2015 CONNECT Conference Dine-Arounds
Monday, October 5 & Tuesday, October 2, 2015
What is a dine-around?
Dine-arounds offer conference participants an opportunity to dine with peers over
casual conversation or a specific topic or theme. Dinners will be held at the Sheraton
Wild Horse Pass and other restaurants nearby.
Deadline for signing up to host a dine-around is September 4.
What types of dine-arounds can I host?
We suggest three types of dinner set-ups:

Informal conversations. Informal, general networking dinner conversations with
others conference participants.

Speaker/Presentation. Dinners that offer the opportunity to hear an engaging
presentation as well as network with other participants.

Topical/Regional. Conversations led by a conference participant, often the
dinner host.
When will the dine-arounds take place?
Dine-arounds will take place starting at 6:30 pm on the first two evenings of the
conference: Monday, October 5 and Tuesday, October 6.
How will conference participants learn about dine-arounds?
Exponent Philanthropy will publicize dine-arounds before the conference on its
website and in emails to all conference participants, and during the conference at the
registration desk.
How will conference participants RSVP for dinners?
Participants can RSVP ahead of time or on-site by visiting the conference registration
desk.
In advance of the conference, RSVPs can be collected either by the host or Exponent
Philanthropy. Instructions on how to RSVP will be included in online communications
to conference participants.
Where can we hold our dine-around?
Dinners will be held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass and other restaurants nearby.
Before selecting, we recommend considering how accessible a restaurant is from the
hotel, if it is ADA accessible, and whether you require a private space. A list of
restaurants at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass and other nearby restaurants can be
found on the following pages.
Who makes the reservation?
Dine-around organizers take care of making the restaurant reservation and
confirmation.
Who pays for what?
Dinners can be paid by a host (hosted) or by the participants (individually paid). For
hosted dinners, the host pays for dinner for all participants. For individually paid
dinners, participants pay for their own meal. Promotional materials will clearly state if
a dinner is hosted or individually paid so everyone knows what to expect.
How many participants should I expect and may I invite others?
The majority of dine-arounds draw between 5-15 people. Guests who are not
attending the conference may be eligible to participate at the discretion of the dinearound’s host.
Does the conference non-solicitation policy extend to dine-arounds?
Yes – as with all Exponent Philanthropy programs, dine-arounds are a nonsolicitation environment.
What do we need from hosts to make a dine-around official?
Please send the following information to Corey Jannicelli at
[email protected] by Friday, September 4.
1.
Title or discussion topic
2. 50-word descriptive blurb
3. Style (hosted or individual pay)
4. Restaurant
5. Night (Monday, October 5 or Tuesday, October 6)
6. Maximum number of participants
7. Name and email address for RSVPs
8. Cell phone and email of main contact for the dinner
Note: A limited number of dine-arounds will be offered each night. We will be taking
requests first come, first serve, and cannot guarantee that all requests will be
granted.
Questions?
Please contact Corey Jannicelli at (202) 580-6566 or
[email protected].
Dine-Arounds · 2015 CONNECT Conference · Exponent Philanthropy
Recommended Restaurants- Chandler Area
See attached map for zone outlines.
Zone 1 Restaurants (Includes Resort & Casino Hotel as well as surrounding areas)
 Aji Café
Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
Ext: 8416
Our Aji Café offers a menu with healthy lunch options prepared on site by the Aji Café Chef.
 Arriba Mexican Grill
4649 East Chandler Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85048
480.753.4453
http://www.arribamexicangrill.com/
Specializing in New Mexico Style Entrees featuring Hatch Green Chiles.
All entrees are available from Mild to Hot & Spicy.
 Fired Up Grill
7131 W. Ray Road. Ste. 45 Chandler, AZ 85226
480.940.4040
http://firedupgrill.com/
New American Cuisine. Delicious blend of various cuisines from around the world...A menu as diverse as
America!
 Fleming’s Steakhouse
905 North 54th Street, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.940.1900
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/az/chandler
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Chandler is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and
wine, featuring the finest prime steak and 100 wines by the glass.
 Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
7131 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.785.1600
http://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/arizona/casa-paloma/
Baking in a coal fired brick oven gives Grimaldi’s pizza a flavorful and authentic taste. Grimaldi’s fresh
ingredients, handmade mozzarella, “secret recipe” sauce and hand tossed dough have made
Grimaldi’s the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States.
 Hanyo Pool Bar & Grill
Poolside at The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
Hanyo, meaning 'oasis' in the Maricopa language, is set among the spectacular swimming pools and
the Gila River.
 Hillside Spot Café
4740 E Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044
480.705.7768
http://www.hillsidespot.com/index.html
We’ve created a menu which combines the freshest ingredients in delicious recipes, featuring produce
from local farms and producers whenever possible, including Cartel Coffee Labs, MJ’s Bakery, Maya’s
Farms, Schreiner’s Sausage, Oak Creek and Four Peaks Brewery.
 Kai –Fine Dining- Dress code enforced
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
Third Floor Lobby
Extension: 8281 Reservations highly recommended
Kai, meaning 'seed' in the Pima language, features a menu rich in creativity, history and Native
American culture. Executive Chef Michael O'Dowd incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa
tribes and locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community to create unforgettable
masterpieces.
 Ko’Sin
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
First Floor Lobby
Ext: 8281
Ko'Sin features desert bistro cuisine. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner Ko'Sin, meaning 'kitchen' in the
Pima language, delights guests with delectable dishes amid stunning views of the Sierra Estrella
Mountain Range.
 Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion
7151 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
480. 705.7697
Inspired by a family "always around a table" and the flavors of Asian cuisine, Chef Patrick "Red" Bray has
designed tonight's menu from the finest ingredients available.
 Ruffino
4908 E. Warner Road, Phoenix. AZ 85044
480.893.8544
For the past 20 years, Ruffino Italian Cuisine has enjoyed the reputation of consistently being the best
Italian restaurant in the Ahwatukee area
 Sandbar Mexican Grill
7200 W. Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.961.1700
As the first East Valley location of this famed Scottsdale hotspot, look for a spicy Mexican menu and an
array of tropical drinks served in bright Mexican-style décor featuring thatch and tin roofs and sandlined outdoor cabanas.
 Sivlik Grill
Whirlwind Golf Club
520.796.8443
Located at the Whirlwind Golf Club, the new clubhouse restaurant offers a unique dining experience
including creative cuisine, picturesque desert views and mountain vistas.
 Spinato’s Pizza
4848 East Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048
480.961.0208
"The Spinato Experience" means that each of our guests experiences not only a unique type of pizza,
but also a menu of food items which are intended to excite the palette as never before.
 Va Bene
4647 E Chandler Blvd #1, Phoenix, AZ 85048
480.706.4070
Enjoy a variety of classic and contemporary Italian dishes made from the finest ingredients.
 Z’Tejas
7221 W. Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.893.7550
Our food is fresh, flavorful and innovative. We take traditional ingredients, spices and cooking
techniques from around the South to create a taste without borders.
Zone 2 Restaurants (Includes Chandler Fashion Center Mall & surrounding areas)
 Abuelo’s
3440 West Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226
480.855.0960
http://www.abuelos.com/
Abuelo’s has consistently been on the leading edge of Mexican cuisine, combining menu creativity,
outstanding food and beverage quality, colorful plate presentations and superior service in an
impressive Mexican courtyard-themed atmosphere. Every dish is made to order from scratch using only
the freshest premium ingredients.
 Benihana
3025 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226
480.812.4701
http://www.benihana.com/
Watch as your personal chef performs the ancient art of Teppanyaki, preparing a meal that will dazzle
your eyes as well as your taste buds.
 BJ’s Brewhouse
3155 W.Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.917.0631
http://www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/az/chandler
BJ's offer a high-quality, extensive (approximately 100 items) menu featuring BJ's signature deep dish
pizza, complemented by generously portioned salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta, entrées, snacks and
small bites, our own line of handcrafted micro brewed beers and of course our famous Pizookie®
dessert.
 The Cheesecake Factory
3111 W Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226
480.792.1300
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/
The Cheesecake Factory menu features more than 200 menu selections made fresh from scratch each
day – using only the highest quality ingredients – which combines to create our remarkable tastes.
 Elephant Bar
3405 West Chandler Boulevard Chandler AZ 85226
480.899.8088
http://www.elephantbar.com/Default.aspx
The dining adventure begins with a passion for great food, infused with globally inspired bold flavors
and recipes, freshness and quality ingredients and the flair of wood-fired and wok cooking styles.
 The Keg Steakhouse
3065 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.899.7500
http://www.kegsteakhouse.com/en/
When it comes to steak, The Keg serves only the finest cuts. They are aged for tenderness. Then, a very
special blend of seasonings is added to lend unique flavor while still allowing the natural properties of
the high quality, well aged beef to be enjoyed to its fullest. This ensures that a tender, succulent,
flavorful steak is guaranteed off the grill every time.
 Olive Garden
3430 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
480.857.0126
http://www.olivegarden.com/
Olive Garden is proud to serve fresh, delicious Italian food served in a comfortable, home-like setting
where everyone is welcomed as a member of the family.
 Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
3420 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226
480.814.7766
http://www.redrobin.com/
No two burgers are alike. The same is true for every Red Robin Burger. Each one is freshly prepared and
made-to-order.
Zone 3 Restaurants (Includes downtown chandler)
 Coach & Willies
1 E. Boston Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.776.6240
http://coachandwillies.com/chandler2012/index.html
They offer a full menu with many tasty options, including their signature lobster bisque! C&W’s new one
of a kind design includes 31 HD flat screen t.v.’s where you can watch all your favorite sports team while
in a warm and friendly environment
 DC Steakhouse
98 South San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.899.4400
http://www.dc-steakhouse.com/
Fine dining, specializing in steak, a great wine list and an upscale atmosphere. Inviting decor with
historic charm. Enjoy juicy mouthwatering grilled steaks, chops, and seafood.
 El Zocalo Mexican Grille
28 South San Marcos Place, Chandle,r AZ 85225
480.722.0303
http://www.azeats.com/elzocalo/index.html
El Zocalo has a long-established reputation in Chandler for excellent Mexican food, and guests can also
enjoy a beautiful outside patio and live music on weekends.
 Irish Republic Public House (Murphy’s Law)
58 South San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.812.1588
http://irishrepublicaz.com/
One of the newer additions to the downtown nightlife scene, the Irish pub boasts a wide variety of
brews, a great menu and a lively atmosphere. Lunch is also served and breakfast on weekends.
 La Stalla Cucina Rustica
68 W. Buffalo Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.855.9990
http://lastallacr.com/
Set in a rustic ambiance with wrought iron chandeliers and stone walls, La Stalla serves up a wide
variety of fine Italian food that tastes like it came straight from the Old Country.
 Charm Thai
11 W. Boston Street #5, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.722.0560
http://latitude-eight.com/
This cosmopolitan restaurant serves authentic Thai food that could easily compete with some of the
finest restaurants in any metropolitan area. Ingredients are extremely fresh and the menu is unique and
inviting.
 SanTan Brewing Co.
8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.917.8700
Located in a renovated 1954 bank building, this microbrewery not only boasts great handcrafted beers brewed on premises, but delicious food as well.
 Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant
141 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.899.3318
The first restaurant of this well-known local chain and a downtown Chandler icon, Serrano’s is known for
its tasty, authentic Mexican cuisine.
 Vintage 95 Wine Lounge
65 W. Boston St, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.855.9463
Great food and drinks in a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Patio dining and a fabulous wine cellar.
 The Perch Pub & Brewery
232 S. Wall Street, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.773.7688
The Perch is a fun local pub featuring two patios (one in the garden and one on the roof top). It
features fresh, modern Southwestern fare, wood fired pizzas, and sandwiches. They also host twenty five
craft beers on tap including their own in house brews.
 Eastwind Sushi
58 W. Buffalo St, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.855.7451
A rotating sushi bar restaurant with great prices and delicious sushi. The menu also includes a variety of
Sake and beer.
 Original Chop Shop Co
35 W. Boston St, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.426.0216
Original ChopShop Co. in Downtown Chandler offers fresh and delicious food that caters to a busy onthe-go lifestyle. They desire to provide people with familiar family recipes, but with an exciting twist of
ingredients. They offer salads, sandwiches, juices, protein shakes, coffee, and more.
 Bourbon Jacks
11 W. Boston St, Chandler, AZ 85225
480.664.1738
Bourbon Jacks Bar & Grill opens its doors to the community to showcase a new concept of traditional
country with contemporary appeal. Bourbon Jacks encompasses a fresh innovative menu, extensive
drink selection, and an urban country atmosphere equipped with live entertainment and large HD TV’s
for you sports fanatics.
Other Great Picks:
 Cork Winery & Bistro
4991 S. Alma School Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248
480.883.3773
With its modern yet comfortable décor, Cork is the East Valley’s most popular spot for every romantic
special occasion, offering a full bar, extensive wine list, and indoor and outdoor seating.
 The Living Room
2475 W. Queen Creek Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248
480.855.2848
http://www.livingroomwinebar.com
Featuring scrumptious appetizers to share, like our artisan cheese platter, and our flavorful hot and
cold sandwiches, The Living Room is your new hangout in Chandler.