Images Arizona August 2019 by Images Arizona Magazine

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August 2019

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August 2019

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Upcoming Concerts Sasha Masakowski: Art Market August 8 Hans Olson: The 50th Anniversary Show August 11

OTTMAR LIEBERT

Tia Fuller: Diamond Cut August 12

Monday, September 2 | 6 & 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 3 | 7 p.m. $43.50–$48.50

New York Voices August 15

One of the most successful instrumental artists of the past decades, Ottmar Liebert presents his brand of Spanish-inspired easy listening music. “Beautifully haunting” —Guitar Magazine

Radney Foster August 16 John Jorgenson Quintet August 22 Band 2 featuring Tim Ries, Bernard Fowler, and Guests August 27 And many more!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

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MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

August 2019

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INVISIBLE CHAINS J. MICHAEL WILSON Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Carl Schultz

COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Amanda Christmann

ARIZONA ICONS JON LINTON Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Jon Linton

SEDONA WINE COUNTRY Writer Fadi Sitto Photography by Roberta Sorge

STAY COOL WITH SUMMER DINING SPECIALS Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Aaron Markus, Hermosa Inn, The Phoenician, Mountain Shadows and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

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BROWN SUGAR CINNAMON GRILLED PEACHES WITH WHIPPED RICOTTA Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

August 2019

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Hanie

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto

PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Baxter Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Cooper Langston 480-544-8721 cooper@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2019 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

It’s August in the Valley of the Sun, and every year at this time, exhaustive heat feels heavy in the air as the days seem to drag on endlessly. While other parts of the country suffer bitter cold winters, it’s the overdose of August sunshine that pushes Phoenicians to retreat indoors. It’s a small price to pay to enjoy nine months of spectacular weather each year. Times like these make me wonder if we would appreciate the beautiful days if we didn’t also endure the uncomfortable ones. It seems that, in order to realize the good things we have, sometimes we have to experience life without them. There is no better illustration of this than this month’s photo essay, Arizona Icons, featuring the striking black and white landscape photography of Jon Linton. As the pages came together, I found myself paying special attention to photographs of places I’ve seen time and again—the Grand Canyon, Superstition Mountain and Horseshoe Bend, to name a few. Yet they look and feel remarkably different without the vivid hues we’re all accustomed to. Of course, unlike the contrast of the stifling summer heat to our pleasant winter air, Jon’s images are not an antithesis to the stunning beauty of Arizona’s iconic land and formations. They’re a complimentary look at the world around us, and they invite us to see things in a different way—which is a lesson we can all gain wisdom from.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Local First A R I Z O NA

Enjoy this month’s magazine! Once again, thank you for making Images Arizona magazine part of your lives. I will always be grateful for you, and for this special community we all call home. Cheers! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

August 2019

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Yei - Sandpainting Size: 37” x 35.5” Weaver: Lillie Clawson Trading Post: Redrock

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O R I G I N A L C O L L E C T I O N O F W O R K F R O M SKILLED NAVAJO WEAVERS

HAND - CRAFTED COLLECTION

NAVAJO RUGS CIRCA 1930 - 1950’s

For centuries, Navajo weavers have preserved their culture and history in the carefully woven strands of rugs and other textiles. A collection of authentic Navajo rugs amassed over 70 years is now featured at Grace Renee Gallery.

Yei - Sandpainting Size: 49” x 44.5” Weaver: Unknown Trading Post: Redrock

Granado Red Size: 50” x 39.5” Weaver: Margrette Milan Trading Post: Redrock

Yei - Sandpainting Size: 37” x 35.5” Weaver: Lillie Clawson Trading Post: Redrock

Yei - White Size: 54” x 33.5” Weaver: Unknown Trading Post: Redrock

Crystal Size: 68” x 37.5” Weaver: Mary Jane Nez Trading Post: Redrock

Storm Size: 84” x 50.5” Weaver: Unknown Trading Post: Redrock

Historic Spanish Village

7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. #7, Carefree, AZ 85377

GraceReneeGallery.com

480.575.8080

August 2019

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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Carl Schultz

In a quiet corner of Carefree, the knowing eyes of two bronze sentinels stand guard in front of Grace Renee Gallery. Remarkable for their artistic quality, the expressive faces of this equine pair are well-suited to their names: Power and the Passion. Yet art imitates life. The true beauty of these majestic sculptures lies not in their obvious visual appeal, but in the stories behind the finer details. In the early 1990s, artist J. Michael Wilson spent many months using bronze to create two larger-thanlife horses that would eventually be installed in front of a then-new building in downtown Glendale, California. It was, and remains, the tallest building in the city, and his horses, called Power and the Passion, were meant to honor the past and inspire future generations.

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Wilson had been creating commissioned work for several years, including work for Mattel Toys, Lloyds Bank, the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and University of Southern California. His bronze sculptures of both human and equine forms were striking, and he was in high demand when the Glendale developer called. Thirty years later, Wilson isn’t in a hurry as he explained the story. The cadence of his carefully measured words is an expression in itself. We both settled comfortably into our chairs as he spoke. “The whole thing behind Power and the Passion is …” he said, his words trailing off as he processed just where he wanted to begin. He took a quick but sizeable breath and continued, growing more animated as he spoke.

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“As an artist, I see all of these sculptures in front of buildings, and I’ve always thought, ‘Why can’t you integrate the sculpture with the building somehow and have the two work together?’ “In my head, I saw this team of really powerful horses, and I thought, ‘Wow! Yeah! What if we have these two powerful horses working together?’ Then I started thinking about everyone in the building and how they would also be working together, and that was a great way of tying the two concepts together.” He sat upright in his chair as he explained the idea that had bloomed in the corners of his mind so many years ago.

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He’d imagined the two spirited horses bound by chains to the building, working in concert to pull it forward. He envisioned the strain in each muscle of their bodies as determination and raw power drove them onward. The building itself would become part of the artwork, with a portion pulled out as if moved by the horses’ might.

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He built his story to a crescendo, then nearly half a lifetime of regret seeped in his voice. “Everybody loved the idea except one person—the architect,” he said, flopping back in his chair. Unwilling to change the lines he’d drawn, the architect had nixed the idea of incorporating the building into the artwork. Bound by his role as a commissioned artist, Wilson was forced to capitulate. 1606040

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

August 2019

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The developer seemed determined to carry the concept, through. “He said, ‘That’s okay. We can still attach cables to the building and make it appear as if the horses are pulling it.” Wilson spent countless hours creating the molds, then refining his work. His own desire for perfection—not for his own purposes, but to please his employers—often drove him to work through the night. He painstakingly shaped every muscle, vein and hair on the horses’ bodies, and he made indentations in the figures where the cables would fit for the final installation. Before the molds were destroyed, Wilson recast only the heads of Power and the Passion and designed pedestals for them. After years of standing proud on a large local horse ranch, they are now looking for a new home at Grace Renee Gallery. Like a parent sharing photos of their children, Wilson shares a picture of his bronze horses. “The one that’s down, that’s Power; the one that’s up, that’s Passion. When I was making them, I often thought they could have been called ‘Agony and the Ecstasy,’ because those were better descriptions of what I was feeling. “They are the largest pieces I had ever done, and it was quite an undertaking.” On the day of the install, the horses were settled into their permanent home, save for the cables, which were to be installed the following morning.

Come see two exquisitely cast bronze sculptures, the Power and the Passion, showcased in Carefree’s Historic Spanish Village offered for sale by Grace Renee Gallery. 14

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“The developer said, ‘You know what? I think they look just fine without the cables on. Let’s leave the cables off.” Once again, Wilson had no authority to make his own artistic decisions.

“If you look closely, those horses have indentations on their muzzles where cables were going to go,” he explained. “Now, I see that they are a metaphor. We all have invisible ties that keep us from doing things.”

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For a moment, we both remained quiet, gathering our thoughts. As fellow creatives, we understood the unspoken. For artists, musicians, writers, photographers and others in our eclectic tribe, our work is often not entirely our own. Most of us want desperately to be untethered so that we can be free to express ourselves in our own unique way, yet we are bound by responsibilities, economics and expectations.

S C H E D U L E YO U R F I T T I N G N O W.

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“It’s always a struggle for me to find a happy medium between what the person who is commissioning it wants and my own ideas,” Wilson said.

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We commiserated on the fact that we often find ourselves viewing our work through the perspective of a real or imagined audience. Our idea of “good” work has less to do with our own self-expression than it does about gaining approval from others. For Wilson, change is in the air. “I am 66 years old, and I’ve been doing this for 37 years. Now that I’m getting a little older and have some work behind me, I’m feeling a little more freedom to explore who I am as an artist,” he said. “I just keep telling myself that I’m not sculpting for an audience anymore. I’m sculpting for myself. It doesn’t matter if no one understands it; it’s something I have to do for myself.”

August 2019

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Recently, he has left old habits and comfortable spaces behind and began a new series of pieces. For starters, he’s set aside his oil-based clay. “I tend to overwork my pieces,” he said. “With oil-based clay, I can take as long as I wanted because it won’t dry out on me. Last December, I thought, ‘What would happen if I use something that has a time limit on it?’” He shifted his medium to plaster, and for the first time in his career, began focusing on small-scale figures. “Every day has been revealing new stuff to me,” he said. “It’s really exciting—kind of a departure from what I normally do with my work. “I’ve been feeling this change coming on for close to 10 years, but I’ve been so afraid to allow myself to do it,” he said. “People expect your work to look like the other pieces you do.” Passion lights his eyes from the inside as he speaks of his latest work. “I’m just seeing so much beauty in these simple forms,” he told me. “At the core of it is the freedom to create anything I want and know that it’s just as legitimate as anything else I’ve done, even if it’s just for me.” And so Wilson is emerging, unbound and untethered. With his release has come not only an evolution in his work, but in his thoughts on the legacy he would someday like to leave. “I was thinking about it as I was working this week,” he said with a thoughtful inflection. “It’s kind of a like an entry in a journal. What I do today is my entry in today’s journal. It’s, ‘This is who Michael was today.’ “It doesn’t mean it’s who I will be tomorrow or who I was yesterday. It’s just who I am today, and that’s good enough. “I want to be authentic. I want people to know who I was, not who I was made to be.” We both smile knowingly as we relax into our cushions. “See what happens when you ask me about art,” Wilson says with a grin. “I just go on and on.” gracereneegallery.com

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COMMUNITY

2019 AUGUST

Writer Amanda Christmann

Aug. 3

GEORGE LOPEZ Funnyman George Lopez has built a solid career on laughs, and now you can see him live at Gila River Hotels & Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by ticketed guest 21 or older. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $47+. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. playatgila.com

Aug. 2

SEDONA STAR PARTY

special talks, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, a cash bar and more. 6 p.m. $12 for non-members.

SEDONA SUMMER

Be prepared for a journey across

600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-

Since acquiring two separate galleries

nature’s celestial majesty at the

716-2000; azscience.org

two years ago, it has been a goal of

Sedona Star Party. Hear a 30-minute

Bryant Nagel Gallery to eliminate

presentation from the Astronomers

the segregation of Native American

of Verde Valley on a large LED screen. Telescopes to view the constellations and planets and a laser-guided constellations tour will be reoccurring throughout the evening. 7 p.m. Lower softball field, 525 Posse Ground Rd., Sedona. 928204-1123; sedonastarparty.com

Aug. 2

FREE FUN FOR LITTLE ONES Children’s Museum of Phoenix is always fun, but it’s free on First Friday evenings! Children love the interactive displays, and there’s plenty to keep them busy. 5–9 p.m. 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix.

Aug. 2

SCIENCE WITH A TWIST Adults are invited to Arizona Science Center’s First Friday event with music,

Aug. 2–31

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childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

artists into a separate gallery, and to exhibit prominent Native American artists such as Tony Abeyta and Stan Natchez alongside such prominent international artists as Gregory Deane and Hans Schiebold. Sedona Summer showcases nearly 90 artists in Sedona’s cooler climes. Opening reception Aug. 2, 5–8 p.m. 431 SR 179, A1-2, at Hozho, Sedona. 928282-6865; bryantnagelgalleries.com

Aug. 3, 17

SATURDAY SPARKLY Wind down from the week at The Phoenician’s Champagne Saturdays with fine champagne and delicious

OUTDOOR LIVING AT ITS FINEST

HIGH END, LOW-VOLTAGE, OUTDOOR LIGHTING

food pairings. The ambiance is perfect with a backdrop of live piano music and beautiful desert views. RSVP. 7 p.m. $59–$199 per person + 22% gratuity. 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale. 480-423-2530; thephoenician.com

Aug. 9

MURDER ON THE MOVIE SET Was it the frazzled director, the hunky leading man, the ditzy starlet, the aging diva, or her flamboyant, sharp-tongued wardrobe master who did it? Not quite dinner, not quite theater, this is fun you won’t want to miss. 7:30 p.m. See website for pricing. Orange Tree Golf

FREE BBQ LIGHT WITH ANY INSTALL OVER $2000!

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Resort, 10601 N. 56th St., Scottsdale. goldstar.com/phoenix

Aug. 10, 11

EXPERIENCE ELVIS The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has left a legacy greater than most artists. Experience a full line-up of exhibits and interactive displays, including puppet-making for young ones, a guitar exhibit, a photo booth and film screenings. See website for schedule. Free with museum admission. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Aug. 10, 24

BREAKING BREAD AT SANCTUARY As part of the Breaking Bread wine dinner series, join Greg Brewer of Brewer Clifton Wines and a special guest chef for an interactive dinner

Distinctive shops and galleries, extraordinary culinary and lodging opportunities, and the unrivaled splendor of the Arizona desert. Keep It Carefree. 101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377

VisitCarefree.com August 2019

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Aug. 17

DANKE SHOEN It’s Wayne Newton live at Gila River Hotels & Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass! Join Mr. Las Vegas for an evening of greatest hits and showbiz stories. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult 21 or older. 8 p.m. $37+. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. playatgila.com

Aug. 14

limited to 30 guests in Sanctuary

will host Zin and Q, pairing

Resort’s Praying Monk Dining Room.

favorite house wines with barbecue

6 p.m. $95. 5700 E. McDonald

dishes. RSVP. 5 p.m. $55. 34522 N.

INDOOR PICNIC

Dr., Paradise Valley. 844-820-5342;

Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. 480-595-

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine’s casual

sanctuaryoncamelback.com

9930; libertystationtavern.com

summer gatherings feature guest chefs, brewers, winemakers, distillers and

Aug. 18

merchants. 6 p.m. $35. 6710 E. Cave cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

FnB’s summer wine luncheon series

SUNDAY SUPPER CLUB AT HEARTH ’61

returns for its 10th year with events

Executive Chef Charles Wiley hosts

on August 10 with Lightning Ridge

Chef Mel Mecinas of Scottsdale

Aug. 15

Cellars; August 17 with Callaghan

National Golf Club to create a four-

Vineyards; and August 24 with

course dinner paired with beverages.

Laramita Cellars. 11:30 a.m. $88.31.

You don’t want to miss this delicious

CALIFORNIA WINES, SCOTTSDALE AMBIANCE

7125 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. 480-

evening! RSVP. 6 p.m. $74. Hearth

The August event in the Hyatt Regency

284-4777; fnbrestaurant.com

’61 at Mountain Shadows, 5445 E.

Scottsdale’s monthly winemaker dinner

Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley. 855-485-

series begins with a reception, followed

1417; mountainshadows.com

by a four-course dinner paired with

Aug. 10, 17, 24

LUNCHTIME SALUT

Aug. 14

Creek Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-8031;

California’s Beaulieu Vineyard

ZIN AND Q

wines. RSVP. 6:30 p.m. $95. 7500 E.

Liberty Station American Tavern

Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale.

and Smokehouse’s Terravita location

480-444-1234 ext. 8650

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the art of organization

Aug. 17

PRICKLY PEAR FEST If you’ve ever wanted to know how your favorite eateries use prickly pear to make delicious treats, now is your opportunity. Desert Awareness Committee of the Foothills Community Foundation will show you how to gather and prepare prickly pear fruits. Try smoothies and lemonade, and see what the prickly pear tastes like fresh from the cactus. Free. 8 a.m. Desert Awareness Park, corner of Cave Creek and Vermeersch Rds., Cave Creek. 480488-1090; azfcf.org

Aug. 19, 20 THE FIXX

One of the most recognized bands of the MTV era, The Fixx is still rocking 25 years later. They’ll be sharing two nights of musical memories at the Musical Instrument. 7 p.m. $43.50– $53.50. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Home Ofﬁces

Garages

Entertainment Centers

Wall Units

Aug. 22

DESERT TO DISH Taste the passion of local flavor at this pinot noir wine-pairing chef’s series dinner, part of the Omni Montelucia’s monthly Desert to Dish series. 6 p.m. $125. 4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale. 480-627-3039; omnihotels.com

Aug. 23–26

PHOENIX SALSA AND BACHATA FESTIVAL Dance is art, and this fantastic artistic event celebrates Afro-Latin heritage

480-998-2070 www.closetfactory.com

www.facebook.com/closetfactory

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RSVP FOR DOWNTON ABBEY WEEKEND In celebration of the return of the Downton Abbey Dowager and her family that we have loved for years, the English Rose Tea Room is hosting Downton Abbey Weekend Sept. 14 and 15. Dress in your favorite Downton costume an enjoy trivia, best-dressed awards, photos and a few surprises. RSVP early. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $60 includes afternoon tea and goody bag. 201 Easy St., Ste. 103, Carefree. 480-488-4812

in dance and music. Experience the best in Phoenix’s Latin dance

Aug. 28

from the Basque region of northern

Aug. 26. $25–$130. The Camby,

CHARCUTERIE— ARIZONA-STYLE

2401 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix.

Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine owner

Talavera at Four Seasons Resort

phoenixbachatafestival.com

Chef Brett Vibber will host Chef Joe

Scottsdale, 10600 E. Crescent Moon

Rodger from Sedona’s Indian Gardens

Dr., Scottsdale. 480-513-5085;

Café and Market for a special

talaverarestaurant.com

community. Noon Aug. 23–4 a.m.

Aug. 26

five-course collaborative dinner

Spain paired with Spanish ciders and txakolina. RSVP. 5:30 p.m. $125.

Join Larry Fitzgerald and his

tastings and more. RSVP. 6:30 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIWANIS MARKETPLACE!

celebrity friends at Dominick’s

$95.48–$127.30. 6710 E. Cave Creek

The Kiwanis Marketplace Thrift Store

Steakhouse at Scottsdale Quarter for

Rd., Cave Creek. 480-488-8031;

is celebrating five years of service

a night of entertainment, cocktails,

cartwrightsmoderncuisine.com

this month. Now led by general

11TH ANNUAL FITZ’S SUPPER CLUB

featuring desert-sourced charcuterie selections. Enjoy live music, beverage

manager Sandra Carrier, a small staff

food, and a silent and live auction to benefit the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund. $850+. VIP reception

Aug. 29

and a committed group of nearly 80 active volunteers, the Marketplace

N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale.

LATIN HEAT DINNER AT TALAVERA

larryfitzgerald.com

Join Chef Samantha Sanz for an

area graduating high school seniors

interactive dinner featuring some

who are entering college; funded the

5:30 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. 15169

of the most popular small plates

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

has generated over $1 million in scholarships and merit awards for

STEAM Lab at Foothills Academy and Kiwanis Kids Creative Corner at the Desert Foothills Library; provided for the Kiwanis Sundial Splash Park in Carefree; and funded the Kiwanis Field’s Little League scoreboard. Happy birthday, Marketplace! kiwanismarketplace.org

DON’T MISS THIS SEASON OF SONG! Music lovers are in for a treat with Arizona Musicfest’s 29th season show-stopping lineup of 27 performances Nov. 8 through March 13. Tickets are on sale now for Grammy award winner Michael Bolton; chart-topping, multi-talented entertainer Vanessa Williams and more. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

THURSDAYS AT KEELER’S Things are heating up at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse with the announcement of the restaurant’s live music schedule. Local performers take the stage Thursday evenings through August 29. 6–9 p.m. 7212 East Ho Hum Road, Carefree. 602374-4784; keelerssteakhouse.com

ART ON DISPLAY Thunderbird Arts Center in North Phoenix is proud to present Thunderbird Art Works, a new initiative that pairs local artists with local businesses. The goal is to bring art out of the studios and into public spaces. Elevate Coffee Co. at 2530 W. Happy Valley Rd. Suite 1273; Natalino Italian Restaurant at 610 E. Bell Rd.; and Thunderbird Arts Center at 1106 E. Grovers Ave. will showcase local artists through Sept. 13. Be sure to visit and support local businesses and local art.

August 2019

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Writer Shoshana Leon Photography by Dave Seibert, Galdones Photography, and Royal Palms Resort and Spa

One of the highest honors in the culinary industry is the James Beard Award. This year, Chef Charleen Badman of FnB restaurant in Scottsdale made history when she won the 2019 James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest after multiple nominations. It was the first time in 12 years that an Arizona chef was recognized with this prestigious honor. “It was emotional to hear my name called,” said Chef Badman, who opened FnB in Scottsdale in 2009 with Pavle Milic. “I’m excited that this award will bring more attention and recognition to Arizona’s deserving culinary scene.” The mission of the James Beard Foundation (JBF) is to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone. Chef Badman has been involved with the foundation for several years, from cooking at the James Beard House in New York City to participating in JBF’s Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change. She is a strong advocate for JBF’s commitment to sustainability and education. Chef Badman is known for her love of seasonal ingredients and her passion for nutrition education. Through the Blue Watermelon Project, a Slow Food Phoenix initiative, she works with local schools, farmers, chefs and the community to instill healthy eating habits in students from a young age. “The Phoenix culinary community has grown in part to chef-leaders like Charleen Badman,” said Katherine Miller, vice president of impact for the James Beard Foundation. “She supports local farmers, highlights

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Arizona wines and encourages others to get more involved with the community. It's a model we're seeing more and more around the country: chefs producing delicious experiences while also using their voice to champion their region and the causes they care about.”

TASTE AMERICA JBF will be recognizing Phoenix as one of America’s most vibrant food cities when its cross-country Taste America tour returns to the Valley for a seventh year in September. Traveling to 20 cities this year, Taste America celebrates the country’s diverse culinary culture and the role that chefs play in advocating for a more delicious, sustainable and equitable food world. The Phoenix Taste America event will kick off Sept. 19 with the Raising the Bar reception at Young’s Market Company in Phoenix, featuring cocktails from top Valley mixologists and bites from local chefs. “Raising the Bar helps Taste America bring a younger audience to our events, highlights the talent of local mixologists and shows how to throw a sustainable cocktail party,” said Miller. Mixologists participating in Raising the Bar are Kyla Dahl from Pigtails Cocktail Bar, Keifer Gilbert from Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Chanel Godwin-McMaken from Little Rituals, Matt Steward from UnderTow and Henry Whittaker from The Brickyard Downtown. Participating chefs are Christopher Brugman from Castle Hot Springs, Dom Ruggiero from Hush Public House, Tamara Stanger from Cotton and Copper, Brett Vibber from Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine and Juan Zamora from Chula Seafood.

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“It warms my heart to be invited by the James Beard Foundation to participate, and it will be a memory that I will hold close for years to come,” said Godwin-McMaken “Recognition by the James Beard Foundation shows you are moving the food and beverage industry forward in a meaningful way.” “It’s an honor to be included in this group of bartenders and chefs,” said Gilbert. “I’m excited to showcase some new techniques.” Local participants are humbled to be part of the Taste America events due to JBF’s mission. “The James Beard Foundation is important to the industry for a number of reasons, including its involvement in issues that are centered around feeding all people good, quality food,” said Chef Vibber. “It’s important to have an outlet and platform where we can come together as an industry and make change happen. I’m proud to be considered a steward of this great state’s food.”

GALA DINNER The Taste America gala dinner will take place on Sept. 20 at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix. Each Taste America dinner features a visiting all-star chef, a local all-star chef, a host chef and several local chefs creating reception dishes and desserts. This year’s visiting all-star chef is Tiffany Derry, owner of Roots Chicken Shak and Tiffany Derry Concepts in the Dallas area. Chef Derry, who competed on Top Chef and served as a judge on Top Chef Junior, is involved in several JBF programs and initiatives. Following Chef Badman, who served as last year’s local all-star chef, is Danielle Leoni, executive chef and co-owner of The Breadfruit and Rum Bar in Phoenix. She has been involved with JBF and its Smart Catch,

EXPERIENCE Raising the Bar Reception Thursday, Sept. 19 | Young’s Market Company, Phoenix | 5:30 p.m. VIP ($100) | 6 p.m. General Admission ($65)

Taste America Gala Dinner Friday, Sept. 20 | Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix | 6:30 p.m. VIP Reception ($500) | 7 p.m. Cocktail & tasting reception | 8 p.m. dinner ($275) i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019 26jamesbeard.org

Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change, and Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership programs. “I am thrilled to have the honor of being selected as the Taste America Phoenix all-star chef for 2019,” said Chef Leoni. “I am proud to represent Arizona at a culinary celebration that lets good food, social impact and sustainability be the true stars of the show.” Chefs participating in the reception before dinner are Cat Bunnag from Glai Baan, Stephen Jones from The Larder and The Delta, Tandy Peterson form Mowry and Cotton, Ryan Swanson form Kai, and Claudio Urciuoli from Pa’La. Following the reception, guests will enjoy a three-course meal created by Chef Derry, Chef Leoni and host Chef Alexander Robinson from Royal Palms. The evening includes a silent and live auction with a portion of the proceeds benefiting JBF’s scholarship programs. The event will conclude with a dessert reception featuring creations by Danielle O’Day from Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop and Hollie Layman-Sanders from Royal Palms. To conclude the weekend festivities, JBF will host a cooking demonstration with Chef Robinson Sept. 21.

A SUSTAINABLE LEGACY In addition to recognizing culinary excellence through its awards and events like Taste America, JBF offers robust scholarship, leadership and policy programs to build a platform for chefs to drive behavior, culture and change around food. “My participation in JBF programs helped me realize the power I have to shape my community and have a positive influence on our nation’s food system more broadly,” said Chef Leoni. “The Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change inspired me to enroll in and complete the executive master of sustainability leadership at Arizona State University to understand the business case for sustainability, and has set me on a path as a force for good through food.

OUTSTANDING Tradition of Inspiring Excellence

Cactus Shadows High School prepares our students to thrive in today's global society. Our highly successful graduates impact the community, state, country and world. The Class of 2019 earned $16,343,078 in scholarships. International Baccalaureate Program Advanced Placement Dual Enrollment/Early College Honors Education World Language Program Career & Technical Education Award-Winning DECA Program Award-Winning Student Newspaper

“As a chef, it is my responsibility to be the change I want to see in our food system.” Chef Leoni sees positive change in the local culinary industry. “Arizona chefs have always been brimming with passion and talent, but now we are taking it to the next level. We are using our culinary prowess to change the way our community thinks about food.” jamesbeard.org

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480.575.2000 www.CCUSD93.org August 2019

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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Jon Linton

A good photograph is seen with the eyes but a great photograph is felt in the soul.

If ever there was a truly inventive mind, it’s that of Jon Linton. Not only does Linton have the ability to view landscapes through an uncommon perspective, but he is also able to capture the synchronicity between color and emotion through the ironic use of black and white photography. Linton’s landscape photography is riveting, and it eschews the convention. Most of us think of the spectrum of oranges in Antelope canyon or the contrast of blue sky against the towering monoliths of Monument Valley. He removes what we think we know and replaces it with a perspective no less beautiful, but that alters how we feel.

Horseshoe Bend Located in Glen Canyon just outside of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is the result of 20 million years of erosion. The Colorado River maintains a temperature of about 40 degrees as it flows through this dramatic canyon.

By stripping away color, it is as if he’s removing pretense, exposing the unflagging permanence of landscapes that have endured long before (and likely long after) the timeline of humanity. Each month, Images Arizona is proud to feature the work of a talented photographer. A few months ago, we showcased Linton’s work from his “I Have a Name” project documenting and validating the lives of people living on the streets. This month, we are delighted to share a very different side of his work.

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Monument Valley Navajo Nation’s spellbinding Monument Valley is one of the most majestic Arizona—and American— icons. Its sandstone monoliths tower 400 to 1,000 feet above the earth.

JON LINTON’S LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY After immersing himself in the troubling underworld of the streets of Phoenix and tirelessly advocating for people facing homelessness, Linton’s soul was weary. He turned to the quiet solitude of nature. With the weight of nothing but his camera and his own thoughts, he began photographing landscapes. With each click of the shutter, he began to heal from the wounds he’d endured in his fight.

Window Rock This spectacular monument is located near a Navajo town bearing the same name. Until 1936, it was known by its ceremonial name, Niʼ Ałníiʼgi, which translates to "Center of the World.”

Barren Desert One of the most common misconceptions about our Sonoran Desert is that it is barren. Of course, those of us who live here know better. Yet there are places where the arid desert floor weathers and cracks under the burden of suffocating summer heat. Though monsoon rains will replenish and renew, this, too, is an Arizona icon.

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Today, landscape photography has provided Linton with both beauty and a full-time career. He continues to advocate for the nation’s homeless, as well as for kindness through his “Let’s Be Better Humans” project. He has passed his torch of passion along to others, who tirelessly continue his mission, but his own flame is no less bright. jonlintonphotography.com

MAKING MEMORIES H WESTERN STYLE

OLD WEST SPIRIT NEW WEST TALENT

Grand Canyon This enormous Arizona icon is easy to identify, even in black and white.

6130 East Cave Creek Road â&#x20AC;¢ Cave Creek, AZ Ponderosa Pines Eastern Arizona is the site of the largest stand of towering ponderosa pines in the world. These trees have been threatened by massive wildfires and drought in recent years.

www.lastiendascavecreek.com August 2019

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Dirt Roads and Deserts The Arizona desert was home to indigenous people for millennia before European-originating settlers claimed land as their own. Even today, Western lore has painted a dreamy picture of dirt roads and wide open spacesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which really do still exist in our state today.

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White House Ruins These centuries-old ruins in Canyon de Chelly National Park were likely built around 1070 AD. They are believed to have been abandoned in the late 1300s.

ARIZONA ICONS Arizona’s most recognizable places—the Grand Canyon, Humphrey’s Peak, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley and Saguaro National Park, to name a few, have been captured in photographs by dreamers, tourists and marketing companies for over a century. From the red rocks of Sedona to rugged Superstition Mountain, Arizona’s landscapes have captured the imagination of humans for 25,000 years. Jon Linton’s keen eye for light and shadows and his innate unique perspective turn what we think we know about these places on end. The photos that emerge from his camera highlight the timelessness and raw beauty of the land that surrounds us, and the places that make our Arizona home special. August 2019

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Jon Linton is a Chicago native, though he has called Arizona home for the better part of three decades. Linton’s first experience with a camera came around the age of 13 or 14 when he borrowed his mother’s 35 mm Minolta to capture photographs of the neighborhood where he lived. He developed his eye for detail and recognized early that, through film, he could express his individuality. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a liberal arts degree and entered into the NYC fashion industry in 1987. It was a colleague who introduced him to the art gallery business, and there he found his passion. In 1998, he decided to build a platform to highlight the many talented area artists he’d met. He began publishing ArtBook, a high-end art magazine, and created several books of art featuring artists from throughout the Southwest and beyond. During his publishing career, Linton shared friendship and office space with a man who fell prey to addiction. Linton watched helplessly as his friend’s life unraveled around him. “Addiction is an ugly, ugly creature,” said Linton. “His decent to the bottom wasn’t a slow elevator ride; it was a freefall. In a short period of time, he lost his marriage, his business and his home, and he ended up homeless on the streets of Phoenix.” As he watched his friend decline, he gained new understanding of what it was like to live on the streets.

Red Rocks of Sedona’s topography is most famous for its colors, and it feels entirely different when viewed in black and white.

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Though he had always been compassionate, knowing someone who was helpless to fight the forces that led him to homelessness gave Linton a higher level of empathy. When that friend died, Linton was profoundly affected. He turned to his camera and took to the streets. The result was a profound exhibit called “I Have a Name” that traveled through galleries and public spaces. He then collaborated with fellow photographer Brian Boner to create an installation called “Pillow.” Sponsored by Phoenix Institute of Contemporary Art and displayed from a container on Roosevelt Row, Pillow was a relatable way to humanize the plight of far too many homeless people within the Phoenix community. ihaveaname.org

Flagstaff Humphrey’s Peak is the tallest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet.

Superstition Mountain Towering over Apache Junction in Pinal County is Superstition Mountain. Famous tales from here 2019 include the legend of the Lost August Dutchman.

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Writer Fadi Sitto Photography Courtesy of Sedona Adventure Tours and 360 Adventures Opening photo by Kelsey Knight

When it comes to rolling wine country hills and terroir, Northern Arizona doesn't usually come to mind, but it should. “You can’t help but feel connected to the earth and dirt and all the happiness it gives back to you when sampling the wine here,” says Byron Clammas, a tour guest from Scottsdale visiting Javelina Leap Vineyard, just one of the many popular Verde Valley wineries. Arizona winemaking dates back to the late 17th century when Franciscan missionaries planted the first vineyards in the state, with early Sedona settlers getting the ball rolling—people like Heinrich Schuerman who arrived in Sedona in 1884 and planted an orchard and vineyard. A few years later he was selling apples, peaches and wine to the loggers in Flagstaff and the miners in Jerome. The Verde Valley offers the climate and sourced access to water that grapes need to thrive. The plentiful sunshine and dramatic evening cool-downs, combined with rich volcanic soil, create an ideal environment for robust boutique vineyards. These small-production vineyards showcase the passion of the local winemakers. If you're a wine aficionado, taking a day or two to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail should be on your bucket list. Each stop along the wine trail allows you to tour the grounds and sample locally made wine. Sure, you could simply make that two-hour drive up north, schedule a wine tour and be cheerfully on your way to a pleasant Verde Valley experience. However, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and spontaneous, why not discover this award-winning wine region in a more unique way?

KAYAKING AND WINE One unique way to discover local wineries is by kayak. Organized by Sedona Adventure Tours, this exhilarating way to explore the region’s beauty with the main goal of arriving at wineries is an adventure-seeker’s dream come true.

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Their Classic Water to Wine Tour begins with a one-hour kayak trip on a scenic stretch of the Verde River with just enough ebbs and flows to get your heart racing. The floating trip ends in the shade of massive cottonwood trees at the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River, where you’ll take a pathway up through the vineyards to the Tuscan farmhouse at Alcantara Vineyards. Alcantara Vineyards are a tourist favorite on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, featuring premium wines and welcoming sommeliers to guide you through your personal wine tasting. The Verde River is still one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, and kayaking to reach wineries is a remarkable way to discover the geology, archeology, flora, and fauna of the region.

BIKING AND WINE If you’re one that’s always looking for another way to add some exercise to the mix of your day, you’ll want to check out the Grape Escape Bike Tour organized by 360 Adventures. There are different biking skill levels, and you’ll have plenty of time to get that perfect photo. This outing offers you the choice between a 10-, 20- or a 37-mile bike ride from Sedona to Page Springs Wine Cellars. There, you can bask in a five-wine flight tasting, a guided cellar tour and all the bells and whistles a notable winery provides its guests. With sun-drenched bike rides through Red Rock Country, towering rock formations and deep vistas, Sedona offers the wine-touring cyclist many challenges, personal rewards and an abundance of fun. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely family sightseeing ride or an all-day adventure, biking to your glass of wine could be the right fit for you.

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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Loralei Lazurek and Courtesy of Bartlett Lake Marina

Bryan Church first visited Bartlett Lake with his brother during the summer of 1984. Back then, there were no boats, jets skis or restaurant on the lake. Like many regions of the Valley that are now extremely popular destinations, Bartlett Lake was not easily accessible to visitors 35 years ago due to a seven-mile stretch of unpaved road that provided the only access to the area. “When we were out there, these thoughts came into my head,” Church says. “It just hit me. All of a sudden, I started having this vision of how this marina could come together. I think God tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Hey, Bryan, I have got a project for you to do.'” Church, who notes that he has not experienced anything else like that in his life, now owns and operates Bartlett Lake Marina—a popular recreation area in the Tonto National Forest. However, his journey to what he considers his calling in life is both surprising and inspiring.

DROPPING ANCHOR Church grew up in a small town called Avon Lake outside of Cleveland, Ohio. His childhood home was only about a quarter mile away from Lake Erie. “We grew up boating and hanging out on the lake,” Church explains. “It was just a recreational thing that we did, so going from a recreational boater at Lake Erie to a marina operator is a pretty big leap.”

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That is where Church believes that a little divine intervention came into play. He was working in the heating and air conditioning industry when, at 20 years old, a construction accident broke his back and left him paralyzed from the waist down. The incident was truly tragic, but it also changed the trajectory of Church’s life in a way that would eventually give Arizona a new landmark. “I followed the [Cleveland] Indians to Phoenix for spring training in 1982,” Church says. “I came back out here about six months later and have not left since. I realized that, if I was going to be sitting in a wheelchair 24/7, I might as well be somewhere comfortable. “Ohio’s weather is bad. You really have to bundle up in the wintertime. That was way more effort than I wanted to put into life.” After he had his vision of a marina at Bartlett Lake in 1984, Church wrote a letter to the Tonto National Forest. He received a response three months later inviting him to submit a bid. He surrounded himself with engineers and architects and, in November 1990, the Tonto National Forest awarded Church the contract to build and operate a marina at Bartlett Lake. “I was sitting in a wheelchair, I had no experience and no money and I was taking on a multi-milliondollar project,” Church says. “The whole thing is just insane when you think about it. I look at the project today and I do not have a clue how we ever did it. Now that I have got all of the knowledge on how to build this marina, I would probably be so overwhelmed that I would never be able to do it. It would be just too big and too massive to try.” Church not only tried, but also succeeded. He believes that ignorance and naivety were blessings in disguise because he never feared any of the inherent challenges of such an undertaking. Instead, he went in with an optimistic attitude—even as those challenges began appearing.

ROCKING THE BOAT “The biggest challenge we had was putting the financing together,” Church says. “We got awarded the permit right when the savings and loan crisis hit, so I had this beautiful permit in my hands with no way to finance it.”

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Church spent three years trying to put the financing together. During that time, he kept himself busy by developing the project and obtaining permits so that everything was in order once he found a way to pay for it. “I was eventually able to patchwork financing together through various people, but we were still struggling,” Church notes. “I met a guy up here in Carefree who really put us over the top. He ended up investing several million dollars into the project and we were able to get the marina built up to where it is today.” Church broke ground on Bartlett Lake Marina in October 1993. It finally opened to the public in 1995 and initially generated about $20,000 in revenue each month. Today, the marina generates at least that much money every weekend. When Bartlett Lake Marina is forced to close—as it was for a weekend in June because of the Mountain Fire—it is a substantial loss. “We have only been shut down about five or six times over the past 25 years,” says Church, noting wildfires and floods as the causes. “But those things are just part of the business. You can never factor those things into the equation.” Likewise, the lake level’s fluctuations also pose a problem as fewer people visit Bartlett Lake when levels are lower. Last year, the lake was down about 45 feet from full capacity. Church notes that perception is often much worse than reality though, as the lake is still plenty big to play on, even when the water is at below average levels.

SETTING SAIL Church believes there are few recreational activities, if any, that beat a day out on the lake. Families may go to a baseball game or movie where they will sit in four seats alongside one another in silence, or they can hop aboard a boat and truly bond with one another. “You are stuck together on this 20-foot piece of fiberglass for five or six hours,” Church explains. “Cellphones do not work out on the lake so you have to communicate with one another. Boating is an incredible family activity.”

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Family is important to Church. In fact, Bartlett Lake Marina is a family-run operation. Church owns and operates the marina with his brother, Eric, and his mother, Sarah. His nephew, Kyle, is responsible for many of the marina’s day-to-day operations, including its store and boat rentals. “My responsibility is pretty much just stirring the drink, making sure that bills get paid and invoices get done,” Church laughs. When Church recalls his initial vision for Bartlett Lake Marina, it looks uncannily similar to what exists today. The marina boasts a boatable surface area of 2,815 acres—more than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake combined—as well as opportunities for shoreline camping, hiking, water skiing, fishing and more. Bartlett Lake Marina was essentially a work in progress until 2008. Although construction has been complete for more than 10 years now, the marina has constantly introduced new features to visitors, such as the full-service sit-down restaurant built in 2016. The marina’s latest feature is a cable that enables visitors to wakeboard without a boat. The cable sits about 20 feet above the water and runs between two towers that are about 500 feet apart. The system pulls wakeboarders back and forth along an area that includes obstacles and other elements. Church hopes to have the wakeboard cable up and running sometime this summer.

RISING TIDES Having grown up boating and enjoying life on the lake in Ohio, Church aspires to make boating more accessible to more people. He admits that owning a boat can be expensive. As the old adage goes, the two happiest days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it. Bartlett Lake Marina is home to a boat club that allows members to go online, pick out a boat and enjoy a day out on the lake. Membership costs $995 to sign up plus $325 per month. Church estimates that members save an average of $50,385 over five years versus owning their own boat.

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Church also helps people with disabilities enjoy Bartlett Lake with his Day on the Lake program. Launched in 1996 in collaboration with Barrow Neurological Institute, the program uses adaptive equipment to make water skiing, jet skiing and kayaking possible for people whose disabilities would ordinarily prevent them from enjoying the lake in those ways. Over the past 35 years, Church’s vision for Bartlett Lake Marina has only gotten bigger—much like the boats themselves. “When we first started this thing back in 1990, the types of boats that were being sold were about 21 to 23 feet long,” Church says. “A 28foot boat was a pretty large boat back then. Now we have got 70-foot houseboats out there. I look at these boats and they just blow me away. It is crazy to see where technology has taken these things.” Church often recalls that first day during the summer of 1984 when he visited the lake at the end of those seven miles of unpaved road with his brother. “I have got a lot more perseverance than I ever thought I did,” he says. “That is pretty much what it has taught me—and to have faith in how things can work out. “Every time I am driving down Bartlett Dam Road and I see the lake for the first time, I thank God for trusting me with this project. It is still exciting for me 25 years later. I have been very blessed with the opportunity to do this.” bartlettlake.com

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One of the best things about summertime in Phoenix is that many restaurants and resorts offer special menus and dining events. With fewer visitors coming into town and residents escaping to cooler temperatures during the summer, there are many opportunities to enjoy spectacular dining experiences across the Valley of the hot, blistering, summer sun.

CARTWRIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MODERN CUISINE During the summer months and into the fall, Cartwrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Modern Cuisine in Cave Creek hosts monthly collaboration dinners and casual indoor picnics with live music, guest chefs, beverage tastings, and local suppliers and merchants.

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CARTWRIGHT’S MODERN CUISINE

J&G STEAKHOUSE AT THE PHOENICIAN IN SCOTTSDALE Cartwright’s celebrates the food of Arizona and local suppliers in the summer and all year long. “We have foraging teams all over the state collecting wild foods of Arizona to showcase at our restaurant,” said Cartwright’s chef-owner Brett Vibber. “We pair that with close relationships with our farmers and suppliers. “I want our food to tell a story of the past, the present and where we are going. My hope is that our passion for what we do is transferred onto every guest’s plate.”

CARTWRIGHT’S MODERN CUISINE

Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Aaron Markus, Hermosa Inn, The Phoenician, Mountain Shadows and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Cartwright’s Aug. 28 dinner features Arizona charcuterie with Chef Joe Rodger of Indian Gardens Café and Market in Sedona. The Sept. 25 dinner highlights Arizona meats with Chef Dom Ruggiero of Hush Public House, a Scottsdale restaurant that opened earlier this year to high praise from critics and diners. “When you get two chefs together who are passionate about their craft, you can make magic happen,” said Chef Vibber. “I feel like people are a lot more interested in learning about where their food comes from, and it has been exciting to watch. “These dinners serve as networking events where chefs get to meet farmers and suppliers, and diners get to meet chefs and winemakers. It is also nice for my kitchen crew to be exposed to new ideas that help them continue to grow as chefs.”

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LON’S AT HERMOSA INN

Local resorts provide summer dining options with stunning settings and acclaimed restaurants led by some of the Valley’s most talented chefs. In addition to staycation deals and spa discounts, many resorts offer special summer menus and dining series to attract locals. LON’s at the Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley offers a threecourse Taste of Summer menu for $49 through Sept. 15. “The menu highlights summer produce, including squash blossoms from McClendon Select and Abby Lee tomatoes,” said Melanie Volkers, director of sales and marketing at the Hermosa Inn. “Locals look forward to summer when stuffed squash blossoms are back on the menu. This summer, they are stuffed with chorizo and cheddar, and served with corn pudding and pickled peppers. Another Taste of Summer favorite is the cucumber gazpacho with Dungeness crab, marinated melon and piquillo pepper emulsion.” For a truly unique summer dining experience, guests can enjoy a five-course menu for $69 in LON’s wine cellar with an optional wine pairing for $35 Thursday through Sunday.

HEARTH '61 AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

“Our wine cellar is our most coveted private dining room,” said Volkers. “Typically, the only way guests can dine in the wine cellar is if they are attending a private event. However, every summer we open it on weekends.” Those reservations are available seven days in advance.

TALAVERA AT THE FOUR SEASONS At Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, the Summer in Seville menu for two is available Wednesday through Sunday during August. The $98 menu includes sangria or txakolina, a Spanish sparkling white wine, tapas and vegetable dishes to share, and Talavera Chef de Cuisine Samantha Sanz’s summer version of her signature paella. “Summer in Seville is perfect for date night or a fun time with friends,” said Chef Sanz. “The menu is designed for sharing and is focused on seasonality. We have beautiful dishes that showcase the bounty of summer, like our corn paella with chorizo de Bilbao, clams and prawns.” In addition to the Summer in Seville menu, Talavera is offering monthly interactive dinner experiences for $125, including the Latin Heat dinner Aug. 29, and Nights in San Sebastian Sept. 19, featuring pintxos—small appetizers that are popular in the Basque region of northern Spain.

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“The team wanted to come up with a concept that would be fun and interactive for our guests,” said Chef Sanz. “The Latin Heat dinner is inspired by the rich culture of Latin America. We will have dishes like arepas, mofongo and ceviches, and refreshing cocktails, perfect for our August weather. “The San Sebastian dinner will have interactive pintxo stations, offering a variety of fun little bites packed with flavor and inspiration, paired with Spanish ciders and txakolina.”

MORE SPECIALS TO SAVOR Other resort restaurants offering summer dining specials include Different Pointe of View at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs in North Phoenix. Known for its breathtaking views, excellent service and romantic ambience, Different Pointe of View’s summer prix-fixe menu for $44 has three courses with optional wine pairings. Menu options include lobster bisque, sea bass, steak, creme brûlée and lemon blueberry cheesecake. Elements at the Sanctuary Resort in Paradise Valley has a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $54 and half-off select bottles of wine Sunday through Wednesday until Aug. 28. Sanctuary is also hosting intimate Breaking Bread wine dinners Aug. 10 and 24. J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician in Scottsdale offers a three-course meal for $45 through Sept. 19 with options including raspberry gazpacho, charred corn ravioli, flat iron steak and warm chocolate cake. The Phoenician also offers summer specials on afternoon tea, flatbread and a bottle of wine for $25 at Mowry & Cotton, and Champagne Saturdays Aug. 3 and 17 featuring champagne options, hot and cold appetizers, and desserts.

FOUR SEASONS TALAVERA

In addition to a three-course menu for $46 and halfprice bottles of wine Sunday through Thursday during the month of August, Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley continues its monthly Sunday Supper Club throughout the summer with guest chefs partnering with Executive Chef Charles Wiley to create four-coursers paired with beverages. Guest chefs include Mel Mecinas of Scottsdale National Golf Club Aug. 18, and Beau MacMillan of Sanctuary Resort Sept. 15. While it may be too hot to stand over the stove or man the grill during the steamy Phoenix summer, there are plenty of opportunities to leave the kitchen and enjoy fine wine, local fare and good company at some of the Valley’s best restaurants and resorts.

FOUR SEASONS TALAVERA

August 2019

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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Peaches with Whipped Ricotta The perfect summertime treat for the whole family! If you already have the grill fired up, why not make dessert on it too? Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 peaches 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 pieces prosciutto 1/4 cup granola Honey Whipped Ricotta: 1/2 to 1 cup ricotta splash of heavy cream 1 tablespoon honey dash of cinnamon

Directions: Bake prosciutto until crispy; let cool. Heat grill pan and brush with butter. In a small dish, melt the butter, add brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Cut peaches in half. Brush each half of peach with butter mixture. Once grill is hot, place each peach butter side down. Let grill for 3 to 5 minutes, until caramelized and golden brown. While cooling slightly, make honey whipped ricotta. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whip until light. Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly

kyndraclaire.com

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

Serve peaches with whipped ricotta. Top with honey, granola and prosciutto and enjoy!

August 2019

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i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m Aug ust 2 019

David Van Omen Associate Broker, Senior Partner David@BVOLuxury.com

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