PHOENIX (July 15, 2009) – Foodies Like Us, a food-centric social network, has teamed with Chef Christopher Gross of Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge to host “A Toast to Taste,” Monday, August 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Christopher’s in Phoenix.

The event, which marks the first of the Foodies Like Us food-focused monthly gatherings, will include appetizers, three wine tastings and a Foodies Like Us signature cocktail. Chef Gross will also reveal some of his techniques during

“Chef Gross: Live and Uncut,” in which guests will get a behind-the-scenes peek and learn how some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are prepared. Guests will get to mix and mingle with other foodies, as well as Chef Gross, and meet the founders of Foodies Like Us. Christopher’s Crush has also prepared a special three course prix fixe menu for $29.95 for those who stay after the event.

What: Foodies Like Us Presents: A Toast to Taste

When: Monday, August 10, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge
2502 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 85018

Cost: $15, includes appetizers, a Foodies Like Us signature cocktail and three wine tastings

About Foodies Like Us
Foodies Like Us is a food-centric social network and resource aiming to bring the “foodie” community together through experiential, affordable events geared around food, drink and education. For more information, visit www.FoodiesLikeUs.com .

PHOENIX (June 2009) – Foodies Like Us, a food-centric social network and resource aiming to bring the “foodie” community together through experiential, affordable events geared around food, drink and education, has launched in Phoenix.

In addition to its mix of monthly events, Foodies Like Us will use its Web site (www.FoodiesLikeUs.com) as a culinary forum and resource hub. On the site, Foodies can exchange recipes, discover techniques from some of the Valley’s most prominent chefs, find restaurant and grocery deals, locate hard-to-find ingredients, and learn how to recreate gourmet experiences at home. Founded by J.E. Pizarro and Susie Timm, the organization will also work to create rare food adventures, such as its “Meet the Chef,” and “Shadow a Restaurateur for a Day” series, as well as its food and drink socials held at various eclectic restaurants and wine bars throughout the Valley.

“Food brings people together. You can go anywhere in the world and food plays a major celebratory role in every culture,” said Pizarro, Foodies Like Us chief executive foodie. “People are becoming more aware of the variety of food and ingredients available, and discovering that an excellent meal doesn’t have to be expensive.”

“Aside from the culinary festivals, there isn’t a consistent celebration food in Arizona,” said Timm, Foodies Like Us chief operating foodie. “Foodies Like Us will unite foodies. We want people to realize that great food is accessible and affordable, and in-turn we hope to help local small businesses by exposing them to segments of the population who might not traditionally have bought their food.”

Though the duo has shared a life-long passion for food, prior to forming Foodies Like Us, Pizarro worked in the finance and insurance industries for nearly 15 years. He then found his entrepreneurial calling in social networks and launched three successful social networking companies, which he continues to operate today. Timm, also with a background in the finance world, has worked as a business banking professional for more than 10 years.

About Foodies Like Us
Foodies Like Us is a food-centric social network and resource aiming to bring the “foodie” community together through experiential, affordable events geared around food, drink and education. For more information, visit www.FoodiesLikeUs.com .

PHOENIX (June 7, 2009) – The West Coast Ghost and Paranormal Society (WCGAPS) will host a Kid’s Ghost Hunt Saturday, June 20 from 9 p.m. to midnight at Monti’s La Casa Vieja, one of Arizona’s most treasured landmarks and also the only establishment in the state deemed haunted by WCGAPS.

During the ghost hunt, children ages 5 and up, will meet the WCGAPS team, get an up-close look at previous investigations and findings, follow the team on an investigation of Monti’s, and learn about the equipment the team uses and how to operate it. There will also be games, a Q&A session, and snacks and refreshments provided by Monti’s. Each child will also receive a gift and entry to win a kid’s ghost-hunting equipment kit.

What: Kid’s Ghost Hunt at Monti’s La Casa Vieja

When: Saturday, June 20
9 p.m. to midnight

Where: Monti’s La Casa Vieja
100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
(Mill Ave and Rio Salado Pkwy)

Cost: $22 per child and one parent/guardian; $5 per additional  parent/guardian. Tickets must be pre-purchased.

Contact: For more information and to purchase tickets, visit  www.wcgaps.com

West Coast Ghost and Paranormal Society
The West Coast Ghost and Paranormal Society (WCGAPS) is a Phoenix-based nonprofit aimed at finding scientific and common explanations for haunting claims and paranormal events in locations throughout the U.S. The team of professionals, which operates strictly on donations, takes a different approach to investigating paranormal claims. They use involved research and evidence-gathering methods to first seek out reasonable explanations for strange occurrences. Ghost and paranormal encounters are rare, and one of the WCGAPS’ primary goals is to bring peace of mind to those living in fear.