Five Things to Eat and Drink this Weekend in Metro Phoenix

By Katie Johnson Fri., Feb. 22 2013 at 7:00 AM

Categories: Weekend Eats

Sara Dalton

Looking for something to put in your mouth this weekend? We've got you covered. Check out what's on our plate.

Arizona Matsuri

Break out the Hello Kitty chopsticks and dry-clean that kimono because Arizona Matsuri, the 29th Annual Festival of Japan, is returning to Historic Heritage Square this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrating all things native and notable to Japan, the two-day festival will feature omochi (rice cake) pounding demonstrations, Japanese lion dances, Japanese swordsmanship, karaoke, cosplay, karate, a ramune drinking contest, Japanese tea ceremony demonstrations, and more. The festival also will have plenty of food vendors on site, including: Arai Pastry, Asahi Bakery, Blue Fin, and Roka Akor. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit Arizona Matsuri online.

Zachary Fowle

Battle of the Bartenders at Crescent Ballroom

Forget the Oscars; here's a competition you can really drink to this weekend. The Fourth Annual Battle of the Bartenders, presented by Devour Phoenix and Arroyo Vodka, will be happening this Sunday at Crescent Ballroom from 4 to 6 p.m. It's a mixology showdown featuring some of Phoenix's finest bartenders, including Bruce Heimbuck (Crescent Ballroom), Matt Tobey (District American Kitchen), John Hopkins (Hula's Modern Tiki), Jane Davidson (Maizie's Cafe), Joshua James (Parlor Pizzeria), Kyle Landry (Shady's Fine Ales and Cocktails), Zachariah Gillespie (St. Francis), and Matt Farrow (The Windsor). Admission is $10 and can be purchased online. For more information visit the Fourth Annual Devour Bartending Competition on Facebook.