Dear Desert Dwellers, Okay, I do love the summer. However, knowing there’s only six more weeks of this heat is, let’s say, comforting. I will miss those summer patio nights, usually perfect anytime after 8pm, with cold beverage in hand. Dining alfresco in the evening has special relevance in Arizona this time of year, where the nights are shorter, the sunsets grander, and the still air warms your soul. It’s hard to believe four years have passed since the first Monday Night Chef’s Table in ZuZu, and I couldn’t be happier with the evolution of our little bi-monthly event. I love to collaborate with my dear friend and wine guru Pat Jasmin on anything pertaining to food and beverage, and am so pleased that she has agreed to join us on Monday, September 13th to lead us through a tasting of wines from Freemark Abbey. The history of Freemark Abbey began in 1886 when Josephine Marlin Tychson became the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. Years later, in 1939, the winery was purchased by three businessmen from Southern California, Albert “Abby” Ahern, Charles Freeman and Markquand Foster. Together they re-opened the winery and renamed it Freemark Abbey (a combination of each partner’s name). The single-vineyard cabernet we will be serving is extraordinary; I hope you can join us for this very special event. We have been honored to host many notable winemakers and sommeliers at our Monday Night Chef’s Tables, who have contributed immeasurably to our carefully chosen wine list. After years of making wine out of their family home, Dr. Kent Rosenblum and his wife Kathy took their love of winemaking to the next level and founded Rosenblum Cellars in 1978. Embodying nearly three decades of winemaking tradition, Rosenblum has evolved from a passionate home-winemaking operation into a world-class winery. Please mark Monday, September 27th on your calendar as we taste our way through their extensive portfolio paired with our seasonal farm-fresh cuisine. I hope everyone has an exciting and safe Labor Day. Stay tuned for ZuZu’s fall menus, and check out all the events we’re involved in this month -- from Phoenix Cooks to Arizona Restaurant Week and my segments on “Your Life A-Z.” I hope to see you all in the restaurant, or better yet on the patio, as we slip into another magnificent Arizona autumn.

Your Life A-Z

Chef Wiley will be cooking with host Lisa Haffner on “Your Life A-Z” from 10-11am on KTVK Channel 3. The dates are Sept. 8th, 14th, 20th and 27th. Recipes can be found at www.azfamily.com.

A carefully-selected beverage will be paired with each course. Monday, September 13th: Freemark Abbey Winery Pan-Seared Diver Scallop roasted mushrooms + sweet corn sauce Caramelized Onion and Mission Fig Tart taleggio and tomato confit Butter-Basted Beef Tenderloin braised kale, golden raisins + horseradish mashed potatoes Utah Peaches salted caramel ice cream with roasted almonds Monday, September 27th: Rosenblum Cellars Summer Crab and Heirloom Tomato Salad arugula, basil + brown butter vinaigrette Black Bean and Goat Cheese Ravioli roasted red pepper relish + lemon white wine sauce Rack of Lamb sun-dried cherry garlic jam + english mint sauce Late Harvest Plum and Huckleberry Shortcake

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, September 13th & 27th Time: 6:30pm Cost: $52 per person Does not include tax and gratuity. Reservations: 480.421.7997

Enjoy food and wine from dozens of Valley chefs, as well as samplings from ZuZu and Trader Vic’s. There’s also a cooking class with Chef Sean Currid, “Ode to the Tomato.” Other fun events include a cook-off with Chuck Wiley and Sean Currid battling the chefs from JW Marriott. Benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Date: Saturday, September 4th Time: 10am-3pm Cost: $75 per person in advance $95 per person at the door Location: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Information: www.phoenixcooks.com

Dubbed “Arizona’s tastiest event,” this week-long happening showcases the outstanding culinary scene throughout the state, offering three-course menus at a discounted price. Over 150 restaurants are participating, including ZuZu and Trader Vic’s. The ZuZu menu will include one glass of wine and Vic’s will be offering a mini Mai Tai.

Date: September 18th-26th Cost: $29 per person Does not include tax and gratuity. Information: www.arizonarestaurantweek.com