News Summary
The inaugural Arizona Chef’s Week, running from August 1 to 10, 2025, seeks to revive the local restaurant scene amidst a seasonal slowdown due to extreme summer temperatures. Featuring 45 participating restaurants like Phoenix City Grille, the event offers unique prix fixe menus priced at $55 and $66 per person. The initiative, sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association, is designed to encourage both locals and visitors to explore Arizona’s diverse culinary offerings during the hottest time of the year.
Arizona is experiencing a decline in restaurant business this summer due to exceptionally high temperatures, prompting the launch of the inaugural Arizona Chef’s Week. The event, which runs from August 1 to August 10, 2025, features unique prix fixe three-course menus at participating restaurants, aimed at enhancing the local dining experience during a typically slow season.
A total of 45 restaurants are involved in this culinary event, presenting meals priced at $55 or $66 per person. Among those participating is the Phoenix City Grille, a well-known establishment located near 16th Street and Bethany Home Road, recognized for its upscale comfort food.
According to the owner of Phoenix City Grille, the summer slowdown in restaurant patronage is a consistent trend in Arizona. Many residents take vacations or leave the area during this hot season, making it challenging for local restaurants to maintain their usual customer flow. The launch of Arizona Chef’s Week serves as a strategic initiative to encourage locals and visitors alike to explore the diverse culinary landscape available in the Valley.
Established in 1997, Phoenix City Grille has earned a reputation for its cozy and inviting atmosphere, which includes a famous booth known as “The Governor’s Corner.” This booth has historical significance as it was often visited by former Arizona Governor Rose Mofford.
Executive Chef Corey Azure, who has been with Phoenix City Grille for over 20 years, has developed a special menu for Chef’s Week that includes an enticing three-course dinner, featuring standout dishes such as a pistachio-crusted chicken with honey purée.
Data suggests that reservations at Phoenix City Grille have notably increased during the current event, providing a much-needed boost for the local dining industry. The impact of Arizona Chef’s Week is seen as vital, especially given the seasonal downturn experienced amidst the severe heat that characterizes the Arizona summer.
Arizona Chef’s Week is modeled after the popular Arizona Restaurant Week, which occurs twice a year. This fall, the fall edition of Arizona Restaurant Week is scheduled for September 19-28, 2025 and aims to continue the trend of supporting local cuisine. The Arizona Restaurant Association sponsors both events, demonstrating a commitment to promoting the state’s culinary scene.
In summary, Arizona Chef’s Week is a timely response to a seasonal slump in the restaurant industry, galvanized by the high temperatures of summer. With engaging menus from a range of participating establishments, this event seeks to highlight the talent and creativity present in Arizona’s culinary landscape while motivating patrons to dine out during the hottest season of the year.
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- Phoenix New Times
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