TasteAbout Scottsdale Comes to Kierland Commons
On Saturday, January 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. TasteAbout Scottsdale descends upon Kierland Commons, located at 15205 North Kierland Boulevard, for a delicious day of food and beverage tastings, live music and entertainment including “speed painting” demonstrations. Event partner is Jared Allan’s Home for Wounded Warriors, a non-profit organization that raises money to build and remodel handicap-accessible homes for injured military veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We are thrilled to bring together so many food and beverage purveyors all in one place to highlight the unique culinary talents in Arizona and benefit an important cause,” says Erik Merkow, founder and CEO of TasteAbout Scottsdale. “With every event, we take great pleasure in finding a platform for residents and visitors of the area to discover some of the best local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more in a fun and entertaining atmosphere, while also giving back to the community.”
New participants are being added daily and current vendors include:
- OHSO
- Lou Malnati’s
- Frankly Organic Vodka
- Luna Gelateria
- San Tan Brewing
- Arizona Distilling
- Toycaya Organica
- Dulce Vida Tequila
- Kasai
- The Bourbon Cellar
- Scottsdale Donut Bar
- High & Rye
- The Covenant
- OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen
- Grand Canyon Brewing Company
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Famous 48
- Loco Patron Mexican Brewery
- Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine
- The Beer Research Institute
- K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar and Grill
- Modern Oyster Chophouse
- Sip Coffee & Beer
- Eggstasy
- San Tan Brewing Co.
- Blue Clover
- Sugar Jam Bakeshop & BBQ
- Taste of New Mexico
- Fleming Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
- Nitro Live Icecreamery
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend this event, which also features the Burger Beatdown challenge. This face-off brings together some of the state’s most popular and creative chefs who will show off their best burger skills in a “battle” to earn the coveted title of the “Burger Beatdown” winner. Local foodies will judge and determine the winner of the trophy, which chefs can proudly display in their restaurant for all to see. Other awards, such as “Best Dish,” “Best Craft Beer,” “Best Drink,” and “Best Sweet Dish” will be determined by guests, tallied and presented to participating vendors in the coming days after the event.
In addition to foodie face-offs, Artist Katia Von Kral will be onsite demonstrating her “speed painting” craft for audiences during the event. Proceeds from the sale of her finished product will be donated to Jared Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors.
General admission tickets start at $65 per person and include tastings of food, wine, beer and spirits from all participating vendors; VIP tickets are $85 and include all tastings, plus two tokens for two full pours of wine, beer, or spirits, express entry, VIP garden access and VIP event keepsake; “Ultra VIP” tickets are $125 per person and include all tastings plus five tokens for five full pours of wine, beer, or spirits, express entry, VIP garden access, VIP event keepsake and VIP “swag bag.” Event is 21 and over; tickets can be purchased via www.eventbrite.com.
About TasteAbout Scottsdale: The brainchild of Erik Merkow, founder of AZ Food & Wine and AZ Food & Beer — media and event companies that focus on everything food, wine, craft beer and drink in Arizona — TasteAbout Scottsdale draws thousands of people to enjoy the finest food and beverage that the area has to offer for a day of tastings, music, entertainment and more. For more, visit www.azfoodandwine.com and www.azfoodandbeer.com.
