So Scottsdale January 2022

A ROCKI N’ AUCTION Music icon Bret Michaels celebrates 50 years of Barrett-Jackson at the annual Scottsdale Auction

GAME CHANGERS Fiesta Bowl volunteers help local nonprofits score major victories for Arizona's youth

WWW.SOSCOTTSDALE.COM | RICHMAN MEDIA GROUP | JANUARY 2022

MEET THE PEOPLE TO WATCH IN 2022

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Glenn Moor At Troon Village 10801 E Happy Valley Road #120, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 5 Bed + Den + Bonus | 6 Bath | 8,879 SQ FT | 3-Car Garage

602.320.8415 | Lucky@RussLyon.com | View our luxury listings at LisaLucky.com

Laura, Matt, and Lisa Lucky

UN I

owners

E UR

PERTY PRO FE AT UE from the Q

"Always smiles and happiness from guests and family when they come to share time in this wonderful home. It has views, welcoming open spaces and quiet places to hide away.

Come, see & enjoy!"

Architecturally stunning, this one-of-a-kind home is located in the guard-gated community of Glenn Moor at Troon Village. Nestled amongst the McDowell Mountain Preserve and overlooking Troon Country Club golf courses' 14th green, nicknamed "The Cliff". Enjoy breathtaking sunset and sparkling city light views from the feature rich home and backyard spaces ideal for entertaining

When it comes to the North Scottsdale lifestyle and area real estate, The Luckys are proud to be the eminent source for their clients.

With 100s of millions of dollars in sales under their belts, The Luckys are honored to be reputed as the most proficient and skilled in the industry.

TOP 1% OF RUSS LYON | SOTHEBY’S AGENTS Since 2006 BEST SMALL TEAM AWARD BY SALES VOLUME & NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS America’s Best REAL Trends | 2021 HONORED AS A "TOP 250 AGENT" IN THE NATION Wall Street Journal | 2018 TOP WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE Women’s Council of Realtors | 2015 - Present

LISA LUCKY 602.320.8415 Lisa.Lucky@RussLyon.com

MATT LUCKY 480.390.0445 Matt.Lucky@RussLyon.com

LAURA LUCKY 480.390.5044 Laura.Lucky@RussLyon.com

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©2021 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

JANUARY 22-30 | SCOTTSDALE 1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM COUPE Professionally built complete frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration by LUCRA Cars in San Marcos, CA. Modern upgrades include an LS3 V8 engine backed by a 4L65E automatic transmission, as well as RideTech coilover suspension and Wilwood brakes. NO RESERVE.

SELL YOUR COLLECTOR CAR WHERE THE BIDDERS ARE Over 200 World Records Broken In 2021 Contact a consignment specialist at Barrett-Jackson.com or 480.421.6694 Experience the Barrett-Jackson Auctions live exclusively on A+E Networks’ FYI and HISTORY channels.

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1967 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Completed in October 2021 by Jeff Hayes Customs, this 1967 Corvette Resto-Mod is powered by a new GM LS3 540hp V8 engine paired to a 4L70E automatic transmission. Features an Art Morrison sport chassis with 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes. NO RESERVE.

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Contents Escape the real-world hustle by booking an appointment with your favorite Scottsdale color expert and master stylist, Rodney Gentry. Kick back and relax in Rodney’s private salon suite while he works magic on your hair, taking the utmost care with your beauty and your health. Look gorgeous and feel fabulous this spring!

For an appointment, please call 480.639.2000, or visit www.rodneygentry.com for more information.

ON THE COVER: Bret Michaels, photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Features 44 A ROCKIN’ AUCTION Music icon Bret Michaels celebrates 50 years of Barrett-Jackson at the annual Scottsdale Auction

48 GAME CHANGERS Fiesta Bowl volunteers help local nonprofits score major victories for Arizona’s youth

18

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Make Your Hair Color Sparkle for the New Year with Color Specialist, Rodney Gentry

“This season, it’s all about blends and natural, warmer tones,” says Rodney Gentry, hair color expert and master stylist. “There is so much you can do with your hair to create just about any look you want.”

There’s no surprise that Ombré is extremely popular this fall. It’s a hair coloring trend that doesn’t seem to be wavering; only changing by the season.

This fall, the Ombré style uses warmer tones are blended for a subtle, more natural look.

Another gorgeous blended color that’s hot this season is Mushroom Blonde. Mushroom Blonde is an ashy mix between blonde and brunette, creating an ashy, gray blonde with dark undertones—think of the color variety on the underside of a mushroom. “It’s excellent for weaving colored pieces around your face to create a subtle and natural change,” says Rodney. This color option is a great way for blondes to spend time on the darker side.

Conversely, there is Mushroom Brown for the brunettes who want

to go a little lighter, while creating a multi-dimensional hair color. In this instance, the colors are subtle shades of brown and gray.

Copper tones are all the rage as more and more people desire a look of red without the commitment and hassle of keeping up with red hair.

Additionally, rooted gold tones are a favorite this season. There’s also a variety of feminine chestnuts and browns. “These colors tend to not fade as much so it’s more low-maintenance,” Rodney explains.

For those pesky gray hairs, Rodney reveals that the key to gray coverage is to not cover it 100%. Instead, he prefers to use a neutral color on select pieces to make the grays look highlighted. This way, people don’t have to recolor as often. By doing this technique, it saves the condition of the hair since you’re not covering all of your roots as often.

For those of us who lived through the 80’s, you may see familiar-looking accessories making a comeback.

Full-service designer and hair color specialist Rodney Gentry can be reached at Sachi Studios in Scottsdale, AZ. Call 480.639.2000 to make an appointment or visit www.rodneygentry.com for more information.

Fun-colored bobby pins, bows, and scrunchies are back in style, along with toned-down versions of 80’s hair styles.

“You get volume in the body of your hair, with tamer roots,” says Rodney.

Rodney takes into account a person’s features, skin tones, and routine when he artistically crafts a new hairstyle. “”The right color will make the right hair cut. Texture with color is the way to go,” he says.

Schedule your appointment with Rodney Gentry at Sachi Studios 480.639.2000 or visit www.rodneygentry.com.

Contents Now 83 HOT TICKET An Enchanted Evening Featuring Kristin Chenoweth

84 LOWDOWN News to know

88 DO Great upcoming events

90 CALENDAR Noteworthy events

94 OUT Meal delivery services

96 CULTURE Sama Alshaibi

Pulse 33 UP CLOSE Travis Shumake’s funny car driver dreams

36 BEAT Temporary wallpaper by Dala Al-Fuwaires

38 BEAT Janeen Kokodynski’s scents from the heart

40 HIS STYLE Meet Jeremy Cash

42 HER STYLE Meet Lauren Lerner

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Pawsitive Vacation Pet Sitting

Contents Style

Exceeding Expectations

99 MUST-HAVE Sporty meets designer

100 ALLURE

Scottsdale Paradise Valley La Jolla

Beautiful brows

102 DWELL Java jolt

104 SHOP Slopeside style

105 SHOP Blazing outerwear

106 FASHION Fast Fashion

Luxe 117 INDULGE Illuminated magic

118 WHEELS 2022 Mercedes EQS 580

120 WANT The Complete Suite Experience in Maui

122 HAUTE PROPERTY An airy abode

124 PLACES Sanctuary in Sedona

We Redefine Petsitting

602.829.8402 Official Pet Sitter for The Hermosa Inn Bonded and Insured www.pawsitivevacationpetsitting.com

22

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

EnsureYour Divorce Grass Is Greener

Family Law Leaders Since 2000 How divorce treats you can come down to whether you have a most innovative law firm on your side. Started by one woman more than 20 years ago. It has grown to nearly 50 team members today. Google us.We know you will like what you see. And the difference we make. Especially when it comes to our Family Law Department headed by Kaine Fisher.

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Taste 126 DRINK Show and taste

127 DISH Meatballs at Campo Italian Bistro & Bar

128 CHEERS Orange Sky’s Dazed & Infused

129 CUISINE In the kitchen with Patrick Gaudet of Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town

130 FOOD FILES Grateful spoon

132 DINING GUIDE Restaurants to know

The Rest 26 TELL Editor’s note

136 SEEN SCOTTSDALE 8752 E. Shea (101 & Shea) 480-991-6432 MESA 555 N. Gilbert, Suite 101 (Gilbert & University) 24 So Scottsdale! January ‘22 480-827-9184

Who went where and what happened

146 NEW IN TOWN S. Maranto’s Italian market and restaurant

Animal print is always in style.

My Sister’s Closet and its family of brands has given over $1 million to the Arizona Humane Society to help save homeless pets last year.

Where would you rather consign and shop?

Contents Welcome, 2022! It’s hard to believe it’s already January again – where did the time go? For many, a new year also means a whole lot of new other things: goals, voyages, passions and more.

With all these new and exciting changes you’re set out to make, it’s nice to know you can count on something familiar: Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Locals know it wouldn’t be January in Scottsdale without the gearhead wonderland. While the 50th anniversary auction did take place last year, the company halted its actual celebration due to COVID-19, so this year will be going full throttle in terms of fun – and we are here for it! Also excited for the festivities: Bret Michaels, who is on our cover this month. The music legend is auctioning off his personal Bentley, a guitar and two VIP tour tickets in the name of fun and philanthropy. Get the details on his car and the auction on page 44.

For those looking to focus inward this month, consider a rejuvenating road trip to Sedona (page 124). Hit the road and check out some of the most luxurious resorts just a car ride away. We’re highlighting places that have been updated or are new this year. Interested in getting a bit further out of town to refresh? Learn about the new Complete Suite Experience at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea on page 120.

In the way of health and fitness, we are showcasing local meal delivery companies making clean eating seamless (page 94) and a chic tennis racket cover that’ll have you heading to the courts in no time (page 99).

If interested in indulging in all that winter has to offer, enjoy slopeside styles (page 104), soups from local restaurants (page 130), coffee cart must-haves (page 102) and chic blazers (page 106).

One of my favorite articles this month is on those who are volunteering with the Fiesta Bowl organization, a local nonprofit that hosts the iconic Jan. 1 game but actually does a whole lot more year-round that people may not realize. Flip to page 48 to meet five locals who are dedicating their free time to making the lives of Valley children better through their work.

I hope this next year brings you happiness, health and a whole lot of fun!

All my best, Gabby Leighton Editor-in-Chief gabby@richmanmediagroup.com Connect with us!

Facebook: @soscottsdalemagazine Instagram: @so_scottsdale_magazine

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Kathleen Prokopow

Sally Cashman

Cashman Partners guided over

Tonja Howard

50 families through major life

transitions in 2021. As we continue to connect people with properties in this robust market, we look forward to helping You with Yours.

Cheers to a Happy & Healthy New Year!

cashmanpartners.com @cashmanpartnersaz

602.339.2680

@cashmanpartners

Publisher Bill Richman

Vice President of Operations Stacey Richman

Editor-in-Chief Gabby Leighton

Creative Director Lalo Reyes

Contributing Writers Alison Bailin Batz, Mandy Holmes, Kaylor Jones, Elizabeth Liberatore, Neyda Melina, Jim Prueter

Photographers Claudia Johnstone, Beverly Shumway, Debby Wolvos, David Apeji

Advertising Coordinator Stacey Richman stacey@richmanmediagroup.com

Contact Us Editorial gabby@richmanmediagroup.com

Advertising bill@richmanmediagroup.com 480.229.3122

Online www.soscottsdale.com

P: 480.229.3122 10632 N. Scottsdale Road Suite B-215 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 © 2022, RICHMAN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

UNMATCHED & UNRIVALED UNIQUE LOCATIONS FOR UNRIVALED LIFESTYLES. russlyon.com/6311886 © 2019 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the equal opportunity act.

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Pulse

U P C L O S E / B E AT / H I S S T Y L E / H E R S T Y L E

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

SWITCHING LANES

Drag racer Travis Shumake is following in his father’s funny car footsteps

Travis Shumake, son of legendary drag racer Tripp Shumake, grew up in Central Phoenix doing what he considered to be average kid things – walking around the pits, talking to famous drivers, standing on the starting line, and getting interviewed on live TV.

“I do remember when [my dad] was inducted to the Arizona Racing Hall of Fame hearing the crowd at Manzanita Speedway go wild and thinking that was pretty exciting for him and an awakening for me,” Shumake says.

It was these childhood experiences that illuminated his path So Scottsdale! January ‘22

33

Pulse UP CLOSE early in life. And until he was old enough to actually venture down that road, he wrote about it incessantly in school. “I Want to be a Funny Car Driver was the title of pretty much every paper I wrote as a kid,” Shumake says.

His drag racing career never took flight beyond his schoolwork writings, however. The furthest he got was go-kart racing, which he did for years with his dad at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association before his dad passed in 1999.

“I started to realize I was gay in the year leading up to his passing. When he died, I took a hard turn from drag racing into competitive cheerleading. Quite the switch, but I needed to express myself, and backflips and toe touches were my escape,” he says.

Shumake went on to have a successful, 15-year-long career in competitive cheerleading and coaching. His list of accomplishments includes coaching the Chaparral High School cheer team to two national championship titles in the same year. He also served as the director of development of one n ten, a nonprofit serving LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in the Valley.

Currently, he works for the Sigma Chi Foundation.

A Path of His Own When the pandemic first blanketed the world in March 2020, it put a lot into perspective for many. Shumake included. He suddenly and very persistently wanted to travel down that life path he only used to write about as a boy. At the beginning of 2021, he put pen to paper (one last time) on how to do that.

“My plan started as a single PowerPoint slide that ended up being 67 slides long! [It included] a timeline, business model, and a support team around me to get me on the track,” he says.

That PowerPoint and all its components figuratively and literally got Shumake on track after a 22-year hiatus. From mental training to sponsorship meetings and testing to licensing processes, this past year was a whirlwind of preparation for Shumake, to say the least. It also didn’t leave him unscathed.

In November 2021, Shumake experienced a catastrophic crash two hours after his final licensing pass when he covered the drag strip in 3.96 seconds at 309 mph. He hit a wall at 298 mph, resulting in two broken bones, a destroyed half million-dollar race car, and, more importantly in Shumake’s eyes, a shattered heart. Wounded spiritually and physically post-crash, Shumake recalled advice from his dad: “Get back in the driver’s seat when things go wrong.”

“Even with a racing pedigree and the best equipment and coaches, I am a human who made a mistake. The ribs healed much quicker than the brain and heart, but I know my dad would have owned his mistake and gotten back in the seat just like I am,” he says.

All the blood, sweat, and tears will culminate next month when Shumake makes his debut as the first openly gay driver to compete at the National Hot Rod Association, the highest level of any professional motorsport. He will drive on the same track at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park that his father – who was the first funny car driver to do so – did 39 years ago.

34

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

“All my racing memories are at this track; it is home for me. Being strapped into an 11,000-horsepower car and pulled through the same staging lanes as my dad is going to be very emotional for me,” he says.

Building Resilience Shumake is doing two things for professional drag racing as an openly gay man. First, he’s using his position of privilege as the son of a drag racing icon with skin in the game to keep the door propped open for other diverse drivers to walk through. Second, he’s challenging the stereotype that drag racing is a conservative sport full of unwelcoming folks. “[The latter] is not true. I have been embraced, celebrated, and supported by the sport, the drivers, and fans since day one,” Shumake says.

Nonetheless, being the “first” of anything can often create self-imposed pressure. “I don’t want to let my dad down. I don’t want to embarrass my family. I don’t want to set back gay racers.”

A way he combatted these internal negative whispers came after his November accident, persevering to strap back into the driver’s seat. “I faced the music early in my career. I ripped that band-aid and am stronger and more resilient for it,” he says.

While Shumake represents a more inclusive future for drag racing and sister sports, like NASCAR, he doesn’t want his sexuality to take center stage. Instead, he wants the focus to be on his driving.

“At the end of the day, gays in racing is good for the sport, the sponsors, and the fans. Hopefully, after a season or two, we are just talking about my reaction times and championships, not my boyfriend.”

Learn more at www.travisshumake.com.

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STICKING WITH IT

Interior design veteran Dala Al-Fuwaires launches temporary wallpaper company

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

Dala Al-Fuwaires has taken her interior design talents to product creation with the formation of Form Paper Co., a designer-quality peel and stick wallpaper company.

Born in Kuwait and raised throughout the country in addition to Bahrain and the United Kingdom, Al-Fuwaires moved to the US in 2001 to attend Arizona State University’s interior design program.

After more than a decade in the interior design industry and opening her commercial interior design firm House of Form five years ago, the entrepreneur used her time during the pandemic lockdown to fulfill her long-time passion of launching an American-made product.

“The pandemic may have put me in a panic for a bit, but I tried to harness the short period of downtime to explore expanding my business into related fields that strengthen our entire brand and support the local economy,” says Al-Fuwaires, who launched her new wallpaper company in July 2021.

Al-Fuwaires’ designs are edgy and bold, combining self-expression with art for customers to experiment in their spaces. She currently offers a variety of colorful graphic, geometric and floral prints. This year, she plans to create patterns that are geared toward children while collaborating with local artists and designers.

Form Paper Co. (www.formpaperco.com) products are fully made in Arizona, environmentally conscious, and the company plants a tree for every product sold.

“I love being a part of the fabric that contributes to our economic and cultural growth and look forward to seeing where the next 10 years take us,” Al-Fuwaires says.

Given her global childhood, she hopes to show women, minorities, and immigrants that anything is imaginable. Al-Fuwaires regularly contributes to ASU’s interior design program by guest lecturing and mentoring interior design students and credits her father and her husband for believing in her.

“I hope to be an expander for others by showing them that it is possible for us to carve a space out for our gifts and talents and rise to the top,” she says.

36

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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SCENTS FROM THE HEART Janeen Kokodynski is carrying on her son’s legacy through Koko’s Candles

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE

After losing her 1-month-old son Matthew to a congenital heart defect in 2005, Janeen Kokodynski worked tirelessly with the Children’s Heart Foundation.

In 2017, while fundraising for the nonprofit, she combined her love of candle making with her commitment to the cause to launch Koko’s Candles.

“After our son passed, I had friends and family say they didn’t know what to say or send to me so I started to see that there was a need for a high-quality gift that provided comfort during a difficult time,” she says.

“Ten years later I started my first company, A Box of Comfort, and later extended the candle line to offer a variety of scents and a larger three-wick candle.”

Koko’s Candles are fully made from soy wax – an important feature that makes the candle clean-burning.

Each candle has a cotton wick and comes with a small pewter heart at its base.

“At Matthew’s funeral, hammered pewter hearts were passed out, so before each candle is poured, a pewter heart is placed at the bottom. As the candle burns down, the heart is revealed and can then be removed and used as a pocket charm – a reminder that you are loved,” Kokodynski says.

Scents offered range from Arizona pine and lavender to orange blossom and birthday cake, among others. This year, Koko’s Candles will also debut a 2-ounce “hotel” candle.

“It is perfect for a small space like an office or bathroom or to throw in your bag if you’re going on a trip and you want your hotel room to smell good,” says Kokodynski, who, with her husband, is a proud parent to their children Mason, 20, Hailey, 18, and Kate, 14.

Koko’s Candles offers customers the unique opportunity to design their own lid, adding a special touch to an event.

Throughout the years, Kokodynski has shared her story with nonprofits in hopes of making a difference. In 2013, she spoke at a Mother’s Grace event, and she was honored as a MASK’s Mom’s Making a Difference Unity highlightHER Recipient in 2014.

A portion of the profits from each candle sold are donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation.

Learn more at www.kokoscandles.com.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Pulse HIS STYLE

WORLDWIDE WARDROBE Travel blogger Jeremy Cash has an outfit for every adventure

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

If there’s anything Jeremy Cash is adamantly aware of, it’s that a great outfit and a gorgeous destination make for one truly magical combination.

The retired NFL linebacker-turned-entrepreneur-turned-travel blogger keeps his sophisticated style fresh by traveling the world and adapting to trends that fit in with his wellness-focused lifestyle. As the owner of Kaizen Health + Wellness and Maximum Fitness Gym, Cash depends on versatile outfits that can take him from the city to the beach to the mountains.

“Before any trip, I try to coordinate my outfits based on the current weather, trends and cultural practices of the region I'm heading to,” he says. “I love picking up unique pieces from each of my adventures – most recently, I scored some baby alpaca scarves from a trip to Peru.”

As a young entrepreneur, Cash ensures he is taken seriously by dressing the part of a professional, whether that means sporting Tailored Athlete because it was created by an athlete for individuals with athletic builds, or Zara because of the quality clothing for an affordable price.

“Most people assume you have to buy the designer brands to look good, and while they are certainly nice, I'm here to tell you that you don't,” he says.

What trend are you loving right now?

I've done a good amount of traveling to beaches lately, so I've dressed in a lot of “boho chic” attire – more natural fabrics like linen, cotton etc.

Do you have any favorite accessories?

Hats are my new kick! I've found that it adds an element of depth to both the individual and their photographs and a great way to spruce up an outfit. For shoes, definitely Oliver Cabell.

These shoes are top-notch quality and are extremely versatile.

What are your favorite colors to wear?

I actually had to reorganize my closet after a recent trip and realized just how many warm, neutrals I have in there like browns, beiges and navy.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Pulse HER STYLE

DRIVEN BY DESIGN

Lauren Lerner’s outfits are just as chic as the spaces she creates

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY LIFE CREATED

Much like her interior design approach, Lauren Lerner’s personal style features great silhouettes and a simple color palette.

“Being at the forefront of the design industry gives me access to the latest and greatest trends,” Lerner says. “My style has evolved over time and became a mix of trends in small doses while keeping my closet staples and more expensive pieces classic.”

The founder and principal designer of Living with Lolo interior design firm finds herself drawn to pops of blue, purple, and green. She loves to incorporate textures and abstract patterns, creating a modern eclectic style often inspired by her travels.

Her creative use of neutral hues and earth tones can be seen both in her outfits and the spaces she designs.

Most of Lerner’s days consist of client meetings and site visits, so she gravitates toward shoes that are both fashionable and functionable, like lug boots or Golden Goose sneakers.

“I am also obsessed with dresses from the Los Angeles brand MISA and the Parisian brand ba&sh,” she says. “They make you look effortlessly chic and I love the beautiful fabrics and the feminine details.”

How do you feel about accessories? I love accessories! They are here to accentuate our outfits (or homes!) and really help complete a look – no matter the occasion. I particularly love shoes. They are my favorite accessory to splurge on!

What trend are you loving right now? I am really loving the lug boots trend! You can style them in many different ways, and they are the perfect edgy alternative to a regular black ankle boot. And of course, I also love how comfortable they are, which is very practical.

What is your most prized possession in your closet? Right now, it's my Saint Laurent Lou Matelassé Leather Camera bag in dark beige because it goes with everything, but I am eyeing the Salvatore Ferragamo Viva Bow shoulder bag in cream for this spring.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Carmen Rayis, Physician Assistant, Master Injector

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BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARRETT-JACKSON

Bret Michaels celebrates 50 years of Barrett-Jackson at the annual Scottsdale Auction

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his month, music icon Bret Michaels will auction his 2007 Bentley Continental GT in honor of 50 years of Barrett-Jackson’s legendary automotive auctions.

The Bentley, recognizable by its Moonbeam silver paintjob, custom 19-inch wheels and a premium sound system fit for a rockstar, has been a favorite of Michaels’ for over a decade – evidenced by how many of his music videos and reality shows it’s made a cameo in over the years.

But the Poison frontman and accomplished solo artist isn’t solely a car enthusiast – he’s a driving enthusiast. “I’ve said it again and again, driving is good for the soul,” Michaels says. “I’ve put a lot of miles on the Bentley, but I’ve kept in it great shape – it’s been there, done that, and it’s still rocking.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Parting with it will be a bittersweet moment, but I know someone else will be able to form some incredible memories with it.”

This love of all things automotive can be traced back to Michaels’ childhood in Pennsylvania, where he was often found in the stands at Pocono Raceway or riding BMX bikes or go-karts. And though Michaels has owned a wide range of cars over the years, his first will always remain fresh in his mind.

“My first car was a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500, a hand-me-down that I bought from my dad for $200,” he says. “It was about the size of a boat, had enough play in the steering wheel that it finally caught on after about six cranks, and could fit all of my friends – the trunk could probably sneak about 40 people into a drive-in!”

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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This is something of a theme in Michaels’ collection – his current favorite for everyday trips isn’t lacking on space either. “My Cadillac Escalade is my go-to because practically everything I own fits in it. There’s nothing like parking at the beach and playing my guitar with the back door kicked open. If I could only find a way to fit a microwave in there, it’d be perfect!”

A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY This month, Barrett-Jackson will celebrate half a century of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions from Jan. 22 to 30 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. VIP and general admission tickets are available for advance purchase online.

Michaels – a frequent attendee and ardent fan of Barrett-Jackson – believes there’s something special in the way the event never fails to bring the community together.

“Being involved in the 40th anniversary of Barrett-Jackson was incredible,” he says. “We made it an absolute party, and I’m really excited to come back this year to throw another one and raise money for charity together. After the last few years,

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

people could use a party with a purpose.”

Crossing the block alongside Michaels’ Bentley on Jan. 28 is another showstopping set of wheels – a jet black 1973 De Tomaso Pantera. One hundred percent of the hammer price will be donated to Barrow Neurological Foundation, which provides lifesaving care to people with brain and spine injuries.

The cause is especially close to Michaels’ heart as he was once a patient at Barrow – St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute saved his life when he suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2010, after which he donated the Bret Michaels Hospitality and Music Room, a place where patients and

families can find a moment of relief during a stressful time in their lives.

FAMILY & PHILANTHROPY In everything he does, Michaels works to spur positive change in the world by serving those in need. As in previous years, he’ll donate a large portion of the proceeds from the sale of his Bentley – which also comes with a signed Every Rose Has Its Thorn guitar and two VIP tickets to his upcoming stadium tour – to his Life Rocks Foundation (www.liferocksfoundation.org).

The nonprofit has raised tens of millions of dollars for a wide range of causes, including diabetes research and awareness.

Michaels also shares stories of hope and encouragement from people with diabetes through his #KnowSurviveThrive campaign.

Just as important as donations, he says, is being vocal about his own experiences and amplifying the voices of those who have overcome adversity and taken control of their diabetes.

“My mom and dad forged the way I think and always led by example. They said to me early in life, ‘you can either be a victim, or you can be victorious,’” says Michaels, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 6, when there was a larger learning curve and fewer resources available than there are today.

He was able to watch his parents’ generosity in action when, after noticing there were few kids at school who her son could relate to, Michaels’ mom helped form the first diabetic youth camp in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, providing a sense of community where one was previously lacking.

Michaels continues to repay this act of service, one of the first times in his life that he saw how rewarding it was to give back, by sponsoring children to attend diabetes

summer camps.

When Michaels first started touring with Poison, he viewed it as another opportunity to touch people’s lives. “I thought, if we’re doing this concert, we’re going to leave something amazing behind as a thank you. So in each city, we picked a purpose, whether it was diabetes, breast cancer, Make-A-Wish – wherever there was a need.”

And just as his family did with him, Michaels strives to raise his children with an altruistic mindset. His daughters, Raine Elizabeth, 21, and Jorja Bleu, 16, have selected their own causes to champion, raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer and animal welfare, and – as it seems to Michaels – personally rescuing every German shepherd in the continental U.S.

KEEP ON GIVING With a recently released book – a combination biography and scrapbook called Auto-Scrap-Ography, Vol. 1 – and an all-star stadium tour featuring Poison, Def Leppard, Motley Crue and Joan Jett beginning this summer, Michaels shows no signs

of slowing down. And when it comes to the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, he has one goal in mind – to make sure everyone in attendance has the time of their life.

Michaels’ “have fun, but get it done” mentality will be writ large as he auctions his Bentley to benefit the Life Rocks Foundation, which in turn supports organizations like the American Diabetes Association, Stand Up to Cancer, the Humane Society of the United States and the Wounded Warrior Project.

For Michaels, this spirit of generosity stems from an immense feeling of gratitude – for the chance to see another day, to touch another person’s life, to listen to great music and enjoy some open road.

“It’s all about striving to embrace the good and withstand the bad. I know how much I’m thankful for in my own life, and the chance to help someone else is why I do what I do. Hopefully people will see that and choose to give some of their time, causing a reaction that brings people together and reinvigorates them to keep passing along that pay it forward mentality.”

More at www.barrett-jackson.com.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHSTONE

Fiesta Bowl volunteers help local nonprofits score major victories for Arizona’s youth In 1971, nine local business leaders came together to pitch the NCAA on the idea of an Arizona-based college football bowl game to enhance the stature of the state. Today, that game is the iconic PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, which took place Jan. 1 between No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 9 Oklahoma State. Beyond the actual game, however, the modern-day Bowl organization is also a Scottsdalebased nonprofit made up of more than 3,000 business and civic leaders that – through the Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade – provides critical funds to programs across Arizona that positively impact youth, sports and education. Here, we share the stories of five local Fiesta Bowl volunteers whose dedication and drive are helping kids score on the field, in the classroom and beyond.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Patrick Barkley Chair, Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors Given the Fiesta Bowl played its games at Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium for more than 30 years before moving to State Farm Stadium in 2006, it might be a surprise to learn that the organization’s chair, Patrick Barkley, is both a Tucson native and University of Arizona alum.

“While a Valley resident for 25 years, I have to give a nod to the Old Pueblo for serving as the backdrop for my initial love of events like the Fiesta Bowl,” Barkley says. “My great-grandfather founded the Fiesta De Los Vaqueros, which is the Tucson Rodeo, so they are in my blood.”

After getting his start in commercial banking in Tucson, Barkley moved to the Valley in 1996 to be closer to his now-wife, who already lived here. With his professional and personal life in a good place, he signed up to volunteer at the Fiesta Bowl’s Hole-In-One event in 1997 to dip his toes in the community event pond. Immediately enamored by the organization, Barkley was accepted into Fiesta Futures – a mentorship program that starts individuals on the path toward formal Fiesta Bowl board membership – in 1998.

In the years since, Barkley has served on nearly every committee and every board within the organization, even helping the Bowl found its charitable arm in 2011.

“I’ve done it all, from rolling out the American flag for the national anthem to awarding the $1.2 million trophy on national television,” Barkley says. “But Fiesta Bowl Charities far and away fills me with the most pride.”

Which Fiesta Bowl beneficiary has an extra special place in your heart?

My mom was a teacher, so the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program is big for me. Through it, we give $2,500 grants to teachers across Arizona. We’ve granted more than 1,200 teachers’ wishes since launching in 2016.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Denise Seomin

Member, Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors Sports have always played an integral role in Denise Seomin’s life. “My father played football for the University of Cincinnati,” says Seomin, who fondly remembers watching sports with her father as among her most treasured memories.

And while Seomin once dreamt of being the first professional female baseball player, by the time she hit college, she realized that her passion outweighed her skill.

“So, I entered The Ohio State University, focusing on sports in a different way,” says Seomin, who studied journalism and sports management, serving as the football reporter for the school newspaper and working in the Sports Information Department along the way.

Seomin’s combination of communications prowess and sports knowledge earned her the role of assistant athletic media relations director at Iowa State University in 1988 and eventually she became the media relations director for Prime Network/Fox Sports Net in 1992.

The constant travel inspired her to turn her career to tourism, first with a position at Princess Cruises, then Best Western International – which brought her to Arizona in 2004 – and eventually as an executive at The Phoenician, where she remains today.

“While I knew about the actual Fiesta Bowl since I was young, it wasn’t until I lived here that I learned about everything else the organization did,” Seomin says.

During her first days at The Phoenician, she was thrilled to learn the resort’s general manager was a member of the Fiesta Bowl. “He paved the way for me,” says Seomin, who joined the Yellow Jacket Committee in 2009 and was named rookie of the year in 2010. In 2016, she was elected to the organization’s board of directors.

Favorite Fiesta Bowl volunteer role: The sports fan in me has loved serving as moderator for many of the national game week press conferences, including the semifinal playoff game in 2019.

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Nick Smith

Member, Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors This year’s game was a special one for Nick Smith for many reasons.

First, it was his first Fiesta Bowl game as a member of the organization’s board of directors, a position he was granted after serving as a Yellow Jacket Committee member since 2012. In that time, he also served as the Yellow Jacket Committee chair during the Fiesta Bowl’s 50th anniversary season in 2020.

Additionally, Smith actually played as a linebacker for Notre Dame from 1989 to 1993, so having his team in his home stadium was a dream.

“Astute football fans will remember that Notre Dame won its last national championship after taking down West Virginia in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, which was just months before I joined the team,” he says.

Though he missed that particular game, Smith’s teams – under the leadership of College Football Hall of Fame coach Lou Holtz – were consistently in the top five during his tenure at the school.

“I learned a lot from coach Holtz, notably that if you care enough that anything is possible,” Smith says. “I put that advice into action in every aspect of my life, and it paid off a thousand times over.”

After being picked up as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers and spending some time in the Canadian Football League, Smith moved to Scottsdale in the mid-1990s, where he became an entrepreneur, successfully launching and running several businesses.

In addition to his position on the Fiesta Bowl board of directors, Smith is also the executive vice president of National PEO, a football coach at Notre Dame Preparatory and the head of the Fiesta Bowl Youth Football Clinic.

“While a lot on my plate, when you care, you make the time,” he says.

Do you wish you were on the field playing in the game this year?

At 50, I much prefer being on the field as a spectator/volunteer!

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Nick Kieffer

Member, Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee Though Nick Kieffer is an Arizona native, his road to the Fiesta Bowl took him through New Jersey before coming back to Scottsdale.

“After graduating from Camelback High School in 1996 and Arizona State in 2000, I joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, which is like the Peace Corps but focused on making an impact domestically,” Kieffer says. “The program took me to Camden for more than a year, where I volunteered with kids.”

Impassioned to work with children in some capacity but eager to get back to his home state, Kieffer moved back to Arizona in 2001. Once home, he earned a role coaching and running an after-school program through the City of Tempe.

“I also got a part-time job at Hensley, primarily assisting the beverage distributor with bar promotions and events,” Kieffer says. “Among the events I worked on from day one: the Fiesta Bowl.”

One year with Hensley turned to two, and soon he took on a full-time role. Twenty years later, he is still with the organization, albeit in management and overseeing the distribution of brands such as Superstition Meadery and Firestone Walker.

“But don’t think I stopped working with and for kids,” says Kieffer, who transitioned from working Fiesta Bowl events to serving as a Yellow Jacket Committee member for the organization in 2014.

In his role, Kieffer volunteers on community impact projects, which range from helping build playgrounds to running sports clinics, and oversees Bowl pre-game parties programming Valleywide.

Why do Yellow Jacket members wear actual yellow jackets?

Before rankings determined it, bowls sent representatives nationwide to make the case to teams to travel and play in their bowl. To symbolize our sunshine and make a statement, our founders boldly chose yellow jackets for those visits. Our board honors them by wearing the same jackets today.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Kailey Warren

Member, Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee “Like father, like daughter” is a phrase Kailey Warren hears often.

“And I would not have it any other way,” Warren says. “My dad, Rick, and I both work in commercial real estate, with him managing a national commercial lending firm and me on the sales side at a commercial real estate appraisal and engineering firm.”

Beyond that, they also have the Fiesta Bowl in common.

“Dad first got involved with the Bowl in the early 2000s. And for all the good he did, apparently all I did was razz him about the yellow jacket he wore,” Warren says.

“Who knew 7-year-olds were so savage about fashion?”

Warren’s jokes at her father’s expense lessened as she got older, especially when she got to ride in the Fiesta Bowl Parade and visit him at the Fiesta Bowl HoleIn-One tournament.

“By the time I was getting into my career, I was in full awe of the good work dad and his committee members were doing in those yellow jackets,” Warren says.

“They inspired me to attend my first game in person in 2019.”

The game she chose – the College Football Playoff Semifinal between Ohio State and Clemson – was kismet.

“And not just because the game was epic,” Warren says. “I saw a colleague, Sean Ward, on the field during the game.”

Ward, the 2018-2019 Fiesta Bowl Yellow Jacket Committee Rookie of the Year, connected with her later and noted that interviews to join the Fiesta Futures program were weeks away.

“Within a few months, I found myself knee-deep in the mentorship program, and earned my Yellow Jacket and a committee position in 2020,” Warren says.

Any goals now that you are on the committee?

Although a lofty one, I look forward to the day I announce I’ve raised more money than my dad did, of course!

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Save the Date INSPIRATIONS 2022

Garden Party February

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2022

Expect fabulous silent and live auctions, engaging raffles and an extraordinary experience with our cancer fighter models and their siblings! This uplifting and unique event is not just any fashion show, but rather a chance for you to celebrate survivorship with our families. Inspirations is a wonderful way to experience the warmth and community of Children’s Cancer Network!

CHILDRENSCANCERNETWORK.ORG/EVENTS Children’s Cancer Network is a Qualified Charitable Organization for the Arizona State Tax Credit. childrenscancernetwork.org

There’s no doubt Valley businesses are booming and that the people behind them are innovative, intelligent and, above all, influential. As we delve into 2022, we’re eagerly looking ahead to those who are advancing their fields, growing local commerce, and forging the path to success – across all types of vocations. From what they’re doing now to the plans they have for the remainder of the year, take note on the people to watch this year.

The Real Estate Matchmaker Wendy Ortiz is reliable, resourceful, and determined

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endyO Real Estate is unlike other real estate companies.

Wendy Ortiz goes above and beyond what most realtors do, resulting in a strong client base with friendships along the way. Throughout her career, Wendy has been blessed to receive guided mentorship with each firm she represented including her current affiliation with HomeSmart ELITE which set the stage to elevate her game personally and professionally.

“I consider myself a Real Estate Matchmaker, utilizing multiple platforms in order to meet & exceed the wants, needs and desires of clients,” she says. “One of my favorite analogies is that real estate marketing is a lot like online dating. You have a split second to make an impression that will prompt the consumer to swipe left or swipe right. Will your marketing be on point enough to get them hooked?”

So, how did WendyO Real Estate get to where it is today? Every one of her experiences has given her unique strengths and skills to elevate her

professional career. She said she always had the spirit of an entrepreneur, and even owned a logo and marketing company before switching to real estate. Through failures and hardships, Wendy said she learned how to get back up and continue to succeed. This, along with her ability to lead with heart and authenticity, has made her a successful businesswoman and top producer in valley real estate.

“The most important part of my job is building relationships,” Wendy says.

For Wendy, earning the trust of a client is a great honor and she considers that milestone to be her greatest accomplishment. “People trust me with one of the single largest investments of their lives regardless of the price point,” said Wendy, “this is a role that is not taken lightly. Relationships matter above all other things.”

Even as a 50 something, Wendy is on the cutting edge of social media, something her colleagues often resist.

“Mobilized social media and technology

platforms give me an edge locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Consumers are relying on virtual technology to make big purchases and Real Estate is no exception,” she shares. FaceTime and live virtual showing tools have revolutionized the way she does business and she knows it’s important to stay on top of these changes in order to remain relevant to the needs of today’s consumer.

For Wendy, her job rests on two things: integrity and reputation. She believes she is only as good as her previous job and is motivated by doing good work. Being able to see things from an outside point of view and always staying solution oriented are what she considers to be her superpowers in the industry.

“It’s critical in my opinion to have a skilled strategist aiding you to navigate the process and head off the speedbumps along the way,” Wendy says.

To Contact Wendy Ortiz call 480.695.3709 or www.wendyorealestate.com.

Confidence Is Beautiful

Krista Kutac leads an advanced and transformative aesthetic center

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fter working in the aesthetic world for 17 years, for a handful of national companies, Krista Kutac knows her fair share about aesthetics, both surgical and non-surgical.

That knowledge and her passion for helping patients gain confidence led to the foundation of UGlow Face & Body, in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

Founded in 2021 by Kutac , UGlow is an advanced aesthetic center specializing in exclusive, anti-aging skin rejuvenation services and minimally-invasive body sculpting and fat removal--all designed with the singular goal of giving women (and men!) back their confidence while changing the narrative of what’s considered beautiful.

Kutac's transition from employee to business owner was the result of working in an industry that catered primarily to women yet is dominated by male CEOs and C-suites. Kutac was on a mission to create a company for women, by women.

With its growth exceeding expectations,

UGlow is opening a center in Las Vegas in January 2022 with plans to open additional locations throughout the U.S. As founder and president, Kutac leads a diverse team of doctors, surgeons, nurses and aestheticians who focus on delivering dramatic results for their patients, regardless of skin type, age or body size. Collectively, Kutac's team has provided more than 100,000 aesthetic treatments and has nearly 70 years of combined experience. Whether you’re looking to reverse the signs of aging, permanently remove fat or sculpt your body, UGlow has options for a custom, personalized plan.

"We're wholly unique," Kutac points out. "We offer exclusive, customized treatments that can't just can’t be found anywhere else. More importantly, we’re redefining what it means to be beautiful.

Confidence is beautiful and a confident woman is an unstoppable woman."

UGlow is the exclusive provider of FirmSculpt(R)™—a patent-pending body

sculpting procedure that permanently removes fat and tightens skin. In addition, InMode—a leader in medical technology devices—selected UGlow to be its Arizona Center of Excellence and Reference Center—a remarkable achievement for a company less than a year old.

“My experience with other companies provided invaluable insight into not only what people are looking for," Kutac explains, "but also which treatments work and which don't, which procedures provide consistent results and which ones leave people underwhelmed."

Kutac's corporate background and leadership have helped UGlow thrive.

Through its ongoing operations and expansion, Kutac is pursuing what she says is her greatest passion: "To help people regain their confidence and, through that confidence, live their best lives."

Contact Krista Kutac at 602.562.4531 or visit www.uglowfaceandbody.com, 4205 N Winfield Scott Plaza Suite 6, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

The Power of Pellets®

CarolAnn Tutera helps patients reconnect with the best they can be at any age

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arolAnn Tutera is at the helm of SottoPelle® and Tutera Medical™, the valley’s premier provider of bioidentical hormone therapy using pellet implants. The great thing about using implants for hormone treatment over pills, creams, or patches for medical treatment is the steady flow of hormones your body receives. People often forget to take medicine or pills regularly, and pellet implants are able to mimic the hormonal release schedule that the human body naturally creates.

But what is hormone replacement therapy for? “As we age, our hormones and bodies don’t work quite the same as they used to. Bioidentical hormone treatment is a great option for those wanting improved energy and vitality, a decrease in bone loss, and increases in muscle mass,” CarolAnn shares. Tutera Medical™ also offers patients IV treatment, among other wellness services.

As the CEO of SottoPelle®, CarolAnn says her favorite part of the

job is working with her team of experts in the office. She is the wife to the late Dr. Gino Tutera and together, they started the company in 1992. Currently, SottoPelle® is considered the true pioneer in the hormonal pellet therapy field.

Moving forward, CarolAnn and her team are also working on a new product line to enhance their hair repair supplement.

Despite being a leading voice in the field, Tutera says she doesn’t consider herself an expert, but says her late husband was. “I am carrying on Dr. Gino Tutera’s legacy throughout the US and other countries,” Tutera says. It is through hard work and determination, in addition to the contributions of Dr. Gino Tutera, that she is successful today.

Even though she is CEO, she is also a patient, and has been for 26 years.

“Our staff keeps me actively involved, and always leaves me feeling excited about new products and procedures that we bring to both companies,” she says. Tutera is also a strong believer

in providing customers with the best possible treatment and care while also ensuring reasonable pricing.

In the new year, SottoPelle® is furthering their expansion throughout the world. Going beyond the countries they are currently in. As the gold standard in their field, SottoPelle’s reputation is known worldwide. Tutera says, “I am honored to be part of this company and continue to see it grow.” She has been honored by Vanity Fair on the list of Women to Watch, the face of HRT in Phoenix Magazine 4 years in a row and 6 years voted for best HRT office by Ranking Arizona. She says the most valuable lesson she has learned along the way is that everyone faces setbacks, but what matters is how you learn to grow from the hardships.

To Contact the office call 480.874.1515 or visit www.tuteramedical.com, www.sottopelletherapy.com, located at 8412 E. Shea Blvd. #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Looking Good

Charles Small helps clients look and feel their best

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he long hours and stress Charles Small experienced during his 15 years as a critical care nurse led to his switching to a new career and eventually founding the award-winning Glo Medspa.

Small’s background is in helping people. “I decided to go into the field of aesthetics to aid in people feel good about the way they look and feel,” he says.

His full-service medspa, which offers advanced cosmetic injections as well as skincare, facials, and body contouring and sculpting, was named "Best Aesthetic Practice" at the 2021 Las Vegas Aesthetic Show, which features practices from all over the United States.

“Glo Medspa is always a leader in aesthetics in Arizona,” Small says. “We closely watch the trends evolving overseas and predict what will be the next hot trend here.”

Small wanted to change the aesthetics industry by offering affordable prices, which he says is a rare thing in that

business. He got started by taking cosmetic injection classes.

“My passion grew over the years, and I had this thirst for learning about everything on the market and all the new things coming into the field of aesthetics,” Small says.

Glo Medspa was created with three things, according to Small: trust, honesty, and maintaining fair prices. Personalized service is also of upmost important and Small likes to spend time with all his clients so he can get to know them individually.

He says many of his colleagues refer clients to him whose needs go beyond their level of comfort and expertise. “I perform all the most advanced facial injection techniques as well as teach others,” Small says.

He constantly invites outside trainers to the office to demonstrate techniques such as advanced injections and how to use products in order to further the development of Glo Medspa. Small also plans to launch a training program called Glo

Aesthetics Academy to help doctors and nurses develop their skills.

Even with all the financial challenges businesses face due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Glo Medspa has continued to grow steadily throughout 2020-21, according to Small. The practice grew by 20% in 2020 to over $3.5 million in sales. He is confident the practice’s high standards and ability to exceed patient’s expectations will continue into 2022.

Small has many certifications, including basic and advanced techniques of Botox and Juvéderm injections. He is also an active member of the Dermatology Nurses Association as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgery Nurses.

“My favorite part of my job is the feeling of happiness my clients get when I can transform them into a younger version, but still look the same,” he says.

Contact Charles Small at 480.245.6881, or glomedspas.com, 10505 N. 69th Street, Suite 1000, Scottsdale.

The Real Estate Market Expert Allison Cahill, Esq. works tirelessly for her clients

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n today’s real estate market, clients need a real estate agent with the experience, credentials, and relevant skill sets when they navigate the ever-changing world of real estate. Allison Cahill of Allison Cahill Luxury Properties, Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate; meets and exceeds that set of criteria. In fact, her background makes her uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges that inevitably come with real estate transactions.

Cahill graduated in the top of her class at Loyola Law Chicago, where she harnessed her skills to become an attorney; specializing in asset protection. As a result, she became an expert in one of the most crucial skills a real estate agent needs; contracts. Her negotiating prowess and professional skills that she obtained as an attorney led her to obtain her real estate license in 2012, and she has been a key player in the Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix market ever since.

Currently, she has her own team of

agents and a marketing director, specializing in luxury real estate and investment properties. “Even though we’re in a strong seller's market, I treat each listing I have as if it were a buyer’s market, “she says.

Cahill has consistently been able to get her sellers 10% over market value for their homes by using professional videos, 3-D tours, and expertly staged photos.

Being able to market effectively is an indispensable skill for any real estate agent, and Cahill certainly takes that seriously. Cahill is also extremely active in her greater community in addition to real estate, which is both a passion of hers and an asset for her clients. She is a Director of the Scottsdale Arts Board, and a Director for the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors Board, and the Arizona Association of Realtors Board.

In addition, she is a member of the Leadership Circle for Phoenix Children’s Hospital; another passion of hers.

Her previous work as an attorney

gives her a unique edge over other realtors. Having experience in negotiation and contract law are what Cahill considers some of her greatest strengths in her career. “When negotiating, I focus on much more than just the sales price.

I negotiate other important aspects that others may not think of and make sure those are in the contract,” Cahill says. “I am able to leverage this skill and get my client’s contracts accepted in multiple offer situations.” Her negotiation and contract law skills allow her to represent her clients to the fullest extent while maintaining a strong grasp on the ever fluctuating market.

Ultimately, Cahill’s love for real estate primarily stems from the people she meets. She believes that being able to work with a variety of people; be they clients or professionals, is consistently exciting.

To Contact Allison Cahill, Esq. call 215.262.7066 or visit www.allisoncahill.com.

Luxury Hair Destination

Ryan McKinley takes the salon experience to a new level

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yan McKinley found his passion for hair at an early age. By cutting and coloring his friends' hair while he was still in high school, the Utah native opened his first salon in Salt Lake City before relocating to Scottsdale.

“I worked at another Scottsdale salon under the mentorship of a great man who was like a father to me,” McKinley says. “When he passed away, I made the decision to open a salon and Ryan M was born.”

Today Ryan is the owner of Ryan M Salon in Scottsdale, a Top 5 Finalist for Salon Design of the Year in the 2020 North American Hairstyling Awards.

“The salon has a hip and trendy vibe while still maintaining an approachable feel,” McKinley says. A master stylist since 2001, McKinley showcases his love of fashion and beauty while providing clients with access to the most talented stylists and the highest quality products.

“I love to make someone feel fabulous and confident in the way they look,” he says.

“Everyone can and should feel confident in their appearance- we at Ryan M make that happen.’

Ryan M Salon provides a full range of hair care services and products as well as esthetician services including an extensive menu of facials, peels, and waxing.

Clients also have access to the very best in Skin Care by Marina Novak, known as Scottsdale’s Brow Queen.

“I’ve had the opportunity to train with some of the best of the best in my field and I have learned so much from so many,” McKinley says. Now he’s training the next generation of stylists.

“I have always been a huge supporter of female empowerment in the workplace,” McKinley says. “It’s been a blessing to be able to provide young women with the skill set to become financially independent while following their passion. Often, young stylists who graduate from the Ryan M training program go on to double or triple their previous income.”

The salon has been named to the Arizona Foothills Magazine Best Salon in the Valley list for two consecutive years.

Ryan M also received Best Salon Design 2020 honors from Salon Today.

His team has sponsored a day of glamour for hospital workers during the height of the pandemic and McKinley hosts a Toys for Tots collection on the day after Thanksgiving during its annual Botox, Blowouts, and Bubbles event and donates to local charitable organizations.

McKinley says he’s proud to be the owner of a small business that was able to survive through the challenges of 2020 and come out thriving in 2021.

“I expect 2022 to be an incredible year for the business,” he says. “I’m grateful to all our fabulous, loyal clients for sticking by us and continuing to support us and the vision that is Ryan M.” To Contact Ryan McKinley call 480.361.9166 or visit www.ryanmscottsdale.com, 15446 N Greenway Hayden Loop Suite 1010, Scottsdale AZ 85260.

Relationship Builder

Peggy Young takes a hands-on approach in real estate

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ealtor Peggy Young, who has been helping people buy and sell homes for over 25 years, says her business is built on the relationships she has with her clients. “I love helping people obtain their housing dreams,” she says.

Young began selling real estate in 1996 in Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to Scottsdale in May 2008 in the middle of the housing market crash.

“I understand all the complexities in real estate from showing houses, marketing and negotiation to contract completion,” she says. “I close an average of 30-40 homes per year.”

She was featured in the September 2021 issue of So Scottsdale as one of the 2021 Real Estate Superstars and is a 5-Star Zillow Agent. In October 2021, Young ranked as the #3 individual Realtor for sales in her firm of 350 agents.

Young takes pride in helping buyers find the perfect home that meets their needs and assisting sellers so they receive the highest possible price. “I

provide full service including but not limited to state-of-the-art advertising and marketing, exquisite photography, excellent negotiating skills, and contract management from beginning to end,” she says.

Selling homes in all prices ranges is her specialty. She says she stands out because “I answer my phone. I provide excellent customer service. I listen to my clients. I am relentless and persistent and I get the job done. I am hands on.”

Young also understands the market and has excellent negotiating skills. Her business continues to grow, as she sold 34 homes in 2020 and more than 40 in 2021.

“There is always room to learn and grow more,” Young says. One thing she’s learning from right now is remodeling her own home. “That’s been an eye-opener and I now realize what people go through!

Buying, selling or remodeling a home is an emotional process and you need the right team to get the job done.”

Over the past year, she’s also

learned about the value of being patient.

“We live in a different world now,” Young says. “Things taking longer to get to you was evident in my remodel.”

In addition, she has learned more skills to help her clients successfully purchase homes in multiple-offer situations. “We’re in a very competitive market and I know how to win,” she shares.

Work and her family are her priorities.

She lives six doors down from her 86-yearold mother and serves on the Sunrise Villas HOA Board of Directors. She also takes time to mentor new agents at her firm.

When Peggy can get away, she enjoys visiting her grandchildren Theo and Max. “I love what I do,” she says. “My business is about connecting and relationships. I am a great connector and enjoy doing that. I love building relationships and collaborating with my clients so that everyone wins.”

To Contact Peggy Young call 480.241.1040 or visit www.peggyyoung. com.

Studio JAQUE

Advancing Design in Hospitality

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he new reality created by the COVID pandemic illustrates how life responds to evolving circumstances. As Jaque Bethke observes, the ways people shop, learn, and socialize have shifted. Students learn in hybridlearning environments, and social gatherings are more commonly taking place outdoors. Studio JAQUE "has long embraced this thinking," Bethke says, this understanding of life as an "ever-fluctuating model."

Undoubtedly Studio JAQUE—a global architecture and design firm based in Scottsdale—is well-prepared to provide flexible solutions for its diverse clients at the intersection of hospitality and design. "We are hyper-sensitive to how the small things can have a big impact," says Bethke.

Bethke, who is the principal designer at Studio JAQUE, founded the company in 2017. Comprising of architects, designers, brand builders, and storytellers, Studio JAQUE is a full-service company that provides everything from site selection

to architectural engineering and interior design to marketing strategies.

Bethke previously worked at Wynn Resorts for 19 years and eventually served as its Director of Design. There, she leveraged her creativity to elevate the customer experience in hospitality.

With every obstacle, she found an opportunity: If it didn't exist, her team would invent it. If someone told them it couldn't happen, they would prove otherwise. "I have always been determined and accustomed to being held at the highest level of accountability and creativity," Bethke explains. And she refuses anything else below those standards.

Bethke's leadership, fearlessness, and creativity have helped shape Studio JAQUE into the renowned design firm it is today—an award-winning women owned and operated studio that takes on the unknown, new, and impossible.

While never limiting herself to specific areas of architecture and design, Bethke appreciates human design. "It is

the most fascinating piece of the design process and creates the absolute best parts of the end product," she says.

In addition to her clients, Bethke has a number of passion projects. “None gives me more pleasure than granting scholarships to kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity to accomplish their dreams,” she shares. “Providing sponsorships brings the team joy, and hope for the future generations of leaders.”

While her firm continues to evolve in response to changes in their industry and clients' needs, their mission will remain the same. "The goal of our group is to leave the places we touch happier, healthier, and wealthier," Bethke says.

With their collective of thinkers and honest approach to design, she declares, “the buildings and spaces will stand the test of time and create memories that will last a lifetime."

To Contact Jaque Bethke, call 833.447.5662 or visit www.jaque.design, 42447 N 105th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262.

Laser Options by Jen

Jennifer Ives helps clients enhance their natural beauty

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ince opening day, Laser Options

by Jen—a skincare studio in Scottsdale—has always been a one-woman show. Heading its production is Jennifer Ives, a Cosmetic Laser Technician and Esthetician who has helped thousands of clients achieve and maintain a youthful and healthy glow.

Ives founded Laser Options by Jen seven years ago. Before that, she studied at the National Association of Laser and Aesthetics (NALA), where she trained and worked with world-class lasers and lightbased medical aesthetics technology. After a few years of working in the laser and aesthetics industry, Ives says, "I decided this is what I was meant to do."

At Laser Options by Jen, Ives uses medical-grade lasers to provide a range of non-surgical treatment options to help clients restore and enhance their natural beauty with little to no downtime. These services include RF (Radio Frequency) Microneedling, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)/Photofacial Skin Rejuvenation, RF Skin Tightening,

CryoSlimming, CryoToning, CryoFacial, Chemical Peels, RF NanoFractional Skin Resurfacing, and Laser Hair Removal.

She focuses on providing safe and effective treatment options and shares, "I'm very passionate about delivering the best for my clients." Ives continuously looks for ways to improve her practice by staying up-to-date about the latest cutting-edge technology in the medical aesthetics industry. Achieving and maintaining healthy skin is the key to fighting the aging process and that requires work!” she says.

Ives recently added the VirtueRF to her line up, it is one of the most advanced medical devices for anti-aging. The VirtueRF is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment that rejuvenates the skin by stimulating the body's natural healing process and initiating new collagen growth.

Leveraging Microneedling with RF, the VirtueRF proves to be effective for improving skin laxity, tightening/lifting, reducing fine lines/wrinkles and acne scarring.

As her menu of services that she offers

continues to change and expand, consistent is Ives' effort to provide the latest treatments and exceptional customer service. At Laser Options by Jen, clients can schedule a free consultation to discuss their goals and concerns, and Ives works one-on-one with her clients to design result focused treatment plans tailored to their needs and budget.

"Since Day 1, I have been committed to providing quality treatment options at affordable prices," Ives explains. "I want everyone to see results and have a great experience" Along with her quality services, Ives' customer-oriented mindset has helped her build a loyal customer base and a thriving business.

“Presently, I am busy and I wake up every day looking forward to going to work," Ives points out. "I love what I do, and I am thankful that I’m helping people feel good about themselves.”

To Contact Jen Ives call 602.373.8145 or visit www.ipl-laserhairremoval.com, 10505 N 69th St Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

Carefully Curated

Volanti offers spectacular views and an unforgettable atmosphere

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ee Dee Maza is not the kind of mom that expected her children to follower in her footsteps, but that’s exactly what happened and she’s enjoying every moment. As the owner of Volanti, an extraordinary restaurant and event space on the runway of Scottsdale Airpark, Maza has made the business a family affair.

“I’m very passionate about what I do and wanted my kids to feel exactly the same way about the career they chose,” she shares. “When they got out of grad school they spent a year working with me so that they could have a front row seat in seeing how hard and rewarding it can be when you follow your passion.”

Maza’s job was to push, motivate, inspire, and show them that reaching for your goals can be achieved through dedication and hard work. “In turn they taught me, inspired me, motivated me, and pushed me to levels I never knew existed,” she says.

Working together for 10 years now, Maza’s daughter Alec shares that “like

most mother daughter duos who spend six days a week together we fight a lot!

Most of the time it’s over small things like who forgot to send the butter on a jet catering order.” Maza’s other daughter, Taylor works along side her mom and sister in a role that is a little more dynamic. “I do all of the things that they aren’t good at. They might tell you differently, but between the three of us we find a way to do it all!” Taylor says.

The trio manages the venue at Volanti, Volanti Jet Catering, and Volanti hangar events. They are the only company with exclusive rights to the private hangars and have hosted private events and charity fundraisers, ranging from 10 people to 5,000.

Since everything Volanti does is handled in house, they can craft unique menus and put on one-of-a-kind events that allow the client to pick out their own theme and have the entire even and atmosphere tailored to fulfill their vision.

Some guests come back year after year

with new ideas, wanting each event to be different than the last.

Becoming the only event space with full access to the tarmac, hangars, and jetways was no easy feat. “I believe in a lot of magic, but it took a lot more than that for us to get here,” Dee Dee says, “we’ve been at the airport for over 12 years from our first tiny restaurant that sat right where our new venue and restaurant is today. We got here today through a lot of sleepless nights, by relying on each other wholeheartedly, and by building the strong relationships.”

Volanti also plays a role in bettering their community. They are actively involved in partnering with the Arizona cancer Foundation for Children. “Their mission hits really close to home for our family, and they do amazing work in the local community,” Dee Dee shares.

To Contact Dee Dee Maza call 480.657.2426 or visit www.volantiscottsdale.com, 15000 N Airport Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Attention to Detail

Wendy MacKenzie is committed to client satisfaction

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ith years of real estate development, management, investments, and design under her belt, Wendy MacKenzie of Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty understands the value of dedicated and loyal customer service. In fact, she’s built her career on the belief that caring for her clients is the most important aspect of her job.

When clients seek out assistance with residential, commercial, or investment properties, Wendy is often their first call thanks to her professional demeanor and up to the minute market knowledge. “Many people tend to shy away from commercial real estate due to its complexity,” Wendy says. Her astounding track record is the result of intense dedication and an enthusiasm for all areas of real estate.

Recently, Wendy earned her CCIM designation, a certification showing that she has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis, and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. She did

this while negotiating land and multifamily deals, a testament to her stellar mutitasking and organizational skills. One thing that sets her apart? “Knowing the ins and outs of commercial property inspections is critical,” she says.

Before real estate, fashion was her passion while she studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia.

She went on to work for Lululemon on the real estate side followed by buying, renovating, and selling several of her own properties in Canada.

Known for her enthusiasm, approachability, and patience, Wendy puts her client’s needs at the forefront of her business. Her industry knowledge, coupled with her background in both the residential and retail space, has provided her with valuable skills that she uses daily in negotiations, educating buyers and sellers, and effectively marketing her client’s listings.

When it comes to her clients, Wendy believes in a philosophy of individually tailored service. “Whether the client is a

first-time homebuyer or seasoned business owner looking for their next office space, I understand that they each have their own unique needs and desires,” she says.

Despite spending over two decades working in real estate, Wendy isn’t sure she’d call her career work. “In over 20 years it has never felt like "work". Real estate is not a "job", it is a passion for creating dreams for people, and how wonderful is that! It is a blessing to serve my clients and their needs year after year,” she says.

In addition to her commitment to her clients, family and community are also extremely important to Wendy. She is passionate about breast cancer awareness and volunteers as a fundraiser for Honor Health Breast Cancer Awareness throughout the year. She and her husband enjoy golf, traveling, and frequenting the Arizona restaurant scene.

To contact Wendy MacKenzie call 602.617.3280 or visit www.wendymackenzierealtor.com.

An Extraordinary Duo

Michiel and Jennifer Schuitemaker inspire everyone around them

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ichiel and Jennifer Schuitemaker, the successful couple behind the trendy Arteflame grill, recently relocated in Paradise Valley and are proud to bring their outdoor grilling innovation to Scottsdale families, restauranteurs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

From the beginning, grills were developed by men for men as a way to cook and enjoy eating meat outside. Michiel, a former professional race car driver from Holland has always had a love of manufacturing and knew there had to be an alternative to massproduced, unsightly appliances commonly known to burn meat and impossible to clean. With a background in consulting for factories all over the world, Michiel had the experience to conceptualize and design the Arteflame grill, which is manufactured at a factory in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The couple met on a blind date in 2012, where Michiel picked Jennifer up in a R44 helicopter. Since meeting they have lived in five different cities including Beverly Hills before selling their Rodeo

Drive home and giving everything away to travel the world for a year without a schedule. They are now raising their five children together in a blended household.

Jennifer is a former model and fashion buyer for Macy’s department stores and Federated department stores. She’s the author of two books available on Amazon.

She also teaches meditation classes and a class on liberating oneself through self-expression.

Taking cues from their travels to Bali, Sicily, Rome, Tanzania, India, and Amsterdam, the Schuitemaker’s emersed themselves into the cultures by spending at least a month in each location to truly live like a local. Along the way, the couple got to know the resident grocers, butchers, and bakers, and often invited their new friends over for meals. “We learned how to cook the perfect pizza in Sicily and redefined the art of food while reinvigorating our European roots,” Jennifer says. “This gave us a yearning to find a way to enjoy cooking outdoors while socializing with family and friends.”

With its sleek lines and circular plancha cook top, the Arteflame is a popular choice among the elite chefs and foodies of the world, including Martha Stewart, David Burke, and Steven Raichlen.

Arteflame was inspired by the couple’s love of cooking and entertaining and the Schuitemakers' original goal was to create a grill that would serve a social focal point for families that was interactive, easy to clean and most of all beautiful.

The circular design of the grill brings everyone together to feel a part of something special, according to the couple.

Jennifer described it as “Al fresco dining at its most creative participative and inclusive.”

Both Michiel and Jennifer have previously lived in Scottsdale and were ecstatic to return to desert dwelling. “It’s so easy to come back here,” Jennifer says. “It has always felt like home.”

To Contact Michiel and Jennifer Schuitemaker call 310.279.3151 or visit www.arteflame.com.

Ultra Smooth Skin

Lisa Williams delivers natural results

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o defy aging is an art that Lisa Williams has honed for the last 18 years as an aesthetic nurse practitioner. Williams and her team of natural facial and body rejuvenation experts at Ultra Smooth Skin have dedicated years to perfecting their cosmetic dermatology procedures and helping clients achieve their desired aesthetic results. "I enjoy making people look younger with a healthy appearance for years to come," Williams says. For her, that is the most gratifying part of her job.

Williams is the owner of Ultra Smooth Skin, a medical aesthetics practice with three locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. “I am committed to providing you with excellent quality services in a fun, safe and comfortable environment,” she says. It’s this reason, clients have flocked to Williams, drawn by her reputation for creating a natural look as she is able to craft a personalized plan for each individual to slow the aging process.

Since receiving the Black Diamond certification from Allergan, the maker of notable medical aesthetics products like

Botox and Juvederm, Ultra Smooth Skin has remained among the top 1% of Botox and Juvederm providers in the country.

From skin rejuvenation and eyelash growth to fat reduction and cellulite removal—Williams and her team offer various treatment options to meet the demands of their diverse clientele. Ultra Smooth Skin's list of treatments is extensive and includes plasma pen, Microneedling RF, Laser hair removal, Fraxel, Thermage Skin tightening, Dysport, Voluma, Volbella, Kyss and Contour, Coolsculpting, and CoolTone, among many others.

"Myself, as well as my entire team, has invested countless hours in learning how we can better assist clients to maintain naturallooking facial rejuvenation," Williams adds.

Currently, she is working on new techniques for filler injections that will be relatively more convenient and painless for clients. She also plans to introduce new face contouring procedures similar to a mini version of CoolTone and CoolSculpting.

In addition to operating a busy and

innovative med spa, Williams is a mentor and teacher to professionals in the facial and body aesthetics industry. She has authored works about fillers and lasers, is a national trainer in laser medicine. Her business is also an authorized training school and offers preceptorships and certifications for students.

Looking back on 2021, she has recognized that change is constant, "and it is pretty much the only variable you can count on," she explains. COVID-19 has created an ever-changing work environment at Ultra Smooth Skin, yet Williams and her team continue to provide exceptional service and care to their clients. With their knowledge, skill, and dedication to their artistry, there is no doubt that Williams and her team will emerge stronger in 2022.

To Contact Lisa Williams call 480.991.3038 or visit www.ultrasmoothskin.com, 18501 N Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 and 7477 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

Holly Henbest & The Henbest Team Embracing Challenges and Achieving Success in Real Estate

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or Holly Henbest, being a realtor is like working at Disneyland: hustling behind the scenes to ensure that guests can enjoy the ride. In the world of real estate, that work involves negotiating and preparing contracts for clients—taking care of business to enable clients to walk through their prospective dream home and find the keys to their kingdom.

Holly founded The Henbest Team in 2006 and currently leads one of the top real estate teams in Arizona with Realty ONE Group brokerage. The team provides a full range of services to help clients buy their first homes, relocate, downsize, upsize, or invest.

"Our clients' goals become our goals," Holly declares. "While the nuts and bolts of each real estate transaction are the same, the path is often unique, and we basically create a strategy for each buyer and seller to ensure we are doing everything possible to help them reach their desired finish line."

“This year many buyers and sellers were hesitant to enter the market due to news of low inventory,” Holly says.

“Despite the circumstances, we've helped more buyers successfully purchase a home this year than in any previous year."

Contributing to the team’s successful year is the trust clients have in the Henbest Team.

As a veteran Realtor, Holly has experienced the many ups and downs of the real estate market and is excited to help clients achieve their real estate goals, under all market conditions. "We love the challenge of finding a home for a buyer who has previously been deflated about their ability to buy a home," says Holly.

The Henbest Team works to ensure that all of their clients are more than satisfied, and Holly finds that the most rewarding parts of her job are handing a client the keys to their new home and telling sellers their house has sold.

The Henbest Team's track record of success has led to lasting relationships with

clients. Some have returned to complete as many as nine transactions with them.

The team's ability to lead in the real estate industry stems, in part, from their proactiveness. Among the various circumstances over their last 15 years in business, Holly explains, "we've risen to each situation with a strategy and solution for success."

Recently, Holly and her team enjoyed breaking a record with the highest sales price ever in the north Phoenix community of Desert Ridge.

Holly enjoys hearing clients tell friends and family of their real estate success and how working with The Henbest Team led to a positive experience. That has motivated her to excel as a Realtor.

"We will continue to be creative and innovative with ways for our clients to continue to be successful," Holly says.

"We are only successful when our clients goals are achieved."

To contact Holly Henbest call 480.266.8785 or visit www.henbest.com.

An Arizona Expert

Building solid relationships is what Kelly Hennessy does best

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elly Hennessy, of Kelly Hennessy Homes is known for her relentless work ethic, enthusiasm, and ability to create a positive buying and selling experience for her clients who often become friends.

Her career started in 2003 with Pulte Homes where she spent 8 years developing her craft and knowledge of the real estate industry. She has since prospered after transitioning into resale, where she now works with Corcoran Platinum Living.

“I am truly a people person, I love all my clients and think of them like family, so going above and beyond for them comes naturally.” she shares.

Kelly’s hustle and networking abilities have helped her advance quickly in a hyper competitive industry and she enjoys helping buyers and sellers navigate the high demand and low inventory market.

She finds satisfaction in giving her clients a leg up on the competition by offering a personal focused approach.

One of Kelly’s favorite parts of her

career is building interpersonal relationships with her clients. “My main objective when is to establish a relationship where they trust and understand that I will be there for them every step of the way,” she says.

Kelly appreciates a career that enables her to share this enthusiasm with her clients, whether you’re relocating, buying your first home, changing valley neighborhoods, or investing. Kelly understands that few decisions you make will affect your life or rival the importance of purchasing a home. Applying a tenacious spirit, executing advanced marketing strategies, strong negotiation skills, and a service-obsessed attitude, she demonstrates an exemplary approach.

The Arizona native notes that much of the growth and expansion of her career has come from referrals from past clients which is over 50% of her business, demonstrating the great relationships, friendships and results she has built over time. Growing up in the valley gives Kelly an edge and she knows there is no better place to live. She is ranked in the top 4%

amongst all active agents in Maricopa and Pinal County and has received many recognitions including both the Platinum circle award, and the Circle of Excellence award from Corcoran Platinum Living.

Kelly’s helpful nature extends beyond real estate. She is a full-time mother with a daughter who is involved in cheer, horseback riding and volleyball and spends time volunteering with local charities.

Kelly is looking forward to a very successful 2022, making new connections with future clients and sustaining the ones she has in place with her past clients.

“It’s not just about selling real estate, but building relationships,” she says.

Working with Kelly is all about forming a connection with someone who truly cares about you and your goals. “When you love what you do, it’s not a job...it’s your passion!

I believe my clients know that when they are working with me!” she says.

To Contact Kelly call 602.318.6661, kellyhennessyazhomes@gmail.com or visit Kellyhennessyhomes.com.

Award-winning Talent Advisor

Brent Orsuga is at the helm of Pinnacle Growth Advisors

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rent Orsuga, president and founder of Pinnacle Growth Advisors, can be described as nothing less than an innovator and selfstarter. What started in his bedroom in 2014 has now become one of the top firms in the talent advisory niche, generating over $1 billion in bottom-line growth.

Pinnacle Growth Advisors is a credible and reliable resource for companies in the supply-chain and logistics field seeking new talent. Through his own experiences, and consistently keeping up with new trends in the field, Orsuga has become one of the top-rated recruiters around.

What sets Orsuga’s approach apart?

Unlike other recruitment companies, Pinnacle Growth Advisors doesn’t just toss resumes to a company and pray something sticks. Orsuga has a 98% success rate at landing interviews for candidates by being very strategic in his intros, and has placed thousands of new qualified hires during his 20 years in the field “Everything we do is very strategic

which has led us to be the major players we are,” says Orsuga,” and I have personally visited every company we align with.

To properly match talent, I need to see the office firsthand and sense and feel the culture directly.”

Pinnacle Growth Advisors can be described as a “matchmaker,” connecting people to the right jobs through getting to know both clients and candidates. For Orsuga, the most rewarding part of his job is opening new doors for candidates and getting to see the growth that occurs for both the employee and employer. In the recruiting process, from interviewing and hiring phases to retention practices, Orsuga shows how intentionality and proactivity are key contributors to successful matching.

What has contributed to Orsuga’s success? He says he grew up in an environment where entrepreneurship was encouraged, even though it can be difficult to weather the storms that come.

For example, with COVID-19 and the

great resignation, Orsuga emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changes of the working world. “People want to live to work,” he said, “not work to live. Meaning they want flexibility; they want remote or hybrid work. Companies must adapt or risk losing talent to someone else.”

Orsuga’s experience and expertise has led him to be published in well known journals, like Forbes, Business Insider, and Yahoo! Finance. Recently, he attended the Executive Education Series at Harvard Business School, where only 56 people globally were asked to attend through the Entrepreneurs Organization.

Pinnacle Growth Advisors will also be ranked in the top 10 per the Phoenix Business Journal for top Executive Search firms in the Valley. Starting in the new year, Orsuga will be the Membership Chair for the Entrepreneurs Organization and the Arizona chapter as well.

Contact Brent Orsunga at 1.888.645.0555 or visit pinnaclegrowthadvisors.com

Arizona Luxury Realty A trio of experts that put their clients first

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ean Ransdell, the founder of Arizona Luxury Realty, began taking real estate courses in 1983 and has never looked back.

She and her partner, Tom Scappaticci, who has been with her for 11 years, and her daughter, Danielle Anderson, who joined the team a year and a half ago, have more than 45 combined years of real estate experience.

“We are known and referred because of our highly successful client service,” Ransdell says.

Ransdell, Scappaticci, and Anderson are full-service real estate agents with the Scottsdale office of Coldwell Banker Realty.

“We list, sell and help our clients with all their real estate needs, which includes top notch marketing,” Ransdell says. “Often times we are told that our client service is second to none in the industry.”

Arizona Luxury Realty has been among the Top 1% of all real estate agents on Trulia/Zillow for the past four years. They

also received Best Real Estate Agents in Scottsdale honors in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Ransdell loves what she does because every day is new and different.

“We see new homes and properties every day and best of all meet great new people who are not only our clients but become friends too,” she says.

The team prides themselves on “representing our clients to achieve what they hired us to do, working with builders to build our clients dream home, finding an existing dream home or successfully selling properties for the best possible price,” Ransdell says.

With their combined years of experience, the three agents with Arizona Luxury Realty have seen it all and have survived and prospered no matter what the market brings, according to Ransdell.

“We continue to offer our clients the best in real estate,” she says. “We excel at negotiating, marketing and will continue to make our clients 110%+ satisfied.”

Ransdell was previously the tour director for the Pinnacle Peak RMS, Realtor Marketing (now the Pinnacle Peak Luxury Home Tour) for four years, and the Co-Director of Pinnacle Peak RMS for two years. “I support American Red Cross by donating blood as often as they will let me,” says Ransdell, who has also set up and sponsored blood drives for the Red Cross.

In addition, she’s a lead with Nextdoor for the Troon area. “I love my career but also love having my daughter follow in my foot steps in real estate,” Ransdell says. “She and her husband have also gifted me with a granddaughter who is just turning 18 months old. I also have grandchildren with my partner and between us both we have five children and three grandchildren. We have a few rescue pups too!”

Contact Jean Ransdell at 480.294.3257 or www.ArizonaLuxuryRealty.com, 7221 E Princess Blvd, Ste 117, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Blown Away

Cynthia Harmon is in the business of providing confidence

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hen you look your best, you feel your best too. This belief is held by Cynthia Harmon, owner of the Primp and Blow franchise location in North Scottsdale. Primp and Blow is the one-stop-shop for women to get red carpet ready. From blowouts, to makeup, and even hair extensions, Harmon’s team of experts will leave any guest feeling ready to take on the day. Whether it’s prepping for an important job interview or an entire bridal party getting ready to walk down the aisle, Primp and Blow is the place to go. Additionally, if Primp and Blow is a place you find yourself often, membership options are presented that give clients huge discounts on monthly blowouts, makeup, products and extensions. By offering more than just blowouts, customers are able to get a complete look to make them feel their best.

Harmon says seeing women leave her salon feeling beautiful is the highlight of her day-to-day job. “We intend to embrace our customer’s beauty, both

inside and out and I fell in love with how our various salon services help customers gain a stronger sense of confidence by the end of their visit,” Harmon says.

Working in a business that is geared towards women is something she feels deep pride in. On top of making the women who stop by feel gorgeous, Harmon’s team takes part in local outreaches, sponsoring schools and womenled sports teams. Primp and Blow is about more than just external beauty, and they take it a step further by helping to develop their own community.

Primp and Blow has even been featured in Allure Magazine, showing the extent of Harmon’s success. She says she expects big things to come in the new year. Her ambitions include not only owning multiple locations of Primp and Blow, but also owning an entire territory.

“Becoming a Primp and Blow franchisee was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Harmon says, “I love being a Primp and Blow franchisee so much that

I plan on expanding and growing with them. Watch out, we are coming to a town near you!”

Harmon’s extensive experience in the beauty industry, including time spent having her own hair and makeup done on set for movies and television makes owning a beauty franchise a natural fit. Plus, she always knew she wanted to be a business owner and entrepreneurship comes naturally. Primp and Blow allows her to do both, be an entrepreneur and work in the field she loves. Harmon says she feels the same emotions working at Primp and Blow as she did when she was prepping for big scenes. “Making women feel glamorous is what my job is all about, and the team behind me makes it all possible.

While on this journey, I have learned to never lose sight of my goals!” she shares.

To contact Cynthia Harmon call 480.419.1000 or visit www.primpandblow.com, 20567 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 110, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.

Delivering Healthcare

Dr. Nima Ghadimi, founder, Scottsdale Physician's Group

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ounder Dr. Nima Ghadimi of Scottsdale Physicians Group (SPG) is on a mission to change healthcare as we know it.

The Status quo is not a roadmap to a sustainable future, and we all must rethink how we deliver care to everyone,” he says.

An internist by training, Ghadimi founded SPG in 2003, focusing his efforts on rethinking healthcare and how it’s delivered.

“My goal is to deliver the right healthcare at the right time, regardless of where the patient is, in order to ensure that they are getting the care they need,” he explains.

SPG provides innovative, best-in-class healthcare in a variety of settings, from hospitals to more than 70 facilities, including nursing, independent living, group homes, and more. It also provides in-home healthcare to patients around the state.

In fact, SPG combines cutting-edge technology with a human touch to deliver the medical care a person needs in the comfort and safety of their home. There is almost no

service that can’t be performed at a doctor’s office that SPG can’t do in the home using the company’s unique technology, from taking blood pressure, listening to the heart and lungs to administering an EKG. SPG is even one of the few companies approved to offer monoclonal antibody therapy for patients with COVID-19 in the home.

It was Ghadimi’s experience escaping his home country of Iran, living in Germany, and then later settling in the United States that influenced his mission to make a difference in the world around him.

“What sets me apart from others is my continual focus on doing things differently. There is no way our current healthcare system can continue doing the same things it is doing. It’s simply unsustainable in cost and the patient experience is getting worse,” he explains.

His solution? To bring the care to patients when they need it, how they need it, and where they need it.

Not only the model beneficial for the health of his patients—whether they are sick,

whether a home visit is just convenient, or whether it’s for an adult or child with special needs who now no longer needs to deal with transportation challenges, location changes, or other obstacles—but it also reduces costs to the system and helps maintain a healthier population.

In 2021, Ghadimi was a finalist for the Phoenix Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes in the Innovator Category for his mission and innovative ideas.

Speaking of his mission to help, he also recently created the Ghadimi Foundation to help patients with nonmedical barriers such as financial needs that impede access to healthcare providers, access to healthy food, lack of shelter, transportation difficulties, and more.

“The foundation that I’ve set up is going to address some of these issues that are beyond just providing healthcare,” he says.

Contact at 480.268.2670 or visit www.spgvc.com, 7975 N. Hayden Road, Ste. D-354, Scottsdale.

She Sells Scottsdale

Pamela Torgrimson ensures that her clients' needs far exceed their expectations

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amela Torgrimson, a real estate agent and Associate Broker with Realty ONE Group leads She Sells Scottsdale, a luxury real estate firm based in Scottsdale. As an experienced realtor with a "go-getter" attitude, Torgrimson creates and sustains lasting relationships with her clients- many whom turn into friends and repeat clients.

She Sells Scottsdale consists of Torgrimson and three other partners and business is thriving as their clientele continues to grow. "When you do it right," Torgrimson explains, "people feel very confident sending their friends and family to you." Many of her clients return to buy a vacation home or their next dream home with her thanks to her dedication and hard work.

At the start of her 14-year career in the real estate market, Torgrimson found that flipping or selling a home was not a simple process. Her love for Real Estate started at a young age as she watched her father launch a very

successful real estate firm in her home town of Rochester, Minnesota. Driving her success in a challenging business is her attentiveness to her clients' needs and desires, as well as her work ethic and abundance of energy.

Known by her colleagues as the "Energizer Bunny," Torgrimson loves the many facets of her role, including meeting people. She works with people across the U.S. and in Canada. That includes working with other agents to help ensure a smooth transaction for her clients.

Torgrimson's goal is to keep clients happy and help clients get the most value out of one of the most expensive purchases of their lifetime.

Her advice for anyone entering the real estate market: "Make sure your agent knows what they are doing or has a great mentor. Don't just pick an agent because they are friends of the family, and you feel you have to," Torgrimson says. "You need knowledge, and you need someone that knows how to negotiate for you."

Torgrimson is undoubtedly an expert in her field who can find the best deals for clients. Her She Sells Scottsdale team has helped hundreds of people find the homes of their dreams. In 2021 and 2022, Expertise.com hand-picked She Sells Scottsdale as one of the best real estate agencies in Scottsdale, and as the real estate market has experienced frequent shifts, Torgrimson has remained proactive to position herself for success in her industry. "If I do not know something, I learn it," she explains. "This changing market requires you to be someone that can adapt to changes. If you can't, you will not grow."

When she’s not renovating her own homes or building a cabin up north, Torgrimson also volunteers her time to help professionals in her field achieve the same success. While keeping busy with her growing business, she serves as a mentor.

To contact Pamela Torgrimson call 602.560.4807 or www.shesellsscottsdale.com.

Your Best Relationship in Business Micah Kinsler, CEO MiCamp Solutions

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oday, MiCamp Solutions is the largest Fintech company in Arizona, and Kinsler, the CEO, is proud that his company helps more than 20,000 companies around the world process $11 billion in transactions annually. The company was also listed on the prestigious Inc. 5000 in 2019-2021, moving up on the list each time.

MiCamp Solutions specializes in secure payment processing solutions. No matter the size of the business or the type of payment solution needed, MiCamp can deliver on time, within budget, and better than any company in the country.

Recently, MiCamp's WAVit program, which eliminates all of a business's credit card processing fees forever, has taken the country by storm.

"A favorite part of my job is helping businesses save money through our WAVit, cash discount program," Kinsler says. We've helped small business owners save over half a billion dollars since the program's inception. In some

cases, the WAVit program kept companies from going out of business, especially during the pandemic."

Helping people is in his nature, and although success is always on his radar, helping others—whether they are his employees, customers, or wife and children—is his priority.

In fact, the company’s tagline is “Your Best Relationship in Business” because of this priority.

“Our people and are our relationships are everything,” Kinsler asserts.

MiCamp, through its strategic partnerships, has made it possible to accept almost any type of payment on the planet. In fact, this unique capability allows their customers to take advantage of all traditional and non-traditional forms of payment, from everyday credit, debit, gift/loyalty, EBT, and e-check/ ACH payments to Venmo, PayPal, WeChat Pay, AliPay, China UnionPay, via SMS text messaging and email, Crypto Currency, Zelle and Consumer Finance

options—and as payment options evolve, so will MiCamp.

This coming year is set to be a big one for Kinsler and the MiCamp team.

The company—which is so cutting-edge that it is several years ahead of any other company in the business—is releasing its own payment gateway in the spring called the Mi-Payment Gateway.

Kinsler also aims to make a difference in other ways. In 2021, MiCamp launched MiCamp Cares, MiCamp Solutions’ own charity arm. MiCamp Cares has a variety of different programs that helps nonprofits around the country.

Kinsler is hyper-focused on doing as much good as possible, and aims to both add to and expand this program in 2022.

“Giving back to the communities that we work and live in is a planned initiative for MiCamp and something that the entire company embraces,” states Kinsler.

Contact MiCamp Solutions at 1.800.396.0246 or www.micamp.com, 4021 N. 75th St., St. 101, Scottsdale.

Real Estate Powerhouse

Heather Oldham is service driven with a deep work ethic

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eather Oldham found her passion for real estate at a young age. Ranked in the top 3% of realtors in the valley, Heather is a hard-working, optimistic agent who sets herself apart with both her positive attitude and exceptional work ethic.

Her ambition and drive, along with her passion to make a positive impact in someone’s life outside of real estate makes Heather a person to watch in 2022. “Setting a positive example and making a difference in my community is the reason I live every day,” she says.

“Real estate is just a small part of my life.

What comes out of it and how I make a difference in someone’s life is what truly matters.”

In 2020, Heather welcomed a baby girl while having her best year to date in sales in 2021, proving how truly hardworking and talented she is when it comes to organization and multi-tasking.

Her passion for helping people find a home that they can grow into with their

family, and at the same time build wealth for their future in a new area, was inspired by her personal experiences. Relocating often throughout her childhood, she was able to help people acclimate to a new city or place and is something she’s truly passionate about.

“I am an expert in helping my clients find their first home, forever home or even an investment property,” she shares. “I started my career with educating and searching for homes for investors that were used as short-term luxury rentals and it has been a special niche that has grown my career exponentially!”

With a background in sales and marketing, Heather’s personal experience with investments, help to guide those who are looking to grow their real estate portfolio.

This year, Heather will launch a new website with better tools and technology for her clients to navigate the buying and selling process.

Known for her ability to ensure a

smooth transaction from beginning to end, Heather is putting Scottsdale and Phoenix on the map as the destination of choice for buyers flocking the city to experience the desert lifestyle. “I take great pride in going above and beyond for my clients,” she shares. “I try to put myself in their shoes as they go through what can be a stressful time. It can be an emotional journey and I try to make it a positive experience.

Even after the transaction closes, I’m there for my clients for anything they might need and we often become friends.”

When asked about what the secret to her success is, Heather explains, “Having a great attitude and finding the good in every situation so that it will help me be more knowledgeable in the next transaction. Knowing that I did my best each and every day for my clients is what gives me gratitude.”

To contact Heather Oldham call 480.433.2723 or HeatherOldhamHomes@gmail.com.

A Smart Investment

Ann Dallas is a valuable resource for business owners

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nn F Dallas, the owner of ADS Systems, LLC, says she and her team enjoy helping fellow business owners with the part of the job nobody else wants – accounting.

The accounting and business administration advising firm, which she founded 22 years ago, provides accurate, dedicated solutions focused on the day-to-day aspects of businesses, including books, payroll, and human resources, according to Dallas.

“We take care of organizing and reconciling your finances through the year and prepare you for tax time,” she says.

Dallas, who was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, came to Arizona to attend Arizona State University and never left after graduating. “I developed a business based on a single principle, that all businesses need a devoted accounting department,” she says.

ADS Systems, LLC strives to provide precise, detailed financials to help business owners make informed decisions, according to Dallas.

“We go above and beyond to make things happen with excitement and explain the mundane aspects of daily accounting,” she says. “We instill confidence and provide a calming environment when it comes to handling the money questions.”

2021 was a huge growing experience for ADS Systems, LLC, according to Dallas. She says the firm sought expert advice and developed more streamlined systems.

One opportunity Dallas is excited about is the firm's new partnership with tax strategist Bruce Jooste of Axiom Advisory Group to assist clients with another level of advice regarding tax planning to optimize their financial goals.

“Our team is growing with more experience and a constant drive to improve,” she shares. They are implementing more systems to streamline the arduous, never-ending trail of paper and steps that it takes for all the behind-the-scenes administration.

The ADS Systems, LLC team’s organizational skills and dedication are what drive them to create easy-to-follow systems for follow-through and proven results, according to Dallas.

What sets Dallas apart is her ability to dive into a business with passion and learn the operational aspects and solve any accounting problems. Most importantly, she truly wants her clients to succeed and not worry about how to pay their bills or their employees.

Dallas is passionate about helping others, and considers raising her three children as her greatest accomplishment.

“Being able to support and watch two of my children graduate from college and start their careers is the biggest reward for me,” she says. “My youngest will be attending college in the fall of 2022, and I will be there to support him in his next chapter in life.”

To Contact Ann Dallas call 602.329.9198 or adssystemsllc@gmail.com.

LOCATION: THE SAGUARO SCOTTSDALE

The Riel Deal

Stephanie Riel has a passion for small business storytelling

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ounder and CEO of RielDeal Marketing, Stephanie Riel has been helping companies grow and build their brands through marketing strategies for over a decade. Whether it be brand strategy, website development, social media management, paid advertising, or email marketing, RielDeal Marketing can handle it all. Riel has even developed her own marketing courses for companies who may not want to invest in third-party marketing services.

Starting her company at the age of 22, Riel could be described as a trailblazer. Before she had even graduated college, Riel knew where she was headed and what she wanted to do and doesn’t take the journey to reach her goals for granted. She left her full time job in 2019 to dedicate her time to RielDeal Marketing after working on it for nine years as a side-hustle. She has since grown her company, now working with small businesses and Fortune 10 companies all over the country. She even developed her

own team, working fully remote, to support RielDeal Marketing.

What sets her apart though?

Riel says, “my mission as an entrepreneur is to treat my clients' businesses the way I'd want someone to treat my business,” when asked that very question.

While some companies are focused solely on profits or their own interests, Riel takes the time to consider the needs and goals of her clients. Through her “clientfocused” approach to marketing, Riel and her team are able to increase visibility and generate leads through creating carefully thought-out marketing strategies.

A crucial part of that “client-focused” approach is taking the time to understand what motivates them and what their business objectives are. Getting to connect with clients and hear about their businesses in their own words is what inspires the strategy ideas for Riel.

She says she is fueled by a passion for helping small business owners succeed, and her favorite part of the job is seeing

effective marketing strategies get results.

RielDeal Marketing stays focused on the client and making sure that their goals are achieved.

Looking forward, Riel has big goals for the new year. “I anticipate 2022 will be a year of significant growth for our business,” she says. However, 2022 is not the only year to hold great things for her. She was honored two years in a row (2020 and 2021) on the list of Women to do business with in the Phoenix Metropolitan area by KNOW Women and was featured as a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur by Phoenix Entrepreneurs Magazine in 2021. Despite this, Riel doesn’t define herself as an “expert” in the marketing field. Instead, she says she is an expert at doing things her way, which is blending brand strategy with marketing strategy and data to get longterm results.

Contact Stephanie Riel at www.rieldealmarketing.com or hello@rieldealmarketing.com.

Creating a Community Nina Smith sets the bar high for Pilates

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nside the pristine new Muse Pilates studio in north Scottsdale, Nina Smith teaches all levels of Classical Pilates on a variety of Pilates apparatus including Reformers, Cadillac, Wunda Chair and Ladder Barrel. “In tandem with my credentials, I teach every day to a diverse clientele - and there is no substitute for that experience,” she says.

Smith is passionate about the many benefits of Pilates and uses a variety of equipment for stretching, strength building, flexibility and balance. “ I tailor sessions to address specific needs of my clients, including competitive athletes, dancers, golfers, figure skaters, people recovering from injury, cancer warriors, fitness colleagues, and those who have always wanted to try Pilates,” she says. She tracks progress and gradually builds upon the client’s repertoire.

The Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor and owner of Muse Pilates is a University of Arizona alumna, former Arizona Assistant Attorney General, philanthropist,

and long-time Scottsdale resident who strives to help clients achieve well-being and maximize their potential. “Seeking to deepen my knowledge of Classical Pilates methodology, I successfully completed the elite Power Pilates NYC Comprehensive training program – the gold standard in the industry,” Smith reveals. “My training included well over 600 hours of apprentice teaching, rigorous testing, training in kinesiology, and working with special cases.”

In 2021, she ventured to build her own studio, named in honor of the muses in her life and her desire to always inspire others. In addition to Pilates instruction, Smith hosts the Power Pilates instructor certification program for those seeking to teach.

The high-quality instruction, safety standards, customized approach and compassionate environment sets Muse apart from the rest. “Muse is about giving clients the best experience while delivering positive results,” Smith says.

Taking the time to educate clients to make the proper connections in their bodies

and avoid injury is at the forefront of Muse’s mission. “I keep my classes small so that I can actively spot all participants to ensure safety and personalize their sessions,” she reveals. “My studio is designed to comfort and motivate, with top-level equipment to ensure quality exercise.”

Smith knows that Pilates has no age limit and prides herself on catering to a wide array of inspiring people. Clients include college and adult athletes, brides-tobe, retired ballerinas, football players, golfers, horseback riders, runners, executives, pregnant women, people with knee and hip replacements, couples, bodybuilders, doctors, aspiring professional dancers and baseball players - just to name a few!

“I have relationships with all my clients,” Smith says with a smile. “ I actively listen to their needs, goals and struggles - and genuinely care about them.”

To contact Nina Smith call 602.619.2948 or visit www.musepilates. com, 15641 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

An Expert in Gynecologic Cancer Dr. Dennis Scribner is dedicated to his patient’s journey

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ennis R. Scribner, Jr., M.D. recently accepted the position of Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and found his passion for women with gynecologic malignancies through his own personal experiences. Growing up in New England, he was the first member of his family to attend college. While he always had his mind set on medical school, it wasn’t until he witnessed his mother-in-law’s journey with ovarian cancer that he settled on women’s health as his specialty. “Her doctors set the early example in my medical career as to how special an oncologist’s relationship is with their patients and the ability of a gyn oncologist to be able to help with both the surgical and the medical oncology issues, I was sold!” he shares.

Scribner primarily spends his time at the main CTCA hospital in Goodyear with rotations to the North Phoenix and Scottsdale locations. He treats all gynecologic cancers using numerous

therapies, including chemotherapy and surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery and is eager about the advancement of immunotherapies for treatment.

“CTCA is a well-respected, advanced hospital system for oncology,” Scribner says. “The organization’s emphasis on the patients always coming first, aligns exactly with my everyday mantra.”

For Scribner, his role is about fostering relationships with his patients. He considers his role a privilege and an honor. He states that the greatest part of his job is being welcomed into the lives of his patients and working with courageous women.

“I firmly believe that as physicians, we should always treat the patient, not the disease,” says Dr. Scribner. “My goal is to get to know each of my patients.

I believe it’s important to listen to them and treat them with kindness, dignity and respect. It is also important for me to provide compassionate and thoughtful care throughout the treatment journey.”

The five-time Ironman Triathlon finisher was voted “Phoenix Top Doc” numerous times, in 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Scribner feels an incredibly strong commitment to his career and believes in the significance of his job and the effects it has on others’ lives. “I have worked extremely hard to fine tune the surgical craftsmanship of this field and I believe my biggest strength besides caring, is my skill sets in the operating room,” he says.

Looking forward, Scribner’s mission is to be a pioneer for CTCA and lead the charge of expanding gynecological oncology care throughout the valley. By working with Intuitive Surgical, the makers of the DaVinci robotic surgical tools, he is hoping to create instructional and informative surgical videos and training tools.

“I am beyond excited for this new journey with our team and CTCA!” Scribner says.

To Contact Dr. Dennis Scribner call 623.207.3241 or visit www.cancercenter.com.

Find Yourself

4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale AZ 85251 www. CornelisHollander.com 480-423-5000 800-677-6821 PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. CUSTOM DESIGNS AVAILABLE

Now

L O W D O W N / D O / C A L E N D A R / O U T / C U LT U R E

BY GABBY LEIGHTON / PHOTO BY JOHN RUSSO

Embrace girl power at An Enchanted Evening Featuring Kristin Chenoweth. On Jan. 29 at 8 p.m., the Tony Award winner and Emmynominated actress and singer will make a stop at Ikeda Theater for a night to remember. Chenoweth is currently on tour to promote her newest album titled For the Girls, which is a tribute to great female singers throughout history, including some of the performer’s heroes and friends. Attendees will enjoy a pre-show reception with food and drinks, followed by a live performance of Kristin Chenoweth in Concert: For the Girls. VIP ticketholders will also be invited to attend a post-performance as well as a Champagne and dessert mixer featuring an appearance by Chenoweth. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mesa Arts Center Foundation and Mesa Arts Center’s engagement programs. Ticket prices vary. www.mesaartscenter.com.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Now LOWDOWN

HEADING NORTH

WINE TO WIN

This month The Mick Brasserie will kick off a delicious competition series in Somm Brawl, where eight talented sommeliers will pair their expert choice of wines with a four-course tasting menu curated by executive chef Brent Menke. Guests will vote which wines pair best, and the wining sommelier will move up the bracket to compete again until the last somm standing wins the title and bragging rights.

The first event will take place Jan. 10 and continue on select Friday evenings until the Feb. 28 final. $135 per person. www. themickaz.com.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Fat Ox executive chef Rochelle Daniel recently took her talents to Flagstaff to open Atria restaurant alongside her longtime chef de cuisine, Maribel Silva. Located in the heart of historic downtown, Atria serves up seasonal, modern American fare handcrafted with

farm-fresh, locally grown ingredients. Menu items range from homemade pastas and fresh fish to steaks and sandwiches. The restaurant also offers afternoon bar bites and craft cocktails in the lounge featuring housemade syrups and tinctures as well as

ARTISTIC DRIVE

an extensive wine list. This is the first standalone restaurant from Daniel, who is nationally known for her appearances on Food Network’s Chopped TV show, and named to the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2017. www.atriarestaurant.com.

In addition to the car auctions happening this month, Mountain Shadows will host another event for gearheads: an art opening reception. Taking place Jan. 26 from 6 to 7 p.m., the resort will debut Avenues of Scraping Steel by Phoenix-based artist Mark Vinci. Guests are welcome to enjoy the automobile-inspired art along with wine and hors d’oevres as they get to speak with the artist and curator. Vinci is a four-time Emmy Award-winning graphic designer and artist who uses crushed car parts to create sculptural wall pieces that capture the feeling of motion. This pop-up exhibition will be on display from Jan. 25 to 31. www.mountainshadows.com.

Now LOWDOWN

WESTERN WONDERS

FIRESIDE FUN

Celebrate Western Week in Scottsdale with a lineup of events paying homage to the city’s Western roots and Native American heritage. Taking place Jan. 29 through Feb. 6, the festivities will include an array of activities, educational events and entertainment. Highlights include the 64th annual Hashknife Pony Express Arrival at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Feb. 4, 11 a.m.), the two-day Arizona Indian Festival (Feb. 5 and 6, times vary) and the Arizona Native Edible Experience (Feb. 5, 6 p.m.). www.scottsdalewesternweek.com.

GREAT HEIGHTS

The recently opened Westin Tempe now boasts the highest open-air rooftop bar in town: Skysill. The venue soars above the city atop the 18th floor of the hotel, offering shareable bites, handcrafted cocktails and a lineup of recurring events. The menu features tacos, nachos, sliders and a quinoa bowl, while the drinks are poolside staples with a fun twist. Seasonal and recurring events will range from live music and Arizona State University tailgates to an exercise and wellness series. www. skysillrooftop.com.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Cozy up and enjoy Scottsdale’s mild winter weather under the stars with Hotel Valley Ho’s new fire pit. Each Fireside Nights rental is complete with a platter, a bottle of red wine or decadent hot chocolate and plenty of treats for four people. Hotel guests and locals alike can choose from options like a Bavarian pretzel board, charcuterie and s’mores. The early seating ($195) is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while the late seating ($245) is from 8 to 10 p.m. www.hotelvalleyho.com.

WITH ARTEFLAME’S MICHIEL AND JENNIFER SCHUITEMAKER

WHAT IS AN ARTEFLAME GRILL? The Arteflame is a grill, plancha, fire bowl and a piece of art all in one that is designed to bring people together. The solid steel plancha cooktop avoids flames from ever touching your food. This is a much healthier way of grilling as there are no flare ups and all the juices stays in your food rather than drip into the fire.

HOW DO YOU USE THE GRILL? Arteflame grills use wood and charcoal for fuel. You build a fire in the center of the grill and this heats the cooktop from the center out resulting in different cooking temperatures; warmer towards the center and cooler around the outside edges, so all foods can be grilled at the same time. Hardwoods such as hickory, mesquite, oak, maple, or fruit woods such as peach, cherry and apple add different flavors to your cooking.

WHAT MAKES ARTEFLAME UNIQUE? The Arteflame was designed to solve some key issues. Traditional grills are unsightly, are never the center of any outdoor get together, often burn your food, are a mess to clean, and not family friendly. The Arteflame solves these issues by combining beautiful designs with excellent grilling characteristics.

WHAT IS THE GRILL MADE OUT OF? The cooktop plancha is made of solid American steel. It has an opening in the center in which accessories can be placed such as a grill grate, a pizza oven or even a rotisserie. These grills are made to last; the cooktop of the 40” model weighs a

whopping 170 lbs! The bowl is made from Corten steel, an architectural steel, also known as “weathering steel” and can be left outdoors year-round.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT GRILLER TO USE ARTEFLAME? No! Anyone can grill delicious food on an Arteflame, making it ideal for family grilling and entertaining. We notice more women and children feel comfortable using the Arteflame in addition, it is THE choice for elite chefs, restauranteurs, food enthusiasts, and the whole family. From Martha Stewart, and seven times James Beard award winning Bbq king; Steven Raichlen.

WHAT CAN YOU COOK ON AN ARTEFLAME? Any meal of the day including eggs, bacon, pancakes, hash browns and more breakfast favorites. Because of the solid steel plancha, you can grill anything you love from traditional grilled meats and fish to your favorite breakfast items.

WHERE ARE ARTEFLAME GRILLS MANUFACTURED? All Arteflame grills are proudly American made and manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company is dedicated to making 100% of all products in the US using US employees and only US made materials. All Arteflame products ship from the plant in Cincinnati within a day or two from receipt of orders.

WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE THERE FOR THE ARTEFLAME? Underneath every Arteflame cooktop is an accessory ring. This ring allows for a center grill grate to lay flush with the cooktop and supports a wide variety of accessories to be mounted like a Pizza Oven with Pizza Grate, Rotisserie, Grill Grate Riser (for use with Paella pans), Wok Holder, Food Saver Ring, Warming Tables with wood cutting / serving trays. Besides specific grill accessories, Arteflame also has a beautiful leather apron, grill scrapers, lighters, and other related products. www.arteflame.com

Now DO

GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE

Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Jan. 14-16, Downtown Carefree This Thunderbird Artists-produced event highlights the better things in life: art and wine. More than 155 artists, including featured artists Sumati and Michael Colpitts, will take over the streets of downtown Carefree with their original masterpieces of fine art. Amble from tent to tent to get a taste of all the varying mediums and subject matters represented, including glass, stone, mixed media, contemporary, European, and wildlife. For vino enthusiasts, there will be wine and microbrewing tastings and spirit samples, as well as festival food and sweet treats to satiate appetites after a long day of viewing art. General admission, $3; Wine tasting ticket with souvenir glass, $13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.thunderbirdartists.com.

Arizona Fine Art Expo Jan. 14-March 27, 26540 N. Scottsdale Road Just north of MacDonald’s Ranch sits a fine arts experience like no other: Arizona Fine Art Expo. Now in its 18th year, the expo brings together 100 nationally acclaimed and award-winning artists, all of whom will be painting, sculpting, weaving, drawing, welding, etc., in real time throughout the event’s 10 weeks. After a full day of walking from one artist’s studio to another, attendees can take to the Cafe de Expo, which will offer breakfast, snacks and lunch. Before you head out, stop by the Artists’ Marketplace, selling fine arts and unique crafts by the expo’s participating artists. $10-$12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.arizonafineartexpo.com.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Jan. 15-16, Varying locations What better way to start the new year than with a scenic race through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe? This highly revered event infuses music with running for an experience that keeps participants rocking and rolling to the finish line. And there’s a distance suited for everyone, with options to register for a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K. Post-run, participants will enjoy a concert with an incredible lineup of local bands around the course, refreshments, snacks, and much more. Times and prices vary. www.runrocknroll.com.

Celebration of Fine Art Jan. 15-March 27, 18400 N. Hayden Road For more than 30 years, art enthusiasts and artists alike have shared their love of art at the Celebration of Fine Art, one of the West’s premier art events, according to Art & Antiques Magazine. This magnificent celebration features 40,000 square feet of working studios and art by nearly 100 artists from across the country. From mixed media to jewelry to woodworking, artists of all mediums and representing all styles will be on-site mingling with attendees and selling their art. Be sure to return throughout the 10-week event, as artists will continually be creating new pieces from their pop-up studios. $8-$10. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.celebrateart.com.

Barrow Grand Ball Jan. 22, Arizona Biltmore The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation was established in 1965 to raise money for research at Barrow Neurological Institute. Since then, it has become the most successful fundraising entity in the Valley and is Barrow’s largest donor. The Barrow Grand Ball celebrates the philanthropic achievements of the foundation. More than 300 of the Valley’s most influential leaders and philanthropists will be attending the black tie affair, which features a seated dinner, dancing, and much more. Proceeds and donations will support medical research for neurological disorders. 6:30 p.m. Price upon request, contact@womensboardbnf.org.

Street Eats Food Truck Festival Feb. 5-6, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Tantalizing sweets, barbecued meats, and tacos and pizzas of every variety. Hungry yet? Head to the two-day Street Eats Food Truck Festival, where every kind of craving can be satisfied. More than 55 food trucks will be serving up $2 samples and regular-priced, full-size items. Festivalgoers can also put their eating abilities to the test with food challenges, including a donut and pie-eating contest. Other event highlights include a free kids zone, lawn games, live music, and a local vendor marketplace.

General admission, $8; VIP, $50. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. www.streeteatsaz.com.

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Now CALENDAR

CARMEN

Jan. 28-30, Symphony Hall This thrilling, famed opera following the story of Carmen and Don Jose will make its return to Phoenix, telling a story of love, jealousy and everything in between. Audiences will recognize popular scores by French composer Georges Bizet. Times vary. Starting at $30. www.azopera.org.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

addition to live artist demonstrations and traditional bagpipe performances. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. www.scottsdalegalleries.com.

Brainiac Bash Jan. 14, The Chateau Luxe A night of glitz and glamour awaits at this soiree, hosted by Brain Injury Alliance Arizona supporting brain health. Ballroom professionals from Paradise Valley’s Fred Astaire Studio, in addition to prominent locals, will take the dance floor to perform routines. Guests will be especially entranced as Nikki Bella of The Bella Twins performs with her fiance Artem Chigvintsev, professional from Dancing With The Stars. 6-10 p.m.

General admission, $250; VIP Zone, $750. www.biaaz.org.

The Temptations & The Four Tops Jan. 14, Arizona Federal Theatre Two legendary bands will join forces for one night of classics. An essential component of the original Motown machine, The Temptations have been performing pop, blues, Broadway and jazz hits for more than 50 years. Originally called the Four Aims, The Four Tops band is also known for its soulful Motown songs. Starting at $49.50. www. arizonafederaltheatre.com.

Future for KIDS 20th Annual Golf Classic Jan. 7, Whirlwind Golf Club Swing into the weekend with this annual golf tournament, benefitting local nonprofit Future for KIDS. The day will kick off with registration and a shotgun start, then a round on the links. Golfers can expect a hot dog cart, bloody marys, beer and soft drinks, contests, a raffle, two mulligans and a golf gift. The event will be capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony. Proceeds will go toward the organization’s mission to provide mentor driven out-of-school time

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programs and camps that focus on academics, athletic and ethics to improve the lives of youth facing adversity. 10 a.m. $50 per golfer. www.futureforkids.org.

can be found throughout the garden and dogs must be on leash, licensed and up to date on vaccinations. 7-11 a.m. Included with general admission. www.dbg.org.

Dog Days at the Garden Jan. 9, 23 & 30, Desert Botanical Garden Bring your furry friend for a day of strolling the botanicals on select Sunday mornings this month. Pets and their paw-rents are invited to walk the trails, heel for photo opps and meet other dogs and dog lovers while taking in the beauty of the garden. Hydration stations

Gold Palette Artwalk Jan. 13, Old Town Scottsdale Scottsdale Gallery Association will start the year on a sweet note as guests meander along Main Street and Marshall Way, enjoying different styles of art at their own pace.

This month’s Gold Palette ArtWalk them, themed “Demonstration… and Donuts” will feature donut tastings at select galleries in

Copper State Beer Festival Jan. 15, Riverview Park Indulge in the largest craft beer and food festival in Mesa, where over 50 brewery, distillery and winery vendors will gather for a day to remember. Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, a marketplace and live entertainment featuring performances by local artists Josh West Trio and Hirwin Benitez.

Tickets include a souvenir sample glass and 10 samples of beer or wine. VIP tickets will get attendees an additional five samples as well as early admission entry at noon.

1-5 p.m. Starting at $40. www. copperstatebeerfest.com.

Life’s Big Win Jan. 15, Sunbar Enjoy a live music experience while paying it forward. Headlined by multi Grammy Award-nominated musician, DJ and record producer Kaskade, this event will benefit the Chandler Kimball Foundation to raise awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) degenerative brain disease. In addition to Kaskade’s full set, reggae artist The Expendables and musician and live electronic artist Bardz will take the stage. There

his return to the Valley. The group has had 71 chart hits and sold 170 million records worldwide, with Valli as the only member of the group from its inception who currently tours. Be prepared to get dazzled by legendary songs like Oh What a Night and Big Girls Don’t Cry. 7:30 p.m. Starting at $49. www.asugammage.com.

ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC

Jan. 28-30, Goodyear Ballpark Experience the magic of hot air balloons at this annual race and festival. The outdoor event will feature shows and activities through the day and evening, with up to 25 hot air balloons participating. Additional highlights include a family fun zone with tethered rides, BMX stunt bike shows and fireworks, as well as the Taste of the Classic culinary and wine festival with live music and a kite festival with paper rocket making and parachute racing. Times vary.

Starting at $18. www.abcfest.com.

will also be appearances by CTE trailblazer Dr. Bennet Omalu and former NFL player Eric Hill, as well as a live auction and concessions.

7 p.m. $121. www.lifesbigwin.com.

Zoo Move & Groove 5K Jan. 16, Phoenix Zoo Save the animals, one stride at a time. Runners and walkers alike are invited to support black-footed ferret conservation. The zoo, one of just six black-footed ferret breeding facilities in the world, will set the scene for this 5K. Participants will receive a commemorative shirt, daytime admission to the zoo and nighttime admission to ZooLights after the race. Additional highlights include raffle tickets, kettle corn and cocoa, and a “glow” necklace/ bracelet. for each person 5:30 p.m. $50. www.phoenixzoo.org.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions Jan. 26-30, N. Scottsdale Road and Loop 101 Hit the pedal to the metal for this Scottsdale-founded auction, drawing buyers, sellers and car lovers from all over the world. Bidders

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can peruse over 800 exciting autos, from European sports cars and American muscle cars to hot rods and custom builds. Viewing opens Jan. 26, with auctions starting Jan. 27. Gates open at 9 a.m. $20-$30. www.russoandsteele. com.

The Arizona Wine Festival Jan. 28-30, Heritage Square Park This three-day event will kick off with a winemakers’ dinner to support Horses Help Foundation, followed a two-day festival where 20 Arizona wineries will be pouring over 150 wines. The event will also include food trucks, live music, artists and other local vendors.

Tickets include a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets, with the option to buy more. Times vary. Sat., $35; Sun., $30. www. willcoxwinecountry.org.

Fourtillfour Car Show Jan. 29, Fourtillfour The Old Town Scottsdale coffee shop will host a day for car lovers to benefit the HFC Alzheimer’s charity. Attendees will have the

opportunity to look at a number of vintage European, vintage JCM and vintage off-road 4x4 vehicles as well as enjoy music, games, food and more. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Free with donations optional. www. fourtillfour.com.

Doggie Street Festival Jan. 29, Steele Indian School Park Celebrate four-legged furry friends at this rescue event and community festival. The event was created in an effort to bring together the rescue community to increase adoption and educate on spay/ neuter options with adoptable dogs and cats and has since turned into a local phenomenon.

Attendees (bring your dog along!) can expect music, yummy eats, vet tips, pet products and services, and a kids area. There will also be speakers, auction prizes, contests and a VIP lounge. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. www.doggiestreetfestival.org.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Jan. 29, ASU Gammage The original Jersey Boy is making

Scottsdale Wedding Bridal Fair Jan. 30, The McCormick Scottsdale You got the ring – now what?

Say “yes” to a little planning help with this annual bridal fair, hosted

by Enchanted Dream Productions.

Future newlyweds will have the opportunity to meet and get information from local vendors and see styled weddings. Take in the inspiration and decor ideas as well as enjoy free tastings for catering and cake. 1-5 p.m. Free. www.enchanteddreamproductions.com.

Kane Brown Blessed & Free Tour Feb. 3, Footprint Center The man who Billboard called “the future of country” and five-time AMA-winning global entertainer will make a stop in Phoenix for one night of boot-scooting music.

Since breaking onto the music scene in 2016, Brown has made a serious name for himself, breaking records and winning awards. In addition to hearing his hit singles like Homesick and Lose It, audience members will enjoy opening acts Chase Rice and Restless Road. Prices vary. 7 p.m. www. footprintcenter.com and www. kanebrownmusic.com.

Parada del Sol Feb. 5, Old Town Scottsdale The 67th annual Parada del Sol Parade and Trails End Festival, managed by Scottsdale Charros, will honor the past, present and future of Scottsdale. Around 150 participants will take the street, from colorful floats, mounted horse riders and horse-drawn carriages to marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches. The parade follows a route from Drinkwater Boulevard along Scottsdale Road, finishing at Brown Avenue and Indian School Road. The Trail’s End Festival, a massive Western-style block party featuring a kids zone, food trucks, merchandise vendors and live entertainment, will take place immediately following within Scottsdale’s Historic Old Town District. Parade, 10 a.m.; festival, noon. Free. www. scottsdaleparade.com.

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Now OUT

HEALTH ON DEMAND Services to simplify clean eating

While most people strive to eat healthy, it can be a challenge to make homemade nutritious meals. Instead of stressing to prep, cook and clean each week, achieve healthier yet convenient sustenance with these with meal delivery services.

BY MANDY HOLMES

PreppedAZ This locally owned meal prep and delivery service serves all organic, gluten- and dairy-free meals, also specializing in paleo, Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and vegan options. A new menu – including five main dishes, two lunches, two breakfasts and two desserts – is offered each Tuesday, with orders placed online by Thursday at midnight. The meals are made fresh on Sunday and packaged in reheatable containers.

Individual portions as well as small and large family sizing offered. www.preppedaz.com.

Organic Chef to Go Executive chef Kristen Madison of Kale Personal Chef Services, a locally owned and operated gourmet catering company, launched Organic Chef To Go in 2020 as an accessible option to her love for beautifully prepared, healthy food. The meal options follow the principles of the Mediterranean and Whole Food Diet, with options for plant-based eaters and those who enjoy lean meats and seafood, fresh produce, scratch cooking techniques, and chef-curated meals. The meals are packaged in eco-friendly containers and delivered by hand Monday and Wednesday mornings. The company also offers seasonal catering spreads and grab and go options at its new Scottsdale storefront. www.organiccheftogo.com.

The Vegan Taste Created by award-winning vegan chef Jason Wyrick, and approved by Harvard professor of nutrition, P.K Newby aka The Nutrition Doctor, The Vegan Taste delivers artisan plant-based meals that go way beyond the average lettuce and tomato salads. Artichoke spanakopita, peanut stew with sweet potatoes, and jackfruit tacos are amongst fan favorites. Menus change weekly, with a variety of six pre-made meals offered in either single or double servings.

Dishes are delivered Monday in chilled coolers. www.thevegantaste.com.

Scratch Culinary Macro formatted meals are what Scratch Culinary is known for. The subscription service offers healthy meal prep subscriptions for keto, paleo, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diners. Choose from meals ranging from 300 to 700 calories and rest assured your protein, carb, and fat percentages are balanced. Options include breakfast, lunch, dinner and salads. Meals change weekly and can be delivered Monday or Wednesday. www. scratchculinary.com Eat Clean Phx This family-owned business delivers organic meals without the added sodium, oil and butter.

Made from scratch and never frozen, the meals are prepared by a chef and approved by a nutritionist. There are no subscriptions, meaning customers can pick what they want to be delivered, when they want it. Options range from main dishes, breakfast and snacks to juices, a la carte foods and supplements. Orders must be placed Friday or Saturday evening for a Sunday or Monday delivery. www.eatcleanphx. com.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Now CULTURE

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Sama Alshaibi is honored for her work showing real-life struggles in the aftermath of war

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

Phoenix Art Museum recently named Sama Alshaibi as the recipient of the 2021 Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award, known for recognizing a mid-career artist working in Arizona. Each year, the winner receives funding to support the creation of new work, which will premiere in solo and group exhibitions at the museum.

After being nominated, Alshaibi, who came to Arizona one year after graduate school and has lived here for the past 15 years, applied for the award and moved through a juried process until getting “the call” from curator Gilbert Vicario telling her she won the honor.

Her interest in art comes from both of her parents. “My mom is an artist, and though she never had the opportunity to pursue her practice professionally, she encouraged our creative impulses.

I didn't think I was an artist because I couldn't draw, but I loved taking pictures,” Alshaibi says. “My father taught me photography when I was young. It was back in the day of film cameras. We were constantly moving, and the family pictures were a source of comfort for me.”

Alshaibi received her bachelor’s degree in photography at Columbia College Chicago, where she first started to see herself as an artist. “It was a process to recognize myself as [an artist] because I went to art school to become a war photojournalist. The way in which I made images started a conversation in critiques that I might be an artist and not a photojournalist,” she says.

The artist went on to graduate with her Masters of Fine Arts in photography, video and media arts at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“Photography and video sat at the intersection of many interests: images, narrative, performance, poetics, history, politics, society, and justice,” Alshaibi says. “A career in the arts was possible because I have had the great fortune of teaching art at a very supportive academic institution, the University of Arizona.”

Today, she is inspired by the social and political context of people trying to survive the aftermath of war. Throughout her carer, Alshaibi has had many exhibitions across the United States, Europe and the Middle East. She also received the Guggenheim in 2021. Her new installation The Cessation opens at MOCA in Jacksonville, Florida, as part of the touring exhibition, and she has additional exhibitions open around the country.

Her next solo show, based on recently completed work, will take place at Phoenix Art Museum as part of her grant. “Every time I show my work in a solo exhibition, I try to respond to the place and context I am in. It keeps the outcome fresh. I hope to show a mix of photographs, videos, and hopefully a sculptural work that hasn't been exhibited before,” she says.

Learn more at www.samaalshaibi.com.

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Style

A L L U R E / D W E L L / S H O P / FA S H I O N

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

With New Year’s resolutions on everyone’s radar, health is likely at top of mind. If looking to get outside and have some fun with fitness, hit the courts in style with the Louis Vuitton Tennis Racket Cover. Crafted from the brand’s signature elegant monogram canvas and gold-colored hardware, the cover acts as a refined solution to carry and store sports equipment securely. It includes three white tennis balls – which can be fastened in the zippered compartment on the front of the case – featuring iconic red Louis Vuitton symbols, including the LV initials and monogram flower. The two-tone, adjustable strap ensures easy transportation and the interior of the case is lined in a striking red hue. $2,010 at select Louis Vuitton stores, www.louisvuitton.com.

So Scottsdale! December ‘20

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Style ALLURE

BY NEYDA MELINA

BEAUTIFUL BROWS Achieve flawless arches with a little aid

Styling wax, Anastasia Beverly Hills, $23 at Sephora, www.sephora.com.

Fiber gel, Hourglass Cosmetics, $28 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Lifting gel, Kosas, $22 at Citrine, www. citrinenaturalskin.com.

Wax and powder duo, Chanel, $50 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www.saksfifthavenue. com.

Long-wear pencil, Bobbi Brown, $45 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Highlighting pencil, Chantecaille, $24 at Neiman Marcus.

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

S

On the road again…

everal years ago, almost as a joke, Rachell Hall purchased a 1996 Classic Cadillac Limo and began filming “Life in the Limo” segments. The car is eccentric and quirky, much like it’s owner...an over enthusiastic lifestyle aficionado.

Rachell has spent a lifetime traveling the world in search of the healthy way to enjoy the "luxury lifestyle”.

As the consummate creator, she has developed healthy but delicious food products and recipes; and written countless articles for national magazine publications.

Her expertise leads her to international resort and spa destinations where she reports on the latest treatments and healing modalities; also often interviewing renowned chefs and convincing them to donate a publishable recipe so that you, our most amazing readers, can recreate this deliciousness in your own home and hopefully visit some of these fabulous destinations yourself.

This year Rachell is on the road again bringing you the latest luxury lifestyle tips and tricks...from beauty products and treatments to fine food and travel her column will cover it all...looks like she’s on a roll!

Rachell Hall still maintains her Classic Beauty Practice of thirty years. Known as the expert and leader in the field of Permanent Make Up you can contact her for an appointment or free consultation at 480.368.9239. Also visit RachellHall.com

Style DWELL

BY NEYDA MELINA

JAVA JOLT

Gadgets and gear to make the perfect cup of coffee

Stainless steel milk pan, Tom Dixon, $130 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www.saksfifthavenue. com.

Stainless steel drip kettle, Gingko, $70 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

White beaded creamer, $16 at Pottery Barn, www. potterybarn.com.

Blue patterned coffee cup and saucer set, Halcyon Days, $98 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Blue porcelain tea spoons, Spode, $30 (set of six) at Neiman Marcus.

Hexagon patterned sugar bowl, $70 at Jonathan Adler, www. jonathanadler.com.

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Style SHOP

BY NEYDA MELINA

SLOPESIDE STYLE Feminine fashions fit for a day on the mountains

Pink belted ski suit, Cordova, $1,390 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www.saksfifthavenue. com.

Red gloves, $118 at J.Crew, www.jcrew. com.

Pink knit pompom hat, $12.99 at H&M, www.hm.com.

Snow goggles, Chloe, $415 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Monogram cropped jacket, Balmain, $3,250 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Rose gold pillow snow boots, Moon Boot, $265 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

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Style SHOP

BY NEYDA MELINA

BLAZING OUTERWEAR Add a touch polished sophistication to any outfit in or out of the office

Burgundy plaid, Rag & Bone, $595 at Nordstrom, www. nordstrom.com.

Ivory embellished, Cinq a Sept, $595 at Neiman Marcus, www. neimanmarcus.com.

Blue-green faux leather, Alice + Olivia, $465 at Saks Fifth Avenue, www. saksfifthavenue.com.

Silver tuxedo, $348 at J.Crew, www.jcrew. comm.

Black piped belted, Veronica Beard $695 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tan woven windowpane, $175 at Madewell, www. madewell.com.

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F A S T F A S H I O N

JACKET: Bright navy Italian suit, $700.

SHIRT: Light blue stretch button-down, $129. PANTS: Bright navy Italian suit, $300.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

BY GABBY LEIGHTON / PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE / STYLING BY STACEY RICHMAN / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LORRI GREGORY, 623.521.5934 MODEL: FORD/RBA / CLOTHES PROVIDED BY BONOBOS, 15257 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD SUITE 130, SCOTTSDALE AZ 85254; 480.273.368 ALL VEHICLES PROVIDED BY BARRETT-JACKSON; 480.421.6694; WWW.BARRETT-JACKSON.COM.

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SHIRT: Red and blue gingham buttondown, $99. BELT: Brown leather, $139. PANTS: Stretch jeans, $149.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

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JACKET: Charcoal buffalo plaid bomber, $349. SHIRT: Multicolor plaid button-down, $99.

PANTS: Dark blue stretch chino, $99.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

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JACKET: Black Italian tuxedo, $650.

BOWTIE: Black satin with white polka dots, $79. SHIRT: White stretch tuxedo buttondown, $179. PANTS: Black Italian wool with satin stripe, $250.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

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POCKET SQUARE: Multicolor striped, $55. JACKET: Light gray Italian wool blazer, $400.

SWEATER: Navy crew neck, $99.

SHIRT: Multicolor button-down, $89.

PANTS: Light wash jeans, $99.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

SWEATER: Tan herringbone cashmere half zip, $129.

SHIRT: Green plaid button-down, $99.

PANTS: Forest green five-pocket, $139.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

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SWEATER: Black V-neck, $99. SHIRT: White dotted buttondown, $99. PANTS: Slate cotton, $99.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

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VEST: Maroon fleece, $89. SHIRT: Multicolor plaid flannel button-down, $99. BELT: Brown leather, $139.

PANTS: Chestnut stretch chinos, $99.

All from Bonobos, 480.273.3687.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Luxe

W H E E L S / WA N T / H AU T E P R O P E R T Y / P L A C E S

BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Start the year on a bright note with the Lantern Rechargeable Lamp by Kartell. Shown in purple wisteria and available in a variety of other colors, the portable Italian lamp can be used inside or outside. The textured vessel allows the LED beams to project an illuminated graphic effect, creating a beautiful statement piece for any evening setting. The lamp runs on a rechargeable battery and comes with a charging base. $325 at Nordstrom, www.nordstrom.com.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Luxe WHEELS

2022 MERCEDES EQS 580 A new and impeccably luxurious electric vehicle

BY JIM PRUETER

VITAL STATS: 2022 Mercedes EQS 580

There’s an old saying that if you’re late to the party, you better be the best dressed. While criticized for taking far too long to embrace electric vehicles compared to its competitors such as Porsche, Jaguar and more, Mercedes-Benz just introduced its new all-electric flagship, the EQS – and it’s the fanciest, most luxurious EV ever.

While the exterior design of the EQS looks loosely based on Mercedes’ gasoline-powered, large, expensive S-Class, the real opulence happens inside the cabin. The EQS is a tour-deforce of exceptional, unequaled technological luxuries, including a giant 56-inch wall-to-wall glass hyperscreen as one massive panel housing three screens for the operational, infotainment system and gauge cluster.

Optional comfort doors automatically open when the driver approaches the vehicle and then automatically close after the driver is positioned behind the wheel. Consumers can also say “Hey Mercedes” to open any front or rear door. Seats are sumptuous, featuring pillows on the headrests as well as hot stone massages.

The EQS 580 4MATIC, test driven here, is

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powered by a two-motor, all-wheel-drive system with a 108-kilowatt-hour battery pack delivering 516 horsepower and 611-pound-feet of torque.

The EPA rates this particular 580 at 340 miles, and, when tested, the car reached 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. A depleted battery will fully recharge in 11 hours using a 240-volt, level 2 charger and replenish 70% of its battery in about 35 minutes using a DC fast charger.

The EQS exhibits a smooth ride with the standard air suspension system, allowing the vehicle to seemingly float across bumps, potholes and imperfect road conditions. It is exceptionally quiet but drivers can turn on two different soundscapes of relaxing notes – along with corresponding fragrances – delivered through the standard and outrageously good Burmester audio system Overall, the EQS sets a new standard for impressive performance, interior opulence, and overall pinnacle of luxury, technology, and safety, far surpassing any other electric car in the world.

It’s lavish, stress-free futuristic motoring at its finest.

Base price: $120,160 Price as tested: $125,285 Horsepower: 516 Fuel Economy: 91/98/94 MPGe city/ highway/combined Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors Seating: 5 Fab features: Truly sumptuous, lavish interior A technological tour de force triumph Self-opening & closing doors

SCOTTSDALE’S PREMIERE TESTOSTERONE center for MEN CONFIDENCE • SEX DRIVE • ENERGY • WEIGHT LOSS • MUSCLE MASS • MOTIVATION

What Makes Us Elite?

Meet Carlos Suescun M.D. THE most INTERESTING DOCTOR in SCOTTSDALE Physician & Triathlete

Every single visit is with Dr. Suescun.

At most hormone replacement centers, you will NEVER see a doctor. You also have direct access to Dr. Suescun via cell, text & email.

There are no weekly visits required as with most hormone replacement centers.

All medication is taken at home.

We schedule your visits at your convenience including evenings and weekends.

Membership with Elite includes body composition monitoring to achieve your individual goals. We follow your progress by analyzing & tracking your body fat percentage, muscle mass, weight etc. to track tangible results. All plans are completely individualized and doses of medication carefully adjusted for patients to meet their specific goals based on hormone levels and biochemical markers.

We stress the importance of nutrition in reaching the ultimate level of fitness, strength, and health and therefore provide our clients with personalized nutritional advice along with exercise and fitness counseling. Our goal is to help you stay in the best shape of your life and to achieve optimum health.

STAY SEXY, my friends 480.626.1314

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 11000 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD. SUITE 130 | SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85254 www.elitetestosteronereplacement.com

Luxe WANT

MAUI WOWIE

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea launches an over-the-top Complete Suite Experience

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI AT WAILEA

Domestic travel surged in late 2021. The forecast for 2022 – especially at the luxury level – is at a higher demand than ever before. Up for the task of satiating well-traveled jetsetters is the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which now offers a Complete Suite Experience.

Through it, guests are booked in one of the resort’s top oceanfront suites, ranging from 1,400 to 7,200 square feet with private balconies overlooking the golden sands of Wailea Beach. Each of the suites is located on the Club Level, considered a boutique resort within the resort, and has access to the oceanfront lounge, which serves complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres daily.

Guests who purchase the package also have access to a dedicated guest experience team, wholly focused on curating and creating once-inlifetime experiences on property and across Hawaii. Activities that can be arranged for an additional cost range from intimate whale watching excursions and daytrips to other islands to a culinary journey complete with a helicopter tour in the rainforest for a wine pairing dinner on an estate that dates back to the rule of King Kamehameha III. There is even a “Best Way to Putt” program

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available, featuring bloody marys, a private helicopter tour of Wailea Golf Course set at the foothills of the dormant Mount Haleakala, a private tee time, and a massage.

Beyond this, Suite Experience guests will have roundtrip airport transportation in a private SUV or Tesla arranged in advance, welcome flowers and surprise culinary amenities, daily breakfast either in-room or at the resort’s DUO Steak and Seafood, a $250 resort credit for on-property boutiques, unlimited laundry services, Peloton bikes, high-speed internet access, overnight shoeshine services, and rental car parking if needed.

Of course, any party that books the package has VIP access to the entire 15-acre resort as well. The oceanfront property is home to one of the nation’s toprated spas (performing services in open-air traditional Hawaiian thatched treatment rooms, no less) as well as three of Hawaii’s most acclaimed restaurants in Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, Spago Maui and the aforementioned DUO Steak and Seafood.

There are also three pools overlooking the azure-blue Pacific Ocean, including the adults-only Serenity Pool with exclusive Missoni-designed cabanas by reservation.

Complimentary traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling classes, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, aqua cardio fusion and other fitness classes are available daily. There is also an 11-court lighted tennis pavilion as well as a beach pavilion that offers snorkeling, scuba, kayak, and sailing equipment and instruction.

In recent years, the resort also rolled out a Malama Hawaii volunteer experience in which guests are able to discover Maui’s storied past through hands-on processing of historic artifacts and documents at the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

Learn more at www.fourseasons.com/ maui.

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The Village has everything you need to transform your body and have fun doing it and living a healthy lifestyle is all about balance, so you don’t get burnt out or injured. We offer a variety of classes at different levels of intensity so you can vary your workouts and benefit from active recovery and cross-training.

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VILLAGECLUBS.COM © 2021 Village Health Clubs & Spas

Luxe HAUTE PROPERTY

SPOTLIGHT: AN AIRY ABODE

BY ELIZABETH LIBERATORE

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With lofty ceilings and an open floor plan, this Santa Barbara-inspired home mirrors the vastness and comfort of the beach.

Arched doorways, hardwood floors, and modern accents elevate the Paradise Valley property, which sits on 1.07 acres and offers 5,004 square feet of livable space.

There are six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and a five-car garage with a circular driveway for additional parking.

A water fountain anchors the driveway, surrounded by tall palms and desert greens. Lush bushes frame the walkway that leads to a grand cast-iron front door.

Beyond the large entryway is a living room with vaulted ceilings supported by white exposed beams. Natural light fills the space, with the back wall made entirely of windows. Arched wall niches throughout the house complement the arched doorways of each room.

The open kitchen sits in the center of the house and features marble countertops, a farmhouse-style sink, white custom cabinetry, a large island, and ample built-ins.

A wooden hood with rich architectural lines hangs above a six-burner, Sub-Zero gas range. An eating nook overlooking the backyard and family room is nearby, making entertaining a breeze. There’s also a built-in bar with a wine rack and illuminated shelves.

All five bedrooms are complete with hardwood floors and windows and have a neighboring full bathroom. The recently renovated master bedroom features wainscoting details, crown molding, track lighting, access to the backyard, and an impressive walk-in closet with built-ins. The bright master bathroom has double vanities with marble countertops, a freestanding marble tub, and a walk-in shower with two showerheads.

Desert plants and trees encircle the backyard, creating a private, quiet and scenic space to unwind throughout the year. There are various pockets to entertain, including one with an outdoor fireplace, and there is a large pool to cool off in during the Valley's sweltering months.

6911 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Paradise Valley, Arizona, 85253. Listed for 3,700,000 with Josie Pakula of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty; 480.223.3633 or josiepakula@gmail.com.

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Luxe PLACES

SANCTUARY IN SEDONA

Verde Valley’s top resorts offer respite, rejuvenation and restoration to help ease into the new year

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

While it is always a good time to visit Sedona, it is an especially perfect year given the number of luxe resorts newly opened or reopening after impressive facelifts. Here are five of our favorites.

Wilde Resort & Spa Opened in September 2021 at the base of Thunder Mountain, Wilde is surrounded by both lush greenery and the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Mindfulness was top of mind when constructing the resort, which includes a healing garden, a labyrinth, a full spa, stargazing programs, yoga and a serene rooftop bar that provides a bird’s-eye view of the Red Rocks in nearly every direction. The 105 rooms and suites on property are a contemporary style, with drastic pops of color to complement the outdoor scenery. The Grove, the property’s largest outdoor gathering space, acts an oasis where guests can take in the views of Thunder Mountain while relaxing with a glass of wine around cozy fire pits. Its location on the west side of Sedona also allows for easy access to the Sugar Loaf and Soldier’s Pass hiking trails and is near the area’s most popular excursion outfitters offering mountain biking, sightseeing, ATVs, jeep tours, Grand Canyon excursions, and more. www.thewilderesort.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILDE RESORT & SPA

L’Auberge de Sedona One of the Southwest’s preeminent luxury getaways, L’Auberge de Sedona – refreshed regularly both inside and out – offers both the backdrop of the Red Rocks as well as the serenity of the babbling Oak Creek. The 62 idyllic cottages on property are either just steps from said water or high up above it to provide dramatic 180-degree Red Rock vista views. There are also 21 more traditional guest rooms in a lodge on the grounds as well as a five-bedroom Creekhouse for large parties. Tucked into the property’s trees is L’Apothecary Spa, where guests have the option of selecting unique treatments such as sound healing and more traditional services like the Desert Flower Massage and a bevy of mineral-rich facials and body scrubs. The culinary program is impressive, thanks to Cress on Oak Creek, a fine dining restaurant along the creek serving southern European cuisine made with hand-selected ingredients. Beyond all of this, throughout the grounds visitors will delight in the rare art on display for sale as well actual artists hard at work painting and sculpting as part of the resort’s Artist in Residence program. www.lauberge.com.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

PHOTO COURTESY OF L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA

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Re-imagined from top to bottom as part of a multimillion-dollar phased renovation in recent years and located directly along the Red Rock Scenic Byway near the iconic Bell Rock, Hilton Sedona is plush with amenities for adventure and relaxation alike, not

to mention access to one of Northern Arizona’s only public golf courses. More than three-quarters of the accommodations on property are suites with private fireplaces and 180-degree-view balconies, many with oversized soaking tubs as well. The on-site Eforea Spa boasts an adults-only pool as well as dedicated separate male and female sanctuaries complete with steam rooms, saunas, showers, relaxation lounges, Jacuzzis and more. There is also an adventure concierge on property and in-house Pink Jeep Tours available at the touch of a button. Bonus: During winter months, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with private dining igloos under the stars, seasonal spa treatments and live music several days a week. www.hiltonsedonaresort.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAMARA RESORT AND SPA

Amara Resort and Spa Reopened in October 2021 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the uptown Sedona icon now boasts a new look in each of its 100 guestrooms as well as in all public spaces, including the resort’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, and the award-winning Amara Spa. The inspiration for the new design is inspired by the Red Rocks as well as the concept of making the property feel as if escaping to a “tree lodge” by incorporating the five elements of nature – earth, wood, metal, fire, and water.

Outside, the grounds take advantage of the resort’s prime location with an open-concept patio that allows for one of the most stunning views of both the Cleopatra Red Rock Formation and Snoopy Rock, as well as access to the pool, fire pits, vibrant yellow Adirondack chairs, and a toasty warm Jacuzzi. Inside, the rooms and suites now have modern fixtures and bathroom amenities, including waterfall showers. www.amararesort.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILTON SEDONA RESORT AT BELL ROCK

Ambiente: A Landscape Hotel When it opens in late winter/early spring, Ambiente will become North America’s first “landscape hotel,” meaning it was built while preserving the existing, heavily vegetated forest with minimal impact to the land and a deep respect for the environment. The 3-acre property snakes through the red, iron-oxide rich soil and rugged topography of the region and features a spa, stargazing and yoga programs, culinary destinations and – perhaps most impressively – 40 cube-shaped guest atriums that are elevated above the ground by steel piers to offer striking 360-degree views of Sedona’s famous Red Rocks and the surrounding Coconino National Forest.

Each private guest atrium, built using matte charcoal-colored metal and floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass walls, will offer contemporary, earth tone decor to support a disconnection from everyday life and a reconnection with nature. Some will have rooftop decks, fire pits and even outdoor daybeds to further enhance the experience. www.ambientesedona.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBIENTE: A LANDSCAPE HOTEL

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Taste DRINK

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

SHOW AND TASTE

Cocktails offering a little something extra with every satisfying sip

Ever heard the old adage that we eat with our eyes first? Clearly, these cocktail hotspots are following the saying, with each venue offering drinks that provide a show well before the first sip.

The Empress Ember at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort A playful twist on the classic violet aviation gin cocktail, The Empress starts with St. George Dry Rye Gin, elderflower liqueur and touch of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur.

It is finished with a float of bright purple Empress 1908 Gin, which, due to the butterfly pea powder in the recipe, turns the cocktail from clear to purple as the its sinks to the bottom of the glass. $16. www.wekopacasinoresort.com. et tu, brute?

Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen While named for the famous last words of Julius Caesar, this cocktail is the perfect first sip to start a night out with friends or a significant other. Equal parts bitter and sweet, it is made with SanTan Sacred Stave Single Malt Whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bruto Americano, and mole bitters. It is served in a glass container that has been infused with smoke that is released tableside. $17. www. andazscottsdale.com.

The Third Monk The Americano This groovy green machine, which is served on a blacklight coaster to give it a neon glow-in-the-dark effect in the dimly lit restaurant, starts with mesquite honey with amaretto. It then gets an herbal yet sweet flavor infusion thanks to Yellow Chartreuse and is shaken with an egg white before being strained into a rocks glass. $18. www.theamericanorestaurant.com.

Turn on the Heater Platform 18 at Century Grand A sip, show and a snack? Yes, please! This blend of aged rum and crispy, herbaceous mezcal, amaro, guava and burnt sugar is

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extra special thanks to the guava thumbprint cookie on top. Fun fact: The drink was made in partnership with James Beard-nominated local chef Country Velador of Super Chunk Sweets & Treats. $16. www.centurygrandphx.com.

Guava Coconut Diego Pops While there is no sea in sight, this cocktail is an island-inspired sight to see thanks to its presentation in an actual baby coconut, complete with an umbrella garnish. The combination of flavors – Ciroc Coconut Vodka, coconut water, guava, and housemade sweet and sour – further transports guests to some beach, somewhere. $15. www.diegopops.com.

Snozberry Sour The Hot Chick A nod to the famous line in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – “The snozzberries taste like snozzberries!” – as well as Wonka’s candy land-like factory and the kids in the story themselves, this bourbon, pomegranate and orgeat cocktail has its own version of snozzberries: Sour Patch Kids.

Thanks to a garnishing trick, they even appear to be dancing along the sugar-coated rim. $12. www. thehotchickaz.com.

Utopia 36 Below Reminiscent of sitting by a campfire, this cocktail arrives at the table in an oak-smoked dome.

After the dome is removed, a marshmallow is toasted tableside, engaging all of the senses. The actual drink features barrel-aged bourbon and cinnamon bitters. Pro tip: Alternate between a bite of the marshmallow and a sip of the drink for the complete flavor experience. $19. www.36belowaz.com.

Taste

DRINK / CHEERS / CUISINE / FOOD FILES / DINING GUIDE

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY CAMPO ITALIAN

When James Beard Award winner Alessandro "Alex" Stratta opened Campo Italian Bistro & Bar in 2021, he promised to showcase the incredible bold flavors of the rustic Italian countryside. Dishes like Seba’s Meatballs ($14) prove he stayed true to his word. The family recipe is made with ground pork, veal and beef, which are combined with milk, garlic, eggs, salt, herbs, breadcrumbs, finely grated Grana Padano cheese, and chopped parsley. The perfectly round, 2-inch meatballs are then cooked in oil, simmered in San Marzano tomato sauce and baked in a skillet. The dish gets topped with sliced mozzarella, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chopped parsley, and a drizzle with of extra virgin olive oil. It is served with country bread for dipping. Campo Italian Bistro & Bar, 8260 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.597.9195 ; www.campoitalian.com.

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Taste CHEERS

ELEVATED AGAVE

Orange Sky’s Dazed & Infused takes tequila to a new level thanks to its Japanese Yama Drip

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY NICKY HEDAYATZADEH

While Talking Stick Resort’s Orange Sky is well-known for its wine list, notably it is a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner several years running, its cocktail program deserves kudos top to bottom as well.

“Throughout our drink menu, we are focused on showcasing the versatility of quality spirits, imparting them with natural ingredients to enhance their flavor and give our guests something special each night,” says Wil Lee, food and beverage director of Talking Stick Resort.

Orange Sky’s Dazed & Infused ($18) is a perfect example of what the talented team does to impart layers of flavor using tequila as a base.

“We use a Japanese Yama Drip, which is a three-level infuser, to take a spirit like tequila and elevate it to another level,” Lee says. “For Dazed & Confused, we combine Hornitos Reposado Tequila with freshly roasted pineapples and guajillo chilies in the top level of the infuser for 10 days until it has slowly dripped to the bottom, indicating to us it has extracted maximum flavor.”

Once ready, the aromatic result is combined in a shaker with ice, lime juice and a housemade citrus syrup using oranges and lemons before being strained over a rocks glass with artisan ice. The glass is rimmed with smoked chili-lime salt to add to the visual appeal as well as to offer one more juxtaposing flavor profile.

“We then add a floater of Grand Marnier, which really takes it over the top,” Lee says.

When guests bring the glass – which is garnished with dehydrated pineapple and lime – to their lips, they will delight in the balanced blend of sweet, sour, smoky, and spicy flavors with undertones of agave, herbs, apples and a hint of oak.

Orange Sky, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale; 480.850.8606; www. talkingstickresort.com.

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Taste

CUISINE

CHEF CONVERSATIONS In the kitchen with Patrick Gaudet of Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town Patrick Gaudet is the executive chef of Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, where he oversees signature eatery Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails as well as Outrider Rooftop Lounge, special event dining, catering, and banquets.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS

What inspired you to cook?

Growing up in Saskatchewan, Canada, I loved being in the kitchen with my mom and grandma while they cooked for the holidays. My mom and dad each had 12 siblings, so cooking for the family was like catering for a small army, and I could never get enough of it.

When did you end up in Arizona?

After taking professional cooking courses in Vancouver and working at some independent restaurants, I earned a position at world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in the late 1990s. Each winter during low season, we had the opportunity to travel to another Fairmont property that needed us, and in 2001, the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess came calling – and I never left! A three-month temporary position turned into a five-year career there.

How did you come to join the Canopy?

I worked at the Princess until 2006 and then spent nearly 15 years working my way up in resort fine dining with positions at The Wigwam, The Phoenician and Boulders Resort & Spa, where I most recently served as chef de cuisine. In 2020, I jumped at the chance at my first executive chef position at the Canopy.

Tell us about your menus at Canopy.

Throughout each of our concepts, I am looking to craft health-focused and health-conscious dishes without sacrificing flavor. We do not dredge anything in butter, eliminated lard from recipes and limit the time anything is fried.

Another point of pride: we source locally whenever possible.

What is your perfect order at Cobre?

Start with the chipotle chicken flatbread and then move on to our short rib, which is smoked and presented tableside so guests can enjoy the visual and aromatic effects. Finish with the churro bites. They are made from traditional churro dough but cooked in a waffle iron first to separate them into nibbles and limit fryer time.

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

Since I am Canadian, it should be no surprise that I play hockey. Oh! I cannot stand cream cheese, even in a recipe. My mom used to sneak it into icings, but I could always tell.

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, 7142 E. 1st St., Scottsdale; 480.590.3864; www. hilton.com.

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Taste FOOD FILES

GRATEFUL SPOON

Warm up with a bowl of soup, the ultimate cold weather comfort food

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Roasted Crimini Mushroom Bisque

Rusconi’s American Kitchen Well beyond a basic mushroom soup, this dreamy soup starts with a cream base and handroasted cremini mushrooms, which are known for their earthy, rustic notes. Nutty San Joaquin Gold cheese, which almost tastes like white truffles, is then slowly added along with salt, pepper and spices. A garnish of chives finishes the dish. $12. www.rusconiskitchen.com.

Pork Pozole

Z’Tejas Southwest Grill Slow-cooked pork is the base for this rich, brothy soup. Spiced with garlic, cumin, habanero and guajillo peppers then combined with hominy, roasted poblano peppers and onion, the flavor profile is complex and layered. Bonus: It is complemented with a side of tortilla chips and garnished with fresh shredded cabbage, cilantro, sliced radish and lime to create a delightful mix of textures and temperatures. $9. www.ztejas.com.

Kale & White Bean Soup

Picazzo’s Hearty yet healthy (not to mention gluten-free and vegan), this beautiful bowl starts with olive oil-infused vegetable broth. An array of spices are then added slowly over time, including garlic, basil, thyme, salt and pepper, as well as diced carrots, onions and tomatoes. The key ingredients – white cannellini beans and dinosaur kale – are then added and simmered together for another several hours before serving to diners. $9. www.picazzos.com.

Italian Wedding Soup

Winter is finally here! Hurry, grab a spoon with us and dig into all of these great soups across the Valley before the temperatures start to creep back up again.

Streets of New York The name of this soup is fitting given it is the perfect marriage of ingredients. Couscous is paired with miniature meatballs and a chicken broth base in addition to tomatoes, spinach and sweet red peppers. Salt and pepper are added to taste before the dish gets garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The soup is then served with toasty garlic bread. $7.90. www.streetsofnewyork.com.

Vegan Chili

Eat Up Drive In Made from scratch daily, this vegan and gluten-free take on chili goes big when it comes to beans and copious amounts of poblano peppers, which are added low and slow into a thick, rich tomato paste-based broth. Mushrooms add an earthy, almost meaty flavor, and are joined by chunks of carrots, celery and chives. Pro tip: If you love it in a bowl, be sure to also try it atop a baked potato. $7. www.eatupdrivein.com.

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

SOL Mexican Cucina While generations have relied upon traditional flat flavored chicken soup for its perceived health benefits, this authentic Mexican version incorporates zest and spice to tantalize the taste buds. Made with chicken, tomatillo, chipotle, cheese, avocado, fried tortillas, carrots, onion, cilantro, lime, and epazote, which is a pungent herb used in Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine, this soup is served piping hot, and it is so hearty that some choose to consume it as their main course. $9 www.solcocina.com.

Roasted Pumpkin and Squash Cream Soup

Nonna Urban Eatery Offered on the winter three-course prix fixe menu and as an a la carte option, this soup feels both delicate and rich at the same time. Silky in every sip, it is a creamy cornucopia of pureed pumpkin and squash, despite actually having a broth base, paired with olive oil, butter, shallot, garlic, vegetable broth, and a handful of winter spices.

It is topped with goat cheese and fried leeks, which each add a unique texture. $10. www. nonnascottsdale.com.

New England Clam Chowder

The Montauk Get transported to the East Coast after a spoonful of this velvety offering. Made in the classic New England style – often called Boston or cream clam chowder – it starts with a cream base enhanced by salt pork. The base then gets a heaping helping of freshly imported clams as well as diced potatoes and onions. Thyme, salt and pepper are added to the mixture while it simmers, and it is served with crackers. $8. www.themontaukaz.com.

Chicken with Matzo Ball Soup

Chompie’s A favorite when sick or just to warm the soul on a cool winter day, this New York deli classic features roasted chicken, noodles, fresh vegetables, and housemade chicken stock. The matzo balls, otherwise known as Jewish soup dumplings, act as the stars of the dish. The traditional soup is a passed down family recipe, and made fresh daily. It’s served with homemade bagel chips. $5.99-$9.99. www.chompies.com.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Modern Oysterbar Chophouse For those who prefer the red, brothy version of clam chowder, also called Coney Island chowder, you are in luck! Modern has one of the best in town. It is made primarily with tomato paste as well as fresh San Marzano tomatoes, Manilla clams and Yukon Gold potatoes. There are also a bevy of fresh herbs added as well as roasted garlic and the perfect amount of bacon. $14. www.modernoysterbarchophouse.com.

Spicy Potato Corn Chowder

Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup Thick and filling, this zesty mashup of corn chowder and potato soup starts with ovenroasted, blistered peppers. They are paired in a pot with onion, bell peppers, celery and potatoes that have been sauteed with oil.

Water, actual mashed potatoes, salt, pepper, cilantro, and corn are then added, and the contents are boiled until everything is tender.

The soup is then put in an immersion blender until the perfect creamy consistency is achieved and the final product can be topped with the diner’s choice of fixings from behind the bar. $5.75. www.gadzooksaz.com.

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Taste DINING GUIDE

COLD BEERS & CHEESEBURGERS

At Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, you get exactly what you can expect from a restaurant with that name. It has over 150 beer choices and a food menu featuring a variety of burgers, classic bar fare and the popular build your own mac and cheese dish. And if you dare, try the Burger Challenge, where you choose a minimum of 3 half-pound burger patties and attempt to eat it in record time and walk away with bragging rights. Gluten-free menu available. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Seven locations across Scottsdale and Phoenix; www.coldbeers.com; $$

COMPILED BY GABBY LEIGHTON

Jenna Leurquin (aka JL) does things a little differently by using sourdough bases and natural fermentation for the baked goods. Don’t miss the carrot cake, a favorite of the baker herself. 7342 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.859.4459; THE LOCAL DONUT This donut shop has built a reputation for its delicious and photogenic fancy donuts. Offering yeasted and cake donuts, the sweet spot’s specialties include the PB&J and s’mores with a toasted marshmallow on top.

The notorious croissant doughnuts are available on Saturday and Sunday only. 3213 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.500.5236; www. thelocaldonutshop.com; $

Breakfast

BUTTERS PANCAKES & CAFÉ Butters provides a neighborhood feel for breakfast and lunch with an extensive menu. Favorites range from cinnamon roll pancakes and berry bliss French toast to skillets, crepes and freshly squeezed juices. Lunch items include burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Two Scottsdale locations: Northsight Crossing and Mercado on Hayden; www.butterscafe.com; $$

American

DOG HAUS Originally founded in Pasadena, California, Dog Haus is a national chain that crafts gourmet hot dogs, sausages and burgers on grilled Sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls and serves them with creative toppings. Popular menu items include the Sooo Cali with wild arugula, avocado, tomato, crispy fried onions and spicy basil aioli on an all-beef hot dog and the meaty Fonz with spicy Italian sausage, pastrami and melted mozzarella cheese. Plant-based options available. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15257 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.508.4930; www.doghaus.com; $$ EL CHORRO El Chorro is an Arizona dining

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DAILY DOSE Whether you are craving breakfast or lunch, something decadent or something healthy, Daily Dose has a wide array of options from omelets and breakfast nachos to tacos, salads and burgers. The restaurant brews specialty coffee drinks like the choc-o-nut with hazelnut and peanut butter, and the mellow bean with toasted marshmallow and vanilla bean, as well brunch cocktails, bloody marys and a wide range of mimosas. Several gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.994.3673; www.dailydosegrill.com; $$ destination in a historic building overlooking Camelback Mountain. The chef brings local Southwest flavors to comfort food classics like the chipotle pomegranate glazed sausage trio with local sausages and soft pretzel bread, or the pan seared salmon with chorizo risotto, sugar snap peas and citrus butter. If anything, go for the eatery’s famous sticky buns (and take some with you to go!). Happy hour in the bar Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday brunch from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley; 480.948.5170; www. elchorro.com; $$$

Bakeries

RUZE CAKE HOUSE The mother-daughter baking team behind this popular bakery has taken Scottsdale and social media

by storm with their fresh, artistic designs. Beautifully decorated macarons, cactus-shaped cookies and delicate cupcakes are lined up along the pristine counter. The Ruze Boba is a popular signature drink featuring fresh prickly pear puree, housemade rose syrup, prickly pear tea and milk.

There is a large selection of vegan cakes and baked goods as well as gluten-free options. It’s the perfect place for special occasions, weddings and custom desserts. 7033 E. Main St., Scottsdale; 480.438.8692; www. ruzecakehouse.com; $-$$ JL PATISSERIE This French-inspired bakery started out on the farmers market circuit before opening a storefront in 2019. Known for authentic French baguettes and croissants, owner

EGGSTASY Eggstasy dishes out fresh ingredients, brunch cocktails and fun breakfast items including churro waffles, chocolate-covered bacon and the Eggasm, a coddled egg with potato puree and crispy prosciutto. The menu also has pancakes, Benedicts, crepes and heathy options. Three Scottsdale locations: Shea Boulevard, The Mercado, and Market Street at DC Ranch. www. eggstasyaz.com; $$ PREP & PASTRY The menu offers breakfast sandwiches, Benedicts, plant-driven options, and scrumptious breakfast potatoes famous for a six-step preparation process. Cocktail offerings include a variety of mimosas, the Southwest Sunset with strawberry-infused

bourbon, and the Thai Fighter with ginger lemongrass vodka. 7025 E. Via Soleri Drive, Scottsdale; 480.477.1502; www.prepandpastry.com; $$.

Breweries

BLUE CLOVER DISTILLERY This micro-distillery in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale creates handcrafted, small-batch liquors influenced by the owners’ Danish heritage. The restaurant offers craft cocktails that pair with a globally inspired gastropub menu. Notable dishes include chorizo poutine, the green chile cheeseburger, pork shank “wings” and Yucatan jerk chicken. If looking for a cocktail, try the Scottsdale Sunset featuring Blue Clover Grapefruit Vodka. 7042 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.946.1062; www.bluecloverdistillery.com; $$ O.H.S.O. BREWERY & DISTILLERY O.H.S.O. (which stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost) has developed a reputation as a localcentric and dog-friendly social hot spot. It offers several nano-brews as well as cocktails made with vodka, rum and gin from its distillery. Happy hour offers discounted food and beverages weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes a 10-ounce Arizona beer or mimosa with each entree. Gluten-free and vegan menus are available. Two Scottsdale locations: North Scottsdale and Paradise Valley; www.ohsobrewery.com; $$ PHX BEER CO. This scenic brewery and restaurant is located in McCormick Ranch, with a beautiful patio along Marguerite Lake.

The menu offers several items made with PHX Beer Co.’s brews including ale house wings, beer-battered cod and chips, and a porter brownie, as well as its signature black iron pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups.

The patio is pup-friendly and “hoppy” hour, with specials on beer, cocktails, wine and bites, takes place weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m. 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.571.8645; www. phxbeerco.com; $$ SCOTTSDALE BEER COMPANY Scottsdale Beer Company offers local brews and an extensive menu including shareables, pizza and burgers, as well as daily food and drink specials. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8608 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.219.1844; www.scottsdalebeercompany.com; $$ STATE 48 LAGER HOUSE State 48 started in Surprise and has since expanded to four Valley locations,

including Scottsdale, where it brews its lagers on-site. The two-story restaurant has a spacious patio with beautiful views and a menu with shareables as well as best-selling mains like beerbattered fish and chips; and the State 48 burger topped with aged cheddar, beer-battered pickles and IPA-sriracha glazed bacon. 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.659.0048; www.state48brewery.com; $-$$

Coffee

CARTEL COFFEE LAB This hip local coffeehouse chain has several locations throughout the Valley, including one in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Cartel Coffee Lab sources its coffee beans from around the world, and its quality roasts have earned the roasters notoriety among local restaurants and retailers that serve the brew. Coffee drinkers can purchase coffee by the cup or whole beans to savor at home.

7124 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; www. cartelcoffeelab.com; $ FOURTILLFOUR Founded in 2007, Fourtillfour is a small coffee shop that serves Four Barrel Coffee from San Francisco. Notably, this cafe plays host to monthly meet ups for a variety of motor clubs. Stop in for a cup and admire all the vintage cars that are on display every Sunday morning. 7105 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; 602.888.3583; www.fourtillfour.com; $ SIP COFFEE & BEER This neighborhood shop offers specialty coffee drinks and a large selection of rotating craft beers on tap and bottled beers. Menu items include a breakfast burrito, avocado toast, a sandwich and protein shakes.

3617 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.625.3878; www.sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com; $-$$

The coffee and espresso drinks are made using a fine selection of organic coffee beans from Roastery of Cave Creek. At Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.3835; www.thevillagecoffeeshop.com; $$

Dessert

CREAMISTRY This ice cream shop is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. Creamistry specializes in madeto-order ice cream that creates a foggy chill when liquid nitrogen is added to the custom mixtures. From more than 60 flavors and toppings, fresh frozen combinations can be made into scoops or a shake.

The menu also includes non-dairy and vegan options. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15345 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.912.5100; www. creamistry.com; $ FROZEN PENGUIN Family-friendly Frozen Penguin is a locally owned ice cream shop. The folks there specialize in made-toorder ice cream sandwiches. Guests can choose from a wide selection of cookies, brownies, ice cream flavors and toppings to build a sandwich to their creative heart’s content. At Odysea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale; 480.646.6070; $ SUGAR BOWL It’s hard to miss this bubble gum pink landmark in Old Town Scottsdale.

Since 1958, Sugar Bowl has been serving old-fashioned sodas, ice creams, malts, floats and sundaes.

And the menu goes beyond dessert, offering classic diner fare like patty melts and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and dinner daily.

4005 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.946.0051; www.sugarbowlscottsdale.com; $-$$

TEMPTATIONS CAFE Locally owned and operated by longtime Scottsdale residents Milo and Nancy, Temptations Cafe is quiet and unassuming. Grab a seat on the petfriendly patio and enjoy a warm breakfast and coffee while reading the morning paper. In addition to a vast breakfast menu, fresh soups, salads and sandwiches round out the lunch offerings. Coffee is roasted locally by Picasso Espresso. Closed Monday and Tuesday. 8322 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.2198; www. cafeinscottsdale.com; $

THE GELATO SPOT The Gelato Spot prides itself on the authentic Northern Italian gelatomaking techniques that make the flavors so rich and vibrant. Choose from dozens of housemade gelatos or order a custom gelato cake for that special occasion. Looking for more than just gelato? The Scottsdale location serves wood-fired pizza and paninis to complete your night out.

Two locations: Scottsdale and North Phoenix; www.gelatospot.com; $$

THE VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP Locally owned by Russian native Marina Matatov, The Village was created as an establishment to share her grandmother’s famous crepe recipes. The menu offers both sweet and savory crepes.

CAFÉ PARIS Opened by a chef from Paris in 2007 and run by his family, Cafe Paris offers French favorites in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices. The menu boasts pastries, crepes, omelets, sandwiches,

French

and classics like quiche Lorraine and croque madame. 15125 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.4875; www. cafeparisaz.com; $ FRANCINE With acclaimed chef Brian Archibald at the helm, Francine has quickly become a Scottsdale favorite. Francine dishes up cuisine that evokes the French Riviera. Expect casual elegance and top-notch service. Signature dishes include grilled octopus, beef carpaccio, bouillabaisse, and duck a la Provencal.

Guests will be wowed by the grand dining room, equipped with floorto-ceiling windows, unique artwork, a rustic fireplace, and a marble bar.

4712 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.690.6180; www.francinerestaurant.com; $$$-$$$$ MERCI FRENCH CAFÉ AND PATISSERIE Opened in 2007, Merci is a Parisianstyle cafe serving homemade French food and pastries, including crepes, quiche, burgers, omelets and sandwiches. 7620 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.2777; www.mercifrenchcafeandpatisserie.com; $-$$

Health Food

D’LITE HEALTHY ON THE GO D’lite is a health-conscious kitchen and coffee house that features a convenient drive-thru for those who want a nutritious fast-food alternative. The ‘Man’ Salad is especially protein-packed, featuring a housemade tuna stuffed avocado served on a bed of spring mix greens with chicken and bacon. The California club is a delicious signature breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, smoked turkey, tomato, avocado, pepper jack, cream cheese and pesto that cannot be missed. The coffee is fair trade, all natural and locally roasted. D’lite offers a simple and healthy kids menu and guests can even purchase daily turkey and rice leftovers for their dogs. Two Scottsdale locations; www. dlitehealthyonthego.com; $-$$ FARM & CRAFT Farm & Craft offers healthy and sustainable food with gluten-free and organic options for brunch, lunch and dinner. Diners can choose from a variety of signature bowls, flatbreads and salads, or order a few of the veggie-packed side dishes to enjoy as a meal. Dinner entrees include flat iron steak, herb-crusted salmon and lasagna Bolognese. Enjoy the indooroutdoor bar with a cold-pressed cocktail and eclectic kombucha drinks. Happy hour food and drink deals weekdays 3 to 6 p.m. 4302 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.568.8980; www.ilovefarmandcraft.com; $$

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Taste DINING GUIDE

ELEMENTS

Elements is a refined culinary experience inside the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa and helmed by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan. Its innovative seasonal menu features farm fresh American cuisine with Asian accents that incorporate local, organic produce; sustainable seafood; and hormone-free meat. This is best exemplified in one bite with the roasted oyster Rockefeller appetizer. Guests can appreciate the intimacy provided

by Elements’ cozy booths and revel in the views of Paradise Valley at sunset, an ideal setting for special occasions. For pre-dinner cocktails and light bar snacks, shimmy over to Jade Bar for happy hour from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. At Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Scottsdale; 480.607.2300; www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com; $$$

TAJ MAHAL Taj Mahal is an adventure in fine Indian dining. House specials include tandoori mix grill, pasta masala, goat curry, a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and traditional Indian desserts.

4225 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale; 480.257.1791; www.aztajmahal.com; $$ TIKKA SHACK Tikka Shack offers fast-casual Indian cuisine, from street food starters to bold curries, and a variety of Indian staples and side dishes. House favorites include chicken tikka masala; the original house curry with chicken; and the chicken tikka wrap. Guests can also craft their own curry and visit the beer wall to self-serve their own drink to wash it all down. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. At Desert Ridge Marketplace: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.354.8800; www. tikkashack.com; $$

Italian

ANDREOLI ITALIAN GROCER The Andreoli family proudly serves authentic Italian fare using recipes passed down from generations, including sandwiches, pizza, salad, seafood dishes and fresh pasta. The homemade meatballs are a favorite.

Take home meat, cheese, desserts, bread, pasta sauce and more from the market. Closed Sunday. 8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale; 480.614.1980; www.andreoli-grocer.com; $$

KALE & CLOVER This mindful kitchen focuses on healthy cold-pressed juices, appetizers, salads and entrees with seasonal ingredients. Menu offerings include rolls, bowls, salads and handhelds from a portobello mushroom burger to a Sicilian chicken panini.

The menu includes many vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Whether on the beautiful patio or naturally designed interior, guests can enjoy glass of wine or craft beer with their meal. 20511 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.568.8707; www.kaleandclover.com; $$ TRUE FOOD KITCHEN In collaboration with integrated medicine guru, Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., True Food Kitchen is a leader in healthy farm-to-table full-service dining. The food and beverage menus are created

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with seasonal ingredients guided by Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid model. The farmers market crudites is a bouquet of chilled raw vegetables served with tzatziki and Kalamata olive dip that is a great starter for the table. The ancient grains bowl and grass-fed steak tacos are also fan favorites. True Food Kitchen happily caters to a variety of food preferences including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.4500; www.truefoodkitchen. com; $$-$$$

Indian

KHAZANA INDIAN BISTRO Khazana is an Indian term for “treasure” and what a gem this bistro is! Guests are enveloped with beautiful aromas of fresh Indian cuisine as they step inside Khazana Indian Bistro. If unsure

what to order, check out the daily lunch buffet where you can sample everything the restaurant has to offer, or bring the family in for a casual dinner.

Try one of the dozen specialty breads and naan that pair well with any of the curries and entrees. Vegetarian friendly.

8140 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.590.0029; www.khazanaindianbistro.business.site; $$ MARIGOLD MAISON One of the Valley’s most popular Indian restaurants, Marigold Maison uses the traditional tandoori oven in preparing many of the menu’s dishes, including several varieties of naan.

Menu favorites of the Paradise Valley restaurant includes classics like chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, samosas and pakora. 4720 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix; 602.795.0020; www. marigoldmaison.com; $$

ARRIVEDERCI CUCINA ITALIANA Originally from San Diego, Arrivederci is a family-owned Italian eatery offering traditional Italian dishes as well as modern twists on the classics. Some signature items include the melanzana sorrentina, a new version of eggplant parmigiana rolled with four cheeses, and the ciambotta di pollo e salsiccia, a popular chicken and sausage dish served over penne pasta. Don’t forget to order the chocamisu, the restaurant’s signature dessert. Happy hour at the bar from 3 to 7 p.m. daily.

12645 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.5895; www.arrivederciaz.com; $$ BABBO ITALIAN EATERY With multiple locations throughout the Valley, Babbo serves contemporary Italian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features both classic and contemporary dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, Neapolitanstyle pizzas, and a roasted Brussels sprouts beet salad. Housemade focaccia bread is brought fresh from the oven and served tableside. There’s also zoodles and cauliflower pizza crust for those who are gluten-free or

carb conscious. 8440 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. 480.291.5050; www. babboitalian.com; $$ FELLOW OSTERIA From the team behind Clever Koi and Across the Pond in Phoenix, Fellow is a casual Italian-style eatery and craft cocktail bar nestled within ASU SkySong. Gather friends for dinner on the beautiful, spacious patio or drinks at the full-service bar. Menu highlights include saffron arancini, housemade pasta and hand-tossed pizzas. At ASU SkySong: 1455 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.207.1864; www.fellowosteria.com; $$ NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT A Valley favorite for more than 20 years, Nick’s Italian offers classic Italian dishes, a sophisticated ambiance and affordable prices. The menu includes homemade ravioli with a variety of fillings, seafood pasta dishes, and favorite Italian preparations including marsala and piccata, as well as pizza and calzones. Several gluten-free dishes are available. Three Valley locations: Tatum and Shea, Pinnacle Peak, and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard; www.nicks-italian.com; $$

Mediterranean

AZ KABOB HOUSE Treat your taste buds to fine Persian cuisine at AZ Kabob. This fastcasual restaurant is helmed by chef Aref Alina, a native Iranian who has studied culinary traditions from various regions of the Middle East and Mediterranean to bring authentic flavors to AZ Kabob’s menu. Try the chicken kabob with saffron rice, one of the most popular menu items.

There’s also fresh made pastries and traditional desserts like saffron ice cream and slow brewed Persian tea. 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; 480.502.4500; $$ GEORGE’S FAMOUS GYROS Look no further for no-frills Mediterranean fast food. The gyro picado is one of the most popular pitas including seasoned meat topped with sauteed onions, peppers and jalapenos. Or, try the chicken supreme pita with feta cheese, fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce. Most meals come with guest’s choice of fries or a side salad. 7620 E. McKellips Road, Scottsdale; 480.874.1354; www. georgesfamousgyros.com; $ PITA JUNGLE Pita Jungle has been in the Valley for more than 25 years and has more than 20 locations. The casual restaurant celebrates the art of healthy eating with something for every taste from a delectable variety of hummus and dips to

fish, gyros, wraps and wood-fired lavash pizzas with a fresh Mediterranean flair.

A wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are available. Multiple Scottsdale locations; www.pitajungle. com; $$ SHISH KABOBS & GYROS Although the majority of this eatery’s menu is Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, guests will probably be surprised to know that Shish Kabobs and Gyros has a little section of Vietnamese and American food options on its menu as well. Next to pitas and falafel, customers can order gyro spring rolls, pho or a Chicago-style hot dog.

Vegetarian friendly. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. 9619 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.634.7118; www.kabobsandgyros.com; $-$$

Pizza

LAMP PIZZERIA Dig into a selection of red and white pizzas, appetizers, salads, and desserts at this popular wood-fired pizzeria. Red pizza options range from pepperoni and margherita to the Kicker with spicy peppers and spicy salami. White pizzas include wood-roasted mushroom and the Kensington with figs, goat cheese and arugula. Closed Monday. 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.292.8773; www.lamppizza.com; $$ LOU MALNATI’S PIZZERIA A Chicago favorite, this famous spot is known for its deep-dish pizza and flaky butter crust. Try the Lou with spinach and mushrooms, the Malnati Chicago Classic with sausage and extra cheese, or create your own deep-dish delight. The menu also offers crispy thin crust pizza, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta and lunch specials.

17787 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.681.3400; www.loumalnatis. com; $$ OREGANO’S A trip to Oregano’s will require an empty stomach and several people in your party. The infamously large portions at Oregano’s make this place ideal to bring the family or a big group.

The restaurant serves a mix of oldworld classic Italian-American dishes and several of its own modernized recipes. Pizzas are Chicago-style and can be made thin, pan or stuffed. And there’s a variety of pastas, salads, sandwiches and wings. Don’t forget to order The Original Pizza Cookie for dessert! Several locations throughout the Valley, including Scottsdale & Shea, Old Town Scottsdale and Paradise Valley; www.oreganos.com; $$ SPINATO’S PIZZERIA The Spinato family opened their first pizzeria after moving from Chicago to

Phoenix in 1974. Now with five locations including one in North Scottsdale, guests are treated like family and the focus is on fresh ingredients.

Pizza options range from the signature spinach pizza to the Chicago with Italian sausage, red onion and bell peppers. 11108 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.391.2347; www. spinatospizzeria.com; $$

Seafood

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD Eddie V’s is known for superb seafood, delicious steaks, upscale atmosphere and a lively cocktail lounge. Diners can enjoy fresh oysters, a shellfish tower, lobster tacos, crab cakes and premium handcut steaks. Seafood entrees include sea bass, scallops, salmon and lobster. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.730.4800; www.eddiev.com; $$$-$$$$ THE MONTAUK This seaside-themed bungalow is the perfect Old Town Scottsdale setting for seersucker pants and boat shoes.

Aside from the expected warm and cold lobster rolls, the menu also features lighter options like Brussels sprout tacos and tuna tartare guacamole. The beachy patio and dining room is often host to lively groups, especially during brunch on the weekends known for tableside mimosas.

4360 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.994.1888; www.themontaukaz. com; $$ MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB The Mastro’s family of restaurants is a favorite for fine steak and seafood dining with impeccable service.

Notable menu standouts include the lobster cocktail, bone-in filet mignon, and many of savory sides including th garlic mashed potatoes. The famous two-foot seafood tower served “smoking” with dry ice also serves as a succulent spectacle. Complete the dining experience with a bottle of wine from the broad list or order the restaurant’s infamous dry-ice martini. Mastro’s has live entertainment nightly in the lounge. Three local concepts throughout Scottsdale: Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club, and Mastro’s Steakhouse; www. mastrosrestaurants.com; $$$$ OCEAN PRIME From renowned restauranteur Cameron Mitchell, Ocean Prime is an award-winning restaurant and lounge that specializes in exquisite seafood, steaks and exceptional service with many locations across the U.S. Menu favorites include the Chilean sea bass

with champagne truffle sauce, the filet mignon and the sea scallops with parmesan risotto. At High Street, 5455 E. High St., Phoenix; 480.347.1313; www.ocean-prime.com; $$$

Steakhouse

BOURBON STEAK Bourbon Steak is a sophisticated steakhouse by award-winning chef Michael Mina. Guests can indulge in fine cuts of beef and poultry slowpoached in butter along with modern American sides. The tuna tartare with ancho chile, Asian pear, a quail egg and pine nuts is an exquisite appetizer.

Beef connoisseurs may be particularly interested in the selection of both Japanese and American wagyu beef.

Call on the in-house sommelier to find the best wine to pair with dinner.

At Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale; 480.629.4922; www.scottsdaleprincess.com; $$$-$$$$ DOMINICK’S STEAKHOUSE Dominick’s is a high-end steakhouse offering cuts of beef that are wet-aged and hand cut in-house. The menu also includes a raw bar, fresh fish entrees, and tasty sides like corn creme brulee and Alaskan king crab and rock shrimp mac and cheese. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15169 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.272.7271; www.dominickssteakhouse.com; $$$$ LINCOLN, A JW STEAKHOUSE Lincoln is a polished contemporary American dining experience with a refined steakhouse menu sourcing many ingredients from local purveyors.

Some signature items include the impressive seafood table tower and any of the fine cuts of meat cooked in the Josper oven with add-ons including king crab Oscar or a crab cake crust. The classic cheesecake – decorated with raspberries and mint – makes for a decadent finish. Guests dine in a serene setting with vistas overlooking Camelback Mountain. At JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale; 480.905.7979; www. lincolnrestaurantpv.com; $$$-$$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Ruth’s Chris is a nationally recognized steakhouse chain known for its signature 500-degree sizzling plates with butter-topped steaks and an awardwinning wine list. The Scottsdale location boasts beautiful sunset views from the second-story patio and terrace. Along with classic steakhouse dishes, guests can try new menu items as they are offered seasonally. At Scottsdale Seville, 7001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.991.5988; www.ruthschris.com; $$$

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Seen EVENTS

KIERLAND POP EXPERIENCE

Part of the Kierland Pop weekend of events – which included an art and music festival as well as a 5K night run – this charity night took place at The Westin Kierland Resort’s Northern Sky Terrace. The evening included live music, art performances and tastes from local restaurants, with proceeds benefitting SAFE Action Project.

Daniel and Marlene Srdic

BY DAVID APEJI

Alexis Firehawk and Ava Guanzon

Don Fenstermaker and Angie Nerget

Linder Stanley

Lauren Rosenberg and Barbara Chisholm

Marlena Krueger and Donna Roberts

Samantha Franklin and David Ventola

Greg Medford and Dawn Copeland

Ryan and Carlye Klick

Jeff and Jamie Daer

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Seen EVENTS

NITEFLITE GALA

The Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club held its annual evening soiree at W Scottsdale, where people mingled, enjoyed local food and danced to live music. The gala was the most successful in the club’s history, raising more than $1 million for Valley children’s charities.

Camryn McClen and Alexis Watkins

BY DAVID APEJI

Marghan Miller and Joseph Bruner

Amit Kahana and Cheyenne Asin

Vincente Teran and Meghan Taxmey

Jamie Sandys and Lindsey Yoder

Adria Libby and Rob Haas

Lindsay Noremberg and Mitch Steidl

JC Donaldson and Shannon Phlurs

Melissa Hansen

Ellie Rollo and Emily Zitney

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Erin Wolverton and Paige Levinsohn

Darleen Santore

Erin Mille and Magaly Salazar

Emily Ingel and Chantal Kort

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Seen EVENTS

SIT. STAY. BRUNCH.

Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch set the scene for this dazzling holiday event, benefitting Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. For the 12th year, attendees enjoyed a Champagne brunch and live auction to raise proceeds for pets and people in crisis.

Oscar De Las Salas and Gary Jackson

BY DAVID APEJI

Drew and Tracy Karns

Kelly Keene and Lara Ludwig

Gina Vazquez

Dave and Leslie Canham

Gina Page and Sandra Szymczak

Wendy and Rick Rios

Collette Pansini and Brenda Van T

Haydyn Moroz and Kathryn Moroz

Brenda Breit and Colin Walsh

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We bring the bar.

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Joanne Lake and Pat Szymczak

We love making your bar the hit of the party!

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Jami Pryor and Jodi Polanski

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Amrita Sahasrabudhe and Allessandra Navidad

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So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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Seen EVENTS

WHITE CHRISTMAS GALA

Ryan House welcomed 200 guests to Arizona Biltmore’s Grand Ballroom for its signature gala. The festive event featured a gourmet dinner, dancing to tunes of The Hamptons Band and a magical snow fall on the patio.

Harry and Bridget Felber

BY HAUTE PHOTOGRAPHY

Lynn and Deb Shumway

Kathy and Mike Hanley

Jeff and Laura Tolson

Matt and Julia Winter

Duane and Mary Thompson

Mario and Jane Iacobelli

Todd and Teresa Miller

Jeffrey Dodd and Rachel Behrendt

Ashley Crowell and Paula Lovesy

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Murray and Kristin Hamilton

Christine and Robert Guthrie

Tracy Leonard-Warner, Cheryl Hintzen-Gaines & Ira Gaines

Amanda Butner, Makenzie George and Amy O’Sullivan

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TOAST!

Homeward Bound hosted this inaugural event at The Clayton House, where guests enjoyed a day of wine and spirit tastings, shopping from local vendors, brunch and a live cocktail competition. Proceeds went toward the nonprofit’s mission to provide families experiencing homelessness a pathway out of poverty.

BY DAVID APEJI

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Ashley Ford and Jose Moreno

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Patsy and George Gonzalez

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Dave Ramirez and Kimilee Cates

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Amanda Walton and Rio Gleason

Julie Friedly and Michelle Schechner

Nancy Moritz and Krystle Henderson

Visit soscottsdale.com for our latest issue.

Indira Reid and Bryce Whitman

So Scottsdale! January ‘22

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End NEW IN TOWN

BUON CIBO

S. Maranto’s restaurant and market carries on a family legacy through authentic Italian cuisine

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTOS COURTESY OF S. MARANTO

In 1948, World War II veteran Sam Maranto – son of first-generation Italian immigrants from Sicily – and his wife, Rita, opened The Italian Kitchen in Texas. His family recipes for spaghetti, lasagna, rigatoni and more quickly became that of legend, so much so that when he passed away in 1969, his wife and children continued to share his legacy through food at the popular eatery. Still open today and run by the third generation, more than 70 years since Maranto first opened its doors, the restaurant is a testament to the power of food and family.

That legacy has now made its way to Arizona with S. Maranto’s, which opened at the Scottsdale 101 shopping center in December 2021. The Italian market and restaurant aims to bring the family’s authentic, approachable recipes and ingredients to diners in a comfortable and contemporary setting. Maranto’s grandson Michael Miller, who has lived in Arizona for nearly a decade and worked in hospitality for the entirety of his career, is leading the concept.

“Because my grandfather believed in offering value and flavor without excessive

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thrills, I am working to do the same, albeit with a little mix of both the contemporary and nostalgia sprinkled in,” Miller says.

Between the dining areas, market and patio, the space is approximately 3,500 square feet with seating for about 70 guests, including 10 at the full-service bar. Expect white walls and basic metals and woods without over-the-top accents or accessories, save for framed photos and artwork depicting Italian pop culture and a collection of Miller’s favorite photos of his grandfather, including one from his wedding day and another of him smoking a cigarette in the kitchen, as was the norm in the 1950s.

“We also framed his first-ever menu, so guests can see how closely we are following his vision to keep things simple, but to do those simple things right,” Miller says.

The menu itself features freshly made pastas, including the option to build your own bowl, as well as craft salads, sandwiches, antipasti and homemade tiramisu and spumoni. There are also several to-go platters, in addition to the larger items offered by the catering department. The drink menu offers both Italian and California wines by the glass and bottle as well as Italian sodas. There’s also a beer menu and four specialty cocktails, including a Tuscan Tea ($8) with an intoxicating blend of Chianti, citrus and star anise, as well as Maranto’s famed Limoncello ($8). Happy hour is offered daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and features discounted small bites, salads, beer, and wine.

On the market side, expect imported seasonal Italian goods, including oil, vinegar, sauces, Italian meats and cheeses, spices and sweets, from the family’s favorite artisans.

Both the restaurant and the market are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 .m. Closed Sunday.

S. Marranto’s, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix; 602.283.4730; www.smarantos.com.

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