Whether talking flavor “palate” or color “palette,” there is no denying it – Food is Art.

So, doesn’t it make sense then that food should support the arts whenever possible, be it via culinary creativity, playful plates, daring décor and even a helping hand or two?

Art has a huge influence on us here at Sapporo Scottsdale – from our hand-crafted sushi rolls to our colorful cocktails, and our performing arts-inspired teppan chefs. Our mission, in fact, is to create an artful masterpiece with every meal.

Some of our favorite “artsy” eats and drinks featured this February:

  • Vanilla-Scented Pomegranate Mojito, made with 10 Cane Rum, Pomegranate Juice, Mint and Lime – perfect for the “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
  • Passion Mango Martini, made with Skyy Citrus Vodka, Bacardi O, Passion Fruit and Mango Puree – perfect for the similarly passionate “Van Gough.” Just don’t let him near a knife!
  • Rainbow Roll, a California Roll topped with Tuna, Shrimp, Salmon, Yellowtail, Snapper and Avocado – perfect for “The Starry Night.”
  • Surf’n’Turf Roll, Tempura Crab, Seared Filet, Avocado, Cucumber, Spicy Mayo and Tabasco – sure to make even “Mona Lisa” smile.

Passion Mango Martini

Sapporo Sushi

At Sapporo Scottsdale, we understand and incorporate the “food is art” notion, and in the coming months we will be providing food to support the arts through the following events:

Third Thursday Social

We are pleased to announce we have partnered with the Scottsdale League for the Arts (SLA) to host their February “Third Thursday” social event, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21. For a $5 donation, we will be serving up complementary appetizers and drink specials that show off our own artistic abilities. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase and all proceeds from the evening benefit SLA’s mission to support the arts and art education programs throughout the Valley of the Sun. You can see photos of past Third Thursday events here.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s Burger Battle

As part of the week-long Scottsdale Culinary Festival celebration in April (also supporting SLA), our team will Burger Battle against more than a dozen of the best chefs in town as we compete for the coveted title of 2013 Best Burgers in the Valley.

At 6:30 p.m. on April 11 at Scottsdale Stadium, guests will be challenged to try each and every burger, then vote for the best bite of the night. A panel of judges will also choose their favorites. The winning restaurants take away trophies and unlimited bragging rights.

Cost to attend is $55 per ticket and includes all burgers plus ice cold Leinenkugel’s beer, soft drinks, fries, dessert and live music.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival’s Eat, Drink and Be Pretty

For our third year in a row, the powers that be are dusting off my finest chef’s coat so my team and I can “see and be seen,” while feeding the most fabulous foodies in the Valley at Eat, Drink and Be Pretty. This fashion-forward experience comes complete with a runway, models, fashion and, of course, food! The event will take place on April 12 at 7 p.m., at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $75 per person and include food, drink, fashion, live entertainment and more.

Why We Do It – And Why You Should Too

Since 2002, SLA has donated more than $3.5 million to arts programs in Arizona through funds raised at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Third Thursday events. Not only do the events raise money for their cause, SLA aims to draw attention to the unique dining options Scottsdale has to offer and to network with like-minded people.