On today’s episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast, we dive into the vibrant world of The Spot at Arcadia – a haven for families seeking a delightful dining experience. Adults can unwind with refreshing drinks while the kids immerse themselves in playful games. Located in the heart of Phoenix's Arcadia neighborhood, this lively spot serves up delicious pizzas and fun cocktails, making it the ultimate destination for creating family memories over a meal. Join us as we unravel the magic of The Spot at Arcadia! . subscribe to our magazine https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/

In the realm of mixology, where creativity meets craftsmanship, there exists a true master of libations—Christiaan Rollich. With an unwavering passion for the art of cocktail creation, Rollich has elevated the craft to new heights, captivating the senses and pushing boundaries with his innovative concoctions. Beyond his expertise behind the bar, Rollich has embraced the role of an author, sharing his wisdom, techniques, and inspired recipes with the world. Recently he has joined the team at Fat Ox, The Mission, and Zinc Bistro, three renowned Scottsdale restaurants under the same group. Join us as we chat with Christiaan about his background, his drink style, and what’s coming on the new drink menus! . subscribe to our magazine https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe .  a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/

Join us for an afternoon at the Wrigley Mansion! On this episode, we sit down Jason Caballero and David Brito, two new members of the Wrigley Mansion team. Jason is the GM for Geordie’s (one of the restaurants on site) and David Brito is the new Executive Chef. With the property's reputation for culinary excellence, these new appointments will bring innovative and delectable creations to every table. Chef’s skillful touch and Jason’s operations/wine expertise promise to elevate dining experiences to new heights. Listen in as we chat about what’s new at the mansion and why this historic landmark is so special. .  Subscribe to our magazine https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe .  A Taste of AZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ A Taste of AZ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/

Nestled in southern Tempe, Ghost Ranch boasts a rich culinary heritage and a reputation for its Southwestern cuisine, delicious cocktails, and an impressive lineage of renowned chefs. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of the Southwest, Ghost Ranch offers a menu that tantalizes the taste buds with dishes like chile relleno, taco platters, pollo asado, and so much more! Join us as we chat with Chef David about his background and what he has brought to the Ghost Ranch kitchen! .  Subscribe to our magazine https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe . A Taste of AZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ A Taste of AZ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/

La Piazza al Forno is one of the best pizzerias in Arizona. They’re located in Glendale, and are a culinary treasure. La Piazza al Forno prides itself on its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, crafted with a perfect balance of crispy yet chewy crust, savory sauce, and premium toppings. The aroma of freshly baked pizzas wafts through the air, enticing your senses and igniting your appetite. Beyond their renowned pizzas, their menu features an array of Italian delights, from homemade pastas to flavorful antipasti and classic desserts. With friendly and attentive service, La Piazza al Forno offers a true taste of Italy right in the heart of Glendale, where you can savor the flavors and embrace the warmth of Italian hospitality. . Dig into more stories of Arizona food and beverage at https://www.atasteofaz.com/hello! And make sure to subscribe to our email list to find tons of awesome new spots to visit. . A Taste of AZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ A Taste of AZ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/

The Italian Daughter, located in Scottsdale, celebrates the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. Step into the charming and intimate setting, and you'll immediately feel like part of the family. The aromas of simmering sauce and freshly baked pizza fill the air, creating a tantalizing atmosphere. The menu at The Italian Daughter showcases a delightful array of authentic Italian dishes, each crafted with passion and a dedication to traditional flavors. From classic pasta dishes like hearty Bolognese to delicate handmade ravioli filled, every bite is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. With warm hospitality and a commitment to quality, The Italian Daughter invites you to experience the true essence of Italy here in north Scottsdale. . Dig into more stories of Arizona food and beverage at https://www.atasteofaz.com/hello! And make sure to subscribe to our email list to find tons of awesome new spots to visit. . A Taste of AZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ A Taste of AZ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/  

There are catering services, and then there are carefully curated in-home dining experiences with divine pairings and incredible service. Common Hospitality provides the latter. Join us as we sit down with the proprietors of this unique food and beverage business in serving Phoenix.

Arboleda, nestled in Scottsdale Quarter, is a hidden gem that transports you to a Mediterranean oasis. This charming restaurant captures the essence of coastal dining with its warm ambiance and inviting outdoor patio. The menu at Arboleda showcases a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, American, and Asian flavors, offering an array of tantalizing dishes crafted with the freshest ingredients. From succulent grilled meats to vibrant seafood crudo, every bite is a celebration of taste and craftsmanship. Combined with exceptional service and a carefully curated wine selection, Arboleda promises an unforgettable dining experience that lingers long after the meal is over. . A Big thanks to Somm Journal for sponsoring this episode.

Arizona Restaurant Consulting is a dynamic and knowledgeable consulting firm that guides and supports restaurants in Arizona. With their deep understanding of the local market and industry trends, they offer invaluable expertise to both new and established restaurant owners. Arizona Restaurant Consulting provides a comprehensive range of services, including concept development, menu engineering, operational assessments, staff training, and marketing strategies. Join us on this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast as we chat with the founder, Justin McAllister.

Canción Tequila is the product of 100% Blue Weber agave and is the brainchild of Roger Clyne, the legendary music artist and 3rd generation Arizonan. Formerly called Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine this delicious drink was renamed Canción Tequila just few years ago. Now, this additive-free premium tequila is available across the country. Join us for a chat with Roger Clyne as we hear how the product came to be and why you should try it!

Weft & Warp is one of our favorite resort restaurants in the valley! Not only do they have an incredible menu of Mediterranean inspired food, but they also have a terrific drink program and views to soak in while you eat! On this episode of A Taste of AZ we munch on lamb rack, fine cheeses, and sip artful cocktails as we chat with Chef Dushyant Singh. Chef oversees all of the food and beverage at the resort, and brings his worldly experience along with for that role! Join us for our chat on this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast!

Tacos and beer at a local, family-owned business? Sign us up! Brought to you by Aaron and Jared Pool of Gadzooks, The Green Woodpecker is a neighborhood joint, located at Park Central in Midtown Phoenix. This indoor-outdoor beer and wine bar also features a beer lineup carefully crafted by local beer legend, Drew Pool of Wren House Brewing. Munch on fresh tortilla chips, salsas, and tacos, before grabbing a floral arrangement and beer to-go!

Famiglia is an intimate, upscale Italian restaurant in north Scottsdale. They plate contemporary takes on Italian classics, and serve a thoughtfully curated wine list alongside specialty cocktails. Join us for this episode as we chat with the founders about what they went through to get their project off the ground!

If you have visited downtown Mesa recently, chances are you may have overlooked one of the hottest cocktail and dining venues to open in the past year: Espíritu. A collaboration between Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin of Tacos Chiwas, Rene Andrade of Bacanora, and Andrade’s cousin, Roberto Centeno, Espíritu is quietly tucked into a narrow slice of Main Street between Proof Bakery and Main Harvest Market. But don’t judge Espíritu for its size, as there are big things going on inside. Join us as we chat with Roberto about how Epiritu came to be, and how they took an award for a top 50 new restaurant in the country.

Despite a population of only 6 people, Tortilla Flat has quite a bit going on. This old stagecoach town now functions as a mercantile, museum, and restaurant right off of Canyon Lake. About an hour away from Phoenix, visitors can soak in the beautiful views while enjoying the smells of barbecue and sounds of live music. Join us with the self-appointed mayor of Tortilla Flat as we talk history, food, and more!

Pubblico is a neighborhood Italian joint with two locations (Scottsdale and Central PHX) that serves classic dishes in a casual contemporary setting. Created by owner Danny Quinn and Chef Danny Garcia, they have become known for wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and more. Their bar list also includes a terrific lineup of cocktails, craft beer, and wine. One this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast, we sit down with Danny Quinn and talk about how he went from a bus boy, to the owner of 3 restaurants.

Arizona Beer Week is the best time of year to enjoy a beer in the 48th state! Not only is it awesome supporting the Arizona craft beer community, but there’s also tons of special events and beer releases to take part in! Flagstaff is the most walkable town to enjoy Arizona beer, and we were honored to be invited by our friends at Discover Flagstaff to come up and learn about everything going on this week! Join us as we chat with a few of the brewers up north about all things AZ Beer Week in Flagstaff!

Century Grand is the home to three exquisite cocktail bar concepts:  UnderTow, Platform 18, and Grey Hen Rx. Within one building visitors can enjoy some of the finest mixed beverages in Arizona. Tiki lovers should book a table at UnderTow, a bar whose reputation precedes itself. Or reserve a spot at Grey Hen Rx, a New Orleans inspired cocktail bar with stunning design. If those two options aren’t special enough, catch the train on Platform 18, one of the most immersive dining experiences we’ve ever seen. Join us for this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast with proprietors Jason & Kailee Asher.

Looking for fine French fare with a lighter, Mediterranean twist? Look no further than Francine, located in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Their expansive menu features classics like steak tartare, mussels and frites, duck, and much more. On the weekends, things let loose a bit during their epic brunch hours. Join us for a chat with Francine’s Chef de Cuisine, Connor Harmon, as we talk about the spirit of the restaurant, top menu items, and more!

From a young age, Dylan Capshaw has had an entrepreneurial spirit. Still under 20 years old, Dylan recently took his business experience to a new level, opening Stemistry Coffee Shop. With their original location in North Scottsdale, Dylan and the team at Stemistry have been serving the local community with both cups of coffee, and fresh floral bouquets to go. Now, Stemistry has launched a new location in downtown Phoenix, expanding their coffee clientele. Join us for a chat with Dylan as we talk about how he has made all this happen at such a young age.

Spinto’s Pizzeria is a household name in the valley. If you’ve enjoyed a pizza fueled family gathering, late night slice, or have recently been to a Suns game, you’ve probably tried their pies. But do you know how they grew into one of the Arizona pizza powerhouses? Join us for a chat with this amazing family-owned business as we talk about all things Spinato’s!

A simple meat duster. That's where it all started for Jason “Lee-Bone” Lee of Lee-Bones Fine Meats in Glendale. Now he and his team own and operate one of the state's best local neighborhood meat shops. With a beautifully designed meat case filled with top options and a ton of other products, Lee-Bones is a one-stop shop. They have tasty sides ready to be taken home, cooked, and enjoyed. Other locally created products line the walls. It's a really fun place to shop for those who really enjoy local craft food and drink products. The kicker with the whole place is the people. They care about one thing: creating a great customer experience. Join in as Jason chats A Taste of AZs Eric Walters and special guest host Jonathan Jones of Smokin Hope, a nonprofit focused on feeding the hungry in Arizona. Much love to Ty from Fat Ox BBQ for providing the great bites during the show and Jason's meat cutter Charlie for jumping on the mic as well. Enjoy! 

To say that Kim Haasarud is a cocktail legend is an understatement. As we hear in this interview, you have most likely seen or drunk a Kim-influenced drink. She has written some of the top books on the topic, consulted on some unique popular projects, and now has her own spot in Phoenix. Garden Bar is a beautiful space in a 100+-year-old bungalow serving Kim's masterpieces. Join in as we sit down with Kim to hear the story of her incredible journey.

Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine is a newly opened upscale Indian restaurant serving modern takes on classic dishes. Located right by Chandler fashion mall, this new eatery is using local, in season ingredients to fill the plates of visiting diners. Join us as we talk about their menu, which includes everything from street food, to racks of lamb, all designed by an internationally renowned chef hailing from Delhi!

Brix is one of the most respected and beloved fine dining establishments in Flagstaff. Perched up on the hill just north of Downtown, this restaurant has an eclectic and highly rotational menu, including items like elk tartare and wild mushroom risotto with sweetbread. The kitchen crew knows their way around fresh, locally farmed and foraged ingredients as well. Join us a for a chat with founder Paul Moir.

Food and beverage lovers should flock to Gastromé Market. This mecca of eat and drink features a finely curated market selling cheese, charcuterie, wine, and more. For those that prefer their food prepared for them, Gastromé also has a full-service restaurant serving spectacular dishes and cocktails. Join us for a chat with the founders/owners of this fine Scottsdale establishment!

Pigtails is one of the valley’s top cocktail bars. They have garnered popularity not only for their delicious drinks, but also because of their exciting speakeasy entrance and unique ambiance. In this episode we talk with owner-operator Kyla Hein at the Desert Ridge location. Listen in as we chat about how they come up with cocktail recipes, their private barrel program, and more!

The juniper berry. The most distinguishable ingredient in gin. In fact, it's a requirement. Gin without juniper isn’t gin. So why isn’t there more gin made in Arizona? After all, the native juniper tree is a common site for many outdoors folks across our beautiful state. This includes Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, two-thirds of Suncliffe Gin, an up-and-coming local spirits brand out of Sedona.  On a hike, they spotted the familiar tree and thought about the missed opportunity. This experience combined with their joy for gin martinis and the addition of their friend/business partner Clare Byrne, Suncliffe quickly snowballed into an instinct classic.  The additions of ponderosa pine bark, manzanita, and western elderflower create a gin that is unlike any we’ve tried. Truly Arizona Gin. With a vibe and flavor that seems like it's been around forever, this local brand is set to add to the growing list of top-tier spirit makers in Arizona.  Join in as we still down with Thomas and Ryan to explore the journey of Suncliffe Gin!

Located in Camp Verde, AZ, at the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek, lies Alcantara Vineyards. Immediately as we ventured onto the property, we were stunned with the unique beauty of the land. With a tasting room and wedding chapel designed with Tuscan flare, and vines covering the property, a visit to Alcantara transports visitors to an experience beyond AZ. Join us for a chat with Alcantara’s winemaker and vineyard manager Ron Brumley.

By day 50 Shades of Rosé is a fun cocktail and wine bar. Though, at night, this newly opened hot spot in Old Town becomes a bit more of a party. Known for their over the top drinks (which are tasty and quite slammable) and signature feminine touch, 50 shades of Rosé is more than meets the eye. Listen in as we talk about the menu, how they opened up, and more!

The Good Food Expo is a B2B focused convention bringing together all sorts of businesses from across Arizona’s food and beverage scene. This year's standouts include the award-winning brewery Wren House, local powerhouse Hayden Flour Mills, and many more! Listen in as we chat with TEN different local businesses each interview about five minutes long! Timestamps below! . SW Grilled Coffee - 0:07 Hayden Flour Mills - 7:23 Carolina’s Chocolates - 12:53 Everlicious - 17:57 Vintage Oats - 22:56 Gabe Gardener of Local First Arizona - 27:04 Simple Soda Company - 32:36 Tucson Tamale Co. - 38:07 Hot Sauce and Pepper - 43:07 Heartquist Hollow Farm - 48:45 Copper State Forge - 53:29 Hot Sauce and Pepper PT2 - 56:48

Highball is a neighborhood cocktail destination that has become recognized for top notch drinks and atmosphere. Since their recent open, they have already won awards for their creations. Join us on this episode as Eric Walters and Christina Barrueta interview Highballs owner operators Libby Lingua and Mitch Lyons

For those making the trip up to Pine, AZ, Old County Inn is a must visit for lunch or dinner. The menu of scratch made pizzas has some of the classics, but also features exciting flavor combos like a Hawaiian BBQ Pizza and even a Clam pie. The rest of the offerings include elevated bar bites like beer cheese, cheese boards, and chicken strips. Join us for another episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast as we chat with Old County Inn owner Chef Michael Dahling.

Creekside Inn Sedona is a luxurious bed & breakfast that will make you never want to leave. Just a few minutes walk from shopping, dining, and hiking, this destination is one of our new favorite boutique hotels. Join us for a sit down with owner Adam Greenberg co-hosted by Eric Walters and Christina Barrueta. Also, check out more on Creekside Inn in the newly released Fall issue of A Taste of AZ Magazine!

Marci Symington has been covering food and beverage as a writer and photographer for several years now. Back in 2021 we connected with Marci to see if she would be interested in contributing to A Taste of AZ Magazine. After agreeing to take part, Marci come out hot with an epic article about Chula Seafood. After six issues working with us, Marci has covered everything from Wrigley Mansion to Barcoa Agaveria. She has also joined us for historic podcast episodes like our chat with Chef Alex Stratta. Join us for the second and final part of our 100th Podcast Episode Celebration as we talk with Marci about her work with us and local F&B!

A little over two years ago, we launched A Taste of AZ Podcast. It was May of 2020 and we launched the show as a way to spread news & info about what was going on in the local F&B community. Today marks the release of the 100th episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast! So, we're releasing a two-part episode this week with two of our OG writers! Today, join us for a chat with Christina Barrueta, the first person we spoke with about launching the A Taste of AZ brand! These days, Christina joins us as a co-host on the podcast, writes in A Taste of AZ Magazine, and does so much more for the community! Sit in on our chat as we reflect on the past 99 episodes & more!

Cove Mesa Vineyards is one of the Verde Valley’s newest wine producers. After a recent launch, Cove Mesa is now wrapping up construction on a brand new tasting room in Cornville. Their grapes are growing just up the road, and their wines are produced not far away in Cottonwood. Join us for a chat with founder Emil Molin and winemaker Justin Estes to talk about all things Cove Mesa!

As one of Sedona’s newest restaurants, Stagecoach is gaining attention amongst residents and visitors of the area alike. The food menu is filled with barbecued meats, burgers, steaks, and more. Pair your meal with a local beer or a fancy cocktail like the Blood Orange Mezcalita. Join us on this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast as we talk with two of the gentlemen running the ship at Stagecoach in Sedona!

Patent 139 Brewing Co. is whipping out some delicious food and beer at their lakeside location in Chandler. Founded by Tim Hass, Patent 139 is an ode to all things Hass Avocado. Approximately 90% of the avocados eaten in the world are the Hass avocado variety, yet just about everything on the menu at Patent 139 uses this wonderful ingredient. Join us as we talk about what’s going on at this epic Arizona brewpub and dig into the family history of Tim and the Hass avocado!

The Haunted Group is responsible for some of the top restaurants and hotels in the Verde Valley area. From brunch to pizza, to steakhouse dinners, this family restaurant group can do it all. On this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast, we sit down with Eric Jurisin, the son of the founders, at his home base, The Clinkscale. Join us for a margarita, a bit of history, and a good time!

Creativity has always been a part of Paul and Quantasia Ford's lives. The couple met years ago through the music industry and now they are bringing that artistry to making fantastic one-of-a-kind products with Big Reds Hot Sauce. Hot sauces, smother sauces, and even snacks are now part of the product line. Join in as the Fords share their journey and what to expect from Big Reds in the coming years. Enjoy!

Arizona Stronghold is one of the state’s top wineries, in terms of both quality and quantity. They have thousands of vines in the Wilcox AVA that go into a number of their amazing products. Arizona Stronghold also has two tasting rooms, one in Old Town Cottonwood and a new addition in Old Town Scottsdale. Join us as we sit down with one of the partners and the head winemaker at Arizona Stronghold as we discuss Arizona wine, similarities to beer, and more!

While Z’Tejas may be one of our more corporate guests on A Taste of AZ Podcast, they have some very interesting ties to the local community. And of course, their food is pretty delicious as well. Join us as we chat with Z-Tejas about their newest dishes, margarita flights, and tasty tequila they’ve got!

Apricus Greens is the brainchild of a small group of college attendees. This group of young men has teamed up to grow and deliver a variety of microgreens to valley residents. Join us for this episode where we dig into the minds of these young entrepreneurs and see how they’re growing their biz!

The Arizona distillery scene has been gaining more and more clout over the past several years. Our state produces great gin, vodka, and most of all, whiskey. One of the premiere parties in AZ spirit production is Canyon Diablo Distillery based in Flagstaff. From an insanely hot ghost pepper vodka to fantastic mesquite smoked single malt whiskey these guys create some killer products. Join in as we sit down with one of the owners, Joe Pendergast, to hear the stories behind this great Arizona spirits producer! 

Nestled in the hills of Cornville alongside Oak Creek, sits one of our favorite Arizona Wineries. Javelina Leap Vineyards is an award-winning winery with a beautiful space to sip your drink. This family business employs several unique and sustainable techniques to wow its fans. Join us for a chat with Lucas Reed, head winemaker & master sommelier, to discuss all things wine! 🌵Subscribe to our FREE quarterly Arizona food & beverage magazine 📖 We literally wrote the book on Arizona beer