November/December 2024

Writing, editing and designing the November/December issue of PHOENIX always requires an enormous feat of mental play-acting for its editors and art directors. “Suspension of disbelief,” they call it in movies. 

From athletes and educators to artists and entrepreneurs, these superlative Valley dwellers are raising the proverbial bar.

Daniela Cardim has big toe shoes to fill. The new artistic director of Ballet Arizona follows in the pointed footsteps of her legendary predecessor, dance virtuoso Ib Andersen.

These Valley oncology centers are committed to making cancer diagnosis and treatment accessible. They provide cutting-edge technologies that allow for less invasive and more effective approaches to treating specific types of cancer.

From athletes and educators to artists and entrepreneurs, these superlative Valley dwellers are raising the proverbial bar.

Hope Vickery, a registered dietitian at Mayo Clinic, trades scrubs for a cheer uniform three times a week.

Josh Bartelstein’s journey in the NBA began with a humbling task: finding a shoe shiner for a friend of Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem. 

Now 25, the trio has opened for The Plain White T’s and, more recently, singer Jesse McCartney.

Arizona’s biggest and most prestigious home-grown music festival is going big – like, pre-pandemic big – in 2025.

Push past the spring-break stereotypes and discover a calmer, more sophisticated Cabo San Lucas.

During the holiday season, Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland, and nestled near that state-border-straddling body of water in the Sierra Nevada mountains is Everline Resort & Spa.

From first-time festivals to French cuisine to digital art exhibitions, Sin City always has a new card up its sleeve to entertain visitors.

His summer trip to California’s Sonoma Valley, a place known for its lush vineyards and some of the freshest produce around, took Qualin back to his childhood in France

Biltmore Fashion Park’s new Milanese import is too “mid” to make us swoon.

Tommy Plato’s Bourdain-inspired Old Town restaurant is a disarming treat – if not quite the globetrotting adventure our critic hoped it would be.

Guilt-free pastries, pickled veggies and kelp snacks have our attention this month.

You’ll love this Japanese cult favorite down to the last slurpable, umami-packed bite.

The espresso martini has long been considered an after-dinner sipper, but it’s also part dessert and part energy drink – a beverage to sweeten you up, wake you up and mess you up, in short order.

Owner Miguel Peredo (whose more formal Agave del Scottsdale closed earlier this year) and 20-something chef Jose Rodriguez are proudly biased toward Mexico City and Pueblan cooking

Vaguely “modern” – read: there’s a cocktail list – the restaurant leans into the Arabic- and Turkic-tinged cuisine of Hyderabad

Sit at the bar to watch the magic happen and take in the subtle aroma of wood smoke from the Santa Maria grill.

After 10 p.m. most nights, the nine-stool counter and outdoor tables are packed with industry peeps

Savory perfection, thy name is beef tallow. And Valley restaurants are seeing the light.

We take a look at happy hour deals at Chompie's, Walter Studios and Marino's Italian Kitchen & Bar.

The Valley boasts various activities and retirement communities tailored to fit diverse care requirements and lifestyles. Whether you seek a vibrant sense of community, luxurious living spaces or cutting-edge dining experiences, there’s a local senior community that perfectly aligns with your home and lifestyle requirements. With innovative specialty clinics and care centers, the Valley also has facilities that are the gold standard for your golden years.

These Valley oncology centers are committed to making cancer diagnosis and treatment accessible. They provide cutting-edge technologies that allow for less invasive and more effective approaches to treating specific types of cancer.

Meet the Valley's top providers of in-home care, assisted living and other services for aging adults. 

A who's-who of the professionals to consult about your fiscal wellness and financial future.

Bust the house with this look at the Valley's new gaming culture, including sportsbooks and table games.