Photo courtesy Genie Bunton Melody Pierce didn’t grow up doing pageants. In fact, she didn’t compete in her first one until she was 20 years old. Yet her passion and perseverance led her to compete – and ultimately claim the Miss Phoenix crown in 2019 through the Miss America Organization. Pierce, now 25, initially decided to pursue pageantry because she wanted to contribute to her community in meaningful ways. “I didn’t start out...
Gillean Barkyoumb Kitchen appliance company Ninja put out a call to smoothie enthusiasts across the U.S. in search of its first “Smoothie Bowl Sommelier.” This spring, it announced the winner – Phoenix dietitian Gillean Barkyoumb. In her new role, she will craft smoothie bowl recipes. Genevieve Denslow A brawl broke out between two women at a Scottsdale Bath & Body Works due to alleged line-cutting. Genevieve Denslow captured the commotion on camera. Her footage of...
Welcome to the first episode of Deep Cuts, PHOENIX magazine’s new music podcast. In this episode, Griffin Brown and David Erickson of Ring Finger No Pinky join associate editor Madison Rutherford to discuss their influences, guilty pleasures and future collabs – and even teach us some new slang. Ring Finger No Pinky is a Phoenix-based rock band dedicated to challenging the status quo with upbeat guitar riffs, pounding drums and provocative lyrics. To learn more,...
Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 20 and local eateries know the way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach, so they’re pulling out all the stops with discounts, free dessert, buffets and even a special coffee blend. Photo courtesy Rachel Ayotte North Italia From June 10 to June 20, you’ll receive a $10 gift card when you order $50 in gift cards online. North Italia will donate a percentage of...
Looking for a local brew to sip at backyard cookouts or during outdoor adventures this summer? Williams-based Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery has a refreshing recommendation – its newly released seasonal lager, Sacred Saguaro. The medium-bodied beer is so smooth, you’ll want to pack a couple in your cooler for a campout or kayaking excursion or knock a few back at the next barbecue. With nutty notes, hints of vanilla and a crisp caramel finish,...
In 2019, jewelry designer Laura Reed kept coming across antique aluminum trays during her regular vintage-hunting ventures. “I had no idea what to do with them because there are only so many you can use and collect, so I started cutting shapes out of them to make them into necklaces,” says the Mesa-based maker. Reed was equally inspired by the composition of contemporary statement earrings and decided to combine that with the unique colors and...
On Tuesday, May 25, oenophiles everywhere will raise a glass of their favorite vino in honor of National Wine Day. Here are six Valley businesses offering deals for wine lovers to sip and celebrate. CRUjiente Tacos A modern taqueria might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone says “stellar wine selection,” but CRUjiente is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Its extensive wine program specializes in labels sourced from Spain. CRUjiente’s...
Stay cool and start your summer off right with these fresh and fortifying libations from local bars and restaurants. Photo courtesy The Maggiore Group The Big Hash Tequila Sunrise from Hash Kitchen It takes two to make a thing go right – team up with a pal to partake in this chilled cocktail for two ($26) and cheers to the long weekend. Made with 100 percent blue agave tequila, muddled orange and pomegranate...
Chaco Flaco, an emerging catalyst in the canned cocktail industry, started in co-founder Chuck Moore’s Tempe kitchen in 2012. Moore, who has a background in mixology and bar management, started making margaritas in his blender at home and bringing them to Dos Gringos in Tempe in empty milk jugs. They were an instant hit. By 2014, his products were on the shelves of Valley Whole Foods and AJ’s. Chaco Flaco became Moore’s moniker – a...
Across the Pond, the snazzy sushi and cocktail spot at Clever Koi in Phoenix, recently launched a new and improved culinary experience. On April 13, Across the Pond started offering omakase, a traditional Japanese word that translates to “entrust.” During an omakase tasting, diners allow the chef to select each dish instead of ordering from a menu. Across the Pond’s omakase consists of 12 courses that are completely customized for each guest. The restaurant keeps...
This Thursday, April 29 is National Shrimp Scampi Day and North Italia is celebrating by revealing its signature Wild Shrimp Scampi recipe. Inspired by a meal from North Italia’s corporate chef Chris Curtiss’ childhood, the hearty dish features plump prawns, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, butter, black pepper, dry vermouth, chopped parsley and breadcrumbs. “I’ll never forget the first time I tasted shrimp scampi while my parents had taken my sister and me out to dinner...
This weekend, Arizona Tiki Oasis will take over the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale with food and drink tastings, art and music for tiki enthusiasts across the state. The event is the companion event to the highly regarded Tiki Oasis Festival in San Diego. Kick off your weekend of island life in the desert with the official launch party at HULA’s Modern Tiki in Old Town Scottsdale on Thursday, April 22 from 3:30 to 6...
Cool down during the sweltering summer months ahead with these refreshing cocktails from Valley restaurants. Photo courtesy Zinqué Zinqué Sangria Take your mind off the heat with this tasty tipple from Scottsdale Fashion Square’s French-inspired eatery, Zinqué. The ice-cold beverage ($13) consists of chilled wine and seasonal fruit like lemon, lime and various berries. 4712 N. Goldwater Blvd., 623-745-9616, lezinque.com Photo courtesy The Knight Agency Blue Clover Distillery Lemon Dropsicle This micro distillery in...
Copper is commonly known as one of Arizona’s five main economic staples. However, it’s not the only notable natural commodity. Gold, silver, lead, zinc and other minerals are also major players in the state’s mining industry. Arizona ranks second in the nation in production of non-fuel minerals, according to Steve Trussell, executive director of the Arizona Mining Association. More than 300 mines operate throughout Arizona, with a dozen more undiscovered natural resource deposits purported to...
Photo by Max Sassaman Ramond, a rapper and entrepreneur who hails from Denver, is no stranger to switching things up. He travels frequently and, before the pandemic, spent several months living in Europe to focus on his music and personal growth. So, his recent relocation to Mesa came as no surprise to his manager, friends or fans. “Even if I’m in places I don’t know or have never been, I feel comfortable when I’m...
