FOOD & DINING

Watch bartenders compete, try global cuisine at fun food fests in Phoenix

Kellie Hwang
The Republic | azcentral.com
Lucas Demske (right) from DeSoto Central Market hands Kathryn Minasian (left) a Spring Copper drink during the Devour Bartending Competition at DeSoto Central Market in Phoenix on Feb. 28, 2016.

The bad news: The 2018 Devour Culinary Classic and the Seven Chefs Dinner are sold out.

The good news: There are still tickets to two Devour Phoenix events leading up to the main event March 3-4 at the Desert Botanical Garden. One is the annual Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition on Sunday, Feb. 25. The other is the inaugural Devour the World on Thursday, March 1.

Here's what you need to know about them:

Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition

Michael Liberatore from Citizen Public House mixes a Na-Na-Na Boo Boo drink during the first heat of the Devour Bartending Competition at DeSoto Central Market in Phoenix on Feb. 28, 2016.

Watch talented mixologists shake, stir, muddle and pour their way to the top as they vie for the title of Arizona Star Bartender.

This year's competitors are: Shawn Campbell of the Vig; Brien Corwin of Tempe Public Market Cafe; Daniel Friedman of DeSoto Central Market; Lauren Johnson of The Gladly; Matt Minsky of Hula's Modern Tiki; Manny Peña of The Windsor; Kapono Rowe of Welcome Diner; Ryan Shinn of The Breadfruit & Rum Bar and JT Taber of Gallo Blanco. Proceeds benefit Local First Arizona Foundation. 

The reigning Arizona Star Bartender is Connor Mansager of Tucson's Welcome Diner.

DETAILS: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. DeSoto Central Market, 915 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $40. devourphoenix.com/event/bartending-competition. 

Devour the World

The Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix will be home to the inaugural Devour the World culinary event on March 1.

This new event celebrates Phoenix's international scene. Guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Japanese Friendship Garden while tasting bites from top local restaurants, food trucks and other vendors. 

Claudio Urciuoli's new restaurant Pa'La and fresh-fish market and restaurant Chula Seafood are part of the diverse lineup. Satay Hut, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Hana Japanese Eatery and The Rez an Urban Eatery are among other participating restaurants. Taiko player Ken Koshio will perform.

DETAILS: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 1. Japanese Friendship Garden, 1125 N. Third Ave., Phoenix. $60. classic.devourphoenix.com/events/devour-the-world. 

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What to expect at 2018 Devour Culinary Classic