Kitchen Doors: A Driving Force

Arizona native Matt Carter has been a leader in the local culinary scene for more than two decades as executive chef and partner in some of the Valley’s most popular eateries. After high school, Carter spent a summer working at a breakfast restaurant in San Diego, which inspired him to go to Scottsdale Culinary Institute. […]

Restaurant Road Trip: Shift Kitchen + Bar

2023 started with some impressive milestones for Shift Kitchen + Bar in Flagstaff, including the restaurant celebrating its seventh anniversary and executive chef Christian Lowe being named a James Beard Award semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category. “It is a recognition both for Chef Christian and for Shift. We are so honored to have what […]

Kitchen Doors: Fired Up

Dom Ruggiero opened Fire at Will on Shea and Tatum Boulevards in Phoenix in November 2022. “We get a lot of feedback that people really needed something like this in this area. It’s awesome to be in my hometown and open cool spots in the community for people to enjoy,” said Ruggiero, who grew up […]

A Second Chance at Helpings Café

Founded in 1964, UMOM’s mission is to end family homelessness by restoring hope and rebuilding lives. In addition to providing shelter, one of the vehicles UMOM uses to further its mission is Helpings Café in Phoenix, which was established in 2014. Open to the public for breakfast and lunch on weekdays, Helpings Café creates revenue […]

Kitchen Doors: Elevating the Simple

In 2022, Mark Chacón was named a semifinalist for a James Beard Award, one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors. Although he didn’t win, the unexpected recognition was extremely meaningful. “A friend called to congratulate me, but I didn’t know why,” he said. “When I found out I was nominated, I was overwhelmed, and […]

Cheers to Mocktails

A top New Year’s resolution is to lead a healthier lifestyle. For some people, that may include drinking less alcohol or cutting it out altogether. Even if you are alcohol-free, you can enjoy tasty and thoughtful mocktails at various Valley establishments. “There are a number of reasons why someone might choose not to drink alcohol, […]

Family Creates an Authentic Experience at Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen

In Italian, “sfizio” refers to something you don’t need, but want. After being out of the restaurant business for several years, chef Rocco Pezzano didn’t need to open a restaurant but was convinced by his son Marco to open Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen in north Phoenix in 2021. “After working in restaurants for several years, […]

A Curated Experience at Gastromé

Gastromé opened in Scottsdale in September 2022 with an intentional vision by co-owners Jenny Le andTiffany Chavez.  “This is a place for foodies, created by two women who really love food and are very thoughtful about it,” said Le. “We want to provide a curated experience and educate our customers. We have products that we […]

Tea Time in the Valley

While the tradition of afternoon tea originated in England in the 1800s, it has become popular across the U.S., including in the Valley.  Jo Gemmill, who is from England, opened the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree in 2002. “I wanted to provide a beautiful space in the desert for a good cup of tea and homemade food,” […]

A Cultural Dining Adventure

Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a dining experience unlike any other, as evidenced by its impressive accolades, including being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant in the state. Two things that set Kai apart are the exceptional guest experience and the focus on indigenous and local ingredients. […]