Local culinary offerings on an award-winning food tour
By Kate Wallace
Mesa, Arizona has a rich agrarian heritage, one that is still very much alive and well. The Fresh Foodie Trail,® a linked collection of farms and gourmet food experiences in Mesa and the surrounding area, has been celebrating the yearround harvest, showcasing everything from extra virgin olive oil, peaches, heritage grains, citrus, fresh baked goods, local produce, desert blossom honey, Arizona wine, farmers markets and so much more. Many of Arizona’s top chefs forage with the area’s farmers and source local goods for their notable restaurants to showcase the Foodie Trail farms on their seasonal menus. The Southeast Valley is highly regarded as a gourmet gateway to Greater Phoenix, and visitors can find a map to the participating businesses online. freshfoodietrail.com The Queen Creek Olive Mill celebrates their
42
SUNSEEKER
Get a taste of Arizona wines at local wine bar, Garage-East
Italian roots at Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm where olives are grown and pressed to produce high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Nestled at the base of the San Tan Mountains, an area known for its fertile soil, this flood plain region is famous for its flavor-rich fruits and vegetables. After a tour and tasting of oils, olives and tapenades, guests are invited to dine at the mill’s Tuscan-inspired eatery featuring fresh gourmet sandwiches, as well as soups, salads, gelato, homemade pastas and espresso. The mill’s standout feature is their giant brick oven featuring savory and sweet pizzas. Arizona winemakers Todd and Kelly Bostock of Dos Cabezas fame joined forces with Brian and Megan Ruffentine and opened Garage-East, a local winery located in Agritopia. Visitors can taste all of Arizona’s unique varietals or ask for a custom blended glass of wine straight from the tap. This charming tasting room features live entertainment
Photos of Garage-East, dining al fresco and peach orchard courtesy of visit Mesa; orange grove courtesy of Jalapeno Bucks
ALL ALONG THE FOODIE TRAIL
