Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Scoop Factory readers get free stuff all the time, such as this tix giveaway to a posh food fest in the heart of Scottsdale:

The food gods giveth and the food gods taketh away. Just as we were moping about the news that the Crave AZ food fest has been pushed back into 2011, we remembered that this weekend is the 5th annual Dine Out with the Chefs event. Hosted this Sunday, October 3, at an (air-conditioned) atrium inside the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, it’s your chance to mix and mingle with more than 20 of the Valley’s top chefs while sampling killer culinary creations such as these fish tacos from Frank & Albert’s at the Arizona Biltmore (pictured). Tix to this sumptuous Sunday affair are normally a very reasonable $55 ($65 at the door). But why pay even that paltry sum when you can eat for free (or should we say freebie)?

However, before we get to the giveaway, let us tempt your palate with a sneak peak at a few of the featured menus. Can you say salt-seared Kobe beef kabobs? Well, we know Lon’s chef Jeremy Pacheco can, because he’ll be pairing them with corn soup made with bay scallops and house-cured bacon, as well as chocolate lollipops for dessert. Other highlights include chefs Kyle Lipetzky (Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician) and Mel Mecinas (Talavera at Four Seasons Scottsdale) in a slow-and-low showdown as they serve up slow-roasted duck and pork loin, respectively. Finally, wash it all down with artisanal ice creams from the crew at Sweet Republic, who will be scooping up a Sunday Tea Trio comprised of Earl Grey, Jasmine and Masala Chai ice cream and sorbet.

So who’s ready to ring the dinner bell? Simply be the first person to Tweet or post to our Facebook wall where chef Mel Mecinas was born. Hint: you can get the answer here. Good luck and happy eating.

Chef Fest: 7380 E. Second St. 480-994-ARTS (2787)

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