• Find a Top Pro
    • Top Docs
    • Top Dentists
    • Top Lawyers
    • Top Realtors
    • Top Chiros
    • Shop Plaques
  • Dining Guide
  • City Guide
  • Newsletters
  • Contests & Promotions
  • Shop
    The Phix Desert Digest Trail Head
 
  • AZ Craft Beer Awards
  • AZ Travel Awards
  • BEST OF THE VALLEY
  • Curator
  • Food & Drink
  • Phoenix Files
  • Things To Do

https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PHM1017EB02-02.jpg

Food ReviewsEl Panzón y Frida

Nikki BuchananOctober 1, 2017

Set in the middle of Scottsdale’s rowdy nightlife district, this bold but erratic global diner is like a painting slightly askew.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PHM0917EB02-01.jpg

Food ReviewsChico Malo

Nikki BuchananSeptember 1, 2017

The new bad boy of the Valley’s haute taco scene has mucho attitude – and a touch of substance, too.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PHM0917EB01-01.jpg

Food ReviewsHearth ‘61

Nikki BuchananSeptember 1, 2017

A classic Paradise Valley resort is reborn – and its on-site restaurant soars with upscale American comfort fare.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PHM0917SK01-01.jpg

Drink ThisSpirit of the East

Nikki BuchananSeptember 1, 2017

Atsuo Sakurai came to the U.S. to brew artisanal sake. His landing spot: the chapped high-desert town of Holbrook, where tourist kitsch and greasy spoons rule.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PHM0817EB01-01.jpg

Food ReviewsDoughbird

Nikki BuchananAugust 1, 2017

Sam Fox’s new pizza-chicken combo diner is slightly off-kilter and severely irresistible.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/PHM0817EB02-01.jpg

Food ReviewsElvira’s Belizean Café

Nikki BuchananAugust 1, 2017

Seeing is Belize-ing at this homey little Caribbean soul food joint in the East Valley. 

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PHM0717PZ01-01.jpg

Food ReviewsPizza City, USA

Nikki BuchananJuly 1, 2017

Travel & Leisure named Phoenix the best pizza town in America. Other publications put us in the Top 10. Fake news? Not even. Peek inside to find out why.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PHM0717EB01-01.jpg

Food ReviewsWeft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen

Nikki BuchananJuly 1, 2017

Drink in the lovely ambience at this art-inspired Scottsdale resort restaurant – it might be the highlight of your evening.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/PHM0717EB02-01.jpg

Food ReviewsStella

Nikki BuchananJuly 1, 2017

Despite its pedigree and positioning, this underperforming Camelback bistro just isn’t a contender.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PHM0617EBSD01-1.jpg

Food ReviewsThe Halal Guys

Nikki BuchananJune 1, 2017

A Manhattan street-food legend comes to Tempe.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PHM0617EBMC01-1.jpg

Food ReviewsRestaurant Progress

Nikki BuchananJune 1, 2017

The Valley’s independent dining scene takes a collective step forward with this utterly disarming Melrose eatery.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PHM0617PF04-1.jpg

Valley NewsZero Somm Game?

Nikki BuchananJune 1, 2017

Full-time Valley sommeliers are dwindling, but a new generation is filling the void.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PHM0517EB01.jpg

Food ReviewsMora Italian

Nikki BuchananMay 1, 2017

The Valley is in the midst of an Italian invasion, and this Scott Conant-fronted osteria brings the heavy guns.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/PHM0517EB02.jpg

Food ReviewsSizzle Korean Barbecue

Nikki BuchananMay 1, 2017

How do you say “meat love” in Korean? Find out at this hopping North Phoenix table-top grill concept.

CONTINUE READING
https://www.phoenixmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/PHM0417EB01.jpg

Food ReviewsFat Ox

Nikki BuchananApril 1, 2017

Dio mio! Matt Carter’s new Italian fine diner is as sexy as they come. But can she work out a few personality issues?

CONTINUE READING

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Recent Stories

  • Generic festival people for Things To Do blog

    CalendarThings to DoThings To Do Around the Valley This Week (September 21-27)

    September 21, 2026
  • CalendarThings to DoThings To Do Around the Valley This Week (September 14-20)

    September 14, 2026
  • CocktailsInterview with a Mixologist: Michael Hopper from Little Rich Girl

    September 11, 2026
logo-phx-2019

For more than 50 years, PHOENIX magazine's experienced writers, editors, and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing, and groundbreaking report and design. Our expository features, narratives, profiles, and investigative features keep our 385,000 readers in touch with the Valley's latest trends, events, personalities and places.

Navigation

  • Best of the Valley
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel & Adventure
  • Valley Lifestyle
  • News & People
  • The Magazine
  • From Our Partners
© 2026 Developed for Cities West Media, Inc., by Northern Ground
Terms of Use Privacy Policy
  • Customer Service
  • Careers
  • Advertising
  • Contact Editorial
  • About Us
Charles Lohrmann

As managing editor and associate publisher of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, Charles Lohrmann experienced astounding natural wonders, from canoeing in Deep East Texas to trekking into the remote canyonlands west of Del Rio to view Archaic rock art. From TPWD, Lohrmann moved to Texas Highways, the award-winning Official Travel Magazine of Texas, where he was editor and publisher, and directed coverage of destinations in every corner of Texas. As editor of Texas Co-op Power magazine, he guided content development — including travel, history and culture — for the largest circulation publication in the state of Texas, reaching more than 3.5 million readers. Now residing in Santa Fe, N.M., Lohrmann has also traveled throughout Arizona many times, in particular to the Hopi and Navaho tribal lands, as well as to the Tohono O’odham nation.

Jenna Watters

Jenna Watters was born and raised in Sedona, Arizona, which is where her love of music began. She started singing in church as a young girl, joined a traveling choir that toured all over Arizona, and even helped teach the choir her senior year at Sedona Red Rock High School. In 2005, she graduated high school and spent a couple years at Arizona State University before she decided to travel around Europe, and it was during her travels that she decided that a career in music was calling her name. She linked up with her friend, Daniel Watters and they began writing songs via e-mail and would meet up during holiday breaks back home to Sedona to play small coffee shop shows for their friends and family. Fast forward to 15 years later; Jenna now lives in Austin with her husband Daniel and their son Johnny and has achieved her dream of becoming a full time musician with their band, The Watters. She also sings in various other side projects in town and teaches yoga on the side. Both Jenna and Daniel’s families still live in Arizona and they often travel back home for holidays and shows.

Jennifer Baluch

Jenn is a celebrated food influencer and a stand out in Arizona’s culinary scene. Honored as Best Food Influencer and recognized for her TikTok and Instagram accounts by PHOENIX magazine’s Best of the Valley, Jenn has become a trusted voice for food lovers across the state.

Her journey began during the challenging days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when she started spotlighting local restaurants to support struggling businesses.

Since then, Jenn has earned a reputation for her expertise in authentic Mexican cuisine, her passion for mom-and-pop eateries, and her love of dive bars and hidden gems.

Her genuine love for food shines through in her videos, where her expressions while tasting each dish say it all-no words needed.

Known for her honest yet thoughtful reviews, Jenn has built a loyal audience that appreciates her down-to-earth personality and approachability.

When she’s not discovering Arizona’s best bites, you might find her snapping selfies with fans or sharing her latest food finds.

Brian Goddard

Brian Goddard is a Scottsdale/Phoenix based Photographer, Videographer and Designer with a focus on Architecture, Food, Travel, Adventure, Garden and Lifestyle Content Creation.

Brian began his career as a Graphic Designer, Art Director and Photographer for Organic Gardening magazine and Organic Style magazine at Rodale, in Pennsylvania, Disney Adventures magazine in New York City, before relocating to Arizona to Design and Art Direct Phoenix Home & Garden magazine and PHOENIX magazine.

Brian has a lifelong interest in Adventure, Culture, Travel, Cuisine, Plants and Lifestyle, which makes Arizona a perfect place to Live, Work and Play.