On October 10, 2024, at The Abbey on Monroe in Phoenix, Visit Phoenix will host an Outstanding in the Field culinary experience featuring James Beard Award-winning chef René Andrade of Bacanora and Huarachis. This event will bring together some of Arizona's top makers and farmers to celebrate local flavors and craftsmanship. Guests will enjoy a community-style feast that showcases both food and handmade artistry. The event begins at 4:00 PM, and tickets are priced at $385.
Chef Rene Andrade's Sonoran-style cuisine tells the story of the Sonoran Desert. As the 2024 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef Southwest, Chef Andrade has gained national acclaim for his elevated mastery of Sonoran-inspired wood-fired grilling at downtown Phoenix’s Bacanora. For this special event, he’ll be cooking over a hand-built Santa Maria grill, using ingredients sourced from the very land that surrounds Phoenix—native chiltepín, mesquite, and desert herbs. His dishes capture the essence of his Sonoran roots, offering a dining experience that’s as vibrant and diverse as the Sonoran Desert itself. The Monroe Street Abbey and Chef Andrade together offer a unique opportunity to not just see the story of Phoenix, but to taste it.
The Abbey on Monroe has risen from the ashes, a true embodiment of Phoenix’s resilient spirit. Following a devastating fire and a close brush with demolition, this historic landmark seemed destined for oblivion but has instead defied the odds, emerging with renewed vitality. Brought back to life through the unwavering vision and dedication of Phoenicians, who saw potential where others saw ruins, The Abbey now pulses with energy once more. Today, it seamlessly blends its rich history with modern flair, offering a space where the past and present converge in a uniquely inspiring way.
The Monroe Street Abbey, with its iconic Italian Gothic Revival-style architecture and rich history, stands as a testament to downtown Phoenix's transformation from a frontier town to a dynamic urban hub. This historic building retains many of its original architectural features, including an ornate rose-shaped window on the wall facing Monroe Street and a striking 100-foot tall bell tower that has watched over the city for nearly a century.
The Oustanding in the Fields event will also feature a sneak peek of downtown Phoenix’s VIVA PHX, a citywide festival that turns downtown into a live music playground with performances across multiple venues. This exclusive event will feature live performances by some of the artists set to rock the festival, creating a vibrant atmosphere as they provide the perfect backdrop to your evening. Plus, Chef Rene will be showcasing his culinary prowess, offering a delicious preview of what to expect at the “Experience Phoenix” culinary hub at Viva PHX. With some of the festival’s experiences taking place at the Abbey, this dinner is your chance to immerse yourself in the upcoming festivities and savor a taste of the excitement that awaits the following weekend.
Phoenix offers a host of exclusive experiences that capture the city's innovative spirit and vibrant culture. Phoenix shines as the ultimate host, with Chef Rene Andrade’s culinary artistry and a preview of VIVA PHX's dynamic performances. For a glimpse of the future of transportation, guests can ride in a self-driving car with Waymo, right in the heart of the Valley. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, this city perfectly blends a diverse culinary scene and thriving arts community with unparalleled beauty, making it the best place to celebrate food, music, and community.
