Issuu

A TASTE OF COMMUNITY

THE FOOD AND DRINK ISSUE

O C TO B E R 2 02 6

Partner With Us For Proven Success

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team For Over 40 Years

Rob Castellini | Josh Mendoza | Mike Mendoza

SELLING

AHWATUKEE SINCE

FOOTHILLS 1983

(480) 706-7234 MendozaTeam.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Meals We Carry With Us Food is more than something that nourishes our bodies. Often, it's something that nourishes our souls and creates the memories we carry for a lifetime. You know, the ones we can practically taste when we think back on them. When I was little, my mom would make my great-grandmother's famous (to me, at least) sand tart cookie recipe every Christmas. Alongside her friend, they would roll out the dough to an impossible thinness before cutting out shapes and allowing me the honor of adorning each cookie with green and red sprinkles. While my mom would save the majority of the cookies for Christmas Day, I was allowed one or two freshly baked, crispy cookies, which I absolutely savored. Years later, while studying in Spain, I sat at a restaurant on the Mediterranean and ordered a shrimp dish. To my surprise, it came with the heads still attached. I had never seen a dish served like that and wasn't sure what to do, so my friend went straight to work removing the heads for me. On one of my first dates with my now-husband, he invited me to his apartment for a homemade meal of chicken parmesan. He'll tell you the story of how I accidentally spilled red wine on his TV remote. I'll tell you the story of the most delicious chicken cutlet I've ever had, and he still makes it for me to this day. And now, my son makes the best fried egg sandwich: jammy egg yolk, crispy bacon, just the right amount of creamy mayo, and sharp cheddar cheese between two slices of thick, buttery croissant bread. Every one of these memories started with something simple — a recipe, a dish, a meal shared at a table. But what they left behind was never just about the food. In this issue, we're celebrating that same idea: the meals, the traditions and the people who turn a plate of food into something we hold onto long after it's gone.

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Sherry York | sherry.york@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Beth Del Ville | beth.delville@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Stephanie Slezak CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Stanton, Kris Ann Valdez, Angela Broockerd, Beth Del Ville C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Stephanie Slezak, Janie Jones

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Zach Miller LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

BETH DEL VILLE, EDITOR @ A H W AT U K E E C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 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

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A H W AT U K E E

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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.

DESIGNED FOR GATHERING. CREATED FOR LIVING.

F U L L- S E R V I C E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

CUSTOM CABI N ETRY | MATERIAL & FI N ISH SELECTIONS | FURN ISH I NGS & ST YLI NG | RENOVATIONS & N EW BUI LDS

LISA WHYTE

WHYTEHOUSE.CO

480.570.5331

inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

20 24

10 Featured

Departments

A Fridge Full of Comfort

The ultimate care package protocol for showing up when it counts

Building a Family and Community Legacy

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Culinary Creations LIFE + CULTURE

Giving Back FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE

Locally Sourced FOOD + BEVERAGE

How To FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

Owners of Zzeeks Pizza are devoted to using their restaurants as a springboard for making a positive impact in Ahwatukee and beyond

Bottled Fresh Daily

The family behind Danzeisen Dairy is bottling fresh milk, crafting old-fashioned treats and serving its local community

On the Cover From fresh milk in glass bottles to over-the-top shakes, discover the story behind this Arizona dairy favorite. Learn more on page 24. Photography: Axis Culture Group

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT? With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

The Mendoza Team Joins eXp Luxury Former MLB player Mike Mendoza and his son Josh, both longtime Ahwatukee residents, have joined eXp Realty Luxury with The Mendoza Team, following 29 years at Keller Williams. Bringing more than 40 years of real estate experience and roughly 6,500 transactions, Mike leads the Ahwatukee-based team alongside his wife Jude, Josh and six agents. They specialize in residential and luxury clients across the Valley. TheMendozaTeam.com

Scan to read more Photography by Desiree Evans Photography

Verbena, The Salon Celebrates Five Years Verbena, The Salon marks its fifth anniversary this October. What began as a solo operation founded by Mateo Wood has grown into a thriving Ahwatukee salon with a team of 13, including stylists, estheticians and front desk staff. The business recently moved into an expanded location, launched an online store, and added new spa services. Verbena will mark the anniversary with a 20 percent off sale on products in November. VerbenaTheSalon.com

Scan to read more Photography Courtesy of Verbena, The Salon

Cien Agaves Tacos and Tequila Opens New Location in Chandler Iconic Cien Agaves recently opened its newest location at 54th Street and Ray Road in Chandler, serving scratch-made Mexican cuisine and handcrafted margaritas. The restaurant is locally co-owned and operated by Ahwatukee residents Roque Jimenez and Bob Schulken of Backbar Hospitality Management, whose portfolio also includes Nello’s Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen and Ghost Ranch Modern Southwest Cuisine. CienAgaves.com

Photography Courtesy of Cien Agaves

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / A H W AT U K E E

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

4 AMAZING DENTISTS. 1 EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE. For over 15 years, Desert Dentistry has proudly cared for the smiles and families of our community. Our team of talented and compassionate female dentists brings together experience, expertise, and a genuine passion for changing lives through dentistry. With advanced technology, continuous education, and ongoing training, our doctors are committed to providing you with the very best in modern dental care—all in a warm, welcoming environment designed around you. It’s time to experience dentistry differently. Let us take care of you and discover the luxury dental experience you’ve been waiting for. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

Reserve your New Patient Experience TODAY!

www.desertdentistry.com | (480) 706-4600 4609 E Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85048

A FRIDGE

Full of

COMFORT

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | LIF E + CU LT U RE

T he u lt i m ate c a re pack a ge protocol for show i ng up when it cou nt s ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

The porch light is on, but the house is quiet. You leave the heavy tote by the door, send a quick text—“On your doorstep, no need to reply”—and walk away. Inside isn't just a meal; it’s three days of cognitive relief for a friend navigating a season that feels impossibly heavy. CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

There are moments when we desperately want to help, but words feel clumsy. A new baby arrives. An illness diagnosis comes out of nowhere. Grief settles in. In those moments, food speaks a universal language: I am thinking of you. Let me take care of this one thing. The most generous comfort food isn't an elaborate four-course production that requires immediate assembly. True hospitality considers the recipient's energy levels. The goal is to build a care package that offers a mix of instant gratification, effortless snacking and future comfort. Start with a crowd-pleasing dinner that holds up well: crispy chicken cutlets paired with roasted smashed potatoes, crisp green beans and a peppery arugula salad. Add a rich snack board featuring sharp cheeses, cured meats and house-made ranch—something nourishing they can graze on at 2:00 a.m. without lifting a fork. Then, think beyond the evening meal. A batch of homemade granola alongside Greek yogurt handles breakfast, while a loaf of banana bread offers a warm ritual next to a morning cup of coffee. Finally, bake half a batch of chocolate chip cookies for tonight, and freeze the remaining dough balls in a zip-top pouch. There is something profoundly thoughtful about giving a gift that doesn't have to be consumed all at once, allowing them to bake fresh cookies a week from now when they need a quiet lift. Perfection isn't the metric here; presence is. Sometimes love looks like a warm dinner. Sometimes it looks like cookie dough waiting in the freezer. And often, the kindest luxury you can offer a friend or neighbor is the knowledge that tonight, someone else has handled dinner.

CARE PACKAGE ETIQUETTE

• Ditch the Tupperware: Use oven-ready disposable containers or glassware they don't need to return. • Keep Instructions Simple: Write heating times clearly on parchment tags attached with twine. • The Porch Drop: Text ahead, but drop food at the door so they feel no obligation to host.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | LIF E + CU LT U RE

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

Schenk Spackeen Wealth Management Team

Helping you with what matters most.

Jeff Schenk

MBA, CFP®, CEPA®, AAMS® Financial Advisor

At Edward Jones, our priority is understanding what truly matters to you — your goals, values and vision for the future. Our trusted and skilled team will help you build a portfolio centered around you and your evolving needs. Wealth preservation and legacy strategies: Helping you create a legacy firmly rooted in your values. Portfolio strategies: Tax-sensitive investing approaches for sophisticated financial circumstances. Tailored, full-family service: A holistic process that includes collaboration with your CPA, attorney and other professionals.

If you’re ready for a fresh perspective, let’s talk.

Kristin M. Spackeen AAMS® Financial Advisor

Edward Jones - Member SIPC

Ahwatukee’s Premier Salon and Spa offering luxury hair and skin services in a welcoming space for all

Call us at 480-744-5371 Follow us on Instagram at @verbenathesalon Check us out online at www.verbenathesalon.com Located at 3145 E. Chandler Blvd. Ste. 104, Phoenix, Az 85044

Meet Mateo Ahwatukee Local, Young Entrepreneur & Salon Owner “Born and raised in the foothills and a proud graduate of Desert Vista High School; I opened Verbena, The Salon at just 21 years old to create a space where beauty, wellness, and community meet”

Book Here!

Edward Jones advisors rally Ahwatukee to fight hunger

ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

The Heart Behind the Balance Sheet 16

G IV IN G BAC K | FI NANC E + LE GAL SE RVICE S

“We are fortunate to live where and how we do. Not everyone is in that same situation. It’s hard to give your best effort…when you’re worried about where your next meal is coming from.” For financial advisors Jeff Schenk and Kristin Spackeen, Ahwatukee isn't just a market on a map; it is the place they call home. They live in the neighborhood, raise their families here and build their business around the long-term well-being of their neighbors. So every autumn, when the national Edward Jones Bag-A-Thon food drive begins, their Ray Road office pivots from traditional wealth management to a hands-on mission: fighting local hunger right in their own backyard. The initiative originally launched in Arizona 20 years ago after a local advisor witnessed Valley food bank shortages firsthand, and eventually expanded nationwide. As the effort marks its second decade, Schenk and Spackeen have taken that momentum and given it a distinctly personal, Ahwatukee-focused spin. For the duo, true community impact isn't something handed down from a distant corporate office. It’s a grassroots effort fueled by local relationships, shared values and neighborly connection. “In years past we have worked to get other branches to participate in the drive,” says Spackeen. “We have also worked with local organizations to help us in our efforts. We have had multiple schools participate and have seen other branches engage organizations they are close to such as club sports teams or training facilities.” All of that community participation pays off. Every bag collected at their branch directly supports local food banks like the Midwest Food Bank, United Food Bank and the Kyrene School District’s local pantry. Spackeen emphasizes the deeper perspective behind their involvement. "We are fortunate to live where and how we do.

Not everyone is in that same situation. It's hard to give your best effort to anything else when you're worried about where your next meal is coming from.” Including their own families in the project is one of the most rewarding aspects of the drive. “This is a fun way to engage and give back to our community,” says Schenk. “We have been able to include our families and get them excited about giving back through this event.” Through their ongoing leadership, a routine food drive becomes a point of meaningful local connection, proving that for Schenk and Spackeen, investing in Ahwatukee goes far beyond financial advice.

2026 BAG-A-THON DRIVE DETAILS

Collection Window: Oct. 5 – Nov. 13 Drop-off Location: 3930 E. Ray Road, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85044 Branch Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Most Requested Pantry Items: • Proteins: Canned tuna, chicken or turkey • Pantry Staples: Rice, pasta, whole-grain/low-sugar cereals • Hearty Meals: Soups, stews, chili and canned beans • Produce & Dairy: Canned fruits, vegetables and shelf-stable milk • Spreads: Peanut butter and natural nut spreads Note: Nonperishable, unexpired items only. Please avoid glass containers. Monetary donations cannot be accepted at this location. EdwardJones.com/Jeff-Schenk | EdwardJones.com/Kristin-Spackeen | 480.706.0327

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

Corporate | Private | Non-profit | Brand Events Let’s make your next event unforgettable emberandashevents.com

Bewitching Style. Beautifully Revived. A Little Wicked. A Lot of Chic. This October, indulge in a little retail sorcery. Bewitching finds are waiting! Discover elevated designer treasures that make every outfit feel absolutely enchanting and prices that won't haunt your wallet Treat Yourself to Something Posh. Stop in, shop the magic, and discover your next fabulous find. (602) 851-6136 | 3145 E. Chandler Blvd Ste. 116, Phoenix, AZ 85048 | vb @theposhrevival

Experienced & Trusted Family Law Attorneys Helping families in the East Valley area transition through difficult challenges since 2002.

480.285.1735 | www.dec-law.com

Experienced And Trusted Family Law Attorneys

Dori L. Eden, Amy O. Duenas, Carrie P. Cravatta

10201 S 51st St, Ste. 104 | Phoenix, AZ 85044

We have helped families in the East Valley area transition through difficult challenges since 2002.

18 Carrie P. Cravatta

Amy O. Duenas

Dori L. Eden

Life Can Be Uncertain, But Your RETIREMENT PLAN Shouldn't Be Professional Investment Management | Tax Efficient Strategies Estate Planning | Retirement | Insurance Planning

Take Control of Your Financial Future Brian Wiscombe, CFP®, AIF® Wealth Manager 118 S Kyrene, Suite 4 Chandler, AZ 85226 (602) 258-9400 / StoneCrestWealth.com

StoneCrest Wealth Management, Inc. “StoneCrest” is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where StoneCrest and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Get a second opinion on your portfolio from a trusted and local expert in our community.

5030 E WARNER ROAD PHOENIX 85044 480 598 9463 WWW.THECELLARPHX.COM

UNCORK THE UNEXPECTED

LIVE MUSIC | WINE CLUB | WINE TASTINGS| CRAFT BEER

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SLEZAK

Owners of Zzeeks Pizza are devoted to using their restaurants as a springboard for making a positive impact in Ahwatukee and beyond 20

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

BUILDING A FAMILY AND

COMMUNIT Y LEGACY When Jody and Mark “Zzeek” Pectol opened their first Zzeeks Pizza location in 2013, they wanted the Ahwatukee restaurant to be known for more than serving up delicious house-made pizza, wings, sandwiches and salads. The couple also had three specific missions in mind for Zzeeks Pizza: to create a warm and welcoming place where people can gather for meals, to work alongside their two sons and to use their restaurant as a catalyst for positive changes in the local community. Today, it is safe to say that the Pectols have definitely achieved all of their goals – and then some. The couple, who share a lifelong love of pizza and owned a pizza franchise in Oregon with 12 locations prior to opening Zzeeks Pizza, now have a total of five locations throughout the Valley, including one franchise. “When we opened Zzeeks in Ahwatukee, we wanted it to be a place that was something like the television program ‘Cheers,’” Jody says. “If you were to come and spend an hour here, you would quickly see that we know our customers very well, and we usually say something like ‘I’ll get your beer started. Is it going to be your normal order tonight?’”

Jody’s and Zzeek’s sons are also regular fixtures at the Ahwatukee location. Boston, who recently graduated from Arizona State University with a dual major in business and finance, is the general manager, while younger brother Jaxson works as a shift runner. “Jaxson is in his last semester at ASU and will graduate with a dual major, in business and supply chain. He’s learning about the business from Boston,” Zzeek says, adding that he and Jody split the various roles among all of their Zzeeks Pizza locations. “We love working the business together with our children. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and we seem to complement each other.” In addition to their sons, several long-time employees at the Ahwatukee restaurant are

now considered to be honorary members of the Pectol family. “One has been with us from day one in Ahwatukee, and several have been with us close to a decade,” Jody says. “The average tenure of our employees is over four years.” Jody and Zzeek are also proud of the way they’ve been able to successfully use Zzeeks Pizza as a springboard to make a positive impact in the Ahwatukee community and beyond. “From the beginning, it was hyper important that we became a positive community member that could fill in the gaps of things that were needed, whether this was financially, emotionally or just from a leadership position,” Jody says. “We’ve been very blessed in our lives and want to give back.” CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

While the Pectols are particularly passionate about supporting first responders, including the local police and fire departments, they are happy to host fundraisers and other ways to assist a variety of charities, programs and organizations.

“WE BELIEVE THAT ALL OF THESE GOOD DEEDS MAKE OUR LITTLE VILLAGE BETTER AND INSPIRE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. WE JUST WANT TO HELP WHEREVER WE FEEL THERE’S A NEED.”

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FO OD + BE VE RAGE

“We do a lot of fundraising with the local schools, Little League programs, Girl Scouts, dog shelters across Arizona, anti-bullying programs, supporting teachers in celebrating accomplishments, and helping with feeding the homeless and homeless shelters,” Jody says. “We believe that all of these good deeds make our little village better and inspire others to do the same. We just want to help wherever we feel there’s a need.” While Jody admits that the last couple of years have been a bit challenging in the restaurant industry, she and Zzeek are thrilled with the way Ahwatukee residents have welcomed them from day one, and the enthusiastic support they get for their charitable causes. “In the pizza business, there are good years and there are lean years,” she says. “With that said, we still love what we do. We wouldn’t change anything.” Zzeeks.com

Jewelry You'll Love!

PROTECT YOUR HOME.

CUSTOM DESIGN | APPRAISALS FINE JEWELRY | REPAIRS | BRIDAL

TILE, SHINGLE, FOAM, COATING, MAINTENANCE & MORE

WATCHES | ESTATE/VINTAGE

Choose a team that you can trust.

(602)908-4210 WWW.THENEXTGEN-AZ.COM ROC #308804 ROC #347755

Call today for FREE inspections & estimates.

WWW.MYRANDAFINEJEWELRY.COM STORE: 480-901-9819 | DIRECT: 602-677-1132 5055 W RAY ROAD, STE. 5, CHANDLER, AZ 85226 OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AXIS CULTURE GROUP

BOTTLED FRESH DAILY

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | F OOD + BEVERAG E

T H E F A M I LY B E H I N D D A N Z E I S E N D A I R Y I S B O T T L I N G F R E S H M I L K , C R A F T I N G O L D - F A S H I O N E D T R E AT S A N D S E R V I N G I T S L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y

Walk into almost any Phoenix grocery store, and you'll likely spot Danzeisen Dairy's signature glass bottles—the ones with the floppy black-eared cow and the word “Fresh” scripted across the front. With over 60 years and three generations in the local farming industry, the Danzeisen family believes they bottle some of the best-tasting milk around. Excellence is rarely a coincidence. In 2014, Kevin Danzeisen, who grew up on the farm, partnered with his father and brother to revive an old-fashioned idea: bottling milk directly from the dairy into reusable glass bottles for a fresher product. One thing they focused on was speed. “Typically speaking, within four hours, they can have it from the cow into our production area and into glass bottles. So it's a very quick process,” says Katie Klein, a Danzeisen partner. Changing to glass bottles played an important role, too. Plastic milk jugs arrive flat and are heated and blown into shape just before they're filled. Klein says that the process can subtly

affect the milk's flavor, giving it a plastic taste. Glass, on the other hand, doesn't. “And it keeps it so, so cold,” she says. Along with whole, 2% and 1% milk, Danzeisen offers additional flavors for happy taste buds, such as chocolate, root beer and peach milk, as well as seasonal flavors like apple pie and churro. Six years ago, the team opened its first Danzeisen Dairy Creamery in Payson so customers could enjoy milkshakes and ice cream made from that same fresh milk. A few months later, the longtime Laveen storefront also expanded into a creamery. Everything that we make in our stores is derived from the milk that they're bottling at the plant, Klein explains. “It's super fresh, more wholesome. Our milkshakes are mixed with our milk, and that's what gives it its flavor. It's not a ton of sugar. It's more of a traditional type of milkshake.” The towering Stack Shakes are among the biggest draws, especially the “core four” flavors: Monsoon Stack with triple chocolate, Dirt Stack with gummy worms and Oreos, Salted Caramel, CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

LOCA LLY SOU R CE D | F OOD + BEVERAG E

“IT’S SUPER FRESH, MORE WHOLESOME. OUR MILKSHAKES ARE MIXED WITH OUR MILK, AND THAT’S WHAT GIVES IT ITS FLAVOR... IT’S MORE OF A TRADITIONAL TYPE OF MILKSHAKE.” and S’Mores with toasted marshmallows. Guests can also order a flight of mini stack shakes in the “core four”’ flavors or order a regular sized classic like a chocolate malt. The soft serve and hard ice cream are not to be missed, either. Gail's Campfire, named after Kevin Danzeisen's mother, is a customer favorite featuring her homemade fudge folded into the ice cream. The menu also includes a full express menu, root beer, orange cream and sarsaparilla floats, plus smoothies, blended lemonades and “clean sodas” made with sparkling water and juice for those who prefer a dairy-free option.

The ice cream is made in-house using fresh cream separated during bottling, then blended back into the milk with cane sugar, vanilla and eggs. “It's natural, wholesome ingredients,” Klein says. “It's not a bunch of crud pushed in to keep it good longer, or make it shelf stable.” While the bottling plant isn't open for tours because of safety and sanitation requirements, visitors can sign up for butter-making classes at the creamery. Using just a pint of cream, participants churn fresh butter, and may flavor it with ingredients like rosemary, garlic or cinnamon sugar to take home. As the Laveen community grows, so have the Danzeisen’s efforts to care for it. After local football games, the creamery hosts a “Fifth Quarter,” providing students with a safe place to gather for discounted milkshakes. The team also supports local schools, nonprofits and other events throughout the year. For Klein, supporting local goes hand in hand with producing local. “We want to see the areas that we live in continue to thrive and be supported,” she says. “When you shop local, you're supporting people who live in your community and helping those communities continue to thrive." It's one part of the philosophy that’s made Danzeisen Dairy a staple in Arizona refrigerators for generations–and for many more to come. DanzeisenDairy.com OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

Committed To The Success Of Our Clients

Building Bright Futures Financial Planning | Retirement Planning | Business Planning

Nicholas (Nick) Chavez

Schedule your complimentary consultation today!

562-537-7963 nchavez@confluentam.com

Lunch made simple, craveable, and worth every bite. 480.598.3000 Ahwatukee

5030 E. Ray Road 28

confluentam.com

Ahwatukee’s

PREMIER ROOFER!

BESTOF

2019

ROC #244850

Free Estimates | Repairs Replacements | Inspections CALL SPENCER 4 HIRE ROOFING TODAY TO

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION.

HAVE STORM DAMAGE? Schedule a free inspection today.

480-446-7663 $1000 OFF <<Website>> FULL ROOF REPLACEMENT <<Phone>>

WITH THIS COUPON. MUST CONTRACT BY 12-31-25. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS.

<<Address>> www.Spencer4HireRoofing.com OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

Cooking With Fresh Herbs ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVER AGE

Garlic Herb Butter This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.) • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • cracked pepper to taste

Process

Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!

CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

Herbed Popcorn Add a little kick to your traditional popcorn by incorporating herbs in with the butter. You won’t be disappointed with this buttery and savory combination.

Ingredients

• 13 tablespoons coconut oil (or olive oil if you prefer) • 3/4 cup popcorn kernels • 5 tablespoons butter, melted

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVERAGE

• 2 teaspoons garlic salt • 2 teaspoons parsley (dried) • 1 teaspoon thyme

Process

Add oil to the bottom of a pot and melt over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and place lid on top of the pot and heat over medium heat until kernels are popped, shaking pan occasionally. Melt butter in a separate dish and add seasonings. Pour on top, and enjoy!

Herb Salt Herb salts are becoming so popular and can add flavor to a variety of dishes. There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen. Plus, these make great gifts for family and friends. All you need is a blender or food processor and minimal ingredients.

“There are endless flavor combinations, and these salts are so handy to have as a staple in the kitchen.”

Ingredients

• 1 cup salt of your choice (I prefer Himalayan pink salt, but any salt will do • 1/4- 1/2 cup parsley (add more if using fresh herbs) • 2 Tablespoons dried basil (or 1/4 cup if using fresh) • 1 tablespoon oregano • 1 tablespoon lemon zest • 1 garlic clove minced • Optional: Any additional herbs you prefer

Process

Add fresh parsley, garlic, lemon zest and a little bit of salt to the blender or food processor. Mix for 10 seconds. Add additional ingredients and blend again. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and pour salt mixture on sheet and evening spread. Set in a cool oven overnight to dry. Pour salt into a container of choice and enjoy!

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/A HWAT UKE E

OCTOBER 2026

events A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

SUNDAYS

Ahwatukee Farmers Market Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center Fresh food, arts and crafts, food trucks and more come together each Sunday for this signature weekly community event. The Ahwatukee Farmers Market begins its winter hours this month, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets. com/Ahwatukee-Farmers-Market. OCTOBER 1ST

Roars and Pours Phoenix Zoo | 5:30 PM Step back in time at this dinosaur-themed happy hour. Guests 21 and older can enjoy craft beer, wine and tasty bites while wandering select Zoo trails after hours. The evening features closeup animal encounters, backyard-style games and larger-than-life prehistoric creatures around every corner. It's a happy hour experience unlike any other. Tickets are $13 per person, and valid ID is required. PhoenixZoo.org OCTOBER 2ND

Ahwatukee First Fridays Mountain Park Church | 5:00 PM 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.

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ A H W AT U K E E

EVE N TS

The Hub Beyond the Kitchen. Custom pantries built for your lifestyle.

Bring Your Vision to Life.

Schedule a complimentary consultation today. (480) 556-1136 www.gbc.homes

Great design lies in the details you don't always see at first glance. From custom integrated lighting to tailored storage layouts, GBC Homes crafts every corner to match your daily rhythm.

When Did You Last Think About Your Home's Electrical? Most homeowners don't — until something goes wrong. October is Fire Prevention Month, which makes it the perfect time to check one thing off the list. Penguin's licensed electricians will inspect your panel, outlets, wiring, and safety devices from top to bottom so you know exactly where things stand. Get a $29 Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection — call Penguin to schedule today!

Air

Plumbing

Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection

Electrical

• AC Repair & Maintenance

• Water Heater Repair & Installation

• Panel Replacement & Inspections

• HVAC System Replacement

• Drain Clearing & Hydro Jetting

• EV Charger Installation

• Mini-Split Services

• Sewer Line Repair

• Whole Home Generators

• Indoor Air Quality

• Kitchen & Bath Remodels

• Lighting Installation

New Financing Plans Available -- 0% Interest for 12 Months* *Upon approved credit

Call or Schedule Online Today— $29 Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection PenguinAir.com | (602) 428-5835

Residential or non-owner occupied properties. Not valid with other offers. Must present at time of service. Doesn't apply to past work. Call for details. Exp 10/31/2026. LIC AZ ROC 291261, 291262, 321010, 326088.