Kitchen Doors: Local First Arizona Supports Entrepreneurs Through Community Kitchens

Local First Arizona is supporting entrepreneurs in the food business through its three Community Kitchens, with a fourth scheduled to open soon.  “We are helping businesses in underserved communities that may not have access to resources due to barriers like education and language,” said Jose Gamiz, food entrepreneurship coordinator at Local First Arizona. Local First […]

Much More Than a Liquor Store

Since opening its first location in 2020, Trevor’s continues to expand across the Valley with a unique take on the liquor store experience. “Our goal is to go beyond the ordinary, making Trevor’s a distinctive and memorable destination that transcends the typical liquor store visit,” said Zoe Vince, director of marketing for Trevor’s. “Trevor’s sets […]

Kitchen Doors: An Authentic Garden-to-Table Experience

The Farm at South Mountain provides a beautiful green space in the heart of Phoenix with three distinct dining experiences — Morning Glory Cafe for breakfast; the Farm Kitchen, offering sandwiches, baked goods and salads for lunch; and Quiessence, a fine-dining restaurant highlighting fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.    Opened in 2001, Quiessence stands for […]

Pita Jungle Celebrates 30 Years

Pita Jungle was founded in 1994 by three Arizona State University students who saw a need for more healthy restaurants near the Tempe campus. At a time when options were limited, the team wanted to make healthy, great-tasting food readily available at a reasonable price with exceptional customer service. The concept took off, and 30 […]

Kitchen Doors: A Celebration of Arizona

In recent years, Cottonwood, located about 100 miles from Phoenix, has flourished with a variety of local restaurants and several tasting rooms featuring Arizona wines. The newest addition to Cottonwood’s Main Street is the 7-acre Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars complex, with amazing views, beautiful vineyards, a greenhouse and a wine production facility. The complex […]

Brunch in Style at The Eleanor in Scottsdale

In September 2023, The Eleanor opened in the former Scottsdale Dry Cleaners space at Hayden and Osborn, offering breakfast, lunch, coffee and cocktails. “The Eleanor has a modern retro vibe with a casual, welcoming experience and a focus on hospitality,” said owner Tom Frenkel of the Clayton Companies. ALINE Architecture Concepts created a mid-century design […]

Warm Up to Winter Food and Beverage Festivals

It’s not too early to start thinking about plans for 2024. Once the holiday season is over, there are a variety of culinary events and festivals to fill the calendar. FestivinWrigley Mansion, PhoenixJanuary 11–14A celebration of wine, food and education features dinners, seminars, demonstrations and a grand tasting with a portion of proceeds benefiting Almost […]

Kitchen Doors: Bountiful Boards

Boards have become extremely popular for entertaining and celebrating. They offer endless options and a pleasing presentation for everyone to enjoy.   “Grazing boards are a great way to celebrate getting together,” said Jenny Zink, co-owner of Shea Cheese in Phoenix, which offers boards, a wide selection of cheeses and classes. “Instead of setting out 20 […]

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Pop-Ups

Several Valley venues are offering unique seasonal experiences with creative cocktails and festive fare.   Champagne and Caviar Lounge at Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix Indulge this season at the Champagne and Caviar Lounge at the iconic Arizona Biltmore resort through Jan. 3 with a different Champagne house featured each week. Guests can select from several varieties […]

Kitchen Doors: Chef Cory Oppold Sets a Course for Fine Dining

Chef Cory Oppold has worked for some of Arizona’s most acclaimed restaurants and chefs. In May 2023, he opened his own restaurant in Scottsdale called Course. “I’ve been dreaming about having my own restaurant since I was in culinary school,” he said. “It’s everything and more that I hoped for, and it’s been really fun […]