An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.
A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can read past Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
WorldClass Devesa ribeye topped with chiltepin butter, al pastor marinated bone marrow with elote, queso fresco and salsa macha, and tortillas at The Mexicano in Scottsdale
Monday, June 12: Rough Rider (downtown Phoenix). I was invited to join Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery co-founders Colby and Ashley Frey for a special farm-to-table dinner to celebrate the distribution of their award-winning whiskeys in Arizona. We learned that Colby’s family has been farming in northern Nevada since 1854 and their 1,500-acre farm east of the Sierra Nevada represents this legacy, with the grains for all of their bourbon and rye whiskeys sustainably grown on site. You can also see a video recap by clicking here.
Ashley and Colby Frey, founders of Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery
In collaboration with the bar team at Rough Rider, Beverage Director Alex Montoya introduced expertly-crafted cocktails that were inspired by his childhood flavors and nostalgic flavors. They incorporated not only Frey Ranch spirits, but also their honey and grains, as well as Arizona-grown ingredients.
Welcome Cocktail: Frey Ranch bourbon and rye, tropical tea, wildflower honey, lemon, and pineapple.
Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift, who had been invited to stay at the ranch, shared their experience, with executive chef Ian telling the crowd: “We had an amazing time at the ranch. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had as a chef, being able to go out to the farm itself. Every single course features something from the farm to emphasize the ingredients.”
Chefs Ian Herschberg and Michael Swift of Rough Rider in downtown Phoenix
The menu:
Smoked trout rillettes with pickled celery on top of housemade rye cracker using Frey Ranch rye flour. Cocktail: Oasis of Nevada with Frey Ranch bourbon, Frey Ranch honey, cinnamon, soda, and lemon.
Alfalfa sprout salad with greens, fennel, and blueberries tossed in a dressing made with Frey Ranch honey produced by bees which feed off of alfalfa flowers. Cocktail: Dust Maker, my favorite cocktail of the night. It combined Frey Ranch Rye whiskey, Frey Ranch malted barley-infused Maraschino liqueur, lemon, orange bitters, and Alex’s fantastic amaro made with Arizona citrus, honey, and chamomile flowers (which some of us asked to try on its own - wow!).
Shrimp and grits (with Frey Ranch cornmeal) with chipotle cream sauce. Cocktail: For The Land, made with Frey Ranch bourbon, herbal amaro, sweet vermouth, bitters, Frey Ranch toasted oat-piloncillo foam.
Risotto made with Frey Ranch wheat berries, bone marrow, and saffron topped with braised and pressed short rib drizzled with Bordelaise sauce. Cocktail: Slow Grown, a clarified oat milk cocktail with Frey Ranch bourbon, vanilla, Frey Ranch cornmeal tejuino with piloncillo, blueberry oleo, and Nixta corn liqueur.
Chocolate cake with layers including malted barley cake and cream cheese-chocolate frosting, Pairing: A pour of the exquisite Frey Ranch Cask Strength Single Barrel #1404, with notes of butterscotch, creme brulee, and caramel.
Tuesday, June 13: The Mexicano (North Scottsdale). I’m working on an assignment for The Tasting Panel magazine about a not-yet-released Spanish beverage called Spicy Wings. You can read all about it in the September issue, but until then, here are some behind-the-scenes shots of our fun afternoon. You can also watch the video reel by clicking here.
That night, we stopped by for a sneak peek preview of Fabio on Fire Panini & Gelateria which officially opened the next day in Sunrise Promenade near Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Rd in Peoria. I’ve been in love with Fabio Ceschetti’s Fabio on Fire Italian restaurant since it opened, and I’m just as excited about his second spot offering a deli for imported Italian ingredients, panini on wood-fired puccia, and the BEST gelato. You can see more on my video reel by clicking here.
Toscano panini: Wood-fired porchetta with Parmigiano cheese spread,provolone, and fried zucchini.
Chef Fabio Ceschetti of Fabio on Fire Panini and Gelato
Wednesday, June 14:Trevor’s on Mayo (North Scottsdale). This was a quick stop to visit Beverage Director Jordan Chandler for the final part of my Tasting Panel magazine feature. Thank you Jordan!
Afterwards, we had lunch across the street at Buck & Rider (North Scottsdale): The burger for my husband, and fish and chips for me.
Check back on my next Rubee Tuesday for visits to Cafe Monarch and a Hotel Valley Ho staycation with the 2023 kick-off Sip and Shop market and a celebrity chef dinner with Chef Lindsay Autry.
A weekly Tuesday feature, I publish Rubee Tuesday as a photo recap of my recent drinking and dining adventures. You can readpast Rubee Tuesdays HERE.
Thursday, April 13: Fabio on Fire, Peoria. Katie Roeis the founder of Upper West Side PHX, so when we decided to get together for a double date, this mutual favorite on our side of the valley was an easy choice. We started with an off-menu special of the BEST calzone I’ve ever had, stuffed with cheese, onion, and porchetta (thank you Fabio!).
Recommended dish(es): Pasta special with sausage and porcini mushrooms, lobster ravioli, affogato, and homemade gelato.
The perfect ending was cream limoncello. Grazie Fabio!
Friday, April 14: Sottise, downtown Phoenix. Sottise had been on my must-visit list for quite a while, and I’m in love! Fantastic food, wonderful cocktails, friendly service, and a great wine list. Plus fabulous company with our friends TJ and Jenna.
I can’t think of a prettier downtown spot than its location in the historic Knipe House, built in 1901.
Recommended dish(es): Sottise Tower (Moondancer oysters, plain and with steak tartare, shrimp, boquerones, trout roe, creme fraiche, truffle potato chips, caviar, hiramasa, crab salad and octopus conserva); onion soup; cacio e pepe pasta with escargot, a “secret” menu item not listed, but always available; apple tart. And we were just as impressed with Lucas’ craft cocktails - I loved my Évasion, a clarified cocktail with tequila reposado, toasted buckwheat, and persimmon.
Tuesday,April 18: Staycation at Westin Tempe. We kicked off another great stay at our favorite Tempe hotel recording a Taste of AZ podcast with executive chef Mario Ventura and mixologist Nicole Robinson-Sanchez.
Of course, we had to head upstairs for sunset cockails on the Valley's highest open-air rooftop bar - Skysill. You can see more of this beautiful lounge and our stay in my video Reel.
Pancho's Ponche (Roku gin, rosemary, yuzu and locally-owned Gran Ponche Mexicano).
We ended a perfect day with dinner at Terra Tempe to explore the newest menu from Chef Mario. Recommended dish(es): Charred baby corn withchipotle aioli and cotija cheese; Potato Frito Misto with potato bravas croquettes, calamari, chorizo, and chipotle aioli; Terra's Hot Stone with Westholme Wagyu beef, cherry vinaigrette, cranberry pistachio biscotti, and tart cherry gelee; Sonoran Chicken Tortilla Soup; pea and ricotta ravioli with asparagus; filet with purple pomme purée, king mushrooms, and guajillo demi-glace; Arroz Negro with forbidden rice, maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, mussels, calamari, crab, chorizo, and saffron aioli.
Wednesday, April 19: Media Tour at Epicenter at Agritopia, Gilbert. Epicenter is a new vertical mixed-use community with 320 apartments, popular Arizona bars, restaurants and retail spots. I will be spotlighting Epicenter’s food and beverage offerings and founder Joe Johnston in a four-page feature for SOMM Journal, but you can see a Reel of our fun-filled day HERE.
CEO Will Johnston and Agritopia Founder Joe Johnston (photo courtesy of Epicenter)
We started off at Chef Claudio Urcioli’s Source, a restaurant (soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, grain bowls) and shop (wine, bread, olive oils, and pantry items).
Then it was off to tour some of the many things Epicenter offers: Vintage Home, Peixoto Coffee Roasters, Wylde Salon, Barre3, The Tyler apartments, Beer Barn, UrbAna, and Bunky Boutique.
Our afternoon ended at Belly with cocktails (Spicy Hydra with tequila, pineapple, Thai chili, and cucumber, and Rosé Sangria with passionfruit and lemongrass) and a feast of green papaya salad, spring rolls, fried rice, and crispy white fish. For more, see my Reel HERE.
Thursday, April 20: Argentina wine dinner at ZuZu at the Hotel Valley Ho. I’ve attended many of the special dinners hosted by Executive Chef Russell LaCasce, and this one ranked as one of my favorites, celebrating the culture of Chef de Cuisine Alejo Candia and Pastry Chef Maria Arenas, who met in Argentina. The main event was asado, tri-tip and Argentine ribeye and skirt steak grilled on a beautiful parilla that was donated by WorldClass.
We were greeted with Argentina’s national drink, Fernet con Coca, before being spoiled with this delicous menu.
Executive Chef Russell LaCasce, Pastry Chef Maria Arenas, and Chef de Cuisine Alejo Candia
A short walk to The House Brasserie to visit Bar Director Richard Allison for a nightcap(s) was a perfect finale.
Check back for next week’s Rubee Tuesday for photos of Angry Crab, Foodist Awards, and Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows resort.
And follow along on my Instagram for this week’s visits to Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey, Arboleda for a podcast, Mora Italian, and Tia Carmen for a special one year anniversary menu.
For the past two years, I’ve been working on two books (supporting our Arizona community of course! - Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion which came out in September of 2019, and Phoenix Cooks launching in September 2020). I haven’t been able to get back to in-depth chef interviews and restaurant features, but when I do, Fabio on Fire - PIzzeria Italiana will be at the top of the list!
Fabio Ceschetti
I first met Fabio Ceschetti a decade ago when he worked at Tutti Santi, and we’ve been friends ever since. Fabio, who has owned a successful catering company for years featuring a mobile wood-fired pizza oven (hence the “Fabio on Fire”), messaged me in the fall of 2016 with an idea. "I want to open a little spot,” he said. “I’m thinking our side of town, but I’m nervous. My wife thinks we can kill it this side of town, what do you think?” I agree! I responded. “I really hope you both are right,” he typed with a smiley face. In January of 2017, another message - “I have something to tell you but I’d like you to keep it a secret for now. I’m about to sign a lease for a new restaurant.”
Well, the rest is history.
Peoria welcomed this Italian chef and his wood-fired pizzas, fresh-baked bread, seasonal specials, handmade pastas and Italian desserts with open arms. The restaurant is so busy, he is about to expand for the second time, doubling his seating and adding a full bar.
One of these days, I’ll sit down with Fabio over a glass of wine and share some of his stories, but for now you’ll have to be content with a few snapshots of his delicious dishes on our many visits.
Fabio on Fire is located at 8275 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy #101, Peoria, AZ 85382 and is closed on Mondays. It is open 3 to 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 am to 9 pm Friday through Sunday. TIP: This place is BUSY, but there is a handy Waitlist app on the website where you can put your name in to reserve your space in line. We do it a few minutes before we leave the house and usually are seated when we arrive: http://www.fabioonfire.com/
A semi-weekly feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in the Phoenix area.
The Boulders Resort and Spa
Thursday, December 7:Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails at the Hotel Palomar Phoenix Kimpton is one of my favorite spots, so I accepted a media invitation with no hesitation. Last Thursday featured a special Glenfiddich event showcasing the Solera Reserve 15 year old (a personal favorite. aged in sherry casks) and two unique whiskies, part of their Experimental Series - the Glenfiddich IPA Experiment, finished in Speyside IPA barrels (with the IPA a collaboration between malt master Brian Kinsman and a local craft brewer) and Project XX, a blend by Kinsman of 20 malts chosen by 20 whisky experts from 16 countries. Note: You can read my prior interview with Brian Kinsman here.
Our educational evening was led by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Michael Anderson, Luxury Spirits Specialist at Young's Market Company, and Chef de Cuisine Chris Neff made sure each pour was paired with a delicious dish.
I started with an excellent Glenfiddich Blood and Sand by Phil Clark, head bartender, before a great dinner of:
Course one: Pork belly with apple butter, pistachios, mustard greens, honey, and a wonderful beer vinegar made by Chef Neff. Paired with the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve.
Course two: Diver scallops with fresh spinach tagliatelle, brown butter, butternut squash and fennel salad. Paired with the Glenfiddich IPA.
Course three: Short rib with parsnip puree, smoked mushrooms, and cherry jus. Paired with the Glenfiddich Project XX.
Friday, December 8: Back to Fabio on Fire, a neighborhood favorite (I've previously mentioned it here and here). This time I started with a special of mozzarella di bufala (Italian mozzarella made with buffalo milk) flown in from Naples with arugula, prosciutto di Parma, and a balsamic drizzle. For my main course, I ordered another special, a fantastic rack of lamb roasted in the wood-fired oven with rosemary and garlic potatoes. My husband had his regular order of an appetizer of meatballs and then the lobster ravioli with crabmeat sauce. We ended with strawberry gelato and puff pastry diplomatico, and took home a dozen cookies, sfogliatelle, pandoro (a special holiday cake), and cannolis for my dad.
Saturday, December 9. I'm working on my next feature for Experience Scottsdale, an Aperol Spritz round-up. I've chosen five great spots to enjoy this cocktail or its variations, including the Discovery Lounge at The Bouders Resort. Thanks to Culinary Director Chef Brian Archibald, I not only fell in love with their libation (made with a house barrel-aged Aperol), but spent the afternoon dining and imbibing. Look for details on those dishes and drinks on an upcoming recap here, and my Aperol Spritz list on ExperienceScottsdale.com.
One highlight was a new Boulders Flask cocktail for two, made with smoked ice cubes, the Boulders' exclusive Casa Noble Anejo, El Silencio mezcal, Aperol, Shrub & Co Blood Orange Shrub, lime, and honey water...and it needs a title! Want to win free cocktails and dinner? Enter the Facebook contest here by suggesting the name for this new drink. If yours is chosen, you'll win an etched Boulders glass flask containing cocktails for two, and two entrees from the Discovery Lounge menu at the Boulders Resort. Winner will be announced at 5 pm Monday, December 18, 2017 (UPDATE: Congratulations to Laura R on Facebook who won with El Corazón de Silencio, "The Heart of Silence")
Dinner that night was a media invitation and return to a favorite, Stock and Stable (see past visits here and here, and a Rubee Tuesday visit here). I'm a big fan of Executive Chef Joe Absolor, so a special treat was having a chance to spend some time chatting with this talented chef.
We grazed on kung pao cauliflower, corn dogs made with TenderBelly franks, and Philly cheesesteak rolls before diving into a double cheeseburger with garlic and rosemary frites and chef's spot-on suggestion of the Beer Butt Chicken (super juicy from a beer marinade and served with a lemony jus), ordered with a side of Brussels sprouts and Hasselback potato. Another great night at Stock & Stable, though too full for dessert!
A semi-weekly feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in the Phoenix area.
Chef Matthew Eck's yellowfin tuna with mango, avocado, yuzu, Fresno chile, and microgreens on forbidden black rice cracker at Fifth Floor Pop-Ups
Wednesday, August 23: Two of my favorite chefs joined forces at Cartwright's Modern Cuisine for a "Food Without Borders" collaboration dinner. Cartwright's chef/owner Brett Vibber invited Chef Fidencio Alatriste of Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for a special dinner showcasing his Mexican roots. Look for a detailed recap, but here's a sneak peek, including a fabulous Niman Ranch NY strip with cilantro gorditas, mole poblano and pipian verde.
Thursday, August 24:Chef Matthew Eck, sous chef at The Mission Kierland, invited a group of media and fellow food-lovers to the launch of his new concept, Fifth Floor Pop-Ups. We gathered at sunset on the the Fifth Floor Skyview Lounge at The View at Cascade and were greeted with Arizona Sunset cocktails before diving into a wonderful dinner featuring Chula Seafood and Twisted Infusions Farm. This is just the type of spirit and passion that I feel makes our city such a great food mecca. Look for a full recap here on the website next week and follow along 5th_floor_pop_ups for future events.
Friday, August 25: We were back at Fabio on Fire, which I first visited last week (see that here). Once again, Fabio wowed us with his food and I think his rosemary foccacia with burrata, arugula, pacchino tomatoes, and olives might be my new favorite dish. A round of puffy, chewy, charred pizza dough was brushed with fragrant olive oil and rosemary and then topped with peppery argula and creamy burrata imported from Italy. I also loved the porcini mushroom ravioli special, so be sure to order that too if it's on the menu!
Monday, August 28: Would I like to spend my Monday night sampling cocktails at EVO (a favorite Old Town spot I've mentioned before). Why, of course! Six of us gathered at the bar for a media tasting as Jake Russell introduced us to his cocktail creations, along with Chef Steven Fowler's fantastic polpettini with grana padano and roasted mushroom pizzas.
La Paz
La Paz: As Jake shared with us, this is his version of a margarita. He told us how he tried 30 tequilas before deciding to barrel age one himself to get the right amount of oak. For this, he ages Corazón tequila and shakes it with Aperol and lime before finishing with an aromatic elderflower foam (nitrous oxide-whipped elderflower cordial, egg white, and lemon juice).
Limoncello Rosa. Jake starts with his housemade limoncello, fresh lemon juice, and gin. But there is also "pomegranate syrup on the bottom and soda water on top, so you want to make sure you give that drink a good swirl to mix it. It tastes light and refreshing but is also something you can drink dangerously." My kind of of drink.
Barrel Roll: This barrel-aged cocktail was started in February and inspired by a barrel-aged Manhattan. The addition of a Campari sphere makes this cocktail uniquely evolve - "it starts as a Manhattan, essentially, but as the Campari melts, it transforms into a Boulevardier."
Calling for Clarification: I had my first, and only (until now), clarified milk punch at Bitter and Twisted last year, so was impressed to see Jake serving this labor-intensive cocktail. Yes, milk is an ingredient but it undergoes a process where it becomes clarified or clear. Fascinating, right? You can read more about this centuries-old libation technique here. At EVO, Jake uses three kinds of rum - white, spiced, and overproof.
Bronze Boar: We finished our cocktail adventure with this spirit-forward cocktail made by mixing up Pig's Nose blended scotch with Luxardo Sangue Morlacco and a dash of Angostura bitters before pouring into an absinthe-rinsed glass.
EVO serves an Italian-inspired menu with a popular happy hour (4-7 pm). Night owls like me and industry pros love the late-night hours with Chef Fowler's full menu served until 1:30 am. EVO is located at 4175 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Menu: evoscottsdale.com
On the way home, my husband had to look at a property which happened to be right next door to Avanti, one of Phoenix' iconic Italian restaurants (it has been open for 43 years). He suddenly had a craving for carbonara, so in we went. I started with a Negroni, of course. My plan was for a light second dinner of carpaccio, but when I noticed the $27.95 lobster special, how could I say no? This summer special is a delicious bargain - a perfectly-cooked one-pound lobster cut in half and claws cracked for easy access, with soup or salad, garlic bread, pasta, and sauteed vegetables. Take advantage of this deal through the end of September. We also had great service - thank you Jerry!
A semi-weekly feature, Rubee Tuesday is a recap of my week's adventures in dining and drinking in the Phoenix area.
The Local at Second Story Liquor Bar
Wednesday, August 16: I'm working on my next assignment for Experience Scottsdale and spent the afternoon with Executive Chef Jordano Sessions of Second Story Liquor Bar. This talented young chef has a background in botany nutrition and sustainable agriculture, and I can't wait to share his story and food philosophy.
SSLB will be rolling out a new menu of global small plates and I had a sneak peek at some of the delicious dishes, such as his carrot and turmeric arancini with gochujang aioli and tomato jam. Tip: Pair it with Andrew's "Local Roots" cocktail with turmeric-infused gin, chamomile grappa, lemon, and watermelon syrup.
Afterwards, we joined our friends Margo and Norman at Crudo. A Wednesday night special encourages you to gather with your friends and family to share a refillable Polenta Board. Dinner includes a market salad, platter of polenta (local Hayden Mills) topped with a weekly sugo, garnishes, and a bottle of wine for four people. All this at only $20 per person. We feasted on polenta topped with pork belly, brisket, and shishito peppers, and rounded out our dinner with excellent cocktails such as Brenon's "Just a Snip" pictured below and small plates like a wonderful yellowtail collar.
Thursday, August 17: I attended a special media sampling of new fall dishes at Char Kitchen + Bar. More photos and details can be found by clicking the photo of their Mediterranean Chef's Board below.
Friday, August 18: My friend chef Fabio Ceschetti and his wife have long had a dream of opening their own restaurant, and it has come true with the opening of Fabio on Fire! Although Fabio just opened in June, he's already received great reviews (such as this one) and a busy restaurant every night. In fact, plans are already in the works to add a 30-seat patio. I finally had a chance to visit with my parents and wow, we loved it! And the best part? It's on my side of the valley in Peoria. You'll find Italian pastries, pizzas, pastas, and salads, and Fabio also bakes his own bread and makes gelato. Look for a future feature, but for now, here's a glimpse of some of the fantastic dishes we enjoyed.
Farro salad with shrimp, golden raisins, roasted pinenuts, arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese
Amarone
Meatballs (Fabio's nonna's recipe)
La Vegetariana pizza
Short rib ravioli with porcini cream sauce (a special)
Lobster ravioli with crabmeat sauce (a special)
Veal and beef ravioli with marinara (a special)
Italian pastries
Dessert!
Fabio's strawberry gelato
Sunday, August 20. I was invited for the third installment of the monthly Sunday Supper series at Hearth '61, the signature restaurant at Mountain Shadows Resort. Special guest Jason Raducha of Noble Bread joined Executive Chef Charles Wiley for a four-course wine dinner ($74 per person). It was my first time at Sunday Supper, but not my last! The next one is scheduled for September 17. Look for a detailed recap of my experience to post next week.
Jason Raducha and Chef Chuck Wiley
Ora king salmon, Noble millet gremolata, and golden pepper beurre blanc
