All photos by Ellie Willard
best fest Archives
Simple Machine Brewing Co. was named Best Brewery in our 2022 Best of the Valley issue. Owner Marshall Norris an Arizona native is excited for Best Fest to network and meet other vendors. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? We are pouring four beers that we are entering into the Great American Beer Festival. They are the ones that we are the most proud of. We are pouring Laze, an American IPA,...
The PHiXBest Fest Q&A: Seriously Shannon
Haley SmilowAugust 13, 2022
Colorful tote bags, silly cards and hand-designed goods are a trademark of Shannon Slocum’s brand, Seriously Shannon. This year at Best Fest, she’s excited to sample some of the foods, meet other vendors and sell her products. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? I’ll be there selling my greeting cards which are mostly silly and sarcastic, but I have Arizona themed ones too. I’ll also have stickers, buttons and some tote bags....
The PHiXBest Fest Q&A: Madalyn Nault Accessories
Haley SmilowAugust 13, 2022
“I’m really excited to put a face to my business,” says Madalyn Nault of Madalyn Nault Accessories. For her, Best Fest is a chance to have fun and let loose after being featured in PHOENIX magazine year after year. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? I’m bringing purses, wallets and various accessories. They are all made by me. They are fun designs and unique prints. What are you most looking forward to...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkBest Fest Q&A: Chef Joey Maggiore of The Sicilian Butcher
Haley SmilowAugust 13, 2022
Creamy cheese, rich meats and fresh heirloom tomatoes. These are all ingredients restaurateur Joey Maggiore uses in the dishes at his Phoenix restaurant, The Sicilian Butcher. Try them for yourself at Best Fest and learn more about the illustrious Italian chef below. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? We are going to serve amazing food for people. We are going to do a fazzoletti, which is basically a mini lasagna that is...
The PHiXBest Fest Q&A: Just Roughin’ It
Haley SmilowAugust 13, 2022
From a hiking and backpacking guide service to a full-blown retail store, Debbie Hendricks and the Just Roughin’ It team have conquered the highest peaks. For their next adventure, they’re stopping at Best Fest after winning Best Outdoor Outfitter. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? We are bringing some outdoor gear, but it will all be small. We are trying to focus on national brands, but we will definitely be bringing out...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkBest Fest Q&A: Hope Peshlakai of Hope’s Frybread
Tiffany AcostaAugust 12, 2022
Hope’s Frybread started as a fundraiser for a family friend. “We gathered what we could for ingredients to make Navajo tacos to sell,” owner Hope Peshlakai says. She has now been serving up homestyle Navajo food at pop-ups and catering gigs around the Valley for 10 years. Hope chatted with us to explain more about Navajo food and diversity in Phoenix. Get a taste for yourself at Best Fest on Saturday, August 13. What can...
In 2015, Milkweed Arts opened to provide resources for adults who want to expand their interests, build on their skills and avoid the hassle of college courses. Specializing in kiln-formed glass, woodturning, metal jewelry and more, Milkweed Arts provides a quality arts education in a setting that is relaxed, inviting and just plain fun. Milkweed Arts owner Warren Norgaard chats with us about art in Phoenix. Learn more at Best Fest on Saturday, August 13....
BARCOA Agaveria invites its patrons to discover the amazing world of heritage agave spirits. Housed in a historic building that was once a hardware store, the bar shares a space with XICO, a Latinx & Indigenous art studio. We caught up with BARCOA founder David Tyda to talk about agave-based spirits and local businesses. Learn more at Best Fest on Saturday, August 13. What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest? We’re partnering with...
In November 2018, Drew Shaw launched Voyce Threads to create conversations around socially conscious apparel. Combining philanthropy, sustainability and fashion, Voyce Thread’ flagship product – mismatched socks – allows customers to have conversations that lead to meaningful actions. We caught up with Shaw, who gave us an inside look into how to support the local community. You can do the same on Saturday, August 13 from 5-10 p.m. at Best Fest. What can attendees expect...
Sterling Smith is a U.S. Navy Veteran and long-time competitor in the professional barbecue circuit. He started Loot N’ Booty to share his passion for barbecue with the world and create a legacy his children can carry on. Loot N’ Booty has been all over the world teaching barbecue classes and it’s sold nationally and internationally. Loot N’ Booty is headed to Best Fest on August 13 with its award-winning BBQ rubs, sauces and signed...
Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon has spent years mastering the craft of selecting fine cheeses and wines and concocting culturally inspired dishes. After college and culinary school, she worked at various restaurants in different positions to learn as much as she could about the business as well as wine, cheese and craft beer. In 2017, Moeeni-Alarcon opened Chandler restaurant Mingle + Graze. Now it’s headed to Best Fest on August 13 with a delicious selection of hand-picked Spanish...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkBest Fest Q&A: Morgan Ringwald of Bone Haus Brewing
Sara CrockerAugust 8, 2022
There’s something macabre and mystical about Bone Haus Brewing, which draws inspiration from the catacombs of Europe to the mining history of territorial Arizona – and embeds the number 13 and short stories chronicling its fictional patriarch Hans Von Biermann in each of its cans. But it’s also demystifying craft beer, hosting Beer School sessions and bringing classic and inventive brews alike to Fountain Hills. We caught up with Morgan Ringwald, who handles sales and...
Desert DigestFood & DrinkBest Fest Q&A: Vivianna D’Ambrosio of Aioli Gourmet Burgers
Sara CrockerAugust 4, 2022
Food truck and fast-casual burger joint Aioli Gourmet Burgers has been dishing out inventive burgers and shakes since 2013 – and has recently added its own lemonade brand to the mix. We caught up with Vivianna D’Ambrosio, Aioli’s director of sales and marketing, to talk about what she loves about the Valley. You can join us to do the same at Best Fest on August 13, where we’ll be celebrating the most laudable people, places...
2022Best of the ValleyFood & DrinkLifestyle & EntertainmentPeople & MediaShopping & ServicesGet Tickets to 2022 Best Fest on August 13
Matthew JohnsonJuly 27, 2022
Come see the Best of the Valley all in one place in Downtown Phoenix on Saturday, Aug. 13.