Uptown Magazine January 2019

CONCIERGE 

CONVERSATIONS 

GET TO KNOW EIGHT EXPERTS 

FROM TOP VALLEY RESORTS 

DAVID 

RAGAN 

THE NASCAR RACER 

AND HUMANITARIAN ROLLS 

INTO TOWN FOR THE 48TH 

ANNUAL BARRETT-JACKSON 

SCOTTSDALE AUCTION 

WWW.UPTOWNPHOENIX.COM | RICHMAN MEDIA GROUP | JANUARY 2019 

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Contents 

Pulse 

15 UP CLOSE 

The Welborns’ after-work 

acting 

ON THE COVER: David Ragan, photo courtesy of Front Row Motorsports, 

www.teamfrm.com. 

Features 

24 DAVID RAGAN 

The NASCAR racer and humanitarian rolls into 

town to auction off his car for charity 

29 CONCIERGE CONVERSATIONS 

Eight Valley resort experts share their stories 

18 BEAT 

Erin Thorburn on her new 

children’s book 

19 BEAT 

Rosie’s House CEO Becky 

Bell Ballard 

20 HIS STYLE 

Meet Richard Lippert 

21 HER STYLE 

Meet Bea Rocklin 

22 NOTICED 

Fashionable women 

spotted at events 

54 FASHION 

Ready to ride 

4 Uptown January ‘19

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Contents 

Now 

39 HOT TICKET 

The Music Man 

40 LOWDOWN 

News to know 

42 DO 

Great upcoming events 

43 OUT 

Creative calling 

44 CALENDAR 

Noteworthy events 

46 EVENT 

PhxArt Amplified 

47 EVENT 

48th Annual Barrett-Jackson 

Scottsdale Auction 

48 CULTURE 

Exposed Studio & Gallery 

Style 

51 MUST-HAVE 

Trendy travel 

52 SHOP 

Boot buzz 

53 SHOP 

Bewitching blooms 

62 ALLURE 

New year, new you 

63 DWELL 

Midcentury modern 


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Editor’s note 

80 SEEN 

Who went where and what 

happened 

82 NEW IN TOWN 

Little Miss BBQ 

75 CUISINE 

In the kitchen with Erika 

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76 FOOD FILES 

Soup’s on 

78 DINING GUIDE 

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It’s the start of a new year and I’m ready for all 2019 has in store. Are you? 

While the holiday lights are (mostly) down, there’s still cheer in the Valley – 

mainly because of the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. As 

one of the biggest events of the entire year in Phoenix and beyond, it brings 

fun events, many visitors and lots of cars. 

We got chatting with our cover feature, professional NASCAR racer David 

Ragan (page 24). He’ll be in town to check out the goods at Barrett-Jackson 

as well as auction off one of his personal race cars, all in the name of charity. 

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. 

If you’re not well-versed on Barrett-Jackson and all the event happenings, 

we have the scoop on page 47. And, if you’re interested in seeing some of the 

cars crossing the auction block, flip to page 54 for a preview of some autos 

(along with chic menswear). 

January is also a time to explore new passions. In honor of International 

Creativity Month, we rounded up a few Valley spots to exercise the right side 

of your brain (page 43). In terms of refreshing, page 62 spotlights nourishing 

products for a little beauty TLC. 

On page 29, we speak to eight Valley concierges. Learn about their stories 

and how they got to be go-to sources at their respective hotels. 

In the food and beverage world, you may have heard Little Miss BBQ 

opened in Sunnyslope. Page 82 talks about their new digs and offerings. Page 

76 highlights soups served around the Valley – get ‘em while their hot (and 

before the weather gets too hot!). 

Best, 

Gabby Leighton 

Editor-in-Chief 

gabby@richmanmediagroup.com 

Find our magazine on Facebook! 


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Contributing Writers 

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Pulse 

UP CLOSE / BEAT / HIS STYLE / HER STYLE / NOTICED 

BY MANDY HOLMES / MAKEUP BY LILLIAN FOGEL / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE 

SUITS BY DAY, STAGE BY NIGHT 

Kent Welborn and Heidi Haggerty Welborn live out their shared passion for acting after clocking out 

Not long after graduating high school in Tucson, Kent Welborn 

packed a suitcase and headed to California with a few hundred 

bucks in his pocket, a passion for acting, and a dream of making 

it big as an actor. While working as a bike messenger in San 

Francisco then New York City, he landed a cameo on Late Night 

with Conan O’Brien but found himself busier delivering papers 

than memorizing scripts and opted for a career change. 

“I didn’t want to spend the time or the money going to college, 

and knew I didn’t want to work for anyone but myself,” he 

says. “I decided, based on the recommendation of my father, to 

Uptown January ‘19 15

Pulse 

UP CLOSE 

join Northwestern Mutual and work in financial services.” 

About 10 years into his wealth management and business 

planning career, Kent found himself with time to focus on his acting 

and started to audition for local theater. It was there he met 

Heidi and sparks flew on and off the stage. 

Born and raised in Phoenix, Heidi attended Xavier College 

Prepatory then New York University to pursue theater via the 

Classic Studio – a studio focused on Shakespeare, voice, 

movement, and action in the Big Apple. She loved the stage and 

changing seasons that New York had to offer but life as an actor 

was hard to be worth the locale, and she found herself back in 

Phoenix. Returning to the desert meant a new career for the local 

thespian and she found herself enrolled in law school. She now 

works in water quality law. 

“I like to wear the white hat and do what's best for the environment, 

first and foremost, and balance that goal with benefiting 

the future of the state, both environmentally and economically,” 

Heidi says. 

While both Heidi and Kent have successful careers by day, 

acting and the ability to express themselves on stage was their 

first love. 

“Heidi and I are both rather introverted and the stage gives a 

forum to be someone or something we are not in real life. It gives 

us a safe place to explore an array of emotions,” Kent says. 

Plays give the Welborns the flexibility to juggle all of their 

passions. While a large commitment, plays are spaced out quite 

a bit. The couple’s presence on Valley stages has been credited 

to director, friend and former Xavier College Prepatory drama 

teacher Carol MacLeod. 

“Carol is the one that nurtured my talent, just as she has 

nurtured so many other talented people throughout the years and 

she always reminds us to shine,” Heidi shares. 

The pair’s last two-person theater production, Mary’s 

Wedding is where they met, fell in love, and ultimately found 

themselves walking down their own wedding aisle in Central Park 

with a dozen friends and family standing by. 

The duo is once again hitting the stage together this month 

for their next two-person production, Brilliant Traces – a kooky 

play that probes into the nature of modern relationships. The 

show will take place Jan. 25 through Feb. 17, 2019. 

Kent is inspired by being on the stage and affecting the 

audience while Heidi credits Kent because of how much he cares 

and how big his heart is – even if it is a little wild. 

“Professionally, I want to inspire people to be the best versions 

of themselves financially speaking,” Kent says. “Artistically, 

I want to inspire people to look at themselves and the world 

around with a different perspective than what they had before 

they sat in the seats of the theater.” 

When the Welborns aren’t working or performing, they 

spend time exploring the outdoors and dining at their favorite 

restaurants in Central Phoenix including Pubblico Italian Eatery, 

Phoenix Central Brewery, Luci’s Marketplace, Dick’s Hideaway, 

Rokerij, and El Bravo. They also like to workout together at Burn 

It Build it and Ironwood Yoga. Though much of their after-work 

time is spent together, they do have a few individual hobbies 

– Kent loves working on his muscle cars (‘69 Camaro and ‘79 

Trans Am), and Heidi enjoys singing, hosting and decorating. 

This year will be a time of expansion for the Welborns. With 

a new stage show on the horizon, a trip to Spain on the books, 

and the prospect of growing their family beyond their beloved 

dog Oscar, they are focused on what the future holds. 

More information about their upcoming play, Brilliant Traces 

can be found at www.thestudiophx.org. 


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Pulse 

BEAT 

THE WRITE STUFF 

Children’s book author Erin Thorburn believes what makes you weird makes you wonderful 

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE 

Erin Thorburn’s childhood was different than most 

girls’. 

“My mom was diagnosed with ALS when I was 

8,” Thorburn explains. “I lost her when I was 17, but not 

before she gave me two special gifts.” 

The first gift was the love of writing. 

“Expressing herself through writing, even using 

assistive devices after she lost the use of her limbs, 

was so important to her, and that rubbed off on me,” 

Thorburn says. 

The second gift was acceptance. 

“Both my mom and I felt at times, for lack of a better 

word, like ‘weirdos’ in the world. We were different 

than other families. But that was okay with her, and 

that make it okay for me,” she says. 

Thorburn would go on to write professionally in 

the early 2000s, initially for magazines and websites. 

“But once I was a mother to three girls myself, I 

felt compelled to combine my love of the written word 

and message of acceptance on a grand scale,” she 

explains. 

So, in 2015, Thorburn published her first in a 

now-series of children’s books, Stick to it Chick. 

“The series – Sassafras Ranch – explores various 

animals with perceived differences than other animals 

at the ranch,” she says. “But in the end, each one’s 

differences are ultimately gifts.” 

Stick to it Chick, for example, is about a chick 

with animal magnetism, literally. He is, in fact, sticky. 

And though his fellow chicks try to un-stick him so 

he can “be normal,” he eventually finds his “stick-to-itness” 

has a place after all. 

The success of the first book, now in its second 

edition, led to Thorburn’s second in the Sassafras 

Ranch series in late 2018, Scaredy Cat. 

“The scaredy cat is afraid of everything, which 

some perceive as weakness,” she says. “And try as 

they might to change him, it is his fears that help him 

develop protective instincts, which eventually help him 

save the day.” 

Each of the books, available now on Amazon, 

is a metaphor meant to teach children of all abilities 

that unique quirks, idiosyncrasies and character traits 

should be embraced. 

“Weird is wonderful, and don’t let anyone ever tell 

you any different,” Thorburn says. 


Pulse 

BEAT 

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC 

Rosie’s House CEO Becky Bell Ballard provides a creative outlet for disadvantaged youth 

BY SUE BREDING / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE 

It started with a third-grade field trip when Becky Bell 

Ballard’s class saw the Chicago Symphony perform 

live. She was mesmerized by the musician playing the 

French horn. That moment, which she calls “remarkable,” 

inspired her future path. 

Ballard’s parents encouraged their daughter’s 

desire to play the horn and arranged for her to take 

lessons. Yet, she says a door like that into to a world of 

music is closed off to some children and teens. 

“Music pulls the curtain back on the hidden world 

of creation and empowers a child to not just play other’s 

music but to make their own,” Ballard says. 

As the CEO of Rosie’s House: A Music Academy 

for Children, which is the largest free after-school 

music program in Arizona, Ballard now works to 

provide creative development programs to youth from 

economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“We believe that by sharing instruments and musical 

experiences, children experience a kind of freedom 

and self-discovery that’s often stifled in an atmosphere 

of economic hardship,” she explains. 

At age 6, Karen Martinez started guitar lessons at 

Rosie’s House. She’s told Ballard she wouldn’t have 

been able to become a family physician if it wasn’t for 

the tenacity she developed there. 

“In the act of learning music, there’s the power 

of building a child’s confidence, creativity and self-efficacy,” 

Ballard explains. “The data supporting how 

beneficial music is for a child is undeniable and we see 

the impact every day.” 

Ballard works closely with the Phoenix Chamber 

Music Society, which brings elite musicians from all 

over the world to Phoenix for a season of concerts. The 

society supports the mission of Rosie’s house, recently 

arranging for a master’s class with renowned flutist 

Tara Helen O’Connor, from Lincoln Center in New York. 

“It was an inspiring experience for our flute students 

because O’Connor gave a positive speech about 

how all young people should pursue their passions,” 

Ballard says. “It was a moment they’ll never forget.” 

For more information, visit www.rosieshouse.org. 


Pulse 

HIS STYLE 

A MASTER OF ALL 

Actor Richard Lippert can dress the part for any role 

BY BRITTANY MARONEY / PHOTO BY MARK MORGAN 

Full-time actor, producer and stunt driver 

Richard Lippert truly is a jack-of-all-trades. 

In addition to his past as a dock hand at 

a marina and surfboard shop owner, the 

retired Navy officer suited up as an executive 

at a Fortune 500 company and worked in 

the venture capital industry. He’s also a husband, 

father and grandfather. 

Though some may look forward to a 

quiet, retired life, energized Lippert is uninterested 

in slowing down. Perhaps the only 

thing relaxed about his lifestyle is his wardrobe… 

sometimes. 

“I am definitely casual and try to be 

reasonably current and a bit youthful,” Lippert 

says. “When my wife Cindy and I need to be 

sure we’re on point for an event we call on 

Seamus McGuire, who over the years has 

become our dresser.” 

Like his occupation, Lippert’s style has 

evolved over time. The once-conservative 

suit and tie wearer now sports jeans and a 

T-shirt most days. But it’s on stage where his 

clothes really play an important role, bringing 

his characters alive. As an actor, Lippert 

sees clothing as a form of self-expression for 

people to show the world who they are. 

“Clothes are the costumes of daily life, 

they express one’s inner ‘character.’ The trick 

is to find out if what one sees is truthful,” he 

says. 

What do you love about acting? The challenge. 

I love finding a character, learning about 

him, developing his backstory, digging into his 

motivations and bringing him truthfully to life. 

How does your occupation affect the 

way you dress? It certainly makes the casual 

part easy, and wardrobe on set pretty much 

takes care of the rest. I find that the wardrobe 

or costume makes one’s character truly come 

alive and can truly affect an actor’s performance. 

The impact is remarkable. 

What’s your signature item? I wear a dog 

tag from my time in the military. It is an everyday 

reminder of our men and women in uniform who 

are serving this country while we go about our 

everyday lives. 


Pulse 

HER STYLE 

BUSY BEA 

Businesswoman and philanthropist Bea Rocklin can make any ensemble go from day to night 

BY BRITTANY MARONEY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK MORGAN 

Bea Rocklin begins her days meditating, 

exercising and catching up on current 

events. Then, Rocklin, who is a principal 

with Bea Spoken Public Affairs & Campaign 

Fundraising, is onto her packed schedule. 

Her agenda mainly consists of creating 

events and making calls to donors, attending 

city council meetings, going to receptions 

in the evening and serving on the Arizona 

Board of Directors for Childhelp. 

When getting dressed for the day, 

Rocklin contemplates three key things: who 

she is meeting with, if her outfit is appropriate 

and if the look can easily work for all of 

her obligations that day. 

“I consider an outfit most successful if 

it can carry me into these evening events,” 

Rocklin says. 

Known for her fabulous shoes and big 

smile, Rocklin describes her style as “conservative, 

classy and a little bit sassy,” and 

frequents Nordstrom, Ted Baker and BCBG 

for her staple pieces. 

“I love to layer jewelry and pair outfits 

with long earrings or a jacket,” Rocklin says. 

“If I am wearing a statement blouse or dress, 

I’ll only wear long earrings and fun rings, and 

bring some attitude.” 

In her spare time, Rocklin enjoys traveling 

with her sister, vacationing by the ocean, 

watching Atletico Madrid score goals, hiking 

and playing her baby grand piano. 

Who are some of your style icons? 

Bianca Jagger, Coco Chanel, Eva Mendes and 

Oscar de la Renta. 

Why advocate for Childhelp? If I don’t 

fight for a child, who will? It’s so important that 

our community is aware of the prevention programs 

Childhelp provides such as Speak up Be 

Safe, several local community centers and the 

National Child Abuse Hotline. 

What will you be wearing to Childelp’s 

upcoming gala? In celebration of the 60th 

anniversary Drive the Dream Gala, I am looking 

at selecting a silver and white shimmer Jovani 

gown or a black and silver Mac Duggal gown. 


Pulse 

NOTICED 

ACI HOLIDAY LUNCHEON 

Arizona Costume Institute celebrated the season in style at this annual luncheon, held at Phoenix Art 

Museum 

BY DAVID APEJI 

McKenna Wesley and Sarah Love Anne Pales and Karen Ledonne Wendy Farrell 

Lisa Portigal and Camellia Rowland Bethany Liebentritt Kelly Welty and Lisa Shapiro 


Pulse 

NOTICED 

WHITE CHRISTMAS 

Ryan House’s signature fundraising gala kicked off the holiday season with dinner and dancing in 

The Gold Room at the Arizona Biltmore 

BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY 

Mara Schantz Karrie Pierson and Shannon Brewer Rhonda Curtis 

Katrina Brumm Andrea Katsenes Nadine Hart and Erin Tawney 



BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE / PHOTOS BY BRAD SCHLOSS 

David Ragan, a NASCAR 

racer with a knack for giving 

back, makes a pit stop in 

town for the Barrett-Jackson 


January is a bittersweet month for a lot of people. Festive decor 

is stripped down from homes, holiday sales near an end and — 

dun, dun, dun — resolutions loom overhead. While the bulk of us 

try to overcome post-holiday blues, car enthusiasts are singing 

a totally different tune. Why? Because January means Barrett- 

Jackson Scottsdale Auction. It’s that time of year where gearheads 

and enthusiastic spectators worldwide gather at WestWorld of 

Scottsdale to talk all things cars and giving back to the community. 

David Ragan is one of those making his way to the Valley this 

month in honor of the highly-acclaimed auction, which is now in its 

48th year. Ragan, a down-to-earth professional stock car race driver, 

will auction his car to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. 

A COUNTRY BOY 

Ragan, originally from Unadilla, Georgia, and now residing in 

Concord, North Carolina, is a country boy at heart. He grew up on 

a farm, helping his parents tend to the land and animals. With a 

former Winston Cup driver as a dad (Ken Ragan), cars were definitely 

a part of his upbringing. Plus, the Atlanta Motor Speedway, 

a world-class NASCAR racetrack, wasn’t too far off from his childhood 

home. Racing found Ragan more than he found it. 

“As soon as I could start racing myself, I did that. I would go 

to school during the week and race on the weekends. That was 


probably a little different than my friends who were in 

Little League or something like that,” he chuckles. 

Ragan was only 11 years old when he first hit 

the racetrack. He participated in the 1997 Bandolero 

Series under his father’s watchful eye. For concerned 

parents thinking, ‘‘An 11-year-old racing? That’s dangerous,” 

Bandolero car racing is a type of entry-level 

racing for drivers between the ages of 8 and 14. 

Although cars can reach 50 miles per hour, they accelerate 

rather slowly. Rest assured, it’s safe. 

“[My first race] went well, and all I really cared 

about after that was just the next race and getting 

behind the wheel again,” Ragan recalls. 

Ragan, with his family in tow, would go on to participate 

in Bandolero races throughout the Southeast. 

Next stop: the pros, just like Dad. 

A PROFESSIONAL RACER 

An 18-year-old Ragan moved from his hometown of 

Unadilla to Nashville, which is really where his professional 

racing career took flight. He joined a small 

race team, Sadler Brothers Racing, and participated in 

NASCAR’s Camping World Truck and XFINITY series. 

He also raced in Automobile Racing Club of America 

(ARCA). 

After getting his feet wet in Nashville, Ragan 

moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was 

selected by Jack Roush – founder and CEO of 

the NASCAR team, Roush Fenway Racing – to be 

the driver of the No. 6 Ford in the Monster Energy 

NASCAR Cup Series. 

“Jack really understands cars, racing and everything 

about NASCAR. As a young guy and racer, that’s 

something that really is priceless,” Ragan says. “He 

wanted [the team] to perform, but at the same time, he 

helped give [us] the knowledge and tools to do that.” 

Ragan earned his first Cup Series victory in 2011 

at the Daytona International Speedway with his Roush 

Fenway Racing team. He then went on to race with 

Front Row Motorsports, earning the team their very 

first victory at NASCAR’s biggest and baddest track, 

Talladega Superspeedway. 

“David Gilliland, my teammate, pushed me to the 

lead and he finished second. So, that was special,” 

Ragan reminisces. 

The racer had a stint at BK Racing and was a 

sub driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and Michael Waltrip 

Racing. In 2017, he returned to Front Row Motorsports 

and currently competes full time in the Monster Energy 

NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 38 Ford Fusion. 

As he enters his 12th season, he’s got an eagle eye on 

improving. 

“[The team and I] are hoping to get better and 

better. This past season, we really took a big step. 

We had better cars, better equipment and really took 

a step forward. We need to continue that momentum 

and keep moving forward.” He adds, “A good day for 


us is a top 20 finish, and a great day is a top 10. I think we can 

have a few more great days in 2019.” 

A HUMANITARIAN 

Southern hospitality is woven into Ragan’s genetic fabric. Plus, he 

is a man of faith. That said, he is a very altruistic soul. As a father of 

two, Julia and Meredith, Ragan and his wife lead by example so that 

their daughters understand the importance of giving back to others. 

“I love every minute with my wife and two little girls,” he 

smiles, “I just like being a good father.” 

Community outreach is a founding tenet of Barrett-Jackson 

Auction Company. Every year, dozens of vehicles are sold to raise 

funds and awareness for charities across the nation. This year, 

Ragan – who admits he is a big Ford guy – is excited to auction 

off his No. 38 Ford Fusion. 

“It’s an actual NASCAR-approved race car that I raced during 

the 2018 season. It still has the race engine in it and transmission. 

You can take the car from the auction block and right onto the 

track.” He continues, “It’s the real deal.” 

Proceeds from the sale of his No. 38 Ford Fusion will benefit 

the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 nonprofit 

hospitals scattered around the country. These medical facilities 

provide children with all kinds of services, regardless of their family’s 

ability to pay, in a safe and welcoming environment. In 2012, 

Ragan became a Shriner. Since then, the network of hospitals has 

been his charity of choice. 

As a first-timer to Barrett-Jackson, Ragan will arrive in 

Scottsdale a few days before the festivities begin to promote his 

car and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. And, of course, scope 

out all the beautiful cars on the lot. After all, he is a collector! 

“I have some older cars that I like to collect. I have an old fire 

truck and an old police car that looks like it’s from Mayberry,” he 

says. 

At age 11, he was finding his own path on the racetrack and 

gaining valuable advice from his father along the way. Now, at age 

33 and entering season 12, Ragan offers a pro tip to young drivers 

hoping to make it big. 

“If you like it, just keep working hard at it,” he says. “There are 

a lot of other young racers, so you just want to keep working at it 

and good things will come.” 

For more about Ragan, visit www.davidragan.com. For more 

about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com. 


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The role of a concierge is to provide vacationers (and staycationers) with suggestions on 

where to go and what to do while making someone’s resort stay as memorable as possible. 

But beyond dishing out tips and tricks, concierges have unique stories of their own – and it’s 

through these experiences that they have become experts in serving both people and places. 

Go behind the concierge desk and get to know eight of them here. 

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ 

PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE 


Tyler Staten 

Concierge Team Lead and 

Assistant Front Office Manager, 

The Scott Resort & Spa 

Thank goodness for homework. 

“I was studying business at Mesa 

Community College with aspirations to be 

an entrepreneur when I was ‘saddled’ with 

a class project that would change my life,” 

says Valley native Tyler Staten. 

The project required Staten to design, 

staff and open a fictional hotel from scratch. 

“Every second of what was supposed 

to be a taxing assignment – from deciding 

how many pieces of furniture to put in each 

room to developing the hotel’s signature 

guest experiences – was pure bliss,” recalls 

Staten, who got into the hotel industry after 

the project, taking a job at the Sheraton 

Grand at Wild Horse Pass in 2015. 

In 2016, he moved over to Firesky 

Resort (now The Scott Resort & Spa) as a 

front desk supervisor, eventually also taking 

on the concierge role. 

“The hotel had just been acquired by 

Classic Hotels, and plans were put into 

motion soon after on an $18 million renovation 

and its ultimate transformation into The 

Scott,” Staten says. “Being at the forefront 

of the transformation was like watching that 

school project come to life.” 

Over the past 2 1/2 years, Staten has 

been watching each phase of the renovation 

come together firsthand, setting up surprise 

birthday celebrations, proposals and excursions 

daily along the way. 

“One of my best memories was helping 

a regular guest, whose family visited this 

hotel in all of its iterations for decades, to 

locate a special blanket,” Staten says. “That 

might sound odd, but her family loved the 

older blankets the hotel used to have in the 

rooms, so I scoured every nook and cranny 

and found her one for posterity.” 

Today, the evolution of the resort has 

reached its impressive completion, and 

Staten serves as both the concierge team 

lead and assistant front office manager. He 

is also beginning an evolution of his own. 

“I am currently enrolled in Northern 

Arizona University’s School of Hotel and 

Restaurant Management, focused on 

furthering my education and bringing everything 

I learn back here to The Scott,” says 

Staten, who is slated to graduate in 2020. 


Jennifer Hecker 

Concierge, Andaz Scottsdale 

Resort & Bungalows 

Jennifer Hecker’s road to the hotel industry 

is a “whale” of a tale. 

“I worked at SeaWorld in San Diego 

at 16,” Hecker says. 

She initially dreamt of becoming a 

veterinarian before seeing firsthand the 

profession involved far more than playing 

with animals. 

At SeaWorld, however, Hecker found 

that beyond the animals, she loved helping 

people plan their visits to the park. 

“In hindsight, it was perfect training for 

a career in hospitality,” Hecker says 

After five years at SeaWorld, she 

moved to the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in 

1990 and spent the next 10 years working 

her way up to a concierge supervisor at the 

hotel. 

“When I moved on, it wasn’t to another 

hotel, per se,” says Hecker, who joined a 

San Diego real estate development company 

as its in-house concierge for residents 

at a luxury housing community. “Think of it 

as a concierge, but for guests who never 

actually leave.” 

While there, she earned her bachelor’s 

degree from National University in La Jolla, 

just in time for the real estate boom to bust. 

“By 2010, developers downsized, so I 

moved to Arizona for a new adventure,” she 

says. In the Valley, Hecker worked in marketing 

and events for local colleges while 

earning a master’s degree in hospitality and 

tourism management, graduating in 2014. 

She then ventured back into real 

estate concierge services, this time for 

Toscana in Desert Ridge in 2014 before 

joining Andaz Scottsdale in 2018. 

“I was drawn to Andaz, in great part 

to its commitment to the local culture and 

artisans,” explains Hecker, whose role 

is partially focused on creating unique 

relationships with the local art community 

so she can curate unique experiences for 

guests. 

One of her favorite artsy offerings is 

Andaz's private tours of Cattle Track Arts 

Compound, which recognizes and celebrates 

Scottsdale’s cultural heritage by providing 

opportunities – and actual spaces – 

for artists, craftsmen and students to learn, 

grow and showcase their works. 


Julie Baxter 

Concierge, Arizona Biltmore, A 

Waldorf Astoria Resort 

Phoenix native Julie Baxter always knew 

what she would be when she grew up. 

“It sounds old-fashioned now, but my 

mother was a homemaker, so I planned on 

getting married, having kids and taking care 

of our home, like her,” Baxter says. 

But, as the saying goes, the best-laid 

plans often go awry. 

“After college, I found myself unmarried 

and in need of a career, so I got into 

real estate,” she says. “Then it gets interesting.” 

At 31, Baxter ran off with her boyfriend 

to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they 

started a powerboat business. By 33, she 

moved to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and 

started a parasailing business. 

“Americans would often come to me 

for advice on what to do while in Cabo. I 

became an unofficial concierge of sorts, 

offering sailing customers tips on the best 

attractions the city had to offer,” Baxter says. 

Given parasailing instruction wasn’t 

a career option in Phoenix, Baxter opened 

the newspaper and surveyed the “help 

wanted” ads when she made her way back 

to the Valley in the mid-1990s. 

“There was an ad for a concierge position 

at the Arizona Biltmore, which required 

expertise in helping people navigate activities 

and attractions at the resort and across 

Phoenix,” she says. “It married my unofficial 

position in Cabo with my lifetime of knowledge 

of the Valley, so I applied.” 

That was 23 years ago. Since then, 

Baxter has become an icon within the 

concierge community as an active member 

of the Valley of the Sun Concierge Network 

for 20 years and a certified Biltmore Resort 

Historian for 10 years. 

“And whenever I think I’ve seen and 

done it all, something comes up,” says 

Baxter, who fondly remembers one of her 

biggest challenges – planning a woman’s 

leap year-themed birthday party, which had 

to dazzle the well-heeled guests in attendance, 

including Diana Ross. 

This year brings perhaps the biggest 

challenge of her career to date: Celebrating 

the Biltmore’s 90th birthday all year long 

with monthly events, culinary programs and 

plenty of other festivities. 


Darvá Fields 

Guest Loyalty Relations, Fairmont 

Scottsdale Princess 

Remember the Nintendo Power Pad? 

“I loved that thing,” Darvá Fields 

recalls. “It got me into gaming in such a 

major way.” 

So major that he studied computer 

science at Northern Arizona University in 

the early 2000s with an eye to becoming a 

professional game designer. 

“Except, I was into the art of designing 

more than the math and science, especially 

the complex algorithms and binary 

codes,” says Fields, who transferred to 

the University of Advancing Technology 

(UAT) in Tempe in 2002, where they had 

design-specific classes. 

Upon transferring, Fields’ parents told 

him his days as a full-time student were 

over: It was time to get a job. 

“I needed something that allowed me 

to attend classes by day, so I took a night 

position at a Fairfield Inn in Chandler,” 

Fields explains. 

After just a few months, he was offered 

an assistant manager position and a salary. 

Once he graduated UAT in 2006, he 

couldn’t bring himself to leave hospitality. 

“I loved hospitality even more than that 

Power Pad,” Fields says. 

He joined Hotel Valley Ho in 2007 to 

hone his skills, where he met his mentor, 

Ronen Aviram. When Aviram moved over to 

the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in 2009, 

Fields went with him. 

But, it wasn’t until he gained experience 

in all levels of service from 2012 

to 2018 – including as general manager 

of Kai Restaurant at the Sheraton Grand 

at Wild Horse Pass, general manager of 

restaurants at L’Auberge de Sedona, and 

general manager of Fat Ox – that he was 

truly ready for his concierge role at the 

award-wining resort. 

“I came back in 2018 to lead our 

concierge team as head of guest loyalty 

relations, where we do it all from transforming 

our lagoon into a fishin’ hole for kids 

to putting on full-scale, multimonth events 

such as Christmas at the Princess and 

Summer at the Princess,” Fields says. 

And he does it all while he and his wife 

raise their young daughter and son, who is 

an avid gamer, coincidentally enough. 


Catherine Linamen 

Concierge, The Westin Kierland 

Resort & Spa 

Initially, Catherine Linamen, a native of 

Washington, attended Central Washington 

University to study business. That is, until 

she and one of her sisters – they are two 

of nine kids in the family – visited the historic 

Inn at Death Valley in California for a 

vacation. 

“We vowed to come back to the 

hotel a year later and get jobs there – and 

we actually did it,” says Linamen, who 

would venture with her sister to the Grand 

Canyon a few years later, similarly vowing 

to get jobs there. 

Linamen got a sales job at the Grand 

Canyon National Park Lodges in the early 

1980s, eventually serving as their sales 

manager before heading to the Bay Area to 

take a position with the Hyatt brand. 

“And then I took a 25-year break to 

raise a family,” Linamen says. 

By the 1990s, she had made 

Scottsdale home. And in 2009, once the 

youngest of her four kids was in college, 

Linamen got an itch to get back into the 

hotel industry, but only if it was at The 

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa nearby. 

“Not only was it our neighborhood 

resort, but I was in constant awe of their 

seemingly endless list of activities and 

attractions for families, couples and travelers 

alike,” Linamen says. 

She got her foot in the door as a 

barista in the coffee shop before her 

decades of experience – not to mention 

sheer knowledge of the resort itself – 

quickly attracted attention resort-wide. 

Within a year, she transitioned into her 

current role as concierge and eventually 

also took on the title of vacation services 

coordinator. 

“For nearly nine years since, I’ve 

curated princess-themed picnics, arranged 

for animals to visit us from the Phoenix Zoo, 

and helped people celebrate the biggest 

milestones in their lives,” Linamen says. 

“We see lots of proposals and weddings, 

but my favorite experience was helping 

several families come together to celebrate 

their mother, who was a recent cancer 

survivor.” 


Irma Rosario 

Lead Navigator, Renaissance 

Phoenix Downtown Hotel 

Irma Rosario grew up in New Jersey, where 

most of her family owned small businesses. 

“After high school, it was natural 

for me to study business management, 

assuming I would eventually open a small 

business, too,” Rosario says. 

But then, she fell in love … with Phoenix. 

“I vacationed here in April of 2006,” 

Rosario says. “I went back to Jersey, packed 

my bags, and moved here the same year.” 

During the first several years here, she 

threw herself into the fundraising and event 

planning industries while soaking in everything 

from Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts 

District to the Downtown Phoenix Walking 

Ghost Tour. 

“My pet peeve is when people say 

there is nothing to do here outside of golf 

and spas,” Rosario says. “From the museums 

and art installations to restaurants and 

bars, there are about 100 things happening 

at any given time downtown.” 

Eager to share “her Phoenix” with others, 

Rosario set her sights on becoming a 

concierge, or navigator, at the Renaissance 

Phoenix Downtown Hotel in 2014. 

“The navigator role at the Renaissance 

is unique in that it features all of the traditional 

responsibilities of a concierge, 

but it also focuses on building community 

connections,” she says, explaining that navigators 

take a lead role in bringing in local 

artists, musicians and other vendors to the 

hotel as well as helping guests navigate 

their actual stays. 

In 2014, however, all of the navigator 

roles were filled. Undeterred, Rosario took 

a front desk position until a spot became 

available two years later. 

“Since then, I’ve not only taken on the 

role of navigator – and now lead navigator 

– but helped reimagine the position into an 

all-encompassing role as an ambassador to 

this city for our guests,” Rosario says. 

This includes overseeing the hotel’s 

participation in Renaissance Hotels’ Global 

Day of Discovery, which takes place annually 

at the brand’s 160 hotels around the 

world and focuses on helping guests and 

locals alike discover the hidden gems that 

give neighborhoods their soul, from underground 

art scenes to exotic local cuisines. 


Tami Henry 

Lead Concierge, Hyatt Regency 

Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey 

Ranch 

In the life of Tami Henry, necessity has 

been the mother of invention, or, more 

accurately, reinvention. 

Born in Kansas in the 1960s and raised 

in New Mexico in the 1970s, Henry got into 

banking after high school, which eventually 

took her to Colorado in the early 1980s. 

“While engaged, my fiance was transferred 

to Arizona,” says Henry, who moved 

to the Valley sight-unseen in 1987. “I distinctly 

remember interviewing for a banking 

job in Gainey Ranch and having to ask for 

directions home afterward, given we’d only 

been here a week.” 

Though she stayed in the industry a 

few more years, banking never fed her soul, 

so in the late 1980s she enrolled in a travel 

school, which trained people on how to 

handle all areas of travel for individuals and 

families. 

“This led me to working in the rental 

car industry, assessing transportation 

needs,” Henry says. 

She stayed in the Valley until 2004, 

when her brother passed away. Once that 

happened, Henry dropped everything and 

moved back to New Mexico to reconnect 

with her mom. 

“While there, I noticed a new hotel had 

gone up called Hyatt Regency Tamaya and 

applied for a position so I could stay with 

my mom,” she says. 

Henry was hired in the housekeeping 

department. There, she paid her dues for 

nearly a year before earning her first concierge 

position in 2005. She excelled. 

“But in 2007 my father – who lived in 

Arizona – developed a brain tumor. I knew I 

had to come back and be with him,” Henry 

says. 

Her team helped get her transferred 

to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & 

Spa at Gainey Ranch. 

Being a part of the resort since 2007, 

Henry finally feels like she’s found her 

forever home. Today, she serves as the 

resort’s lead concierge. 

“From arranging gondola boat rides 

to helping guests charter private jets, this 

is what I was put on this earth to do, and I 

was meant to do it here,” Henry says. 


Judy Kabler 

Chef Concierge, Hotel Valley Ho; 

Member of Les Clefs d’Or USA 

Like so many others, golf brought Judy 

Kabler to Arizona. 

“I grew up in New Jersey and worked 

as a flight attendant in Chicago before getting 

married to a golf pro who was hired at 

a country club in Wisconsin in the 1970s,” 

Kabler says. “While he served as director 

of golf, I ran the pro shop and served as a 

buyer for the club.” 

But golf is not a year-round business 

in Wisconsin, so Kabler and her husband 

began dividing their time between 

Wisconsin and Arizona in the early 1980s. 

By 1984, Kabler used her golf 

prowess to earn a position at the original 

Mountain Shadows Resort as a concierge. 

Though she would still move between 

Arizona and Wisconsin for several more 

years, Kabler quickly made a name for herself, 

eventually moving to The Scottsdale 

Plaza Resort in 1989. 

By 2004, the same year Arizona 

became her full-time home, Kabler was 

ready for a new challenge. 

“Hotel Valley Ho was undergoing its 

multiyear, $80 million makeover,” says Kabler, 

who joined the hotel as its chef – the term 

for “head” in French – concierge in 2005. 

Kabler went on to build the concierge 

program from scratch, developing an open 

line of communication between her team 

and guests that starts the moment they 

make their reservation and ensures their 

every need is met – and then some. 

“No request is impossible. I love finding 

ways to surprise and delight our guests,” 

says Kabler, who is one of just 15 Arizona 

concierge professionals that’s a member of 

the Les Clefs d’Or USA, the only national 

organization of hotel lobby concierges, 

where membership is by invitation only. 

In addition to her busy schedule at 

Hotel Valley Ho, Kabler will join fellow 

Arizona members of the Les Clefs d’Or 

USA this June, as Phoenix was chosen 

to host the organization’s 2019 Annual 

Congress, a gathering of 250-plus members 

worldwide. She is also a three-time 

winner of the Valley of the Sun Concierge 

Network’s Silver Plume Award, the local 

industry’s highest honor. 


Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale 

presented by 

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019 

JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX 

DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA 

Celebrate Youth at Blue Door Ball draws more than 800 

attendees annually in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of 

Greater Scottsdale. The gala includes raffles, paddle-raisers 

and auctions while highlighting a group of inspiring Club 

teens competing to be named Youth of the Year. 

Learn more, get tickets and become a sponsor 

at www.bgcs.org/bluedoorball. 

Great futures start with your support.

Now 

LOWDOWN / DO / CALENDAR / EVENT / OUT / CULTURE 

BY BRITTANY MARONEY / PHOTO BY TIM FULLER 

Arizona Theatre Company presents six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The Music Man. Coming to Herberger Theater 

January 5-27, the production follows Harold Hill, an up-and-coming con artist, as he rolls into River City Station one hot Iowa summer 

and forms a boy band. This quintessential American musical theater classic, based on the book by award-winning Meredith Willson 

and Franklin Lacey with music and lyrics by Willson, has been entertaining audiences since 1957. The plot and characters are slightly 

wicked, yet funny, warm, romantic, and touching. Times and prices vary. www.herbergertheater.org. 


Now 

LOWDOWN 

TASTY TV 

Mark Tarbell, chef-owner of Tarbell’s Restaurant, Catering, Tavern and Wine 

Store and host of Check, Please! Arizona, is hosting a new show premiering 

this month. Plate & Pour, airing on Arizona PBS, will give viewers a behind-thescenes 

look into one of the country’s hottest food scenes. On screen, Tarbell will 

take viewers inside some of the most interesting places to eat in the Southwest, 

visiting with local chefs, restaurateurs and the many people who make the region 

one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the country. The 13-episode 

series premieres Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. www.azpbs.org. 

COMPASSION THROUGH 

COFFEE 

In honor of Press Coffee’s Day of Giving, 

all proceeds from in-store and online 

purchases of food and coffee on Jan. 25 

at Press Coffee will go to support Phoenix 

Children’s Hospital. Phoenix Children’s 

Hospital Foundation provides support 

to the hospital in its efforts of providing 

world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, 

emergency and urgent care to children 

and families in Arizona and throughout the 

Southwest. Local breakfast spot Over Easy 

will match the donation based on Press’ 

sales. www.presscoffee.com. 

THE SUITE LIFE 

Following a propertywide revitalization project, The 

Esplanade recently launched its Spec Suite Program, 

offering nine modern, collaborative workspaces. The move-in 

ready suites (with additional suites under construction) offer 

a variety of sizes and layouts ranging from 1,900 square feet 

to over 6,000 square feet. Each space features dedicated 

conference rooms, creative open spaces, statement lighting, 

exposed ceilings, open break rooms and Valley views. 

On-site amenities include two new exclusive, chef-driven 

restaurants (opening this year), and a state-of-the-art 

E-center featuring an indoor and outdoor event space and 

conference room. www.esplanadephx.com. 


LUXURY SHOPPING 

Head over to Scottsdale to experience 

Scottsdale Fashion Square’s debut luxury 

wing, which just completed Phase 1 of 

construction. The new space includes a 

grand entrance to the center, valet parking, 

updated amenities, and new high-end 

dining options and retailers. New retailers 

include Apple, Trina Turk, Breitling, Hubot, 

Saint Laurent, Peloton among others. More 

retailers will open during the multiyear 

project including new restaurants such as 

Nobu, Ocean 44 (now open), Toca Madera, 

and Farmhouse. www.macerich.com. 

OH, WHAT A NIGHT! 

As part of its 99th season, Phoenix Theatre presents Jersey Boys beginning Jan. 

23, a feel-good, rags-to-riches story featuring the music of the acclaimed music 

group, The Four Seasons. The show, which runs live through March 10, 2019, 

spent 12 years on Broadway and was the 2006 Tony Award-winner for Best 

Musical. Follow the story of the rise of Valli and the original Four Seasons while 

singing along to classics like Big Girls Don’t Cry and December, 1963 (Oh 

What A Night). Tickets start at $29. www.phoenixtheatre.com. 

HAPPENING AT THE HEARD 

Opened in 2000, the Heard Museum’s Remembering Our Indian 

School Days: The Boarding School Experience is currently being 

updated and will reopen Sat., Jan. 26 as Away From Home: 

American Indian Boarding School Stories. The new permanent 

exhibit explores the efforts of the United States government, 

during the 19th and 20th centuries, to educate and assimilate 

American Indian students through the controversial and often 

tragic practice of removing children from their families and forcibly 

placing them in distant residential schools. On Sat., Jan. 26, the 

Heard Museum will offer a symposium moderated by K. Tsianina 

Lomawaima from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Steele Auditorium to 

celebrate the opening. www.heard.org. 


Now 

DO 

GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS 

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE 

Dance With Me 

Jan. 25, Phoenix Art Museum 

Leap into the new year with Ballet Arizona’s annual gala, a black-tie affair. The 

evening honors longtime Ballet Arizona supporters Judd and Billie Jo Herberger for 

their generous contributions throughout the years. Guests will raise a glass to the 

Herbergers during a gourmet dinner before taking to the dance floor with Arizona 

Ballet dancers. There will be also be an opportunity to get a sneak peek at Ib 

Andersen’s, The Firebird, with a short documentary called The Making of a World 

Premiere. $600. 6:30 p.m. www.balletaz.org. 

Golden Masquerade Gala 

Jan. 26, Phoenix Art Museum 

Masquerade! Paper faces on parade. Masquerade! Every face a different shade. 

If you know this song, then you know Phantom of the Opera. Courtesy of Back to 

School Clothing Drive, guests will experience the glamor and sophistication at this 

grand ball, celebrating 51 years of serving Valley children in need. Attendees dressed 

to the nines will enjoy a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, a raffle with 

fabulous prizes, a gourmet dinner, dancing and more. Funds raised will help Back to 

School Clothing Drive continue to supply students with the tools they need to succeed 

in school. $175. 6 p.m. www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com. 

Barrow Grand Ball 

Jan. 26, Arizona Biltmore 

I’m woman, hear me roar. That should be the motto of Women’s Board of the Barrow 

Neurological Foundation. The Barrow Grand Ball celebrates these dynamic female 

leaders and their tireless efforts to raise money for medical research at Barrow 

Neurological Institute. The grand, annual celebration has drawn the likes of local movers 

and shakers and philanthropists in the past. This year’s roster will be no different. 

Proceeds raised from the Grand Ball will benefit Barrow Innovation Center. Invitation 

only. 6 p.m. www.supportbarrow.org. 

Brunch Bash 

Jan 26., CityScape Phoenix 

If the title of this event isn’t enticing enough then maybe this will reel you in: a beachthemed 

brunch party. Brunch Bash is the Valley’s newest festival that honors the best 

meal ever. It combines all things brunch – classic fixings like eggs Benedict, pancakes, 

waffles, specialty breakfast entrees and cocktails (hello, endless mimosas and 

bloody marys) – with beach party must-haves like live music, sunny skies and games. 

A portion of the proceeds from this tasty event will benefit one-n-ten, an organization 

that serves the Valley’s LGBTQ youth and young adult community. $8 online; 10 day 

of. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.brunchbashaz.com. 

Waste Management Phoenix Open 

Jan. 28-Feb. 3, TPC Scottsdale 

Can you believe that Waste Management Phoenix Open, dubbed as “The Greatest 

Show on Grass,” is back in town? Neither can we. Taking over Tournament Players 

Club (TPC) Scottsdale for a full week, this professional golf tournament offers attendees 

everything under the sun, plus some. We’re talking pro and amateur tournaments, 

motivational speeches by PGA tour professionals, plenty of food and drink options, 

live entertainment and so much more. Organized by Thunderbirds Charities, the 

open is all about advocating for the local community. That’s why the seven-day event 

benefits Arizona charities that focus on youth. Past beneficiaries include the likes of 

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Waste Not and Elevate Phoenix. Times and ticket prices 

vary. www.wmphoenixopen.com. 

Childhelp Drive the Dream Gala 

Feb. 2, The Phoenician 

Childhelp, a nonprofit committed to aiding victims of child abuse, will celebrate 60 

years of miracles with its annual gala. The Phoenician Resort sets the stage for this 

inspiring evening full of fine dining, dancing and world-class entertainment. Mix and 

mingle with influential and philanthropic leaders as you fight against child abuse 

together. Dr. Stacie and Mr. Richard Stephenson will be chairs at this year’s soiree, 

with proceeds benefiting the organization’s programs that serve abused children and 

their families. $1,000. 5:30 p.m. www.childhelp.org. 


Now 

OUT 

CREATIVE 

CALLING 

Never underestimate the power and importance of exercising 

the right side of your brain. January is International Creativity 

Month and we’re encouraging you to think outside the box and 

nourish the creative side of your brain at these places around 

town. 

BY MANDY HOLMES 

Phoenix Center for the Arts 

Arts and culture are united through education 

and programming at Phoenix Center for the 

Arts. With a packed calendar of creative 

classes including ceramics, jewelry making, 

music, dance, and pottery – the center offers 

classes for beginners and professionals alike. 

Programs are taught by award-winning specialists 

in a friendly home-away-from-home setting 

and offer artistic enrichment whether you’re 

looking for a new passion project or a place to 

unwind. www.phoenixcenterforthearts.org. 

Grizzly Iron, Inc 

At family-owned and -operated blacksmith 

shop Grizzly Iron, guests are encouraged to 

chisel their blacksmithing skills. From crafting 

a barbecue steak turner to welding jewelry, the 

expert blacksmiths cover the basics of tapering, 

bending and twisting. Grizzly Iron offers entry 

level classes that teach basic blacksmithing 

skills and more advanced workshops that can 

be helpful for smiths who have not approached 

blacksmithing in an organic form. Classes range 

from $100 to $200 and all materials and tools 

are provided. www.grizzlyiron.com. 

The Mosaic Guys 

The unique tile classes here are geared toward 

beginner and intermediate artists and hobbyists. 

During the one- and two-day workshops 

that are technique-centered, students learn nipping 

and fitting methods while creating works 

of art including serving trays with porcelain tiles 

and mosaic portraits. www.mosaicguys.com. 

Harold Studio 

Whether you are new to jewelry making or have 

taken a class in the past, there is a lesson at 

Harold Studio for you. Located in Downtown 

Phoenix, Harold Studio has space and equipment 

to rent for jewelers and offers one-day 

workshops as well as eight-week classes for 

those serious about bringing their one-of-kind 

jewelry ideas to life. Techniques taught include 

piercing, finishing, patinas, riveting, ring making, 

soldering and bezel setting. Classes start at 

$40. www.haroldstudio.com. 

Circle 6 Studios 

Founded by John Longo, a glass artist for over 

30 years, Circle 6 is a studio that offers classes 

for those looking to learn how to work in various 

glass mediums. Students are invited to 

enjoy the amazing visual and esthetic qualities 

that only glass can offer while making bowls, 

paperweights, and glass bouquets in addition 

to more advanced workshops. Classes range 

from $60 to $80 and are suitable for all levels. 

www.circle6studios.com. 

Practical Art 

Spend time with a local artist, learn a new 

craft, and make and take your very own piece 

of Practical Art home. With artist-led classes, 

students will interact with the artists whose 

art adorns some of the most popular galleries 

in town. Practical Art focuses on building a 

community while making art, and the affordable 

classes with some of the Valley's best artists is 

one of the best ways to get creative in a casual 

relaxed setting. www.practical-art.com. 


Now 

CALENDAR 

LA TRAVIATA 

Jan. 25-27, The Phoenix Symphony 

The Arizona Opera presents the classic story of Violetta, a courtesan who throws the 

best parties in Paris. One night, while guests enjoy her glittering salon, she is confronted 

with the love of the young Alfredo Germont who forces her to make a difficult decision. 

Operagoers will truly enjoy this dazzling and emotional storyline that struggles with the 

realities of family, love, life, and death. Filled with glorious melodies and complex characters, 

La Traviata will take hold of your heart and never let go. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 

Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $30-$145. www.azopera.org. 

BY BRITTANY MARONEY 

Disney on Ice Presents Dare 

to Dream 

Jan. 17-20, Talking Stick Resort 

Arena 

Dream of the impossible as five 

daring Disney Princesses find the 

courage within themselves, at this 

year’s Disney On Ice presents 

Dare To Dream. Featured hosts 

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, take the 

stage to bring the Disney magic to 

life and carry you to the enchanting 

world of Disney’s Beauty and 

the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and 

Cinderella. In her Disney On Ice 

debut, see how far Moana will go 

to save her island and explore with 

Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, and friends 

from around the Disney Kingdom 

as they find the heart to make 

their dreams come true. 7 p.m. 

$20. www.disneyonice.com. 

Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll 

Arizona 

Jan. 19-20, Downtown Phoenix 

at CityScape 

One of Phoenix’s most popular 

athletic events is back and it’ll be 

a rockin’ good time. This year’s 

course (half and full marathon) is 

flat, fast and perfect for runners 

and walkers of all ability levels. 

First-timer or Boston-bound, both 

routes are designed to help you 

finish in record time. Expect live 

bands every mile, local cheer 

teams, and themed water stations 

that add spirit and inspiration 

as you run through Phoenix, 

Scottsdale and Tempe. The 

half-marathon starts and finishes in 

Tempe, while the marathon starts 

in Downtown Phoenix and finishes 

at Tempe Beach Park. Prices vary. 

www.runrocknroll.com. 

A Mozart Celebration 

Jan. 5-6, Phoenix Symphony 

Hall 

A delightful showcase of Mozart’s 

masterful Overture to Don 

Giovanni, as well as an experiential 

journey through the exuberant 

Jupiter, this concert will please 

even the most discerning classical 

music lover. Phoenix Symphony’s 

legendary Principal Clarinetist, 

Alex Laing, commands the stage 

in this all-Mozart concert featuring 

the composer’s luminary Clarinet 

Concerto. Mozart’s final Symphony 

No. 41 is one you don’t want to 

miss out on. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 

2 p.m. Sunday. Prices vary. www. 

phoenixsymphony.org. 

Styx 

Jan. 12, Celebrity Theatre 

Never known for resting on their 

laurels, Styx has now added a 

triumphant new chapter to its 

never-ending story of success: 

The Mission, the band’s sonically 

sweet 16th studio album and most 

ambitious, most challenging, and 

most rewarding release to date. 

With a multi-city tour planned, Styx 

lands at Celebrity Theatre to share 

the classic rock sounds the band 

is so well-known for. 8 p.m. Prices 

vary. www.celebritytheatre.com. 

Darcy Lynne and Friends Live 

Jan. 13, Comerica Theatre 

Ever since Darci Lynne stepped on 

the stage of America’s Got Talent, 

she’s won the hearts of Americans 

everywhere. With her undeniable 

talent, the 13-year-old and her 

puppet friends have been touring 

the US, performing sold-out 

shows. Her polished, impeccable 

skill as a ventriloquist at such a 

young age is jaw-dropping and 

sure to inspire the next generation 

to keep the craft alive. 3 

p.m. Tickets start at $29. www. 

comericatheatre.com. 

Russo and Steele Car 

Auction 

Jan. 16-20, Salt River Fields 

at Talking Stick 

Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale 

auction is considered one of the 

premier events for automobile 

enthusiasts to buy and/or sell 

the very best in European sports, 

American muscle, hot rods, 

and customs. The five-day-long 

Scottsdale auction has a reputation 

for wild, action-filled, auction 

block excitement, rapidly upping 

their game to become a onestop 

shopping venue for lovers 

of both domestic and imported. 

Dates, times and prices vary. 

www.russoandsteele.com. 

Wine Dinner Series with Chef 

Bianco 

Jan. 24, Bar Bianco 

Bar Bianco is known for its culinary 

delights and great wine menu. 

That’s why you shouldn’t miss out 

on this year’s 2019 Wine Dinner 

Series, located in the beautiful 

setting of downtown’s Pizzeria 

Bianco. Each dinner includes four 

courses with wine pairings from 

specially selected wine makers. Join 

legendary chef-owner Chris Bianco 

as he celebrates some of his favorite 

winemakers in celebration of 

food, wine and the local community. 

6:30-9 p.m. Tickets start at $100. 

www.pizzeriabianco.com. 

Legally Blonde: The Musical 

Jan. 25-27, Orpheum Theatre 

A wonderfully fun musical based 

on the adored movie starring 

Reese Witherspoon, Legally 

Blonde – The Musical, follows the 


transformation of California girl Elle 

Woods as she tackles self-discovery 

at Harvard Law School. It’s an 

action-packed musical that showcases 

memorable scenes as well 

as lovable characters including 

Elle’s very own chihuahua, Bruiser. 

Equipped with LED technology, 

inventive designs, and snazzy modern 

scenery, this colorful, fun show 

is perfect for lifting everyone’s 

mood. 8 pm. Tickets start at $30. 

www.americantheatreguild.com. 

Doggie Street Festival 

Jan. 26, Steele Indian School 

Park 

This annual festival is dedicated to 

increasing dog and cat adoption. 

Attendees can enjoy a diverse 

range of topics concerning pet 

care, health, training, adoption, foster 

and well-being. There will also 

be music, yummy eats, pet products 

and services, an art area for 

kids, special guests and speakers, 

auction prizes and contests, a VIP 

lounge and more. Bring your pup 

along for the fun! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Free. www.doggiestreetfestival.org. 

Grand Wine Festival 

Jan. 26-27, Heritage Square 

Prepare for two amazing days of 

winemakers and wine tasting with 

more than 35 Arizona wineries 

pouring over 200 wines. This tasty 

festival features live music, food 

trucks and dozens of local vendors 

from across the Valley. Taste a 

variety of reds, whites and roses 

from four growing regions in the 

state of Arizona. You can even buy 

a bottle or case of your favorite to 

taste on the grass. Don’t miss the 

fascinating wine seminars and the 

wine auction on Saturday at 7:30 

p.m. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 

a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $20 admission 

(tasting tickets sold separately). 

www.arizonawine.org. 

Connect2STEM 

Jan. 26, The University of 

Arizona College of Medicine – 

Phoenix 

It’s a Saturday just for the kids! 

Connect2STEM, brought to you by 

the University of Arizona, is a free 

event focused on inspiring kids 

to love science and technology. 

With great activity zones for kids 

age 4 to 16, this event is a fun 

way encourage kids to learn while 

playing. Special spaces include 

the Wildcat Play Hospital, DaVinci 

Surgery Robot and the Wildcat 

Water Lab. Children and teens will 

have the opportunity to learn about 

outer space, water conservation 

and animal anatomy. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Free. www.phoenixmed.arizona.edu. 

TACOLANDIA 

Jan. 26, Margaret T. Hance Park 

It’s spicy. It’s tasty. It’s crunchy. It’s Tacolandia! This taco festival will feature the city’s best 

taquerias and Mexican restaurants serving up authentic cuisine amid live entertainment 

that highlights Mexican culture. Prepare your appetite because general admission gets you 

unlimited taco samples from the likes of Los Sombreros, Willie’s Taco Joint, Superfarm 

Supertruck and more. Drinks will be available at cash bars and awards will be given to local 

particularly outstanding taquerias in various categories. VIP tickets get you all GA benefits 

plus a private VIP entrance, access to the VIP lounge and two drink vouchers. 1-5 p.m. $25 

general admission, $45 VIP admission. Ticket prices will increase. www.tacolandiaphx.com. 

WWE Smackdown Live! 

Jan. 29, Talking Stick Resort 

Arena 

Get ready for the ultimate wrestling 

smackdown. Royal Rumble 

is more than just a one-day event 

— it is a week-long celebration. 

In addition to Royal Rumble, 

there will be three spectacular 

live events taking place at Talking 

Stick Resort Arena, include NXT 

TakeOver, Monday Night Raw, and 

SmackDown Live. Don’t miss the 

ultimate culmination in this four-day 

wrestling extravaganza. 5:30 pm. 

Ticket prices vary by show. www. 

talkingstickresortarena.com. 

Sew, Quilt and Craft Festival 

Jan. 31-Feb. 2, Arizona 

Fairgrounds 

The Arizona Fairgrounds gets 

crafty with three days of all things 

sewing, gluing, knitting and building. 

At the Quilt, Craft & Sewing 

Festival, you will find a wide variety 

of sewing, quilting, needle-art and 

craft supply exhibits from hundreds 

of local and national companies. 

There will be daily demos, needle 

art make n’ takes and door prizes. 

$12 for three days. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

www.quiltcraftsew.com. 

Brighter Tomorrow Luncheon 

Feb. 1, Arizona Biltmore 

Jewish Family & Children’s Service 

(JFCS) hosts its annual flagship 

event showcasing the nonprofit 

organization’s impact on nearly 

50,000 people in the Valley. JFCS 

aims to strengthen the community 

through quality behavioral 

health social services and primary 

medical care to children, families 

and adults. This year, the event’s 

featured speaker will be Paul 

Gionfriddo, president and CEO of 

Mental Health America. Under 40 

professionals and clergy, $180; 

Family supporter, $250. 11:45 

a.m. www.jfcsaz.org. 

AZ Vegetarian Festival 

Feb. 2-3, Scottsdale Civic 

Center Amphitheater 

You don’t have to be vegan to 

enjoy this fun food-filled festival. 

Featuring vegetarian food companies, 

restaurants, and health 

and wellness vendors from across 

the Valley, this totally meat-free 

event will leave you feeling full and 

satisfied. Browse thousands of 

vegan and vegetarian restaurants 

along with health and wellness 

vendors, vegetarian/animal welfare 

information tables, and enjoy the 

live entertainment and activities 

throughout the day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

$20 for one day; $50 both days. 

www.azvegfoodfest.com. 

Rio Salado Trail Run 

Feb. 2, Rio Salado along the 

Salt River 

This fun-filled 15K, 10K and 5K 

event includes multiple unique 

terrain looping courses with varying 

elevations. These courses are a 

perfect way to enjoy the beauty and 

wildlife of Rio Salado, a hidden gem 

in the heart of Tempe. If making a 

decision to use a sport stroller or 

wheelchair, please keep in mind that 

this is a trail run with different terrain 

and elevations. Leashed well-behaved 

pets are allowed at the event 

as well. 6-11 a.m. Ticket prices vary. 

www.riorun.phxfr.org. 


Now 

EVENT 

TURN IT UP 

Music and art converge at PhxArt Amplified 

Returning for a second year, PhxArt 

Amplified is an event at Phoenix Art 

Museum that combines sound and art. 

At this fun-filled, all-ages experience, live, 

acoustic and experimental performances by 

local musicians will take over the museum’s 

galleries and spaces, performing alongside 

the renowned works of Wiley, Kasuma, 

O’Keeffe and Kahlo. 

Last year, over 1,500 people attended 

the event and guests are encouraged to 

stay for the entire day of festivities, which 

runs from noon to 8 p.m. 

“The vibe was great,” Lani Hudson, 

audience development manager of Phoenix 

Art Museum, says of the inaugural program. 

“We are really excited to do this event 

again.” 

The performers are found by Hudson 

herself – she scours the community for 

local artists. 

“We’ve branched out to include local 

acts from Tucson, like Vox Urbana, in 

addition to featuring acts from the Phoenix 

area,” Hudson says. “We’ve also added a 

few more visual artists like Sierra Joy, new 

audio and visual artists such as Greg Lloyd 

and Ark Calkins” 

Performers include bands, solo acts 

and DJs, including likes of Geibral Elisha 

Movement, Las Chollas Peligrosas, Tatiana 

Crespo, DJ Katescratch Fever, among many 

others. There will also be dancers showcasing 

their moves in response to artwork. 

“Two Phoenix-based artists have 

created new performances for the event,” 

Hudson says. “Dancer Liliana Gomez- 

Dieckman created Memories of Mexico 

in response to Mexican Photographers, 

Mexican Views and dancer Nicole Olsen 

created Passing Through My Room, 

Part 1 and 2 in response to the Ragnar 

Kjartansson: Scandinavian Pain exhibition.” 

There will also be hands-on activities 

to get spectators involved in the action. 

“One of the programs offered will be 

hands-on collage making. Cut + Paste 

BY GABBY LEIGHTON 

Phx will be providing magazines, books, 

and old album sleeves for people to 

create their own album art,” Hudson elaborates. 

“We will also feature Mobile Vinyl 

Recorders, who will be using restored vintage 

disc cutting lathes to create records, 

one-at-a-time, in real time, on site at the 

museum during the event.” 

Palette, Phoenix Art Museum’s 

restaurant, will be open during the event, 

offering brunch as well as $5 mimosas and 

$5 bloody mary’s from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 

In addition to on-site bars, there will be a 

beer garden and food trucks such as Sana 

Sana, Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla, and Caffio 

Esspresso with fare for purchase. There will 

also be artists-designed yard games in the 

Dorrance Sculpture Garden. 

IF YOU GO… 

What: PhxArt 

Amplified 

When: Jan. 20, noon- 

8 p.m. 

Where: Phoenix Art 

Museum, 1625 N. 

Central Ave., Phoenix 

Tickets: Over 21, 

$23; 21 and under, 

$13 

Information: www. 

phxart.org. 


Now 

EVENT 

HIGH-OCTANE HAPPENINGS 

The 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction rolls into town 

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE 

IF YOU GO … 

What: 48th Annual 

Barrett-Jackson 


When: Jan. 12-20, 

times vary 

Where: WestWorld 

of Scottsdale, 16601 

N. Pima Road, 

Scottsdale 

Tickets: All week 

pass, $190 (advance); 

$195 (at the gate); 

prices vary for 

individual day tickets 

and VIP packages 

Information: www. 

barrett-jackson.com 

Known as “The World’s Greatest Collector 

Car Auctions,” Barrett-Jackson is nirvana 

for auto enthusiasts. A Scottsdale tradition 

each January, Barrett-Jackson specializes 

in the auction of collector cars, from 

vintage and muscle cars to modern supercars. 

Politicians, celebrities, professional 

NASCAR drivers and major car manufacturers 

have attended the highly acclaimed 

event in years past. Now celebrating its 48th 

year, the roster is expected to draw in even 

more attendees than ever before. 

“The Barrett-Jackson auction has been a 

staple of the Scottsdale community for nearly 

half a century,” says Craig Jackson, chairman 

and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “[This year’s 

auction] will bring with it a diverse selection 

of collector cars; guests from around the 

world; and celebrities from the worlds of 

entertainment, sports and business.” 

More than 1,700 vehicles will be on 

display and crossing the auction block, 

including a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette custom 

coupe, a 2005 Ford GT, and a 1964 Ford 

Falcon Sprint race car. These beauties, 

among others, will decorate WestWorld of 

Scottsdale’s indoor-outdoor grounds. 

In addition to vehicles, Barrett-Jackson 

offers an impressive lineup of automotive-related 

memorabilia, including a vintage carousel. 

With 200-plus interactive displays and 

shopping opportunities in the vast Exhibitor 

Marketplace and hundreds of vehicles up for 

auction each day, Barrett-Jackson is equal 

parts a car show and a lifestyle event. 

A selection of VIP packages are 

available, including getting access to Craig 

Jackson’s own box. Other options include 

a Gold package – with floor seats, access 

to the Staging Lanes Hospitality venue, and 

viewing the cars before they cross the auction 

block – and the Luxury Lounge package, 

which offers access to the VIP Skybox 

Hospitality Suite. 

At Barrett-Jackson’s core, though, has 

always been community outreach. This year, 

more than a dozen vehicles will be sold to 

benefit charities like the Arizona-based TGen 

Foundation, Barrow Neurological Foundation 

and Childhelp. 

“My father, Russ Jackson, and his 

business partner, Tom Barrett, founded our 

company on the principle of giving back to 

the community,” Jackson says. “I’m proud to 

continue that tradition this January by raising 

funds and awareness for deserving charities 

across the country.” 


Now 

CULTURE 

CURATOR OF COOL 

Exposed Studio & Gallery takes pride in showcasing artists with LGBTQ pride 


New Jersey-born, California-raised Gregg Edelman grew up in 

the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. 

“My father was a transportation coordinator for Paramount 

Studios, so I got interested in the movie business from a young 

age,” Edelman says. 

He studied special effect makeup and photography in college 

but, as all too often happens, life didn’t go as initially planned. 

“I moved to Phoenix in 1990 at 23 to help care for my 

mother, who was fighting lung cancer, and stepfather, who had 

complications from diabetes,” Edelman explains. “That same year, 

I met my now-husband Harvey, so despite challenges, the Valley 

quickly became home.” 

Beyond the stresses of caring for his family, one major 

challenge was work. Phoenix isn’t much of a film industry hub so 

Edelman launched his own professional photography business to 

feed his soul and took a corporate executive job to feed his belly. 

Over the next 15 years, Edelman ran a local magazine and 

opened his own marketing business. He was, in fact, pivotal in 

helping to establish the country’s first registered gay and lesbian 

chamber of commerce in the US in 2001 before taking the leap to 

open his own art gallery, Exposed Studio & Gallery – in 2004. 

“I started in an 1,800-square-foot space on Lexington 

[Avenue] and 3rd Street with the goal of showcasing new talent 

in both the art and photography worlds, debuting new exhibits 

monthly,” Edelman says. “But when the market shot up in 2007, 

a land developer bought me out – thankfully just before the real 

estate crash, so I made enough to upgrade.” 

In 2007, Edelman opened a 2,600-square-foot space in the 

up-and-coming Melrose District. The second iteration of Exposed 

is an art gallery, one-of-a-kind art gift shop and photography studio. 

“I specialize in featuring new and emerging artists as well as 

international artists of note,” says Edelman, who also showcases 

his own paintings and photography periodically. “I am particularly 

proud that 50 percent or more of my art exhibitions feature 

LGBTQ artists’ works.” 

In January and February, Exposed will feature Valley residents 

John Reinhart and Brandon McGill. 

Reinhart is a retired optometrist by trade whose favorite subjects 

are historic buildings, antique cars and wildlife. According to 

Edelman, Phoenix’s own award-winning Brandon McGill is both an 

artist and body painter known for vivid textures, daring prosthetics 

and a bright color palate. 

“His [McGill’s] work has been featured nationally in Out 

Magazine and [The] Advocate as well as locally in several print 

outlets and websites,” Edelman says. 

For more information about the gallery or to visit Exposed, 

visit www.exposedgallery.com. 


STEM CELL 

TREATMENT 

FOR DIABETIC 

NEUROPATHY 

Dr. Richard Jacoby, DPM of 

Extremity Health Center 

THE DOCTORS AND staff at Extremity Health Centers offer a combined 

40+ years of experience in podiatric medicine to residents 

who live in and around the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Under 

the medical direction of podiatrist Richard P. Jacoby, DPM, 

the practice provides diagnosis and treatment for stubborn, 

chronic foot and ankle pain and comprehensive and successful 

treatment of diabetic neuropathy. 

After graduating from college, Dr. Jacoby attended 

Villanova University before receiving his doctorate of podiatric 

medicine at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He 

has participated in and taught thousands of hours of Continuing 

Medical Education over the past few decades. Additionally, 

he is a past president of the Arizona Podiatry Association and 

the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons and co-authored 

the book “Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse 

Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health,” correlating a 

relationship between sugar and inflammation. 

Extremity Health Center offers a variety of on-site 

extremity diagnosis and medical services, including surgery 

that are available for a wide range of issues, including foot and 

heel pain, bunions, ankle fractures and sprains, varicose veins, 

foot and ankle arthritis, diabetic foot, plantar fasciitis, toenail 

fungus and peripheral neuropathy and neuroma. 

Dr. Jacoby’s specialty is working with diabetic patients 

and he has a proven formula to resolve diabetic neuropathy. 

“What I’ve found is that the progression of most neuropathies 

is aggressive, insidious and invasive throughout the body.” 

“Stem cells from umbilical cord blood are the best 

product out there today, especially for neuropathy,” says Dr. 

Jacoby of the most effect treatment he uses. “ 

Stem cells are miraculous in that they actively seek out 

inflammatory tissues and repair and restore tissue, tendon, 

tissue, bone, nerve or muscle. Stem cells also work in the 

repair of foot and ankle fractures and Achilles tendonitis. 

“Stem cells are the biggest paradigm shift in medicine since 

the germ theory and it’s absolutely true,” Dr. Jacoby explains 

of stem cell use in diabetic neuropathy. “Patients will get off 

their medicine, and in most cases will avoid surgery.” 

Dr. Jacoby uses the Dellon procedure for decompressing 

peripheral neuropathy. He has utilized the surgical procedure 

successfully on thousands of patients and none of them have 

needed a subsequent amputation. He says, “Dr. Dellon perfected 

the Dellon technique and did the research back in the 80s. I 

adopted his technique and trained with him 20 years ago.” 

There have been 100,000 amputations annually due to 

diabetic neuropathy since the implementation of the Dellon 

procedure and Dr. Jacoby says that adds up to two million 

avoidable amputations. “It’s a national disgrace,” he says. It 

is his belief that the FDA pushes medications that don’t work, 

which in turn, create situations where amputations are done. 

The Dellon procedure utilizing stem cells could save thousands 

of people from avoidable amputations. 

“Stem cells are the fountain of youth and I’ve used them 

myself for a severe herniated 

disc,” finishes Dr. Jacoby. “I was 

back playing tennis in three days 

and haven’t needed another 

injection since.” 

EXTREMITY 

HEALTH CENTER 

UNIQUE MEDICAL SOLUTIONS 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 

EXTREMITY HEALTH CENTER, 

CALL 480.300.5022. 

7301 East 2nd Street, Suite 200 | Scottsdale, AZ. 85251 | www.extremityhealthcenters.com

Style 

MUST-HAVE / ALLURE / DWELL / SHOP / FASHION 

BY CHELSEA YOUNG 

Upgrade your travel game – and never question which suitcase is yours at baggage claim again – with a stylish selection from Tiffany 

& Co. in partnership with luggage maker Globe-Trotter. Outfitted in iconic Tiffany Blue vulcanized fiberboard, the durable yet lightweight 

six-piece travel collection, which is all sold separately, epitomizes the luxury and craftsmanship of both brands. The collection includes 

a small jewelry case (not pictured), a vanity case, and four suitcases with lengths of 18, 20, 26 and 30 inches. Trimmed in leather, 

each refined piece features a double-lock closure with keys as well as the addition of leather buckle fastening straps, wheels and a 

retractable handle on the trolleys. Prices range from $1,200 for the vanity case to $2,700 for the 30-inch trolley. www.tiffany.com. 


Style 

SHOP 

BY NEYDA MELINA 

BOOT BUZZ 

Styles that put the cool factor in cold-weather wear 

Pointed-toe purple 

suede, IRO, $620 

at Saks Fifth Avenue, 

www.saksfifthavenue. 

com. 

Signature check 

rain boots, 

Burberry, $390 at 

Bloomingdale’s, www. 

bloomingdales.com. 

Patent leather with 

square toe, $370 

at Madewell, www. 

madewell.com 

Brown suede with 

low heel, Aquatalia, 

$395 at Neiman 

Marcus, www. 

neimanmarcus.com. 

Pointed-toe stiletto, 

$268 at J.Crew, 

www.jcrew.com 

Faux leather 

snake print 

knee-high, Jeffrey 

Campbell, $189.95 

at Nordstrom, www. 

nordstrom.com. 



Style 

SHOP 

BEWITCHING BLOOMS 

Rich florals to brighten up winter days 

Long-sleeve silk 

shirt dress, Derek 

Lam, $1,290 at Saks 

Fifth Avenue, www. 

saksfifthavenue.com. 

Tassel silk scarf, 

Treasure & Bond, $79 


nordstrom.com. 

Velvet embroidered 

shoulder bag, 

Gucci, $2,290 at 

Neiman Marcus, www. 


Embroidered jogger 

pant, $198 at Johnny 

Was, www.johnnywas. 

com. 

Asymmetrical 

silk blouse, Elie 

Tahari, $250 at 

Bloomingdale’s, www. 

bloomingdales.com. 

Painted print 

T-shirt, Alexander 

McQueen, $178 

at Farfetch, www. 

farfetch.com. 


54 Uptown January ‘19 

JACKET: Wool, 

Canali. VEST: Quilted 

red, Waterville. 

SHIRT: Gray mock 

turtleneck, John 

Smedley. PANTS: 

Selvedge jeans, 

G-Style. All from 

The Clotherie, 

602.956.8600. CAR: 

Lot #1431, 1966 

Mustang Shelby 

GT350.

BY CHELSEA YOUNG / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE / STYLING BY STACEY RICHMAN / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY JOSE TRIFILIO; 602.614.3298 

MODEL: FORD/RBA / ALL VEHICLES PROVIDED BY BARRETT-JACKSON; 480.421.6694; WWW.BARRETT-JACKSON.COM 


POCKET SQUARE: Blue, Eaton. SUIT: Black peak lapel, Jack Victor. TIE: Paisley silk, Ermenegildo Zegna. SHIRT: Pink button-down, Eaton. 

All from The Clotherie, 602.956.8600. CAR: Lot #1130, 1947 Cadillac Series 62. 


JACKET: Flannel 

tribal print, Faherty. 

SHIRT: Denim 

three-button longsleeve, 

Eaton. Both 

from The Clotherie, 

602.956.8600. 

CAR: Lot #7575.2, 

1959 Chevrolet 3100 

Apache Pickup. 



POCKET SQUARE: 

Floral, Eaton. 

JACKET: Plaid gray 

sports coat, Canali. 

SHIRT: Yellowand-white 

striped, 

Eaton. PANTS: 

Gray, Zanella. All 


602.956.8600. CAR: 

Lot #1327, 1957 

Chevrolet Corvette 

Custom Roadster.

SCARF: Cashmere Scottish plaid. JACKET: Black-and-white checkered zip-over, Eaton. SHIRT: Black cotton T-shirt, Reigning Champ. PANTS: 

Slim jeans, Paige. All from The Clotherie, 602.956.8600. CAR: Lot #1305, 1955 Chevrolet 210 Custom Sedan “X-Box.” 



JACKET: Gray silk 

and wool blend 

sports coat, Jack 

Victor. SWEATER: 

Thermal red wool, 

John Smedley. 

SHIRT: White 

long-sleeve polo, 

Sunspel. PANTS: 

Black jeans, AG. All 


602.956.8600. 

CAR: Lot #1295, 

1953 Buick Skylark 

Convertible.

JACKET: Westport Crown fleece in arctic night, Peter Miller. SHIRT: Floral button-down, Eaton. PANTS: White straight jeans, AG. 

All from The Clotherie, 602.956.8600. CAR: Lot #1071. 1971 Dodge Challenger Custom Hardtop. 


Style 

ALLURE 

BY JALIA PETTIS 

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU 

Nourishing products that add some TLC to your beauty routine 

Depuffing creamgel 

eye masque, 

$68 at Dermalogica 

Scottsdale, www. 

dermalogica.com. 

24-karat gold 

lifting and firming 

eye patches, Peter 

Thomas Roth, $75 


nordstorm.com. 

Anti-pollution 

toner, Chanel, $45 at 

Macy’s, www.macys. 

com. 

Ultimate hydrating 

moisturizer, Le 

Metier de Beaute, 


Marcus, www. 


Lip treatment oil, 

Hourglass, $44 

at Sephora, www. 

sephora.com. 

Rose-infused skin, 

hair and nail oil, $65 

at Laura Mercier, www. 

lauramercier.com. 



Style 

DWELL 

MIDCENTURY MODERN 

Give your space a twist with this timeless trend 

White lacquer 

console with brass 

base, $1,105 at 

Mitchell Gold + 

Bob Williams, www. 

mgbwhome.com. 

Beveled mirror, John 

Richard Collection, 


Marcus, www. 


Metal and marble 

floor lamp, Renwil, 

$440 at Nordstrom, 

www.nordstrom.com. 

Mustard woodframed 

sofa, $1,499 

at West Elm, www. 

westelm.com. 

Printed curved back 

chair, Anthropologie, 

$498 at Nordstrom. 

Glass and 

copper-plated 

ice bucket, Tom 

Dixon, $300 at Saks 

Fifth Avenue, www. 

saksfifthavenue.com. 


20% 

OFF 

FIRST GROOM 

STAY TWO 

NIGHTS GET 

THIRD FREE 

FIRST BOARDING

Luxe 

INDULGE / WHEELS / HAUTE PROPERTY 

BY CHELSEA YOUNG 

Juice your way to a healthier you with the ’50s Retro Style Slow Juicer by Smeg. With a hip aesthetic available in black, cream, 

red or pastel blue, this is one appliance you’ll want to keep on the kitchen counter. The sleek juicer uses slow-squeezing technology 

to flatten and squeeze fruits and veggies, helping preserve their nutritional value. It has anti-slip feet along with four rotating strainer 

brushes – including fine and coarse varieties – to ensure smooth, pure juice while the BPA-free collector bowl holds up to 17 ounces of 

freshly squeezed juice at a time. Also included are a pulp container, a pusher, two cleaning brushes, and a recipe book with ideas and 

recommendations for making the most of your new healthy habit. $599.95 at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com. 


Luxe 

HAUTE PROPERTY 

SPOTLIGHT: 

UNDERSTATED 

ELEGANCE 

BY GABBY LEIGHTON / PHOTOS BY MIKE SMALL PHOTOGRAPHY 

Charming is the first word that comes 

to mind at the sight of this four-bedroom, 

five-bathroom home, which was built in 

2008. From the outside, the navy plank 

lap siding exterior and perfectly manicured 

lawn gives off the perfect Arcadia neighborhood 

vibe. With Azek white trim around the 

windows and front door, and brick accents 

(including the outdoor brick fireplace on the 

cozy front courtyard), the exterior is inviting. 

The superb attention to detail is immediately 

apparent once inside the dwelling, 

which is just over 5,000 square feet. White 

oak plank floors along with crown molding 

and 8-inch baseboards bring a warmness 

throughout the home. 

There are classic pieces of design 

in each room, from the built-in floor-toceiling 

bookshelves in the office/library to 

the large antique French crystal chandelier 

in the dining room to the Ralph Lauren 

burlap wallpapered master powder room. 

There is also painted paneled wood in the 

den/media room and one of the powder 

rooms for an added touch. Natural stone 

and marble floors along with honed marble 

countertops and soapstone can be found 

in each of the four en suite bathrooms, 

bringing a modern touch to the space. 

Hand-painted European-style 

Christopher Peacock cabinets in the 

kitchen and butler's pantry set the tone. 

Built for entertaining, the space contains 

a six-burner gas Wolf range, a Sub-Zero 

refrigerator with a glass front, a 150-bottle 

Sub-Zero wine refrigerator, two Bosch 

dishwashers, and a Miele speed oven. 

Additional extras include Toto toilets 

throughout, a water softener system and 

R/O System, a separate laundry room in 

the kid's wing, and built-in cabinets in the 

mud/hobby room. In addition to walk-in 

closets in each of the bedrooms, the 

master closet is equipped with built-in 

shelving and a stackable washer/dryer. 

Bi-fold French doors open to the rear 

yard, showcasing mature landscaping, a 

pool, a sport court, an outdoor KitchenAid 

barbecue, and unobstructed views of 

Camelback Mountain. 

5402 E. Montecito Ave., Phoenix, AZ 

85018. Listed for $2,950,000 with Vicki 

Potolicchio of HomeSmart, 602.300.3752 

or vickiazrealestate@gmail.com. 


Luxe 

WHEELS 

2019 JAGUAR I-PACE 

The all-new, all-electric crossover challenges the standard for luxury electric vehicles 

BY JIM PRUETER 

Until now, if you wanted a luxury electric crossover 

utility vehicle, your choice was limited to 

one – the Tesla Model X. However, Jaguar has 

started delivery of its own luxury crossover electric 

vehicle, the I-Pace. 

The I-Pace is a sleek, sharp-looking five-passenger 

crossover with a pair of electric motors 

that are powered by a 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion 

battery. It delivers 394 horsepower with an 

estimated electric range of 240 miles on a single 

charge, matching the range of the Tesla Model X 

75D. In just 45 minutes, it can recharge up to 80 

percent via a 100-kW DC charger. 

The Jaguar I-Pace is nothing short of spectacular. 

It has gorgeous sleek-as-a-sports car 

styling with futuristic LED headlights; an aerodynamically 

curved front grille; and slim, deployable 

door handles. Powerfully quick, it handles like a 

Jaguar F-Type, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. 

Its all-wheel drive with off-road capability fords 

water almost 20 inches deep and can tackle deep 

sand, muddy ravines, and steep mountain trails 

akin to a Land Rover. By contrast, Tesla can void 

your warranty if you take their vehicles off-road. 

Unlike the cold, sober minimalism of the 

Tesla Model 3, the I-Pace’s interior is beautiful 

and stimulating. Much like the Jaguar E-Pace, 

it combines sport and sophistication, featuring 

exceptionally comfortable seats and a convenient 

center console. The option for remote pre-conditioning 

ensures the cabin reaches the ideal 

temperature before use. Its extra-long 117.7- 

inch wheelbase allows for a very large interior 

contained in a small package, with a notable 

25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, or 51 cubic feet 

with the rear seats folded. A sizeable number of 

switches, dials and operational hardware means 

you don’t always have to fumble around with 

menus on a languorous touch screen. 

The driving experience is, for the most part, 

quiet and calm. Jaguar engineers have included 

a feature that creates an artificial interior sound 

informing the driver of speed and acceleration 

that proves to be stimulating without mimicking 

the sound of an engine roar. 

The 2019 I-Pace is available in a variety of 

trims: EV400, S, SE, HSE, and a First Edition 

(tested here) model available only for the first year. 

VITAL STATS: 

Base price: $69,500 

Price as tested: 

$86,895 

Engine: Twin electric 

concentric motors 

with a 90-kWh battery 

Horsepower: 394 

Fuel economy: 

80/72 mpg-equivalent 

city/highway 

Driving range: 240 

miles 

Seating: 5 

Fab features: 

Gorgeous, athletic 

styling inside and out 

Excellent on- and offroad 

capabilities 

Standard Amazon 

Alexa skill feature 


Luxe 

PLACES 

WONDERS OF THE WEST 

Resorts that delight as much as the destinations themselves 


With more than a dozen luxury resorts in the Valley, Phoenicians 

have come to expect a lot more than a clean room and free coffee 

when it comes to hotel ambiance and amenities. Luckily, select 

Western U.S. resorts will impress even the most discerning traveler 

with sensational luxury suites, award-winning dining, exclusive 

adventures, and rooms with far more than just a view. As you plan 

for 2019, consider these resorts worthy of your bucket list. 

Waldorf Astoria Park City: Park City, Utah 

Situated at the base of Park City Mountain, Waldorf Astoria Park 

City was recently honored by Conde Nast Traveler with Readers’ 

Choice awards for both “Best Spa in North America” and “Top 10 

Resorts in the West.” The rooms range from traditional to massive 

three- and four-bedroom suites (some with as many as five bathrooms!) 

designed for helping couples and families relax after a 

day on the mountain. The resort’s 16,000-square-foot spa uses a 

personalized program that draws on local products, environmental 

inspiration and contemporary techniques. A truly unique offering, the 

resort has its own “Snowman Alley,” an outdoor space dedicated to 

snowmen with snowman-building kits and professionally built snowmen 

throughout. www.waldorfastoriaparkcity.com. 

Auberge du Soleil: Napa, California 

As if its prime location in the heart of wine country, 13-time Michelinstarred 

restaurant, and five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide 

weren’t enough, over the past several years Auberge du Soleil has 

been in the midst of an awe-inspiring renovation, featuring new 

guest rooms and suites. The new suites, some offering as much as 

1,300 square feet of indoor-outdoor space, feature spa-like bathrooms 

and fireplaces in bedrooms and living spaces. Some even 

offer sculptural stand-alone tubs in private outdoor bath gardens. 

The grounds have also received a contemporary makeover that highlights 

wine country views and intimate spaces have been created 

throughout the property, perfect for lingering among the vines and 

ancient olive trees. www.aubergedusoleil.com. 

The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana 

Situated on 6,600 acres of rugged ranchland and wilderness in 

the small western Montana town of Philipsburg, The Ranch at Rock 

Creek is the only guest ranch in the world recognized as a Forbes 

Travel Guide five-star hotel four consecutive times. It features rustic 

yet elegant accommodations including bespoke lodge rooms, historic 

barn suites, private log homes, and luxury canvas cabins that 

deliver the definitive Montana “glamping” experience. As part of its 

all-inclusive designation, the ranch provides twice-daily adventures, 

including horseback riding, ice skating, sleigh rides, archery, hiking, 

mountain biking and wildlife viewing. www.theranchatrockcreek.com. 


Post Ranch Inn: Big Sur, California 

Post Ranch Inn is an environmentally sustainable resort that sits 

high atop the cliffs of Big Sur, California, overlooking the Pacific 

Ocean. In fact, it’s the only resort in Big Sur that offers ocean 

views. The property's 39 guest rooms are built to blend into their 

natural surroundings and perfectly combine rustic elegance, 

comfort and privacy with panoramic ocean or mountain views. 

Amenities include an array of activities, such as complimentary 

morning yoga classes, culinary tours through the on-site organic 

vegetable garden, dining at Wine Spectator’s Grand Awardwinning 

Sierra Mar restaurant, and lavish spa treatments in-room 

or at the award-winning spa. www.postranchinn.com. 

Four Seasons Resort and Residences: Jackson Hole, 

Wyoming 

One of just five mountain resorts in America with a Forbes five-star 

rating, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole boasts 

18 lavish suites and 34 residences in addition to its 100-plus 

beautifully appointed rooms. It is a true ski-in, ski-out resort with 

its own ski concierge as well as rentals and fittings on-site. There 

is also a concierge at base camp to ensure the perfect apres-ski 

experience. Beyond skiing, the resort has its own dedicated team 

of naturalists, each of whom can lead guests on wildlife safaris, 

fly-fishing expeditions, and stargazing opportunities. Its three dining 

options use locally sourced ingredients from across Wyoming, 

Utah and Idaho including tomatoes, cheeses, elk, potatoes and 

fresh-caught trout. www.fourseasons.com/jacksonhole. 

Salish Lodge & Spa: Snoqualmie, Washington 

Consistently ranked among the best small resorts in the world, 

Salish Lodge & Spa overlooks the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, one 

of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions, and sits in the 

foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountains. The guest experience 

is authentically inspired by these surroundings. For example, 

honey and herbs from the lodge’s own apiary and garden appear 

in treatments at the spa, and nearly all of the food and drink at the 

lodge’s dining venues are inspired by and sourced from the Pacific 

Northwest. Another reason to visit: In 2018 the lodge completed a 

$12 million renovation to its 86 rooms (each with its own fireplace 

and soaking tub), spa and public spaces. www.salishlodge.com. 

ABOVE: PHOTO BY KODIAK GREENWOOD 

Shore Lodge: McCall, Idaho 

A former logging town, McCall, Idaho, is a pristine mountain hideaway 

in the Payette National Forest that’s been named one of the 

best hidden ski towns by National Geographic. Shore Lodge, a 

four-season lakefront resort nestled on Payette Lake – and on the 

edge of the largest area of protected wilderness in the continental 

U.S. – offers visitors access to a variety of outdoor adventures, 

including cliff-jumping, visits to nearby hot springs, and paddleboarding 

as well as a restful place to relax and unwind. The property 

houses 77 rooms, a private lakeside cottage, an award-winning 

Andy North-designed golf course, a spa, and three dining concepts 

including a Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” steakhouse 

with a 5,000-bottle wine cellar. www.shorelodge.com. 


A PLACE MADE FOR 

friends and family. 

Owners Kim and Greg invite you to their family owned 

and operated neighborhood Italian restaurant! 

FINE DINING WITH 

A WELCOMING 

ATMOSPHERE FOR 

OVER 16 YEARS 

MAKE NEW 

FRIENDS 

AT OUR 

FRIENDLY BAR 

LIVE SOFT 

MUSIC FROM 

JIMMY, PLAYING 

THURS-SAT NIGHTS 

HAPPY HOUR 

MON-FRI 

4PM-6PM 

BEAUTIFUL TREE 

LINED PATIO 

OVERLOOKING THE 

PHOENIX MOUNTAIN 

PRESERVE 

Call us on your way home for take-out, also specializing in holiday parties. 

COME ON IN, WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU! 

602.381.3159 // 3159 E. LINCOLN DRIVE . PHOENIX, AZ 85016 // WWW.LAMOREITALIANRESTAURANT.COM

Taste 

DRINK / CHEERS / CUISINE / FOOD FILES / DINING GUIDE 

BY GABBY LEIGHTON / PHOTO BY JENELLE BONIFIELD 

After five years, Crudo recently transformed into Bar Pesce by the same chef-owner, Cullen Campbell. Here Campbell exercises his 

creativity, experimenting with new ingredients and flavors as he puts his own modern twist on classic dishes from across the globe. Take, 

for instance, the Crab Mi Roll ($16). The sandwich comes as a natural evolution from Crudo’s former late-night bahn mi sandwich menu. 

Fresh crab, sourced from Phoenix’s Nelson’s Meat & Fish, is topped with a creamy lobster roe aioli, pickled vegetables, cilantro and 

jalapenos for a light dish packed with flavor. This global bite combines the flavors of two countries in one dish, representative of the rest of 

the menu, made up of raw fish crudo, housemade pastas, grilled meats and more. At Bar Pesce, guests can also expect the same attention 

to detail on the cocktail and wine program that Crudo had. 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602.358.8666; www.barpesce.com. 


Taste DRINK BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ 

PRETTY POTIONS 

Libations that make you look twice 

They say that you eat food with your eyes first, and the same 

can be said with drinking cocktails. From alluring glasses to bold 

colors to from-the-garden garnishes, here are sippers that look as 

good as they taste. 

Italian Bird 

Parma Italian Roots 

Light as a feather but with an unexpected twist, the Italian Bird 

melds gin, elderflower, ginger beer, refreshing citrus and butterfly 

pea flowers, which alter the color of the cocktail to purple upon 

being added. $12. www.parmaitalianaz.com. 

Rosalee’s Downfall 

Blanco Tacos + Tequila 

Made with rose petal-infused mango liqueur, organic Azunia 

Blanco Tequila, and lime, this cocktail is refreshingly romantic. The 

fastest way to a woman’s heart might still be roses and chocolate, 

but tequila served this seductively goes a long way too. $10. 

www.blancotacostequila.com. 

Rosé Snowcone 

Mora Italian 

Put on your mittens and dive into this seasonal rosé snowcone, 

which is made with fresh grapefruit, blackberry and pomegranate 

juices as well as provincial rosé. $11. www.moraitalian.com. 

Mastro’s Lemon Drop 

Mastro’s City Hall 

Lemon-infused vodka, sweet and sour, triple sec and fresh lemon 

are served up and smoking over dry ice. Its sweet lemon-sugar 

rim is made by Little Waisted, recognizable from CNBC’s Billion 

Dollar Buyer. $18. www.mastrosrestaurants.com 

Forbidden Fruit 

Taco Guild 

This cocktail starts with a familiar flavor from childhood: Martinelli’s 

Apple Juice! It is mixed with lime juice, blood orange liqueur and 

Espolón Tequila Blanco, and then finished with a float of Gosling’s 

Ginger Beer for a pop of flavor and a hefty sprig of mint. $9.95. 

www.tacoguild.com. 


Skinny Prick 

SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen 

Patrón Citrónge Liqueur, an all-natural orange liqueur, acts as 

the base of this fresh take on a margarita. It’s paired with blanco 

tequila, housemade prickly pear puree, fresh lime juice and rich 

honey, resulting in a tasty cocktail as potent as it is pretty. $12. 

www.sumomaya.com. 

Penny Lane 

Restaurant Progress 

Equal parts delicate and stunning, Penny Lane features rye whiskey, 

blanc vermouth, sherry and aged calvados, which is a fruit-infused 

brandy from the Normandy region in France. The kicker: It 

also features soothing chamomile in the recipe as well as chamomile 

flowers for garnish. $15. www.restaurantprogress.com. 

Chiltepin Cobbler 

OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen 

Little-known fact: The Chiltepin is the only wild chile native to the 

United States. Smoky and hot, the wild flavors of Chiltepin syrup 

are deftly balanced in this cocktail with tangy lemon juice, muddled 

maraschino cherries, herbaceous gin, and blanc vermouth. $12. 

www.obonsushi.com. 

La Rosa Dama 

Pobrecito 

This Downtown Phoenix cocktail bar’s vibrant version of frozen 

sangria begins with sparkling Spanish cava rosé wine as well as 

an Italian aperitif that are combined with grapefruit liqueur and 

pineapple and lime juices. It is served frozen with a burnt lime 

wedge and grapefruit peel. $13. www.pobrecitophx.com. 

Violet Voyeur 

Discovery Lounge at Boulders Resort & Spa 

Floral and fruity, this stunner blends liqueur de violette, vodka, 

lemon, and blueberries. The result is smooth with a hint of tartness 

as well as a kick of sweetness. $16. www.theboulders.com. 

Peach Ambrosia 

Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse 

Handcrafted with peach vodka, fresh lemon juice, rose water, 

housemade hibiscus simple syrup, and ripe blueberries, this drink 

is topped with fresh flowers and herbs to give it something extra. 

$13. www.handcutchophouse.com. 


Taste 

CHEERS 

RED DOOR CHRONICLES 

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar’s new cocktail is a sweet way to start 2019 

A Jamaican-inspired neighborhood 

restaurant with one of the largest collections 

of rum in the state, The Breadfruit 

& Rum Bar’s cocktail menu boasts some 

amazingly creative uses of the versatile 

spirit. Think far beyond a standard rum and 

coke. 

Take, for example, the newly offered 

Red Door Chronicles ($12). 

“Of course, the cocktail build starts 

with rum in a heavy rocks glass. For this, 

we use Dictador 12-Year-Old Rum,” says 

Jamaican native Dwayne Allen, who is both 

the co-owner and cocktail creator at The 

Breadfruit. “It is medium-bodied with notes 

of caramel, leather, honey and a touch of 

coffee.” 

Bénédictine liqueur, which is made in 

France and is flavored with 27 ingredients 

ranging from berries and roots to herbs and 

spices, is added for a touch of bitterness to 

the cocktail. 

“Their recipe actually derives from 

real Benedictine monks prior to the French 

Revolution,” Allen says. 

Next comes a housemade shrub made 

from local red beets for an earthy, savory 

flavor. The final liquid component is Pêche 

de Vigne Liqueur. Loosely translated, it is 

a vineyard peach cream liqueur made in 

France. 

“As one would expect, this liqueur is 

bursting with the sweetness of a perfectly 

ripened peach,” Allen explains. 

The ingredients are stirred together in 

the glass, and the cocktail is finished with a 

large artisanal ice cube and colorful, edible 

flowers for garnish. 

“There is a fruity sweetness when you 

first sip it, but it’s followed by bitter and 

earthy expressions, making it a perfectly 

well-rounded after-dinner drink,” Allen says. 

The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, located at 

108 E. Pierce St., Phoenix; 602.267.1266; 

www.thebreadfruit.com. 

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY JENELLE BONIFIELD 


Taste 

CUISINE 

CHEF CONVERSATIONS 

In with the kitchen with Erika Gonzalez, executive chef of Buck &Rider 

Native of Hidalgo, Mexico, Erika Gonzalez moved to America as a teenager 

and began her career at a small burrito shop in Mesa. After rising through the 

ranks in the Valley, she now serves as the executive chef of Buck &Rider. 

BY GABBY LEIGHTON / PHOTO BY MARK MORGAN 

When did you know you wanted to 

be a chef? Growing up in a Hispanic family 

food was the main focal point of every social 

interaction. I remember my grandmothers going 

to the market every day to get fresh ingredients 

and I fell in love with food at such a young age. 

I didn’t know I wanted to be a chef, however, 

until my first job in a little burrito shop and I 

knew I never wanted to do anything other than 

make great food. 

What food reminds you most of home? 

Hidalgo, Mexico, is famous for the barbacoa. 

The simple slow cooking of goat or sheep in an 

underground pit instantly reminds me of home 

and my family. 

To you, food is… My life. I am addicted to 

the kitchen and atmosphere of restaurants. 

Every day I come into the kitchen there is 

always a new challenge or opportunity to learn. 

If you weren’t a chef, you’d probably be: 

A lawyer. And I know without a doubt I would 

hate every minute of it. 

When you’re not cooking, where would 

we find you? At the dog park with my dog 

Diamond. I love to spend any extra time I have 

with her. 

What is your guilty pleasure? If I had to 

choose just one thing, it would probably be 

pork belly tacos. I could eat those every day. 

Favorite food memory: When I was 14 

years old I visited my uncle’s restaurant. His 

entire menu featured family recipes that had 

been passed down for generations. It was the 

first time I saw how truly amazing working in a 

kitchen could be. I just remember being awestruck 

at the food and I couldn’t stop eating the 

entire day. 

Do you have a favorite cuisine to cook? 

French food. I love the old-school style and the 

finesse of those types of dishes. 

What is your approach in the kitchen? 

Coming into the kitchen every day with a positive 

attitude and knowing I will have a great 

time while also pushing myself and my crew to 

do better than we did the day before. 

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 

602.346.0110; www.buckandrider.com. 


Taste 

FOOD FILES 

SOUP’S ON! 

Spoonfuls of scrumptiousness to warm you up 


Butternut Squash Soup 

J&G Steakhouse 

A perfect wintertime favorite starter, this soup 

features full-bodied flavor and a velvety-smooth 

texture thanks to a surprisingly simple medley 

of freshly pureed butternut squash topped with 

earthy, buttery sauteed oyster mushrooms. $10. 

www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com. 

Lentil Curry Coconut Soup 

Phoenix Public Market Cafe 

Made with the bold flavors of curry and coconut, 

this chunky vegan soup is perfect for spicing 

up a chilly day. Lentils round out the dish for 

a protein-packed bowl that’s even better when 

used to dunk locally baked Noble bread. $4 

(cup) or $8 (bowl). www.phxpublicmarket.com. 

Green Chili Pork Stew 

Salty Sow 

The restaurant’s famous recipe is made with 

pepper jack cheese, boneless country-style pork 

ribs, onions, jalapenos, dried New Mexico green 

chiles, and garlic. The sharable dish is served 

with warm buttered tortillas and a charred serrano 

pepper on top. $10. www.saltysow.com. 

Spicy Potato Corn Chowder 

Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup 

This is a creamy, spicy, veggie-packed chowder 

that includes three types of peppers as well 

as mashed potatoes, corn, salsa, cilantro and 

Southwest spices. You can also add one of 

Gadzooks' house-braised meats, including pork 

shoulder and bison, to make it even heartier. 

$5.50. www.gadzooksaz.com. 

PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS 

The dip in Valley temperatures during winter months doesn’t warrant ski jackets 

or snow tires. It does, however, give you an excuse to dive into hot, hearty 

soups – and their history – all month long. 

The word soup itself derives from the French word “soupe,” and evidence 

of the cold-weather favorite can be found dating back to 20,000 B.C. when 

our ancestors used animal hides to help waterproof vessels so they could boil 

water needed for the base of their version of soup. 

Thankfully, chefs have upgraded both their vessels and recipes over the 

years. Here are a variety to try this month. 

Onion Soup Gratinee 

The Collins Small Batch Kitchen 

Available all month long for lunch or dinner, 

slow-cooked onions and housemade beef 

stock are topped with a crunchy crouton and 

bubbling Gruyere cheese, resulting in a savory 

bowl of comfort. $8. www.thecollinsaz.com. 

Posole Rojo 

Crujiente Tacos 

Slow-simmered, the Posole Rojo is a spicy kick 

with flavorful, warming layers from the charred 

tomato and roasted chile-based broth, pork, 

hominy, lime, jalapeno, onion and cilantro. $9. 

www.crutacos.com. 

Azteca Soup 

Sierra Bonita Grill 

Perfect if you’re feeling under the weather, the 

Azteca Soup is like a Mexican version of a classic 

chicken noodle soup. A smoky, spicy broth 

of chipotles, onions, roasted tomatoes, garlic 


and chicken stock is mixed with slow-roasted 

chicken, then topped with avocado, cilantro, 

panela cheese and crispy tortilla strips. $8 

(cup) or $11 (bowl). www.sierrabonitagrill.com. 

Three Sisters Soup 

Gertrude’s 

A classic winter veggie – butternut squash 

– is this soup’s foundation. Pureed roasted 

poblanos, cumin, coriander and coconut milk 

are added as well as tri-color hominy and crisp 

garbanzo beans, all garnished with cilantro oil. 

$10. www.gertrudesrestaurant.net. 

Gazpacho 

Delux 

For those who prefer to chill out even when 

there is a chill out, don’t miss Delux’s gazpacho. 

The cold soup has a tomato base packed with 

seasonal vegetables. It’s garnished with avocado 

and goat cheese for an added dimension 

of flavor. $7.95. www.deluxburger.com. 

Corn Bisque 

The Market by Jennifer’s Restaurant & Bar 

Using both pureed and grilled corn, the addition 

of bacon bits and creme fraiche provide crunch 

and richness. Garnished with a parsley leaf, this 

bisque can also be prepared vegetarian-style 

upon request. $9. www.themarketbyjennifers.com. 

Tortilla Soup 

Artizen at The Camby 

A selection of ingredients with a kick – fireroasted 

tomatoes, poblanos, chipotle in adobo, 

and cumin to name a few – are sauteed in olive 

oil and simmered in chicken stock. Tortilla chips 

are then blended in until the soup is thickened. 

Lime juice brightens the spiced flavor, and it 

PHOTO BY ALISA SHELTON 

is garnished with fresh avocado, crema and a 

blue corn crostini made in-house using Hayden 

Mills blue corn meal. $9. www.artizenaz.com. 

French Onion Soup 

Eddie Merlot’s 

To get this iconic dish just right, a five-onion 

mix is sauteed until caramelized. A rich housemade 

broth is then added and simmered for 

hours. Once ordered, freshly cut croutons and 

Gruyere cheese are the crowning delicacies 

before it’s baked until melted. $5.95 (cup) or 

$9.95 (bowl). www.eddiemerlots.com. 

Cream of Endive Soup 

Original Gravity 

This delectable soup is everything you want for 

your seasonal comfort food. The creamy endive 

base, topped with caramelized portobello 

mushrooms, is equal parts earthy and sweet. 

It’s served with toasted Noble country bread for 

dipping. $10. www.ogphx.com. 

Baja Chicken Enchilada Soup 

32 Shea 

A guest favorite, it’s a creamy, spicy blend of 

chicken, chipotle, chilies, jalapenos and colorful 

peppers. A bonus: Guests can order it while 

dining in, to go, or through the drive-thru window 

(great for days when it’s too chilly to leave 

the heated car). $4.25 (cup) or $5.75 (bowl). 

www.32shea.com. 

Long Life Chicken & Rice Soup 

Ling & Louie's Asian Bar and Grill 

Blending traditional comfort food with Asian 

flair, this savory, slightly spicy soup broth is 

served with jasmine rice, chicken, cilantro and 

green onions. It is both oh-so-good and oh-sogluten-free. 

$4.25. www.lingandlouies.com. 


Taste 

DINING GUIDE 

BEVVY 

UPTOWN 

Bevvy’s second location (the first is in Old Town 

Scottsdale) is offering Uptown residents elevated bar 

food and a relaxed atmosphere along with vintage 

arcade games and game prices. The simple and 

approachable menu features a bevy (see what we did 

there?) of options for meat-eaters, pescatarians and 

vegetarians alike. Their bowls are bountiful and full 

of flavor. Ask regulars about their favorite dishes and 

you’re sure to hear about the salmon bowl. If you’re 

thirsty, the mango mule is a must-order. Don’t miss 

their exciting weekend brunch options – we hear it’s a 

real party. 5600 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 480.588.2908; 

www.bevvyaz.com; $$ 

BY TARYN JEFFRIES 

American 

LUCI’S AT THE ORCHARD 

Looking for a fully immersive Arizona 

experience? Luci’s at the Orchard offers 

a gourmet marketplace as well as a 

full-service cafe located in a repurposed 

historic ranch home in the heart 

of Uptown. The menu embraces the 

Arizona citrus legacy with many of the 

items highlighting this Arizona specialty. 

Luci’s serves breakfast all day long and 

offers savory lunch items like sandwiches, 

burgers and hearty salads. This isn’t 

just a dining experience, it’s a fun one 

too. Bring your kids along to enjoy the 

lush greenery and splash pad. 7100 N. 

12th St., Phoenix; 602.633.2442; www. 

lucisorchard.com; $$ 

TEXAZ GRILL 

2015 marked Texaz Grill’s 30th anniversary 

in the Valley, and with a track 

record like that, you know it must be 

doing something right. The environment 

is a great place for the entire family; 

with a welcoming staff and more than 

generous portions, you’ll want to keep 

coming back to try out the entire menu. 

The chicken-fried steak is a legend all 

in itself; fork tender, triple dipped and 

topped with the richest gravy you’ve 

ever had the pleasure of tasting! 6003 

N. 16th St., Phoenix; 602.248.7827; 

www.texazgrill.com; $$ 

THE STAND 

What this little out-of-the-way Arcadia 

burger stand (and drive-thru) lacks 

in space, it makes up in the simple 

perfection of its menu options. Their 

straight-forward approach to the 

burgers and fries allows the focus 

to be on the flavors as opposed to 

getting confused with too many toppings 

or complex combinations. The 

Standard burger comes with two generous 

patties and simple adornments 

which pair perfectly with fresh cut 

fries that are never greasy. Top your 

meal off with a dulce de leche handspun 

milkshake that will make you 

feel like a kid again. 3538 E. Indian 

School Road, Phoenix; 602.314.5259; 

www.thestandbnt.com; $ 

Asian 

CREASIAN BAR AND GRILL 

A relaxed environment sets the scene 

for a broad assortment of starters, 

mains and phos. The authentic flavors 

presented are expected but you’ll 

also encounter a collection of unique 

meat options. Skewers made up of 

frog legs, bacon-wrapped quail eggs, 

chicken hearts and spicy squid among 

others are available for the more 

adventuresome eaters. If you’re more 

comfortable sticking to traditional fare, 

the fresh spring rolls and remarkable 

peanut sauce are standing by 

for you. 13216 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 

602.441.4668; $$ 

RICE PAPER ON 7TH 

Rice Paper is found in what was 

certainly at one point a charming little 

house. Because of this, parking can 

be a little challenging, but the owners 

have created some space in the back 

to accommodate. Once you overcome 

the parking challenge, you will find 

that the decor and ambiance of this 

spot are well worth it. Rice Paper has 

about 18 different types of spring 

rolls (both fresh and crispy styles) to 

match anyone’s tastes. The menu also 

features several varieties of pho and 

banh mi. 2221 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 

602.252.3326; www.ricepapereatery. 

com; $$ 

SUSHI BROKERS 

This trendy little joint in Arcadia has 

a great happy hour complete with 

high-energy, friendly staff. Their clever 

sushi rolls and kitschy cocktail menu 

offer an ample variety of choices for 

all tastes. Drop in, sit at the sushi bar 

to ensure that you make some new 

friends and have a great dinner and 

fun experience. 4419 E. Indian School 

Road, Phoenix; 480.515.5000; www. 

sushibrokers.com; $$ 

THAI LONG-AN 

This small family-run restaurant is serving 

up authentic Thai dishes that will 

delight those familiar with the cuisine 

and surprise and excite those trying 

it for the first time. If you’re a newbie, 

keep in mind that all of the dishes are 

customizable as far as heat levels go, 

on a scale of one to five. You’ll find traditional 

appetizers, a variety of soups, 

spicy salads and seriously flavorful 

noodle dishes. Bring your appetite and 

sense of adventure. 4447 N. 7th Ave., 

Phoenix; 602.374.4430; www.thailongan.com; 

$$ 

Breakfast 

CORNER BAKERY CAFÉ 

This neighborhood bakery and cafe 

takes you back to a simpler, slower 

time, one where you don’t feel rushed. 

You can settle into a table with the 

paper and a coffee and enjoy a variety 

of freshly baked pastries, madeto-order 

scrambles and fluffy pancakes 

with any side you can think of. 

Corner Bakery Café has you covered 

if you are looking to have a relaxed 

start to your day, or if you need to 

grab-and-go on the run. 454 N. 3rd 

St., Phoenix; 602.252.1346; www. 

cornerbakerycafe.com; $$ 

DUZA’S KITCHEN 

Duza’s Kitchen is nestled quietly in 

the Coronado Historic District and is 


a little hard to find on your first visit, 

though once you’ve found it you’ll find 

yourself driving there again and again. 

This quaint spot offers up a variety 

of breakfast and lunch favorites with 

new ingredient components. The shepherd’s 

biscuit takes your basic breakfast 

sandwich to the next level and the 

pumpkin quinoa porridge would make 

Goldilocks green with envy! 2243 

N. 12th St., Phoenix; 480.252.3787; 

www.duzaskitchen.com; $$ 

PROVISION COFFEE BAR 

Provision is much more than a coffee 

bar. Their coffee program is absolutely 

stellar, with beans coming from 

Burundi, Rwanda, Guatamala and 

Ethiopia and their honey lavender latte 

is just as outstanding as it sounds. 

Provision also has a wide variety of 

pastries from some of the top bakeries 

in town. Stop by in the morning for 

little extra energy and a sweet treat or 

after work for a glass of wine or beer 

and some a light snack. 4501 N. 32nd 

St., Phoenix; 602.626.3866; www.provisioncoffeebar.com; 

$$ 

SCRAMBLE A BREAKFAST JOINT 

With equal options of healthy and comfort 

foods, you can satisfy just about 

any breakfast craving at Scramble. 

Breakfast is served all day and with 

free Wi-Fi and tons of charging stations, 

you just may want to linger over the 

lox platter or any one of their brizzas 

– yes, that’s breakfast pizzas! 9832 N. 

7th St., Phoenix; 602.374.2294; www. 

azscramble.com; $$ 

Italian 

THE PARLOR 

Urban eating at its best, The Parlor 

provides all the things that you should 

expect; great atmosphere, stellar food 

and friendly service. The menu is heavy 

on pizza as the name would suggest 

and contains combinations sure to 

please any palate, but the pizzeria also 

has delightful pasta and salad options. 

The seafood-loaded Puttanesca is a 

great traditional alternative providing 

a spicy, hearty and unexpected taste. 


602.248.2480; www.theparlor.us; $$ 

TOMASO’S 

For the past 37 years, Tomaso’s 

has been delighting the Valley with 

authentic Italian food and hospitality. 

They have likely seen some through 

graduations, weddings, babies and 

many, many other celebratory occasions. 

From start to finish, beginning 

with the “words escape me” pesto butter 

and bread basket to the attentive 

staff, impressive Italian wine offerings 

and their tantalizing entrees referred 

to as “Food for the Gods,” Tomaso’s 

is an incredible experience just waiting 

to happen. 3225 E. Camelback 


tomasos.com; $$$ 

TRATTO 

Tratto is proof that Chris Bianco 

can do no wrong in the Valley. This 

pasta-focused restaurant is the 

perfect follow up to the wildly successful 

Pizzeria Bianco. You’ll be 

greeted at your table with a plate of 

complimentary antipasti, fresh bread, 

and olive oil while you peruse the 

menu. While there are not too many 

items to choose from on the rotating 

menu, the descriptions draw you in 

and make it hard to choose. Take a 

friend, order a few things to share and 

divertiti (enjoy yourself)! 4743 N. 20th 

St., Phoenix; 602.296.7761; www.trattophx.com; 

$$ 

Mexican 

CRUJIENTE TACOS 

Here in the Valley, you can easily find 

a taco joint on just about every street 

corner. When it comes to Crujiente 

Tacos, there is nothing typical here. 

The space is sleek and modern with 

surprise elements like street art within 

the light fixtures. You’ll find a creative 

array of taco choices like ahi poke, 

tempura avocado and Korean fried 

chicken along with a Texas wagyu cap 

steak creation. Make sure to order an 

Arcadia margarita; the jalapeno and 

cilantro flavors will pair perfectly with 

your tacos. 3961 E. Camelback Road, 

Phoenix; 602.687.7777; www.crutacos.com; 

$$ 

PAQUIME STREET FOOD OF 

MEXICO 

Paquime offers a variety of tacos, 

tostadas and burros along with hot 

dogs, breakfast items and desserts. 

The bright, clean space is inviting and 

cheerful. Portions are large and brimming 

with fresh flavors that will definitely 

remind you of authentic dishes 

you’ll find all around Mexico. Whether 

you are in a hurry and need to just 

pick up and go or if you’ve got a little 

time to relax and linger of your meal, 

you’ll be greeted quickly, fed well 

and will be treated like family. 17 E. 

Dunlap Ave., Phoenix; 602.277.5090; 

$ 

TACOS TEQUILA WHISKEY 

Is there a better combination than 

tacos and tequila? Tacos Tequila 

Whiskey is situated in the heart of 

Arcadia and locals are making it their 

neighborhood hang out. With eclectic 

decor, an elevated taco menu and a 

clever cocktail list, there’s no question 

why. There are more than 10 

types of street tacos on the menu in 

addition to their highly praised queso 

fundido con chorizo appetizer. They 

have also created some new spins 

on classic cocktails like their Older 

Fashioned and have an array of margarita 

options. 3950 E. Indian School 


tacostequilawhiskey.com; $$ 

TEE PEE MEXICAN FOOD 

A Valley treasure since 1958, Tee Pee 

has been serving up Sonoran-style 

fare to the delight of their diners. This 

is a no-frills eatery, the food is straightforward 

and stands on its own without 

any flash. Expect hearty portions and 

great service. If it’s good enough for 

a former president and senator, isn’t it 

good enough for you? 4144 E. Indian 


www.teepeemexicanfood.com; $$ 

Modern American 

BECKETT’S TABLE 

Chef Justin Beckett is busy day to 

day creating sophisticated dishes 

that provide elevated palate comfort. 

Whether you make new friends at the 

community table or grab a spot at the 

brick-lined bar, you’re sure to leave 

with a new appreciation for locally 

sourced ingredients. 3717 E. Indian 


www.beckettstable.com; $$ 

THE GLADLY 

Anyone that can make Brussels 

sprouts like the folks at The Gladly do 

are good in my book. And they don’t 

stop there, they feature the Valley’s 

famous Original Chopped Salad as 

well as their Press Coffee Short 

Rib entree. You’ll also be amazed 

at the raw bar selections, sourced 

from Chula Seafood, and impressive 

whiskey selection featuring over 

250 options from around the world. 

Head there for date night, a birthday 

celebration or if you’re just looking for 

some great food and drinks – you’ll 

be “glad” you did. 2201 E. Camelback 


thegladly.com; $$$ 

TWISTED GROVE PARLOR + BAR 

The Twisted Grove dining room is 

dark and romantic with plush seating 

making it the ideal backdrop for a 

romantic encounter. Imagine yourself 

and your sweetheart nestled in a 

booth sharing a generous portion of 

charred Brussels sprouts with candied 

bacon. Split a bruschetta board or a 

bowl of gnocchi short ribs. If you’re 

looking for a little less formal situation, 

you can dine at the communal 

tables in the bar area and make a 

few new friends. 3160 E. Camelback 


twistedgrove.com; $$ 

Seafood 

AHIPOKI BOWL 

This Japanese and Hawaiian fusion 

concept has lots of people talking. 

Enjoy the freshest ingredients available 

while you create your signature 

poke dish in a fast-casual environment. 

You can load up your bowls 

with a variety of proteins, sides, 

sauces and toppings or you can 

keep it simple with just a few of the 

fresh ingredients. The possibilities 

and flavor combinations are nearly 

endless. 1928 E. Highland Ave., 

Phoenix; 480.508.5536; www.ahipokibowl.com; 

$ 

BLUEWATER GRILL 

Consistently fresh seafood in the 

Valley? Bluewater Grill is meticulous 

in their standards and refuse to 

serve their customers anything but 

the best and freshest seafood. You 

can taste those standards in every 

bite from the Miso Glazed Coho 

Salmon to their San Francisco Style 

Cioppino. Stop by and get hooked! 


602.277.3474; www.bluewatergrill. 

com; $$ 

KOI POKE 

Koi Poke adds a little touch of fancy 

to the traditional bowl options with 

lobster and champagne butter. They 

also include generous cuts of sashimi, 

allowing you to really experience 

the buttery flavors of your protein 

lightly dressed with the sauce of your 

choice. Their toppings get a little 

drama (and added health benefit) 

with shaved Brussels sprouts and 

kale. Up the ante on your healthy 

bowl additions and you won’t feel 

bad about trying their Hawaiian 

snow ice. 4280 E. Indian School 


koipoke.com; $$ 

NELSON’S MEAT +FISH 

Upon walking through the doors of 

Nelson’s Meat + Fish, you’ll be swiftly 

greeted by one of the shop proprietors 

who will be ready to give you 

the scoop on anything and everything 

within the store. First and foremost, 

Nelson’s is a shop featuring some of 

the freshest and best quality seafood 

and meat in the Valley. Seafood is 

shipped the same day its caught and 

you’ll be able to taste the freshness 

in any item on their menu of prepared 

items. The poke they offer will depend 

on the freshest fish in the store and 

served up on local Noble bread. Treat 

yourself to some crab dip or “chowdah” 

that will be hot and waiting for 

you. 2415 E. Indian School Road, 

Phoenix; 602.596.4069; www.meat. 

fish; $$ 


Seen 

EVENTS 

APPLAUSE! GALA 

The show-stopping event, held at and hosted by Phoenix Theatre, featured an 

original music tribute honoring community members as well as dinner and an 

unforgettable live show. 

BY DAVID APEJI 

Marissa Butler and Patty Johnson 

Lowell and Cherlyn Shonk 

Brian and Deborah Hendrickson 

Katie and Robbie Kelly 

Buffy and Gary Bennett 

Kyle and Alex Red 

Lisa and Brad Grannis 

Elizabeth and David Shapiro 

Gary and Barb Crowe 

Bobb Cooper and Karol Cooper 


PASSPORT 

TO A CURE 

Community members came 

together at The Camby for 

a New York-themed gala 

in support of the Muscular 

Dystrophy Association. 

BY JAMES SASSER 

Sandra and Jorge Zarate 

Isaac and Pamela Maya 

Leah Carter and Julie Ansell 

Joey Grabania and Toni Sawyer 

Tim Brotherton and Bonnie Morgan 

ACI LUNCHEON 

& LECTURE 

Booth Moore led this lecture, titled 

Women in Fashion: More than Just 

Pretty Faces, hosted by Arizona 

Costume Institute at Phoenix Art 

Museum. 

BY ELIZABETH MARIE 

Laura Madden 

Nacy Pendleton 

Parine Adams 

Crystal Daniels 

Amanda Garmany 


End 

NEW IN TOWN 

CUE THE BARBECUE 

Award-winning Little Miss BBQ opens a second location in Sunnyslope 

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH MARIE 

You may have eaten at the acclaimed 

Little Miss BBQ, or these could be the first 

words you’ve read about the smokehouse. 

If it’s the former, worth-the-wait mouth-watering 

flavors probably come to mind. 

Until now, loyal patrons have lined 

up daily for barbecue eats at the popular 

original University Drive location, but the 

owners recently opened a new location in 

the Sunnyslope neighborhood. With Little 

Miss BBQ’s arrival also comes a dizzying 

array of smoked meats, including their 

award-winning brisket, along with a variety 

of homemade sauces and sides, and a 

secret recipe for smoked pecan pie that 

has been passed down for generations. 

Owners Scott and Bekke Holmes 

met in 2006. Three years later, after falling 

in love with barbecue (and each other) in 

Texas, the couple took their passion for 

smoked meat a step further, spending their 

weekends cooking in barbecue competitions. 

Competitions turned into selling at 

farmers markets and that turned into opening 

a brick-and-mortar. 

The Sunnyslope location opened in 

November, serving up the same quality eats 

that customers have become accustomed 

to. Sliced brisket is the bestseller thanks 

to the prime meat the Holmes’ source from 

Minnesota. Seasoned with a house blend 

of flavors then smoked in custom-made 

smokers, the barbecue is considered “central 

Texas-style” thanks to the dry rub and 

coarse black pepper. 

In addition to brisket, there’s also 

sausage, pork and turkey daily, as well as 

beef ribs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Customers can order meats by weight, 

on a sandwich or as a plate with two 

sides. Sides include barbecue staples: 

jalapeno cheddar grits, ranch style beans, 

potato salad, coleslaw and two new sides, 

mac n cheese and roasted veggies. At 

Sunnyslope, there’s also the new Yager 

Dager plate, with brisket, pulled pork, turkey, 

sausage and three sides with fixings. 

In a former bank building, the eatery 

is simple with a modern touch. Community 

tables, a blue accent wall and pops of brick 

and cork give the space a cheery, inviting 

feel. There’s an eight-seat bar that serves 

local beer on tap, keg wine, housemade 

cocktails, and various canned beverages. 

In contrast to the original location that 

has one meat cutter, one person serving 

sides and one cashier, Sunnyslope boasts 

three meat cutters, two side slingers and 

two cashiers to keep up with demand. 

Guests are encouraged to interact with the 

pit crew while in line. 

“We designed Sunnyslope to provide 

the best customer experience with the 

addition of cashiers and meat cutters, 

additional seating, a bar, more parking and 

procedures to combat the lines.” 

A preorder window and the addition 

of breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, 

and coffee in the morning are all slated to 

launch early this year. 

Little Miss BBQ is open Tuesday 

through Saturday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. (or until 

barbecue sells out) and Sunday 10 

a.m.-3 p.m. 8901 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 

602.314.6922; www.littlemissbbq.com. 


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NOW SELLING! 

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WATT COMMUNITIES IS PROUD TO OFFER A LIMITED COLLECTION OF 22 LUXURY SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENCES IN PHOENIX. 

Sales are underway! Take advantage of newly released pricing. 

MODELS NOW OPEN! 

u 3 spacious floorplans 

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u Up to 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths 

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WCA Development Services, Inc. ROC# 294976. Pricing effective date of publication and subject to prior sale. JANUARY 2019.

Uptown Magazine January 2019

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