiful weather to fiery sunsets and the best chefs in the Southwest - to escape for a long weekend of entertainment and incredible cuisine. At the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, food becomes art. Make it come alive for you by participating, volunteering or attending. The six-day event includes ten distinct events. Taste and sip your way through:

Thursday evening, March 18: "A Taste of Art" TM ArtWalk. Kick off The Scottsdale Culinary Festival early & in style! Not your usual ArtWalk! Yes, all the galleries will be open for the viewing but what happens when food and art combine? On one special evening the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and ArtWalk join forces as the streets fill with food and art connoisseurs alike. Various vendors will line the streets offering a taste of their cuisine as you stroll along on a lovely evening devoted to the fine art and fine cuisine.

Tuesday evening, April 13: "Feasting with the Authors", A festive evening rubbing elbows with national and local authors, enjoying recipes prepared from the authors' latest cookbooks and sampling specially-paired wines at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. ($75 per person)

Wednesday evening, April 14: "Culinary Student Competition Awards DinnerTM", Honor outstanding culinary students from around the country while enjoying their award winning recipes on the beautiful Terrace Court at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch. Countless student chefs throughout the nation will enter but only two will be selected winners of this prestigious competition. The winners' dishes will be prepared as appetizers followed by an exquisite dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jim Palmeri paired with premium Mondavi wines. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale. ($100 per person)

Thursday evening, April 15: "Culinary Hall of Fame Awards Dinner TM", Enjoy a spectacular dinner in the Marquesa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess while honoring local, national and international culinarians. ($100 per person)



Friday evening, April 16: "A Caterers' Fare TM", Everyone is a VIP! Guests have the opportunity to sample tastings from some of the best caterers in the Valley and wineries in the country while listening to the Reed Family Reunion under the stars. ($75 per person includes all food, beverages, and entertainment.)

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Great Arizona Picnic TM", Soak up the sunshine as you leisurely stroll and titillate your taste buds with food from dozens of the Valley's best restaurants while relaxing to the sounds of live entertainment. This wildly popular culinary event has an entrance fee of $5 per person for those over 12 years old. Stop by your local Safeway to purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $4.50.

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Cooks & Corks TM", Feel the energy as both nationally acclaimed and the Valley's own celebrity chefs design exceptional cuisine to satisfy every palate. Taste and sip your way through a "Wonderful Gourmet World of Food and Wine." ($45 per person)

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Southwest Festival of Beers TM", Imagine quaffing icy cold, refreshing beers at the spectacular outdoor Beer Garden featuring more than 200 specialty brews. It&