Issuu

From Grove

TO TABLE F O O D + B E V E R AG E

PERRY AN D BREN DA RE A SHARE TH E INSPIRATIO N BEH I N D TH EIR CO O KBO O K WHY FO O D LOVERS SHOU LD M AKE A WEEKEN D O F TU CSO N SIP, SH O P AN D RE AD YOU R WAY TH ROUGH TH E E A ST VALLE Y

O C TO B E R 2 02 6

Let’s Get YOU Healthy! Our dentists in Queen Creek are proud to offer more than just standard dental services. Our team is also committed to providing comprehensive oral health care with thorough exams, professional cleanings, and patient service. Contact us today for all your dental needs! General Dentistry • Crowns and Bridges • Dentures Cosmetic Dentistry • Teeth-In-A-Day (All-On-4)® • Dental Implants Advanced Dental Imaging • Emergency Dentistry FREE SECOND OPINIONS

Call today

480-888-8123

20713 E Ocotillo Rd, Suite #102 Queen Creek, Arizona, 85142 www.mathesondentistry.com

V Matheson_Dentistry B Matheson Dentistry

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Food and Drinks Issue Dear Queen Creek Readers, Happiest October! The Michelin Guide made its Southwest debut this August, covering Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Nevada. And while Arizona didn't take home any coveted stars, our dining scene still had plenty to celebrate. Nineteen Arizona restaurants made the inaugural Guide, including seven that earned Bib Gourmand distinctions for exceptional food at a great value—the most of any state in the Southwest Guide. Three Arizonans also received individual honors: René Andrade of Bacanora and Huarachis Taqueria took home the Young Chef Award, Charleen Badman of FnB earned the Mindful Voices Award and John Germain of RESERVE was honored with the Sommelier Award. It's an exciting time for Arizona's restaurant scene and a fitting moment for our annual Food & Drink issue. As a self-proclaimed foodie and bona fide food columnist, I've been looking forward to putting this one together. Inside these pages, we sit down with the legendary Perry and Brenda Rea to talk about their family cookbook, born from generations of treasured recipes, their worldwide travels and their experiences at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Our team also mapped out an East Valley book crawl for the literarily inclined, complete with a first stop for coffee and pastries. We chatted with the team behind Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. to learn what makes the neighborhood favorite such a welcoming gathering place. And finally, I headed to Tucson to uncover a weekend itinerary of unforgettable meals featuring local flavors and heirloom ingredients, with a few cultural attractions and nature trails along the way. I can't wait to share it all with you. A word of caution: It's best not to read this issue on an empty stomach. Cheers!

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Jackson York | jackson.york@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Kris Ann Valdez | krisann.valdez@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Macie Smith | macie.smith@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gretchen Pahia, Camilla Richardson, Kris Ann Valdez C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Timeless Vision Media, Anissa Kennedy, Kaylee Chelsea Photography, Visit Tucson, Kris Ann Valdez, Ulises Escobar, Julius Schlosburg, Tara Dunn Photography

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

K R I S A N N VA L D E Z , P U B L I S H E R @ Q U E E N C R E E KC 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 Queen Creek City Lifestyle® is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Queen Creek area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/QUEENCREEK

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 Queen Creek City Lifestyle® is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

10 16

Featured

Departments

Booked All Day

A bookworm’s dream crawl through four East Valley shops

Beer, Food, & Community

From Their Table

The Heart and Soul of Old Ellsworth Brewing Company Is Its Craft Beer, Scratch-Kitchen and Community

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE

Inspired By FOOD + BEVERAGE

Events

The Rea family preserves generations of food traditions

On the Cover Perry and Brenda Rea of Queen Creek Olive Mill share the heart behind their cookbook. Photography: Anissa Kennedy

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 ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

The Switchyard Welcomes Many New Businesses Exciting things are coming to Queen Creek this fall. The new development, The Switchyard, will span 10 acres, including luxury multi-family units, dining and retail spaces. Announced tenants include Shake Shack, Snooze, Bamboo Sushi, ROOM and PORCH, Zara Nail Bar, Edward Jones and Postino. Postino, the Arizonaborn restaurant and wine bar, will occupy 3,800-square-feet and will seat 107 guests indoors, with a nearly 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio. Read more at switchyardaz.com. Photography by Postino

San Tan Valley's Trusted Local Jeweler Your story is unique, so your jewelry should be too. From bespoke custom creations to transforming family heirlooms into modern masterpieces, we offer true custom design and timeless quality right here in our community. CUSTOM DESIGN | FINE DIAMONDS & GEMSTONES | HEIRLOOM RESTORATION | GOLD & SILVER BUYING | EXPERT ON-SITE REPAIR

Your Hometown Jeweler. Where Quality Meets Care. 35979 N Gary Rd #105 | www.thelocaljewelerstv.com

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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

TRUSTED IN EVERY HOME WE ENTER

desertdrain.com

480-930-1048

Your business deserves to be seen More visibility. More leads. More customers.

Let’s grow your business.

Let’s Build your OUTDOOR PARADISE

14+ years of experience and 500+ transformations across the East Valley! We design stunning outdoor spaces that reflect YOU! SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

TheYardStylist.com • 480.526.9968 (CALL/TEXT) FINANCING AVAILABLE | Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC#311775 OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

Bookish features a wide range of romantsy and romance books, Photo: Timeless Vision Media

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

A BOOKWORM’S DREAM CRAWL THROUGH FOUR EAST VALLEY SHOPS

ARTICLE BY CAMILLA RICHARDSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMELESS VISION MEDIA & TARA DUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

BOOKED

Start your book crawl at the Bookish Café, Photo: Timeless Vision Media

ALL DAY

You may have experienced a bar crawl where you choose a neighborhood, map a route and spend a few hours moving from one stop to the next. A book crawl offers a literary twist on the familiar idea. Ditching pints of beer for stacks of books, friends move from one bookshop to the next, browsing shelves, trading recommendations and comparing their latest TBR (to-be-read) lists. Here are four East Valley bookstores ideal for a crawl. Each thoughtfully serves its readers and community while offering something for everyone, from fantasy lovers to collectors of rare books. CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

The Book Gallery offers both rare and new books in a wide range of genres, Photo: Timeless Vision Media

THE BOOKISH SHOP

Trending reads, romance and romantasy This female-owned, carefully decorated store—think oversized gold-framed mirrors, checkerboard floors and gorgeous book covers—is a great place to start the crawl. Its coffee bar serves rotating seasonal drinks, such as Strawberry Matcha and Salted Date Lattes, alongside locally sourced pastries, including a ham-and-cheese croissant and brown sugar or raspberry Pop-Tarts, keeping readers caffeinated and fed when the story refuses to be put down. The Bookish Shop began as a subscription service before expanding into a brick-and-mortar bookstore focused on romance and romantasy. Leaning into what their readers love, you’ll find special editions and collectible details, such as sprayed edging and character artwork. 60 W. Vaughn Ave., Gilbert

LITERALLY A BOOKSHOP

Children’s stories, community events Laura Sharp started Literally A Bookshop as a pop-up in 2022 before opening its Gilbert storefront in February 2025. She launched the business after realizing her own children didn’t have the kind of neighborhood bookstore she wanted them to experience.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULTU RE

Literally, A Bookshop has a curated collection of grown-up titles and a whimsical children's section, Photo Credit: Tara Dunn Photography

“Everyone is welcome,” Sharp says. Housed inside a charming homelike structure that’s small, but welcoming, this bookstore’s inventory primarily focuses on children’s literature, but Sharp has a well-curated adult section with a shelf full of new releases. The store also partners with local schools to bring authors and books directly to students. Community events include Sunday story time, children’s book clubs for three age groups and four adult book clubs. 397 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 140, Gilbert

Wijaya sells books, flowers and crafts, Photo: Timeless Vision Media

“THE BOOK CRAWL IS A LITERARY TWIST ON THE T R A D I T I O N A L P U B C R A W L” WIJAYA HOUSE

A little of everything Melati Parker opened Wijaya House in August 2023 with an eclectic inventory that includes classics, essays, poetry, nonfiction and books by local authors. Rather than organizing the store around a single genre, Parker chose to offer as much variety as the space allowed. The result is an interior that feels like a “cozy burrow.” The shop also sells seasonal flowers and offers themed classes. For $15, guests can take home supplies to bedazzle a book, and books purchased for decorating receive a 10% discount. 1706 E. Warner Road, No. 1, Tempe

BOOK GALLERY – MESA

Vintage finds, rare books and classics Big wooden shelves, soaring ceilings, original creaky floors and a weathered stucco finish preserve the vintage feel of Book Gallery – Mesa, housed in what was once The Majestic, a vaudeville and silent movie theater dating to the 1910s. Owner Mike Riley personally purchases and prices every book in the 38-year-old store, selecting requested titles, overlooked classics and books he believes deserve a place on readers’ shelves. Rare books sit alongside subjects ranging from knitting to icebergs, while knowledgeable staff help visitors discover their next favorite read. 50 W. Main St., Mesa One more stop: If you’re interested in faith-based books, you may also want to add Queen Creek Family Bookstore & Boutique to your book crawl located at 26319 S. Power Rd. OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

QUALITY WORK. E.

SERIOUS PERFORMANC

Electrical Work That Works Wired for Excellence. Driven by Service.

Led by license holder and qualifying party David Brandhorst, who brings over 37 years of electrical experience, Brandhorst Electric, LLC has proudly provided exceptional service throughout the Valley for the past 17 years. Our reputation is built on integrity, reliability, and an uncompromising commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship. 480.432.9660 | brandhorstelectric.com brandhorstelectric.david@gmail.com ROC 344287

H E L L OR!

SCAN TO WIN A

OCTOBE

RFORMANCE. FALL INTO BETTER PELONG. STAY ROAD-READY ALL

FREE

CUSTOM EXHAUST!

SEASON

EXPERT SERVICE Quality work you can count on.

PEACE OF MIND

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE

We're here when you need us.

Keep your vehicle road ready.

WE’RE

HIRING!

GENERAL AUTO TECHNICIAN

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

EXHAUST FABRICATION TECHNICIAN

Visit our website to check details and apply.

mufflersandmore.com/careers#openings Or call us or visit our shop!

VISIT US ONLINE mufflersandmore.com

VISIT US

7256 S 89th PI STE 109 Mesa, AZ 85212

CALL US 480-798-5773

ELEVATE YOUR BEAUTY LUXURY HAIR LUXURY HAIR SERVICES SERVICES

AESTHETICS & SPA AESTHETICS SPA SERVICES SERVICES

QU Q UEEN CREEK, ARIZONA 48 4 80 0 .. 5 59 97 7 .. 7 72 22 21 1

LASER TREATMENTS LASER TREATME TS

ELEVATED MED ELEVATED MED SPA SPA

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

BEER, FOOD, &

COMMUNITY

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY GRETCHEN PAHIA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMELESS VISION MEDIA

The Heart and Soul of Old Ellsworth Brewing Company Is Its Craft Beer, Scratch-Kitchen and Community

What started as a shared love of craft beer and a little homebrewing has grown into one of the best local gathering hubs in Queen Creek. Old Ellsworth Brewing Company opened to the public in 2017, but the story behind the family-owned brewery began years earlier. The original owners — Brian McKean, Christine McKean and Ryan Bostrom — spent nine years living a nomadic lifestyle, spending summers in Alaska, where they were introduced to homebrewing. An initial spark of curiosity quickly turned into years of experimenting with recipes, refining beer styles and eventually the idea of opening a brewery of their own. In 2016, Queen Creek put out an advertisement looking for a brewery to join the town’s growing food and entertainment scene, and to the trio,

the timing felt right. They took the leap and Old Ellsworth Brewing Company was born. Now, nearly 10 years later, the brewery remains family-owned and operated, with beer brewed on-site and a scratch kitchen featuring New American dishes. The name is a nod to Queen Creek’s history, reflecting the owners’ desire to keep the place rooted in the community. Old Ellsworth Brewing Company is more than just a destination to grab a quick drink, however. It’s become a neighborhood staple for families, date nights, friends’ nights out and more. And on cool days, the dog-friendly patio fills up with locals playing lawn games and enjoying the open air. The menu is not expansive, but it is superior to average bar food, thanks to

its scratch-kitchen approach. Some of the longtime favorites are burgers and wings, as well as its “Build-Your-Own Poutine,” a must-try. The Cheesy Pull Bread with a side of button sauce and the Hatch Grilled Cheese are worthy of a mention, too. The new chef is also bringing his own touch to the menu while preserving what makes it special. He plans to showcase his additions throughout October and beyond. Of course, you can’t talk about Old Ellsworth Brewing without talking about the beer. The brewing process is truly a hands-on operation. From brewing through fermentation, everything takes place on site using locally sourced ingredients, including Arizona-grown and malted barley. The wheat is from Homestead Malting in Queen Creek (also known as Sossaman Farms) and Sinagua Malt in Campe Verde. The team continues to experiment with different beer styles. Giving patrons plenty of reasons for a repeat visit. If beer isn’t your style, the brewery offers a fun spin on some classic cocktails, including a smoked old-fashioned delivered to you in a treasure chest. CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

“OLD ELLSWORTH BREWING CO. IS MORE

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

THAN JUST A DESTINATION TO GRAB A QUICK

Old Ellsworth strives to be community-oriented, where visitors feel like family all while enjoying a great meal and drink. And in this rapidly growing community, that feeling of belonging may be the best part of it all.

DRINK. IT’S A NEIGHBORHOOD STAPLE.”

Then there are the people. Since opening, regular customers have become friends, employees have become family, and the restaurant has been a fixture for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and every other sort of celebration.

CUSTOM INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

FINE FINISHES

COLOR CONSULTATIONS

TRANSFORMING SPACES ONE BRUSHSTROKE AT A TIME

Your space deserves a beautiful finish. Call 520-414-5242 today to get started. DAVINCIPAINTINGAZ@YAHOO.COM

DA VINCI PAINTING

Jewelry You'll Love! CUSTOM DESIGN | APPRAISALS FINE JEWELRY | REPAIRS | BRIDAL WATCHES | ESTATE/VINTAGE

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/Q UE E N C R E E K

Year-Round Protection.

Zero Guesswork. WE STRIKE THEM, BEFORE THEY STRIKE YOU.

We’re a family-owned and operated pest control company built on trust, consistency, and doing the job right the first time. Consistently five stars. Consistently pest-free.

Get A Free Initial Service When You Sign Up (Normally $249 Value) prostrikepest.com | 480.466.0266 OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

TABLE

FROM THEIR

T H E R E A F A M I LY P R E S E R V E S G E N E R AT I O N S O F F O O D T R A D I T I O N S

ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLEE CHELSEA PHOTOGRAPHY & ANISSA KENNEDY

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

Perry and Brenda Rea in the Mill's kitchen. Photo: Anissa Kennedy

“EVERYTHING WAS GROWN; IF IT WASN'T IN SEASON, THEY DIDN'T EAT IT.”

Caprese at the Mill, Photo: Kaylee Chelsea Photography

Perry Rea doesn’t follow a recipe. He cooks from intuition. Born to Italian parents from a region south of Rome, he never had a recipe handed down to him by his parents or grandparents. Instead, his knowledge came from watching them in the kitchen. So when the idea took shape to publish a cookbook of beloved family recipes, both to share with Queen Creek Olive Mill customers and preserve for future generations, the Rea family, including his wife, Brenda, and their five children, gathered around him, jotting down formal recipes as he cooked. For the first time, dishes that existed largely through memory and instinct were preserved on the page. “My daughter Sydney would be writing down exact measurements,” he says. “After I’d make it, I’d taste it. ‘Oh, it needs a little more salt.’ So, we’d add a little more salt [in the recipe].” Although they were never written down, some of the dishes in the cookbook reach back at least to Perry’s grandparents. He remembers watching his grandfather make spaghetti all’ aglio, olio a peperoncino. “These are classic and very simple Italian dishes,” he says. “You gotta remember they grew up on farms in Italy. Everything was grown; if it wasn’t in season, they didn’t eat it.” CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

Perry and his mother, Anna, in the kitchen.

Photo: Kaylee Chelsea Photography

“IN THE REA FAMILY, FOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT THE CENTER OF TIME SPENT TOGETHER. BEFORE BACKYARD PIZZA OVENS BECAME UBIQUITOUS, PERRY AND BRENDA WERE MAKING THEIR OWN PIZZAS FROM SCRATCH WITH THEIR FIVE CHILDREN.” The Rea family keeps this tradition alive with gardens on site at the Mill that supply the kitchen with herbs and other offerings. Of all the recipes in the cookbook, Perry says his favorite might be the lemon chicken. “But all of the pastas are good,” he adds. Brenda, meanwhile, is a fan of the spaghetti all’ aglio—the first meal Perry ever made for her when they were courting. The cookbook isn’t only an ode to Perry’s Italian heritage. Brenda is an accomplished baker, and the entire section devoted to desserts is her doing. “I bake all of our bread at home. I have sourdough going all the time,” she says. Many of the recipes she developed incorporate olive oils available at the mill, including Meyer lemon and vanilla bean. Perhaps the sweetest recipe in the book is the double chocolate olive oil cake. It was served at Perry and Brenda’s wedding and subsequently became the birthday cake for each of their five children. For years, that meant the cake made an appearance seven times a year for the family’s birthdays alone. The cookbook also draws inspiration from Perry and Brenda’s travels abroad, including time spent meandering through markets and restaurants in places such as Milan and Madrid. Wherever they go, Brenda says, her husband taste-tests and gathers inspiration for future dishes. Olive oil is the thread running throughout the book, from savory dishes to Brenda’s desserts. Perry also hopes readers will actually cook with extra virgin olive oil rather than reserving it for dipping or finishing a dish. In particular, he wants to dispel a persistent misconception about sautéing with it.

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

“Some people think that it gets too hot, so it’s just not good. That’s false,” he says. In the Rea family, food has always been at the center of time spent together. In the early 2000s, before backyard pizza ovens became ubiquitous, Perry and Brenda were making their own pizzas from scratch with their five children. Those children now have spouses and children of their own, but Sundays are still reserved for long family dinners. Perry and his sons, Angelo and John, often cook together for everyone. And another generation is already finding its place in the kitchen. “Our almost 5-year-old grandson, Lorenzo, comes to our house all the time, and he’s cooking with Papa,” Brenda says. “He goes and gets the stepstool. He’s up there, stirring. And the two of them make our breakfast or dinner or whatever.” It’s remarkably similar to the way Perry learned to cook in the first place: standing alongside the generations before him and watching. Although Lorenzo apparently has one additional priority once the cooking is finished. “Mamo, do we have cookies?” he asks his grandmother.

EXPERIENCE IT

Taste the Rea family’s philosophy of gathering around the table for a long, lingering meal during Queen Creek Olive Mill’s October Tavolo dinner, featuring a meal from the executive chef Bernie Kantak of The Gladly, a two-time Southwest James Beard semi-finalist. You can find the Queen Creek Olive Mill Arizona Family Cookbook at the Mill: 25062 S. Meridian Rd.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING STARTS HERE

480.234.8900 | arisepal.com

GRAND OPENING EVENT OCTOBER 1-4 10AM to 6 PM

Se c

location in A d n o

Come celebrate with us!

East Mesa Ellsworth & Elliot

October 1- 4 FIRST 20 GUESTS

Receive a curated Nest Home & Co. Gift Bag

SHOP & EARN NEST CASH

Spend $250 Get $25 NEST Cash (limit 5)

COME TO ENTER TO WIN

A powered leather recliner retail at $2,199 AND MUCH MORE! Furniture • Home Decor • Art • Lighting • Interior Design 3515 S Ellsworth Rd, Ste. 103, Mesa AZ 85212 www.nesthomeco.com | info@nesthomeco.com

Why People Choose Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Targeted, Natural Regenerative Injections | Non-Invasive Minimal Downtime | Improves Daily Movement Helps You Keep Doing What You Love

Common Injuries We Treat:

Achilles Tendinitis | Hip Bursitis | Runner’s Knee

Get back on track with a FREE consultation today! 480-296-6173 queencreeknaturopathic.com | 480.296.6173 BV@queencreeknaturopathic

Your Trees Deserve The Best Service

Our Sundance Maintenance Tree Division Team is well-versed in the essential role that proper maintenance plays in ensuring the long-term health of your trees. Contact Us For a Bid | 480-610-5309 azsundance.com | trees@azsundance.com

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

The Flying V's patio at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Photo: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

A CULINARY ESCAPE TO TUCSON

Our editor spent a weekend eating, sipping and exploring her way through the country’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy

ARTICLE BY KRIS ANN VALDEZ

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

A meal at the Tohono Chul Bistro in Tucson, Photo: Visit Phoenix

When people picture Tucson, they often think of the Old West, sunshine and the open desert. What they should be thinking about is what’s on the menu. Tucson became the first U.S. UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, recognized for its over 4,000-year-old agricultural heritage and the Native American, Mexican and even Chinese culinary traditions that continue to influence the

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Photo: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

city’s food scene. Here, chefs celebrate heritage ingredients grown in the Sonoran Desert for centuries, from the Three Sisters (corn, beans and squash) to chiltepin, the wild ancestor of cultivated chiles. “People don’t think of the desert as a place where food can flourish, but Tucson’s culinary traditions are rooted in the wild ingredients that the Sonoran Desert provides,” says Sofía Moraga Franco of Visit Tucson. “And it’s been that way for thousands of years.” Just 95 miles from Queen Creek, about an hour and 45 minutes away, Tucson is an ideal weekend escape. Thanks in part to that rich culinary heritage, it’s also home to four restaurants ranked among Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. Working with Visit Tucson, I spent a weekend exploring standout restaurants, local markets and cultural attractions to create an itinerary you’ll want to steal. Consider this your permission slip.

FRIDAY EVENING

One of the best things about living in Queen Creek is that a weekend getaway doesn’t require taking a vacation day. Leave after work on Friday, and you’ll still make it to Tucson in time for dinner.

CHECK IN

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort sits on 100 acres in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, a tranquil home base surrounded by the desert, yet close to the city’s restaurants and attractions. Designed by architect John Hill, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the resort blends naturally into the surrounding landscape. Spend the morning hiking to a waterfall, playing pickleball or golfing, the afternoon relaxing by a heated pool or the spa, and the evening enjoying dinner on the waterfront patio.

DINNER

Reserve a table at the resort’s newly renovated Flying V Bar & Grill, featuring a sleek Southwestern design and a menu centered on Arizona ingredients and mesquite-fired cooking. Start with the Guacamole Experience, handcrafted with heirloom spices and served with house-made corn chips and crispy pork chicharrones. Continue with silky hamachi crudo, then cut into a mesquite-fired ribeye finished with bordelaise sauce. Pair it all with the Glow Up cocktail and linger on the patio as the sunset reflects on the water. CONTINUED >

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Photo: Visit Tucson

"People don't think of the desert as a place where food can flourish, but Tucson’s culinary traditions are rooted in the wild ingredients that the Sonoran Desert provides."

SATURDAY BREAKFAST IN THE GARDENS

Begin the morning at Tohono Chul Garden Bistro on the site of Tucson’s beloved botanical gardens. Occupying a historic adobe home with exposed wood beams, carved doors and a cozy fireplace, it’s a peaceful place to devour a hearty breakfast while watching the family of cardinals that calls the gardens home. Order the Garden Bistro Skillet with l’itoi smashed potatoes and eggs or the Dos Rancheros served on native fry bread, with a Chiltepin Honey Lavender Espresso Cold Brew on the side. After breakfast, spend an hour or so wandering the gardens, soaking in desert plants, scurrying lizards and winding paths. Admission required for the garden.

COFFEE BREAK

Presta Coffee Roasters roasts its beans in

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

small batches with sustainability in mind, right down to the compostable cups. Fuel up on a cappuccino or one of the creative seasonal drinks before continuing your day.

LUNCH

Head to 5 Points Market & Restaurant in Barrio Viejo, where seasonal ingredients and regional sourcing define the menu. Favorites include the Huevos Rancheros and cilantro-jalapeño salsa, the Pork Torta layered with roasted pork adobado and the Kale Caesar made with local organic lacinato kale. Wash it down with a passion fruit espresso tonic or a Sunburn cocktail with mezcal and lime.

SHOP LOCAL

Next door, browse Bon, a beautifully curated boutique filled with whimsical books, artwork, clothing and gifts. Editor’s Pick: This is my favorite boutique in Arizona.

Tito and Pep's fish tacos special, Photo: Kris Ann Valdez

A locally sourced meal at Five Points, Photo: Kris Ann Valdez

EXPLORE

A short drive away, visit the well-curated Tucson Museum of Art before stopping at the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center, where exhibits help explain the city’s multicultural history, including the agricultural traditions that earned Tucson its UNESCO designation.

DINNER RESERVATION

Tito & Pep consistently ranks among the country’s best restaurants, and after one meal, it’s easy to understand why. Chef John Martinez builds his menu around mesquite-fired cooking, local produce and seafood mostly sourced from the Sea of Cortez. Ask about the nightly specials. During my visit, an entire red snapper arrived at the table ready to become fish tacos with fresh tortillas, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and smoky salsa verde. Don’t forget the Queso Fundido, steak skewers, and the dark chocolate ganache for dessert. Editor’s Pick: If you only book one dinner reservation all weekend, make it Tito & Pep, as the restaurant books up.

SUNDAY START THE DAY OUTDOORS

Before heading home, spend the morning exploring Sabino Canyon. Up for a challenge? The Seven Falls hike rewards hikers with waterfalls after an 8.3-mile trek. Prefer something easier? Ride the Sabino Canyon Crawler or choose a shorter walk like the Sabino Lake Loop or Bajada Loop Nature Trail, home to a rare crested saguaro.

BRUNCH

Return to Loews Ventana Canyon for its Sunday Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch, featuring live music, local beer and smoked barbecue, a satisfying reward after a morning outdoors.

ONE LAST CULTURAL STOP

No trip to Tucson feels complete without visiting DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Artist Ted DeGrazia designed and built this 10-acre desert retreat himself, creating an adobe gallery that houses more than 15,000 original works on rotation. Wander through the CONTINUED > OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

Mission in the Sun, admire the hand-crafted architecture, including floors inlaid with cholla cactus, and soak in one last distinctly Tucson experience.

LUNCH

Finish your weekend at Anello, where Chef Scott Girod, who trained under Chris Bianco, turns sourdough into exceptional wood-fired pizzas topped with seasonal local ingredients. The bright, intimate dining room, designed with handcrafted elements, adds warmth to the modern space. Try the Bianca with chiltepin and mozzarella or the Verde with smoked mozzarella and pistachios before making the drive back to Queen Creek.

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME... SIP

Slow Body Beer Co. serves craft beer alongside creative nonalcoholic options like the Slow Body Shrub made with apple cider vinegar, fresh juice and cane sugar in an easygoing atmosphere.

EAT

Don’t miss La Chaiteria and El Antojo Poblano for Mexican food or Ruiz Hotdogs Los Chipilones for an authentic Sonoran hot dog.

SHOP

Browse Mercado San Agustín and the neighboring MSA Annex, where repurposed shipping containers house independent restaurants, boutiques and artisan shops. Or wander Barrio Viejo, one of Tucson’s best-preserved historic neighborhoods. Stop into Bar Crisol for coffee or a cocktail, browse Etherton Gallery and Carly Quinn Designs, and visit El Tiradito Wishing Shrine. After a weekend here, you’ll likely agree that one of the country’s best culinary destinations has been waiting for you just down the road all along.

The Pima County Historic Courthouse houses the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center, Photo: Ulises Escobar for Visit Tucson

The interior of Anello, Photo: Anello

"One of the country's best culinary destinations has been sitting down the road all along."

Drinks at 5 Points, Photo Credit: Kris Ann Valdez

I NSP IR E D BY | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

Feel Renewed, Inside and Out Advanced Aesthetics - Transformative Health & Wellness Services

SOFWAVE PURE IMPACT EMS IV + PEPTIDES THERAPY WEIGHT LOSS MANAGEMENT INJECTABLES-BOTOX & JEUVEAU HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Your New Self-Care Routine Is Waiting For You Book Your Consultation Today santanhealthandwellness.com/contact-us/ (602) 834-0781

40975 N Ironwood Dr. San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

In-home care for a better quality of life. Family Respite Care CRAFTED FOR OHANA. BUILT WITH ALOHA. EXPERT FINISH CARPENTRY.

Rehabilitation & Post Surgery Care Personal Care Meal Planning & Preparation Fall Prevention & Safety Transportation

Your vision. Our craftsmanship.

Ihrcontracting.com 480-815-1863 ROC344508

(480) 900-9077 queencreekhomecare.com Right at Home is a global network where most offices are independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Right at Home, LLC.

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/Q UE E N C R E E K

OCTOBER 2026

events

O C TOBE R 1 ST

A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

Pumpkin & Chili Party at Schnepf Farms 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd. Celebrate fall in Queen Creek at Schnepf Farms' annual Pumpkin & Chili Party. The monthlong festival features a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin patches, amusement rides, pig races, live entertainment and plenty of seasonal food and treats. Families can make an evening of it with activities and attractions spread throughout the farm. General admission starts at $28.95, with select activities and food available for an additional cost. O C TOBE R 1 4 T H

Pizza Date Night at Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S. Meridian Rd. | 6:30 PM Turn dinner into an experience during Pizza Date Night at Queen Creek Olive Mill. The interactive evening invites guests to learn the art of pizza making while enjoying a night out at one of Queen Creek's signature culinary destinations. Tickets are $95 per person and include the hands-on experience, making it a fun option for couples, friends or anyone who wants to sharpen their pizza-making skills. Advance reservations are required, and space is limited. O C TOBE R 2 3 RD

Queen Creek Presents Glee 22149 E. Ocotillo Rd. | 7:00 PM See some of Queen Creek's talented young performers take the stage during QC GLEE at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. The family-friendly production features music from favorites including Beetlejuice, The Addams Family and Little Shop of Horrors. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

A better remodel begins before the first finish is selected.

Before tile, lighting, millwork, or furnishings, there must be a point of view. Architectural interiors shaped by the way you actually live.

Begin with a phone consultation. pifdesignstudio.com

Pif. Design Studio Architectural Interiors · Phoenix Metro

EVE N TS

Your Queen Creek Luxury Experts At The Figz Team, we’re more than agents—we’re your neighbors. Based in Queen Creek, AZ, we help you buy and sell with confidence, combining market expertise with a commitment to your goals. Over 35 Years of Experience in the Luxury Market. Where Precision Meets Prestige.

Call us Today for All Your Real Estate Needs thefigzrealestate.com 949.244.9317 team@thefigzrealestate.com @thefigzrealestate

Fall in Love with your Smile

Over 50 years of creating beautiful smiles Macdonald Orthodontics provides superior orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.

$1,000 Off Full Treatment!

New Patients Only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Good thru 11-30-2026.

macdonaldortho.com Family Owned and Operated since 1970

Gilbert Location:

Queen Creek Location:

Mesa Location:

(480) 568-1052

(480) 912-2500

(480) 470-7795

2550 E Guadalupe Rd #103 Gilbert, AZ

22363 E. Domingo Rd, Queen Creek, AZ

5753 E Brown Rd #101 Mesa, AZ