Have you heard about it? Have you ever been? Well, the Great Arizona Picnic or you may know it as the Scottsdale Culinary fest is almost here!

This event is one of my favorites of the whole year to attend and no, not just because I love to eat! The weather is almost always perfect, mid 80's, warm sun, low humidity, just a picture perfect spring day in Arizona! There are thousands of people just walking around and enjoying themselves, listening to live music, eating various foods from all of the local restaurants and vendors that have set up their booth, cold drinks including alcoholic ones if that is your thing and many great areas on the grass to sit back and soak it all up.

I love this festival because having grown up here, I usually see people I haven't seen in a long time, or at least since last year when we were here and said, "wow I haven't seen you in a long time!" This year is the 30th anniversary of the Scottsdale Culinary Fest and they promise to make it bigger and better than the previous years, so I can't wait to go. Besides the parties on the lawn and all of the food they also have several events you can pay to attend and meet several famous chefs and sommeliers.

This year there are like 13 different events with a wide range of people there, from celebrity chefs to the occasional celebrities that attend the event every year! There will be chefs from Bravo's Top Chefs, Hell's Kitchen and the Food Network. There is even a James Beard benefit dinner for $250 per person if that is your thing!

Whatever you prefer, shorts and sunshine with friends and food to munch on or a formal evening with a world class prepared meal and incredible wine pairings with your friends, it can all be had at the Great Arizona Picnic/Scottsdale Culinary Festival!

You can get more information at www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org and I hope to see you there!!!