Phoenix Arizona is a desert, but fortunately not a culinary one. There is no shortage of good restaurants in the Phoenix area – certainly enough to bring four dozen great chefs together on a beautify sunny Saturday afternoon and show off their talents.

Somehow, West of Western seems to attract the Rain God. Last year the second day was rained out. This year however, the event organizers promised that rain or shine, the festival would go on. The weather cooperated this year and it was beautiful.

West of Western brings some of the best chefs in Phoenix out of their restaurants and under one tent. Best of all, there is clearly a sense of each trying to out-do the other. Different Point of View was back with their Lobster Bisque that is without a doubt the best on the planet. After serving me a sample, he handed me a second and said, “Here try it with a little truffle oil.” Oh My. I thought Id died and gone to heaven.

Chef Tracy Dempsey from Cowboy Ciao was their with her Goat Cheese Cheesecake and I fell in love with it at first bite. Not at all what you’d think: It was sweet but not overpoweringly so.

Though they are across town from me, Simply Bread will get a visit soon. I want to see how their baguette compares to mine. I did not get to sample them at the festival but their challah was excellent.

Best-Of-Show however (at least in my opinion) were these guys. Ristorante Tuscany and their Wild Boar Ragu. I went back for seconds. and thirds.

And of course, I bought a Cookbook. he Arizona Historical League was there selling Tastes and Treasures, A StorytellingCookbook of Historical Arizona.