There’s nothing quite like an ice cold beer and a delicious meal on a hot summer day. Sure, summer isn’t technically here yet, but it feels like it. So, bear with us. Local breweries San Tan, Four Peaks, and Mudshark will be teaming up with the Spotted Donkey Cantina for three nights this summer of beer paired meals. Each meal was crafted by Executive Chef, Esteban Colon. For $39 per person, you’ll receive a reception with appetizers and a three-course meal. We can’t wait.

June 5, 2013- Beer Dinner with SanTan Brewing Company

July 10, 2013 – Beer Dinner with Four Peaks Brewing Company

August 7, 2013 – Mudshark Brewery

It always nice seeing businesses doing good things. Memorial Day is coming up on May 27. To honor the military, Scottsdale premier comedy club, Stand-Up Scottsdale, will be having a special show before the holiday. On May 23, the club will be donating 70% of their proceeds to the Heroes to Hometowns organization. This is all in honor of one of the Valley’s fallen soldiers, Army Pfc. John C. Johnson. Johnson succumbed to his wounds when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Comedian Quinn Dahle will be the night’s performer. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and costs $10.00. Show your support by having a few laughs.

It is that time of year where Arizona’s best restaurants gear up for a week of food and fun. Arizona Restaurant Week will be from May 18 to May 27. More than 125 restaurants in Phoenix and Tucson will be strutting their stuff and showing off new and unique items. Chef Nate Johnson from Distrito at the Saguaro Hotel will be going the extra mile. Using a specially-designated Restaurant Week menu, Chef Nate will compliment your taste buds with items like grilled Spanish octopus, or Pulpo al Carbon, glazed pork belly with grilled scallions, Chile Relleno with black beans and Queso Oaxaca and our favorite, his special guacamole. We’ll be bringing you more Restaurant Week news all next week.

You may be thinking that we’re crazy. Okay, we may be a little crazy but this is totally legit. The brand new Butterfly Wonderland knows that AZ’s deserts are full of butterflies. So if you or your child is a shutter-bug (you can bet that pun was intended) or just like snapping some pics while you’re hiking, you should listen up. Butterfly Wonderland is launching a photo contest with a grand prize of $1,000. Second place receives $500 and third place will win a lifetime membership at the Wonderland. This contest is open to all amateur photographers that are at least 8 years old. The deadline for entries is May 20 and the winner will be chosen on May 24 by a team of qualified judges. All submissions must be uploaded by May 22. You can upload them here.

For more information, click here.

Farmer’s markets have everything you could possibly need. If you can’t taste the difference between freshly grown local and the stuff they ship to grocery stores then there must be something wrong with your taste buds. Right now, artichokes are in season and Scottsdale’s Singh Farms weekly farmer’s market with be showing off their recent harvest. This Saturday, May 4, the farm will be having an artichoke festival where you can pick out as many as you want for just 50 cents a piece. Artichokes can run up to $5.00 a piece at stores. You can make a day of it with cooking demos, recipes, and more.

Yes, you read that correctly. April 22 is Earth Day and you should do your part. You can purchase an electric car, take public transportation, stay away from plastic grocery bags, or you can eat cupcakes. Every year, Sprinkles Cupcakes donates 100% of its profits to an environmental care organization. This year, the cupcakery is donating to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Who doesn’t love the botanical gardens? Since 2008, Sprinkles has donates over $68,000 to organizations like these. Way to go Sprinkles.

World of Beer will be combining their beer world and the photography world for a week long event. From April 1 – 7, Tempe will be home to the annual Tempe Festival of the Arts. To be a part of the fest, WoB will paying tribute to one of the greatest photographers ever, Ansel Adams. Portfolios will be set up in the back of WoB. It costs $8 to get in but in honor of one Adams’ greatest pictures, “Winter Sunrise, Sierra Nevada, from Lone Pine, California, 1944,” the bar will be featuring free Sierra Nevada on draft. So, grab a beer or two and enjoy some art.

If you’re a country fan, then this is one prize you can’t miss. The Health & Wealth Raffle is giving you a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with country superstar Dierks Bentley. And that’s not all. This prize also comes with $10,000 cash and a VIP Country Concert package.

How do you get all of this? It’s pretty simple. Buy a Raffle ticket. The Health & Wealth Raffle, benefiting Barrow and St. Joseph’s, is all about good wins. When you purchase by midnight, March 28, you’ll be entered to win this special Early Draw prize as well as the grand prize of $1,000,000 cash. And with more than 2,000 amazing prizes that include extravagant trips, luxury cars and once-in-a- lifetime experiences, there’s nothing quite like the Health & Wealth Raffle.

Show your support by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter and purchase your ticket for only $100 before the Early Draw deadline at midnight, March 28, at www.HealthWealthRaffle.org.

If you aren’t doing yoga yet then you need to get with the times. The W Scottsdale invites Valley yoga newbies and veterans to join in on yoga sessions during Free Flow, the complimentary yoga series. Every Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., the series starts April 18 and goes through May 30.

Collaborating with Lululemon Athletica AZ, the series will feature vinyasa flow and power yoga from the Valley’s top yogis. Taking place on the W Scottsdale’s WET pool deck, once your done sweating and stretching, you can enjoy an an extended happy hour from 7:30-9:30 p.m. that will be offering $3 beers, $5 well drinks, $5 select wines and half-off select food items.

Spring is in the air, can you feel it? The weather is perfect, so why not spend as much as you can outside? Gainey Village in Scottsdale will be hosting its Spring Jubilee event on April 6. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., walk the marketplace and check out latest and greatest from local artisans and crafters. Treat yourself and loved ones to handmade jewelry, children’s clothing and accessories, home and patio décor, craft and holiday items, unique gifts, folk art, specialty foods, and more. The day will be filled with entertainment by Marley Taylor (pictured) a former Zowie Bowie performer. The best part? It’s free and so is the parking.

Let’s face the facts: some people just don’t know how to cook. That’s okay. At some point or another, learning to feed yourself, family, and friends will become relevant. If you want to learner sooner than later, this Sunday, March 24, will be you chance. The S.E.E.D Café, located inside The Madison Improvement Club will be launching their Sunday cooking classes.

Perfect for novice chefs, health nuts, Mexican food fans, and those of you interested in learning how to cook a clean multi-course meal, Chef Joe Meyers will be hosting the “The Joe Show” and you will learn how to cook a three-course meal. For just $30 per person, this week you will learn how to make guacamole, quinoa salad, and enchiladas. To sign up, click here.

Tonight, March 20, Crudo will be hosting a spectacular wine dinner event. Chef Cullen Campbell and Ryan Zepaltas with Zepaltas Winery will prepare a 4-course, wine paired dinner. Zepaltas isn’t your average winemaker. How you ask? Ryan Zepaltas is a professional skateboarder. Who says extreme athletes don’t have class? Tomorrow, Ryan and Chef Cullen will be teaming up for a great night filled with food, wine, and fun. For just $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity, you can make reservations by contacting Crudo at 602-358-8666

1^st Course:

Ahi Crudo with Guanciale, Spring Garlic, Bone Marrow

2009 Hanzell Vineyard Sonoma Valley Chardonnay

2^nd Course:
Farm Egg with Spring Herbs, Bacon and Polenta

2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

3^rd Course:
Gnudi with Brown Butter Mushrooms and Spring Garlic

2010 La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4^th Course:
Pork Belly Stracotto with Turnips, Carrots, Radish and Cippolini

2011 Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah

What does a steakhouse, fine jeweler, and Easter have in common? Eggs. Fabergé Eggs to be exact. J&G Steakhouse and Molina Fine Jewelers have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind Easter experience that will impress the jewelry lover in you Sunday, March 31. On Easter evening only, you can get a glimpse of Molina’s “Museum Collection.” The collection’s five eggs are handcrafted in 18k gold, guillochéed and hard fire glass enameled in 7 layers to create an amazing depth of luster. Each egg also opens up to show more exquisite detail and guests will be shown that. So after Easter dinner, you’ll have a luxurious show. Speaking of dinner, here is J&G’s Easter dinner menu.

Choice of:
Salmon Tartar on Warm Garlic Bread
Sweet Pea Soup, Parmesan Foam
Chopped Lettuce salad, avocado and blue cheese

Choice of:
Slowly cooked Salmon, Warm Potato Salad, Sugar Snap Peas, Horseradish
Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Artichoke, Basil and lemon butter
Grilled Lamb Porterhouse, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Pistachio Pesto

Choice of:
Warm Chocolate Cake, Caramel Ice Cream
Strawberry Pavlova, Crisp Meringue, Vanilla ice cream
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sundae

Mane Attraction Salon is all about the animals. No, not the animal you call a hair-do, but man’s best friend: dogs. On Sunday March 3, from 9:00am to 2:00 pm, Mane Attraction Salon will open their doors and hearts to raise awareness of euthanasia in the Valley at Beauty to the RESCUE.

In 2012, almost 30,000 dogs were euthanized in Arizona. RESCUE and other non-profits aim to lower those numbers, literally saving dogs hours from death. Mane Attraction is going to help this year. By getting $30-$50 for haircuts, $10 for deep conditioning masques, $20 for blow Dry style and $20 for makeup applications, you’ll be doing your part to raise funds and get pampered at the same time.

The day is complete with live music and guest speaker Dr. Grey Stafford from the Wildlife World Zoo.

Sunday, February 24, will be a day of pizza in Scottsdale. Scottsdale mayor Jim Lane, will actually be declaring February 24 as “Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Day.” Why? Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is celebrating its tenth year in the Valley. Known for their coal-fired brick oven pizzas, the pizzeria is a fan favorite among Valley residents.

Grimaldi’s wants to say thanks by hosting a backyard birthday party benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital at their Old Town Scottsdale location. Perfect for you and the kids, a three dollar donation gets you into the party. This includes interactive games, pizza-eating competitions, designated kids area, a World Champion pizza dough thrower, a gaming truck, a magician, a flash mob, fun with Radio Disney and more exciting surprises.

If you enjoy your occasional (or more) adult beverage then you need to head to the Hotel Valley Ho this weekend, February 16, for the Arizona Cocktail Week’s signature event, the Cocktail Carnival.

The AZ Cocktail Week kicks off this Saturday, Feb. 16. If you want to celebrate the Valley’s cocktail culture, you can do so with a unique carnival experience at the Valley Ho. You’ll see the latest innovations from national mixologists, live entertainment, food and games, and of course, cocktails.

There will be pop-up bars featuring the country’s greatest bartenders and carnival games with the chance to win some pretty great prizes. You can even get a free tattoo courtesy of Sailor Jerry.

Tickets start at $55. For more information, click here.

From February 15th to the 18th, Palm Springs will be the go-to place for all things modernism. That’s right, it’s once again time for the Palm Springs Modernism Week. Every year, thousands of people come together in celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs, California.

If you plan on joining the festivities, check out this great deal from The Saguaro hotel, located in the heart of Palm Springs. The Dwell Package deal is good from Feb. 15 to the 17th and features a book signing event and welcome drink with Peter Stamberg & Paul Aferiat, renowned architects of The Saguaro, with a guided tour of the property. A complimentary signed copy of Stamberg Aferiat Architecture. An intimate and informative breakfast with Dwell Editor-in-Chief Amanda Dameron, two tickets to Welcome Aboard: The Pan Am Exhibit at The Saguaro, and much more.

For more information or to reserve your spot, click here.

Wow, time really does fly. In just five days, the Waste Management Phoenix Open will be upon us once again. One of the largest golfing events in the country will be in our backyards on Sunday, Feb. 3. If you plan on hanging out at the infamous 16th Hole, then consider not driving — seeing how it’s one big party.

Central Bistro will be offering a Brunch & Bus package for just $40. This includes one brunch dish per ticket, bottomless mimosas, as well as a trip to and from the WM Open on an awesome double decker London bus. For the occasion, Central Bistro will open earlier than usual, at 9:00 am to be exact. At 10:30 am, the double decker bus makes it way to the Open.

If you want to make a Brunch & Bus reservation, go ahead and call 602.264.2655 or send an email to [email protected]

It’s January and that means the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon will soon be taking over the streets of the Valley. This year is special. It is the 10th year the event has taken place and P.F. Chang’s wants to make a memorable race.

On Sunday, January 20, the half marathon takes place and Chang’s challenges to you beat the dragon. Literally. A team of local runners will don the traditional Chinese running dragon (see photo) that spans 43 feet. Your goal is to beat that dragon. And if you beat the dragon, your reward will be sweet.

Everyone who successfully defeats the dragon will be offered free dessert from P.F. Chang’s. The options include, Tiramisu, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Torte

So what do you think? Do you have what it takes to beat the dragon this year?

It is the last day of the year. You’ve probably already figured out what you’re doing tonight, but if you still need some ideas, check out this New Year’s Eve party round up. So grab your dress, grab your suit, a couple bottles of champagne and let’s get ready to have some fun tonight.

Scottsdale’s NYE Block Party – Block parties are always fun because they let you walk around and mingle with thousands of people. In one of the Valley’s most happening spots, this will be a great party.

A Gatsby New Year’s Eve – Taking place at the W Scottsdale hotel, you can party like it’s 1920 tonight. Make sure to wear your flapper dress and tux.

Mill Avenue Block Party – Tempe’s yearly event will surely draw thousands of guests. With pretty much every bar participating, there will be live music, dancing, and fun.

“RA”ckin New Year’s Eve Party – Every location of RA Sushi will be celebrating tonight with a party. Enjoy food and drink specials while you bring in 2013.

For more New Year’s Eve party ideas, click here.

Sure enough, you’re family and friends have started to come into town. So, what are all of you going to do to spend the time? You should think about heading downtown to CityScape. You can have some fun and give back to the community at the same time.

On Saturday, December 29, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, CityScape will be home to a re-gifting drive to benefit Human Services Campus. Surely you’ve got extra clothes laying around in your closet that will probably never see the light of day again. So, why not give them to people who need it? If you donate, you’ll receive a dollar off of skate rental at CitySkate, downtown’s awesome ice skating rink.

On Sunday, December 30, CityScape will be teaming up with the AZ Science Center. Get a discount that day at the science center and CitySkate when you wear your ugly Christmas sweater. You’ll also be eligible for $1 all beers at Copper Blues, $1 off all food and beverage items at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, $1 off every item purchased at West of Soho, $10 off all shoes at Brooklynns.

Still looking for New Year’s Eve activities? Well, Sushi Roku at the W Scottsdale will be rolling sake barrels and coming up with delicious courses for a NYE party you’ll never forget. The night will be complete with a full a la carte menu, special menus, and even some deals.

In the dining room, everyone who makes reservations will have a maximum of two hours. In those two hours you can enjoy sake, wine, and champagne. The dining hall will decked out with balloons and decorations.

Upstairs on the patio, you can enjoy Roku’s premier seating and watch the huge W Ball Drop. Guests who sit on the patio will also receive party favors.

To make reservations call 480.970.2121

Sure, it’s not exactly going to be like Time’s Square on New Year’s, but CityScape Phoenix will have a lot to offer while you’re saying goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013. Also take note, New Year’s is one of Arizona’s largest nights for DUI arrests, so why even risk it? If you stay at Hotel Palomar, you can just ride the elevator home instead of getting behind the wheel.

Let’s take a look at some of the hottest NYE parties going down that night:

Copper Blues

You can party the night away and enjoy live music at Copper Blues when The Instant Classics take the stage at 8:30 pm and play until 2:00 am. Guests can choose from three different packages ranging from general admission to all inclusive ($25 – $75 per person). Doors open at 6:00 pm and reservations are recommended.

Gypsy Bar

For its first New Year’s Eve celebration, Gypsy Bar is going all out and hosting a “Reset” party. The night kicks off at 8pm with specialty entertainment acts, Go Go dancers, video DJ LA and food and drink specials and packages. At midnight, guests will be treated to a complimentary champagne toast and party favors while they watch the ball drop in Times Square on 12-foot, high-definition screens as confetti and balloons drop from the ceiling.

Arrogant Butcher

Start the night off with dinner at one of Downtown Phoenix’s favorite restaurants, Arrogant Butcher. They will be offering a special dinner menu from 11am from 10pm highlighting some of its specialty menu items.

Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape & Stand Up Live

Ring in the New Year with Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape with beautiful downtown accommodations, a night of fun and special VIP treatment.

Have you started attending holiday parties yet? Well, make Del Frisco’s Grille’s Naughty and Nice Holiday Party your first one of the season. On Friday, December 21 starting at 6:00 p.m., Del Frisco’s will be the place to be. Featuring local band Sugahbeat playing festive holiday music and two, new specialty cocktails (the Naughty “Other Mrs. Claus” or the Nice “Santa’s Little Helper,”) the night will be loads of holiday fun.

It’s time to break out your ugly Christmas sweater, because photo booths will be available with holiday props to pose with. Guests are encouraged to wear Naughty or Nice holiday attire. The night will also include prize raffles.

You’ll be having fun and have the possibility to make a difference that night. Donations can be made to benefit St. Vincent de Paul and their adopt-a-family program.

You can win raffle tickets by donating an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item, purchasing a Del Frisco’s Grille gift card, ordering one of the featured Naughty or Nice cocktails, dressing up in holiday Naughty or Nice attire, signing up for Del Frisco’s Grille email club, or  posting a Naughty or Nice photo of yourself from the party on their Facebook page.

 Del Frisco’s Grille | 2425 East Camelback Road | Phoenix, AZ 85016

Lovers of hop rejoice. The beloved 13th Annual Strong Beer Festival will be back (but unfortunately, not until February). Nevertheless, tickets are now on sale for one of our favorite events of the year.

Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix will be home once again to the festival from February 16 to the 23. Twenty-six of Arizona’s best microbreweries will be in attendance to strut their stuff. The Strong Beer Fest, the premier kickoff event for the third annual Arizona Beer Week celebration has been deemed “Best Beer Fest” in Arizona. And guess what? There’s going to be tons of different types of beer there.

Yeah, you count on us being in attendance with all the breweries.To buy tickets, click here.