Guide: Weekend Bites May 13-May 15

Planning ahead for your weekend out? We’ve highlighted some of our favorite weekend events to make it a little easier (and tastier!).

Here’s our Weekend Guide for May 13-May 15

Friday, May 13th

• 5:30pm – Taste of the Nation – $100 in advance

Friday, May 13th, Taste of the Nation comes to the Valley to host an unforgettable, 5-course dinner (with wine/cocktail pairings for each course) and a cocktail competition featuring 14 local mixologists. The event is a part of a series of culinary events organized by Share Our Strength, raising funds that support the No Kid Hungry™ campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. This year, the dinner will be held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Admission is between $100-$200 ($200 for VIP that includes exclusive early-access to the mixology competition, the ability to request to be seated at the table of restaurant of their choice -based on availability-, and an extra-swanky take home gift bag). For more information, view our writeup.

• 6pm – “Out Like a Lamb” Spring Dinner at Prado – $75

Chef DeRuvo is at it again with his “whole beasting” – this time, planning a multiple-course lamb dinner scheduled for Friday, May 13th. Leave your superstitions at home as this will be a dinner that you won’t want to miss. The dinner will feature Pozzi Ranch Lamb and Duncan Farm Spring Vegetables. Pat Duncan will be present himself, mingling at the pre-dinner Wine and Hors D’Oeuvres Reception. The dinner is priced at $75 per person or $100 per person including wine pairings (not including tax and gratuity) and only limited to 30 people, so call now. For more information, view our writeup.

• Dinner – Arizona Spring Restaurant Week – $30-$40

The first-ever Arizona Spring Restaurant week is here! If you’re unfamiliar with Restaurant Week, here’s the scoop: May 13th-22nd, diners will be given the opportunity to take advantage of restaurant week pricing on a three-course pre-fixe meal for either $30 or $40 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants even offer a complementing beverage along with the meal. For a list of participating restaurants in Phoenix or to view menus, visit arizonarestaurantweek.com. Also, view our picks for Restaurant Week here.

Saturday, May 14th

• 6pm-10pm – Desert Winds: An Evening of Jazz at The MIM – $150

Saturday, May 14th is going to be a big deal. The Musical Instrument Museum and Two Gals Events have partnered with The Illinois Jaqueut Foundation and the Ear Candy Foundation to create a gala event that will feature live entertainment, a silent auction and some fabulous food and drinks. Studio Vino, a local winery, will be hosting a special signature wine that has been created especially for this event and will be served during the cocktail hour. A flowing menu will consist of Cajun and Creole delights. For more information, view our writeup.

• Dinner – Arizona Spring Restaurant Week – $30-$40

The first-ever Arizona Spring Restaurant week is here! If you’re unfamiliar with Restaurant Week, here’s the scoop: May 13th-22nd, diners will be given the opportunity to take advantage of restaurant week pricing on a three-course pre-fixe meal for either $30 or $40 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants even offer a complementing beverage along with the meal. For a list of participating restaurants in Phoenix or to view menus, visit arizonarestaurantweek.com. Also, view our picks for Restaurant Week here.

Sunday, May 15th

• 3pm-6pm – Cultural Dinner & Fundraiser: A Celebration for Families – $35

The Welcome to America Project and Phoenix County Day School Global Awareness Club are hosting the 10-year anniversary celebration of the first refugee family welcome to Phoenix from Afghanistan. Guests are invited to an evening of traditional Afghanistan cuisine and cultural activities. The event will help raise vital funds for shelter, furnishing and household items that The Welcome to America Project provides to refugee families from war-torn countries, along with resources to start a new life in Phoenix. For tickets or more info, visit wtap.org.

• Dinner – Arizona Spring Restaurant Week – $30-$40

The first-ever Arizona Spring Restaurant week is here! If you’re unfamiliar with Restaurant Week, here’s the scoop: May 13th-22nd, diners will be given the opportunity to take advantage of restaurant week pricing on a three-course pre-fixe meal for either $30 or $40 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants even offer a complementing beverage along with the meal. For a list of participating restaurants in Phoenix or to view menus, visit arizonarestaurantweek.com. Also, view our picks for Restaurant Week here.

Looking for a deal this weekend? Check out Taberna Mexicana with a LocalDines.com gift certificate. $15 for $30 worth of food! More details here.

Have an event you’d like to see on our Weekend Guide? Contact us for more information!