Comparing 2013 Phoenix Cooks to the years past they took a few steps back. The Mayo Clinic Heart Healthy and the Dacor Stages took up a third or more of the Floor space where Exhibitors used to set up so it seemed like less tastings. Also a large lounge area by Lazy Boy took up precious exhibitor space.
My first disappointment was the filthy wine glass that turned my stomach that they handed me when I came in. I didn't take a close look at it but when I handed it over to a wine exhibitor for a try we both gasped. My husband gave me his glass and got a new one.
The main disappointment were all the Fry's Exhibitors all over. I wasn't planing on sampling foods from Fry's Grocery I came to sample the area's fine restaurants not Fry's Grocery. It seemed like 20% of the samples were from Fry's. I stood in one long line and found out it was FRY"S and took a sampling and tossed the spongy chicken thing in the trash. One Fry's exhibit passing out just buttered tortillas seemed lack luster. Another Fry's table had pieces of cut up cookies. One Fry's Table was good with bread and cheese but I passed on their sushi because it was what it was, those supermarket CA rolls and crispy Rolls.
Less great tastings than years past but many exhibitors did put out excellent food and of course I passed on many items but some that are being mentioned are-
Sassi made a Great Porchetta Sandwich.
Braut Haus had a tasty slow roasted beef with pickled cabbage on fresh pretzel.
Frost Gelato gave me yummy peanut butter Gelato.
Twisted Rose made a terrific Pork stuffed Apple.
Tom Thumb put out Great Pork Tacos and a few other items.
Mastro's did a mashed potato and lobster cup.
The Mini Chicken and waffle was Great! not sure but I think from Marriott.
Z'Tejas put out a tasty seafood tostada and a yummy sweet potato jalapeƱo tiny cake.
Rusconi's and Hayett put out the best desserts that I tried.
Searsucker's appetizer was really great but it was so tiny I could have inhaled it with my noise instead of eating it.
Not all like Stags' Leap but most wines poured were lower ends wines.
Some liquor and beer was available.
Bottled water and clean restrooms were available.
Chef demonstrations were scheduled for the 4 stages.
I will round my review up to a positive three stars since this was benefiting Phoenix Children's Hospital. To me it was a bit too expensive for what I received. I don't plan on attending next year.