UYE Phoenix Cooks

This is for Phoenix Cooks 2015 at the Westin Kierland.
I would have felt ripped off at $ 90 for a $ 49 event if not for the charity it benefits. The «walkways» were so packed I sang my original composition «Standing in the Middle» as I tried to push through self-​unaware people standing in walkways. Didn’t help much that the organizers hand out a black canvas bag to add four inches to everyone’s width, not to mention the unnecessary tray that made people walk like delicate little flowers, many of whom were in flip flops and t-​shirts. Add people waiting in stupidly long lines wrapping around corners for a free bag of chips. Sorry, I’m not waiting in the whole, rather stationary line just to get one item of ten that I want— and don’t act like I am cutting the line, you stupid cattle. I gots things to do.
AND IT WAS HOT as fuck. Unforgivably hot. If you’re gonna fill two convention spaces with people and hot food, you gotta crank the air.
That said, the servers (Party Staff) were ALL excellent, attentive, and friendly, the trash was picked up in a timely manner, there were comfortable places to have a rest (including outside access overlooking the golf course), and the food and beverage choices were outstanding.

By and large, I greatly enjoy Phoenix Cooks! It’s become a annual tradition for myself and two friends, who fly in for it
The food is wonderful and there’s plenty of it. And any time a children’s charity benefits from an event… I’m 100% on board!
My only criticism is — I thought the years the event was held at the Marriott Desert Ridge were MUCH better than the last couple of years at the Westin Kierland. In its current location at Kierland, parking is horrendous, crowds are stifling and there just isn’t a good display and flow for the PCH raffle
Not entirely sure the reason for the switch, but I’d love for it to back to Desert Ridge! It’s a slightly longer drive to get there, but it more than makes up for it, as a much better venue!

This event was a lot of fun, but, I must say, it wasn’t as awesome as other similar events HOWEVER, I did like that the money went to charity for this event. This event was super packed and, at times, I felt a little cattle like trying to get from place to place, but at other times it wasn’t so bad. They had delicious lobster mashed potatoes from Mastro’s and a few other tasty items (the food from Brat Haus, the little chocolate torte thing, the taco from Tom’s Thumb, the wine/​chocolate pairing station, press coffee, the tuna with coconut rice from Deseo (I think), the amazing gnocchi from Taggia etc), but a lot of the food was mediocre at best and also a lot was served cold (and not on purpose *cough* Flemings *cough*) or was just plain bad (caketini…sorry guys… ugh). I agree with Pepper that it was kind of lame that large chunks of the event were taken up by places like Fry’s or the tortillas you buy at the grocery store… not really what I went to the event to try. I think I liked Devoured better, but this event was still pretty fun. Thanks for posting it Becca!

This was a fabulous event. I can’t believe I was able to see Jon and Amy H. a few times. The place is so big and it was pretty crowded, but it was flowing at a good pace. I had no trouble getting samples of the items I wanted. I didn’t try everything, because I think it is physically impossible, although my hubby my disagree. Twisted Rose had the Pulled Pork stuffed apple, really delicious. I also loved Mastro’s lobster and mash. The Hyatt scallop was so delicious as it was the little chocolate caramel tart. I think my husband must have had 6 or 7 of them. I also was able to chat with the lovely Becca H. for a few minutes. I loved the location, last time I went to Phoenix Cooks was a long time ago, when it was at the Biltmore. I like this location much better.

Fun times at the 9^th Annual Phoenix Cooks! event. :)
I thought the venue was great, and extra points that the event benefited the Phoenix Children’s Hospital (an organization very dear to my heart)!
There was a variety of wine and beer samplings (though, I do wish they had a wider Cabernet selection… I think there were only 2 stands that served Cabernet, and by the time I found them they were already all out).
Fleming’s Steakhouse had a very nice prime rib sample, and I really enjoyed Mastro’s lobster mashed potato cup! Hyatt’s mini chocolate/​caramel tarts… mm mm good. Overall, a very fun experience with friends and fellow food enthusiasts.

Comparing 2013 Phoenix Cooks to the years past they took a few steps back. The Mayo Clinic Heart Healthy and the Dacor Stages took up a third or more of the Floor space where Exhibitors used to set up so it seemed like less tastings. Also a large lounge area by Lazy Boy took up precious exhibitor space.
My first disappointment was the filthy wine glass that turned my stomach that they handed me when I came in. I didn’t take a close look at it but when I handed it over to a wine exhibitor for a try we both gasped. My husband gave me his glass and got a new one.
The main disappointment were all the Fry’s Exhibitors all over. I wasn’t planing on sampling foods from Fry’s Grocery I came to sample the area’s fine restaurants not Fry’s Grocery. It seemed like 20% of the samples were from Fry’s. I stood in one long line and found out it was FRY“S and took a sampling and tossed the spongy chicken thing in the trash. One Fry’s exhibit passing out just buttered tortillas seemed lack luster. Another Fry’s table had pieces of cut up cookies. One Fry’s Table was good with bread and cheese but I passed on their sushi because it was what it was, those supermarket CA rolls and crispy Rolls.
Less great tastings than years past but many exhibitors did put out excellent food and of course I passed on many items but some that are being mentioned are–
Sassi made a Great Porchetta Sandwich.
Braut Haus had a tasty slow roasted beef with pickled cabbage on fresh pretzel.
Frost Gelato gave me yummy peanut butter Gelato.
Twisted Rose made a terrific Pork stuffed Apple.
Tom Thumb put out Great Pork Tacos and a few other items.
Mastro’s did a mashed potato and lobster cup.
The Mini Chicken and waffle was Great! not sure but I think from Marriott.
Z’Tejas put out a tasty seafood tostada and a yummy sweet potato jalapeño tiny cake.
Rusconi’s and Hayett put out the best desserts that I tried.
Searsucker’s appetizer was really great but it was so tiny I could have inhaled it with my noise instead of eating it.
Not all like Stags’ Leap but most wines poured were lower ends wines.
Some liquor and beer was available.
Bottled water and clean restrooms were available.
Chef demonstrations were scheduled for the 4 stages.
I will round my review up to a positive three stars since this was benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. To me it was a bit too expensive for what I received. I don’t plan on attending next year.

Twisted Rose’s pulled pork is best thing here! Shout outs to Brat Haus and Deseo. And a lot of places bringing their A-​Game. Z-​Tejas citrus lime ahi, North, Sassi, many others. Even Orange Sky has something great. Taggia at Foresky has amazing gnocchi w pork. And Pietini’s apple cobbler is a treat.
Oh, Oh, Campfire Grill @Tom Thumb is here!!! I’m in bbq pulled pork taco heaven now! If they’d brought their bourbon pecan pie then I could die happy right now!
Honorable mention: Hyatt Regency’s chocolate tarts. I ate 3