Regional Foray

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NamAZona, August 22nd - 25th, 2024

In collaboration with: The Arizona Mushroom Society

There ARE mushrooms in Arizona! Discover the culinary treasures of Arizona’s mountains at NAMAzona.

In the heart of the arid landscapes that define Arizona, a culinary surprise awaits those willing to venture into the mountains this summer. Known for its cacti and deserts, Arizona is the last place you’d expect to find a bounty of mushrooms. Yet thanks to the transformative power of the summer monsoon rains, the mountains come alive with an unexpected and abundant variety of fungi. This summer, we invite you to embark on a unique gastronomic journey that promises to change how you think about Arizona and mushrooms.

NAMAzona, cohosted by the Arizona Mushroom Society and NAMA, brings together mycophiles, culinary enthusiasts, foodies and anyone with an adventurous palate. Set against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s mountainous landscape, with lodging at a brand new boutique hotel in the small town of Strawberry, this event will not just be a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes.

Leading the culinary exploration is renowned chef and author Chad Hyatt (author, The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen), who is celebrated for his innovative approach to mushroom cuisine. Hyatt, along with other distinguished local fungi chefs, will be crafting multi-course fine dining experiences inspired by the flavors of Arizona each night. Each dish will showcase the versatility and richness of mushrooms, turning locally foraged fungi and wild flavors into gourmet masterpieces.

Attendees will learn about Arizona’s unique and fascinating fungi – a remarkable convergence of West Coast, Rocky Mountain and East Coast species. There will be forays led by local experts, culinary demonstrations and workshops offering a hands-on approach to understanding and appreciating the diverse and unique mushrooms of the region.

This is an opportunity to find and taste some extraordinary mushrooms that you may not yet have added to your baskets! Notable edible species include:

Amanita cochiseana – Arizona caesar
Tricholoma mesoamericanum – Mesoamerican matsutake
Boletus barrowsii – Western white porcini
Sparassis americana f. arizonica – Arizona cauliflower
Lyophyllum shemiji – Clavito
Lactarius indigo – Indigo milk cap
Floccularia albolanaripes
Boletus (rubriceps) edulis – porcini

This event is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive journey that combines the beauty of Arizona’s landscapes with the exquisite flavors of its unexpected abundance of wild flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned mycophile or new to mushrooms, this event offers an exclusive experience that tantalizes the senses and enriches your culinary skills. After forays among the pines, return to the rustic-chic Strawberry Inn to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries. Gather around a crackling fire pit under the stars, enjoy one of the property’s many hot tubs, share stories, and savor the tranquility of the mountains.

NAMAZona: Regional Foray in Arizona will be a first-of-its-kind, intimate, culinary-focused foray event for a group of about 100 NAMA members. Strawberry Inn accommodations provide an unique opportunity to develop and celebrate mycofellowship, with diverse lodging options including classic Airstreams to tiny homes to shared luxury queen bunkhouses (must be seen to appreciate, makes us want to crawl right in!). Please feel free to explore the Strawberry Inn website to become familiar with the possibilities and start putting your group together.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the hidden culinary treasures of Arizona’s mountains. Join us for an unforgettable adventure where fine dining meets the wild!

Event and Lodging Information >

Transportation services are not provide for this event.

Airports with relative proximity to our location:

100 miles to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)