Final installment of the SAACA and Native Seeds/SEARCH collaborative culinary series concludes on August 17 with a limited capacity heritage brunch experience

Native Seeds/SEARCH and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance collaborate to present a 2019 Summer culinary series focused on agriculture & culinary traditions of the Three Sisters

(TUCSON, AZ) - Join some of Arizona's most esteemed and nationally celebrated chefs, bakers and food makers for an unforgettable culinary experience that will open your palate to new and exciting flavors, rooted in deep local traditions. The Summer Brunch, held on Saturday, August 17, will remain the final in the summer culinary series.

A unique collaboration between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Native Seeds/SEARCH brings Arizona chefs together for a series of culinary events that highlight the agricultural and culinary practices of the Three Sisters — corn, beans and squash.

Originating in Mexico, the Three Sisters is a traditional planting practice where corn, beans and squash are grown together in the same field: corn is tall and supportive; beans climb with vines and add nitrogen to the soil; and the third sister, squash, sprawls to retain moisture and prevent weeds and pests. Today, Native Seeds/SEARCH preserves many heirloom crop varieties grown using these environmentally sustainable methods, and some will make their way into deliciously local dishes at each event.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon will host an indoor/outdoor, movement-based brunch sampling experience for the culinary series on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM. The interactive sampling and foodie experience will feature a refreshing take on the late morning dining tradition, with guests having the opportunity to dive in and be a part of the creation process. Attendees will have the opportunity to create custom cocktails, including a colorful mimosa bubbles bar, as well as an over-the-top bloody mary station and donut bar, each featuring unique blends and infusions of sweet, savory, tropical and southwest flavors. Participating chefs and bakers will utilize a range of heritage ingredients into breakfast favorites like fluffy quiche, made to order omelettes, pastries, and corn and egg creations.

The event is proud to partner with local chefs and bakers from Nook Downtown, Lodge at Ventana Canyon, the newly minted Tucson Iron Chef Wendy Gauthier from Chef Chic, as well as Mad Batter Custom Bakery.

The event will also feature local beer tasting from Button Brew House, wine samplings from PRP Wine, coffee from Yellow Brick, and Tito's Vodka.

Only 250 tickets will be made available to the community. Attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as they are expected to sell out in advance.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a proud local business partner, collaborating year round with over 30 nonprofit and local organizations to support community-driven events and programming which enrich our ability to thrive together.

"SAACA is dedicated to maximizing our collective impact through meaningful collaborations within our community," explains the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's Executive Director, Kate Marquez. "We learn from every project and with each collaboration draw deeper understanding of what our shared vision for our community will look like."

Proceeds from the Three Sisters Culinary Series will support SAACA's creative arts programming and Native Seeds/SEARCH's efforts to conserve the rich agro-biodiversity of the arid Southwest.

Event Title: The Three Sisters Culinary Series
When: Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Where: The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
Cost: $45
Online: www.saaca.org/threesisters
Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos Available Upon Request

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Learn more at www.saaca.org

Native Seeds/SEARCH
Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) is a nonprofit seed conservation organization based in Tucson, Arizona. Our mission is to conserve and promote the arid-adapted crop diversity of the Southwest in support of sustainable farming and food security. Since its founding in 1983, Native Seeds/SEARCH has been dedicated to conserving the rich agro-biodiversity of the arid Southwest. Preserved in our seed bank today are nearly 2,000 varieties of crops adapted to arid landscapes extending from southern Colorado to central Mexico, many of them rare or endangered. The collection represents the cultural heritage and farming knowledge of over 50 indigenous communities, as well as recent immigrants like Spanish missionaries and Mormon homesteaders. We also conserve a number of crop wild relatives, wild ancestors of domesticated plants. Learn more at www.nativeseeds.org

Lodge at Ventana Canyon
Tucson Arizona’s Premiere Golf and Lodging Experience 
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon sits against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Nestled within this spectacular setting are a semi-private country club and Lodge with just 50 suites and 36 holes of golf. Winding through the canyons and arroyos of this 600-acre desert preserve are Tom Fazio's two 18 hole championship courses (Mountain and Canyon), which have won numerous awards as the best in the country. The Lodge has been a prestigious AAA Four Diamond property for 23 consecutive years, and our many awards showcase our commitment to the highest standards in service excellence. The Lodge reflects the spirit of warmth and comfort cherished by seasoned travelers. Learn more at https://www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com/en-us