Category: Events

Food Events in Phoenix: Tasting Dinner

Anyone who has ever watched the famed Food Network show, “Chopped,” has no doubt felt very jealous of the judges on the show. Imagine a lifestyle where amazing chefs prepare multiple course meals for your enjoyment. Many of us could probably do without the judgement part and simply focus on enjoying these creations. Well, a once in a lifetime opportunity to live the decadent life of a Chopped judge is coming to Aioli Burger in Phoenix this October as one of our favorite food events in Phoenix!

Food Events Phoenix

A One of a Kind Experience

On October 2nd and 3rd, the Aioli Burger restaurant will be transformed into a scene straight out of the Food Network. On both days, seating for the event begins at 6:30PM, after which time a 3-course tasting experience will ensue. Taste unique appetizers, entrees, and desserts throughout this night of fun. You have never had a culinary experience until you have lived the life of a Chopped judge! The night costs $30 per person and $45 if you want unique cocktail pairings with each dish.

This amazing three-course tasting experience comes from the creator of Aioli Burger’s award-winning flavors, Chef Tommy. His prowess in the kitchen earned him a spot on the Food Network on an episode of Chopped. Since then, he has had the itch for preparing multiple-course tasting meals for people, and we all benefit. This experience allows for an opportunity to enjoy his signature cooking style through dishes that depart from the usual, amazing dishes that you can always find at Aioli Burger. Prepare for one of the most satisfying culinary experiences you will ever have!

How to Attend

In order to secure your spot for one of the most anticipated food events in Phoenix, you simply need to send an RSVP email to admin@aioliburger.com. For more information about the event, you can call their friendly staff at (602) 971-5555. Apart from this experience, you can always get a taste of Chef Tommy’s unique cooking style from the wonderful items on the Aioli Burger menu. Of course, the burgers are at the heart of everything, but there is certainly something for everyone on this award-winning menu. You can get them from the food truck by finding out when it will be in your area from our food truck schedule, or you can always pay a visit to the actual restaurant at 10652 N 32nd Street. If it is an Aioli Burger experience, you can be sure it will be a delicious one!

World Food Championships

When Charlie found his Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it was just the beginning of his adventure. For Chef Tom of Phoenix’s own Aioli Gourmet Burgers, he hopes the same is true (albeit without the senseless shenanigans that befell the factory’s visitors) as he prepares for the 2018 World Food Championships Nov. 7-11 in Orange Beach, AL. This international event showcases the most iconic cuisines and food genres from across the globe, with 40 competitors in each category battling for world supremacy of your taste buds.

The Golden Ticket

Chef Tom punched his ticket of solid gold when he won the Scottsdale Burger Battle with the Teriyaki Pineapple Burger in March of 2018. His innovative melding of Kobe beef, grilled pineapple, arugula, Applewood smoked bacon, shaved red onion, pepper jack cheese, teriyaki aioli, and caramelized onions was more than enough to win over the judges.

Global Burger Battle Royale

The World Burger Championships presents an even larger stage for Chef Tom, as 40 of the world’s best burger builders (as selected by various international competitions and publications) will compete for the love of the crowd, the respect of the judges, and the camaraderie of their fellow burger-lovers. Expect the unexpected as these artisans and culinary visionaries bring new levels of innovation and creativity to the classic burger. The only rule? It has it be delicious.

Don’t Forget the Bacon

Chef Tom won’t be alone in his cross-country culinary journey; his sous chef, Chef Stephen, will be competing in the separate but equally prestigious Bacon category thanks to his Golden Ticket from his People’s Choice-winning Italiano Burger at the Bacon and Beer Classic in May. Featuring Kobe beef, fresh mozzarella, vine ripe tomatoes, basil garlic aioli, a balsamic reduction, and layer upon layer of perfectly crisped bacon.

Much like the Burger Championships, the Bacon division will also pit 40 master chefs, restauranteurs, amateur bacon enthusiasts, and professional cooks against each other in a quest to see who shall become the Baron (or Baroness) of Bacon, the Prince (or Princess) of Pork, and the Countess (or Count) of Crispy Meats. The Final Table promises to be competitive… and delicious.

For more information, check out the World Food Championship’s website. Better yet, for a sneak peek, visit Aioli Gourmet Burgers at our brick and mortar store in Phoenix, or catch our food truck in its adventures around town.

Flavors of Phoenix

A culinary experience that dives deeper than the stereotypical pomp and circumstance of a traditional gala food showcase, the Flavors of Phoenix lets our local culinary artisans craft their own, personal signature dishes. Each chef sets the scene – and the table – for his or her small party, then wows the guests with a personal menu of their own design. The result is an incredible evening of food and high-end dining in a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on the ingredients, the flavors, the flare, and the love of all things food. Better still, the entire event is a fundraiser for the American Liver Association.

The Flavors of Phoenix Event

This year’s event was another success, and we are already looking forward to next May for 2019’s gathering. Held at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, this year’s 26th annual event featured 35 local chefs from across Arizona. With specialties ranging from sushi to French to Pacific Fusion, each was in charge of their own table of 12 guests. From start to finish, these talented culinary auteurs set the mood with stylish linens, personalized table settings, hand-cut flowers, centerpieces, and a theme all their own. Diners were treated to a front row seats as their meal was prepped and cooked right before their very eyes. Through it all, the casual conversation and delicious wine pairings flowed freely, with local masters like Tom D’Ambrosio of Phoenix’s Aioli Gourmet providing cooking tips as he toiled tirelessly.

The Cause

Part of a nationwide network of food-focused fundraisers, the Flavors of Phoenix raises funds for research, education, and prevention of liver-related diseases that afflict more than 30 million Americans. The patronage of generous diners – plus donations and proceeds from the night’s auction – contributes to the valuable work that the American Liver Foundation does in raising awareness.

Healthy Recipes

Participating chefs are always eager to share their liver-friendly, health conscious recipes with attendees, and this year was no different. So whether you want to recreate the decadent experience of this year’s Flavor event, or prepare for next year’s, be sure to try these incredible dishes. We are particularly fond of the Honey Cider Glazed Broccolini with Toasted Hazelnuts, Chia, and Feta Cheese, though we certainly wouldn’t say no to an extra helping of the Poached Quail with Peach Cranberry Chutney and Black Truffle Risotto. Decisions, decisions…I guess we should just have both!

To purchase tickets for the 2019 Flavors of Phoenix, check back with their website in the months ahead.