Write On Rubee

An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

Sunday Dinner at The Duce: BBQ
Jun
22
5:00 PM17:00

Sunday Dinner at The Duce: BBQ

Get ready for another culinary showdown at Sunday Dinner at The Duce! Three amazing chefs will each present their unique spin on BBQ, and you'll be the judge, casting your vote for your favorite version. It’s like a live cooking show where you’re the star—eating your way through mouthwatering creations while deciding who takes home the crown. Tickets $150 pp. For more details and to reserve your tickets, visit THIS LINK.

5:00-6:00pm - Cocktail hour with complimentary appetizers and drinks for purchase
6:00-8:00pm - Each chef presents their version of BBQ with time for Q&A. Paired cocktail with each chef’s dish
8:00-8:30pm - Award Presentation and mingle with the Chefs. 

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Charcuterie Making Course at LDV Winery
May
27
6:00 PM18:00

Charcuterie Making Course at LDV Winery

This informal and interactive class led by the She Shed Chef, Liza Noriega, gives guests the tools and guidance to create their own personal charcuterie board, which can be enjoyed at the Tasting Room or taken home. The cost is $60++ per person, including charcuterie ingredients, tutorial and a glass of LDV wine. To register, call 480-664-4822.

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Super Italian Dinner with Giada De Laurentiis
May
22
6:00 PM18:00

Super Italian Dinner with Giada De Laurentiis

Enjoy an intimate evening at Luna by Giada at Caesars Republic Scottsdale with Giada De Laurentiis. The evening will feature dishes from Giada’s brand-new Super Italian cookbook alongside her signature favorites, including her famous pasta wheel, seafood bar, filet mignon carving station, and more. This exclusive evening includes:
Signature Super Italian Cocktail & Passed Appetizers
Super Italian Dinner
A Signed Copy of Super Italian & Sweet Gift of Italian Truffles
Meet & Greet with Giada

All-inclusive price of $295 per guest, includes tax, fees, and gratuity. For reservations, visit THIS LINK.

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Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival
May
17
to May 18

Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival

willcox.jpg

The Willcox Wine Country Festival is a weekend-long celebration, featuring Arizona wines from the Willcox region. Taking place at the historic Railroad Park in the state's largest wine growing region, the two-day festival will include wine tasting with 10+ Arizona wineries, a variety of local food trucks, live music, craft vendors and a beer garden!  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.willcoxwinecountry.org

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Tenuta San Guido Wine Dinner at La Zozzona
May
14
10:30 PM22:30

Tenuta San Guido Wine Dinner at La Zozzona

Join La Zozzona at The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale to experience the legendary Tenuta San Guido estate, creator of Sassicaia—Italy's first Super Tuscan that revolutionized Italian winemaking and continues to be one of the world's most sought-after wines. The evening begins at 6:00 PM with an exclusive meet-and-greet in the Zozzona Lounge. At 7:00 PM, embark on a culinary journey, with each course expertly paired with the renowned wines of Tenuta San Guido. Cost: $245 per person. For more information and to reserve your space, visit THIS LINK.

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Charcuterie Making Course at LDV Winery
May
13
6:00 PM18:00

Charcuterie Making Course at LDV Winery

This informal and interactive class led by the She Shed Chef, Liza Noriega, gives guests the tools and guidance to create their own personal charcuterie board, which can be enjoyed at the Tasting Room or taken home. The cost is $60++ per person, including charcuterie ingredients, tutorial and a glass of LDV wine. To register, call 480-664-4822.

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Laramita Wine Dinner at Beckett's Table
May
8
6:00 PM18:00

Laramita Wine Dinner at Beckett's Table

Join Beckett’s Table for a special wine dinner with Laramita Cellars owner & winemaker Greg Gonnerman. This exclusive event promises an unforgettable culinary experience highlighting these xtraordinary Cochise County wines grown in the Willcox AVA and expertly paired with Chef Becketts' creations. Cost: $139.00 pp (includes tax & gratuity). For menu details and to make reservations, visit THIS LINK.

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Plumpjack Wine Dinner at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
May
7
5:45 PM17:45

Plumpjack Wine Dinner at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Join Sanctuary Camelback Mountain for an evening of fine wines and a five-course prix fixe meal prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Hobbs. Each course will be paired with PlumpJack, Cade and Odette wines and presented by Mattias Stolpe from CMS Wine Marketing. Cost: $175++ pp. For menu and reservations, visit THIS LINK.

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Mexico City's Michelin-Starred  El Califa de León Comes to Phoenix
May
4
to May 6

Mexico City's Michelin-Starred El Califa de León Comes to Phoenix

Chef Mario Hernandez Alonso of El Califa de León

Chef Mario Hernandez Alonso of El Califa de León in Mexico City, the first taco stand to earn a Michelin star, will be in Phoenix Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday, Alonso wil be serving his tacos at the Cinco de Mayo Festival. The block party will take over the city streets between First Avenue and Washington Street starting at noon. Three tiers of tickets available at $15 to $140 pp. For more information, visit THIS LINK.

On Monday, Alonso will join chef Joey Maggiore at The Mexicano in Phoenix for a pop-up event 4 to 7 p.m.

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Derby Day at the Arizona Biltmore
May
3
1:00 PM13:00

Derby Day at the Arizona Biltmore

Sip on traditional mint juleps, sample Blade and Bow Bourbon or indulge in gourmet Southern-inspired cuisine crafted by our expert culinary team. Dust off your finest hats and don your most dapper attire down our red-carpet entrance and gather around our Spire Bar to celebrate this iconic event in style. Ages: 21+. Cost: $80 pp, Book Now

  • Live Entertainment

  • Passed Appetizers

  • One Complimentary Classic Mint Julep

  • Race viewing on multiple TVs

  • Contests for Best Hat, Best Dressed & Best Couple

  • Instagram Worthy Photo Opportunities

  • Full Bar with cocktails available for purchase

  • Hats & Fascinators available for purchase

  • Complimentary Valet

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Kentucky Derby Party at Mowry & Cotton at the Phoenician Resort
May
3
1:00 PM13:00

Kentucky Derby Party at Mowry & Cotton at the Phoenician Resort

mowry.jpg

Don your Derby best and join Mowry & Cotton for a lively afternoon to catch the race excitement. Guests are encouraged to get gussied up and don their fanciest hats, spring dresses and sharpest suits. Mix and mingle while enjoying signature cocktails and an array of sweet and savory Southern delicacies. Woodford Reserve will be on hand serving up samples, and signature Kentucky Derby labeled bottles will be available for purchase with custom engraving. Cost: $150 ++ per person. Admission includes all food, two signature cocktails, bourbon samples, contest prizes, a take home bag, and activities.  To purchase tickets, visit www.thephoenician.com/events/kentuckyderby 

 

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CANCELED:  Cinco de Sabor
May
2
7:00 PM19:00

CANCELED: Cinco de Sabor

Chef Mario Hernandez Alonso of El Califa de León

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED

Cinco de Sabor, an upscale culinary event on High Street honors Mexican heritage through food and drink. For 2025, Michelin-starred Chef Mario Hernandez Alonso of El Califa de León in Mexico City will headline the experience. Joining him are

  • Rene Andrade of Bacanora, a James Beard award-winner and 2024 top chef of the Southwest

  • Matt Carter of The Mission and Fat Ox

  • Ivan Gonzalez of Chico Malo, Wren & Wolf and Filthy Animal

  • Joey Maggiore of The Mexicano, The Italiano and Tomaso’s

Tickets are $150 pp and include complimentary dishes, Mexican desserts, tequila, mezcal, + wine Tastings, and entertainment. For tickets and more details, visit THIS LINK.

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Passport Wine Dinner at Weft & Warp: Spain
Apr
30
5:30 PM17:30

Passport Wine Dinner at Weft & Warp: Spain

Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is honoring the rich flavors of Spain. The event will kick off with a reception at 5:30 pm followed by a 6:00 pm dinner. Cost is $125 per guest, and reservations are now open.

Passport Series Wine Dinner: Spain

  • Pan Con Tomate

    • Spanish tomato bread

    • Paired with: 2023 Baskoli Txakolina Rosé, Getariako

  • Gambas al Ajillo

    • Spanish garlic shrimp

    • Paired with: 2022 Paco & Lola Albariño, Rías Baixas

  • Croquetas de Jamón Serrano

    • Spanish ham croquettes

    • Paired with: 2022 Torres 'Secret' Garnacha, Priorat

  • Spanish Paella

    • Saffron rice with chicken, chorizo, and seafood

    • Paired with: 2028 Torres Ibéricos Tempranillo, Rioja

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Arizona Tiki Oasis: Glam-O-Rama
Apr
25
6:00 PM18:00

Arizona Tiki Oasis: Glam-O-Rama

Photo: Hotel Valley Ho

On Friday, Arizona Tiki Oasis at the Hotel Valley Ho invites all to the Glam-O-Rama for an evening of fashion, food, and cocktails. Start with a VIP reception at the OHasis Pool at 6 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m. on the hotel’s lush Palm Court. Enjoy live music by The Martini Kings, top-notch tiki cocktails, supper under the stars, and a a mid-century modern vintage fashion presentation. The event costs $139 per person with an additional $50 for the VIP reception and includes tax and gratuity. Tickets include dinner and three drinks and can be purchased at THIS LINK.

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Arizona Tiki Oasis at Hotel Valley Ho
Apr
24
to Apr 27

Arizona Tiki Oasis at Hotel Valley Ho

Photo: Hotel Valley Ho

Arizona Tiki Oasis is an island lifestyle meet-up held at one of the best-preserved Mid-Century hotels in America –  Hotel Valley Ho. Wear your most festive aloha wear; sip tropical cocktails; browse the pop-up Art Show; relax in a cabana by the pool; learn about mid-century design; shop the outdoor marketplace, and enjoy the overall island-in-the-desert vibe. All-day festivities include seminars, pop-ups, and live music and performances, along with special events like Glam-O-Rama, the Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle, and rooftop take-overs. For tickets and the full schedule, visit AZTikiOasis.

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