Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
Sept. 5 - Sept. 18, 2015
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Neighbors Chandler Center for the Arts brings the best in arts culture page 63
Jewish high holidays a time of reflection, connection page 68
Where Kids Eat Free page 31
Crust opens near resort Italian dining with a focus on pizza ($8 Crust is bringing a nostalgic feel to family to $25). However, the menu is varied. Appetizers run the gamut of filet sliders dining in Chandler. with horseradish cream sauce ($13) to The third to open in the Valley, Crust’s grilled artichoke and burrata ($11). Pasta location next to the historic Crowne Plaza ($10 to $17) and rollatini ($9 to $10.50) are San Marcos Golf Resort boasts vintage booths procured from the iconic Monti’s La also featured. Take-home jars of marinara sauce benefit Casa Vieja and a Kurt Warner’s basement lounge Treasure House that was once a Foundation. speakeasy. “We do halfThe trio price bottles of eateries is of wine every owned by Ryan Monday,” Mitchell and Mike Mitchell added. Merendino, both The restaurant of whom put is open, and the hours into the basement lounge, renovation of the The Ostrich, Chandler space at is expected to 10 N. San Marcos debut in October. Pl. Serving craft “That cocktails and downtown small plates for Chandler area was two, The Ostrich very appealing will focus on to us,” Mitchell live music and said. “We realized industry nights. this is a golden Private bookings opportunity.” will be available Mitchell and Monday through Merendino saw Wednesday. such potential “It’ll be in the space that Crust co-owner Mike Merendino, center, chats with developing a it was worth the customers at the new Chandler location. Submitted Collins concept, months of blood, photo which is a sweat and tears style of cocktails, headed up by Brandon the restaurateurs put into the space. Casey,” Mitchell said. “He is a well-known “We literally turned that space from mixologist in the Southwest.” a construction zone, to an office, to Mitchell stresses that Crust is all about a restaurant, because we had to get being local. everything done,” Mitchell said. “Crust is a local brand,” he said. “We try Mitchell said Crust’s concept is simple: BY TRACY HOUSE
see CRUST page 47
Soft Surroundings comes to Chandler Fashion Center
BY TRACY HOUSE
Dubbed an “ageless store,” Soft Surroundings has landed in Chandler Fashion Center selling apparel, beauty, gift and home decor products for women. Jessica Conick, a Soft Surroundings public relations representative, said there is a lot of excitement about bringing the store to the shopping center’s Nordstrom wing. “We’re still kind of a small, growing company, so every store that we open is a huge deal for us. We really get invested in the community,” she said. Soft Surroundings released its first catalog in 1999 featuring its upscale see SOFT SURROUNDING page 47
Jason Orozco, owner of Salon Orozco, said he is proud to offer his clients an upscale setting where they can relax and feel welcome. Submitted photo
Salon Orozco offers upscale and relaxing setting BY ALISON STANTON
Sixteen years ago, Jason Orozco fulfilled a childhood dream by opening his own hair salon, the aptly titled Salon Orozco. But after cutting and styling hair at his own Chandler location, he moved to a suite inside L’mage Salon Studios on Alma School Road 18 months ago. He has been a hair stylist for 16 years. The move has given Orozco, who does men’s and women’s haircuts as well as color, a much-needed change of pace. “I provide my clients with a low-stress, upscale and professional setting that makes everyone feel welcome,” he said. His clients also like the privacy of Orozco’s fully enclosed suite. “I have been able to grow my client base from referrals from other businesses inside of L’mage,” he said. “The independence of having a dramafree place has been the fresh start I have needed for years.” Orozco said he was initially unsure
about opening a hair salon, so instead studied graphic design. He said his background in art helps him as a stylist. “I’ve been an artist all my life, so it really helps me to visualize things a lot more when someone is telling me what they want,” he said. In addition to using high-quality products, like Goldwell Color, which Orozco said lasts a long time, he also prides himself on his exceptional communication skills. This means Orozco will take the time to ask his clients what they are looking for in their cut and/or color, and listen carefully when they describe their new style. “Experience is definitely important, and after spending 16 years in the business I really do know a lot,” he said. “But communication is really the No. 1 thing— to understand people and to get into their heads a bit to really see what they want.” see SALON page 47
‘Totally Rad ‘80s Prom Gone Bad’
Soft Surroundings opened its doors at Chandler Fashion Center and features upscale women’s apparel, home and beauty products. Submitted photo
Teenagers mingle during “Totally Rad ‘80s Prom Gone Bad,” an event at the Hamilton Library. See page 57 for more photos. STSN photo by Kimberly Carrillo