Perennial Best of the Valley-winning restaurants The Mexicano and The Italiano showcase The Maggiore Group’s dedication to family and flavor. Helmed by magnetic chef, author and entrepreneur Joey Maggiore, the two concepts showcase home-style fare and Sicilian flair – from antipasti to dessert. Maggiore gives us a sneak peek of what to expect ahead of his appearance at this year’s Best of the Valley Party this Saturday, October 18. “We’re bringing a little taste of both worlds – the energy of The Mexicano and the soul of The Italiano,” he says. “I’m out here with the gold chains, the Chef Joey vibe, just having fun and feeding the community that built us.”
Purchase tickets to the 2025 Best of the Valley Party here.
What will you be serving at this year’s Best of the Valley Party, and how do these dishes reflect the menu and food philosophy of The Mexicano and The Italiano?
From The Mexicano, we’ll be serving our mini shrimp cocktail – bright, bold and full of flavor, just like the restaurant itself. It’s that perfect bite of freshness and spice that represents our high-energy take on Mexican food. From The Italiano, we’ll have charcuterie skewers, lasagnette (mini lasagna), and vanilla and chocolate profiteroles. These showcase the heart of what we do: authentic, handmade Italian comfort with a refined touch. Together, they tell the story of The Italiano.
What are your favorite parts of participating in local festivals like this? How does it differ from a typical day of service?
I live for that energy – the music, the smell of food in the air, people walking around with a cocktail in hand, smiling and hungry. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about connecting. In the restaurant, I’m focused on execution, timing, consistency and that perfect plate. But out here? It’s freestyle. It’s about talking to guests, seeing their faces light up when they try something new, and representing what the Maggiore family is all about – passion, love and flavor with a little bit of flair.
Who are some of your other favorite local purveyors that you’d like to shout out?
We’re lucky here in Arizona to have incredible partners who help us do what we do. Shoutout to Shriners, Linz Meats, Shamrock Foods, Noble Bread and AZ Bread Co. They all care about quality as much as we do, and they’re a huge part of what makes our food great.
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s event?
Honestly? The people. Seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones and sharing food with everyone who loves great flavor and good energy. That’s what it’s all about. We’re excited to bring that Chef Joey style, a little Phoenix flair, a lot of fun and a whole lot of passion.
