Weekend Guide

Steaks, superstar chefs and stretching?

Who doesn’t love Fall here in the Valley of the Sun. There’s so much to do, from the State Fair to Haunted Houses, and the weather’s just gorgeous. It would take something pretty special to get us to leave town. Which is why we’re hitting the road this Saturday to check out the culinary hotspot known as Winkelman, AZ. Located about 75 miles east of the Valley, this 400-person farming community will play host to an amazing farm-to-table feast featuring several of the nation’s top culinary talents. (Seriously!)

Named Outstanding in the Field and held amidst the grass-fed cattle at Doublecheck Ranch, this traveling roadshow will feature a gourmet meal handcrafted by James Beard Award-winning chef and local restaurant owner, Melissa Kelly. A farm-fresh fanatic, Kelly’s the chef/owner at Primo restaurant in Maine, who also recently opened a new Primo here in Tucson. Tickets are still available for $180, and if you’re looking to make a weekend getaway out of it we recommend Aravaipa Farms, a fabulously quaint bed and breakfast not far from the ranch. For more details, including a slideshow of previous dinner events, amble on over to Desert Living Today.

Back in the Valley, did you know everybody’s fav Texas-style chophouse is turning 25 this weekend? Yes, October 17 has been declared TEXAZ Grill Day by Mayor Phil Gordon, in honor of this iconic restaurant located at 16th St & Bethany Home in Phoenix. Famed for its signature chicken fried steaks (750,940 sold and counting), owner/chef/chief bottle washer, Steve Freidkin also serves up rib-sticking Texas chili, hand-cut steaks and the best slow-cooked brisket in town. However, be sure you pronounce it “Texas” and not “Tex-Az,” or the regulars will know you’re a greenhorn.

And now that you’re done pigging out, who’s ready for a hardcore workout routine led by a famed Yoga master? Um, us neither, but this is pretty cool nonetheless. YogaWorks Master Teacher, and Yoga Journal contributor, Natasha Rizopolous is coming to the Valley to lead workshops on both Saturday and Sunday. Held at the Blissful Yoga’s Arrowhead location, Rizopolous will be teaching students “The Joy of Twisting,” as well as how to “Open Your Hips – And Open the Door to Everything Else.” Sounds like you better pack some extra sweatbands.