Queen Creek, AZ October 2024 by City Lifestyle

THE FOOD ISSUE

FOOD + BEVERAGE

SAGE AND BARREL

CRAFT EATERY

CALDWELL COUNTY BBQ

SENOR RIO TEQUILA

CUSTOM RANGE HOODS & INTERIOR DOORS

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Bon Apetit, Queen Creek!

Just a little warning, reading the following pages of our 'Food' issue may induce hunger and thirst. Last October, we had the pleasure of interviewing and meeting some amazing restaurants in Queen Creek, and we barely scratched the surface of the town's food scene. We are certainly spoiled for choice, and yet, it is clear from speaking to many of the chefs and owners that food is a language that tells a story through flavor and tradition.

For Debbie Medina, she discovered a family recipe over a glass of tequila with her father. His homemade tipple inspired her line of various sipping tequilas named in his honor, Senor Rio. Kevin Ballentyne runs Americano Ammunition Coffee with his family, and insists that coffee brings people together. Regardless, of your choice of beverage, it is across the table that conversations are had and time slows down to the pace of a slow sip.

Our kitchens are the busiest room in the house. In order to avoid chaos in this popular communal area, owners of Simply Organized Solutions show us how to increase efficiency and ease as you cook. Chef Chip Kennedy of Sage and Barrel Craft Eatery takes us into his kitchen and talks about his inspirations and mouth-watering creations. Finally, Travis Taylor of Caldwell County BBQ gave us a tour of their hard working smokers that deliver deliciously tender meat that falls right off the bone.

Whatever you might be in the mood for, Queen Creek has flavors to delight and satisfy. The most important thing you have to bring is your appetite!

FLORENCE DANIELS, EDITOR @QUEENCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Brad Schnepf | brad.schnepf@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Florence Daniels | florence.daniels@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Etelka Hendrickson, Suzy Lenander

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kaeden Peterson, Ffion Thomas

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

city scene

Girls enjoying take out from Mici Italian for Queen Creek's first restaurant week. 2: Queen Creek Fire and Medical enjoying Restaurant week at Sidewalk Coffee Bagel Company. 3: People enjoying the Holiday Showcase event at Dave and Buster's. 4: Santa Claus, sales manager Brooke Isaman, and general manager Steven King of Dave and Buster's. 5: Ladies enjoying the Social Sangria event at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. 6: A flight of drinks at the Social Sangria event. 7: Serving up gelato at the Queen Creek Olive Mill.

QUEEN CREEK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

QUEEN CREEK FIRE AND MEDICAL

as President of Queen

The Queen Creek Olive Mill has announced that John Rea will become president of the popular agritainment spot. He will be continuing to work alongside his father and CEO, Perry Rea. Both are Olive Oil Sommeliers and the Mill has received several awards for their oils. The Mill uses their olive oil, made on site, in a variety of ways including a market, restaurant, cosmetics, and more.

LifeQuest Physical Medicine and Rehab's Grand Opening

Lifequest celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony at their location in the Vineyard Towne Center in Queen Creek. They offer an integrated approach to wellness and health. Their services include chiropractic care, physical rehab, massage therapy, and other holistic solutions. www.lifequestarizona.com

Clark celebrates 10 years as President of Chamber of Commerce

President & CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, Chris Clark, celebrates 10 years of service at the Chamber. By advocating for local businesses, preparing students for their future, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing essential resources and support, Chris has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Chamber, its members, and the Queen Creek community. www.queencreekchamber.com

Kohler Bathroom Design

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Photography by Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

CHEF CHIP KENNEDY

Sage & Barrel Craft Eatery's chef talks food and flavors.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

'Great, fresh food made from scratch,' says chef Chip Kennedy of Sage & Barrel Craft Eatery, when asked how he would sum up the restaurant. Chip has been chef since the restaurant opened earlier in 2024. He helped design and create the menu and underscores that they make almost everything in house,

Chicken Bruschetta

“...the menu can be characterized as having a 'Southern flair' with comfort food but also elegant options...”

including many of the sauces on the menu. Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Chip says his love of cooking started young, from watching his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. The potluck foods at church gatherings would often be comfort food from the Midwest and the South. Most of all he says they were always made with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Later on, he lived and worked in Portland, Oregon where he learned about seafood and Asian Pacific flavors. The farm to table movement was also big here and reinforced the importance of fresh products. This 'melting pot' of influences are seen in the menu of Sage & Barrel. The Horseshoe Stacks, which have origins from the Midwest, are your choice of meat on Texas toast, piled high with house made french fries and topped with a beer cheese sauce that Chip makes himself.

There is Nashville Hot Chicken N' Waffles and 'English Fish and Chips'. You can enjoy a 'Pulled Pork

Sandwich' or a 'Louisiana Cajun Pasta', the variety of flavors and regional styles is a tour of Chip's approach to food. He says the menu can be characterized as having a 'Southern flair' with comfort food but also elegant options like the Blackberry Glazed Salmon which was developed specifically for Sage & Barrel. The salmon is grilled with a glaze of blackberry pinot noir and caramelized onions, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Chip says getting the blackberry glaze just right with the perfect balance of sweetness was tricky but the results were a marriage of beautiful colors and flavors that look like art on a plate. Ultimately, Chip says he wants the menu to reflect 'favorite foods we enjoy to eat and are enjoyable to cook'. In addition to the Salmon, Chip brought out the Chicken Bruschetta which was a beautifully grilled chicken breast topped with tomato bruschetta and a balsamic reduction served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Chef Chip Kennedy

The Nashville Hot Chicken N' Waffles serves up golden waffles drizzled with maple syrup and fried Nashville style hot chicken, giving some kick as well as sweetness.

He also brought out a popular appetizer from the menu called Firecracker Shrimp. The shrimp is crispy and fried with salt and pepper on a bed of crunchy noodles with scallions and spiced chickpeas, sprinkled with cilantro and a slice of lime. The accompanying sweet chili sauce is a delightful mix of sweet and spicy that is made in house. Addictively delicious with texture and color, it is an opener that hints at the delicious cuisine on the menu.

If you are new to Sage & Barrel, Chip gave his recommendations for what to order for a first time experience of the food. To start, try an Ellsworth Smash Brothers cocktail as a pre-drink, all the syrups are made in house for the cocktail mixes. For an appetizer he suggests the Firecracker Shrimp, followed by a bowl of his creamy Beer Cheese soup. For the main dish he suggests the Blackberry Glazed Salmon accompanied by a glass of some Pinot Noir. Finally, a dessert of their Creme Brulee made with sage brown sugar and berries. Dinner is served!

www.sagebarrel.com

Salmon and Blackberry Glaze.

A FAMILY Recipe

SENOR RIO TEQUILA IS A RECIPE PASSED DOWN THE GENERATIONS.

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Reposado Tequila

Debbie Medina Gach

Debbie mixes a Paloma, a popular Mexican cocktail, using shots of Senor Rio's Reposado tequila. She muddles the slices of grapefuit, lime, and orange and tops it off with grapefruit soda, while the rim is dipped in Tajin for added spice. The result is a refreshing drink with a pleasantly delicate tequila. The tequila comes from the blue agave plant grown on a single estate in Jalisco, Mexico and in a nearby distillery using her father's process.

Debbie learned of the family recipe when she visited her father at his home and they chatted over a bottle of his homemade tequila. The next day, she and her husband expected to suffer the consequences but felt perfectly fine. Her father's recipe uses nothing artificial and the yeast comes from the honey of the agave itself in the fermentation process. The mango trees that grow nearby creates a whisper of citrus and is particularly noticeable in the Blanco. Named in honor of her father, Senor Rio, the line includes the Anejo, the Reposado, Blanco, and a coffee liqueur one too.

Actor, Joe Mantegna, is also a co-owner and not only enjoys the quality of Senor Rio but shares Debbie's passion for supporting causes. For every bottle sold, Senor Rio pledges a donation to the We Care Crusade which helps children with special needs. Debbie says 'Sharing tequila... sharing life.' is the motto, and written inside every bottle. This tequila with a cause, is a family tradition you can enjoy in a glass.

Senor Rio is available at Total Wine and More. For more recipes visit www.senorrio.com

Cafe Elegancia Liquer

5 Essential Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen

LEARN TO BE A COOK OF CALM AND NOT CHAOS.

Etelka and Suzy shared a common dream, but it took a mutual friend introducing these two ladies in 2018 for their dreams to be realized through the birth of their company, Simply Organized Solutions For You, LLC. SOS4U is a professional organizing business based in the heart of Queen Creek and specializing in helping clients declutter and organize their homes in a way that works for the client and is easy to maintain. The heart of almost every home is the kitchen, and it’s a busy space that can become chaotic quickly. So, these experts are sharing some tips to help readers organize and better utilize the spaces in the kitchen.

1. Declutter and Prioritize

The first step to an organized kitchen is decluttering. Begin by assessing all your kitchen implements and remove anything that is broken, stained, or rarely used. Keep only the items you use regularly. Prioritize high-use items like pots, pans, and utensils by placing them in accessible locations in the kitchen including drawers and cabinets. This step not only frees up space but also simplifies your daily cooking routine.

2. Create Zones for Efficiency

Designate specific zones in your kitchen based on different tasks. For example: Spices – store spices near the stove where they’ll be used the most, but make sure to keep them in sealed jars and preferably in a cabinet or drawer. This reduces visual clutter and helps maintain freshness. Keep an eye on expiration dates and replace when necessary. Dishes and glassware– store dinnerware and glassware in cabinets that are within easy reach of the dishwasher. To keep things simple, we recommend white dishes and clear glasses which help keep cabinets looking fresh and organized. Prep zone - keep cutting boards, knives, cooking utensils, and measuring cups in the same area. Keeping related items together reduces the time you spend searching for tools and ingredients, making meal prep more streamlined and efficient.

Etelka and Suzy

3. Implement Drawer Dividers and Organizers

Drawers can quickly become chaotic without proper organization. Use drawer dividers and organizers to keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools sorted and easy to find. Adjustable dividers are great for customizing the space according to your needs.

4. Organize with Clear Containers

Clear containers are a game-changer for refrigerators. It might seem like overkill to store things this way, but in reality, fridge bins help keep things within easy reach, provide more stacking space, and allow for easy clean-up should something spill.

5. Use Uniform Storage in Pantry

Use similar storage products in the pantry to help keep visual clutter to a minimum. Whether you use plastic storage solutions or baskets, make sure to label all of the containers. We call this “creating an address” which just means that the container now has a designation for what belongs in it. By applying these organizing tips, you’ll create a kitchen that not only looks good but also functions smoothly.

Simply Organized Solutions for You

Etelka and Suzy | 480-788-6046

SimplyOrganizedSolutionsForYou@gmail.com www.simplyorganizedsolutionsforyou.com

Coffee and Community

ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Kevin and Sydney Ballentyne are the husband and wife team, alongside Kevin's father, James, who run Americano Ammunition Coffee out of a small structure in front of the Big Tin Cotton Gin. Both buildings have a history too, the local homesteaders in the area brought their cotton to be processed at the Gin, and the coffee shop once scaled all the cotton. Today, Kevin greets regular customers as they come and go, a few of whom enjoy the outdoor seating, while others hit the drive thru for their caffeine fix.

AMERICANO AMMUNITION COFFEE BLENDS COFFEE AND THE CONSTITUTION.

Kevin Ballentyne

“BESIDES BEING PASSIONATE ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION, THE LOVE FOR COFFEE IS APPARENT, COMING UP WITH DELICIOUS FLAVORS AND COMBINATIONS FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.”

Americano Ammunition Coffee has been open for the last two years and is unique for several reasons. They roast their coffee beans in house, and they are committed to being 100% local and community minded. They also stand apart from other coffee shops by selling ammunition alongside their lattes. Kevin says they merely want to show that they are 'freedom and American loving' who promote Arizona values.

Besides being passionate about the Constitution, the love for coffee is apparent, coming up with delicious flavors and combinations for their customers. In addition to various espresso based coffees, they also provide energy drinks and pastries. Their signature drinks, however, are a must. The 'Red Tip Tracer', for example, is a strawberry latte topped off with homemade strawberry whip cream. Then there is the delectable 'Desert Eagle' which is a salted caramel breve, a mix of espresso with a rich caramel sauce and real sea salt. They offer up seasonal concoctions too, in May they celebrate peach season in Queen Creek with a Peach Latte, and Fall will usher in the much anticipated Pumpkin Spice flavors.

Kevin says they usually go all out for Halloween and will have a 'haunted' walk thru with costumes and more. Meanwhile they also have a coffee truck that travels around the East Valley serving up hot and cold blends. For those who visit regularly they also offer their customers a rewards system and are open six days a week from 6am - 4pm. Kevin says they want to be seen as the neighborhood coffee shop, embedded in their locality where people gather around coffee. Kevin is clearly proud to be American, perhaps even more proud to be an Arizonan, while sharing a love for his neighbors and great coffee.

www.americanoammunitioncofeeaz.com

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ARTICLE BY FLORENCE DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAEDEN PETERSON

Caldwell County BBQ

Texan smoked meats with an Arizona twist.

Travis Taylor slices a beautifully smoked piece of brisket before laying it out on a tray alongside some ribs, turkey, and pulled pork. The method of preparing the meats follows a traditional central Texas style using mesquite firewood smokers. The various meats can cook anywhere between 10-14 hours. Slowly the meat is smoked to perfection until it is so tender and moist it falls right off the bone. Travis is co-owner with Clay and Susan Caldwell and Clay's son, Spencer. Travis brought the restaurant business experience while the Caldwell's brought their passion for authentic Texas style barbecue to Queen Creek.

Six smokers run every day and the brisket is their featured menu item. However, their pork ribs are not to be missed either. The ribs are cut St. Louis style and smoked with Pecan wood to pair with its sweeter profile flavor and brushed with an in house sauce. They also make their own sausages which is a mix of pork and beef with jalapeno and a creamy cheddar cheese. If that wasn't enough, the sides manage to keep up with the meats in flavor and choice. Hearty offerings like corn casserole, potato salad, cole slaw, mac and cheese, and pinto beans adhere to tradition and are made from scratch. The mac and cheese for example, is made with a blend of smoked gouda, yellow, and white cheddar. Their sauces are also made in house and add the perfect accompaniment of zing to any of the meats.

Travis says they do tours of Texas and the barbecue scene there every few months to gain inspiration and stay on top of trends. Sticking to quality and making everything in house is important too.

This is true of everything including their drinks menu. A mocktail called Watermelon Wave is a refreshing option for all ages, while the Blueberry Bliss cocktail uses smoked blueberries.

Their Queen Creek location is their second and located at Pecan Lake Entertainment. They add a fun and delicious addition to the complex where picnic tables are arranged outside with views of the green and a nearby go-kart will be finished this Fall. The area is a relaxing hangout filled with activities for the whole family and classic dishes for every appetite.

A framed poster inside says 'If Texas and Arizona had a baby, it would be Caldwell County BBQ'. By using the Texas approach to barbecued meats they also bring a bit of Arizona with flavors of citrus and green chile, hence a fusion of both. The food is mouth-watering and filling, so bring an appetite and some friends.

www.caldwellcountybbq.com

SER VI NG UP S OUP

Fall’s most notable comfort meal

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)

• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded

• 5 celery stalks, sliced

• 8 carrots, sliced

• ½ onion diced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ cup half and half (optional)

• 1 package egg noodles

• Salt and pepper to taste

•

DIRECTIONS:

In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.

events

OCTOBER 2ND

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival

Vertuccio Farms | 3:00 PM

Explore a 5 acre corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, ropes course, and a new mega slide. The Fall Festival at Vertuccio Farms is held until October 31st every Wednesday to Thursday from 3pm-9pm and Friday to Saturday from 9am-10pm. On Sundays they are open from 12pm-7pm. www.vertucciofarms.com

OCTOBER 3RD

Pumpkin Chili Festival

Schnepf Farms | 12:00 PM

The classic Fall experience in town! Enjoy a hayride, explore the celebrity corn maze, take a spooky train ride, and enjoy food and rollercoasters. Every Thursday through Sunday in October starting at 12pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends, take part in making some family memories and fun. www.pumpkinandchiliparty.com

OCTOBER 5TH

Oktoberfest

Old Ellsworth Brewing Company | 11:00 AM

Come to Old Ellsworth Brewing company for Oktoberfest and enjoy authentic German food and music. There will be a best German costume contest, Beer stein holding contest, axe throwing, cornhole, and more. The event is from 11am to 11pm. www.oldellsworthbrewing.com

OCTOBER 11TH

Teen After Hours: Murder Mystery!

Queen Creek Library | 6:00 PM

Come in character or costume to solve the mystery while enjoying food and games. To play a character you must register via email one week in advance to get your character assignment. At least 8 participants are required. For those not in character, this is an after-hours lock in experience and you must arrive between 5:55 - 6:05pm. https://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventsignup

OCTOBER 12TH

Social Sangria

Queen Creek Olive Mill | 11:00 AM

Immerse yourself out in the grove at the Queen Creek Olive Mill as you explore a selection of four seasonal sangria flavors. It's the perfect blend of great food, charming ambiance, and the beauty of the surrounding olive trees. www.queencreekolivemill.com

OCTOBER 25TH

Heart Cry Church Fall Festival

Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center | 5:00 PM

Heart Cry Church is proud to host their 13th Annual FREE Fall Festival at Horseshoe Park! Come join them for rodeo games, pony rides, axe throwing, bounce houses, free candy, and so much more! Food will be available for purchase. www.heartcrychurch.com

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