Dinner with Strangers
One of our most popular events, "Dinner with Strangers" is your
chance to meet with colleagues and make new friends. During a lovely
dinner, enjoy chatting about ideas, challenges and successes with your
"comarades in arms."
Wednesday, April 21. Not only is it an opportunity to make new friends in the VA world, but an adventure in dining! Many different cuisines and from moderate to expensive so there is something for everyone.
Where?
Most of the restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel—those that require transportation are noted. The hotel has a shuttle for complimentary local transportation within a five-mile radius; however, it is first come, first-served and they do not take reservations.
SignUps
There will be restaurant sign-up sheets available at the Summit registration table. Dinner with Strangers is all about connections—connecting with other people in our industry who you do not already know. Start building that relationship in a fun, casual way over dinner.
Each restaurant will be designated for a maximum of sixteen people, so check out the restaurants' websites and menus to determine your top pick. Then select an alternate in case your top pick is no longer available when you sign up at registration.
What's the Drill?
Meet in the Hotel Lobby 6:00 p.m. – Group Leaders for each restaurant will meet the attendees in the lobby for further coordination.
Restaurant Choices for Dinner With Strangers – A to Z
Aunt Chilada’s is an award-winning Mexican restaurant in an historic
Arizona location. A fun, bright place to spend your evening! $$
Where: Approximately four miles, transportation required.
The popular chain restaurant known for its fabulous cheesecakes of all kinds, but their menu also offers a variety of salads, appetizers, and entrees. Portions are large, so you may want to share! $$
Where: Approximately 2 blocks from the Embassy Suites – walking distance
For a true western flair, slide into the Rustler’s Rooste--a cowboy
steakhouse right here in Phoenix. $$$
Where: Transportation required – taxi for 1 person is approximately $20, add a few more people and share the cost!
Are you hooked on Iron Chef? Then perhaps you’ve seen the chef/owner of Tarbell’s who was a winner on the Iron Chef. Or you may have seen him on several of the national morning shows. Whether you’re familiar with Mark Tarbell or not, you can enjoy a truly special fine dining experience at the award-winning Tarbell’s which features only the finest locally grown organic produce. $$$-$$$$
Where: 8 blocks from Embassy Suites – walking distance or hotel shuttle if available
Tommy V’s offers casual Italian dining, Appetizers, salads, pizza, and
more! $$ (click on the Tommy V’s link at the top on their website)
Where: Approximately eight blocks, right next door to its award-winning parent restaurant, Tomaso’s
Zinburger is a fun and fabulous wine and burger bar! We will be among
the first customers to experience the new Phoenix location which is
set to open in late March. $$
Where: Within walking distance. Note: Zinburger is on our list of restaurants
to choose from; however, in the event it does not open on schedule, we
will offer another option at the sign-up table.
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