Caring Chef: Jennifer Russo Supporting the community for more than 20 years Jennifer Russo has been in kitchens for as long as she can remember. “As a toddler, I watched my great-grandmother cook, and when I was 16, I got a job at Lewis Stevens Catering,” she said. “I continued to work in kitchens from […]
Restaurant Road Trip A taste of Mexico from a Top Chef at Tucson’s Boca Tacos y Tequila Chef Maria Mazon did an incredible job representing Arizona’s thriving culinary scene when she appeared on “Top Chef” earlier this year. She stood out for her personality and passion for Mexican cuisine. Mazon had many restaurant jobs before […]
MATCH MARKET AND BAR Find food, art and local love at Phoenix’s FOUND:RE hotel Located near Roosevelt Row, Phoenix Art Museum and downtown galleries, the FOUND:RE Phoenix hotel opened in 2016. Art is an integral element of its design, from the guest rooms and public spaces to the restaurant and market. “When you’re at FOUND:RE […]
Elote Café Unique Mexican and Southwestern cuisine at one of Sedona’s most popular restaurants Jeff Smedstad grew up in Chandler and is living his dream in Sedona as chef and owner of the acclaimed Elote Café. He was inspired to be a chef by cooking in the U.S. Coast Guard. “As a kid from Chandler, […]
Tammie Coe Expands to Pizza Tammie Coe has been one of Arizona’s most prolific pastry chefs for nearly two decades, known for her iconic fondant cakes, cupcakes and sugar cookies. Her baked goods can be shipped nationwide and are available at AJ’s Fine Foods. There is an artistic quality to Coe’s culinary creations. “My mom […]
For Your Valentine: Honeymoon Sweets Honeymoon Sweets opened in 1996 and is celebrating 25 years of business in 2021. The popular Tempe bakery is owned by husband-and-wife bakers Tim and Joan O’Connor, who met at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. After working on the East Coast, they moved to Arizona, raised […]
Local First: Experience Nutrition Melanie Albert was inspired by her mother to dedicate her life to healthy eating, which led to her business, Experience Nutrition, in 2010. “I first became interested in nutrition and the power of food more than 25 years ago when my mom, who is now 91, was diagnosed with breast cancer,” […]
The holiday season is an excellent time to support local businesses and buy unique gifts for colleagues, family and friends. Here are some ideas from Local First Arizona members. See Salt seesalttaste.com Founded by a mother and daughter in 2013, See Salt offers organic finishing salt in several flavors with French fleur de sel as […]
Local First: Phoenix City Grille 5816 N. 16th St. | Phoenix Since Phoenix City Grille opened in 1997, Sheldon Knapp, who owns the restaurant with his wife, has seen the local culinary scene flourish. “There is so much more creativity and talent in Phoenix than ever before,” he said. “There is also an emphasis on […]
CHASE’S DINER 2040 N. Alma School Road | Chandler New Yorkers Nancy and Skip Chase opened Chase’s Diner in Chandler in 1997. “Back in New York, I’d spend time riding my motorcycle from small town to small town, and everywhere I stopped would be mom-and-pop restaurants. When we moved to Chandler we decided to open […]
