Chefs Jason and Katherine Dwight started Persepshen at a Phoenix farmers market. The couple sold sandwiches, pastries and sausages out of an old military trailer with a wood-fired oven on the back that now sits on the restaurant’s patio. The brick-and-mortar location opened in 2019 in central Phoenix. Katherine and Jason met while they were […]

When summer temperatures rise in Phoenix, locals look to escape the heat. Just a couple of hours north, they can enjoy cooler temps and a wide variety of dining options. “With more than 200 restaurants, Flagstaff offers family-friendly barbecue, pizza and burger spots that have a strong following, as well as four James Beard Award […]

Hera Ambrosio opened Zingara Market to share her background, travels and restaurant experience. She was born in Brazil and grew up in her family’s restaurants in Italy before moving to Arizona, where her family has been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years.  “The restaurant business is my passion,” she said. “I love […]

In December 2023, Kembara opened at JW Marriott Desert Ridge in North Phoenix. The menu at Kembara, which means “to wander,” is inspired by a variety of Asian flavors. It is the second restaurant at the resort from celebrity chef Angelo Sosa and restaurant developer Mark Stone, who opened Tia Carmen in 2022. “The menu […]

The Japan External Trade Organization and the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles are partnering with 10 Phoenix area restaurants to host Taste of Japan: Specialty Seafood and Sake Series, which runs through March 9. Each restaurant offers dishes highlighting Japan’s renowned Hokkaido scallop with a sake pairing. Restaurants participating in the series include […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]