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Fabulous Food in All Forms
Welcome to our annual food and drink issue!
This year, we're focusing more on fantastic restaurants for you to check out and we truly have something for everyone.
We dine out all times of day; sometimes needing a quick bite or sometimes picking up a meal for our kids. We gather with all of our different groups - a celebratory dinner out with our extended family, a happy hour with the girls, or a fun dinner with some close friends.
We're thrilled to introduce you to both new and tried-and-true ideas to fit each of those occasions.
Food can be fuel. It can (and should be) nutritious. It can be comforting, even nostalgic. Delicious food can be savory, tart, sweet and more.
But the true magic comes when you combine amazing food with your favorite people. Sharing a meal is a time-honored way to join with family and friends. The simple act fosters connection and communication. Conversations can be impactful and serious, lively and enlightening, or a myriad of things in between. But coming together and breaking bread allows us to sit across from someone we care about and take the opportunity to share our ideas and feelings, and receive the same from them.
We hope you'll try one of the many places highlighted this month. From the vibrant and delicious The Mexicano that is new to the East Valley, to our very own beloved The Cellar, to a host of places to find an incredible 'wich, we have something to satisfy your taste buds.
Cheers to delicious and adventurous dining!
SHERRY YORK, PUBLISHER
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Alison Stanton, Amy Bailey, Rhiannon Johnson, Beth Del Ville
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephanie Slezak, Amy Bailey, Beth Del Ville
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-6:
Attendees gathered at Cordially to celebrate the grand opening of their new, larger location in Phoenix. 7: Cordially owner Jennifer Lum Lung and her sister-in-law Raegen Johnson, co-owner of 12 Volt, the men’s boutique. Photography by Barlow Byrd and Whitney DiNota of Whitney B Photography
Now we’ve got your attention! Looking for some tasty treats that are also good for your teeth? It’s true—some foods can help fight plaque and keep your mouth healthy. Chocolate, especially the sugar-free kind, can help reduce plaque and suppress bacteria that cause cavities. Fatty fish like salmon can also support gum health Other foods that benefit your oral health include: Milk and cheese, spinach and other leafy greens, almonds and apples. And don’t forget the ultimate oral health booster: water! Adding some fruit to your water is a great way to stay hydrated and keep your smile healthy, especially on a hot Arizona day.
Local Husband and Wife Team Open Ahwatukee Espresso Bar
Ahwatukee residents Lauren Topor and Kyle Reichert recently opened Wonderift Coffee at 12020 S WarnerElliot Loop. The coffee shop aims to be a gathering place, especially for those looking to adventure around South Mountain Park. Wonderift serves Arizona-roasted coffee, scratch-made bakery items and more. For more information, visit WonderiftCoffee.com or find them on Instagram @WonderiftCoffee.
by Beth Del Ville
Photography
Cotta Nostra Serves Espresso, Matcha and Tea Lattes
The coffee shop, which serves espresso, matcha and tea lattes, opened earlier this summer behind the Walgreens on the northwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Mountain Parkway. The ingredients are flavorful (think housemade syrups), organic and high-quality, featuring coffee beans from Mesabased Pair Cupworks, the matcha is the quality used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and the tea lattes are made with hojicha, a Japanese green tea that is roasted over charcoal. Find them on Instagram @CottaNostra
Photography by Beth Del Ville
Celebrate GATHER AND
The Cellar offers amazing wine, food and ambiance
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK
As a young girl growing up in Malaysia, Shannon Rush spent a lot of time in restaurants.
“I have always been around restaurants, whether it was running around my aunt’s noodle shop, or high school jobs bar-backing and changing out ash trays,” Rush says, adding
that she continued to work in the industry after moving to the United States in 2007.
After landing a job at a popular restaurant in Tempe, Rush developed a keen interest in wine.
Ten years ago, Rush was inspired to take her love and passion for good food and wine and open The Cellar, at 5030 E. Warner Road in Ahwatukee.
“I wanted to create a community with the same interests,” Rush says.
“Our guests and our staff are always conversing about different wine regions, varietals, tasting notes, or the last best culinary experience they’ve had!”
Over the last decade, The Cellar has become wellknown in the community for its outstanding selection of wines, delicious food and welcoming ambiance.
“We offer over 30 wines by the glass from all over the world,” Rush says, adding that everything on The Cellar’s wine list has been carefully hand-selected.
“We know where all of our wines come from, as far as who they are made by, what vineyard and what goes on behind the integrity of the wine making process.”
Wine aficionados are welcome to join The Cellar’s Wine Club.
As Rush notes, members enjoy discounts on all tastings and dinners, and they pick up a wine shipment each month.
“It’s a fun and exciting way to get out of your comfort zone and experience wine in a whole new way,” she says.
“All of the wines featured in the Wine Club are found in-house only and are designed to go with the seasons and what we are pairing with at home.”
The Cellar also hosts a monthly Wine Club Happy Hour that is open to everyone and features three Wine Club varieties served with a chef-inspired small plate.
“It’s a great time every month for foodies to gather and explore – we’ve seen lifelong friendships come out of these tastings,” Rush says.
In addition to the wide selection of carefully curated wines, The Cellar features a delicious assortment of tapas, bruschetta, salad and desserts.
“Our chef-inspired menu is constantly shifting with the season, and we are always doing fun and creative wine pairings –from rustic Italian and French dinners to whimsical tastings, like how to pair wine with fast food or Chinese takeout,” Rush says.
Two menu items that have people coming back for more are the buttermilk fried chicken, which is served with jalapeño jam, local honey and pickled Fresno peppers, and the large charcuterie board.
Guests are welcome to sit inside or on the pleasant patio, with its beautiful view of South Mountain.
“On the weekends we offer dining under the stars with live music. You can also find our guests out there enjoying wine and yoga every second Saturday or gathering for our monthly Wine Club Happy Hours,” Rush says.
Looking back, Rush is delighted with her decision to open The Cellar and provide a warm and welcoming place for her guests to gather and celebrate virtually any type of occasion.
“The Cellar is a versatile place that is great for a romantic date night, a night out with the girls, an after work business reprieve and more!” Rush says.
“We are also a great space for myriad of private events, from corporate events and weddings to baby showers and bachelorette parties.”
Rush says she truly appreciates and cherishes her regular customers, many of whom have become her close friends.
“Over the years I have seen them get married, start families and share their lives with us. There is always something special about a place ‘Where everybody knows your name.’”
CAPTIVATING COMIDA
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE MAGGIORE GROUP
THE MEXICANO ROARS INTO CHANDLER WITH BOLD LATIN FLAVORS, WARM ITALIAN HOSPITALITY
Every now and then I think you might like to hear something from us
Nice and easy.
But there’s just one thing, you see … We never ever do nothin’
Nice and easy.
While the one-and-only Tina Turner famously said these words before launching into one of the greatest renditions of Proud Mary ever performed, the iconic quote could just as easily have been said by Joey Maggiore.
The larger-than-life chef and cookbook author has made his culinary presence known in the Valley in a way few have before. He and wife Cristina, a visionary designer, have developed some of the most over-the-top culinary concepts ever born out of Arizona. Hash Kitchen? That would be Joey. The Italiano? Also Joey. And then there is The Mexicano. First opened in Phoenix in late 2021, The Mexicano debuted in Chandler earlier this year to great fanfare. The vision for the eatery was to create a fiesta of food and drink that blends authentic Mexican recipes with Maggiore’s signature flair for outrageous and unexpected.
As a result, the menu is a celebration of Latin culture at its core, including Oaxaca’s famous tlayudas—commonly called Mexican pizzas—and Jalisco’s slow-braised birria, a flavorful Mexican broth with protein. Some dishes are even served in molcajetes, which are traditional Mexican mortars made of volcanic rock that enhance flavors, keep food warm, and add an element of authenticity to the dining experience.
In true “Chef Joey” fashion, every visit to The Mexicano offers more than just a meal. There is a build-your-own margarita bar with more than 30 toppings from which to choose, and both DJs and stilt-walking dancers several nights a week, plus a new fall menu that boasts guacamole topped with caviar, gold flakes, and mini sopas, as well as chile verde pork empanadas, and zesty ceviche.
TheMexicano.com
Curated by Cristina
The Mexicano is as much as feast for the eyes as the appetite thanks to Cristina Maggiore. Her inspiration for the bold interior was inspired by some of her favorite aspects of the Phoenix location, which she re-imagined after a fire last year. Maggiore worked to make each of the walls inside the eatery come to life. On one wall, there are over-the-top flower and greenery installations that feel as it they are moving thanks to a light projector. On another wall are the skeleton faces that have movement, creating what feels like an optical illusion. Creative lighting, crystals, feather-like tiles, fuchsia and burnt orange accents, and palm leaves add to the ambiance, as does a rich exterior design where bougainvillea line the patio.
Cristina Maggiore, the creative force behind the bold and beautiful interior of The Mexicano.
THE CITY LIFESTYLE MARGARITA
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz citrus liqueur
.5 oz lychee puree
.5 oz hibiscus syrup
Directions:
Step 1: Build ingredients in a shaker tin and add fresh ice.
Step 2: Shake vigorously, and strain over fresh ice in a margarita glass.
Step 3: Garnish with a purple orchid.
Enjoy This Beautiful and Delicious Margarita, Created Especially for City Lifestyle by Abby Kate Larson, Corporate Mixologist
Tour around the Valley for some of the most craveable sandwiches
A Discovery of ‘Wiches
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH DEL VILLE
Something wicked this way comes. Something wickedly delicious, that is!
The leaves are changing (somewhere) and the weather is cooling (ever so slightly), harbingering the arrival of spooky season. But this year, we’re not hunting for ghouls and goblins - no. This year, we’re hunting for monstrously good sandwiches all across the Valley.
Pane Bianco
Located in Midtown, the restaurant features Italian-inspired sandwiches on freshly baked, perfectly salted and split focaccia. Presented on a plate in the restaurant, or packed to go in a brown paper bag, you can’t go wrong with any of the sammies. Try the Mozzarella - a classic sandwich that marries creamy mozzarella and fresh tomato topped with basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
PIZZERIABIANCO.COM/PANE-BIANCO | INSTAGRAM @PANEBIANCOPHOENIX
Dilly’s Deli
Established in 1993, Dilly’s Deli prides themselves on constructing sandwiches with quality ingredients. For a sweet and savory sandwich, order the Sweet Leaf Turkey Wrap (we substituted the spinach tortilla their focaccia), a combination of turkey, feta, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette. Of note, kids eat free with the purchase of adult entrees on weekends.
The art of a sandwich lies in its ingredients, masterfully combined in both classic and creative ways. We’re not talking the mundane here - these are not your average ham-andcheese on thin white bread provisions. These are sandwiches whose quality ingredients elevate the experience of eating.
Our mission is to discover culinary creations that exist between two slices of bread. An exceptional sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s proof of the delicious power of simple, fresh ingredients imaginatively and intentionally combined.
We’ve traveled the Valley testing all manner of sandwicheries, from local delis to trendy eateries, and we’re
sharing some of the best on offer. Our journey has taken us to beloved local spots and legendary mainstays. We’ve found something for everyone (even a family-friendly Tempe institution where kids eat free on weekends), from perfectly stacked, savory sandos to unexpected sensations. Each of these restaurants offer unique bites to be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or even dinner.
Bring your appetite as we share some of the most mouth-watering sandwiches in the Valley.
The only spooky thing you’ll find is how quickly these sandwiches disappear.
Copper State Bread
Bryan O’Connor’s bakery, which had been a staple at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop on the southeast corner of Rural and Elliot roads. Order The Peak breakfast sandwich, a perfectly fried egg, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, peppery arugula and creamy mayo that comes together on a flaky sourdough croissant.
COPPERSTATEBREAD.COM |
@COPPERSTATEBREAD
Zookz
If you’re looking for a truly unique sandwich, Zookz should be at the top of your list. The stuffed sammies are pressed in a custom sandwich maker that crimps the edges, sealing the ingredients inside. Our pick: The California Dreaming BLT, filled with turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato and a their signature sweet heat mustard sauce. All sandwiches are served with chips or a homemade side.
DeFalco’s Italian Deli and Grocery
The family-owned Italian eatery and market has fed generations of Arizonans with family recipes passed down for more than 100 years since they first opened in 1972. We tried the Chicken Pesto sandwich, one of their nearly 40 signature sandwiches, which features a crispy chicken cutlet with Havarti cheese topped with pesto on a crusty Italian sub roll.
|
@DEFALCOSDELI SACKSSANDWICHES.COM | INSTAGRAM @SACKSARCADIA
Sacks
For over 25 years, Sacks has been serving sandwiches (and salads, pastas and more) from their Arcadia location. While the Symphony may be a popular order, we tested the Sacks Dali, a sandwich crafted with homemade egg salad, country bacon, lettuce, tomato, cream cheese and mayo on 12-grain bread. Each sandwich comes with a small cookie made from the founder’s mother’s recipe.
Cozy Autumn Cookbooks
After a sizzling summer, when the last thing we wanted to do was turn on our ovens or stovetops, autumn has finally arrived. Shorter days and cooler temperatures draw us back into our kitchens to create our favorite comfort foods, but we often find ourselves stuck when it comes to new ideas. Whether you’re the family chef, an entertainer who loves to feed a crowd or a solo cook, you’re likely looking for some seasonal cooking and baking inspiration.
Filled with perfectly curated recipes, mouth-watering photos, cooking tips, and personal insights, the following four new releases are here to help. They offer solutions to your daily dinner dilemmas, celebrate our nation’s vast culinary history, teach you how to bake the best biscuits and satisfy your sweet tooth. Add these amazing cookbooks to your personal collection and you will add hundreds of new recipes to your repertoire, creating an endless array of delicious dinners and desserts. Spend a chilly night expanding your cooking talents or learning a few new baking tricks and watch how a quiet evening at home can quickly transform into something truly special. It’s time to celebrate the season, so put down that delivery app and pick up these tasty new cookbook releases, filled with recipes to keep you happy and cozy all season long.
Warm up your kitchen and celebrate the season
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes
BY ERIKA COUNCIL
Bomb Biscuit Company’s founder and head baker Erika Council pairs her heritage (she’s the granddaughter of legendary soul food chef Mildred Council aka “Mama Dip”) and immense skill set to deliver a heartfelt and tasty tribute to the Southern biscuit. Featuring classics and new favorites, this recipe collection is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing
BY TRACEY ZABAR
Smaller size, same big flavor! Tracey Zabar has edited her famous recipes to allow home bakers the opportunity to create their own smaller versions of her famous cakes in the comfort of their own kitchens. Each seasonally organized recipe serves two to six people—perfect for creating a tiny treat to share or to satisfy your own sweet tooth.
The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2 Edition:
100 Memorable Recipes to Celebrate the Diversity and Flavors of American Food
There’s something for everyone in this companion cookbook to the second season of The Great American Recipe . The fun, feel-good cooking competition highlights some of our country’s most talented home cooks and captures the rich culinary history of America. From generational family treasures to regional cuisines, this recipe collection exemplifies how food represents and unifies our communities and cultures.
Skinnytaste
Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer
BY GINA HOMOLKA, HEATHER K. JONES, R.D.
Streamline your dinnertime routine with these easy, delicious, and healthy recipes, each requiring seven ingredients or fewer. Featuring 105 original recipes plus 15 beloved fan-favorites from the website, Skinnytaste Simple focuses on using minimum ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
G H
P O M O D O R O
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY BAILEY
Enjoy this simple, flavorful food for the soul. ‘Po modoro’ means tomato in Italian, and that’s what this dish is - a fresh tomato sauce with basil, garlic, onion, and olive oil.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely diced or minced
• 1 lb fresh tomatoes, halved or chopped (I use garden cherry tomatoes if in season or Roma tomatoes are a good choice)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 basil sprigs, divided
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated, divided
• 1 Tbsp butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat medium-size Dutch Oven or large skillet over medium heat then add extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot, add chopped onion then saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add fresh garlic and saute until golden but not brown, another 30 seconds.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan with a pinch of sugar then simmer on medium-low for 20-25 minutes. Stir and press the tomatoes against the bottom and sides of the pan to make saucier. If sauce begins to pop too much, turn down even further. (If sauce starts to thicken too much add pasta water as needed.)
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil for the pasta and season generously with salt.
4. When sauce is almost ready, add fresh basil leaves torn into small pieces, plus butter, remaining salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Add more salt to taste if needed.
5. Cook the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente then transfer it to the sauce pot with tongs to finish cooking directly in the sauce. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to cook pasta all the way and to keep it saucy.
6. Toss pasta and sauce with 1/2 Parmesan cheese. Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil.
OCTOBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SUNDAYS
Ahwatukee
Farmers Market
Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center | 9:00 AM
The Ahwatukee Farmers Market brings fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more together for this signature weekly community event. October begins winter hours for the market, running from 9 a.m. to 12 noon through May. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market.
OCTOBER 3RD
Ahwatukee First Fridays
Mountain Park Church | 5:00 PM
The monthly opportunity to support small businesses is back! Head out to Mountain Park Church for Ahwatukee First Fridays to explore booths and meet neighbors. Support local businesses, from arts and crafts to food and more, enjoy food trucks, music and community at this free event. For more information, visit Facebook. com/AhwatukeeFirstFridays.
OCTOBER 10TH-12TH
Four Peak Brewing Oktoberfest
Tempe Beach Park
Celebrate all things Bavarian at the 52nd annual Four Peak Brewing Oktoberfest. This family-friendly event (everyone 20 and under is free) features German and local beers, brats and carnival food, carnival rides, music and more. For information and tickets, visit FourPeaksOktoberfest.com.
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