Forget the tie. Think bespoke booze for Father’s Day, specifically a beverage tailor-made to suit the hobbies father knows best.

There’s no smoke and mirrors about it — Americans are eating a lot more smoked seafood than they used to.

It’s no secret that Arizona offers some of the best and most luxurious AAA Four and Five Diamond resorts in the country. However, many travelers don’t realize that many of these properties also feature kid camps that aim to please even the pickiest pint-sized traveler. This provides mom and dad with a guilt-free way to indulge in some much-needed couple time, while allowing kids to make friends and create memories of their own.

Travelers accustomed to chain eateries like Chili’s and Paradise Bakery now have a chance to experience local offerings such as Cowboy Ciao, La Grande Orange and Barrio Cafe at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Finding good Mexican grub in this town is no problem; we could celebrate Cinco de Mayo once a week if pressed. But if you’re looking to do justice to this weekend’s other big almost-holiday, the Kentucky Derby, that’s a little more of a head scratcher. Here are three ways to indulge in the Southern spirit of the Run for the Roses, no big fancy hats required.

Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” hasn’t just motivated viewers to indulge in the sweet treat. The TV show has inspired Mesa culinary instructor Amee Hoge to host a similar cupcake challenge of her own but with a twist — it’s just for kids.

Weekends are made for moving a little slower, taking time to enjoy oneself and reconnect with whatever’s been put on the back burner during a hectic work week.

Childsplay demonstrates the importance of manners in this quirky kitchen comedy about rival master chefs and the young apprentice stuck between them.

Wander the scenic Scottsdale Civic Center Mall while nibbling on treats from more than 50 local eateries, enjoying live entertainment or watching cooking demonstrations from the Valley’s best chefs. You can also browse the Epicurean Expo, experience the Tiki Hideaway or become an educated cocktail drinker at “Cocktail Culture.” All-inclusive VIP passes are available. A portion of the proceeds go toward Arizona arts and education.

Love fashion but can’t exactly jet off to runway shows in New York or Milan? You can see a fashion show right here at home when The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) hosts its parade of 150 outfits created by 53 first- and second-year fashion students.

More than 700 wines, liqueurs, ales, microbrews, coffees, teas, and sparkling waters will be available for tasting at the March 24 Bon Vivant food and drink festival, along with food from more than 30 Valley catering companies, restaurants and resorts.

It’ll be good food for a good cause at 6 p.m., March 7, when Mesa’s East Valley Institute of Technology hosts the 21st annual Mystery Chef Dinner benefitting EVIT’s Culinary Arts program.

Tucked away in the heart of San Tan Valley, The Good Life Festival – a multi-event, season-long gathering at Encanterra Country Club – regularly puts a focus on food, wine and music.

Now that the holidays are over, many families are starting to dream about their 2013 travel escapes. To spur some vacation ideas, I decided to consult with our trusted travel experts to get a peek at what’s expected to be hot spots for 2013. Since AAA is the largest travel agency in North America, our travel counselors weren’t short on destination ideas that will match a variety of interests and budgets.

This summer I had the misfortune to encounter the Internet culinary sensation known as cookie dough dip.

My mouth is watering, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.

Tim O’Shea, owner of Encore Catering and an Ahwatukee Foothills resident for more than 20 years, announced that Chef Michael Callison, who also lives in Ahwatukee, and formerly of Callison Culinary Arts, will join Encore Catering as head chef. Encore Catering is the upscale division of Picnic Specialties in Chandler. For information call, (480) 961-0300 or visit www.encorecateringaz.com.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa announced that Conor Favre has been appointed executive chef. Favre is an expert culinary leader with more than 18 years of experience in the food and beverage industry.

It’s no secret that liquor is a simple solution to holiday gift-giving. You don’t see a lot of people lining up Dec. 26 to return bottles of 12-year-old Scotch. And what better way to embrace the spirit of giving than by giving a spirit?

A few years ago a friend of mine told me that she believed the problems our country has had with a struggling economy was a very good thing — now I will admit to being a little shocked by her comment.

If you boil down the concept of breaking the Yom Kippur fast to its culinary essence, two basic rules become clear — make it easy to prepare and make it easy on the stomach.

The culinary arts, baking and pastry arts at the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa recently received a certification from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.

The culinary arts, baking and pastry arts at the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa recently received a certification from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. The certification assures that a program meets at least a minimum amount of standards and competencies set for faculty, curriculum and student services.

Melissa d’Arabian is a home economist for a new era. Actually, she’s more CFO than home ec.

“True Blood” fans can soon concoct their own blood-red beet bisque, crimson sweet tea and other Cajun delicacies inspired by the hit HBO vampire drama and compiled in a new cookbook.