Just because the weekend is over doesn't mean you have to starve. Here are a few things to put in your mouth this week in the Valley.
National Root Beer Float Day
There's no reason apple pie should be the only treat to get credit for being "All-American." Root beer is just as patriotic. Did you know it was first introduced commercially by pharmacist Charles Hire at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition? Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day on Tuesday, August 6m with a gourmet root beer float at TEXAZ Grill in Phoenix. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., they'll be serving up floats for $2.50 a pop with Texas' own Blue Bell Ice Cream and Henry Weinhard's Oregon-brewed root beer.
More events this week: - Liberty Market's Burger Daze: 31 Surprises in August - Lon's at the Hermosa Complimentary Wine Tasting Series - Allocated Anniversary Facebook Festival at World of Beer
A Progressive Dinner
Progressive dinners might be the next big thing -- or at least they are for Julia Baker Confections at Biltmore Fashion Park. This Wednesday, August 7 they're teaming up with Del Frisco's Grille at the Esplanade for a progressive dining event. The night will begin with a three-course meal at Del Frisco's Grille (with a glass of wine) before moving along to Julia Baker's Confections for a gourmet dessert with either coffee or tea. The dinner costs $55 a person and seatings are available at both 6 and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Call 480-699-4017.
Windsor Summer of Brew
This summer Central Phoenix brew-pub Windsor is teaming up with local breweries to host a series of beer-paired dinners. The second event in the four-part series will be this Wednesday, August 7, and brings Chandler's San Tan Brewing into the mix for a four-course dinner with select beers to accompany each dish. If you're not already a fan of San Tan's brews, get ready to meet classics like their Devil's Ale or seasonal hits such as the Mr. Pineapple Wheat. The one-night-only menu will cost you $40 to enjoy and seating is limited. For a reservation call 602-279-1111 or email [email protected].
Rum: Unveiling the Truth on the Diverse & Misunderstood Liquor
Rum, it's not just for pirates anymore. Nowadays there's a whole host of rum-erific drinks out there to please just about any palate. If you want in on some of that rum knowledge, head to the bar at El Chorro in Paradise Valley at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, when beverage manager Alec van Dobben educates participants on the art of cocktail crafting. The event includes a meal paired by executive chef Charles Kassels -- in keeping with the theme, the diners can expect Jamaican jerk chicken with black beans and rice. The cocktail class costs $50 a person and is limited to 20 people. Registration must be completed 48 hours in advance and is available online.
Brews to Benefit
On Thursday, August 8 join New Times at Brews to Benefit, a monthly event that's half happy hour/half fundraiser for local community organizations. This month from 6 to 8 p.m., we're headed to The Handlebar in Tempe to raise a glass to help the Phoenix Council of the Navy League, a volunteer organization to support the service men and women of the United States Navy and Marines. For $10 you'll get four drink tickets good for a beer each. The featured brewery will be San Tan Brewing. Purchase your tickets online.
