a taste of az magazine fall 2023

a taste of az

the stories of arizona food & beverage

the haunted family merkin vineyards holiday gift guide

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publisher’s note

We’ve got some big things coming for a taste of az. By now you’re probably aware of our upcoming shift to a paid subscription model. While we love sharing our magazine for free, we want to expand our reach, cover more stories, and make our content better. If you want to subscribe, you can name your price for the next few months at atasteofaz.com/subscribe. You’ll still be able to find copies around Arizona in your favorite restaurants, bars, and more local businesses. In just a few short months, we will also be hosting our first event: a taste of az food and drink festival at salt river fields We’re very excited to host over 1,000 individuals for an incredible food and beverage experience. You can find tickets at azfoodanddrinkfestival.com. And next time you visit our website, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter as we’ve got a lot more coming!

our team:

publishing

Luke Irvin

Eric Walters

writing

Alison Bailin Batz

Christina Barrueta

Marci Symington

Steven Larson

Isaac Stockton

Eric Walters

Luke Irvin

photos

Luke Irvin

Marci Symington

Isaac Stockton

design

Paige Irvin

Chef's Picks | Joey Maggiore

Written By: Christina Barrueta | Photography Courtesy of Maggiore Group

Tracking down Chef Joey Maggiore is no easy feat. In addition to developing three new Italian concepts, designing a line of chef coats, and working on his first cookbook, this dynamo of a restaurateur is crisscrossing the country opening restaurants. We had a chance to chat after his latest trip to Nashville, where his expanding culinary empire is building not one, but four new hot spots. The locations for two Hash Kitchens and two Sicilian Butchers will eventually join the Hash Kitchen slated to open in Utah in October, “and then we’ll be in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, and Vegas,” Maggiore tells me.

In a 2015 interview shortly after Maggiore opened Hash Kitchen with his wife, Cristina, he voiced his goal of creating a powerhouse restaurant group. Eight years later, their one restaurant has grown to seven, with Cristina leading interior design for the Maggiore Group. Hash Kitchen supplies a daily brunch party with weekend DJ sets and a Bloody Mary Bar with 50+ toppings. The Mexicano celebrates the colorful culture and cuisine of Mexico, with a second location planned for Chandler in the fall of 2024. And at Sicilian Butcher, it’s a feast of craft meatballs, handmade pastas, and Roman pizzas, while Sicilian Baker offers Italian pastries and customizable cannolis.

But there’s more! Joining the Maggiore Group roster are three local concepts celebrating Italy and family legacy. Rosticceria will open in early November. “Think of old-school Italian street food grilled over wood,” says Maggiore enthusiastically. “We’ll be doing filet, lamb, chicken, and porchetta the way it’s prepared in Italy. And we’ll have an amazing build-your-own gelato bar and fun shakes with booze.” Italiano, an ode to Maggiore’s Italian heritage, is on track to open in January 2024. “This one will be more upscale than the Sicilian Butcher,” says Maggiore. “But we’re not going to get crazy with new stuff. We’re going to bring back the Italian roots in a really sexy, trendy location, with a huge covered outdoor patio. With my wife doing the design, it’s going to be beautiful.”

Finally, Il Massetos is dedicated to Joey’s late father, the celebrated chef Tomaso Maggiore, whose restaurant Tomaso’s recently closed after 46 years. “My dad was my best friend and idol,” says Joey, who attributes his success, work ethic, and passion for food and family to his mentor. “It will be a tribute to him and his career and everything he’s taught us. Think upscale Italian, fine dining, and amazing food; everything you would have expected at Tomaso’s, but with a little kiss of Joey.”

Though each Maggiore Group concept differs in cuisine and vibe, they’re unified by Maggiore’s spirit of community and celebrating life’s delicious moments. Here, Chef Joey shares three of his favorite valley restaurants outside of his many restaurant locations:

Where: Piccolo Virtù; 7240 E. Main St., Scottsdale

What: In 2022, Piccolo Virtù joined Chef-owner Gio Osso’s other restaurants, Virtù Honest Café (a James Beard Best New Restaurant semi-finalist) and Pizzeria Virtù. At this cozy space with a charming courtyard patio, Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame Chef Osso spotlights his Italian heritage. Look for grazing plates like tuna crudo and veal carpaccio, homemade pastas, and shareable mains such as a 55-oz Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Why: "Gio is just a badass. He cooks amazing food and preserves the pride of our Italian culture. He does great things out of that little kitchen and the food is truly spectacular. If you want a great dining experience, Piccolo is it. Really, all of his places are great, but we especially love Piccolo.”

Favorite dish(es): “Mine is the carbonara with the sea urchin, and my wife loves the branzino.”

Where: Little Miss BBQ; two Phoenix locations

What: After gaining experience on the competitive barbecue circuit, Scott and Bekke Holmes opened Little Miss BBQ, which is continually lauded as one of the country's best barbecue joints. Avid fans are obsessed with Scott’s smoked brisket, ribs, turkey, and pulled pork, but also clamor for specialties like jalapeño cheddar grits, green chili burritos, house-cured and smoked pastrami, and Bekke's pecan pie.

Why: “We go all the time, and my kids love it too. I’ll pick it up or we’ll all go down to Sunnyslope and eat on the patio. The brisket is amazing. Scott Holmes is the BBQ king and he’s taken it to a whole new level.”

Favorite dish(es): “Brisket, though we also get the pulled pork.”

Where: The Italian Daughter; 23655 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

What: At this popular neighborhood spot, restaurateur Melissa Maggiore commemorates the memory of her father with family recipes like Tomaso’s lasagna and spaghetti Picchi Pacchiu. And with executive chef Vittorio Colafranceschi at the helm, you can also expect fabulous stone-fired pizzas, risotto and handcrafted pastas, and mains like cioppino and Barolo-braised short rib.

Why: “I know it’s my sister Melissa’s place, but it has to be mentioned. Her chef, Vittorio, with, of course, my son Tomaso, are putting out amazing Italian food. It has live music, and they do a great job. Say hi to my sis Melissa when you go in!”

2 3

Favorite dish(es): “Vittorio’s arancini are probably the best in town. I'm a pasta guy so I love all of them, like the Norcina with sausage, mushrooms and cream; it’s delicious. And the osso buco when he does it on the weekends is spectacular.“

SINCE THE LATE 1800S, THE ZANJEROS WOULD TRAVEL NEAR AND FAR BY HORSEBACK, OPENING OUR CANALS TO ENSURE WATER FLOWS OUT OF OUR FAUCETS AND GROW OUR CROPS. WITHOUT THESE "DITCH RIDERS", NOT ONLY WOULD WE NOT HAVE WATER, BUT WE WOULDN’T HAVE BEER! FOR THIS REASON, WE GIVE THANKS TO THE ZANJEROS. THIS IPA FLOWS FREELY WITH CITRUS FRUIT-FORWARD HOPS SO AROMATIC THAT NO GATE CAN HOLD IT BACK.

@phx.beer.co

6.3% ABV 20 IBU

Best Pizza By the Slice

Written By: Steven Larson | Photographed By: Luke Irvin

Slices on Mill

Slices on Mill has been a Downtown Tempe staple for over 20 years. Anyone who has attended ASU or spent time on Mill Avenue likely knows the greatness of Slices on Mill. They serve a huge variety of New York-style pizzas as well as Calzones and are widely known for their wild late night bites (open until 3am Thursday–Saturday) and their budget-friendly lunch specials for ASU students. Owner Nate Cruz shows off his creativity and a nod to his Baltimore roots with some Maryland inspired creations on the menu, such as the Old Bay Chicken.

Hot Daisy Pizza

Hot Daisy opened in February of 2021 on downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row. The shop is headed by well-known Phoenix pastry chef Tammie Coe. On the menu you’ll find the classics alongside some of the valley’s most unique slices. Options include a Lasagna Pizza, firefighter Pepperoni, Italian Stallion, and of course, the Corny Baby-Elote Pie. My personal favorite addition to any slice is making it what they call “Fire Fighter Style Chunky.” It brings the heat to your slice with a sauce mixed of Calabrian chili, pickled jalapeno, chipotle, and pepperoncini.

Via Della

Via Della Slice Shop is located in downtown Phoenix on the southwest corner of 5th Avenue and Van Buren. Via Della, although relatively new to the Arizona pizza scene—open for business for 2 years—has been in this space for 5 years now and weathered the covid storm. Additionally, a true master of his craft, Chef CZ has been working in pizzerias his whole life and is now making what is regarded as some of the best pizza in the entire state. There are a wide range of pizza slice options you can find here from a classic cheese to a squared grandma pie, white pies, and most notably, my favorite, the spicy Phoenix pie; spicy soppressata & peppers, topped with basil and a hot honey drizzle. Be sure to check them out and believe me when I say, the hype is real!

Crisp Premium Pizza

Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Crisp Premium Pizza is a slice shop that exclusively features Grandma style pizza slices. If you’re not familiar with Grandma style pizza, it is a square pizza that is cooked in a well-oiled rectangular pan. The sauce is typically layered over the cheese and it is known for its crisp and airy crust. My personal favorite is the Meat D-Lux featuring cupped pepperoni, sausage and meatballs. Crisp is a delightful hole in the wall and is a great stop for a bite during an Old Town wine tour.

Squared Up Pizza

Squared Up Pizza is located inside the Tucson mall food court. Owner Pat McColley raves about his staff and how they pride themselves on making true New York-style pizzas. They even go as far as using a NY water maker to build their ingredients, sodas, and ice. To go even a step further, top shelf ingredients get shipped in from the east coast to give it that authentic NY pizza taste. From now until the end of the year, be sure to hit them up for happy hour from 4-6pm, Monday-Friday for $5 square slices!

Neighborly Eats: Chef Chris Collins’ Culinary Tale

Written & Photographed By: Marci Symington

Chris Collins, chef and owner of Common Ground Culinary, was born into the restaurant business. So, it comes as no surprise he has chosen the profession as a career. A fourth-generation restaurateur, Collins moved to Phoenix at the age of 10 with his five siblings when his father was employed with the popular chain Marie Callender’s. Noting where his love of the industry started, Collins says, “We didn’t get to see my dad a lot unless we were willing to go to the restaurants. But aside from wanting to spend time with him, I loved the restaurants…I was always running around the restaurant and the back-dock. My dad just knew I was going to end up in the restaurant business.”

During childhood, Collins was an avid swimmer. In fact, he remains the record holder for the 9-10 Age Group 200 IM at the Phoenix Swim Club. Collins attended Brophy College Preparatory for high school

and was recruited to swim for Boston University, enrolling in their School of Hospitality Administration, an experience that only cemented his resolve to work in the industry. Upon graduation he landed a job with Hillstone Restaurant Group, a popular family-owned restaurant group headquartered in Phoenix. Known for their outstanding service, food, and hospitality, Hillstone is the kind of company Collins knew would launch his career, stating, “They are the Marines of the restaurant business. They are going to work you the hardest, but they are also going to teach you the most.”

Collins worked for Hillstone for six years, in six different cities and with several of their concepts, of which they currently have 44, with names you may recognize such as Houston’s, Honor Bar, and Bandera. When his father, who at the time was running Wally’s American Pub N Grill at 44th Street and Camelback, opened a second location, he called on his son for help. This move was a stepping stone for Collins, and he recalls that, “The plan was not for me to come back and work for him; my goal was always to be an entrepreneur. You work so hard that eventually you want to work for yourself.”

That eventuality became reality for Collins in relocating to Arizona. After working for Valley icons like Lee Hillson at T. Cook’s and Beau MacMillan at Elements, Collins channeled his expertise and savings into creating a name for himself with his own restaurant. Collins recalls the day he brought his father to the new space saying, “I showed him my vision, and my dad just looked at me and said, ‘I know you can do this, but I’m scared for you.’”

Opening a new business takes a blind leap of faith, but when Collins debuted Grassroots Kitchen + Tap at the corner of Via de Ventura and Hayden in 2011, it was an instant success. Fast forward to present day and Collins and his restaurant group Common Ground Culinary run a gourmet ice cream parlor, Sweet Provisions, and a catering business, Arcadia Catering Co., in addition to six restaurant concepts: the aforementioned Grassroots Kitchen + Tap, the southern-inspired The MacIntosh at 20th Street and Camelback, Collins Bros. Chophouse at Via de Ventura and Hayden, The Collins Small Batch Kitchen at 32nd Street and Camelback Road, Neighborly Public House on 7th Street, and Wally’s American Gastropub on Doubletree Ranch Rd. Interestingly, Wally’s Gastropub is the same Wally’s that Collins had helped his father open many years ago; upon his father’s retirement, Collins purchased the Wally’s Gastropub in Scottsdale while his brother operates the Wally’s at 44th and Camelback as a separate business.

Of course, Collins’ success has come with a few bumps along the way. In addition to reevaluating and rebranding several of his concepts, there was the pandemic that brought the hospitality industry to a standstill. Admitting that he lost years off his life getting through the last three years, Collins opened Neighborly Public House in 2021, facing construction delays and staffing issues. The location on 7th Street between Camelback and Bethany Home is sentimental for Collins. He says, “The Central Phoenix neighborhood is where I grew up; this is where I spent my formative years, where I went to school, and where a lot of my friends now live. I have restaurants in places where I feel I have a connection to the community.”

This connection to the community is true of all of his restaurants, and and is reminiscent of the Hillstone culture, especially when Collins says, “When you come to a Common Ground restaurant, you’re going to have certain expectations and we are going to meet those expectations: a clean, comfortable environment, knowledgeable staff, and a reasonable price point…If you look at our menu and our price point, there is no one doing it how we are doing it in this neighborhood. While there are awesome restaurants, we are filling a niche.”

Collins has three concepts along the Camelback corridor, and the other three, including his original Grassroots, is located in the Scottsdale/Hayden/Doubletree area. His most recent unveiling, Collins Bros. Chophouse—named not for his siblings but for his two sons—was Twisted Grove for eight years. “I had an idea for Collins Bros. Chophouse because I felt there was a need in the neighborhood; I wanted good seafood and steak but didn’t want to go to a high-end steakhouse. I had been looking for a space [and realized] I didn’t need more restaurants; with the space I have I just need to make it as perfect as possible, to rebrand and keep being creative. I don’t want to keep opening restaurant after restaurant and dilute my brand and spread myself thin.”

What does Chef Collins do when he is not working? He is still swimming with the Masters group at Phoenix Swim Club, as well as always reinventing. “When I am not in my restaurant, I am in other restaurants focusing on food and service. That is my passion. I will nerd out about food, and kitchen and restaurant operations. I feel very fortunate that I actually love what I do. I don’t think a lot of people find that in this life.”

PHOENIX’S BEST COCKTAILS

Written By: Christina Barrueta

Photographed By: Luke Irvin

Over the last decade, Phoenix has solidified its position as a top-tier cocktail destination, attracting national awards and acclaim from publications including Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, and Esquire. Most recently, Century Grand’s exciting win as Best U.S. Cocktail Bar at the prestigious Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Spirited Awards became the newest feather in our city’s cocktail cap. From upscale lounges to subterranean speakeasies, these exceptional spots are worth raising your glasses to.

HIGHBALL

Ascend the stairs and step into this sophisticated oasis, with its exposed brick walls, gleaming copper bar, and cozy leather couches. Here, the drinks are just as beautiful as your surroundings. Indulge in the crowd-favorite Pink Your Poison (pictured on the left) with Diega Rosa strawberry, lavender, and rose petal Mexican gin mixed with rhubarb liqueur and vanilla yogurt. Or sip on the Typhoon Lagoon, where a union of mangoinfused Pisco, Japanese shochu, and Blue Curaçao is accented by yuzu, grapefruit, ginger, and tarragon. Another standout is the None Ya Beeswax, a complex blend of Japanese whisky, bourbon, and Palo Santo wood-infused reposado tequila aged with beeswax and miso. Once a year the cocktail menu is completely revamped to introduce a fresh lineup of Highball originals.

1514 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007

CENTURY GRAND

Known for its innovative immersive experiences, Century Grand uses light, sound, and visual effects to offer guests three distinct 90-minute adventures under one roof. At Platform 18, you’ll be greeted with a glass of bubbly as you take your seat in a glamorous Presidential Pullman train car before your cocktail journey travels through the Louisiana Bayou. Make a reservation for UnderTow and you’ll be sipping on exotic tiki drinks in the belly of a spice trader’s turn-of-the-century clipper ship. Or take a trip to 1800s New Orleans at the apothecary-inspired Grey Hen Rx bar, where the whisky-centric “remedies” are the cure for what ails you. And don’t miss special events like burlesque shows and take-overs featuring award-winning bars from all over the world, such as Death & Co in Denver and Rayo in Mexico City.

3626 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

BITTER & TWISTED COCKTAIL

PARLOUR

Approaching its tenth anniversary next year, Bitter & Twisted was founded by Ross Simon and is the granddaddy of this group. Located in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, within a year of opening it had racked up local “Best” awards as well as national recognition including Eater and USA Today. Its gorgeously illustrated tomes have also landed it on the Spirited Awards Top 10 “World’s Best Cocktail Menu” list multiple times, with themes ranging from sci-fi to the current literature-inspired book. Flip through the 70+ recipes to find categories like Bitter Hall of Fame (best sellers over the years), Fabulous Flying Negronis (riffs include Tart Cherry and Earl Grey), and Mixing Under the Influence (for the newest creations, like Giving Tree, a refreshing mix of cognac, Calvados apple brandy, apple liqueur, and fermented cider soda).

LITTLE RITUALS

For his second establishment, Ross Simon partnered with Aaron Defeo to open this sophisticated lounge on the fourth floor of the Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn overlooking Downtown Phoenix. “Phoenix belongs in the conversation as one of America’s great cocktail landscapes,” reads the menu at Little Rituals. At this hot spot, that notion is embodied in the little rituals of cocktail crafting such as housemade tinctures and infusions. Each cocktail is beautifully illustrated and displayed in a photo album-style menu, with the newest additions offering creations from the luxe Mr. Hollywood (Remy Martin cognac, Pineau de Charentes, sweet onion cordial, and Taittinger champagne crowned with a caviar and crème fraiche-topped potato chip) to the luscious Watermelon Sundae (gin, watermelon rind tincture, watermelon juice, and Bonal aperitif garnished with cucumber and watermelon granita).

132 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85004

1 W. Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

BAR 1912

Those in the know head to the back room of Valentine, a restaurant and coffee shop in the Melrose District, to find this hidden gem. Named for the year that Arizona became a state, homage to the region is the core of the menu. Arizona’s six ecological biomes— desert, grassland, chaparral, woodland, forest, and tundra—are represented in drinks such as the Grassland, a blend of sotol, blanco tequila, Navajo tea, Green Chartreuse, and lime, decorated with chiltepin and sumac salt. Or, maybe you’ll want to dive into the libations representing Arizona’s Five C’s (copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate). Opt for one of these and you might be sipping Cotton, a delicious union of pistachio, sherry, and lemon with a frothy egg white cap topped with pistachio cotton candy.

THE BRICKYARD DOWNTOWN

The Brickyard Downtown opened in historic downtown Chandler to instant acclaim with its dedication to artful craft cocktails led by a brigade of skillful bartenders. Take a seat at the 30-foot bar in the brick-walled 1920s building to peruse the Level Up Cocktail Book, a 22-page compendium of clever libations inspired by video games and characters. Try Save The Princess in the Arcade category, inspired by Princess Peach from Super Mario. It’s a bright refresher combining the floral notes of Ketel One peach and orange blossom vodka with crème de pêche, Japanese yuzu, and orgeat. Or turn the page to the Next-Gen section for the sultrier Animist, a spiced blend of Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, mixed berry syrup, and pineapple, wrapped in a cloud of cinnamon smoke.

4130 N. 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85013

85 W. Boston St., Chandler, AZ, 85225

ROUGH RIDER

You might wonder why there’s a giant mosaic of Teddy Roosevelt decorating the TenO-One office building on Roosevelt Row, but the answer lies…in the basement. Enter the lobby and take the middle elevator down to the bottom floor to be transported to a bygone era. The Roosevelt-themed bar and restaurant is filled with carved wood bookcases, stately mantels, tufted leather furniture, and vintage memorabilia that evoke the spirit of Roosevelt and his famous Rough Riders regiment. This spirit is also captured in the cocktail list, which, in addition to familiar classics, offers a variety of drinks inspired by recipes of the late 1800s, including punch bowls and cobblers.

1001

N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85004

36 BELOW

Elegance meets whimsy in this intimate underground lounge which celebrates magic and wonder. To set the mood, custom scenes line the walls, brought to life through the ingenuity of video game engine technology. One visit might find you sipping on the whiskey-based Buried Fortune presented in a decorated fish bowl, as tropical fish and Orca whales glide by. Another venture may have you surrounded by an outer space paradise with bioluminescent plants, while you savor cherry bark and pink peppercorninfused bourbon in a moss-covered Hidden House. Artistic themes and cocktail menus undergo a metamorphosis two to three times a year, ensuring that every return visit is a new adventure.

3620 E. Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85018

All in the

(Haunted) Family

Local Jurisan Family Reinvents F&B in Cottonwood & Jerome

Written By: Alison Bailin Batz | Photographed By: Luke Irvin

In the 1980s, the Bashas’ family created AJ’s with the vision to bring an upscale gourmet market to Arizona. “My father worked in a leadership role with the brand in those first years of the business, and just after high school I worked behind the deli counter at the first-ever AJ’s on Scottsdale and Lincoln Roads, which still stands today,” said Michelle Jurisin.

It was while she was working behind the counter at AJ’s in 1987 that Eric Jurisin, then renting a house in Paradise Valley with a friend, saw her for the first time. “Did I get her to go out with me immediately? No,” said Eric. “However, we had friends in common so when she was looking for a room to rent, I was all too happy to offer one of ours. Friends first, it was not too long before I finally convinced her to give me a chance.” And that chance changed the course of the culinary landscape in the Verde Valley forever.

Once together, the two tested their romance in a big way: by going into business together. The couple successfully ran and sold a restaurant— Crouton’s in Mesa—before getting married in 1989. All the while, Michelle honed her skills as a chef and found her passion in Italian cooking inspired by her family’s heritage. She also crafted more modern recipes from brunch dishes to steak and seafood specialties. By late 1989, the Jurisins also became parents, welcoming a daughter, Nicole. As they enjoyed becoming a family unit, the couple went off on their own to work in jobs of a more corporate nature, both in the food industry.

“Fast forward to 1993, and we were headed on a road trip to Sedona, but there was a cow blocking the road – yes, really – so we ended up in Jerome instead,” said Eric. Hungry, the couple stopped in the mountain town for a

bite to eat and were stunned that they could not find a tasty lunch spot that served alcohol.

“Over lunch, I looked at an abandoned building across the way and joked we should buy it and transform it into our next restaurant, if for nothing else to offer some good beer, wine, and cocktails to hungry guests in addition to food,” said Michelle. “What started as a joke quickly turned into reality.”

The couple used all of their savings to buy that building, going so far as to move into the basement of the space with their 3-yearold daughter Nicole while they painstakingly refurbishing it into The Haunted Hamburger, opening it in 1994.

“Funny enough, it was supposed to be a Mexican concept when we were first working on it, until a Mexican spot opened just months before us nearly next door and we needed to change course,” said Eric. “The name is homage to the haunted history of Jerome but also all the wild things that happened to us during our journey to get it up and running.”

The couple tempered their expectations on opening day, bowled over when there was a line down the street of guests eager to sample the new spot. “The local community embraced us immediately, as did visitors from across Arizona and beyond,” said Eric. “When another building opened up down the street, we scooped it up to create a second concept, in part, to help cut down on wait times at the Haunted Hamburger. We also wanted to have a second space to ensure we were able to get a little break from each other given we were together 24/7 between work and home.”

The second concept became a brewery and

then eventually Grapes, a wine bar and bistro, years later. “We had two locations hopping in Jerome by 2000 as well as a second child in Eric Jr., and no plans to expand into Cottonwood, but fate had other ideas,” said Michelle.

With two kids, the couple moved from nearby Clarkdale—where they relocated a few years prior— to Cottonwood in 2000 because they loved the schools. The only downside was that there were no great dinner restaurants in the area, causing the couple to trek to Sedona when they wanted to go somewhere special.

“Around the same time, Houlihan’s in the Biltmore area—one of our favorite spots when we lived in Phoenix—was closing down. Feeling nostalgic, we bought its wood and furniture at auction,” said Eric. “With the furniture in hand, it was either open a new concept and create our own place to have dinner in our new neighborhood or find a significant storage unit.”

Enter Nic’s Italian Crab & Steakhouse. “Named after our daughter, this concept—we believe the first authentic Italian steakhouse in northern Arizona—allowed me to spread my Italian culinary wings in a big way, as well as to move into fine dining,” said Michelle. “Think perfectly cooked steak and seafood with handmade pasta on the side, and incredible shellfish.”

Just like with The Haunted Hamburger, there were lines down much of Old Town Cottonwood waiting to get in. “By 2005, we had to buy what used to be the Silver Spring Movie Theatre across the street from Nic’s and convert it into Tavern Grill to keep up with the demand. It also allowed

TAVERN HOTEL

us to offer upscale takes on comfort American foods for a good price point, which was needed in the area,” said Michelle.

In the years since, both Jerome and Cottonwood—thanks in great part to the Jurisins’ vision and continued investments into the area—have grown into two of the biggest culinary gems in Arizona. Today, their collective parent company, The Haunted Group, is a family affair with eight total concepts across the two cities that employs more than 300.

“Our son followed Michelle into cooking, and he leads The Clinkscale Restaurant, which is our signature eatery inside of The Clinkscale, our boutique hotel [in Jerome],” said Eric, “And our daughter is now heading up operations of The Tavern Hotel, our boutique hotel in Cottonwood.”

The family also owns Pizzeria Bocce, STRADA at Bocce, and Crema Craft Kitchen, all in Cottonwood. “Pizzeria Bocce is the result of Michelle studying pizza making in Italy, with an eye to create something on par with the level of excellence one would expect from Pizzeria Bianco, while STRADA is our love letter to Italian Street Food,” said Eric. “And Crema? That is our breakfast, brunch, and lunch hotspot.”

Looking forward, the family is currently re-imagining Grapes into a new concept with eyes to a 2024 opening. In addition, 30 years after first spending their life savings to open The Haunted Hamburger, they are going to take the space to the next level.

“Thanks to the generosity of the City of Jerome, who sold us an old apartment building in recent months, we are going to spend the next year bringing our current building together with two others to create decks that peek over the side of the mountain, a three times larger kitchen, and something that will attract national attention without losing our character and what made us special in the first place,” said Jurisin.

ARIZONA'S "BED & BREW"

A CRAFT BREWERY AND A BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN ONE SHARED SPACE

SMELTER TOWN BREWERY OFFERS 16

BEERS ON TAP, LOCAL WINE, SNACKS, AND JUST A SHORT TRIP UPSTAIRS TO YOUR HOTEL ROOM!

Smelter Town

Park Hotel

merkin vineyards

Written By: Alison Bailin Batz | Photographed By: Luke Irvin

In 2004, the Arizona wine industry was still in its infancy, with just a handful of vineyards, primarily in Southern Arizona’s Willcox and Sonoita regions. Enter Maynard James Keenan who, at the time, was better known as the front man for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.

A U.S. Army vet in addition to Grammy Award-winning vocalist, Keenan grew up in Michigan working on local orchards and farms. When he moved to Jerome in 1995, his passion for working the land continued, and he got interested in winemaking. By 2004, he had launched his first label, Caduceus Cellars, and opened an accompanying tasting room in Jerome. Keenan soon gained a following for his earthy varietals, helping earn the Arizona wine industry worldwide acclaim along the way.

“Our Southwest wines have an identity,” Keenan said. “They stand apart from other regions, and our state producers have received countless awards to prove it. Those international accolades started rolling in once we embraced the fact that Mother Nature is in charge. We molded our practices to reflect her movements and that is when the region truly began to express through our wines.”

In 2005, the first Merkin Vineyards label appeared with a limited release of its Chupacabra.

Just over a decade later in 2016, in addition to the Jerome operation, Keenan launched Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria in Cottonwood, equal parts tasting room and full-service restaurant with Arizona native Christopher “Smithers” Smith (pictured) leading the kitchen.

“I cooked for Maynard several times over the years when I worked at a slew of northern Arizona eateries including Red’s, Asylum, and Seed, which was my own concept,” said Smith. “Our paths continued to cross, and by 2015 we started talking about collaboration, bringing together his wines with my dishes. Who knew that conversation would lead to what we have today.”

While their first collaboration was the Osteria, where the hand-made pasta has become that of legend to foodies worldwide, it was not their last. In 2018, they debuted a pizza wagon and in 2019, they expanded into Central Arizona with the opening of Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale.

“In order to truly understand Arizona wines, we feel it is essential to visit these magical regions and experience them firsthand,” Keenan said. “However, not every visitor or resident of the Valley has the time to visit our vineyards given they are in semi-remote areas. As such, Merkin Old Town was meant to be an introduction to and extension of that magic.”

The space itself is 1,600 square feet and seats about 75. By design, Merkin Old Town is walking distance from LDV Winery, Carlson Creek, and Aridus Wine Company’s local tasting rooms, making it a mini wine trail. There is also a storefront section of the bar that is stocked with wines under the Caduceus, Merkin Vineyards, and Puscifer labels, featured Arizona wines, and a revolving supply of sundries from Keenan’s farms, including olives, apple butter, and jam.

“For those who have not yet visited us in Scottsdale, we offer wine by the glass and bottle as well as sparkling mead and nonalcoholic options, all paired with tapas-style dishes that are big on using fresh produce,” said Smith. “When it comes to the food at all of our locations, it is about being local first and always if we can. We have greenhouses, gardens, orchards, and olive trees across Arizona so we can grow as many of our own ingredients as possible. We even have an airstream trailer growing mushrooms. Whatever we can’t grow, we source almost entirely from Arizona farmers and artisans.”

Speaking of growing, at press time Merkin was within days of completing the biggest expansion of its brand to date. “In October, we are opening the doors to the Caduceus Cellars Hilltop Facility & VSC Ventura Room as well as the Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria in Cottonwood,” said Keenan. “This seven-acre winery and cellar, tasting room, restaurant and retail space, food production greenhouse, gelateria, and vineyard is the culmination of 20 years of blood, sweat, and wine.”

Accessible by car or via a tram at the base of its hill, the Caduceus Cellars Hilltop Facility & VSC Ventura Room (pictured on left) boasts a 9,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility, a 4.5-acre vineyard consisting of Graciano, Tempranillo, and Garnacha grape varieties, and a private tasting room. Private tastings and tours are offered to take visitors behind-thescenes into the history and mechanics of Caduceus Cellars.

“The Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria features a 270-degree view of the Verde Valley and includes a barrel room, on-site greenhouse, and bottle shop. It will also serve as the new home of our award-winning osteria,” said Smith, noting that the restaurant is a massive 6,600 square feet, with an ample bar and outdoor patio.

Smith promises that guest favorites from the original location will still be on the menu as will fresh salads, handmade pastas, and wood-oven pizzas. “Our diners will also have a great view of our winery nearly next door, an 8,000-case production facility and display barrel room with six custom concrete fermentation and aging cubes,” said Smith. The final element of the new space: Merkin Vineyards Pocket Park Gelateria, which is at the base of the hill near the tram and led by gelato master Kelley E. Foy.

From Italy, in Love

Dynamic Husband & Wife Duo Celebrate 20 Years of Marcellino Ristorante

Written By: Alison Bailin Batz | Photographed By: Marci Symington

These days, one needs to simply throw a rock to find a restaurant that has a farmto-table mentality. “Rewind to the 1970s, long before the term existed, and I was living the definition of farm-to-table every day,” said chef Marcellino Verzino, who grew up on a family farm in the Campania region of Italy, surrounded by lush rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Tragedy struck Marcellino’s family when he was just 12 years old. “We lost my mother. To help the family, I started cooking the majority of our meals,” said Marcellino, who quickly found he had a natural talent in the kitchen, something he would hone for nearly a decade before moving to Rome at just 21 years old.

In Rome, Marcellino found success first as a personal chef and then at a luxury seaside resort, where he was soon made the executive chef. Acclaim followed Marcellino for many years after that, leading him to open his own restaurants in Rome as well as Calabria and Abruzzo. “Through my work, I’ve entertained and hosted some of the most interesting and captivating people in the world, but none who stopped me in my tracks like Sima,” said Marcellino. “She was a recording artist from Manhattan working in Rome after being signed to a European record label.”

Marcellino met Sima in person on New Year’s Eve in 1993. At the time, he was the chef at Erasmus of Rotterdam in Rome’s historic center, and Sima was invited to one of his iconic private dinners. “At the stroke of midnight, we kissed, and have been doing do so every day since,” said Sima, who in 1996 became Sima Verzino when the two married in New York City.

After getting married, the talented twosome took New York by storm, together opening a series of successful restaurants, earning the coveted Award of Excellence from the New York Times along the way. “I took a break from performing to run the front of the house at our eateries so Marcellino could focus on wowing the crowds, and we worked in perfect harmony on the East Coast until 2002, when we visited Arizona to see some friends,” said Sima. “We never expected to fall in love with the Valley like we did, but the combination of beauty and opportunity overtook us to such an extent that we up and moved here just months later.”

Shortly after making Arizona their home, the couple opened Marcellino Ristorante in Central Phoenix in 2003. “Everything I do is inspired by my home country, and everything I do is from scratch,” said Marcellino. “Back in 2003, this was an anomaly and welcome addition to the culinary landscape, so much so we earned a five-star rating from the top Arizona food critic at the time, the legendary Howard Seftel.”

Business was booming, even through the darkest days of the recession, leading Sima and Marcellino to expand to a larger space in Old Town Scottsdale in 2010. “The expansion gave me the chance to design the restaurant of my dreams, using Sima as my muse. As a result, Marcellino Ristorante’s current location is intimate, romantic, and has character, just like her,” said Marcellino, noting he also personally created the eatery’s Old World-forward wine menu, which this year garnered its first “Award of Excellence” winner by Wine Spectator.

The expanded space also lent itself to a performance area, giving Sima the opportunity to perform again, sharing her gift as well as curating an impressive list of local musicians to perform on select nights, including Dave Ihlenfeld Jazz Trio, We3, world renowned opera tenor Daniel Hendricks, and Tony Vacca’s Celebrated Jazz Trio, among others. Her jazzy, funky, R&B sound coupled with Marcellino’s handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and ultra-tender proteins make the eatery stand out, even today, as restaurants with celebrity chefs and nationally recognized culinary groups open across Arizona nearly daily.

This year, in fact, marks Marcellino Ristorante’s 20th anniversary in Arizona. They have been marking the occasion with a series of grand dinners, nightly specials, and even bottled take-home jars of some of Marcellino’s most coveted sauces. Still on the horizon, the anniversary festivities will conclude with a restaurantwide celebration at the end of October and a VIP wine dinner in November.

Written By: Eric Walters | Photographed By: Luke Irvin

Join us on a journey through the most walkable beer towns in Arizona, where craft breweries and pedestrian-friendly streets converge to create an unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts. From the Flagstaff mountain vibes, to the eclectic neighborhoods of Tucson, and the bustling urban atmosphere of Phoenix, we’ll delve into some of our favorite places to grab a beer while enjoying the legendary Arizona weather.

SIP, SAVOR, STROLL: Arizona’s Walkable Beer Cities FLAGSTAFF

Start at Dark Sky Brewing Co. and sip on a refreshingly tart gose paired with a Fripper’s hot dog, which are bound to include locally sourced toppings. The rest of their food menu (pictured below) features top tier bar bites that won’t disappoint. The next stop is a quick 5-minute walk across the tracks to Mother Road Brewing Company, one of the most beloved breweries in the state. Located on the original Route 66, this Flagstaff staple brings one of the best IPAs in the country to excited Arizona consumers: Tower Station IPA (get one on draft). Historic Brewing Company is also located on the south side of the train tracks and a quick stroll east will get you to this multidimensional foodie’s dream. Historic’s sister company also makes its own wine, which is offered at this location, in addition to great cocktails and top-notch food. Their Piehole Porter will provide a nice sweet dessert twist to your palette. Walk that off with a stroll north of the tracks to Hops on Birch, where visitors can find some beers that are only available at a handful of spots across the state, or grab a local favorite. Hops on Birch is also a great spot for a game of darts.

DOWNTOWN MESA

Mesa is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the country and at its heart sits a beer lover’s dream. Main Street and Robson provide the crossroads for arguably the best crawl in the state. The anchor is Cider Corps. Spend a few minutes learning about their unique story as you try some of their epic ciders. I challenge you to not fall in love with this place. It doesn’t stop with delicious cider, as you can enjoy Mykes Pizza, which has some of the best pies in AZ. Need a boost? Pair Cupworks coffee will keep you charged with a well-executed drink lineup also inside of the Cider Corps building. Burn off some of that energy across the street as you play nostalgia-inducing arcade games and pinball machines at B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade. Try the Rice Krispy Bois Rice Lager to keep hydrated and light on your feet! Across Main Street is one of Arizona’s best breweries: Oro Brewing. Try their Singular Hop Series, a rotating pale ale that gives you a fun chance to see what individual hops taste like. Or, go the opposite direction with Give Peat a Chance, a smoked porter that uses peated malt for some great smoky flavor. Right around the corner sits Chupacabra Taproom, a fan favorite with a great local-and-beyond beer list. Less than a block away the same folks behind Chupacabra are preparing to open the upcoming Phantom Fox Beer Co., bringing their game to the brewing world. Another short jaunt east brings you to 12 West Brewing whose options run the gambit: beer, cocktails, and food. The crisp and refreshing Zona Pilsner at 12 West is one of the best in its category in Arizona and is a great match with the Green Chile Mac and Cheese.

ROOSEVELT ROW

Roosevelt Row is the art center of Phoenix, most noticeable during First Friday Art Walks, but the street also boasts a great beer crawl opportunity. The intention and thought behind the food and beer at Arizona Wilderness Brewing DTPHX Beer Garden make this the perfect first stop. Grab a farmhouse ale with an Arizona Grass Raised Beef burger to experience a true taste of Arizona. You want to know what authentic European beers taste like, but want to stay in Arizona? Venture across Roosevelt St. to Pedal Haus Brewing. Their gold medal-winning Bière Blanche is a traditional Belgian wheat beer that is one of the best brews in the state. A three minute walk brings you to Greenwood Brewing, a bright beautiful space with plenty of outdoor seating. The Rosemary IPA is one of our top recommendations. If you want to taste a bunch of different beers at your own pace visit Tap That Downtown, which has a self-pour tap wall packed with some of the best craft beers in the state.

DOWNTOWN TUCSON

The food options are limited at downtown Tucson beer spots, so start with lunch at Barrio Brewing. The Barrio Blonde pairs perfectly with tequila cilantro wings to start the day off right. This is the only stop on our beer journey which you may want to catch a ride from (though you can definitely walk to the next brewery). Pueblo Vida is just up the road and is known by many for its incredible hazy IPA’s, but they nail all of the styles. Their hefeweizen is one of the best in AZ. A second taproom for Dillinger Brewing is just a few hundred feet away and they make a killer mango sour with tajin: Mango Nada (ask for the chamoy and tajin rim). Emanating a true vibe of love, Crooked Tooth Brewing has a terrific sour program, but you can’t go wrong with one of their Full Moon series beers which come with a thoughtful story and matching crystals. Around the corner from Crooked Tooth sits Tap & Bottle, a taproom and beer store with a wide range of brews, tons of events, and plenty of community involvement. Wrap up your Tucson beer crawl with the delectable Noche Dulce Vanilla Porter at Borderlands Brewing, whose taproom is located in an iconic historic brick building.

AMERICAN EAT CO.

Written & Photographed By: Isaac Stockton

One of the staples of pure nostalgic Americana is the concept of a food court. Usually attached to a mall of some kind, they were a key facet of the thenmodern shopping experience. In the age of online shopping, among other things that pull us away from the storied shopping adventure, the pervasiveness of the food court has dwindled. There is a glimmer of their former glory though, and it is arguably more than compelling. American Eat Co. is positioned a stones throw south of downtown Tucson and is an out loud secret spot that locals flock to.

Nessa Lopez, one of the bar managers says “It’s mostly word of mouth. We do stuff on Instagram, but people will come from the east side of Tucson and say ‘Hey, my friend was here. I wanted to come check it out.’ When I ask how they heard about us, did you see us on social media? They usually tell me ‘no,’ their friend just came one time and said it was awesome.” This drawing power is thanks to the robust bevy of gastronomic delights, all of which are local and independently owned.

This local-owners-only food court boasts not just a downright cool assortment of food options, but also houses two different bars. It’s a very real one stop shop for an easy evening out. After grabbing a colorful Monster Sonoran Dog Taco and a signature Market Bar drink, you can head into the south east corner to find a pretty well stocked arcade. The seating area is full of comfortable, dark wood tables and booths, and is wide open to everything the food and beverage hotspot has on offer.

American Eat Co. also has an equally awesome outside patio on the south side, in addition to a cornhole patio adjoined to the larger of the two bars called Market Bar. Market Bar is separated from its cocktail crafting neighbor by a coffee shop and a raspado bar, and is spacious enough to regularly host live music. “We have some pretty big events here, like Cinco de Mayo, St. Patty’s Day, and now our new Rodeo Weekend event. Those are the three biggest events we have here, but we’re not limited to those. We also have live music on Friday’s and that has been really successful” Nessa says.

American Eat Co. is the answer to those indecisive friends or spouses whose default answer when asked what sounds good for dinner is “I don’t know, whatever’s fine.” Nessa says, “you know when you ask your partner, ‘Oh, what do you want to eat?’ and they say, ‘I don’t know.’ Well, there are 7 different places to eat here, go find something.” One person can tuck into some divine pizza from Walter’s, the other can head over to Fat Boy Sandos for some Japanese inspired sandwich options, or flap over to The Coop for some

delightful fried chicken. The long tables in the middle of the dining room also comfortably accommodate larger parties (and larger appetites) and special events can allow for reserved tables.

The reservation option is now something of a requisite according to Nessa. “We kind of have to start taking reservations now. We just get so packed on the weekends that people get a little heated when one of their seats gets taken. We just want to make it fair to everyone so they can enjoy themselves.” All told, this 7-concepts-deep gastronomical wonderland is worth a visit, or three. It may take a few trips to try all the spots, then a couple more just to make sure you know which one’s your favorite. But maybe scarf down one more Monster Dog and Coop tender, you know, just to be safe.

Coffee Collection

@southwestsampler

Copper Star Coffee

Did you know about this service station turned coffee shop located in Phoenix? Copper Star Coffee is locally owned and independent featuring excellent coffee combinations, smoothies, and more. I'd suggest ordering one of their varietal in-house baked bagels (make it a sandwich) to pair with your iced Americano. Though if you like something sweet, definitely try their Cubano Latte with sweetened condensed milk and espresso ��

Luana’s Coffee and Beer

A very unexpected and ultimately uncommon coffee shop awaits - this is Luana's Coffee and Beer located in Phoenix Pictured here is their Lord Voldemort Italian Soda made with coconut, vanilla syrup and black charcoal For coffee, I'd suggest trying their Campfire S'mores Latte that comes with freshly fired marshmallows And the vibe? Well "Your favorite coffee shop meets your boyfriends favorite dive bar" ��

1502 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Window Coffee Bar

If you're looking for more of a hidden pop of color, Window Coffee Bar is located inside of an old law firm building based in Phoenix. When you walk in, you are immediately met with splashes of colorful walls, pastries, coffees and more! Find delectable flavors such as their signature Rose Honey Latte, or what started it all - their flaky pop tart pastries ��

holiday gift guide

written & photographed by | luke irvin

1.

cutino hot sauce

This is the perfect gift for those who like to keep things a bit spicy. If you know someone who puts hot sauce on everything (e.g. me), get them a mix pack of this Arizona made product. Classic sauces include a verde, chipotle, and habanero, but more adventurous palates will love the blueberry, strawberry, and miso offerings. If you need a cosign on this gift, the legendary YouTube series Hot Ones collaborated with Cutino to produce a signature sauce for the show! So your friends and family will be dipping into sauces fit for a celebrity!

2. iconic arizona apparel

Everyone gets clothes for Christmas. But not everyone gets awesome apparel featuring Arizona’s iconic scenery! Get a hat for your favorite desert dog, or a sweet shirt for the high-country explorer in your life! Iconic Arizona’s website has page after page of merchandise to explore, and they also have fun stickers for small gifts and stocking stuffers! Everything they sell is “designed in the desert,” so you can support local while checking off another box on your holiday to-do list.

3. sip sedona wine tour

Wine lovers all aboard! This is the ultimate gift for Arizona vinofiles. Mosey through the beautiful Verde Valley hopping from vineyard to vineyard as you taste the terroir of one of Arizona’s few designated viticultural regions. Sip on samples of award winning wine, grab lunch, and relax as these local guides handle all the details with tours available year round!

4. a taste of az food & drink festival tickets

Keep the holiday spirits high and gift your friends and family with an Arizona food and beverage experience like no other: tickets to our inaugural a taste of az food and drink festival! On January 27th of 2024 we are taking over the east lawn of Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, where you can sample food like tacos, pizza, burgers, and more. You’ll be thirsty of course, so sip on local beer, wine, cocktails, and more, all included in your ticket! Pro move: shoot for VIP and buy a ticket for yourself too!

5. big marble organics craft sodas

Want to make drinks like the pros? Then use Big Marble for your mixers. For a delicious drink, we recommend a tequila mule made with their ginger beer and fresh lime juice. This simple, yet amazing cocktail will wow anyone you serve it to. And you can show off when you share how this soda is made with vegan, organic, fair trade ingredients, right here in AZ. Produced in small batches by the crew that brought you the beloved restaurant The Breadfruit, these drinks are truly one-of-a-kind.

6.

cartel roassting co. coffee

We love a good cup of joe, and we love it even more when it’s roasted locally. So for our friends and family this holiday, we will be purchasing a few bags of Cartel Roasting Co. coffee. Specifically, we will be purchasing their delicious Give Back Blend. This mild coffee is neither highly-exotic, nor expensive, but it is delicious. And if you guessed by the name, a portion of the proceeds go to charity. If the coffee lover in your life is a bit lazy (guilty), then opt for a few cans of their Arizona inspired cold brew. You can find either at the several Cartel Coffee locations around Phoenix and Tucson.

7.

canyon coolers

Looking for the perfect gift for your golf buddy, outdoorsy friend, or yourself? Check out Canyon Coolers based in Flagstaff. While they are a premium cooler, these iceboxes will keep your local craft beers as cool as Mt. Humphrey’s in the dead of December. Similar to their abominable arch enemies (Yeti), Canyon Coolers makes a variety of cooler sizes as well as drinkware. That means you can go big on a 125qt cooler, or get a killer gift for the price of your average tumbler. What’s special though, is you’re supporting a small business right here in AZ!

8.

shrubwell drink mixers

Whether whipping up a quick cocktail, or indulging in a non-alc mocktail, Shrubwell offers unique flavors for those mixing an exotic drink! Enjoy a wide variety of these concentrated fruit mixers ranging from a plum-date-rosemary combo, to a pear-gingerallspice trifecta. The pros at Shrubwell know how to mix interesting but always delicious drink mixers, including one of our favorites, the pineapple-tamarind-ancho offering. If you go that direction you can pair it with beer, rum, mezcal, and more!

9. copper state forge cookware

If you’re trying to make an incredible impression on your cooking compadres, look no further than Copper State Forge’s lineup of top quality pans and utensils. These pans are made to “meet the rigors of a commercial kitchen” and “last several generations,” a hard task for most modern day gifts. Treat your loved ones to a tool that will last a lifetime, and will be a part of family dinners, dates nights, and memories for years to come. These pans are made with the highest quality materials and are produced right here in Goodyear, AZ.

10.

phoenix cooks cookbook

Our writer Christina Barrueta is an award winning author and one of the most respected journalists in Arizona food and beverage media (no wonder we keep her around!). She’s published multiple books, most recently Phoenix Cooks. This stunning coffee table style cookbook features some of the top restaurants and chefs in the Phoenix metro area, and has nearly 100 recipes.

11. a taste of az magazine subscription

Shameless plug, but we think a subscription to this magazine is a pretty cool gift. And right now you can name your price for a year long subscription on our website. Head over to atasteofaz.com/subscribe, choose a number, and wow the food lover in your life. They’ll receive a quarterly copy throughout 2024 (4 total) shipped directly to their door! Just enter their name and shipping info when checking out!