LOCAL LIMELIGHT
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PHOENIX’S CULINARY SCENE COMES TO LIFE IN CHRISTINA BARRUETA’S BOOK FEATURING RECIPES FROM THE VALLEY’S BEST RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND MIXOLOGISTS. ARTICLE LYNETTE CARRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY JONIE SIMON @THEBITESHOT
THE CULINARY SCENE IN THE VALLEY HAS CERTAINLY COME INTO ITS OWN IN THE PAST DECADE. Helping the efforts of everything appetizer, food, cocktail and dessert-related is one of Arizona’s premier foodie writers, Christina “Write On Rubee” Barrueta. In her second published book, “Phoenix Cooks,” the vibrant author and Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame food, beverage and travel writer shares an eclectic and insightful collection of recipes that reflect the incredible diversity that is the Arizona culinary landscape. “Phoenix Cooks” is Barrueta’s second book. Her first, “Arizona Wine – A History of Perseverance & Passion” was met with enthusiasm for its in-depth historic insight and knowledge of Arizona wines. Her latest book has struck a similar chord with foodies and those wanting to discover new places to dine. “My main goal in all my culinary writing has been to really support the culinary scene and put a spotlight on Arizona,” says Christina Barrueta. “It is an unsung hero. We have two growing seasons and many farmers markets. In the book I mention when I first moved here, I couldn’t believe I was eating Arizona-grown tomatoes in December!” The book is part of a city-specific series. “The publisher contacted me to see if I was interested in this project, so I said, ‘Of course! It is like a dream come true. I would love to write a book celebrating our chefs.’” The entire process of choosing restaurants and chefs, photographing dishes and writing the content took less than a year. Perhaps there is no one better than Barrueta who could have written this book. As a multi-year veteran on the Arizona culinary scene, she has become intimately familiar with chefs, season menus and the fans that frequent local restaurants. The colorful book includes a forward written by chef, instructor, author and TV host, Barbara Fenzi. Adding to the deliciously showcased recipes are the tantalizing food photos that make the reader want to literally dive right into the book. Famed food photographer Joanie Simon brings an extra measure of visual lusting to “Phoenix Cooks.”
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Gilbert Lifestyle | October 2020