THE MEN’S ISSUE
JUNE 2023
Sav•vy adjective shrewd and knowledgeable; having common sense and good judgement
SAVVYREALTYAZ.COM602.448.8081
“When passion, expertise and dedication come together, you have a Savvy Partnership!” — AMY RICHARDSON
SAVVY SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET
Buying and selling a home can be challenging. You need an agent who is laser-focused on your unique needs. Having lived and worked in Ahwatukee and the southeast valley for over 20 years, my passion for this community comes through in my warmth, work ethic, philanthropic endeavors, and connections with a clientele who are as committed to me as I am to them! From staging and prepping, to spearheading renovations, finding contractors and delivering expert market advice, I will dedicate myself to your project as if it were my own.
Give me a call or scan the code for a complimentary market analysis on your home and find out why important decisions demand Savvy Solutions.
real estate report
Rec ent ly so l d p roperties in Ahwa tu kee.
AMY@SAVVYREATLYAZ.COM
PRI C E 3 4 5 5 4 S O L D $ / S F D O M O R I G I N A L 2 50 5 5 Tapestry Canyon 2,100,000 2,150,000 102% 432.68 17 5 50 Canyon Reserve 71 1,899,000 1,825,000 96.1% 353 07 4.50 4 50 4 1,250000 1,265,000 101% 349.93 Palma Brisa Ahwatukee Custom 1,210,000 1,350,000 89.6% 314 29 68 4 00 Cabrillo Canyon 975,000 975,000 100% 310 61 3 3 2 50 Mountain Park Ranch 850,000 844,000 99.2% 265.33 3 3 50 Camelot Ridge 799,000 714,070 258.44 202 3 00 89 3% 4 Foothills Reserve 660,000 605,000 91.6% 192.00 222 Oasis @ The Foothills N E I G H B O R H O O D Ahwatukee 55+ 24 449,000 449,000 % 100% 209.52 SIZE B D R M B A T H 3 3 00 10 575,000 560,000 97.3% 274 64 3.00 Average price per square foot for 85044, 85045, and 85048 zip codes is $274 28/sq foot
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Men Can Be the Difference Makers
June brings our issue dedicated to all the gents. This one is packed with food, hobbies, activities, and more that are geared toward the men, but surely all will enjoy. We're lucky to share the story of local favorite Spencer 4 Hire whose roofing business is comprised of three generations serving the East Valley. And we tapped some notable gentlemen in our community to share their impactful thoughts on fatherhood.
All men have an enormous impact on those around them, but they especially affect our kids and young adults. A man's words and actions can serve as an example of how to lead your life with integrity, kindness, and a heart to serve.
A huge influence in many kids' lives are coaches. For context, my sons are 18 and 20. They started baseball at four years old and played some sport nearly year-round. One is playing in college and the other played until his junior year of high school. We have had many coaches between the two, but one especially stands out. My whole family still talks about the impact that Coach Scott had on my youngest. He was his club baseball coach from the ages of 10 to 12. What made him so stellar? While he was passionate about baseball and playing the game well, he was far more interested in coaching boys to become fine young men and exemplary adults than he was in just winning the game. Every action showed that he was invested in their character, as well as how they both saw the world and operated in it. We could use many more such examples for our children.
June 2023
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Talsma Everson, Alison Stanton, Phil Madison, Jackson York, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Qiana Kelsch, Shannon Liebrock, Phil Madison
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
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Learn Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ahwatukee area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Ahwatukee City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Proverbs 3:5-6 how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE |
If you are a man, consider the people that you can influence to be their best. And if you've been positively impacted by any such men in your own life, this is the perfect month to reach out and thank them for helping you along. Cheers to the men who care!
SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER @AHWATUKEECITYLIFESTYLE
inside the issue The Gentlemen’s Issue JUNE 2023 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 4 Lifestyle Letter 8 Local Experiences 10 Inspired By PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 16 Local’s Choice LIFE + CULTURE 22 Must See PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 24 Travel Journal ENTERTAINMENT 28 How To LIFE + CULTURE 34 Hot Spot FOOD + BEVERAGE
Qiana Kelsch In honor of Father’s Day, these noteworthy men of Ahwatukee share some of their favorite memories, fatherly advice and a dad joke or two. FEATURED 10 Family First Spencer 4 Hire Roofing serves the community one roof at a time 16 The Power of Paternal Love Five influential Ahwatukee dads share their journeys, wisdom and fatherhood experiences 22 The Wheel Deal Powdercoat It! creates custom looks that last 24 Fore! Driving the Valley for five fantastic fairways 22 10 16 24 6
Photography:
WITH THIS COUPON. MUST CONTRACT BY 12-31-23. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS. Financing Available and Credit Cards Accepted www.Spencer4HireRoofing.com FULL ROOF REPLACEMENT $1000 OFF BESTOF 2019 CALL SPENCER 4 HIRE ROOFING TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION. AHWATUKEE’S PREMIER ROOFING 4232 E Chandler Blvd #10 | Phoenix, AZ 85048 Beat the Summer Rush! Book Your Appointment Today! Schedule A Visit Today! 480.759.1119 JUNGLEROOTS.COM ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS! 7 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
local experiences
The best places and things to do in our area.
Grab
Our Picks for The Man Clan
BUZZED GOAT COFFEE: I like to visit this local coffee shop after a weekend hike to get amazing food truck experiences on most Saturdays and to enjoy some delicious cold brew or an adult beverage. 4302 E Ray Rd. #106, Phoenix
KIWANIS PARK: A great place to fish and enjoy some peace and quiet. Find batting cages and fields to play flag football or an adult game of kickball. Mill Ave. and All American Way, Tempe
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE: I enjoy this well-known and established steakhouse. It is a noteworthy place for events like happy hours with clients and monumental celebrations. 905 N 54th St., Chandler
AHWATUKEE COUNTRY CLUB: Speaking of golf – the Ahwatukee Country Club is an excellent way to get away with the boys. Good rates, a well-maintained course and fun all the way around. 12432 S 48th St., Phoenix
WARPAINT LOOP: Great – and I mean great – hiking with trails for all, from intermediate all the way up to advanced, in-shape hikers. Corona de Loma Trail, Phoenix
Scan
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Marc Rivas | OnTheMM.com
Ahwatukee resident Marc Rivas is the president and founder of On The Marc Media, a full-service agency dedicated to creating, planning and handling advertising campaigns for its clients. Rivas has nearly two decades of advertising, marketing and publishing experience. During his career, he has won numerous awards, including “Rookie of the Year,” “Sales Person of the Year,” and “40 under 40” for Nevada and also served on a media roundtable in Washington D.C., led by Senator Harry Reid.
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
your guys and plan a relaxed or adrenaline-filled day, weekend, or guys night out with any one of these local experiences.
JUNE 2023
Buzzed Goat Coffee
list.
for more photos and the full
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Family First
Spencer 4 Hire Roofing serves the community one roof at a time
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA EVERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON LIEBROCK
INSPIRED BY | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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(L to R) Nathan Spencer with grandson August, son Chris, and father John
Nathan Spencer, owner of Spencer 4 Hire Roofing, believes in the power of treating customers like family. “I treat every roofing job like it is a roof over my own family’s head,” he shares. This philosophy has served the local, family-owned business well as they have been offering quality roofing services in Ahwatukee and surrounding areas for 15 years. And, while they’ve been in the Valley since 2008, their roofing expertise spans across generations.
“I am a third-generation roofer; my grandpa owned a roofing company out of state for decades,” Spencer shares. Together with his wife, Donna Spencer, who handles human resources for Spencer 4 Hire Roofing, they took their generations of roofing expertise and opened the company when their family moved to Ahwatukee from California.
“We started out small in 2008, but have kept growing, and we are so grateful for how the Ahwatukee community has supported us throughout the years,” Donna says.
Spencer 4 Hire offers residential and commercial roofing, roofing repair and installation services. “It's our goal as a company to be a local resource for comprehensive roofing coverage,” Spencer says. In addition to Ahwatukee, the family-owned business serves cities across the East Valley.
At Spencer 4 Hire Roofing, family is everything. The company has three generations of roofers—Spencer, the owner, his dad John, who is the superintendent, and his son Chris, who is following in their footsteps. “Our team has over 40 years of experience and contains three generations of roofers who are all professionally licensed, insured and bonded,” Spencer says.
“Our vision is to better lives, to better families, and to better our community,” he continues. “We do this by treating each other and our clients with respect and integrity.”
Spencer emphasizes that quality service and a close family bond sets the company apart.
“What makes our business stand out is not only our years of expertise, but our integrity and the way we structure each job,” he adds. “We have a supervisor on every job daily to make sure that everything is watched and kept to the highest standards. We clean every job site every single day and we protect customers’ air conditioners, swimming pools, and more. We keep customers informed every step of the way and are always open to customer feedback.”
“While Nathan is the company owner and does more business strategy and leadership tasks these days, it’s not uncommon to see him put on a tool belt and help wherever is needed,” Donna says.
“I am never afraid to get my hands dirty,” Spencer says. “It’s a team effort.”
Donna adds that Spencer 4 Hire Roofing focuses not only on each customer’s home but the community. Recently, the company was the grand sponsor of the 47th Annual Ahwatukee Easter Parade—complete with one of their employees dressing up as this year’s Easter Bunny. Through the years, they have supported multiple local nonprofits and community events, including Kiwanis of Ahwatukee, the Lupus Foundation of America, St. Mary’s Food Bank, the Armer Foundation for Kids, the Festival of Lights, and many more.
“We have always given back to the community because, without them, we wouldn’t be here,” Donna says. CONTINUED >
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“Our word is bond, and community and family is everything,” Spencer adds. “We just happen to use roofing as a platform to serve our community and neighbors.”
In the spirit of service, Spencer 4 Hire Roofing is giving away a new free roof for a veteran in Ahwatukee. Locals can find out more information and nominate a local veteran whose roof needs replacing or repair by visiting spencer4hireroofing.com where they will find an online submission form on the Veteran Roof Giveaway tab. Nominate a veteran by filling out the questionnaire. The winner will be announced at 6 p.m. on July 4 at Wicked Brews and Bites in Ahwatukee.
With summer in full swing, Spencer also adds that monsoon season is coming up in July and August and he recommends that residents make sure their roofs are protected.
“While some may think we take a break during the summer, we’re actually busy year-round,” he says. “For locals who haven’t worked with us before and want to connect to see what we’re all about, we always welcome them to come visit our office. We love when customers come and see what we’re all about – our family is always excited to meet other local families.”
Spencer 4 Hire Roofing is located at 3233 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 5. To learn more, visit spencer4hireroofing.com or call 480-446-7663.
“Our word is our bond, and community and family is everything,” Spencer adds.
INSPIRED BY | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 12
“We just happen to use roofing as a platform to serve our community and neighbors.”
Three generations at Spencer 4 Hire
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THE POWER OF PATERNAL LOVE
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY QIANA KELSCH
FIVE INFLUENTIAL AHWATUKEE DADS SHARE THEIR JOURNEYS, WISDOM AND FATHERHOOD EXPERIENCES
Jerry Ervin Owner, Sire Consulting Group
DESCRIBE BEING A DAD.
Being a dad is about pouring love into your children, encouraging them, picking them up when they feel down, guiding them and believing in them along the journey of life.
WHAT HAS MADE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AS A FATHER?
Becoming a Christian has made the biggest impact. I would have carried a lot of baggage from my childhood and early adulthood into my marriage and the way that I would have raised my kids. I still made some mistakes as a father, but I also received a lot of healing that helped me along the way.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS?
Love Jesus and God, follow your passions in life, surround yourself with the right people and try to make a difference in the life of one person at a time.
WHAT’S YOUR HAPPIEST MEMORY WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
Traveling throughout Europe with them in 2014 – 2015. We lived in Switzerland for a year and were able to travel to many countries like France, Germany, Austria, Italy, England and Ireland.
HOW DO YOU SHOW YOUR KIDS YOU LOVE THEM?
I show my love to my kids by saying that I love them all the time, and by talking to them and being an active listener. I also show my love by doing things for them that help to support their development, goals and dreams in life.
LOCAL’S CHOICE | LIFE + CULTURE 16
Dr. Anthony Quihuis
Dentist and Owner, Shine Dental Arts
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?
The most surprising thing about being a dad is how busy and more enjoyable your life becomes.
FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR CHILD IN AND AROUND AHWATUKEE?
There are so many fun things that we love to do in Ahwatukee. I would say hiking in South Mountain tops the list.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE GIVEN YOUR CHILD?
We will see! I feel I give my son good life advice and many times his response is something like “Can we have mac and cheese tonight?”
PROUDEST PARENTING MOMENT?
Watching my son swim all by himself for the first time.
DESCRIBE BEING A DAD.
It is the best endurance sport you could ever be a part of.
BEST DAD JOKE?
The first “Dad Joke” I remember saying to my son was after stepping on a cherry tomato in the kitchen. I turned to him and said “Look, I have toma-TOES.” He looked at me with a completely expressionless face, and shook his head. CONTINUED >
17 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR FATHER GAVE YOU?
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
WHAT HAS MADE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU AS A FATHER?
Seeing others around me be wonderful parents has given me the confidence that I can fulfill this most awesome and important responsibility.
HOW HAS FATHERHOOD CHANGED YOU?
Although the constant back pain has taken time to grow, fatherhood changed me in an instant. It completely recalibrated my world the second my son arrived, making his safety, security, and growth my top priority in life. It has made my wife and I work in concert more than we ever had in the 19 years we knew each other before we became parents.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUR CHILD?
I have a toddler so most of the advice revolves around eating, but I always make sure to encourage my son to be brave and to be kind.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO KNOW?
I want my son to know that he always has the backing and security of his parents behind him, and I want that feeling to be so innate and automatic that he never has to give it a thought.
BEST DAD JOKE?
Not quite a joke, but whenever someone asks what’s the word, my answer is always grease. Grease is the word.
Alex Benezra
Judge, Phoenix Municipal Court
LOCAL’S CHOICE | LIFE + CULTURE 18
“…fatherhood changed me in an instant. It completely recalibrated my world the second my son arrived, making his safety, security, and growth my top priority in life.”
Dr. Garth Cupp
Principal, Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary School
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO KNOW?
I try to instill in my children the importance of being kind to others. I want my children to know that everybody deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. We may not always understand what others are going through and we certainly cannot control how others treat us, but we can choose to treat others with compassion and kindness.
HOW HAS BECOMING A FATHER CHANGED YOU?
Becoming a father has changed me in so many ways. It has had a big impact on my career as an educator. I see kids in a different way than before - they are someone’s child and how their parents feel for them is how I feel about my own children.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE GIVEN YOUR CHILDREN?
The best advice I’ve given my children is that it is okay to make mistakes. This is how we learn. So many of us grew up afraid of failure and feeling the need to be good at everything. I want my kids to be able to learn from their mistakes, try new things and not rely on the approval of others.
WHAT’S YOUR HAPPIEST MEMORY WITH YOUR FATHER?
Some of the happiest memories I have with my dad are going fishing. We had a little fishing boat that we would hook up to our truck and head up to the lake for the day. We would get up there well before sunrise and have our poles in the water and talk about everything and nothing. I don’t remember the fish we caught and to tell you the truth, I don’t think we ever caught many, but I do remember our conversations and the hours we would spend together on the lake.
BEST DAD JOKE?
I live with three Swifties, so this one always goes over well…Why didn’t the vampire attack Taylor Swift? She had Bad Blood.
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Mark Breyer
Owner and Trial Lawyer, The Husband and Wife Law Team
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOUR FATHER GAVE YOU?
He has given me so much advice that it is almost impossible to pick one, honestly. I was a procrastinator my whole life; always meant to get to things and always planned to do them the next day. He said this to me when we went to dinner right before I went to law school: I can accomplish whatever I want if I stop saying “I will do it tomorrow.” I have remembered it many times and tried to find a way to get something done that day instead of pushing it off.
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?
How much time the kids want to talk to or spend time with my wife and me, even after they are grown and start leaving the house. (If I were them, I am pretty sure I would only want to spend that much time with their mom!)
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS?
I say the same six things over and over but the most common is: “Control the controllables.” This works both ways. If you are upset about something and have a chance to influence, do not sit back. Go and take action to get the changes made you can control. On the other hand, if you are upset about something you cannot change or control, accept that fact and move on when possible.
WHAT IS YOUR HAPPIEST MEMORY WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
It is not one, but the many times all 10 of us are together talking or playing some meaningless game – like “Psyche” – together.
WHAT IS YOUR HAPPIEST MEMORY WITH YOUR FATHER?
In 2009, my dad and I flew back to Detroit – where we are from though he now lives here – for about five days when Michigan State (Go Green!) made the Final Four in our hometown. A weekend with just my dad for something that exciting was amazing.
LOCAL’S CHOICE | LIFE + CULTURE 20
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT. 2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads. ADVERTISE WITH US. LEARN MORE AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE 21 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
THE WHEEL DEAL
POWDERCOAT IT! CREATES CUSTOM LOOKS THAT LAST
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
As many drivers in the Valley of the Sun know quite well, high temperatures, road debris and other issues can make wheels and rims scratched, drab and dull. Thanks to the powder coating service from Powdercoat It! in Tempe, your rims and wheels can look better than ever.
As owner Josh York notes, he and his team have been drastically improving the appearance of tire rims and wheels since 2014.
“Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied to metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion and wear,” he says, adding that the dry finishing process involves electrostatically charging a fine powder and spraying it onto the metal surface.
MUST SEE | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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“Powder coating is a popular alternative to traditional liquid coatings because it is more durable, environmentally friendly and can be applied in a wide range of colors and textures.”
While many customers are asking for black or bronze powder coating for their wheels and rims, York says they offer more than 7,000 different colors.
“We can powder coat your alloy wheels that came on your car from the dealer. This gives the car a completely custom look for a fraction of the cost of new wheels, plus this way you get to keep the tires your car came with.”
Because powder coating is four times stronger than paint, York says it is exceptionally durable.
“The wheels will also clean easily because brake dust and road dirt does not stick to the smooth powder coated surface,” he notes.
York and his team at Powdercoat It! work on all makes and models of vehicles, and they offer a convenient drop off service.
“Drop the car off on a Monday morning and we will take care of everything, including taking off the wheels, dismounting, remounting and balancing the tires, and then reinstalling them back on your vehicle. You will receive the car back on Friday afternoon.”
Powdercoat It! is at 903 N Miller Road in Tempe. To learn more visit PowdercoatItAZ.com or call 480-967-7004.
23 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
Fore!
ARTICLE BY JACKSON YORK
Driving the Valley for five fantastic fairways
TRAVEL JOURNAL | ENTERTAINMENT 24
NO MATTER THE EXPERIENCE OF A GOLFER PLAYING DINOSAUR MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE CHALLENGING IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.
GREENFIELD LAKES GOLF COURSE
Greenfield Lakes is arguably the top executive course in Maricopa County. After undergoing a complete remodel, the course boasts a beautiful par 62, 18-hole golf course. Featuring a great mix of short holes, with some drivable par 4’s and long par 5’s, Greenfield Lakes offers a dynamic course layout with challenges at each hole. This course is perfect for both newer golfers looking for a great time, and low handicappers looking for a challenge. When compared to other courses in the same price range, Greenfield Lakes stands out for their unique amenities and the overall beauty of the course. This course features outstanding grass coverage throughout all areas, with each hole having some combination of water hazards and bunkers around the green. On top of a beautifully designed course, Greenfield Lakes offers an exciting lighted driving range with Top-Golf Tracer technology. For $27 per hour, golfers can play premier courses from around the world and see every shot traced, all while enjoying Greenfield Lakes’ beverage service. Summer rates range from $33 to $47, with a golf cart included. GolfGilbert.com
DINOSAUR MOUNTAIN AT GOLD CANYON GOLF RESORT
Dinosaur Mountain certainly fits the bill as one of Arizona’s most unique golf courses. Featuring exhilarating elevated tee boxes, stunning views and abundant wildlife, this course will have golfers wanting to return again and again. Situated in the heart of Gold Canyon, this par 72, championship-caliber course offers golfers an incredible journey of 18 scenic holes. While every course has at least one signature hole, Dinosaur Mountain has multiple. As golfers make their way up and down the canyon, the
course gets more breathtaking at every hole. No matter the experience of a golfer playing this course, it will be challenging in the best way possible. Gold Canyon is unique for offering not only Dinosaur Mountain, but a second championship-caliber course appropriately named Sidewinder, as it weaves golfers through the valleys and basins of Gold Canyon. With Dinosaur Mountain’s summer rates range from $75 to $98, there is no excuse to not try such an amazing course. Overall, Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Resort is a leading Arizona course with a one-of-a-kind experience. GCGR.com
TROON NORTH GOLF CLUB
Troon North Golf Club is nationally renowned and features two championship-caliber courses, Pinnacle and Monument, that are both ranked in the 2023 Top 200 public golf courses in the nation according to Golfweek . Additionally, Golf Digest included them in their 2022 list of best courses to play in Arizona. Both courses offer golfers a picturesque desert golfing experience, albeit a challenging one. Featuring narrow fairways and plenty of bunkers, it is safe to say this course is one of the Valley’s toughest. Elevated tee boxes, unparalleled scenery and top-notch food give Troon North an appropriate ranking. Each course features plenty of iconic holes, leaving golfers with a difficult choice on which is their favorite. Troon North’s summer pricing varies from $99 to $299, depending on the time of day and the month. They also offer a 20 percent discount on the second round if golfers book 36 holes ahead of time – something everyone should do at least once. Playing both courses consecutively makes for an extraordinary day. TroonNorthGolf.com CONTINUED >
25 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
TRAVEL JOURNAL | ENTERTAINMENT
Monument Golf Course at Troon North.
Photo courtesy Troon North Golf Club
Pinnacle Golf Course at Troon North.
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Photo courtesy Troon North Golf Club
v’ s barbershop - chandler pavilions 940 N 54TH STREET, SUITE 104, CHANDLER, AZ 85226 (480) 893-8800 | VBARBERSHOP.COM 27 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AHWATUKEE JUNE 2023
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD
What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life
HOW TO | LIFE + CULTURE 28
LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE
Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!
PLAN A STAYCATION
You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!
GO BIRD WATCHING
Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.
GO BOWLING
Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.
PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY
Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.
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SPOIL HIM WITH BREAKFAST IN BED
Breakfast in bed isn’t just for Mother’s Day. Dads can enjoy it too! Whip up some of his favorite brunch treats and start Father’s Day off the right way.
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HAVE A WINE AND PAINT NIGHT
Sign up for an artistic experience at a local wine and paint shop so Dad can let his creative side show and you can have a custom piece of art for years to come.
TACKLE A TASK TOGETHER
Is Dad a hands-on guy? Why not spend the day constructing a tree house or painting a birdhouse? Or better yet, help him organize the garage or start a garage redesign.
DO A FITNESS CLASS TOGETHER
Consider signing him up for a fitness class together. Whether he likes cycling, boxing or HIIT, encourage him to be adventurous and try something new.
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FIRE UP THE BACKYARD GRILL
There’s no greater way to get to a Dad’s heart than the word “barbecue”. Grab extravagant meats like a rack of ribs or wagyu beef burgers and go to town.
CONSTRUCT SOMETHING OUT OF LEGOS
Harken back to Dad’s childhood with a specialty kit of legos. Embark on a family project of helping Dad build models of favorite movie props like the Death Star or Hogwarts castle.
HAVE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
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COOK SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS
If some of Dad’s role models include Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, consider thinking outside the box and create a meal with something you wouldn’t usually go for like bison burgers or grilled octopus tentacles. Tackling a complex recipe may seem challenging but the memories and the meal will be worth it.
If one of Dad’s favorite pastimes is binging the Star Wars saga over and over again, how about setting up a family movie night from your own backyard? Hang a white bed sheet and project a movie onto the screen via a projector. HOW TO | LIFE + CULTURE 30
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Let’s Taco ‘Bout It
Hit up these spots around town for a tempting tour of all things tacos
(AHWATUKEE): Try the QuesaBirria tacos with broth. @taco_culture_llc // 02 EL
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TAQUERIA (AHWATUKEE: Check out the Taco Governador and fish tacos. @el.fogon.taqueria // 03 LOS TAQUITOS (AHWATUKEE): Try a selection like the asada taco, pollo taco and pastor taco. @lostaquitosaz // 04 SANTA MADRE TACO SHOP (TEMPE): Get the best of both worlds with a surf and turf taco. The carne asada and al pastor tacos are delicious, too. @santamadretacos // 05 TAQUERIA FACTORY (CHANDLER): The QuesaBirria is a must-try. @taqueriafactoryusa // 06 OTRO CAFÉ (PHOENIX): Enjoy staples like the carne asada taco, grilled shrimp taco and chicken taco. @otrocafephx
Follow along on Instagram for more of Phil's food adventures at @YourPhixinPhx.
HOT SPOT | FOOD + BEVERAGE
CULTURE
FOGON
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL MADISON
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