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Millennium Resort McCormick Ranch’s Culinary Calendar Features Leading Wineries & Global Cuisines

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – March 12, 2007 - Francis Ford Coppola, Moet & Chandon and executive chef Gary Mlinarich of the award-winning Piñon Grill are among the headliners of a year-long calendar of innovative and varied culinary events taking place at the Millennium Resort Scottsdale McCormick Ranch. In addition to wine dinners in partnership with luminaries such as Coppola, the occasions will feature cuisines from around the world.

For each event at this popular Southwestern cuisine-inspired restaurant, guests have the option of dining in elegance indoors or at a table outdoors overlooking Camelback Lake. Among the highlights:

Coppola Wine Dinner, May 18 (Reception 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:00 p.m.)
That the famous film maker is also a master vintner may not come as a surprise but this is the opportunity to discover first-hand how good he is. The Piñon Grill’s wine dinner features the wines of Rubicon Estate Winery, home to Francis Ford Coppola’s vineyard, including Sophia Sparkling Wine, named after Coppola’s director-daughter. The five-course meal features Maine Lobster-Israeli Cous-Cous Salad; Pan Crisped Black Cod with Seared Foie Gras, Porcini Mushroom Ravioli with Tarragon Chicken Broth Reduction; and Baby Lamb Loin with Cheese Gnocchi plus Summer Squash and Chili Spiked Currant Sauce. The wine dinner is priced at $65 per person excluding tax and gratuity.

Food Tours of Italy, Spain & South America
For three months of summer, the Piñon Grill will showcase the cuisines of Italy, Spain and South America paired with flights of their regional wines. The special international menus are offered nightly along with the regular menu.

Italy is in the spotlight in June with Caprese Salad and Chicken Spinach Cannelloni served with homemade Roma tomato coulis. Featured Italian wines include Bottega Vinala Pinot Grigio and Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico.

In July, such Spanish dishes as Paella Valenciana, a saffron rice dish with shellfish, chorizo sausage and chicken dish or Filete de Piñon (grilled filet of beef with fire roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, fingerling potatoes with mushroom demi) will be paired with Faustino wines from the Rioja region including the Tinto Gran Reserva.

The food and wines of South America are featured in August, represented by dishes such as Cerdo Empanadas (braised pork empanadas served with sweet and spicy ranchero sauce and crème fraische) and Parrillada Mixta, a grilled assortment South American lamb chops, short ribs, and wild boar sausage. Featured wines include Santa Rita Reserve Chardonnay and the Vina Mont Gras Viognier.

Prices for the special international dishes range from $7.50 to $32; wines are prices at $7, by the glass; wine flights for $15, or by the bottle at $28.

Moet & Chandon Wine Dinner, December 14(Reception 6:30 p.m., dinner 7:00 p.m.)
This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a five-course dinner featuring Chili Dusted Scallops with Fresh Melon Salsa; Pan Seared Black Cod over Orange Scented Black Quinoa with Blood Orange Beurre Blanc; and Herb Rubbed Veal Tenderloin Medallions with Smoked Tomato Grits paired with the famous Champagne and wine maker’s finest wines. Beverages featured include Chandon Riche Extra Dry and Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose champagne, as well as their fine Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines. The price is $65 per person excluding tax and gratuities.

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended for all events; please call 480-367-2422.