Dear Desert Lovers,

March is the month when the scent of orange blossoms begins to absolutely and completely permeate the air here in our little corner of Scottsdale. The weather is gorgeous; perfect for cruising around the Old Town Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. Our esteemed Chef de Cuisine Sean Currid participated in a “Farm Session” there last month where he gathered ingredients that inspired him and shared his creations. Chef Justin Pfeilsticker of Trader Vic’s is also involved; he’s scheduled to host a Farm Session on April 10th at 11am. Life has its moments of impact, indelible and emotional. One of mine was the night I fell in love with bourbon. My friends know the story -- The New Sheraton Hotel in Telluride, Colorado and a bartender named Esmeralda Consuelo Gonzalez. My friends also know which bourbon I prefer, and that would be Maker’s Mark. The folks at Maker’s have been at it for a long time, which is usually the case with all fine things. For our Monday Night Chef’s Table on March 8th, we’ve built a menu around this complex and delicious beverage. Our master mixologist James Schindel will once again take center stage, and the results are bound to be sublime. “Live Naturally, Enjoy Wildly.” These are words that I have no problem living by, and they happen to be on the main page of the Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards website. Wild Horse is located in the heart of the Central Coast, where the diverse variety of soil composition and micro climates afford them the opportunity to cultivate virtually any grape variety they wish in a wide range of growing conditions. Aside from having a very cool label, this wine is flat-out delicious. I hope you can make it on Monday, March 22nd; if you haven’t been for a while, now’s the time! In the Chinese zodiac, 2010 is the year of the tiger; I’m proclaiming it the year of the vegetable. We always get creative in ZuZu, changing ingredients almost daily to utilize everything at its peak. I prepare many of these delicious, healthful recipes on channel 3 “Your Life A-Z”; the recipes are available on AZFamily.com, or better yet, follow us on Facebook, where you’ll find new recipes, updates and more. Get outside – go for a hike or run, or dust off your bike; but most importantly, reserve a table on ZuZu’s patio. Enjoy this beautiful weather and I hope to see you in the restaurant!

Your Life A-Z Chef Wiley will be cooking on KTVK Channel 3 “Your Life A-Z” with Lisa Haffner on March 2, 10, 16, 22 and 30. Be sure to watch as they get ready for spring! To find his recipes, visit www.azfamily.com.

A carefully-selected beverage will be paired with each course.

Monday, March 8th: Maker’s Mark Bourbon Barbecued Diver Scallop scallion potato pancake + yankee slaw Wilted Spinach Salad bacon, roasted shiitake mushrooms + cornbread croutons Smoked Berkshire Pork Loin and Crispy Belly ratatouille + pommery mustard sauce Chocolate Peanut Butter Decadence bourbon gelato

Monday, March 22nd: Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards Crab Salad mango, cucumber, seaweed, radish + mint Pear Carpaccio maytag blue cheese + balsamic glaze Surf and Turf bacon-wrapped monkfish + roast tenderloin of beef with braised saffron-scented squash + spring greens Warm Godiva Chocolate Bread Pudding raspberry hazelnut sabayon

Monday Night Chef’s Tables

Turn your evening into a Date Night and extend the fun until morning. With your Monday Night Chef’s Table receipt, a Signature Guest Room is yours for the night -- at a special price of just $149. Plan ahead, because this offer is based on availability.

Date: Monday, March 8th & 22nd Time: 6:30pm Cost: $52 per person Does not include tax and gratuity. Reservations: 480.421.7997

For more than 50 years, spring training players and fans have enjoyed relaxing at the Hotel Valley Ho, and this year the grand tradition continues. Every Saturday in March, from 6-7pm, Spring Training Radio Network is broadcasting live from ZuZu Patio. They’ll feature old and new players, celebrities, managers, and commentators discussing baseball’s hottest topics. So stop by after the game to watch the show, catch a bite to eat, and enjoy drink specials at Hotel Valley Ho -- in a league of its own!

Date: Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 Time: 6-7pm Information: 480.421.7997

For a spring training getaway, there’s no place like downtown Scottsdale’s mid-century landmark. Hotel Valley Ho puts you in the heart of the action, with A’s and Giants games just a short stroll away. Cheer for your favorites while relaxing poolside or in posh, playful rooms and suites. With rates from $199 nightly through April 4, you’ll want to make Hotel Valley Ho your home base.

Just as Woodstock made musical history in 1969, in 2010 the inaugural Woodjock will be a historic first in music and sports. Sponsored by Hotel Valley Ho, this event features ten athletes and their celebrity friends, picking up their instruments for a music jamfest headlined by White Sox ace Jake Peavy. Only 1200 tickets, both general and VIP admission, are available for Woodjock at the Venue in Old Town Scottsdale on Thursday, March 11. Many players from the Cactus League teams will attend to support their fellow big-leaguers at this event benefiting the Jake Peavy Foundation, which raises funds for Team Focus, Strikeouts For Troops™, Autism Speaks, and White Sox Charities.