Things Are Cooking in AZ Discover great local chefs and their creations
If you know me, I’m not a foodie and I’m lazy. I love food but the act of going to the grocery store, putting food in the cart, taking it out to purchase, putting back in my cart then into my car and then in my refrigerator. Then I have to prepare it and clean the dishes. Seems like a lot of work for little reward.
This month we have the solution for people like me. We feature five local gay chefs (plus a straight ally) who specialize in creating culinary delights for any tastes and dietary restrictions. You’ll never have to shop, cook and clean again! Check it out on page 28.
In July 2002 ION Arizona celebrated it’s one year anniversary by hosting Splash Bash, a pool party at a local hotel for one day. Since then, we have hosted over 20 similar events at different hotels with a variety of entertainment. After the end of COVID-19 we have been searching for a venue for the return of Splash Bash. We are proud to announce that we are partnering with BJ Events to co-host the 2024 Splash Bash 20th Anniversary Weekend September 13-15 with five separate events in different venues throughout the Monarch Hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. Check out the ads on page 10-11. Get your cabana (only seven left), day bed (nine left) and VIP Weekend pass at BJEvents.com/SplashBash today. You can also reserve your room for as low as $109/night by calling 623-352-7272. Tickets and room rates will go up as we get closer. Don’t miss the biggest weekend pool and circuit parties of the year!
We have a lot of great features, events, guides and stories in this awesome issue of ION Arizona. Make sure you sign up for our Friday e-mail blast at IONAZ.com so you don’t miss a thing all month long.
Eat, play safe, get tested and stay cool. Have a great August!
Jack M. Tesorero Wannabe Foodie
CREATIVE
Studio Fernando Hernandez RSVP Photography
WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile
1995-2024: 29 Years of Design and Creative Excellence
All original artwork and photography for ION Arizona Magazine remain property of JMT Designs, Inc, and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.
NOTE: The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ION Arizona, its staff, or that of its parent company.
Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ION Arizona is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. To our knowledge, all people photographed and published in ION Arizona are over the age of 18. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove it from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos, and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ION Arizona is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.
PHX ATTRACTIONS
80’s Retro Dance Party at Sazerac
Like, OhMiGod! It’s totally tubular! Valley girls and Valley boys can remember the good times back when Reagan was President (well, besides that part.) It’s a way rad 80’s retro costume & dance party! Sazerac, 821 N. 2nd St. in Phoenix. Let’s get physical!
Thursdays
Lift-Off Red Party
Earth below us, drifting, falling. You can bet stabilizers will be up for this party. DJ Matt Consola is at the control panel for this space age party. Egyptian Motor Hotel, 765 Grand Ave. in Phoenix. Get your tickets at MineshaftWeekend.com/Liftoff
Saturday, August 3 at 9 p.m.
Hip-Hop Hypnotist
With a hip-hop, the hippie to the hippie … Hypnotherapist Emerg Mcvay, the Brain Bully, brings his street-style comedy hypnosis to the Valley’s oldest gay bar. Will he make you act like a chicken? Or a straight person? Who knows! Nu Towne Saloon, 5002 E. Van Buren St. in Phoenix. No cover!
Saturday, August 10 at 8 p.m.
RuPaul’s Drag Race
All Stars LIVE
Step into the Werk Room for fan-favorites Angeria, Gottmik, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel, and Vanessa Vanjie in this show-within-ashow. Arizona Financial Theatre downtown at 400 W. Washington St. in Phoenix. Tickets at LiveNation.com or call 800-653-8000
Sunday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Dancing for one•n•ten
You won’t want to miss this annual fundraising favorite when the best Freds and Gingers around town trip the light fantastic (that means “dance”) to raise money for the LGBTQ+ youth of the Valley. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. Tickets: onenten.org/dancing
Sunday, August 18 at 11 a.m.
Boy George with Squeeze
It’s a miracle! The gender-bending Culture Club artist from the 80s is still singing and making music. Boy, oh Boy! Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. For tickets go to CelebrityTheatre.com or call 602-267-1600. VIP Meet ’n’ Greet available.
Sunday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Calling all Tortured Poets! Put on your fancy pants and listen to Tay-Tay’s greatest hits performed on two violins, a viola, and a violoncello by the Listeso String Quartet in a sea of candles. Shake it off at Warehouse 215, 215 E. Grant St. in Phoenix. Search FeverUp.com for tickets.
Saturday, September 7 at 9 p.m.
Desert Overture: Symphony of the Wild
The only LGBT Symphony in Phoenix brings the majesty of the animal kingdom to life! A variety of music will celebrate the beauty and wonder of creatures great and small. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tickets: DesertOverture.org
September 8 at 3 p.m.
“Nothin’
Real cooking is more about following your heart than following recipes. ION picked out a few chefs, bakers and cooks here in Phoenix who put just as much love in all of their creations from cookies to casseroles.
The proof is in the pudding. All you need is love! Well, a cupcake and some chicken cacciatore never hurt either.
By: Deon Brown
Photography by: LeakedGlass
Joshua Preston
The Chef of Melrose
Nourishing Body and Soul: Sustainable, Love-Infused Healing Cuisines. These are Joshua’s guiding lights. A holistic chef for nearly 20 years, Josh began by creating hearty, healthy and delicious meals for hospice patients and at retreats and hopes to open his own soup kitchen for the homeless one day.
Sustainability is important – he has his own garden and sources local farmers. Joshua also supports other local chefs on the their journey. “My passion is creating something memorable for smaller, intimate groups,” he said. Cooking classes can be tailored for budding cooks, too. “Cooking is about coming together, sharing, and creating memories,” Joshua believes. “It’s all about love, positivity, and good vibes.” And you can have all the seconds and thirds of those that you like. (They also make great leftovers.)
Joshua lives with his partner, Scott Reid, and his dog, Piglet, in the Woodlea-Melrose Neighborhood and active in the Melrose Community Alliance. ChefOfMelrose.com • JoshuaPreston@ChefOfMelrose.com • Phone: 602-540-9401
Chris Partap
CP’s Patisserie
“My grandmother was my inspiration. She told me I had a gift. I was so connected to her. She never judged me; she told me, ‘You be you.’” Chris remembers baking with her in his Caribbean homeland of Trinidad and Tobago. Chris refined his skills as a pâtissièr. “Hundreds of cakes were spoiled ’til I found my own twist,” he laughs. “I like to make everything extraordinary.”
Chris’s specialties include his Crazy Caribbean Cookies, Chocolate Fudge Peanut Butter Cupcakes, and a divine Key Lime Velvet Cupcake. “Love makes the connection; it’s not just about eggs, butter and frosting. It all takes time. I say, ‘Come on, baby! Show me all the love that I gave you!’ while I bake,” he says.
Chris’s creations can be found every Saturday morning from 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. at the Arrowhead Towne Center at 7700 W. Arrowhead in Glendale.
CP’s Patisserie.com • @CPsPatisserie1980 CPsPatisserie1980@hotmail.com • 518-424-4137
Alexis Carbajal and Juan Alberto Ayala
Phoenix Coquí
Ex-pats from the colorful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico can still enjoy a taste of “home” at Phoenix Coquí – and you don’t have to be the namesake little island frog. Alexis and his husband, Juan, bring authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to Phoenix. The boys started with a food truck in 2017, a familiar Friday and Saturday night site at The Rock and the Melrose neighborhood. In 2022 they opened their diner. “It’s a way of connecting to our roots and a little bit of nostalgia,” said Alexis. Chef Juan made his family’s recipes into award winning cuisine making Phoenix Coqui one of the “Best Places to Dine in 2024” according to AZ Central. Mouthwatering mafongo, pastelón, empanadillas, pernil and more will turn everyone into a “Boricua.” PhoenixCoqui.com • 4041 N. 19th Ave. in Phoenix. • Tues - Thurs 11 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 8:45 p.m. • 602-768-7894 WEPA@PhoenixCoqui.com • @PhoenixCoqui
Matt Maguire
“Food by Fabio”
The irrepressible Matt Maguire is a longstanding friend of LGBTQ+ folks everywhere. As our enthusiastic “straight ally,” he’s unstoppable.
As a “former fat kid” Matt endured cruel jabs from schoolmates about his weight. He made the commitment to eat properly and get healthy.
As a personal trainer, Matt discovered his clients didn’t want to cook. As a former bodybuilder, he used his nutritional expertise to prepare fresh, delicious, meals for his clients, capitalizing on his trademark tresses that resembled those of the famous romance novel model starting “Food by Fabio” in 2016.
Matt started out cooking and delivering a few pre-prepared meals, and now he has a staff and they prepare up to 2,000 meals in 20 hours in a commercial kitchen weekly. You want variety? Food by Fabio can make just about whatever you want. All ingredients are fresh and bought in season when possible. Keto, low-carb, vegetarian, you name it and Matt can tailor a tasty, custom meal plan just for you starting at $5 per meal with delivery available.
When issues arose with immigrants being held at the Arizona border of the United States, Maguire’s company was contracted by the government to provide meals for the detained immigrants.
“I work with all types of people, from professional athletes to former couch potatoes. My meal plans will help nourish you and bring out your inner sexy beast,” he promises.
Now, eat up your broccoli. You’ll like it!
Check out FoodByFabio.com • @FoodByFabio Facebook.com/FoodByFabio
Call or text 480-246-4396 for more information.
Dos Chris
“Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” It all started with a chocolate chip cookie. Uno and uno make Dos Chris. As a former flight attendant and former schoolteacher, the two boys took a leap of faith, got married, and started baking using a few family baking recipes in 2020. They opened their own shopfront in 2022. Now they create extravagant cupcakes and irresistible cookies. (We recommend the Slutty Brownie. Trust us.) Their mind-blowing charcuterie boards are already legendary. “We believe in bringing people together more than ever, and offering kindness to everyone who comes in,” they said. Don’t have any sparkle of your own? They’ll give you some of theirs, but you gotta share. DosChrisAZ.com • 6007 N. 16th St., Phoenix on the NE corner at Bethany Home
ION AUGUST 24
@ Melrose Trey Cabaret (W)
(W)
Sunday Funday (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W) 8pm
(W)
Karaoke (W) 8pm
@ Melrose Karaoke (W)
(W)
Undie Mundies (W)
Sazerac
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
WEDNESDAY 31 14 7 21 28
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Milkshake Fetish Ball (M)
Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W) Sazerac
Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W) THURSDAY
FRIDAY 1 15 8 22 29 3 17 10 24 31 2 16 9 23 30
Sazerac Throwback Thursdays (W)
Sazerac / Roosevelt Row
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Charlie’s Disco Party
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Charlie’s Lift-off Red Party
Charlie’s FOAM PARTY
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)
Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
Charlie’s AGRA Beach Party
ION STREAMING
Those About to Die
Who doesn’t love a show about well-muscled, oily, sexually fluid Romans, gladiators, and chariot races? This series has all of that plus lots of confusing English accents. The delish bisexual ruler Domitian sneers to his eunuch, “I keep you around for your mouth and your ass, not for your advice.” So, you know he means business! Sir Anthony Hopkins stars as the emperor Vespasian. The series demands constant attention or you’ll get lost.
The Boyfriend
Gay love is global! Japan’s first same-sex romance reality series brings together nine men looking for love and friendship while also running a coffee truck. This is a special time entirely dedicated to love and friendship. But when fall arrives, who will have met their one and only “Boyfriend”?
The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets
Just when you thought that MTV’s element of douchebaggery couldn’t get any worse (especially with a reboot of the old geezers from Jersey Shore) this is it. Among the D-listers and has-beens is bisexual Teen Wolf Tyler Posey, super gay Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, and Real Housewives’ Kim Zolciak who says she’s bi, too.
THOSE ABOUT TO DIE
THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Cabaret
Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome. Follow the struggles of a sexually confused American writer who finds inspiration from pre-WWII Berlin’s licentious Kit Kat Klub and its vivacious, libertine English singer, Sally Bowles. Divine decadence!
Phoenix Theatre Co. 1825 N. Central Ave. on McDowell Rd. Tickets: PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602-254-2151
thru September 1
ION ARTS
The Rocket Man Show
Crash land into an out of this world tribute show starring Scotsman Rus Anderson – Elton John’s official 70’s body double as featured in the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour. I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will!
Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Tickets: CelebrityTheatre.com or call 602-267-1600
Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m.
Thirty Seconds to Mars
They’re an American rock band. We all know that. But here’s one very important fact: Jared Leto. Damn, yes. Jared. Mmm! They’ll be performing with with AFI, Poppy, and KennyHoopla. Catch Jared and everyone else at Talking Stick Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. Tickets: LiveNation.com or call 800-653-8000
Monday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.
On Mekahel Ignites Dancefloors with “Play with Fire”
The Reality Star and Fashion Designer Releases Debut Music Single
On Mekahel, the star of the REVRY reality show, Putting On, and the designer behind the popular Mounderwear athletic line, is adding pop singer to his résumé with the debut of his first single, “Play with Fire.” Produced by DJ Ran Ziv, the song is reflective of the artist’s life and interests infusing emotion and soul to create a European house and dance-pop sound.
Mekahel says he found his inspiration to record “Play with Fire” from his husband. “‘Play with Fire’” is about that passion people feel, especially in those initial moments of being drawn toward someone they are meant to share a deep connection with,” he explains. “I set out to make a fun track for the summer that captures the level of energy, excitement and vulnerability that exists only on the dance floor,” On Mekahel said. “When my husband and I go out to clubs, we can find ourselves in a sea of people, yet it feels like it’s just the two of us together because our connection is so strong. It’s like some magnetic attraction.”
“Play with Fire” is part of an EP that On Mekahel is currently working on. It was important that he release the song this summer because it’s his way of diving into the music space.
“I had an epiphany last year after some personal struggles,” he reveals. “It was time to stop doubting myself and to go after my musical ambitions.”
On Mekahel is an all-encompassing entrepreneur. He is a model, actor, fashion designer and social media influencer with nearly three million followers. He’s best known for starring on the REVRY reality show, Putting On, following the ups and downs of his personal and business lives. In two seasons viewers watched as the underwear model built his Mounderwear fashion empire from the ground up, navigating through the many challenges and pitfalls of the competitive fashion industry.
On Mekahel was born in Israel. “I was that kid that performed in every school and community event,” he recalls. “The one that would always give a show wherever I was. The world has always been my stage.”
After finishing his army services in Israel, Mekahel moved to New York to study acting at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. While studying, he was the personal assistant to supermodel Naomi Campbell.
In 2019, On Mekahel moved to Los Angeles with his partner, David Cederberg. They married the same year in Paris.
Mounderwear continues to thrive today; On Mekahel recently announced the company’s summer 2024 collection. He also heads a creative agency for social media marketing, specializing in video production.
On Mekahel’s debut single, “Play with Fire,” is available on Apple, Spotify and all major streamers.
Follow On Mekahel on Instagram: iamonmekahel
TikTok: iamonmekahel
Facebook: On.Mekahel
X: iamonmekahel
ION STACY’S @ MELROSE
NAVIGATION
Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT! DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!
fezoncentral.com
flexspas.com
ftrooftop.com
hulasmoderntiki.com
karambanightclub.com
kingpingrill.com
kobaltbarphoenix.com
mipatioaz.com
nutownebar.com
ozbarphx.com
rewinedphx.square therockdmphoenix
sazeracphoenix.com
ION FABULANCE
In keeping with ION’s culinary theme this month, let’s look at the galactic goodies in store. The stars keep you busy gobbling down cosmic canapés, interplanetary entrées, celestial side dishes, and cosmological cakes for dessert. Hope you’re hungry!
August 4 ● It’s a buffet! The New Moon lights your spiritual oven encouraging a bold first course of self-expression. Mercury Retrograde tickles your extraterrestrial tastebuds. We’re served a plate of new Karmic vittles. Venus enters Virgo adding spice to our relationships. Embrace change, look for clarity, creativity and practicality and a soupçon of introspection. ¶ August 19 ● A Super Blue Harvest Moon brings bounty to our cosmic pantries. ¶ August 28 ● Make your reservations for the Planetary Parade! Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn all form a line joining in the zodiac picnic. Please, tip your astral waiter!
ION HOMOSCOPES
ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20
Your cooking is so bad people think you’re celebrating 9/11. The New Moon suggests a caterer. Nobody needs to know! You’ll come out looking like Wofgang Puck, not Chef Boyardee.
TAURUS April. 21 - May 20
Keep an open mind, and taste everything that’s on your plate. Embrace change and look for transformational cues. Try the “rump” roast. (Get it?)
GEMINI May 21 - June 21
A new metaphysical recipe in your stellar kitchen suits your situation. Measure everything carefully, and don’t be too salty.
CANCER June 22 - July 22
Sometimes your soufflé is perfect. Sometimes it falls. Just don’t slam the door and you’ll have a winner! People ask you what your secret is. Don’t tell!
LEO July 23 - Aug. 22
“In cooking you have to have a ‘what the hell’ attitude,” Julia Child said. She’s right. Mercury Retrograde gives birthday kitties that same bravery. Add a little cayenne pepper to everything.
VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
Life is a lot like food. It’s about tradition, preparation and sharing. Don’t hog it down. Make your birthday like the Planet Parade: a great big party where everyone’s invited to the cosmic table.
LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22
You’re like paprika. Colorful. Brisk. A little sweet and spicy. So versatile. And nobody knows exactly how to use you, but you add a surprise to everything. Sprinkle your paprika everywhere.
SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23
You have to have a secret to keep people wanting more. Is it fresh oregano? Tarragon? Himalayan pink salt? Shhh! Make people wonder.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23
Never skip cosmic dessert. These spiritual goodies are the icing on the cake. Ceres, the asteroid of abundance, moves out of retrograde and fills your planetary pantry.
CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20
You always order off the menu because you want things your way. That’s not bad, but you gotta work with the metaphysical kitchen to get things how you want them.
AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
A spatula isn’t a sex toy. Well, it could be. You find all kinds of creative uses for whisks, tongs, cutting boards, and reamers. It’s because Venus knows you’re a freak.
PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
You put the “fun” in “fundido.” And the “bun” in “bundt cake.” The shooting stars of the Perseid meteor shower on August 11 & 12 bring you good luck, you little tart!
