Weekend Jetaway brings killer culinary creations and your chance at a private jet

On Friday, October 11th, the Scottsdale Airport will transform from bustling transportation hub to the hottest party this town has ever seen as it hosts the 2nd Weekend Jetaway Culinary Casino Classic.

Set within one of the airport’s own private jet hangars, Weekend Jetaway is the brainchild of AXA Advisors Southwest and partners as both a way to bring its own staff together on a volunteer effort and raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and the Pat Tillman Foundation, respectively, via an evening of gourmet food and drink, live music, surprise entertainers and dice-style games that will culminate with four lucky guests winning a luxurious two-night, three-day round-trip vacation to Las Vegas on their very private jet.

Now, while only four guests will win the jet, with both a silent and live auction including trips to Cabo San Lucas, romantic staycations at the likes of the Four Seasons, custom jewelry from Kendra Scott, sports packages, spa packages, dining adventures and even Lasik eye surgeries, many party-goers will leave winners. And, given the eye-popping culinary aspect of the event, all party-goers will leave full.

Here is a look at can’t-miss bites that night, and the culinary masters behind them.

Executive Chef Marc Lupino| Dominick’s Steakhouse

Tell us about Dominick’s!

At two-levels, Dominick’s Steakhouse offers a destination dining experience with rooftop poolside dining open to the sky, featuring the best in luxury, exceptional personal service and a menu consisting of prime steaks, fresh seafood, classic Italian specialty items as well as an extensive wine selection of California and European varietals. We are now proud to offer complimentary valet service for all our guests.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is Dominick’s taking part?

Our Menu features Filet Mignon (Sliced), Braised Pork Belly (sliced) with caramelized onions and Dominick’s Au Gratin Potatoes and Beautiful Dessert Item (It’s a surprise!). We wanted to get involved because we are right in the heart of the Airpark, serving up prime steaks and amazing cocktails to the folks of this community – so giving back was a natural fit.

Executive Pastry Chef Lance Whipple| Proof, an American Canteen at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Tell us about Proof!

Celebrating our first anniversary this fall, Proof presents home-style comfort fare sourced

exclusively from the 50 states, and – this is where I come in – has its own old-fashioned soda fountain serves up nostalgic milkshakes, malts, floats and custom dessert creations.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is Proof taking part?

I scream, you scream – we all scream for ice cream…sandwiches. Our take on the American favorite is going to blow guests’ minds.

Executive Chef Christopher Nicosia| Sassi Scottsdale

Tell us about Sassi!

Sassi is focused on all things rustic Italian, and all things fine dining. We take pride in using local ingredients and doing everything by hand, and pairing it perfectly with our extensive wine menu.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is Sassi taking part?

We’ll be serving tuna crudo, spiced lamb meatballs and our house-made cannoli. And, of course, all good Italian food must be paired with good Italian wine. We’ve chosen to pair our small bites with a 2011 Centamura Chianto from Badia a Coltibuono in Tuscany. Regarding why we are taking part – we are thrilled to be meeting new people and helping such great causes, but I would be lying if I didn’t say we were pretty excited to cook in a private jet hangar.

Executive Chef Stephen Stromberg| Sapporo Scottsdale

Tell us about Sapporo!

Believe it or not, Sapporo has been a part of the Scottsdale Airpark for two decades! In that time, we’ve come to be many beloved things to many beloved patrons – an amazing sushi joint, a family-friendly Teppanyaki table dinner destination, a Pacific Rim-infused foodie destination and…of course…one of the best patio bars in town.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is Sapporo taking part?

Trying to offer guests a little bit of everything they love above will be a challenge – but we are up to it. Guests can expect a little sushi, a little sample from our new fall menu and perhaps even a taste of a custom libation from our famous patio bar. We took part last year and not only had a blast, but made some great new friends so we jumped at the chance to volunteer again.

Executive Chef Raymond Suto| The Greene House

Tell us about The Greene House!

From menu to décor, The Greene House is inspired by the California lifestyle and craftsman-style charm. The menu evolves throughout the year, showcasing signature fare made with farm-fresh seasonal ingredients. The extensive wine list features over 35 wines from boutique California wineries offered by the glass, half decanter or bottle.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is The Greene House taking part?

We’ll be serving up our warm brie made with roasted garlic, marcona almonds and sour cherries. Guests can also sip on our Napa Valley Sangria, a refreshing blend of pear, brandy, lemon and white wine. We are thrilled to be a part of Weekend Jetaway for the second year in a row. The Boys and Girls Clubs is an organization that has been near and dear to Fox Restaurant Concepts since its first restaurant opening.

Executive Chef Taylor Domet| North Italian Farmhouse, Kierland

Tell us about North!

North offers handmade, chef-driven Italian cuisine in a casual, family-style setting. Everything from the olive oil to the pasta and pizza dough is made fresh, from scratch, daily.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is North taking part?

We’ll be serving braised beef short ribs, butternut squash chutney and tobacco onions. We’ll also be pouring our Aperol Shandy, which offers a crisp flavor from the Peroni and some sweetness from the Dimmi, an Italian aperitif. It’s going to be a must-have at Weekend Jetaway. Fox Restaurant Concepts has a great relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs across Arizona. Participating in events like this allow us to partner with other local vendors and come together for a great party and a great cause.

Chef  Kevin Janeski| Tom’s Thumb Bistro at Tom’s Thumb Marketplace

Tell us about Tom’s Thumb!

We serve award-winning BBQ and Southwest dishes, and also have a coffee bar and a market with local products, gifts and even wine and beer. There are two dining areas that become table-side service for dinner and there are other meeting and lounge spaces scattered around the market. If you’ve never been inside, you’ll be surprised.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is Tom’s Thumb taking part?

Of course we have to share our barbecue. We’ll have our pulled pork tacos served with a choice of barbecue sauce, cotija cheese and cabbage slaw. On the side we’ll have mac and cheese. We’ve signed on as partners for several Boys & Girls Clubs events as part of our commitment to this local community.

Executive Chef Deb Schneider| SOL Mexican Cocina

Tell us about SOL!  

SOL is a unique restaurant and bar celebrating traditional Baja cuisine with a fresh, modern interpretation. Designed to echo the expansive sea, sky, and desert of the Baja peninsula, SOL features old world charm juxtaposed with an urban comfort.

What will you be serving at Weekend Jetaway, and why is SOL taking part?  

We are excited to serve a spicy tequila shrimp ceviche topped with a fresh creamy avocado sauce. The Scottsdale Airpark is a great neighbor for us here at SOL. It functions not only as an airport, but as a business community.  We really enjoy getting to know and serving all the people who work in the nearby airpark businesses.

Tickets for Weekend Jetaway start at $100 per person and are inclusive of all food, full bar and entertainment. They are now available at weekendjetaway.org.