Tapino LOCAVORE Affinity Dinner February 09
Norm and I were fortunate to be invited to a LOCAVORE dinner held at Tapino Kitchen Wine Bar. Once every 5 or 6 weeks, they do a LOCAVORE dinner where all products are from Arizona.
This dinner was about supporting locally produced products. As spectacular as our dinner was, what made the evening so interesting was meeting people who were responsible for all products served. They belong to Local First Arizona. Farmers, wine growers and producers, artisan foods–they were all joining each table and mingling throughout the evening. After tasting everything, it was easy to see why supporting local producers is well worth pursuing.
Our amuse was a root beer float, followed by Double Check Ranch charred beef carpaccio, with Queen Creek Olive Oil, Seacat Gardens baby arugula and Rainbow Valley farmers cheese. This was paired with Dos Cabezas “R&R;’ white blend 2007.
Next, we enjoyed McClendon’s select roasted butternut squash bisque with Superstition Farm creme fraiche. The wine for this course was Dos Cabezas Chardonnay 2007.
The third course of this wonderful dinner was a ballontine of Tucson Heritage chicken stuffed with wild herb farce, Secat Gardens broccoli rabe and native bean cassoulet. It was paired with Callaghan Lisa’s selection white 2007.
We still kept eating when the fourth course was presented. Arizona Agave Glazed Meat Shop pork tenderloin and McClendon’s select parsnip puree with a red wine reduction was paired with Callaghan Buena Suerte 2006.
Now, even though we were quite content, the dinner would not be finalized without dessert.It consisted of Superstition Farm chocolate pot du creme, paired with Dos Cabezas “el norte” 2006.
Tapino’s regular menu is quite interesting and we look forward to trying in out in the future. In the meantime, the next LOCAVORE dinner is scheduled for April 15. Maybe we’ll see you there.
Tapino Kitchen Wine Bar is located at 7000 E. Shea Blvd. #1000, Scottsdale, AZ, Tel: 480 991 6887.
Culinarily yours,
Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills
Success, Your Path to a Successful Book Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel Cooking Secrets the Why and How… Winner and Final Chairman
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
