I had such a fabulous weekend. It’s sad that it’s already Sunday again.

Yesterday Kayla and I got all dolled up for a charity event, Taste of the Nation. It was going to be a night of food, fun, music, and getting all dolled up, which is never bad.

Earlier in the week we had gone dress shopping. I realized I would rather wear one of my dresses I had stuffed back away in my closet instead, a very 50′s looking black dress with white polka dots that buttoned all the way down the back. With Kayla’s suggestion of borrowing her pearls, it ended up becoming almost a costume party for me. The goal, June Cleaver with a bit of a twist.

It ended up working out quite well. I found some matching pearl accessories, a red headband and some tempting red and silver sandals I couldn’t resist.

We decided to cab it to Scottsdale, and I’m glad we did. As we arrived things were already starting to get into full swing. Music was playing and people were starting to hit the many bars and gather around the silent auction items.

There were a million amazing dishes there. It was delicious. And, not only did I try baby octopus for the first time, but I had a cup of tomato soup that completely made me forget I hate tomatoes. And anyone that knows me, knows that I truly hate tomatoes.

Cathy’s Rum Cakes had a fabulous peach amaretto cake that was to die for.

A restaurant in Scottsdale Taggia, made this incredible potato gnocchi with veal and mushrooms that I *have* to have again, especially since the owner was nice and personable.

I believe we managed to hit all but maybe 4 or 5 stations. The wine and drinks were amazing as were the bartenders. One of them actually made a drink so strong I couldn’t stomach it without another splash of coke, which is a rarity. When I went back for another splash, she informed me her goal was to get everyone drunk.

The Chadwicks were the band playing, and they weren’t bad. Great selection of music.

The festivities ended at 10, but we weren’t done. Afterward, we grabbed a cab and headed to Martini Ranch, which is always a great place to see a live band, and who doesn’t like a live band? Ends up Rock Lobster was playing, which has all the same band members as the Chadwicks aside from the lead singer. It was way too surreal. My favorite part was when the female vocalist broke out the violin and played The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

Last night was girls night (a small gathering but still all women)! Three of us decided to head out and see what damage we could cause. The first stop was a wine bar and bistro I heard about through east valley friday nights called D’Vine. It truly lived up to its name. The place was packed but we were seated within minutes. All of us were starving so we added some dinner to our wine. I had two glasses of an amazing Riesling recommended by the waiter. For dinner I had a scallop salad and a side of sweet potato fries that were to die for. Absolutely incredible. Everything on the menu looked fantastic and I will be heading there again and again. The wine menu and atmosphere was spectacular as well.

Afterward, our goal was to go to rockaroke at Dos Gringos in Tempe. However, both Tom Tom and Sprint Navigation failed us (I hate being a recent transplant sometimes) and so we ended up going to the Martini Ranch in Scottsdale. There was a great band playing that was something kings (a little angry I forgot the whole name I loved them). We danced it up… okay I danced it up and sang and had a blast. Some married guy kept flirting with me occasionally as well as this chick. Makes a person wonder.

It was a great night. Sucked to have to wake up so early this morning though.