The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic Will Blossom into Entirely New Food and Beverage Experience at Desert Botanical Garden
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erica Fetherston, Local First Arizona: erica@localfirstaz.com, 602-956-0909 ext. 7
Dana Terrazas, Desert Botanical Garden: dterrazas@dbg.org, 480.481.8101
Gretchen Harper, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance: gretchen@saaca.org, 520-797-3959
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic Will Blossom into Entirely New Food and Beverage Experience at Desert Botanical Garden
Star-studded initial lineup of local talent confirmed for annual celebration of Arizona culinary culture
Phoenix, Arizona (August 31, 2017) - The most anticipated culinary event in the region, Devour Culinary Classic brings together the culinary and beverage leaders that are establishing Arizona as a sought-after destination. An annually award-winning event, the Devour Culinary Classic has been named Best Southwestern Culinary Festival by the New York Times, Best Food Festival by Phoenix Magazine, Best Culinary Festival from the Phoenix New Times, and Best Food Event from azcentral.
After being hosted at the Phoenix Art Museum for the past eight years, the Devour Culinary Classic will be held at Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) March 3-4, 2018. Desert Botanical Garden is pleased to be bringing the Devour Culinary Classic to their space, as the event fits in closely to their mission. "Just like all the participants in the Devour Culinary Classic, the Garden is proud to fly the 'locally grown' flag,” says Desert Botanical Garden Executive Director Ken Schutz. “We look forward to hosting the event in 2018.”
As in years past, the Devour Culinary Classic will continue to be one of the state’s most collaborative and creative food-centered events. Unlike other food festivals, the Devour Culinary Classic intentionally focuses on local talent. “Our main objective is to support the development and promotion of the culinary and extended local food community and culture in Arizona, bringing deserved local and national attention to our state's food scene,” said Kimber Lanning, founder of the event and Executive Director of Local First Arizona. “We believe we’ll be even better suited to showcase Arizona’s one-of-a-kind culinary culture with Desert Botanical Garden as our host.”
Event Details
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic promises to present the very best that Arizona’s culinary scene has to offer with even more opportunities to connect with Arizona’s local culinary culture. 100 percent of all proceeds from the annual Devour Culinary Classic benefit the community efforts of Local First Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance.
Details
Date: Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Media/Connoisseur/VIP Hour: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
Location: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Talent
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic is bringing together dozens of the largest names in local culinary talent and achievement. Current confirmed guests of note include:
VIP LOUNGE
John Sharpe, Turquoise Room
Robert McGrath, Roaring Fork and Renegade Canteen
Ryan Swanson, Kai Restaurant
ALL TALENT (CONFIRMED AS OF AUGUST 31, 2017)
Charleen Badman, FnB
Justin Beckett, Beckett's Table & Southern Rail
Nick Campisano and Joshua James, Clever Koi
Cullen Campbell, Crudo
Aaron Chamberlin, St. Francis & Phoenix Public Market Cafe
Carlos Diaz, Otro Cafe
Taylor Domet, True Food Kitchen
Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Cafe
Scott Holmes, Little Miss BBQ
Stephen Jones, the larder + the delta
Bernie Kantak, The Gladly & Citizen Public House
Danielle Leoni, The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
Kat and Brad Moore, Short Leash Hot Dogs
Dana Mule, Hula’s Modern Tiki
Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot
Doug Robson, Gallo Blanco
Joe and Dara Rodger, Shift FLG
Guido Saccone, Cibo Pizzeria
Suny Santana, Taco Chelo
Jeff Smedstad, Elote Cafe
Tamara Stanger, Helio Basin Brewing Co. (Winner of last year’s Devour Excellence Award)
Bob Tam, Bitter & Twisted
Justin Woodard, The Vig
Miguel Yeo, The Parlor Pizzeria
A continuously updated list of confirmed talent can be found at https://classic.devourphoenix.com/talent/. A list of chefs and their corresponding day of participation along with VIP Lounge features will be available on the website when tickets are released. A final list of talent will be posted and distributed in February, 2018.
Experiences
New this year, Connoisseur Package and VIP Package ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to attend a duo of curated experiences held during the length of each day of the Devour Culinary Classic.
Heritage Foods Experience - We’ve tasked some of Arizona’s favorite chefs to gather together, root themselves in the desert, and create an all-day experience that allows guests to dig deep into Arizona’s food history. Chef collaborations and event features will be announced soon at www.devourphoenix.com/classic/features and be unique to each day of the event.
Arizona Beverage Experience - Fans of Arizona wine and those who choose AZ brews will be delighted to sip on this. Taste, interact, learn, and relax with some of the best people and drinks in the state. Lineups and event features will be announced soon at www.devourphoenix.com/classic/features and be unique to each day of the event.
Demos
The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic will offer multiple opportunities for all attendees to learn skills and tips from some of their favorite local chefs and food producers. Open to all ticket types, chefs and further details will be announced in the coming months.
Devour Week Events
As in years past, the Devour Culinary Classic will host a series of pre-events ahead of the main event to extend the culinary celebration all week long. Event details subject to change, and other events may be added at a later date.
Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition: Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Kick off Devour Week and celebrate the best of local cocktail culture at the Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition. Attendees can root for their favorite bartenders from the Devour Phoenix Coalition of restaurants as they sip on their competition creations. Facing a celebrity lineup of judges and armed with a selection of Arizona’s best locally distilled spirits, local bartenders will be up on stage shaking it up to take the title as Arizona's Star Bartender. https://classic.devourphoenix.com/events/bartending-competition
Seven Chefs Singh Along: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Join the James Beard hosted "Arizona Seven" for a one-night-only dining event out in the fields and under the stars. Enjoy a farm-fresh feast paired with fine Arizona wines and served by some of Arizona's top chefs on a 72-acre organic oasis. https://classic.devourphoenix.com/events/seven-chefs-singh-along
Ticketing Details
Ticket Sales Dates
2018 ticket sales will open first to members of the organizations organizing the event. Following the exclusive member pre-sale, tickets will open to the general public.
Member Pre-Sale: Active members of the Local First Arizona Localist program, Desert Botanical Garden, and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance are eligible to purchase tickets for the Devour Culinary Classic and other Devour Week events beginning on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Members will be given details for purchasing tickets by their respective organizations.
General Ticket Sale: Tickets for the Devour Culinary Classic and other Devour Week events will be available to the public beginning Monday, November 13, 2017. Tickets are limited and those interested in attending Devour Culinary Classic events are encouraged to explore membership options with LFA, DBG, and SAACA to take advantage of the member pre-sale. Tickets will be available for purchase at https://classic.devourphoenix.com/tickets.
Ticket Packages
For the 2018 Devour Culinary Classic, there are three different ticket packages available. Cost of ticket package includes ticketing and processing fees. Packages are available for both Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, 2018. Packages are available for single day attendance only, those interested in attending both Saturday and Sunday must purchase those respective packages.
The Tasting Package - $105: The Tasting Package offers the essential experience allowing guests to sample and enjoy the best local restaurants and food while strolling the Desert Botanical Garden.
One Day General Admission to Devour Culinary Classic
Access to Hensley/Quench Beverage Garden
Access to Hensley/Quench Wine Sales area, with an exclusive selection of wine and spirits available at discounted prices
Access to Chef Demos
Commemorative Passport
Reusable Wine Glass and Yolk
Lyft Discount
The Connoisseur Package - $155: The Connoisseur Package is a next level experience for devoted Devour guests and novice food fans alike. Enjoy exclusive access to new event features while sampling and strolling your way through the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden.
One Hour Early Admission for One Day to the Devour Culinary Classic
Access to Hensley/Quench Beverage Garden
Access to Hensley/Quench Wine Sales area, with an exclusive selection of wine and spirits available at discounted prices
Access to Chef Demos
Commemorative Passport
Reusable Wine Glass and Yolk
Lyft discount PLUS
Admission to Heritage Foods Experience featuring select Arizona chefs
Admission to Arizona Beverage Experience featuring interactive tasting sessions
VIP Package - $205: The VIP Package is for those looking to have a truly unique experience. Get personal with chefs who pride themselves on the cuisine and culture of Arizona, enjoy exclusive access to new event features, and stroll through the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden while sampling the best of local food and drink.
One Hour Early Admission for One Day to the Devour Culinary Classic
Access to Hensley/Quench Beverage Garden
Access to Hensley/Quench Wine Sales area, with an exclusive selection of wine and spirits available at discounted prices
Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with Chefs John Sharpe, Robert McGrath, and Ryan Swanson
Welcome Cocktail Service
Access to Chef Demos
Early Admission and Reserved Seating in Heritage Foods Experience featuring select chefs
Early Admission and Reserved Seating in Arizona Beverage Experience featuring interactive tasting sessions
VIP Commemorative Passport
Reusable Wine Glass and Yolk
VIP Canvas Swag Bag
Collector's Edition Devour Enamel Pin
VIP parking at Desert Botanical Garden
Lyft discount PLUS
More details with regard to ticket package benefits to be announced in the coming months on the website at https://classic.devourphoenix.com/ All other event details and updates regarding the Devour Culinary Classic will be posted to devourphoenix.com/classic.
Official event hashtag: #DevourPhoenix. Follow @DevourPhoenix on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.
About Local First Arizona
Founded in 2003 by Director Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a statewide non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies through growing, supporting, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. LFA seeks to promote, support, and celebrate a vibrant and sustainable Arizona economy by educating consumers, stakeholders, business leaders, and policymakers about local business ownership, social equity, cultural diversity, environmental kinship, and collaboration. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.
About Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Southwest, featuring 55,000 plants from across the world. The Garden allows visitors to experience the beauty of the desert like never before. For 78 years, the Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Southwestern United States. Visit dbg.org for more.
About the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events, and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Visit https://www.saaca.org/ for more.
###