I’ve always said that during the summer in Arizona, the fun begins when the sun goes down. I happen to love the summer and all things unique to the desert. I like to swim at night and hike when the sun almost rises. Most of all I look forward to the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables; there are so many ingredients to choose from that the next three months of summer barely seem like enough time to use them all. The word echelon means “a series of levels or grades,” such as vine rows aligned in a vineyard. The name also commonly refers to a higher level of value within a group, as in the upper echelon. Once you taste the bright, crisp, fruit-forward wines of Echelon, it’s easy to see why this California winery is so aptly named. In 2002, wine reviewer Robert M. Parker Jr. said that Echelon’s “offerings should be prized for their fruit, light to medium bodies, freshness, and authentic varietal characteristics.” Hmmm, sounds like the perfect summer wine to me! Please join us at our Monday Night Chef’s Table on June 8th as we pair their beautiful wines with one of our fabulous seasonal menus. Speaking of summer beverages, our friends at Four Peaks Brewing Company will return to ZuZu on Monday, June 22nd for their third Chef’s Table. We proudly serve their fine beers all around the hotel. I recently took a tour of their brewery on 8th Street in Tempe and was beyond impressed; just having such a local treasure a few miles away makes me proud to live here in the Valley. You can expect some interesting pairings along with copious pours of their delicious brews. I know Father’s Day is not the big deal that Mother’s Day is; but why don’t you treat the old boy and bring him to ZuZu? You know we serve the fresh, approachable food he loves. Speaking as a father, it would totally be the right thing to do, and you would make his day. Check out the menu via the link below. One of the phenomena of summer, honestly, is our pool at the Hotel Valley Ho. We have an awesome lineup this year, starting with live music on Friday nights from 4pm to 8pm; our little Saturday “session” led by the esteemed DJ P-Body and “Tiki Sundays” for all of you who agree any drink served with a paper umbrella lowers your body temperature. The cuisine is prepared with all the thought and love you would expect at HVH. Summer is a mindset. If you feel a little misery creeping in as you walk across the parking lot at 3pm, remember a time, as many of you can, when you were scraping the ice off your windshield and waiting for what seemed like an hour for the car to warm up. Think cool, and I hope to see you soon! Tune In Chef Wiley will be cooking on KTVK Channel 3’s “Your Life A-Z” with Lisa Haffner every Tuesday in June. The show airs from 9-10am, and the recipes can be found on www.azfamily.com. A carefully selected beverage will be paired with each course. Monday, June 8: Echelon Duncan’s Farm Summer Melon Gazpacho maine lobster + crème fraiche Grilled Romaine & Heirloom Tomato Salad shaved cipollini onions, feta cheese, anchovy + oregano vinaigrette Grilled Lamb Loin in Pastry black mission figs, cypress grove’s purple haze goat cheese + caramelized onion demi-glace Peach Dumpling bourbon glaze + lemon cream Monday, June 22: Four Peaks Brewery Chile-Seared Arizona Sweet Shrimp Salad chiffonade spinach, frizzled tortillas, honey + lime Grilled Marquez Sausage shaved fennel, orange, parsley + mustard aioli Roast Cornish Game Hen barley risotto, braised mustard greens + malted herb vinaigrette Banana Waffle Sundae vanilla bean ice cream + cajeta caramel sauce Click here to view previous Chef’s Tables. Monday Night Chef’s Tables Date: Monday, June 8th + 22nd Time: 6:30pm Cost: $52 per person Does not include tax and gratuity. Reservations: 480.421.7997 Turn your evening into a Date Night and extend the fun until morning. With your Monday Night Chef’s Table receipt, a Signature guest room is yours for the night -- at a special price of just $99. Plan ahead, because this offer is based on availability. Our fathers have done so much for us throughout our lives. Show Dad your appreciation by bringing him to ZuZu, voted “Best Place to Take Your Dad to Brunch,” by the New Times “Best of Phoenix.” We have designed a menu around items we know your Dad will love. Date: Sunday, June 21st A la Carte Menu: 6am-3pm Limited Menu: 3-5:30pm Dinner: 5:30-10pm Reservations: 480.421.7997 End the weekend by joining us at Café ZuZu for a spectacular three-course dinner. Like the rest of our signature menu style, look for us to take advantage of local, seasonal ingredients and time-honored flavors. Date: Every Sunday Cost: $27 per person (non-inclusive) Reservations: 480.421.7997 Drop by ZuZu for dinner this Sunday -- or any Sunday this summer -- and when the two of you each enjoy a 60-minute spa service along with dinner, your guest room is free!* *Offer based on double occupancy; requires at least two 60-minute spa services and dinner for two or more charged to the registered party guest room between noon Sunday and noon Monday to qualify for full guest room credit Sunday night (credit based on standard guest room rate). Subject to limited availability through September 7, 2009; guest must ensure reservations for qualifying spa services and dinner are confirmed. It’s easy to stay updated on the latest news and spur-of-the-moment specials from Hotel Valley Ho. Sign up for “friends-only” rates offered all summer long. And visit us on Facebook -- be sure to become a fan! Turn off the cell phones, leave the kids with the sitter and take advantage of special rates and a party for hotel guests the weekend of June 12-14 -- just $97.50 nightly, in honor of Mov’n 97.5 FM radio and co-sponsor Bacardi Rum. Enjoy live music poolside on Friday, and the energetic tunes of DJ P-Body on Saturday...plus weekend relaxation specials at VH Spa. It’s the perfect weekend for fun in the sun!