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Love to Travel? Love Wine and International Cuisine? Fine Wine & Design and Green Living Magazine are proud to present: "Taste the Good Life", an exciting discovery series hosted monthly by the Valley's Top Celebrity Chefs, Wine Enthusiasts and Local Interior Designers. Sip Savor and Sample the world's most exciting menus paired with exquisite wine's and learn How to Update Your Home with the Colors and Textures of Your Favorite Vacation Destinations. We 'll even have the opportunity for you to receive a 7 Night Mexican Riviera Vacation valued at over $2000.00 FREE! Where: 7400 E Tierra Buena Ln #105 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 When: Thursday, December 12th 5:30PM Wine, Dine & Designer Sampling and Networking 7:00PM Open House Facility Tour Live Music by: Laura Fial and Friends WINE by: OrderWinesDirect DINE by: Mijana's Lebanese Cuisine DESIGN by: The talented team at DirectBuy    

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Food styling and photography in another country is quite an adventure, and  I got to do just that this past May in Singapore.  What a beautiful country!  I love going to markets in a foreign country because there are so many different ways of packaging things.  So many things seem familiar, but are just not the same.  This trip was a very quick 2 day class for people from all over Asia.  Denise Vivaldo of Food Fanatics in Los Angeles, and writer of the Food Stylist Handbook, was the teacher of the class.  I was there to teach a small portion on food photography so that students understood how the 2 work together.  It was a wonderful experience for me and  I learned so much from the students. We started out grocery shopping for items to show them how food styling works for a shoot here in the states.  The first day was a series of demo's with Denise showing the students various ways, and under different scenario's  food styling is used. The second day we allowed the students to work on photos for their portfolio which brought with it challenges.  In the States, our chickens usually come with the heads and feet off, but not in Singapore.  So it was a bit of a surprise when it was opened up for the demo.  We used real food in various states of being cooked since most food styling now a days is real food that is not fully cooked.  This chicken was barely cooked, but I think it turned out to be quite a beautiful presentation.  Would love to know your thoughts on food styling and if you would be interested in a class taught locally this fall in the Phoenix area. Please enjoy the pictures from the class.  The first couple pictures are Denise's styling work and my photography with student styling work towards the end of the series.   Heather  

There was something for everyone of all ages at this final event of this week's 2012 Scottsdale Culinary Festival.  It was the hottest weekend on record for this year in Arizona, but that didn't stop the crowds of people from showing up and enjoying what our local restaurants and chefs have to offer the valley.  If you are new to the valley, and want to see a lot of restaurants in a short amount of time, this is the place to do it.  Each booth offered a small sampling of what their much larger menu has to offer, just enough to entice you to come enjoy their hospitality for a longer amount of time. The food ran the gambit from cheesecake to tacos and guacamole.  The celebrities of Great Arizona Picnic were Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods and Adam Richman of Man v. Food Nation, both on  Travel Channel. There were also plenty of opportunities to cool off with the Skyy Bar presented by Skyy Vodka and the Tequila Experience.  Nothing better than a cold margarita to help you cool off on the 100 degree days.  Also on the weekend's list of activities were Courtside Culinary NBA stars and the Larry O'Brien Trophy for picture taking opportunities.  Johnsonville was serving up their world famous brats on the Big Taste Grill, and a few of the Valley's food trucks were on hand as well. There was no shortage of entertainment with some great bands on 2 stages, and of course all the people watching.  If you haven't been to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, its too late this year, but there's always next year!  Enjoy the pictures from the Great Arizona Picnic. Heather  

So much good food here in this valley!  I had the pleasure of going to Devoured Phoenix at the Phoenix Art Museum on Saturday.  This is the 3rd annual event in the valley, and it is one of the best.  I was only able to go in Saturday but heard from others that Sunday was just as fantastic, and had a few different restaurants to see.  If you get the chance to go next year for both days, it is worth it.  Here are a few tips.  1st, don't eat before you go, there will be more than enough there!  2nd, you might want a designated driver as the wine and beer were plentiful!  What a great way to get a sample of the restaurants that you've been wanting to try and haven't gotten around to it.  I found many that are on the short list to check out very soon.  Here are a few of the highlights from Saturday.

Chicken and Waffles from Relish Burger Bistro - this started my day of eating and oh my was it a good start!

  Pan Seared Quail Breast, Tempranillo Blackberry Sauce & Jack Cheese Grits - From Cartwrights - I could have eaten 6 plates of this! Crisp Arepas of Rock Shrimp, Black Bean Puree, Queso Anejo, Jicama, Radish, Jalapeno & Oregano Pico with Smoked Chili Drizzle - from Tonto Bar & Grill at Rancho Manana.  This was also a must visit in person restaurant.

Arizona Stronghold wine - sadly I didn't get to try this wine but with the crowd that was around them I'm sure it was fantastic.  This is a local winery.

Executive Chef Matthew Zdeb and Sous Chef Ryan Anderson of Sushi Roku were wonderful to talk with.  They served Prime Rib Eye Steak Japonaise served with Soy Garlic Sauce. Well I'm sure this will tell you something about me - this was my favorite.  Red Velvet Ding Dongs from Santa Barbara Catering.  They wisely put out a sign that said only one per person.

And the cotton candy in pastel colors was a hit with my daughter from District American Kitchen.

Chef Mel from The Four Seasons doing a demo.

Saffron Tomato Braised Lamb with Fregola and Fennel Salad from Taggia - Coastal Italian Cuisine

Urban Beans The Elvis from Churn - Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Banana Charm Sauce.

Burgers from Windsor ready to serve.  Churn is next door so you can have dinner and then have dessert all on the same block.

Hedges Family Estate wines from Washington State.  They had a wonderful non-Oaky Chardonnay that was wonderful. So much to see.  We are working on a slide show of the other pictures.  I would love to hear from you if you went to the 3rd annual Devoured Phoenix this last weekend and what you enjoyed the most. Heather

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