Trusted Valley dining coverage from PhoenixBites

☰ Menu
Close

Mead is Good!

Posted on: February 15th, 2011 by Taryn Jeffries No Comments

I must admit, I have a bit of history with this historical treat. I have had occasion to spend time with the “cast” of the AZ Renaissance Festival. It’s a secret society, really. After the Festival closes, there are some people that get in their cars and head home only to come back bright and early to clock in the next morning. The others, however, are a braver and more exciting crew. They camp out just beyond the grounds. Here you will find circles of tents, trailer and at times RV’s. These are the hardcore. They end their days work with food cooked over an open flame and some tasty adult beverages…okay maybe more than some, perhaps a lot. This is where I had my first sip of Mead, a fermented honey beverage. I can safely say that it is highly likely that what I had was not on the same level as that created and crafted by Redstone Meadery of Boulder, Colorado. Just to be on the safe side, and make positively sure, I will be testing my theory at Trader Vic’s (Hotel Valley Ho) on Sunday, February 20th and you can too.

Trader Vic’s is hosting a Mead Dinner on Sunday, February 20th in honor of Arizona Beer Week (February 19-26). The evening will start at 6pm with a reception of passed hors d’oeuvre including foie gras and smoked salmon enhanced by boysenberry nectar, followed by a four-course dinner and mead pairings, with everything overseen by Executive Chef Justin Pfeilsticker.

Cost is $50 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations for this gala event are required and can be made by calling 480-421-7799.

Trader Vic’s | 6850 E. Main Street | Scottsdale, AZ | hotelvalleyho.com

About the Author - Taryn Jeffries

Editor and Chief Eating Officer of PhoenixBites, 2017 Food Writer of the Year (Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame) Taryn grew up in a small town in Illinois with a doting Grandmother who taught her the way around a kitchen and that food is representative of love. Her current quest is to find the love in local dishes and the chefs behind them. In addition to running all things PhoenixBites, Taryn is also a freelance writer, sharing her insight on the best dishes and where to get them each and every month.

More Posts by  | Website  | Follow Taryn Jeffries on Twitter

Related Posts

Chef Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones Joins Upward Projects and Postino Is First on His List

Posted on: September 28th, 2026

Stephen Jones has joined Upward Projects, with new dinner dishes planned for Postino in 2027. I’ve followed his cooking since my very first TV appearance and I’m curious about what comes next. Read More
DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant at Uptown Plaza in Phoenix

From Farmers Market Pop-Up to Uptown Plaza: DiMaggio’s Comes Full Circle

Posted on: September 25th, 2026

DiMaggio’s is coming to Uptown Plaza, bringing the Italian-American concept back near the farmers market where Brandon and Michele Gioffre first built a following. Read More

Be the first to comment!

Leave a Reply

©2026 PhoenixBites

All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Sitemap