The most popular locally produced TV show on Eight, Arizona PBS takes over CityScape in downtown Phoenix Sun., April 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., for a live food event aptly called Eight’s Check, Please! Arizona Festival.

Eight, in collaboration with R Entertainment Company, will transform CityScape into an exploration of Arizona’s independent restaurant scene – from five-star dining establishments to tucked-away cafes. The event will showcase cuisine from at least 36 of 117 independently owned Arizona restaurants previously featured on the show.

In its third season, the Emmy Award-winning series Check, Please! Arizona features favorite local restaurants as nominated by viewers. Those viewers come in studio to share commentary about their favorite dining spot and exchange opinions with fellow guests who experience each other’s favorite place as well.

Chef Demonstrations, Panel Discussions. TV Auditions.

Among event highlights are cooking demonstrations, panel discussions and the chance to audition for a spot on Check, Please! Arizona. Producers seek congenial fans who are passionate about their favorite local restaurant, articulate about food and honest about their dining-out experiences. Cameras will be present to tape the auditions.

For the camera-shy guest or those who simply avoid the limelight, a diverse array of culinary offerings will be featured by the participating indie restaurants, as well as samples of fine wine and craft beer, all included in the ticket price. A James Beard Award-winners’ panel hosted by James Beard Award-winner Robert McGrath is planned, as well as talks on locally sourced foods, fine wine and craft beers. In addition, a cooking demonstration stage will be in full gear, featuring at least four independent chefs.

Independent restaurants participating include:

Tarbell’s

Tuck Shop

LON’s at the Hermosa

Phoenix City Grille

Haus Murphy’s German Restaurant

Vogue Bistro

MacAlpines

Flancer’s

Pittsburgh Willy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs

Fuego Bistro

Eddie’s House

Petite Maison

Pomegranate Café

Coup Des Tartes

Havana Café

AZ Bread Co

America’s Taco Shop

Mrs. Whites Golden Rule Café

Thee Pitt’s Again

General admission is $60 and VIP tickets are $100. Tickets include food, as well as wine and beer sampling. VIP ticket holders will enjoy the James Beard Award-winners’ private chef seminar; exclusive wine tastings; early entry to the festival 30 minutes before general admission; and VIP valet parking.

Purchase tickets at azpbs.org/checkplease and click on ‘Join us for the Check, Please! Arizona Festival at CityScape.’