Since I’m going to be attending more culinary events such as this one, I felt the need to get back to my Unilocal roots. After a nearly 3 month absence, here is my first review back. I must start by saying that my sweet bf, Nico, got us both free tickets to this event. We would normally not spend $ 75.00 per person for an event in a parking lot. On a weeknight. It was a nice enough setup. Parking was a bit of a pain, and we walked up to the exit and had to walk all the way around the whole dang event to get to the entrance. Once inside the event(I should still say outside, because the whole thing is set up in a parking lot), we were given a plastic plate and wine glass. So the idea is to walk around to each booth and try the food offering with the wine or beer offering. Most of what we tried was very good. Capital Grill, as well as Ruth Chris offered up some tasty beef. The shrimp and octopus concoction from Lon’s was awful, however. Way too chewy and you could smell them from a mile away. Nothing we tried was so excellent that I’m dying to go back to a particular restaurant right away. There were small, high tables that you could stand at or sit on the very limited grass. I was a little disappointed that no other seating was available. Nick and I still had a wonderful time. Then again, we have a great time wherever we go. We’ll go again next year… if we get those free tickets again.
Lily a.
Place rating: 2 Tempe, AZ
Forks & Corks used to be my favorite foodie/wine event. Held each spring when the weather is at its Arizona awesomenest, it was a intimate festival with chefs showcasing their best and mingling with the crowd and distributors tastings of some their best and popular wines. Two years ago, they added beer but the event still stuck to its name of great food and wine. This year, it hit a low. It’s getting bigger, growing out of its space in the Esplanade cul de sac, the food was lackluster, and the wines bargain bin. It’s like everyone just gave up and I’m not sure why. Could blame it on the economy, but you’d think chefs would want to show off for people paying to sample and discover new places. I know distributors are all about pushing the $ 10 wines, but at events like these we want to know what we can splurge on every now and then. Thankfully, the beer is still there and it’s outshining the wine. I sampled a Belguim Tripel, the always great Four Peaks, Lost City brews and even and Agave beer. Yum! So is the emphasis on desserts — restaurants that handed out the sweets really went all out like The Districts decadant Whoopie Pies or the Banana Split on a Stick. It’s sad to see things change. Go back to your roots Forks & Corks, or be prepared to rename your event Sweets & Suds.
