The 15th annual Flavors of Phoenix culinary event was presented by Banner Health May 24th at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Grand Ballroom.

Thirty-one of the top chefs from across the state of Arizona assembled for a night of elaborate and original table décor, exquisite food, fine wine, and a great cause. Each chef had his or her own table of 12 guests, with the responsibility of providing linens, flowers, theme-related objects or any other items to make each table unique.

The evening began at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and silent auction followed by dinner and live auction. TV host and authors Jan D'Atri & Livia "Momma" D'Atri served as the emcees for the evening. The setting also included a cooking station so that all food preparation could be done in front of the gala’s guests who enjoyed at least five courses with accompanying wines. This allowed all guests to interact with the chef and with one another while learning some exciting tips from the experts.

The chefs were led by three co-chairmen: Chef Christopher Gross, Christopher’s Fermier Brasserie; Chef Michael DeMaria, Michael’s at the Citadel; and Chef Anton Brunbauer, The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas.

Other participating chefs included Paul Barnum, 98 South & 56 East; Michael Cairns, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa; Matt Carter, Zinc Bistro; Dina S. Davies, Ristorante Tuscany; Patrick Fegan, Fiamma Trattoria at James Hotel Scottsdale; Ivan Flowers, A Different Pointe of View; Nobuo Fukuda, Sea Saw; John Garcia, Arizona Kitchen at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa; Robert Graham, Bistro 24 at the Ritz Carlton; Jagger Griffin, Furio; Tony Hamati, Bravo Bistro; Lee Hillson, T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms; Michael Hoobler, Desert Highlands; Christopher House, The Fairmont Princess Resort; Eric Howson, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch; Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa; Roberto Madrid, Deseo; Mel Mecinas, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale/Acacia; Michael Noone, Top of the Rock, The Buttes, A Marriott Resort; Tom Pristash, Alchemy at CopperWynd Resort and Club; Michael Rusconi, LON’s; Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café; Mark Tarbell, Tarbell’s; Brad Thompson, Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician; Scott Tompkins, SKYE; Marcellino Verzino, Marcellino Ristorante; Charles Wiley, Hotel Valley Ho.

The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for promoting liver health and disease prevention. They provide research, education, and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases, including hepatitis.

For more information, visit www.liverfoundation.org