FOOD & WINE
Vegan elote pizza ($21) includes vegan butter garlic sauce, vegan mozarella, corn, red onions, cilantro and spicy chipotle drizzle. (Debby Wolvos/Submitted)
Happy Healthitarians Picazzo’s specializes in gluten-free, vegan and organic comfort foods
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By Jordan Houston s COVID-19 restrictions ease, Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen is serving up a solution for those looking to shed any lingering “Quarantine 15” pounds. Picazzo’s, located at 7325 Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, is an Arizona-based family-owned healthcentric restaurant, offering a menu of salads, entrees, pasta and pizza. The eatery fuses modern Italian cuisine with bold flavors of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican ingredients. Boasting other locations in Sedona, Tempe, Gilbert, Paradise Valley and Arrowhead, Picazzo’s serves 90% to 95%
organic produce. It sources whole foods rich in nutrients for self-described “Healthitarians” — including gluten-free diners. According to Picazzo’s Director of Operations Chris Disney, the restaurant’s business has been booming following the onset of the pandemic, despite supply shortages faced by businesses across the country. “It’s great as far as business goes,” Disney tells Airpark News. “After the pandemic, people who have probably been sitting at home and doing take out and just kind of comfort and stress eating — I think (they) are trying to catch up on healthier lifestyles again.” Cue Picazzo’s. The Italian kitchen prides itself on its
gluten- and- vegan-free menus. Picazzo’s sources NAE (no antibiotics ever), hormone-free and American Humane Certified chicken wings and breast, according to its website. It also features nitrate/nitrite-free meats, like its sausage from certified-green company Polidori. All sauces and dressings are made from scratch using organic spices and non-GMO sunflower and imported olive oils, Picazzo’s site continues. Guests can either opt to indulge in dishes like the lasagna Bolognese ($18), the sustainable salmon picatta ($27) or the original hand-stretched Meaty Meaty pizza ($22). A separate vegan menu features offerings of salads, entrées, pasta, pizza and desserts using brands that support the
APRIL 2022 / SCOTTSDALE AIRPARK NEWS /
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