The Toast

Sunday, January 28, 2018

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for the first time as we kick off the 2018 SAVOR Southern Arizona Food & Wine Festival week events with a celebratory TOAST to honor those who have dedicated their efforts to building a thriving, diverse and rich culinary legacy in our community.

​THE TOAST will celebrate a distinguished individual whose body of work exemplifies support and dedication to advancing the Southern Arizona Culinary scene. ​

2018 Honoree

Don Luria
In 1981, Donald Luria retired from government work in Washington D.C. having served as a Consultant to the Assistant Secretary of Policy Development & Research at HUD, then as Chief, Center for Applied User Research at the Bureau of the Census and as Director of Research, Executive Office of the Mayor, Washington, DC. He moved to Tucson, Arizona (not knowing a single person) bought the Tasting Spoon Cooking School and launched a culinary career. He then started Gourmet to Go as a catering company and gourmet take out to-go.

After participating and donating food to the Tucson Festival Society, Tucson Museum of Art and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, he was asked to join their Boards of Directors.  With a dedicated passion for community, culinary arts and giving back, Don has served on over 25 area non-profit Boards, and is fully committed to moving Southern Arizona forward. Many of the Board leadership roles were related to his interest in expanding Tucson’s culinary field.

He founded the Tucson Originals Restaurants and the Tucson Culinary Foundation and notably served on the Board of Tucson Meet Yourself, Native Seeds/SEARCH and Local First Arizona. He was Board Chair and then President of the Council of Independent Restaurants in America.  Now “fully” retired from all Boards, he and his wife lead culinary tours across the USA and France!

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is honored to pay tribute to Don Luria, his family, and friends, who have all supported him along the way.  Don’s leadership has made significant contributions to the culinary arts in Southern Arizona, as well as paved the way for new talent and prominence within the field.  His commitment to the development of Southern Arizona is truly one of his greatest personal achievements.  Help us raise a TOAST to Don to celebrate all he has done for this community.

Tickets $70

Brunch sampling from area chefs, complimentary sparkling wine toast and featured wine and cocktail pairings. ​ 

All events are limited capacity (200 max), and are anticipated to sell out. 

2018 Honoree Don Luria

Location

Lodge at Ventana Canyon
6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ 85750

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon sits against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Nestled within this spectacular setting is a semi-private country club and Lodge with just 50 suites and 36 holes of golf. 

Get Involved

Participate in the event as a featured restaurant, chef, purveyor or libation

Support your community and become an in-kind trade partner.  Download the benefits and opportunities here.
Apply for a media pass to cover the event in your publication or blog

Support your community and become an event sponsor.  Download the benefits and opportunities here.
We are always in need of a few good volunteers.  Register to Volunteer Online

2018 Participants 

The 2018 TOAST will feature menu samplings from local chefs, featuring brunch favorites, sparkling wine, live music, and featured libations.  Check back soon for participating chefs and features.  
Chef Ryan Clark
​Casino Del Sol
​​
'I've sat on the Slow Food Arizona board with Don and it's our pleasure to recognize him at this event for all of his hard work with the community.'
Chef Jim Murphy
Kingfisher
Chef Wendy Gauthier
​Chef Chic
​
"At Chef Chic we make you say WOW before the first bite!"
Chef Issa Mousa
​Lodge at Ventana Canyon

Featured Libations:

Belstar Prosecco

Safe Ride Partner

To help ensure all attendees make it to and from the event safely we have partnered with Lyft to encourage everyone attending the festival to plan ahead and keep the community safe. 

​First Time User:
Redeem up to $20 in Free Lyft Credit using code: SAACA
 
Existing User:
20% off your ride to and from the Savor Food and Wine Festival using code: SAVORFEST

Gallery

Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors