Taste Of Elegance Culinary Competition

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. (January 20, 2016) – Christian Movassaghi, restaurant chef at the Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona has been selected to participate in the Taste of Elegance culinary competition on January 25. The cooking competition features 10 chefs who will each create a signature pork dish that will be judged by a select panel. The chefs will also prepare small samples of the entrees to serve to guests, who will then choose the recipient of the People’s Choice award.

All ticket sales and contributions will benefit the Arizona Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The foundation helps fund the implementation of a two-year culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum in state high schools. 

“This is my second year participating in this event and I’m excited to be a part of it again,” said Movassaghi. “It’s important for young people to gain exposure to culinary arts careers at a young age, and the Arizona Restaurant Association program helps them explore these opportunities.”

The Taste of Elegance takes place on Monday, January 25 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the East Valley Institute of Technology (1601 West Main Street, Mesa, Ariz.). Tickets are $15 per person and can be reserved by visiting, https://tasteofelegance.splashthat.com/.

Taste of Elegance culinary competitions began in 1989 as a way to showcase culinary professionalism in creativity of cooking pork. The first place winner of the competition will receive a $1,000 prize and a trophy, as well as earn the opportunity to attend the “Pork Summit” in spring 2016.

Casino Arizona

Located in Scottsdale, Ariz. At the Loop 101 Freeway and McKellips Rd., Casino Arizona is independently owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, the property features an exciting gaming floor, entertainment venues and an assortment of dining options.