Hope is seeing pink
and it’s brighter than ever.
Pursuing breast cancer cures at the speed of life.
Through early detection, leading-edge science, and personalized treatment plans, we’re making breakthroughs that save lives. And throughout October, we proudly wear pink as a symbol of our promise—bringing hope to everyone facing breast cancer.
1in8
Make an appointment today. cityofhope.org/phoenix women will face breast cancer.
Tania Cortas, M.D., Medical Oncologist and Hematologist
Food, Drink, and Celebration in Our Community
Food has always been more than simple nourishment—it is the heart of how we gather, share stories, and celebrate life’s moments together. In our community, whether at a bustling neighborhood restaurant, a cheerful backyard picnic, or a long-awaited festival, every meal shared becomes a thread in the vibrant tapestry that binds us together. The joy of tasting a new dish, clinking glasses with friends, or savoring generations-old recipes reminds us of our shared roots and our bright future.
Our October issue features food creators, chefs, and producers who have continued to pour their creativity and spirit into every plate and glass. Their dedication deserves not just our gratitude, but our ongoing support and applause. Each menu, farm stand, or meal to-go involves long hours, thoughtful sourcing, and hopes of creating connections around the table. When we celebrate local flavors and makers, we are also championing the people behind every bite and sip.
This season, let’s raise a glass—to the backyard cook-outs, the bustling markets, the new neighborhood cafes, and the traditions we build by simply coming together to eat, drink, and celebrate. Never forget: the magic of our community lies in every shared meal and toast, in the authentic people and moments that become lasting memories.
Here’s to good food, great company, and celebrations that remind us of all we have in common. Cheers to our community—may every bite bring us closer.
KIMBERLY BAILEY, PUBLISHER @PEORIACITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Bailey | kimberly.bailey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kylie Strawn-Badger | kylie.strawn@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gretchen Pahia, Kylie Strawn-Badger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sarah Tremp, Seven Brothers, Nichole Eckman
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 Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
AND BE SEEN
1-3: Spirit Night at Handel’s Ice Cream brought families together for sweet treats, community fun, and local support. Spirit Night at Handel’s Ice Cream brought families together for sweet treats, community fun, and local support. Spirit Night at Handel’s Ice Cream brought families together for sweet treats, community fun, and local support.
business monthly
Date on the Diamond: Love on Deck
Presented by Pitch-A-Friend, Friday, October 11th, at Peoria Sports Complex. Enjoy food trucks, lawn games, and a movie under the stars (Top Gun: Maverick). Featuring Pitch-A-Friend and Pitch-A-Pet with Arizona Humane Society. Supporting Peoria Diamond Club’s giving programs. A night of connection, fun, and community spirit.
Peoria City Council Approves Landmark Agreements
The Peoria City Council approved agreements securing 834.5 acres in the Peoria Innovation Core, relocating Amkor’s $2 billion semiconductor project from Vistancia to PIC. With Amkor’s move, FIVE NORTH Vistancia will welcome new projects from HonorHealth and West-MEC, expanding healthcare, education, and economic opportunity for Peoria’s future.
Halloween on Monte Lindo
The Meadows neighborhood near 98th Avenue transforms into Peoria’s ultimate Halloween destination. With live music, bouncy houses, food trucks, and dazzling decorations, thousands gather for trick-or-treating fun. The city blocks off the street, creating a safe, festive atmosphere that welcomes families and visitors from across the Valley each year.
Photography by City of Peoria
Taste, Tunes & Togetherness
MT Barrel Tasting Room is where flavor, music, and friendship collide.
When the idea of MT Barrel Tasting Room first took shape, it wasn’t in Arizona at all. It was on a trip back to Chicago, sitting at a wine bar with family and friends. Watching the owner interact with guests sparked something in Michelle Leon. “I looked at my husband, Tommy, and said, ‘We are going to own a wine bar!’” That moment of inspiration became the seed for what is now one of Peoria’s most unique tasting experiences.
MT Barrel is more than a wine bar, it’s a celebration of flavor and family. Drawing from her Puerto Rican heritage, Michelle has woven vibrant spices and citrus notes into the menu, blending them seamlessly with wines from around the globe and craft beers from local brewers. “Food is my love language,” she explains, noting how the dishes are designed to complement a bold red, a crisp white, or even a refreshing mocktail. The result is a culinary journey where Caribbean flair meets Arizona hospitality, creating an experience that is both familiar and adventurous.
One of MT Barrel’s most distinctive features is its self-serve wine and beer wall. Guests can choose a one-ounce, three-ounce,
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MT BARREL TASTING ROOM
or five-ounce pour, tailoring each visit to their own curiosity. With wines rotated every two weeks, no two visits are ever quite the same. “It helps us stay true to being a tasting room,” Michelle says. “The experience allows you to try different wines each time you visit.” This hands-on approach puts discovery into the hands of the guest, making wine approachable, personal, and fun.
Atmosphere is everything at MT Barrel. Live music fills the space with energy, turning an ordinary evening into an unforgettable one. “Live music adds the heartbeat of MT Barrel,” Michelle says. It brings people together, creating nights that feel more like celebrations than outings. The Barrel Society membership program deepens that sense of belonging. Rather than receiving a pre-selected bottle each month, members choose their own, curating a personal collection. “It’s about giving our members options and making wine feel uniquely theirs.”
Since opening, the Peoria community has embraced MT Barrel with open arms. Guests have joined as members, hosted milestone events, and supported Michelle and Tommy’s vision with enthusiasm. “Every time someone tells us MT Barrel feels like home, that’s the milestone that really matters.” Some of the proudest moments so far include watching guests truly enjoy the food and wine, hearing laughter around the tables, and seeing membership sign-ups grow because people feel connected to what is being built.
As the holiday season approaches, MT Barrel is preparing to transform into a festive gathering place. Special dinners, curated wine and beer pairings, and warm seasonal décor will welcome guests into what feels like a family celebration. Whether it’s the dishes inspired by Michelle’s Puerto Rican roots, the freedom to explore wines at your own pace, or the cozy “sit, sip, and chill” vibe, MT Barrel has quickly become more than just a tasting room. It’s a place where food, music, and community intertwine, where every glass poured carries a story of family, flavor, and connection.
Building Community Through Food
THE CREATIVE MIND BEHIND GET LOCAL ARIZONA EVENTS
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH TREMP
For nearly two decades, Momma's Organic Market has been more than a farmers’ market, it’s been the heart of the West Valley. At the center is founder Christa Esquibel, a proud local, wife, and mother of three. Her journey from motherhood to market creator came from a desire to support her family while creating space for small businesses to thrive.
“Motherhood led me to entrepreneurship,” Christa says. “I wanted to create something that would not only support my family but be a sanctuary for other small business owners.”
Launched in 2007 as Momma’s Organic Market (M.O.M.), the idea quickly grew. Today, Christa and her team operate multiple farmers’ markets, weekly food truck nights, and special events under Get Local Arizona Events.
Christa emphasizes these markets are about more than shopping. “Farmers markets and food truck events are about connection. You’re not just buying produce—you’re meeting the farmer who grew it. You’re not just eating, you’re sharing an experience with your community.”
Supporting these events keeps money in the local economy, benefiting families and preserving handmade goods. Shoppers
can find everything from seasonal produce, grass-fed meats, raw milk, breads, pastries, jams, and oils to handmade cutting boards, soaps, and flowers. Food lovers also flock to the food trucks, which range from comfort food to international flavors.
“Food trucks provide another element of fun,” Christa explains. “It’s eclectic and family-friendly since you can try something new each week.”
Markets span the West Valley, Saturdays in Glendale, Sundays in Waddell, and alternating Wednesdays in Buckeye and Goodyear. Food Truck Fridays anchor the lineup weekly at 83rd Avenue and Union Hills, with rotating events in Glendale, Peoria, and beyond.
This holiday season brings a new highlight: a Children’s Entrepreneur Market in Waddell, giving young entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their creativity and learn business firsthand.
Eighteen years later, Christa remains focused on the same values: family, community, and connection through food.“Food brings people together,” she says. “When we shop locally, we’re not just feeding our families, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.”
Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities
spook
ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
TOASTED MALLOW
• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)
• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• fresh nutmeg
Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!
PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur
• graham crackers
• marshmallows
Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!
ALOHA ON A BUN
When Seven Brothers Burgers opened its doors in Peoria this summer, it brought more than just another place to grab a burger. It delivered a taste of Hawaii’s North Shore, the spot where the brand was born, and it’s now sharing a healthy dose of aloha spirit with the community.
PEORIA’S NEWEST BURGER SPOT DELIVERS TROPICAL FLAIR
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEVEN BROTHERS
The story of Seven Brothers stretches back to 2009, when Arthur and Peggy Hannemann, together with their seven sons, launched a humble burger shack on Oahu’s iconic North Shore. Their mission was clear from the start: serve fresh, never-frozen food, and welcome every guest as though they were being invited to the family dinner table. The combination of quality ingredients, creative recipes, and genuine hospitality struck a chord. What began as a local hangout quickly grew into a destination, attracting visitors
from across the island. Today, that original dream has blossomed into a thriving family-run business with locations across Hawaii, Utah, and now Arizona.
“We are certainly rooted in the Hawaiian tradition,” says one of the Seven Brothers, Max Hannemann. “Our strategy is to bring only a little bit of Hawaii here to the continent, restaurant by restaurant.”
The new Peoria location, found at 8265 W. Happy Valley Rd., wasted no time making its mark. Its grand opening felt more like a festive luau than a typical restaurant
“IT IS REALLY GREAT TO SEE THE PEORIA COMMUNITY EMBRACE WHAT WE ARE DOING.”
debut. Guests were welcomed with island vibes, friendly faces, and an energy that carried the essence of Hawaii right into the heart of the desert. “Obviously there are a lot of people that heard about us, and now they are bringing their friends and family to check out what we have to offer,” says Hannemann. “It is really great to see the Peoria community embrace what we are doing.”
And embrace it they have. Much of the buzz comes down to the menu, which is both playful and bold. The Sterling’s Teriyaki Burger combines a juicy teriyaki-glazed patty with smoky bacon and grilled pineapple for a sweet-and-savory
punch. The Max Burger takes a heartier route with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of the signature Max sauce. Even vegetarians have something to crave, the Keep the Country, Country burger layers avocado, pineapple, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese in a combination that’s fresh, filling, and full of island flair. Sides are far from an afterthought. The fan-favorite Crazy Fries are a meal in themselves, piled high with pineapple, caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and house sauce. For something lighter, the Polynesian Salad features crunchy macadamia nuts and a tropical papaya seed dressing that instantly transports you to
the islands. Sweet endings round out the experience: Mom’s Banana Bread, a family recipe baked with love, and creamy handspun shakes that are often deemed the highlight of the visit.
Yet the food tells only part of the story. Walk inside and you’re immediately transported to Hawaii’s laid-back coast. Surfboards line the walls, the sound of island music fills the air, and the team behind the counter greets you with genuine warmth. The goal isn’t just to serve a quick meal—it’s to create a space where people can slow down, savor, and feel at home. “We are not Hawaiian food, but our flavors are Hawaiian influenced. I think that the community is embracing what we have to offer, and we are excited to be here,” says Hannemann.
In a city full of dining options, Seven Brothers stands apart by offering something deeper than a menu. It serves connection, hospitality, and a sense of family. Every burger and every fry comes from a place of care and community spirit. For Peoria residents, that means a new local favorite has arrived. For the Hannemann family, it’s another step in their mission to spread aloha, one burger at a time.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing
Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.
pumpkin FRUIT BOWL
With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.
spooky CHARCUTERIE
These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.
stuffed PEPPERS
This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.
ghostly DIP
Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.
jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY
The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.
Elevated Sports Bar Comes to Peoria
ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ECKMAN
Four Corners Taphouse Now Open to Public
A new hot spot has recently opened in North Peoria. Westside Concepts, the same team behind neighborhood staples like Haymaker and Copper & Sage, recently opened its newest restaurant: Four Corners Taphouse. The new restaurant aims to bring locals an elite neighborhood sports bar and taphouse experience.
Located at 24762 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, the new space is anything but a simple place to grab a beer. It's designed to be a true destination for game day, happy hours, and nights out on the town.
Four Corners Taphouse is launching in a familiar spot, the old Haymaker location. When Haymaker relocated across the street last fall, it left behind an opening and founder Joey Lucidi was quick to make good use of it.
“I'm just hyped about this new concept," says Lucidi. "We've long wanted to have a local sports bar and taphouse. Moving Haymaker gave us the perfect opportunity to make it happen, and we couldn't be happier with the result. It's going to be the place to be to watch all the big games and have some good times."
This hot-spot is a brew house-type setting with 24 taps, 21 huge 85-inch TVs, and 360-degree viewing so no matter where you sit, you will not miss any big (or small) play. Indoor seating areas make it an inviting space for everything from Sunday football all-day sessions to relaxed nightly hangouts.
Of course, no sports bar is complete without a delicious menu, and Four Corners Taphouse has one that fits the bill. The kitchen brings together sportsbar classics with creative spins, presenting offerings that well surpass the usual nachos and wings.
“The taphouse will offer a changing selection of craft beers so there’s always something different to try for beer lovers.”
offering plenty of options. The restaurant offers lunch specials and rotating weeknight deals Monday through Friday, making it as much a lunch escape as a night out.
Four Corners Taphouse is more to Lucidi and the Westside Concepts team than just another eatery opening. It's about creating a community center for a city that has been growing at a very fast rate but, until now, lacked a true sports bar of this quality.
Visitors have a variety of options including Chicken Nachos, stuffed Italian Beef Sandwich, or indulge in the Mac Daddy Burger. There are also artisan pizzas and the stacked Chicken Philly Hoagie. The menu is filling, inclusive, and satisfying.
And of course it isn’t just about the food. The taphouse will offer a changing selection of craft beers so there's always something different to try for beer lovers. For the people who'd prefer to partake in something other than beer, they offer a varied cocktail drink menu
Customers don’t need to look too far in order get a complete sports dining experience. With huge televisions, elevated menu, and intelligently designed drink program, Four Corners will be the epicenter of West Valley food and entertainment culture.
Four Corners Taphouse is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To keep loyal fans up to date, menus, specials, and events will be available online and social media at @FourCornersTaphouse.
Whether you’re coming for the food, the drinks, or the wall-to-wall TVs, Four Corners Taphouse is poised to be the West Valley’s newest go-to gathering spot.
OCTOBER 10TH - 12TH
PBR RIDGE RIDER DAYS
Desert Diamond Arena | 9400 W. Maryland Ave. Glendale
Don’t miss your chance to witness head-to-head action, a night of wild rides and heart-stopping action 8 seconds at a time. Support your home PBR Team, the Arizona Ridge Riders, as they battle seven other PBR teams for the Ridge Rider Days title.
OCTOBER 11TH
GAIN Public Safety Night
Pioneer Community Park | 8755 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 | 5:00 PM
Kids of all ages will enjoy the chance to get an up-close look at police cars, fire trucks, specialty emergency vehicles and equipment. Safety organizations will also be out with displays offering to show how to keep you and your family safe.
OCTOBER 11TH
Date on the Diamond: Love on Deck
Peoria Sports Complex
Celebrate community with Pitch-A-Friend, Pitch-A-Pet, food trucks, lawn games, and
Kimberly turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Peoria City Lifestyle
Published by Kimberly Loved by Peoria
A SUCCESSFUL RETIREMENT.
OCTOBER 18TH
Annual Christmas
Open House
Signatures Gifts | 20211 N 67th Ave B5, Glendale
Closed the week of M–F to transform the store into a Christmas Wonderland spectacular—shop all things Christmas.
OCTOBER 25TH - 26TH
ARIZONA BAO AND DUMPLING FESTIVAL
Centennial Plaza Park | 8401 W Monroe St, Peoria
The Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival is returning for its 8th year! Our goal is to help small businesses grow and a place for people to discover new foods and try new items. With one ticket, you can enjoy a variety of dumplings and bao.
OCTOBER 25TH
HALLOWEEN
MONSTER BASH
Peoria Sports Complex | 16101 N 83rd Ave | 5:00 PM
The annual Halloween Monster Bash is back at the Peoria Sports Complex! The free, family-friendly event takes place from 5 – 9 p.m. and will include plenty of delicious treats, as well as musical entertainment, costume contests, family activities, and more.
OCTOBER 25TH
Monster Jam
State Farm Stadium | 1 Cardinals Drive , Glendale | 5:00 PM
Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over Glendale for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts.
