Guests IGNITED their zest for learning from Phoenix Cooks! chefs and experts in the interactive, intimate environment of the 2012 Phoenix Cooks! Classes.

Each 30 minute Phoenix Cooks! Class was conducted in a dedicated “breakout room” for a small group of only 25 guests.

Thank you for all the Phoenix Cooks! Class Chefs and Instructors.

Merriam Room

Chef: Chef de Cuisine Rita French – Province at Westin Downtown

Topic: Argentinian Grill

Description: Learn how to prepare and present authentic Argentinean style cuisine at home.

Chef: Russell Skall – Flemings

Topic: Small Plates and Bar Bites

Description: Bar dining is more than sliders and cold plates these days. There has always been a timeless appeal to dining at the bar and Fleming’s has responded to its guests’ requests for healthier, lighter and sharable items this year with both a new Bar La Carte menu and Small Plates. Find out what inspired Fleming’s chefs to create these new and contemporary standards for an evening at the bar, get some drink pairing recommendations – and maybe steal a recipe or two for your own cocktail parties.

Instructor: Kurt Eppel: Account Development Specialist – Treasury Wine Estates

Topic: What’s Hot in the World of Wine

Description: A peek into the trends shaping wine today; taste and learn about the cutting edge wines that are defining the industry. Wines being tasted: Beringer Founders’ Estate Smooth Red Blend, Greg Norman Malbec, Be. Pink Moscato, Emma Pearl Chardonnay and Sledgehammer Zinfandel.

Instructor: Monet Davis, CSW, Alliance Beverage

Topic: “Old World vs. New”

Description: Learn about the unique characteristics of two different winemaking worlds by sampling 2 wines from Italy and 2 wines from Chile. In the class you’ll be tasting: Amado Sur Torrontes, Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Carmenere, Sartori Pinot Grigio and Banfi Rosso di Montalcino

Lowell Room

Chef: Marco Guevara – Tanzy

Topic: New Perspective on Mediterranean Cuisine

Description: At Tanzy, our new age approach to Mediterranean cuisine makes us a unique addition to the Scottsdale scene and combines stylish elegance with an innate sense of fun. Chef Guevara orchestrates a symphony of flavors with each dish, using fresh, natural ingredients and a passionate belief in capturing the essence of the basics. Chef Guevara will demonstrate how to create our Tableside House-Made Mozzarella, Pan Seared Calamari, and a surprise dessert made with Liquid Nitrogen.

Chef: Kevin Slade, Slade Brothers BBQ

Topic: Heat Up Your Family BBQ

Description: This Labor Day, transform your average family barbecue from ordinary to extraordinary! Let Kevin Slade from Slade Brothers BBQ and Safeway’s home entertaining experts show you how to do it. Kevin will give you the Barbecue Basics- how to select, trim, rub, and smoke your meat. Next, a beer and wine expert will provide tips on drinks to pair with your new-found recipe. Finish up with a unique and beautiful floral design to give your party the centerpiece it deserves! Sponsored by: Safeway

Instructor: Lorenzo Mattoni, International Export Manager for Terre di Trinci

Topic: Indigenous Wines of Umbria

Description: Discover Terre di Trinci’s unique, complex and elegant wines from the Umbria region of Italy. Sample the Terre di Trinci varietals of Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Rosso Trinci and Sagrantino di Montelfalco “Ugolino”.

Chef: Steve Krauss – PRESS Coffee Roasters

Topic: The Art of Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

Description: The perfect cup is a true art form, but don’t let that scare you because the expert of coffee is going to show you! This three-part class will talk you through the origins of coffee, how to taste and decipher between varietals and then how to make the perfect cup at home! Class attendees will head home with a sampling of coffee from Press Coffee Roasters.

Powell Room

Chef: Jan D’Atri

Topic: Bread Pudding in a Blender

Description: Leftovers are a staple in every busy household but can make kitchen creativity difficult. Let radio personality and chef Jan D’Atri, with the Arizona Milk Producers, show you how to turn extra bread and dairy into a delicious dessert. Bread Pudding in a Blender is an easy, innovative, and health-conscious way to cut down on kitchen costs and treat yourself at the same time. Sponsored by: Arizona Milk Producers

Chef: Jan D’Atri

Topic: Jan D’Atri’s Breakfast With A Zing Arizona Milk Producers

Description: Bored with your breakfast? Start your day off right with Jan D’Atri’s special Jalapeno Ham Potato Egg Bake! Let Jan, radio personality and chef extraordinaire, show you how to create a hearty, health-conscious meal with a zing using the freshest of ingredients. Sponsored by: Arizona Milk Producers.

Master Blender: Perry Rea, Queen Creek Olive Mill

Topic: Olive Oil 101

Description: EVOO 101 is bursting at the seams with information about our favorite ingredient!! Learn about the different grades of olive oil, health benefits of EVOO versus other oils. Take a guided tour through 10 DIFFERENT oils: Tuscan Estate EVOO, Meyer Lemon, Mexican Lime, Blood Orange, Chili, Roasted Garlic, Chocolate, Bacon, and Vanilla!! Perry will explain and describe each flavor and how they are made, along with suggestions on which oils to use with your home dishes.

Chef: Stephen Stromberg- Sapporo Sushi

Topic: Sapporo Sushi In Your Kitchen

Description: Sushi is delicious, but often seems too complicated to attempt at home. Chef Steven from Sapporo will teach you Sushi 101 and help you bring this seafood delicacy into your own kitchen. Learn about sushi rice, nori, seafood and fresh fish, cutting techniques, rolling, and experimenting with different flavors and sushi concepts. Pass restaurant expertise on to your next meal.

Cushing Room

Chef: David Zino, Az Beef Council

Topic: Beef O’Nomics

Description: Eating in tonight? Let Chef Dave show you the “Beef O’Nomics” of cooking once and dining twice. Ever wonder what to do with the leftover steak from your favorite steakhouse meal? He’ll show you how to make some simple and delicious next-day meals that extend your steakhouse experience and are pocketbook friendly.

Chef: David Zino, Az Beef Council

Topic: Beef Flavor Fundamentals

Description: Natural, organic, grass fed and conventional: production terminology greets you at the meat case. What does it mean for your meat? Is there a difference in flavor and texture? Join Chef Dave as he explores various production methods in use today, and participate in a blind tasting to see if you can tell the difference.

Chef: Alaskan Brewing Brew Crew

Topic: Alaskan Beers You Won’t Find in AZ again..

Description:Sample exclusive Alaskan Brewing brews that will never be seen in AZ again, and are not being poured at Phoenix Cooks! outside this very special classroom! If you’re a beer connoisseur, you won’t want to miss this opportunity!!

Chef: Alaskan Brewing Brew Crew

Topic: Pairing the Right Beer with Your Next Meal

Description: Learn the art of pairing Alaskan Brewing’s brews with your next meal or party! Beer goes with everything, and you’ll find which one goes best with cheeses, desserts, main dishes and more!

Sponsored in part by: