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Heinrich Stasiuk, co-owner of Timo Wood Oven Wine Bar, greets “business lunch” diners, clockwise from bottom left: Kelsey Vescova and Guy Collison from the Arizona Humane Society; Melinda Gulick from DMB Associates; and Brad Keisling and Jennifer Bonnett from PetSmart (photo by Teri Carnicelli).
Café Chat Upscale food in a neighborhood setting By Teri Carnicelli Heinrich Stasiuk looks around the elegant interior of his Sunnyslope wine bar and restaurant and smiles. Timo Wood Oven Wine Bar will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 6, and after a rough summer of sparse diners, making it through the first year—and to an expected much better fall business season—is enough to keep its co-owner upbeat, even when business has been somewhat down. Timo is unique in the community in that all of its hot menu items, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, are cooked in a wood-fired oven. Eggs are cooked, onions are sautéed and eggplants are roasted whole in this custom-built oven that can reach temperatures up to 800 degrees. Combine this unique cooking method with ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible and often organic, and you get a sophisticated and flavorful menu with prices that are surprisingly affordable. Stasiuk says he wants the neighborhood to feel welcome with great food and comfortable seating and not be put off by high downtown eatery prices. So why the recent struggle? It may have less to do with the slow economy and more to do with the outdoor tem-
peratures. At Timo, half of the potential dining space is outdoors on a large patio, complete with firepit, couches and tables with pleasingly comfortable chairs. But even an aggressive misting system can’t counter the burn from temperatures in the triple digits. Which means that when the interior space is filled up, impatient diners might decide to try their luck elsewhere. But Stasiuk is confident that when the temperatures drop, the great food, great prices and great patio space will bring those diners back. Despite the summer slump, Stasiuk says that Timo already has its share of “regulars.” “They know my family and I know theirs,” he says. “They like to support local businesses and they are glad that we are here.” Customers also aren’t shy about giving feedback. For example, Timo’s happy hour used to end at 5:30 p.m. After several customers commented that they felt it was too early, happy hour was extended to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Customers also wanted to see a separate lunch menu with more salad and sandwich options, versus one “shared” menu for lunch and dinner. Once again, Stasiuk answered the call and recently introduced a lunch-only menu that’s already getting a lot of positive feedback. Not only are there some tempting new items—like the 10-inch flatbread
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pizzas, the Tuscan chopped salad and the braised short-rib calzone—but other familiar favorites, like the ovenroasted eggplant lasagna, are priced as more affordable lunch items. All the menus feature notations of “v” and “gf ” next to certain items to indicate “vegetarian” and “gluten-free.” While none of the bread items currently are gluten-free, it is something that could change in the future if, once again, customers ask for it. One of Stasiuk’s other restaurants—Brick, located at the Arizona Center—does offer some gluten-free pizza selections. It’s all about making the customers happy, Stasiuk says. Whether its increasing the wines-by-the-glass selections to 29, or adding more local beers, or even putting in the one and only TV to be found in the restaurant over the bar area (with volume turned off, typically), Stasiuk is open to making changes to please his clientele. “We are happy to give the locals what they want as long as it stays within our concept,” Stasiuk says. “We don’t skimp on quality. We bake our breads fresh every day, we squeeze our own juices and brew our teas.” Part of that customer-centric attitude includes a special menu of “Doggie Deck Favorites,” for those dining on the patio with their pooches. Each dog receives a cool bowl of water, and you can order a unique treat for your pup, such as venison stew or turkey biscuits. Stasiuk says when the weather cools down, the dogs come out. The patio is especially hopping with dog owners and their canine companions during the weekend brunch hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The regular menu often is enhanced with a special, such as chicken and waffles or crab cake eggs benedict. All the menus have been carefully crafted by Stasiuk’s business partner, Executive Chef Mercer Mohr, a James Beard Award winner. Stasiuk and Mohr are partners in Wild Thyme Group, which operates Timo, Brick, and Ken’s Creekside American Bistro in Sedona. Mohr divides his time between Ken’s Creekside and the two Phoenix properties. He and Stasiuk are in the process of putting out their first cookbook featuring some of the three restaurants’ most popular dishes. It should be out before the end of the year. In the meantime, Stasiuk continues to greet customers, listen to their
comments and make sure the food looks as good as it tastes. And it looks very, very good. Timo Wood Oven Wine Bar is located at 8801 N. Central Ave. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, and 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 602-354-3846 or visit www.timocentral.com.
Dining Briefs Wine tasting event at American Italian club Do you know what “tannin,” “fruit forward” or “bouquet” means? Learn more about these descriptive wine terms as well as the different varietals of wine and their growing environments during a special wine-tasting event 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 at the Arizona American Italian Club (AAIC), 7509 N. 12th St. This introduction to wine tasting class will be presented by Chad Fuller, a Phoenix food and beverage industry veteran, and is the first in a series of
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tastings to come. This will be a 60-90 minutes tasting and class, featuring seven 1-ounce tastings served with cheese-andcracker appetizers. The AAIC will have a buffet and music available afterward if you should desire to stay and have dinner, at additional cost. The class will consist of an in-depth discussion on the grape varieties used, the regions and soils they are grown in and how each wine is made. It will be presented in a fun yet educational manner. This event is open to everyone. Fuller currently is the Resort Fine Wine Specialist for Valley of the Sun Fine Wines. As a sommelier, he has a passion and dedication to the wine industry and wine education. He will provide each attendee a Food and Wine Paring Guide as a gift. The wines that will be poured are: Barra Pinot Grigio, Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Cambria Chardonnay, La Crema Pinot Noir, Freemark Abbey Merlot, Arrowood Cabernet and Edmeades Zinfandel. Cost is $15 per person. Limited seating is available; purchase your event tickets at the AAIC bar. For more information, call 602-944-3090 or visit http://azaiclub.org/.
Geordie’s wins Wine Spectator Award The Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, has been a favorite dining spot and special events destination for years. So it’s no surprise that the historic property has received “Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 2012.” Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Wine List Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate for their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers. Geordie’s at The Wrigley Mansion has been recognized for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. In order to receive this prestigious recognition a restaurant must offer lists of well-chosen selections of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Typically, these lists offer at least 100 selections; the list at Geordie’s was compiled by Paola Embry, CEO of The Wrigley Mansion. Geordie’s at The Wrigley Mansion will reopen for tours, lunch and dinner on Sept. 12, and the Champagne
Brunch will resume on Oct. 7. The lunch and dinner menus, crafted Executive Chef Stephan Germanaud, both feature new items. Reservations for any tours and lunch or dinner are highly recommended. You can become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. For details, visit www.wrigleymansionclub.com or call 602-955-4079.
Find great deals during Restaurant Week Arizona Restaurant Week returns for a nine-day culinary celebration Sept. 15-Sept. 23. The palate-pleasing event presented by the Arizona Restaurant Association highlights Arizona’s restaurant industry and offers diners the opportunity to indulge their inner foodie. More than 200 restaurants will offer specialty prix-fixe dinner menus for $30 and $40 per person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted. Food fans are encouraged to download the DINEAZ mobile application or text DINEAZ to 486479 for text message updates (standard rates apply) and to stay on top of the most up-to-date information about Arizona Restaurant Week. A full list of participating restaurants and menus can be found at www.ArizonaRestaurantWeek.com. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Vintage Wine Auction offers delectable samplings Hospice of the Valley’s annual Off the Vine Vintage Wine Auction was created for those who enjoy collecting rare or reserve wines and for people who simply enjoy a festive evening with friends to support a worthwhile cause. Off the Vine is set for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Road. Proceeds benefit the not-forprofit agency’s patients and families. The evening begins with delicious pairings under the stars, featuring silent and live auctions of fine wines, unique culinary experiences and vineyard trips. Participating wine and food purveyors include Dale Sparks and Liz Delgado of Quench Fine Wines; Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s; Brent Karlicek of Postino Winecafe and Windsor; and Amy Binkley of Binkley’s Restaurant. Wine connoisseurs Dan Santy and Jock Wulffson also will be involved. Cost is $150 per person. Corporate sponsorships start at $3,000. Deadline
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to register is Friday, Sept. 21. For more information and to register, visit www.hov.org or call Trisha DiSano at 602-636-5314.
Harley’s new owners preserve tradition Harley’s Italian Bistro has changed hands again, but the new owners promise to continue the tradition of flavorful Italian dishes served in a family friendly atmosphere. This eatery located in the Melrose District at 4221 N. 7th Ave. is known as a favorite dining spot for neighborhood locals, politicians, and longstanding customers. The restaurant has undergone some modest interior renovations and new additions to the already bountiful menu, including brick oven pizzas and sandwiches. Homage is paid to past owners as well. Artwork from Rocco Pepino, owner of The Roman Table—a previous incarnation—can be seen in the entrance, adding a nostalgic feel to the bistro. A majority of the entrees are the creation of Renee Pepino and Livia DiEugenio, previous owners. The additions of new menu and drink concepts and a revamped wine list have been well received. “The secret to life—and a good restaurant for that matter—is to cook with love, honor tradition, and to have strong passion for the grapes,” says Charolette Kimerly, one of the new owners. To add an even more personal level to the dining experience, the new own-
ers are often seen waiting on tables, crafting drinks behind the bar, making pizzas or chatting with customers. Harley’s Italian Bistro is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight, and opens at 10 a.m. on Sundays for brunch. For more information, visit www.harleysitalianbistro.com or call 602-234-0333.
Winemaker Dinners return to Biltmore The Arizona Biltmore has launched its 23rd season of Winemaker Dinners, featuring original menus paired with specially selected wines, spending time with the creators of the wines, afterdinner drinks and cigars, and a jewelry showing by Hyde Park Jewelers. The dinners will be held monthly from Sept. 20 through May 2, 2013. A reception with the jewelry showing starts at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. After the dinner, enjoy complimentary Port and cigars. The schedule through the end of the year includes: Sept. 20, Twomey-Silver Oak Cellars, Napa Valley, Russian River and Alexander Valley, California; Oct. 4, ZD Wines, Napa Valley; Nov. 1, Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley; and Dec. 6, Domaine Carneros Winery by Taittinger, Napa Valley. The cost is $95 per person. Tax and 18 percent gratuity will be added. Reservations are required; call 602381-7632. For local restaurant listings, visit our Dining Guide at www.northcentralnews.net
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Bingo Mondays and Fridays at 6 p.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. Over $3,000 in payouts each session. Newly remodeled air conditioned room, snack bar and smoking patio.
Wednesday Pasta Night Open to the public. All you can eat pasta, meatballs and salad: $8 for adults, $3.50 for children
Entertainment Saturday, Sept. 22: “A Tribute to Elvis: The Final Stop” featuring the Club’s own Bobby Jo in a two-hour live performance and a spectacular dinner…Don’t miss this! $30 per person. Dinner at 6 p.m. show to follow. Tickets available at the bar. Friday, Oct. 26: Halloween buffet and dance featuring The Rocket 88’s! $11 per person, no advance tickets. GET THERE EARLY FOR A SEAT! Dinner starts at 5:30, Music starts at 7:30 Come dressed for Halloween! Saturday, Feb. 23: “Le Bellezze d’ Italian la terza” (The Third) Charity Italian Car Show! Watch for details at: www.Italiancarshow.com
7509 N. 12th St. 602-944-3090 • www.azaiclub.org