Foothills News March 23, 2022

UA scientists contribute to new international climate report | Page 6 • Rotary donates more than $450,000 to Pima JTED | Page 11

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

FOOTHILLS NEWS

The Foothills News is published twice each month and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the Catalina Foothills. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Foothills News, go to www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

STAFF ADMINISTRATION Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher Michael Hiatt, Vice President Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner, Managing Editor jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Alexandra Pere, Staff Reporter apere@tucsonlocalmedia.com Nicole Feltman, Staff Reporter nfeltman@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION Courtney Oldham, Production Manager, tucsonproduction@timespublications.com Ryan Dyson Graphic Designer ryand@tucsonlocalmedia.com CIRCULATION Aaron Kolodny, Circulation aaron@timeslocalmedia.com ADVERTISING TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com Gary Tackett, Associate Publisher gtackett@tucsonlocalmedia.com Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising Zac@TimesPublications.com EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT Foothills News expresses its opinion in the editorial.

Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to edit for size or refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion.

7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson, Arizona 85741 PHONE: (520) 797-4384

Copyright:The entire contents of Foothills News are Copyright Times Media Group . No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher,Tucson Local Media, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125,Tucson, AZ 85741.

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

Arizona’s public universities lift mask mandates under new CDC guidelines Endia Fontanez Cronkite News

T

he University of Arizona will lift its indoor mask requirement for students, faculty and visitors beginning March 21, following similar moves by Arizona’s other two public universities.

Northern Arizona University stopped requiring masks on campus on March 7, and Arizona State did the same beginning Monday. The protocol changes came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines on Feb. 25, stating that masks may no longer be necessary in U.S. counties with medium to low transmission rates.

Maricopa, Pima and Coconino counties currently are at medium risk of transmission.

UArizona President Robert Robbins said during a weekly briefing Monday that the university waited until March 21 to lift its mask requirement so that students and faculty would have a week to monitor their health after spring break travel, to avoid another spike in cases.

“As these changes go into place, I want to again emphasize the vital impor-

tance of compassion for one another, especially for those who are most vulnerable to this still deadly virus,” Robbins said. “Fellow members of our community might ask you to wear a mask when near them in a classroom, office or meeting space. I ask that you respect their needs and be mindful that others have varying levels of risk from COVID 19.”

Arizona never had a statewide mask mandate.

Gov. Doug Ducey tried to restrict local governments and schools from instituting them but was hindered by the courts. With the recent drastic drop in cases and deaths, combined with the updated CDC recommendations, schools and cities that had mandates are lifting them.

The Arizona Department of Health Services website reports that as of March 9, there were 6,549 new cases across the state, compared with nearly 150,000 a week at the peak of the pandemic in January,, propelled by the omicron variant. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, nearly 2 million COVID-19 cases have been reported in Arizona.

Phoenix lifted its indoor mask requirement Feb. 28 following the updated CDC guidance. Exceptions

exist at Sky Harbor International Airport and on airplanes, on Valley Metro buses and light rail, and at Municipal Court.

The CDC still recommends that those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for illness wear masks in areas of medium risk of transmission.

All three state public universities still will require masks on public transportation, such as campus shuttles, at testing and vaccination sites or other campus health services, and in areas that already required personal protective equipment before the pandemic began.

UArizona reported Monday that as of March 11, the percent positive rate for COVID-19 testing at the university was about 1% in the past 10 days. This is down from the overall 4.1% positivity rate at the university since August.

The university reported that 80.7% of eligible Pima County residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 71.8% in the state overall.

Although masks are no longer required on campus for now, university officials reiterated that the guidance may change again as Continued on P7

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

UA scientists contribute to new international climate report warning of increasing peril Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

F

ew places in the world are quite like the Sonoran Desert, but according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, it might not be so unique in the coming years. The report’s forecast: Increased temperatures and drought pose a risk to every continent, including to roughly 3.5 billion people who live in

areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change.

The IPCC report, released every six years, is a major international collaboration of hundreds of scientists. The reports examine the impacts, mitigation strategies and physical evidence of climate change in regions across the world. Two faculty members from the University of Arizona worked on the sixth annual report, released in February 2022, to assess the “vulnerability of

socio-economic and natural systems to climate change.”

Carolyn Enquist, an adjunct faculty member with the UA’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, is a lead author for the North America chapter of the report. Her work focuses on climate change’s impact on ecosystems and adaptation. Enquist said the goal of the report is not to conduct new research, but to provide an update and expert assess-

ment of new information available since the last report.

“In terms of impact, our work focused on the rapid transformation of ecosystems. We’re seeing die-back and loss of regeneration in some places, like forests. What has really accelerated are these large, high-severity wildfires that have accelerated the transformation of ecosystems that were already underway,” Enquist said. “Last report, we saw numerous mor-

tality events in our forests linked to drought stress, pests and pathogens overwhelming species’ innate capacity to adapt.

And this time, we’re seeing that, with these wildfires, particularly in the Western U.S. and Western Canada.”

The report states with high confidence that in the Sonoran Desert, there will be further reduced vegetation and rainfall alongside increased temperatures and wildfires.

For instance, Enquist said

2020’s Bighorn Fire was an example of these dangerous changes coming together. The Bighorn Fire burned more than 100,000 acres across the Catalina Mountains, fueled by drought, invasive grasses and build-up of fuels from fire suppression.

“It’s really unprecedented in some ways.

These extreme fires are not what we’re prepared to fight, so it puts a lot of lives, property and ecosystems at risk,” Enquist

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

Courtesy Photo

July 2020 was the hottest month ever recorded in Tucson, only to be beaten by August 2020. said. “So you have this vicious circle that we’re seeing now, with multiple synergistic events that really challenge our ability to adapt effectively. So we’re looking at adaptation in conjunction with mitigation. We need the two, because we can only adapt so much to climate change that is already in the system. There’s this multi-pronged approach we need.”

The report also states that climate change impacts and risks are becoming increasingly complex and more difficult to manage. Multiple climate hazards will occur simultaneously, and multiple risks will interact, resulting in compounding overall risk and risks cascading across sectors and regions.

The 3,000+ page re-

port discusses much more than the blunt facts of increased temperatures and environmental stress. Chapters also cover the changing culture around climate action, the inequality of climate change impacts, developing human systems for a more resilient climate and more.

“What we really found was that the federal government started to step back, and the cities have really stepped up. There’s lots of action and activity in cities across North America, leading the charge on climate adaptation in recent years,” Enquist said. “This report also finally acknowledged the contribution of Indigenous knowledge to climate adaptation, and what we as Western scientists can learn and share with our Indige-

nous partners… We have such a rich cultural heritage in the Southwest with Indigenous knowledge, and we need to bring all our tools, not only for survival, but to thrive.”

UA Regents Professor in the School of Geography, Development and Environment Diana Liverman served as a review editor for the report’s final chapter on climate resilience development.

“This report confirms that even at the 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) global warming already observed, we are seeing dangerous impacts on lives and ecosystems, with increasing losses of life and species projected if we continue to heat the planet,” Liverman said in a prepared statement.

“These impacts are exac-

erbated by poverty, land use change and oppressions that make many people and places more vulnerable.”

Anthropogenic climate change remains a needlessly political topic in the face of evidence.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the warmest six years on record have all been since 2015, with 2016, 2019 and 2020 being the top three. NASA, the American Chemical Society, the American Medical Association, the Geological Society of America and many more agree that “human activities are the primary cause of the observed climate-warming trend over the past century.”

“The jury is no lon-

ger out on the human role in climate change,” Enquist said. “Our conclusion was that we need all hands on deck and we need to be moving from an incremental approach to adaptation, to something that looks more transitional, that we can do faster and more efficiently. Individuals play a role, but governments absolutely do. People do have power to affect what’s going on around them. Numbers can make a difference. We should all be working together as North Americans and bringing different things to the table.

No one entity can do it alone.”

For more information, visit ipcc.ch

Masks Continued from P5

the CDC continues to monitor the pandemic and make changes as necessary.

“There’s still opportunity for other mutations to occur and variants to come out that could set us back. We’re certainly hoping that doesn’t happen,” said Dr. Richard Carmona, Distinguished Professor of public health at UArizona and a former U.S. surgeon general. “But our scientists are monitoring this all the time with sequencing to make sure that nothing emerges.”

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

Drop in Lake Powell could threaten power production as well as water supplies Autriya Maneshni Cronkite News

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ater levels on Lake Powell, the second largest reservoir in the U.S., have dropped below 3,525 feet – a critical level that threatens water supplies and hydroelectricity for millions of people. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had predicted the threshold wouldn’t be reached until August.

The reservoir’s storage capacity of 26.2 million acre-feet is made possible by Glen Canyon Dam – a 710-foot tall concrete wedge that began pooling the Colorado River behind it in 1963. It took 17 years to fully fill Lake Powell.

In addition to irrigating fields and cities, the water turns the dam’s eight generators, which can produce 5 billion kilowatts of power a year to residents in seven states.

The lake level puts hydropower electricity at risk because the water has to be high enough to turn the turbines.

“We’re 35 feet away from not being able to generate power at Glen Canyon,” said Bob Martin, the bureau’s deputy power manager for the Upper Colorado River

Basin. “So that’s kind of a warning sign that we’re getting closer to that no-generation point that we’re trying to avoid.”

Electricity produced by the Glen Canyon Power Plant goes to Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Nebraska, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. But that depends on Lake Powell holding enough water to keep the turbines spinning.

Martin said a steady decline in yearly snowfall has contributed to the decline.

“Last year was really bad,” he said. “We only came up about two or three feet (with snowmelt). And kind of what we’re seeing now is the effects of that poor runoff from last summer.”

The megadrought that has gripped Arizona and the Southwest since 2000 has contributed to the dwindling levels. The region is the driest it’s been in more than 1,200 years, and that will likely continue, according to the journal Nature Climate Change.

As temperatures rise and precipitation declines, help could come from the Drought Contingency Plan signed in 2019 by representatives of the seven Colorado River Basin states, the Depart-

Courtesy Photo

“If Lake Powell is at these critical levels, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation could decide to hold back water from Lake Mead, which in turn means that whatever level Lake Mead is at could mean bigger cuts for Arizona and bigger cuts for the other lower basin water users as well,” said Sarah Porter, who directs the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University. ment of Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation.

It involves voluntary reductions and conservation of the Colorado River during water shortages to ensure that Lake Mead, which straddles the Arizona-Nevada line, and Lake Powell can remain functional.

For example, without the plan, chances of Mead dropping to 1,025 feet are 43% by 2026, but with the plan in place, that risk falls to 8%, according to the Central Arizona Project, which delivers water from the Colorado River.

The Bureau of Reclamation in August declared the first water shortage in the Colorado River Basin, triggering reductions in deliveries to

users in Arizona and elsewhere, and further cuts will be required if Mead drops below that 1,025foot benchmark.

Arizona’s participation in the contingency plan could bring the state more water security, but it comes at a cost.

“If Lake Powell is at these critical levels, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation could decide to hold back water from Lake Mead, which in turn means that whatever level Lake Mead is at could mean bigger cuts for Arizona and bigger cuts for the other lower basin water users as well,” said Sarah Porter, who directs the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.

The upper basin states – Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado – will take additional measures to shore up Lake Powell based on the Drought Contingency Plan, Porter said. These measures could take a variety of forms, such as voluntary conservation where water users agree to not take water from the lake, she said.

Although the latest drop at Lake Powell is concerning, Martin said there is still a chance for the water to rise.

“Water is going to come up as we start seeing runoff,” Martin said.

“We saw opportunities for precipitation for higher elevations that can change our outlook.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, snow-water equivalent conditions as a percentage of normal have remained steady since mid-February, with mid-March conditions ranging from 85% to 115% of normal across the upper basin and 20% to 145% across the lower basin.

Along with more snow and rain, Martin said, conservation can help.

“The time to conserve water is now and it was probably yesterday,” he said. “This isn’t something that we can just turn a blind eye to.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

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Foothills News, March , 

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

HAPP EN EN INGS Visit www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/livenup/calendar to submit your free calendar listing.

For event advertising, contact us (520) 797-4384 or jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com

THEATER FRIDAY TO SUNDAY THROUGH MARCH 27

• Catch a performance of the Tony Award-winning musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Arizona Onstage. Details: 8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday; Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Space, 330 S. Scott Ave.; $20-$25; arizonaonstage.org.

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY, 26-27

• Catch a performance of a new work about the first “manned” mission to Mars Passage as the crew meets an unexpected cosmological body and must come to terms with mortality for a chance at survival. Details: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday,

March 20; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 27; Arizona Rose Theatre, 4500 N. Oracle Road, Suite 329; $20; 520-888-0509 or arizonarosetheatre.com.

comedian/writer Tom Segura: I’m Coming Everywhere Tour. Details: 7 p.m.; Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.; $30-$85; ticketmaster.com.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 23-27

MUSIC

• Catch a performance of the Broadway in Tucson production of Tootsie with a critic’s pick award-winning musical that will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Details: 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; UA Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.; $25-$125; broadwayintucson.com or ticketmaster.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

• Laugh out loud with actor/

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

• Experience a fresh take guaranteed to have you singing your heart out at Forever Everly - A Tribute to The Everly Brothers.

Details: 7:30 p.m.; DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Drive; $30; dvpac.net.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

• Enjoy the music of one of the all-time great music supergroups, with the Gaslight Music Hall celebrating The Traveling Wilburys.

Gaslight favorites Mike Hebert,

Derek Norman, Todd Thompson, and Mike Yarema are performing the music of the Traveling Wilburys, along with a mix of the solo hits of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and George Harrison.

6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road #165; $27; gaslightmusichall.com • Singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer extraordinaire Chuck Prophet performs live outdoors at the Hotel Congress Plaza stage. If the best parts of your classic British Invasion, 50s country, 60s pop, and pure rock ’n’ roll records could be transformed into a person, they might look and sound a lot like Chuck Prophet. 7 p.m. Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress St. $17. Hotelcongress.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

• Local jazz pianist and singer Rachel Eckroth performs with Tim Lefebvre on bass and Gary Novak on drums to cover the music of Duke Ellington’s “Money Jungle.”

The performance is at Hotel Congress’ new jazz club, The Century Room. The trio is performing two sets this night, one at 7 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St. $15 in advance and $18 at the door. There is a one item minimum for all guests in the showroom. Hotelcongress. com

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

• The award-winning brass band The LoBros are playing at the Gaslight Music Hall. They are performing another Horn Band Legends Tribute Show where they’re playing all the hits from legendary acts such as: Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder and more. 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road #165; $27; gaslightmusichall.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30

• Relive the music of the ‘60s folk

group Peter, Paul and Mary at the Gaslight Music Hall’s MacDougal Street West, A Peter Paul and Mary Experience. MacDougal Street West is a four-piece cover band that helps you recall the magic and experience the acoustic music and harmonies of Peter, Paul and Mary that changed the world. 6 p.m.; Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road #165; $27; gaslightmusichall.com

SPECIAL EVENTS SATURDAY, MARCH 26 THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 27

• The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is hosting one of its largest events of the year: the Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts. The two-day outdoor artisan market in Oro Valley showcases some of the Southwest’s finest artisans in fashion, food, home goods, painting, and visual arts. In addition, pop up music performances and food trucks will be onsite for attendees to enjoy. ​ Shop with the makers themselves, and learn how they make their unique works of art. Support small, local and sustainable. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. At the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road. saaca.org/orovalleyspringfestivalofthearts.html • See the Artists for Conservation at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This 2021 exhibit is on tour from Vancouver, Canada. Artists for Conservation’s annual exhibit is the world’s top conservation-themed art show and has become one of the most highly anticipated annual events among the nature-inspired art genres. The goal of the exhibit is to support conservation through art sales and education, showcase

the extraordinary pool of artistic talent within AFC; and share the nature-inspired art genre with new audiences. Noon to 5 p.m.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

2021 N. Kinney Road. www. desertmuseum.org/arts/

SUNDAY, MARCH 27

• Enjoy a special Italian Wine Dinner at downtown’s Maynards Market & Kitchen. This five-course artisan dinner comes paired with wines hand selected by Maynards wine director. Foods include potato gnocchi, chicken milanese, prosecco granita and calabrian chili. Wines include 2018 Scarpetta Pinot Grigio, 17 Scaia Garganega/Chardonnay, and 2014 Baracchi Trebbiano Millesima Brut. 7 p.m. $100, plus tax and gratuity. Maynards Market and Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave.

CLASSES & PROGRAMS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

• Learn about a unique medium at Botanical Art in Watercolor: Herbs at an online Tucson Botanical Gardens class with illustrator Adela Antoinette. Details: 5:30-7 p.m.; Zoom link provided; $30, discount for members; tucsonbotanical.org.

THURSDAYS THROUGH APR. 7

• Explore the origins of minerals, the stories they tell and the future of critical minerals in society at the University of Arizona College of Science Lecture Series with this week’s presentation on Gems and Planetary Evolution by Ananya Mallik. Details: 7 p.m.; UA Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.; or livestreamed on the College of Science’s YouTube channel; free; science.arizona.edu.

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

FOOTHILLS NEWS

The Foothills News is published twice each month and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the Catalina Foothills. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of the Foothills News, go to www.TucsonLocalMedia.com

STAFF ADMINISTRATION Steve T. Strickbine, Publisher Michael Hiatt, Vice President Claudine Sowards, Accounting claudine@tucsonlocalmedia.com EDITORIAL Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor jimn@tucsonlocalmedia.com Jeff Gardner, Managing Editor jeff@tucsonlocalmedia.com Alexandra Pere, Staff Reporter apere@tucsonlocalmedia.com Nicole Feltman, Staff Reporter nfeltman@tucsonlocalmedia.com PRODUCTION Courtney Oldham, Production Manager, tucsonproduction@timespublications.com Ryan Dyson Graphic Designer ryand@tucsonlocalmedia.com CIRCULATION Aaron Kolodny, Circulation aaron@timeslocalmedia.com ADVERTISING TLMSales@TucsonLocalMedia.com Gary Tackett, Associate Publisher gtackett@tucsonlocalmedia.com Kristin Chester, Account Executive kristin@tucsonlocalmedia.com Candace Murray, Account Executive candace@tucsonlocalmedia.com Tyler Vondrak, Account Executive tyler@tucsonlocalmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Zac Reynolds, Director of National Advertising Zac@TimesPublications.com EDITORIAL & AD CONTENT Foothills News expresses its opinion in the editorial.

Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Tucson Local Media assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. Publisher has the right to edit for size or refuse any advertisement at his or her discretion.

7225 N. Mona Lisa Road, Ste. 125 Tucson, Arizona 85741 PHONE: (520) 797-4384

Copyright:The entire contents of Foothills News are Copyright Times Media Group . No portion may be reproduced in whole or part by any means without the express written permission of the Publisher,Tucson Local Media, 7225 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Ste. 125,Tucson, AZ 85741.

Cover image: 123rf.com

Best of the Northwest, March , 

WELCOME TO BEST OF THE NORTHWEST 2022!

Best Wishes!

Welcome to the 2022 edition of Best of the Northwest, a compendium of the best restaurants, schools, spas, bars and other businesses essential to living your best life in Pima County north of the Rillito River.

It’s no easy thing to assemble this annual manual, but we love the opportunity to shine a light on the many awesome aspects of our community.

We started this process by asking readers to vote for their picks for the Best of the Northwest. After digital master Alexander Patocs tallied the votes from nearly 4,000 readers, we had a list of your favorite spots.

Our staff team of Jeff Gardner, Alexandra Pere and Nicole

Feltman then set about writing about the best businesses.

Ryan Dyson and Jay Banbury in the art department made it all come together.

In addition to first place winners, we’re including “reader recommended” runners-up, and check the back for some honorable mentions.

A big thank you to the many advertisers who supported Best of the Northwest this year and to the sales staff of Gary Tackett, Tyler Vondrak, Kristin Chester and Candace Murray, as well as to administrative staffers Jaime Hood and Claudine Sowards, who kept track of the time.

Now it’s all in your hands. Enjoy!

Jim Nintzel, Executive Editor

COMMUNITY - PAGE 4 HEALTH & BEAUTY - PAGE 8 EDUCATION - PAGE 14 SPORTS & REC - PAGE 17 RETIREMENT - PAGE 19 RETAIL & SERVICES - PAGE 20 FOOD & DRINK - PAGE 33 HONORABLE MENTIONS - PAGE 39

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

COMMUNITY BEST COMMUNITY LEADER OV Police Chief Kara Riley It’s not easy maintaining a status as desirable as “Arizona’s safest city,” but having a Police Chief like Kara Riley sure helps. She had some big shoes to fill when she took command in early 2020, and couldn’t have foreseen the chaotic year ahead. But she’s won over the department, the community and then some — winning the Best Community Leader award for two years in a row now!

READER RECOMMENDED Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Marana Unified School District Superintendent Dan Streeter

BEST ANNUAL FESTIVAL Marana Pumpkin Patch 14950 N. Trico Road (520) 305-5481 maranapumpkinpatch.com Every October, kids from all over the valley head to the Marana Pumpkin Patch not only for their Jack O’Lantern, but also bounce pillows, train

rides, giant slides, zip lines, kettle corn, fresh pie and oh so much more. It ain’t Halloween until you’ve made your trip to the Marana Pumpkin Patch.

READER RECOMMENDED Gaslight Music Hall performances 13005 N. Oracle Road (520) 529-1000 gaslightmusichall.com Tohono Chul Festival of Lights 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (520) 742-6455 tohonochul.org

BEST FIRST RESPONDER AGENCY Northwest Fire Department The Northwest Fire Department isn’t just there to put out your fires. They get you to the hospital in an emergency, teach safety courses to kids and relocate your rattlesnakes. When there’s trouble afoot, we’re glad this team is on the job.

READER RECOMMENDED Pima County Sheriff’s Department

BEST 55+ MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY The Highlands Mobile Home Park 332 W. Matterhorn St. (520) 297-2722 mhvillage.com

Northwest Fire

The Highlands are exactly what you’d want from a mobile home park in Oro Valley: It’s close to Canada del Oro Park and shopping centers. It has a heated pool and plenty of recreational amenities. And those spectacular Pusch Ridge views! It’s a little bit of heaven right here on Earth.

READER RECOMMENDED South Forty RV Park 3600 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 297-2503 southfortyrvranch.com Valley of the Sun MH Park 13377 N. Sandario Road (520) 682-3434 valleyofthesunrv.com

BEST KEPT SECRET The Happy Saguaro 7974 N. Oracle Road (520) 297-3333 thehappysaguaro.com Well, we guess it’s not too much of a secret anymore. But that’s fine, because we think everyone should pay The Happy Saguaro a visit.

Outside of the great name, this charming Mexican decor shop captures everything we love about our desert.

It’s eclectic, welcoming and surprisingly vibrant. Merchandise here ranges from small rings to entire wall CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

FOOTHILLS NEWS

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installations, all with that signature Southwestern twist. Whether you want colorful garden decorations, jewelry, art or furniture, you can find it at The Happy Saguaro.

READER RECOMMENDED Old Pueblo Cellars Winery and Tasting Room 10088 N. St. Patrick Road (520) 551-1011 oldpueblocellars.com SkyRider Cafe Located in the Marana Regional Airport 11700 W. Avra Valley Road (520) 682-3046 facebook.com/ skyridercoffeeshop/

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona 3003 S. Country Club Road (520) 622-0525 communityfoodbank.org The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona was already a high-speed, low-drag operation keeping people in Southern Arizona from going hungry, but they really stepped up during the pandemic, when their help was needed more than ever. They not only deliver nutritious food boxes, but help people develop gardening skills to feed themselves and offer other assistance to lift folks out of poverty.

READER RECOMMENDED Make Way for Books

700 N. Stone Ave. (520) 398-6451 makewayforbooks.org Jewish Family and Children’s Services 4301 E. Fifth St. (520) 795-0300 jfcstucson.org

plenty of games (to play and watch) and a healthy dose of Tucson pride. They call themselves a “pitstop,” but chances are you can easily spend a few hours here.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME

READER RECOMMENDED

Putney’s Sports Pub 6090 N. Oracle Road (520) 575-1767 putneyspitstop.com If you’ve been in the Northwest for a few years, you no doubt are aware of Putney’s.

For more than 40 years, it’s been the spot to watch sports and have a cold beer.

It’s not one thing that puts Putney’s above the rest, but a combination of good grub,

Golder Ranch Fire District Community First

Golder Ranch Fire District is the proud provider of fire suppression and emergency medical services for the Town of Oro Valley, Catalina, SaddleBrooke and portions of Marana.

WE THANK THE COMMUNITY FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Golder Ranch Fire District Administration | 3885 E. Golder Ranch Drive, Tucson, AZ 85739 | grfdaz.gov

Rosati’s 2944 W. Ina Road (520) 531-1100 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 229-0083 myrosatis.com The Station Pub & Grill 8235 N. Silverbell Road (520) 789-7040 thestationtucson.com

BEST PLACE TO ESCAPE THE HEAT

(520) 297-7946 orovalleyaz.gov It’s no secret that us desert dwellers need a spot or two to cool off. But sometimes, hiding away in the air conditioning just doesn’t do it. That’s why we’re lucky to have the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. More than a community pool, the competition-level aquatic center includes a water slide, community lessons, a splash pad for children and more. It just makes sense that a town as recreation-oriented as Oro Valley would also have a beloved aquatic center.

Oro Valley Aquatic Center

READER RECOMMENDED

23 W. Calle Concordia

Marana’s Splash Pad

12280 N. Heritage Park Drive maranaaz.gov Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520) 299-3000 tucsonjcc.org

BEST NEW BUSINESS Davison Meats 3840 W. Ina Road, suite #100 (520) 579-6283 davisonmeats.com The Davison family has been ranching cattle for more than three decades, so they sure know a thing or two about meat. It’s our good fortune that they’ve opened up a Marana butcher shop.

These are ranch-to-table cuts that are fresh, high quality and oh so delicious.

The owners and staff at Davison Meats would like to thank YOU for voting us as a finalist for “Best of the Northwest” for BEST NEW BUSINESS! We are THRILLED to receive this nomination.

Many thanks, Reb, Tyler, Billie, Brett, Cheryl, Kassy, Bryson, Chris, and Travis Visit us a 3840 W Ina Rd #100 Your Local Butcher Shop www.davisonmeats.com • 520.579.6283

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

Rock Solid 3949 W. Costco Drive, suite 151 (520) 222-6228 rocksolidclimbing.com

BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Funtasticks 221 E. Wetmore Road (520) 888-4653 funtasticks.com What’s not to like about a birthday party that includes laser tag, miniature golf, video games, a big waterslide and more? You can be sure that the kids are definitely not going to be bored at this place. They might have so much fun they forget all about the cake!

READER RECOMMENDED Peter Piper Pizza Multiple locations peterpiperpizza.com Defy 4861 N. Stone Ave. (520) 485-3334 defytucson.com

BEST PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Road (520) 883-2702 desertmuseum.org A perennial favorite all throughout Tucson, the Desert Museum takes this award for Best of the Northwest once again. We’ve always said they do themselves a bit of a disservice with the “museum” title, because it’s so much more! They’ve got hik-

ing trails, animal encounters, art classes, food and drinks, and the occasional festival.

Then again, maybe the “Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum-Gallery-Zoo-Park-Aviary-Bookstore-Vivarium” is a bit too long of a name.

READER RECOMMENDED Top Golf 4050 W. Costco Dr. (520) 284-5047 topgolf.com Catalina State Park 11570 N. Oracle Road (520) 628-5798 azstateparks.com

BEST PLACE TO GRAB A COCKTAIL Trident Grill 2912 W. Ina Road (multiple locations) (520) 989-3685 tridentgrill.com The atmosphere of Trident Grill’s four Tucson locations are perfect to relax with a cocktail. Soak in the sports, the friendly vibe and the nautical themes all while enjoying one of their award-winning drinks.

They have classics like Bloody Marys or La Palomas (with tequila and grapefruit). But our favorite is the Strawberry Basil Smash, mixed with rum and soda for a refreshing but not too sweet concoction. And be sure to get there during Trident Grill’s happy hour: Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.

READER RECOMMENDED

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Growler’s Taphouse 8275 N. Silverbell Road (520) 389-8232 growlerstaphouseaz.com Dove Mountain Brewery 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd.

(520) 579-8999 dovemountainbrew.com

BEST PLACE TO WORK Marana Unified School District Serving more than 12,000 students across 19 campuses, the Marana Unified School District is a crucial pillar of the community.

And as far as employment goes, they have opportunities for much more than teachers.

MUSD also employs counselors, bus drivers, health practitioners, secretaries, food service workers and more. We’re glad to see the community enjoys working there, because we don’t know what we’d do without them.

READER RECOMMENDED Raytheon Multiple locations rtx.com Splendido 13500 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 878-2600 splendidotucson.com

BEST PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Road (520) 883-2702 desertmuseum.org The Sonoran Desert is really something that needs to be seen to be understood.

Out-of-towners might feel bad for us, living in a desert and all. But we know it’s one of the most biodiverse deserts in the world, with unique sky islands and a powerful monsoon season. What better way to show visitors the spectacu-

lar beauty of our home than with a trip to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where they can learn about the plants and animals we share the desert with?

And if learning about the flora and fauna isn’t enough, the Desert Museum also has trails where visitors can explore the desert first-hand.

READER RECOMMENDED Mount Lemmon Tohono Chul Park 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte (520) 742-6455 tohonochul.org

BEST RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION/ CONGREGATION Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (SEAS) 8650 N. Shannon Road (520) 297-7357 seastucson.org

This Catholic Church holds a large presence in the community, offering education, volunteering services, parish care and multiple clubs and organizations. For more than 25 years, SEAS has served as a hub and refuge for thousands of Tucson and Oro Valley families. SEAS volunteers support a chapter of the Knights of Columbus, a women’s club, an arts & crafts club and more.

READER RECOMMENDED St. Mark’s Catholic Church 2727 W. Tangerine Road (520) 469-7835 stmarkov.com St. Mark’s United Methodist 1431 W. Magee Road (520) 297-2062 umcstmarks.org

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HEALTH & BEAUTY BEST ALTERNATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

throughout the county, including Oro Valley and Marana.

Pima Pain Center

READER RECOMMENDED

Multiple locations (520) 399-6000 pimapaincenter.com Pima Pain Center’s “fully integrated approach” has been winning awards all around the city. The treatment is tailored to a patient’s need with dozens of options, and can include anything from massage to aqua therapy to dorsal column stimulation to electromyography and more. Pima Pain Center has locations

BlueMoon Acupuncture 10371 N. Oracle Road, suite 202 (520) 505-1442 bluemoonacupuncture.com Pro Active PT 10550 N. La Cañada Drive, suite 160 (520) 547-2476 proactivept.com

BEST BARBERSHOP Northside Barbers 3900 W. Costco Dr. #184 (520) 505-4624

When you get a good haircut, you feel like a million bucks.

That’s why you want to go to the best.

Northside Barbers brand themselves as the hardest-working barbershop in Tucson and that work ethic has won over our readers.

Let’s cut to it: Good prices, quick (but not rushed) service and a whole lot of fun makes this the place to catch your next buzz.

READER RECOMMENDED Canyon del Oro (CDO) Barbershop 7864 N. Oracle Road (520) 297-3855

At Casabona Chiropractic, we take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic care to each and every patient. We have included information below about the different chiropractic services offered in our Tucson chiropractic office, but please call us at (520) 498-9984 if you have any questions!

Your Tucson Chiropractor

Dr. Richard Casabona Chiropractor

7562 La Cholla Blvd Tucson, AZ 85741

(520) 498-9984

www.drcasabona.com

cdobarbershop.com Mike’s Catalina Barber Shop 16256 N. Oracle Road (520) 780-6371 mikes-shop-tucson.edan.io

BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Casabona 7562 N. La Cholla Blvd (520) 498-9984 drcasabona.com All that stress and tension that is not serving you, Casabona Chiropractic will take away with just a snap, crackle, and pop! With state-ofthe-art chiropractic machines, medication-free treatment plans and pre-adjustment massages, your spine will be aligned in no time.

READER RECOMMENDED The Joint 7645 N. Oracle Road, suite 160 (520) 231-2785 thejoint.com Dr. Monica Fowler 7455 W. Twin Peaks Road, suite 111 (520) 579-7906 fowlerchiropractor.com

BEST DAY SPA Gadabout 8303 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-0000 gadabout.com

Miraval 5000 E. Vía Estancia (877) 264-1892 miravalarizona.com It’s a tie between two of our favorite places!

Gadabout and Miraval

are splitting the title for Best Day Spa. We have to admit it’s hard to choose between Miraval’s Relax and Renew Escape and Gadabout’s Tranquility Deep Relaxation Treatment. But here’s the bottom line: You’re walking out refreshed and relaxed either way.

READER RECOMMENDED Greentoes 615 W. Roller Coaster Road (520) 329-8972 greentoestucson.com L-Spa Massage and Skin Care 7620 N. Hartman Lane (520) 572-1265 facebook.com/ lspatherapied/

BEST MASSAGE Massage Envy

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Multiple locations (520) 777-5417 massageenvy.com Whether you need relief from pain and tension or just want a relaxing massage, the trained pros at Massage Envy will put their magic fingers to work on making you feel better. They can also dig into spots where you might need some more work and set up a plan for working those knots out over a few months— which is money well spent when you find long-term relief.

READER RECOMMENDED Rubs 10580 N. La Cañada Drive (520) 544-7827 rubsmassage.com

Fuwa Massage Reflexology 10645 N. Oracle Road, suite 101 (520) 219-0905 fuwamassage.com

BEST DENTIST Dr. Storey Studio Dental 10550 N. La Cañada Drive, suite 106 (520) 575-5576 studiodentalaz.com Athena Storey and the team at Studio Dental have won Best of the Northwest multiple times in the past. It’s a tale we love to see: a Tucson native opens her own practice here in town to support the place she loves. The fact that she happens to be great at it and is beloved by the community is

the cherry on top of the sundae — but let’s hope it’s not too sweet!

READER RECOMMENDED Desert Springs Family Dentistry 7320 N. La Cholla Blvd, suite 134 (520) 575-5900 desertspringsfamily dentistry.com Gladden Farms Family Dentistry 13455 N. Lon Adams Road (520) 329-7456 gladdenfarmsfamily dentistry.net

BEST DERMATOLOGY Ironwood Dermatology Multiple locations (520) 618-1630 ironwooddermatology.org

Here in Arizona, we definitely need to be taking care of our skin. That’s why you should go to the folks who know the sun and know your skin.

Ironwood Dermatology has won numerous recognitions over the years for their work in nearly everything that has to do with skin: cancer treatment, injections, fat reduction,

acne, rejuvenation and more. If it has to do with what’s on you, these are your folks.

READER RECOMMENDED Healthy Skin Multiple locations (520) 293-5757 hsdermatology.com Foothills Dermatology and Facial Plastic Surgery 7418 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 731-1110

olsonandorlick.com

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON/BODY IMPROVEMENT Foothills Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery 7418 N. La Cholla Blvd.

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Olsonandorlick.com The docs at Foothills Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery have both won national recognition for their work. Dr. Jerod Olson, who does the plastic surgery, grew up in Southern Arizona, attended the UA med school and spent a few years honing his craft in Texas and Louisiana before taking a job as section chief for plastic surgery at University Medical Center. He teamed up with Dr. Katherine Orlick to found Foothills Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery. Let’s face it: Tucson is better with Drs. Orlick and Olson at Foothills Dermatol-

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

ogy & Facial Plastic Surgery.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Huether Arizona Skin Cancer Surgery Center 5980 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 887-3333 azskincancer.com

BEST MEN’S HEALTH Dr. Kimy Charani Pusch Ridge Family Medicine 7390 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 825-3547 azacp.com With decades of medical experience under his belt, Dr. Kimy Charani at Pusch Ridge Family Medicine knows what makes a healthcare provider special.

Charani works in osteopathic med-

icine, meaning he focuses on the “whole person” in pursuit of wellness and health.

Community members rank Charani and his practice as the Best of the Northwest for their kindness, professionalism and willingness to take time and really know the patient.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Brian Burnett The Low T Clinic 6585 N. Oracle Road (520) 548-4767 lowttucson.com Dr. Gurinder Sing 2055 W. Hospital Drive, suite 255 (520) 547-5725

BEST OB/GYN Dr. Katie Gillaspy Genesis OB/GYN Northwest 6261 N. La Cholla Blvd., suite 277

520-795-0771 Dr. Gillaspy is passionate about helping women through all phases of their life.

Whether they are young girls, pregnant women or menopausal, Dr. Gillaspy is committed to giving them the care they need to stay healthy.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Martha Laird Genesis OB/GYN Northwest 6261 N. La Cholla Boulevard, suite 277 (520) 795-0771 Dr. Robin Giles 3838 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 694-8888 tinyurl.com/42frypc5

BEST ORAL SURGEON Owen W. Kaiser Casas Adobes Oral Surgery

6471 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 742-6136 For decades, Owen W. Kaiser, DMD, has made smiles in Tucson brighter, healthier and happier. As part of Casas Adobes Oral Surgery, he focuses on quality and compassionate treatment in a relaxing and reassuring environment. Whether it’s in implants, surgery or removal, Kaiser earns his spot as Best of the Northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED Gregory Schwartz Hohenstein & Schwartz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 2512 E. Vistoso Commerce Loop Road (520) 462-7887

hsdentistry.com James Sather 6600 N. Oracle Road (520) 209-2600 drjamessather.business.site

BEST URGENT CARE Northwest Urgent Care 3870 W. River Road (520) 219-6616 A common trend we find in our healthcare winners for Best of the Northwest is excellent bedside manner. Our readers appreciate attentive medical care!

Whether you have managed to slice up your finger, or your kid has put a marble up her nose, the docs here will listen attentively and ease your CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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Best of the Northwest, March , 

THANKS FOR MAKING US THE BEST OF THE NORTHWEST

Medication Management • Pain Management • Neck, Back Pain • Migraines • Sciatica • Steroid Injections • Arthritis • Joint Pain Chiropractic • Physical Therapy • Kyphoplasty • Acupuncture • Addiction Specialist Non-opiod medication management • Botox Electromyogram testing • Addiction counseling (not specialist) • Social Work • Low-dose and non-steriod injection treatments 1310 W. St. Mary’s Rd. - South 2275 W. Magee Rd. Ste 111 - Northwest 7530 N. Oracle Ste 200 - North 6226 E. Pima St. Ste 3 - East 4601 E. Broadway Blvd. - Central 13395 N. Marana Main St., 2nd Fl. - Marana, AZ 4485 I-19 Frontage Rd. Ste 100 - Green Valley, AZ

of Excellence “Our Focus is You”

520.399.6000

6840 E. Broadway Blvd 2158 N. Gilbert Rd. Unit 121, Mesa

Main Fax: 520.399.6002 • www.pimapaincenter.com

#pimapaincenter

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worries. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome!

READER RECOMMENDED Southern Arizona Urgent Oracle 7725 N. Oracle Road, suite 131 (520) 544-2273

BEST EYE CARE Fishkind, Bakewell, Maltzman, Hunter & Associates Eye Care and Surgery Center 5599 N. Oracle Road (520) 293-6740 eyestucson.com It’s easy to see why you want top-flight care when your eyes start to go — and the best care in town is

Best of the Northwest, March , 

what you’ll find at Fishkind, Bakewell, Maltzman, Hunter & Associates Eye Care and Surgery Center.

They have that “vision thing” down.

READER RECOMMENDED Affinity Eye Care 6615 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-8000 affinityeyecaregroup.com Barnet Dulaney Perkins 698 E. Wetmore Road, suite 100 (520) 348-7626 goodeyes.com

BEST HAIR SALON Gadabout Multiple locations gadabout.com Get out-and-about to Gadabout and pamper yourself,

Queen! You deserve it. There is no better feeling than coming out of the salon feeling freshly shampooed, conditioned and professionally maintained. Heck, make it a spa day and you are basically taking a mini vacation!

READER RECOMMENDED Halo Hair Studio 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 742-4433 halo-hairstudio.com Lewis + Ivey Salon 1880 E. Tangerine Road, suite 160 (520) 447-5851 lewisandivey.com

BEST HEALTHCARE HERO Arizona Oncology 1521 E. Tangerine Road, suite

157 (520) 229-2095 Arizonaoncology.com Cancer is a daunting diagnosis, but these days, your chances of beating it are better than ever, especially with the option of individual treatment plans tailored to your own body. Arizona Oncology has more than 100 FDA-approved treatments and 140 ongoing clinical trials as they constantly refine treatment options.

They are committed to finding the right treatment for each patient.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Satish Hiremath 1288 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 575-8800 dedentaz.com

Dr. Erica Hede 3630 W. Tangerine Road, suite 100 (520) 744-3206 nwalliedphysicians.com

BEST HOSPITAL Northwest Medical Center 6200 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 742-9000 healthiertucson.com As we lived through the pandemic, we learned just how important it is to have a hometown hospital.

It speaks volumes that the Northwest Medical Center has been voted Best of the Northwest after the last couple of grueling years. Props to Northwest Medical Center for being there for us.

READER RECOMMENDED Oro Valley Hospital 1551 E. Tangerine Road (520) 901-3500 Healthiertucson.com Banner University Medical Center 1625 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 694-0111 bannerhealth.com

BEST NAIL SALON Greentoes North 615 W. Roller Coaster Road (520) 329-8972 greentoestucson.com/ north/ Greentoes is a manicure lover’s heaven.

All of their nail products are vegan, leaving out many of the harsh chemicals used in other nail salons. On top of that, the salon is clean and calming (which is probably

Drive-Thru

Grocery & Bakery Convenience Store

Franchises now available in AZ (520) 353-3414

farmstores.com/arizona farmstores_az

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

the most important aspect of a nail salon).

Greentoes’ signature mani is an hour of aromatic meditation with the added bonus of a pristine manicure.

Don’t have an hour?

Not to worry! They offer express manis and pedis (25 minutes) for the busy bees that need nail TLC during their lunch break.

READER RECOMMENDED Oro Valley Hand and Foot Spa 12995 N. Oracle Road, suite 151 (520) 395-0034 iTouch 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 214-7979 itouchdayspaorovalley.com

BEST ORTHODONTIST Dr. JAW

Orthodontist 10550 N. La Canada Drive, suite 110 (520) 544-9200 Drjaw.net Giving people confident smiles is a difficult job, but Dr. JAW orthodontists live up to the goal. With a personalized approach to teeth correction, many patients have reported stellar results from Dr. JAW consultations. It helps that everyone in the office tries to make you smile. The atmosphere is light and reassures the most nervous person that their dream smile is within reach.

READER RECOMMENDED Linaker Orthodontics 8070 N. Oracle Road (520) 531-1496

linakerorthodontics.com Freytag Orthodontist 9740 N. Oracle Road, suite 100 (520) 365-6703 freytagortho.com

BEST PEDIATRICIAN Catalina Pediatrics 3085 N. Swan Road (520) 323-3099 catalinapediatrics.com When that little baby arrives, you don’t get an owner’s manual— but you can find all kinds of solid advice and care at Catalina Pediatrics. The doctors here are equipped to handle a barrage of questions and give thoughtful answers.

And hopefully, they can also get an almond out of your kid’s

nose when that day rolls around.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Beth Sachrison, Orange Grove Pediatrics 1925 W. Orange Grove Road, suite 302 (520) 797-3888 orangegrovepediatrics.com Cholla Pediatrics Banner-University Medical Group 2167 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 694-5437 bannerhealth.com

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PROVIDER Proactive PT 8770 N. Thornydale Road, suite 100 (multiple locations) (520) 742-7107 proactivept.com Get active with the pros at Proactive PT, where they believe

movement is medicine. They provide a holistic approach to their therapy, create a welcoming environment and have a dedicated staff to support your needs. There are 10 locations in Tucson to choose from, no referral needed.

READER RECOMMENDED ATI Physical Therapy Multiple locations (520) 822-8640 atipt.com Tucson Orthopaedic Institute 6320 N. La Cholla Blvd, suite 200 (520) 382-8200 tucsonortho.com

BEST DOCTOR Dr. Kenneth W. Rabe, D.O. Desert Sky Spine & Pain 6585 N. Oracle Road

(multiple locations) (520) 229-2080 desertskymedicine.com An individualistic approach to medical care can be difficult to find in some doctors.

Dr. Rabe does not generalize his patients. He understands that chronic pain is different for each person and builds treatment plans that are tailored to each patient.

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. Kimy Charani Pusch Ridge Family Medicine 7390 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 825-3547 azacp.com Dr. Peter Hanna Ina Family Medicine 1631 W. Ina Road (520) 585-5738 azacp.com

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

EDUCATION

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL Canyon Del Oro High 25 W. Calle Concordia (520) 696-5560 amphi.com/cdo What can we say about Canyon Del Oro that isn’t already known throughout the community? A part of the popular Amphi School District for more than half a century, CDO is an institution. Their award-winning clubs and sports teams travel across the state and even country, and their career and technical education opportunities prepare students for the real world. In many ways, CDO is THE high school of the Northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED Ironwood Ridge High 2475 W. Naranja Drive (520) 696-3900 amphi.com/irhs Marana High School 12000 W. Emigh Road (520) 616-6400 maranausd.org/mhs

BEST TEACHER Courtney Weber Gladden Farms Elementary This isn’t fourthgrade teacher Courtney Weber’s first recognition of her success in the classroom, and we get the feeling it won’t be her last. She has been in the Marana Unified School District

for 11 years, teaching at Roadrunner Elementary, Estes Elementary and Gladden Farms Elementary.

Her principal, Caitlyn Kauffman, says that “Mrs. Weber makes learning interactive, hands-on, and exciting. Her students ask questions and take educational risks.

She is a leader to her colleagues and sets a great example daily of what it means to be kind.”

READER RECOMMENDED Chris Yetman Canyon del Oro High School Jessica White Marana Unified School District

BEST SCHOOL LEADER/ PRINCIPAL Caitlyn Kauffman Gladden Farms Elementary School

READER RECOMMENDED Erin Geyer Dove Mountain CSTEM K-8 School Rosemary Nicolls Ironwood Elementary School

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL Leman Academy 7720 N. Silverbell Road (multiple locations) (520) 639-8080 lemanacademy.com/marana Leman Academy focuses on well-rounded students with an emphasis on “excellence,” so it’s no wonder they regularly rank in Best of the Northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED BASIS Oro Valley 11155 N. Oracle Road (520) 308-5220 basised.com/oro-valley MCAT High School 13650 N. McDuff Road (520) 682-4773 maranausd.org/mcat

Marana Unified and Gladden Farms Elementary School sure take the cake this year!

Congratulations to BEST PRIVATE Gladden Farms princiSCHOOL pal Caitlyn Kauffman, who has plenty of Salpointe Catholic pride for her school High School and the Tucson area 1545 E. Copper St. in general — being a (520) 327-6581 Wildcat alum herself. salpointe.org An associate principal for three years, and We could write a now the principal, Mrs. whole paragraph Kauffman continues in about Salpointe’s her focus on deeper athletic success alone, learning with handsbut their students sucon experiences for stuceed in plenty of other dents to truly interact with the content.

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ways. Working in the Carmelite tradition of education, Salpointe students receive a holistic model of education. This includes everything from STEM to humanities to college prep education.

Since opening in 1950, Salpointe Catholic has emphasized the “spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, and social development” of students, and it’s certainly paid off.

READER RECOMMENDED Pusch Ridge Christian Academy 9500 N. Oracle Road (520) 529-0107 prca.academy St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 8650 N. Shannon Road

BEST DANCE SCHOOL

(520) 219-7650 school.seastucson.org

BEST MASCOT Marana High School Tigers We can look past the fact Marana High School doesn’t have a desert creature as its mascot, because really, who doesn’t like tigers? The mascot head is always fun to see bobbing around at sports games, and we give extra points for the great logo that implements Marana High’s initials. He’s grrrreeeaaaat!

READER RECOMMENDED Canyon del Oro Dorados Mountain View Mountain Lions

Tucson Dance Academy 2850 W. Ina Road (520) 744-6882 tucsondanceacademy.com

BEST SWIM SCHOOL

Tucson Dance Academy brands itself as the premiere dance studio in the city. In their four studios, they teach a wide variety of dance classes: ballroom, ballet, hiphop, jazz, tap, musical theater and more. Hit the floor and get some pep in your step!

Oro Valley Aquatic Center

READER RECOMMENDED

A tie! Our readers

Heart and Soul 5741 N. Oracle Road (520) 818-7974 heartandsoulkids.com ShowBiz Academy of

‘‘WHERE THE FLAVOR MAKES THE DIFFERENCE’’ Family Owned & Operated since 1991

Thank you for Voting for Us! Dine in, Take out, Curbside pickup Hours: 11am-9pm every day 11931 N. 1st Ave. ste 104 Oro Valley AZ.

520-297-1695

Dance 6906 N. Camino Martin, suite 110 (520) 744-7700 showbizacademyofdance.org

www.LaHaciendaOroValley.com

Thank you Tucson for Voting us one of the Best Sports Bars in the NW!

Join us for Good Friday, April 15th: Salmon Salad: A bed of spinach topped with sun dried tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese and grilled salmon.

It comes with Raspberry vinaigrette.

Salmon Entrée: Grilled salmon with a dinner salad and creamed spinach Soup will be New England Clam Chowder with no bacon.

We Proudly Serve Az Craft Beer on Tap! 6781 N. Thornydale Rd. • 520-219-0301 • monsoonstapandgrill.com

23 W. Calle Concordia (520) 292-7946 orovalleyaz.gov

DeMont Family Swim School 2850 E. Ina Road, suite 130 (520) 877-7946 Demontswim.com

love the friendly confines of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, where you can jump off the high dive or slip down a water slide when you’re done with your lessons. But you also love the DeMont Family Swim School, where you’ll find two heated pools and regular swim lessons for kids from two months old and up. Whichever one you pick, you’re making the right choice to teach your kid to swim.

READER RECOMMENDED Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520) 299-3000 tucsonjcc.org Wade McLean Pool, Marana High 12000 E. Emigh Road (520) 616-6500 tinyurl.com/4pm3d6x2

Arizona’s premiere studio for dedicated and serious dancers

FOOTHILLS NEWS

Ages 2 to Adult

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm 10370 La Canada Dr., #170

520-498-0093

Google Reviews 4.8 “Amazing Experience” “Loved it” “Instructors were wonderful” “My daughter is so happy”

We are delighted to be considered “Best of the Northwest”!

the secret is out, visit us at www.OldPuebloCellars.com

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

SPORTS & RECREATION BEST BIKE TRAIL Chuck Huckelberry Loop With more than 130 miles of pathways connecting the community along the riverbanks, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop lets people travel all the way from the Houghton Greenway to Catalina State Park without having to contend with cars. The winner of numerous awards, The Loop is a fabulous way to get exercise, enjoy some fresh air and learn about different corners of the community.

Simply put, it’s a work of genius.

READER RECOMMENDED Catalina State Park 11570 N. Oracle Road (520) 628-5798 azstateparks.com/catalina Dove Mountain Preserve 5401 W. Dove Mountain Park Road

BEST GAME AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Elevate Trampoline Park 9705 N. Thornydale Road, suite 1 (520) 505-4665 Elevate not only yourself, but your life at Elevate Trampoline Park. With a membership, you can jump your problems away, all day, and so can your kids!

It’s great for birthday

parties or just for those days when bouncing into squishy blocks sounds like the thing to do. What what day doesn’t that sound fun?

READER RECOMMENDED Games Workshop 7925 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-7320 games-workshop.com Top Deck Towers Cards and Games 3805 W. River Road, suite 151 (520) 268-8786 Topdeckcgaz.tcgplayerpro. com

BEST FITNESS CENTER/GYM Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520) 299-3000 tucsonjcc.org The J isn’t just a gym, although it does have all the expected treadmills, stairclimbers, ellipticals and the like (some of it brandnew!) along with weights, a pool, hot tubs, tennis, pickleball and more. It’s also a community with excellent early childhood education classes, afterschool programs, an art gallery and sculpture garden, a kosher restaurant and all kinds of programs.

It’s not just the Best Fitness Center—it’s one of this town’s best places, period.

Achieve Strength and Fitness 8235 N. Silverbell Road, suite 175 (219) 808-5939 Achievestrengthandfitness. com Planet Fitness Multiple locations planetfitness.com

BEST GOLF COURSE The Views Golf Club 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3110 Theviewsgolfclub.com Schedule a tee time at The Views Golf Club if you want to enjoy not only the gorgeous Catalina Mountains, but a satisfying desert-inspired champion 18-hole golf course. Or hit the driving range, the putting green or the Pro Shop. Top it all off with a meal at The Views.

Sounds like a perfect day to us!

READER RECOMMENDED El Conquistador Golf 10555 N. La Cañada Drive (520) 544-1801 elcongolf.com Omni Tucson National Resort 2727 W. Club Drive (520) 297-2271 omnihotels.com

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BEST GYMNASTICS STUDIO Heart & Soul Kids 8363 N. Oracle Road (520) 818-7974 heartandsoulkids.com Voted yet again for Best of the Northwest, Heart & Soul seems to be jumpin’! UA Gym Cat Alumni Deanna Sherman established Heart & Soul Kids in 2013. Now there are two separate locations with recreational programs that allow children to enjoy activities that benefit their mental and physical health without the pressure of a competitive

environment. Heart & Soul offers a variety of camps, birthday parties and other events, such as the upcoming 2022 recital. Let your kids enjoy dancing, gymnastics, and ninja classes today!

READER RECOMMENDED Arizona Dynamics 3949 W. Costco Drive (520) 742-1444 azdynamics.com Flex 11085 N. Oracle Road (520) 744-6180 flexgymnasticsaz.com

BEST HIKING TRAIL Catalina State Park, Canyon Loop 11570 N. Oracle Road (520) 628-5798

azstateparks.com/catalina This two-mile loop showcases stunning views of the Catalina Mountains. The well-maintained trail gives you an up-close look at desert flora and fauna without huge changes in elevation. We highly recommend this trail for newbies to Arizona hiking. Like any desert hike, bring plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled for cacti, snakes and scorpions!

READER RECOMMENDED Sabino Canyon 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road fs.usda.gov/recarea/ coronado Sweetwater Preserve Trail 4001 N. Tortolita Road

BEST PARK Naranja Park 810 W. Naranja Drive (520) 229-5050 orovalleyaz.gov/parksandrec/ parks/naranja-park This is Oro Valley’s Central Park, with everything from a dog park to an archery range. (Take it from us: Those things don’t mix well.) But there are also ball fields, hiking trails, picnic ramadas, grills and plenty more. Best of all, there’s more on the way!

READER RECOMMENDED Riverfront Park 551 W. Lambert Lane (520) 229-5050 orovalleyaz.gov Tangerine Sky Park

411 W. Tangerine Road (520) 382-1950 maranaaz.gov/recreation

BEST YOGA/ PILATES/ ALTERNATIVE EXERCISE YMCA 7770 N. Shannon Road (520) 229-9001 tucsonymca.org/location/ northwest-ymca This national brand knows how to offer a massive variety of exercise programs in one place. The Northwest YMCA has everything including barre, TRX, yoga, Zumba, and HIT. Getting too comfortable in one discipline? Don’t be afraid to try anoth-

er. It’s important to strengthen and stretch all different types of muscles through multiple disciplines. The YMCA offerings allow you to constantly challenge yourself with new types of exercise.

READER RECOMMENDED Barefoot 7053 N. Oracle Road, suite 200 (520) 797-2881 barefootstudio.yoga Body Basics 1631 W. Ina Road (520) 498-0359 bodybasics.biz

RETIREMENT BEST ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY Sun City Oro Valley

1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3711 scovaz.com It’s no surprise that Sun City Oro Valley has once again won this category. Their nearly endless activities include tai chi, water volleyball, cardio chair aerobics, pilates, zumba, racquetball, water aerobics, core conditioning, karate, yoga, cycling clubs and so much more.

They put the “active” in active living!

READER RECOMMENDED SaddleBrooke Two 38759 S. Mountain View Blvd.

(520) 818-1000 sbhoa2.org Amber Lights 6231 N. Montebella Road (520) 704-6485 srgseniorliving.com

BEST ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Amber Lights

6231 N. Montebella Road (520) 704-6485 srgseniorliving.com Senior living is luxurious at Amber Lights. Residents can enjoy daily nutritious and delicious meals, a fitness center, a music theater, an art room, a library and a salon. It’s little wonder this is our readers’ favorite. You won’t need rose-colored glasses to see Amber Lights.

READER RECOMMENDED SaddleBrooke Two 38759 S. Mountain View Blvd.

(520) 818-1000 sbhoa2.org The Watermark at Continental Ranch 8689 N. Silverbell Road (520) 789-6690 continentalranch. watermarkcommunities.com

BEST MEMORY CARE FACILITY Brookdale

Multiple locations in Tucson (520) 749-9200 brookdale.com/en/ourservices/memory-care Those who have spouses or parents with Alzheimer’s and dementia know how challenging it can be to care for them. Memory care facilities take the weight off your shoulders and provide the care your loved ones need. Trained specialists at Brookdale are available 24/7 to be there for clients in case of emergency and create care plans specifically tailored to their diagnosis.

READER RECOMMENDED Mountain View Retirement Village 7900 N. La Cañada Drive (520) 229-3350 mountainviewretirement. com The Watermark at Continental Ranch 8689 N. Silverbell Road (520) 789-6690 continentalranch. watermarkcommunities.com

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Splendido at Rancho Vistoso

13500 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 878-2600 splendidotucson.com Retirement doesn’t have to mean boredom. Splendido doesn’t even call it retirement—it’s “repriorment,” or reprioritizing your life. Retirees can reprioritize their physical and mental health with access to an onsite spa, fitness center, art classes, biking, hiking and more. This community is filled with accessibly designed homes and active living activities.

And then at the end of a busy day, you can look out your window at the spectacular Santa Catalina Mountains outside your window.

READER RECOMMENDED Sun City, Oro Valley 1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3711 scovaz.com Saddlebrooke Two 38759 S. Mountain View Blvd.

(520) 818-1000 sbhoa2.org

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been here since 1956, so they know a thing or two about home improvement. Be sure to check their website for promotions and great deals to save on big-ticket item purchases!

READER RECOMMENDED

Tucson Local Media file photo

RETAIL AND SERVICES BEST APPLIANCE STORE Christie’s Appliance & Mattress Co. 7250 N. La Cholla Blvd. (multiple locations) (520) 742-0801 christiesappliancetucson.com

Upgrading your home with new appliances is a necessary evil. Necessary because you need quality home products, but evil because it takes so much darn

work to get them installed! At Christie’s, they take evil out of the equation.

Christie’s provides delivery, installation and technical support for buyers. This local Tucson brand has

Costco 3901 W. Costco Drive (520) 797-1980 costco.com Home Depot Multiple locations homedepot.com

BEST ART GALLERY DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun 6300 N. Swan Road (520) 299-9191 degrazia.org

Designed and built by Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia himself, the adobe-brick Gallery in the Sun is a gorgeous setting for the legendary Arizona artist. The gallery hosts both a permanent collection of DeGrazia’s work as well as rotating shows of paintings that the public doesn’t always get a chance to see. Outside the gallery are the gorgeous grounds where you can see DeGrazia’s

original home and “little gallery,” as well as a chapel that’s been restored since a fire a few years back.

READER RECOMMENDED Madaras Gallery 3035 N. Swan Road (520) 615-3001 madaras.com Tohono Chul Gallery 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (520) 742-6455 tohonochul.com

BEST ATTORNEY Lerner and Rowe 2323 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 977-1900 Lernerandrowe.com

No one wants to have to call a criminal defense or personal injury attorney, but when you do have to make that call, you want to call the very best. And in this case, you just need to call 977-1900, as the firm’s radio jingle has embedded in all our minds. These are topnotch lawyers who will represent you whether you’ve made a mistake that’s got you crosswise with the law or been in an accident and you need to get what you deserve.

READER RECOMMENDED Valentine and Valentine 6831 N. Oracle Road, suite 145 (520) 498-0088 valentineandvalentine.com Fleming & Curti 1745 E. River Road Suite 101 (520) 622-0400 elder-law.com

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP OOROO Automotive

12945 N. Oracle Road (520) 975-1005 Oorooauto.com It’s inevitable that your car is going to have trouble, so it is important to find a reliable place to take your car in for repair.

But OOROO Automotive has an even better deal: They will come to you and fix your car right at home or at the office. That means you can sit on your couch and binge Netflix shows while your car is being repaired.

Plus, they have a club that lets you keep up with routine maintenance like oil changes.

Beep Beep, less stress coming through!

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HHome+Auto=easy ome+ me + Auto= me Auuto Auto to = eeasy aasy sy LOCAL OFFICE

William Derby 520-416-7181 Tucson Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

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READER RECOMMENDED Discount Tire 3760 N. Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85705 (520) 887-6338 discounttire.com Klipper Automotive 6621 N. Thornydale Road (520) 585-4524 klipperautomotive.com

BEST BICYCLE STORE Oro Valley Bicycle 12925 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 825-2751 orovalleybicycle.com

Pima County is regularly recognized for its fine cycling opportunities, so it’s no surprise to see so many cyclists out on the streets. But when your bike is giv-

ing you trouble or you need a new ride, you want someone you can trust making sure the gears all move smoothly. Oro Valley Bicycle remains the best spot to get your bike needs met.

bookmans.com

Pedego Electric Bikes 4320 N. Campbell Ave, suite 128 (520) 441-9782 pedegoelectricbikes.com Bicycle Ranch 7090 N. Oracle Road, suite 156 (520) 219-4311 bicycleranchtucson.com

We’ve been trading books at Bookmans for nearly half a century, so we can’t even remember our town without this institution. While they might not have every book you’re looking for, they are more than likely to have something fun to read. Best of all, it’s likely to be half the original price, and once you’re done, you can bring it back to trade in for credit for your next literary adventure. What’s not to love?

BEST BOOKSTORE

READER RECOMMENDED

READER RECOMMENDED

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange 3733 W. Ina Road (Multiple locations) (520) 579-0303

Barnes & Noble 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 742-6402 barnesandnoble.com The National Parks Store

12880 N. Vistoso Village Dr. (520) 622-1999 wnpa.org

BEST CAR WASH Mister Car Wash Multiple locations mistercarwash.com

Excuse me, Mister, I’ve got a melted chocolate bar on the passenger side of my car floor. Please can you help me vacuum and condition it out?

Of course, Mister will help you with your dirty situation! They have been providing service and care since 1969. With 342 locations and over 5,600 team members, they have this down by now.

READER RECOMMENDED Octopus

3410 N. First Ave. (multiple locations) 520) 888-3124 octopuscarwashaz.com Surf Thru 3847 W. River Road (multiple locations) (520) 447-5142 surfthruexpress.com

BEST CLEANING SERVICE Dove Mountain Cleaning Company (520) 991- 3251 dovemountaincleaning.com

We know you’re not using your Swiffer Wet Jet on a day-to-day basis like you should be. Save yourself the trouble and call Dove Mountain Cleaning Company. They are a local business that provides services to citizens across the valley. Whether you need house cleaning,

office cleaning or window washing, Dove Mountain Cleaning Company will get the job done—and if you want to take credit for it, we’re not telling.

READER RECOMMENDED The Tucson Team 8620 N. Glenhurst Place (520) 270-9147 thetucsonteam.net Oro Valley Carpet Cleaning 2451 E. Skipping Rock Way (520) 297-2238 ovcarpetcleaning.com

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Trader Joe’s

7912 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 797-4207 traderjoes.com Trader Joe’s is a beloved national chain because they always

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put service above anything else. Team members project positivity throughout the store. From constant restocking to chipper managers, this store makes grocery shopping fun!

READER RECOMMENDED Dr. JAW Orthodontists 10550 N. La Canada Drive, suite 110 (520) 544-9200 drjaw.net Golden Goose Thrift Shop 15970 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-9101 goldengooseaz.com

BEST DAY CARE Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520) 299-3000 tucsonjcc.org

The J’s early childhood program is not only the Best of the Northwest—it’s among the best in the nation. The teachers are enthusiastic and engaged and the

kids have plenty to do, from a playspace that has tunnels and slides to a splashpad to swimming, tennis, soccer and basketball classes. This is a place where your kids will never get bored—and once they get into kindergarten and beyond, they’ll love coming here for after-school programs and summer camp.

READER RECOMMENDED Leman Academy Marana Daycare/Preschool 7720 N. Silverbell Road (520) 639-8080 lemanacademy.com St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center 1431 W. Magee Road (520) 797-2925 stmarksecc.com

BEST DRY CLEANERS Sparkle Cleaners Multiple locations sparklecleaners.com

With same-day service (provided you drop your dirty clothes

Making the Old West New Again!

Exterior & Interior Painting FREE Estimates Roof Repair & Coating • Drywall Repair

Res. & Comm Lic. #135755

off early enough), Sparkle Cleaners will take care of making sure you look sparkling when you show up at work or go out for a night on the town.

First impressions are everything!

READER RECOMMENDED Twin Peaks Cleaners 9110 N. Silverbell Road, suite 160 (520) 744-9310 Shaffer’s Multiple locations shafferdrycleaning.com

BEST ELECTRICIAN Oro Valley Lighting and Electric

12995 N. Oracle Road, suite 151 (520) 282-1288 orovalleyelectric.com When your current isn’t flowing like it’s supposed to be, or you need to flow to new places, you want an experienced electrician on the job.

The team at Oro Valley

Lighting and Electric has seen it all and can take care of you without a shocking bill.

Dugan Electric (520) 850-6660 All About Electric Service and Maintenance (520) 591-5446 allaboutelectricservice.com

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER Fidelity Investments Multiple locations (800) 343-3548 fidelity.com

If you don’t want to invest all of your retirement in NFTs, you should visit with someone at Fidelity for your financial planning.

(And if you do want to invest all of your retirement in NFTs, you should definitely rethink that plan.) The team at the Skyline location are committed to giving the best advice possible for your financial future.

They help you wade through the financial jargon and tell you the

risks that lie ahead.

The company has a stellar track record and is regulated by top financial officials.

READER RECOMMENDED Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 3500 E. Sunrise Drive (520) 790-4300 ml.com Vantage West Financial Advisors Multiple locations vantagewest.org

BEST FLORIST Inglis Florists 6468 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 297-1158 inglisflorists.com

Whether you want a simple bouquet for your sweetie or an elaborate arrangement for a very special occasion, Inglis Florists is here to help you say it with flowers. And they’ve been doing it for more than 75 years, so they know a thing or two about getting it right.

READER RECOMMENDED Casas Adobes Flower Shop 7090 N. Oracle Road, suite 198 (520) 297-1165 casasflowers.com Mayfield Florist 7181 Tanque Verde (multiple locations) (520) 202-9410 mayfieldflorist.com

BEST FUNERAL HOME Adair Funeral Homes Tucson

1050 N. Dodge Blvd. adairfuneralhomes.com (520) 201-1131 The Adair Funeral Homes knows that losing someone is a difficult process.

Some may expect that funeral home employees could become desensitized, but not the team at Adair.

Clients gush about the staff offering sensitive care. Their empathetic service makes all the CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Orange Grove Animal Hospital

We love our customers & their humans We appreciate the votes, and your continued support

We are a Full Service Pet Hospital We offer the following services: Dental Care & Online Pharmacy Boarding for all sorts of animals Vaccinations & Surgery Preventative Care & More

520.322.0684

Serving Tucson & Surrounding Areas www.stetsonpainting.com

877-2626 | 3091 W. Orange Grove Rd., Tucson 85741 Like us on Face Book or Visit us at svg-vets.com Mon - Fri 7am to 7pm | Sat 8am to Noon | Closed Sun

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difference during a tough time. The Adair team prides itself on walking you through each step of the process, physically and emotionally.

READER RECOMMENDED Vistoso Funeral Home 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 544-2285 vistosofuneralhome.com Marana Mortuary Cemetery 12146 W. Barnett Road (520) 682-9900

BEST GARAGE DOOR SERVICE A1 Garage Door

3530 N. Oracle Road, suite 104 (520) 257-1068 a1garage.com What’s the point of having a garage if your door doesn’t

work? If you’ve been putting off fixing the garage doors, this family business is the place to call.

READER RECOMMENDED AJ’s Garage Door Service (520) 347-8647 ajsgaragedoorservice.com Big Bear Garage Door Services (520) 204-7899

BEST HANDYMAN Ace Handyman Services

9102 E. Holmes St. (520) 612- 0621 Acehandymanservices.com Get yourself an ace handyman at Ace Handyman Services.

No, seriously. Ace is nationally recognized as one of America’s best companies for

customer service.

They listen and solve customers’ problems, send on-my-way text notifications, are respectful of the client’s home, have quick and easy scheduling and are reliable and trustworthy professionals.

And that’s what you want when you need something fixed.

READER RECOMMENDED Ronnie’s Home Service 9155 N. Shadow Mountain Dr. (520) 297-8724 www.ronnieshandyman.com Jack’ll Fix-it 4837 W. Willow Wind Place (520) 307-5123

BEST HOME BUILDER Pulte

pulte.com/homes/arizona/ tucson

Pulte is the company behind the quality homes in Rancho Vistoso, so it’s not a surprise our readers name them the best.

The homebuilder is known for finding stunning desert views for their new homes, which means your home is only going to increase in value. If you don’t already have your Pulte home, keep an eye out for upcoming Ironwood Estates.

READER RECOMMENDED Meritage Homes meritagehomes.com DR Horton drhorton.compu

BEST HOME REMODELING Urias Custom Remodeling (520) 572-9128

uriasremodeling.com Although HGTV home renovations look fun, the process is a lot less glamorous than portrayed on television. If you’re going to go through the trouble of giving your house a makeover, you want the best team on the job. Urias can do pretty much anything, whether you’re looking to create a new patio space, add a room to your house or fire up an outdoor kitchen. If you can imagine it, they can make it happen.

READER RECOMMENDED Pusch Ridge Design & Remodel 12995 N. Oracle Road (520) 425-0455 puschridgedesign.com Classy Closets Tucson

2010 N. Forbes Blvd.

(520) 326-7888 classyclosets.com

BEST HOTEL/ RESORT El Conquistador

10000 N. Oracle Road (520) 544-5000 hiltonelconquistador.com The El Conquistador is a grand resort nestled on the edge of Pusch Ridge, offering guests a getaway in the astonishing beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Whether you want to lounge by the pool or visit the on-site spa, you won’t regret checking in at El Con. READER RECOMMENDED Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain 15000 N. Secret Springs (520) 572-3000 dovemountain.com

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Westin La Paloma 3800 E. Sunrise Drive (520) 742-6000 marriot.com

BEST HVAC/ HEATING/COOLING Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing 4551 S. Alvernon Way (520) 745-0660 ritewayac.com

When your AC breaks down in the middle of summer, you want it fixed before the heatstroke kicks in. And you want it done the right way.

Well, who better than Rite Way? This longtime company has earned its reputation as, well, the Best of the Northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED

Hamstra Heating & Cooling 4389 N. Highway Drive (520) 629-9833 hamstrahvac.com Strongbuilt Heating and Cooling 5450 N. Camino de la Tierra, suite 4 (520) 729-9200 strongbuiltusa.com

BEST INSURANCE AAA

6950 N. Oracle Road (520) 285-0505 aaa.com The AAA gang is on your side when it comes to car trouble, so it’s no surprise our readers turn to them when they need car insurance. Whether you’re doing the usual collision policy, want to make sure the tow truck turns up when

you are stuck on the side of the road or even want to shop for a used car, AAA is dependable and trustworthy—and what else do you want from your insurer?

READER RECOMMENDED Geico 6781 N. Thornydale Road, suite 203 (520) 416-7181 geico.com Wendy Wise, State Farm 1880 E. Tangerine Sky Road (520) 544-2838 wendywise.net

BEST JEWELRY STORE McGuire’s Jewelers 230 E. Wetmore Road (520) 622-7532 www.mcguiresjewelers.com Have you gotten

your sweetie a piece of jewelry lately? Perhaps a pearl necklace or a set of diamond earrings? No? Well, get to it unless you want to get gone! McGuire is the best jeweler in Tucson, serving three generations since 1947. They offer many styles, designers and the personal touch only a longtime local can.

READER RECOMMENDED Jared the Galleria of Jewelry 4240 N. Oracle Road (520) 292-6265 stores.jared.com Sheffield’s Diamonds 7619 N. Oracle Road, suite 125 (520) 744-3443 sheffieldsdiamonds.com

BEST LANDSCAPING SERVICES/ MAINTENANCE AAA Landscaping 4742 N. Romero Road (520) 696-3223 aaalandscape.com

Our condolences to the team at AAA Landscaping, which lost founder Richard Underwood last year. He was a wonderful supporter of the community who will be missed by the family and many friends. His solid team has stepped up in his absence to serve the many resorts, parks, churches, master-planned communities, municipalities and commercial areas that depend on them to keep things look-

ing sharp—and we’d expect nothing less.

READER RECOMMENDED Northwest Landscaping 1771 W. Dairy Place (520) 888-0669 nwlandscaping.com Oro Valley Landscaping Systems (520) 312-8726 orovalleylandscapesystems. com

BEST LIVE VENUE Gaslight Music Hall 13005 N. Oracle Road, suite 165 (520) 529-1000 gaslightmusichall.com

This fabulous venue hosts lots of performances, including musicians, magicians and CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Where Tucson Gets Engaged.

We Will Buy Your Best In Design For Custom Jewelry

Thank you for Voting us for Best of the Northwest!

• Rolex • Diamonds • Gently Used Jewelry • Old Gold Bring this ad in and mention Code: BONW22 7619 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 125 Oro Valley, AZ 85704 520-744-3443 www.sheffieldsdiamonds.com

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

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Best of the Northwest, March ,  CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

contests. The live music includes tributes to the likes of Sinatra, the Carpenters, Carrie Underwood and the Eagles, among others.

And some of these tribute acts sound as good as—and sometimes better?—than the originals. If you want a night out enjoying the music you grew up loving, the Gaslight Music Hall is the place to be.

READER RECOMMENDED Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 Noblehops.com The Views 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3110 theviewsgolfclub.com

BEST MOM AND POP SHOP Donut Wheel 4524 W. Ina Road (520) 744-2811

Apple Fritters. I said it. Big, delicious Apple Fritters. Maple glazed donuts, powdered donuts, chocolate glazed donuts…It’s like Homer Simpson heaven. Treat yourself.

You are in a trance.

You are getting into your car. You are driving to Donut Wheel.

You are ordering a dozen donuts instead of just the one glazed donut you promised yourself. You’re not selfish—what if others want some? And, you are supporting your local mom and pop shop, you outstanding

citizen!

READER RECOMMENDED Grumpy’s Grill 2960 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452, grumpysgrill.com La Hacienda Restaurant 11931 N. First Ave., suite 104 (520) 297-1695 lahaciendaorovalley.com

BEST MOVIE THEATER Century Theater at the Oro Valley Marketplace 12155 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-6512 cinemark.com

If you miss watching movies on the big screen, Century Theater at the Oro Valley Marketplace is the place to once again experience the

magic of a motion picture. They’ve got crisp Digital HD and RealD 3D screens, comfy reclining seats, extra wide aisles and stadium seating.

You can book private watch parties or hit Discount Tuesdays for a cheap movie ticket.

Our sources tell us you can’t just go to smell the buttery popcorn, but you’ll want to pick up a bucket to munch on while you enjoy your flick.

READER RECOMMENDED AMC Foothills 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd, suite 144 (520) 742-5050 amctheatres.com Harkins 5755 W. Arizona Pavilions Dr. (520) 230-4730 harkins.com

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Green Things 3235 E. Allen Road (520) 299-9471 greenthingsaz.com

When you want to put your green thumb to work, start at Green Things. They’ve got everything you need to grow a healthy garden, whether you’re planting citrus trees or keeping it simple with some potted plants and native cactus.

Even passing by on River Road is like visiting a botanical garden.

READER RECOMMENDED Rillito Nursery and Garden Center 6303 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 575-0995 rillitonursery.com Tohono Chul Park 7366 N. Paseo del Norte (520) 742-6455 tohonochul.org

BEST PAINTER The Paint Kings 2004 E. 17th St. (520) 322-5181 paintkings.com

Who would you rather have doing your painting job: Paint Kings or Paint Peasants? We know we’d rather go with Paint Kings. This company has a deserved reputation for doing the job right. In fact, you might say they give their customers the royal treatment.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

READER RECOMMENDED Abeyta Painting 3316 N. Chapel Ave. (520) 529-2878 abeytapainting.com Stone Canyon Painting 10645 N. Oracle Road (520) 780-4122 stonecanyonpainting.com

BEST PET GROOMING Sissy’s Pet Grooming

7350 N. La Cholla Blvd., suite 112 (520) 229-9898 facebook.com/Sissys-PetGrooming-Salon Your fur baby deserves a nose-to-tail spa treatment after a long day of dealing with you. You can find

that high-quality pampering at Sissy’s Pet Grooming seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Do you have a good excuse as to why you haven’t made an appointment already?

Get to it!

READER RECOMMENDED Petsmart Oro Valley 10625 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-0008 www.petsmart.com PetCo 11985 N. Oracle Road (520) 297-0019 Stores.petco.com

BEST PLUMBER Cummings Plumbing

5141 N. Casa Grande Hwy. (520) 333-2121 cummingsplumbing tucsonaz.com When the toilet is

backing up, you’ve only got hours to fix it before some real, um, issues start backing up. The gang at Cummings Plumbing will be there to unclog your drains, stop your leaks and fix whatever else needs fixing.

And trust us, you want community-approved professionals with this kind of work.

READER RECOMMENDED Oro Valley Plumbing (520) 909-6605 ovplumbing.com Al Coronado Plumbing (520) 834-8400 alcoronadoplumbing.com

BEST POOL BUILDER Patio Pools

7918 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 797-2299

patiopoolssaz.com

Omni Pool Builders and Design

(520) 222-8503 Info@OmniPoolBuilders.com It’s a tie! Your dream desert oasis is just a phone call away. Make a call to Omni Pool Builders or Patio Pools to assess your home and create a design that’ll make the Tucson summers bearable. Their modern designs compliment the design of your home. Pools are especially important in Arizona, and you want the best when you take a dip.

READER RECOMMENDED Pools by Design 3031 W. Ina Road

(520) 797-6675 poolsbydesignaz.com

BEST POOL CARE Sparkle and Splash Pools

3630 W. Tangerine Road, suite 112 (520) 250-1919 Sparkleandsplash.com When you finally decide that your efforts to properly mix your chlorine and your alkaline and whatever else is resulting in a green swamp in your backyard aren’t enough, it’s time to call Sparkle and Splash Pools. Owners Mike and Amy Marchione moved to Tucson in 2007 to start this company with services like reverse osmosis, full equipment installs, pool automation, equipment repairs, tile cleaning and

pool renovation. With these guys on your side, you’ll be able to make a big splash all summer long.

READER RECOMMENDED E-Konomy Pool Service and Supplies 6020 E. Speedway Blvd.

(520) 325-6427 e-konomy.com Patio Pools 7918 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 797-2299 patiopoolsaz.com

BEST REALTOR Lisa Bayless

8540 N. Oracle Road (520) 665-3004 lisabayless.com Lisa Bayless uses her 13 years of experience CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

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to find you the home you want. She knows the neighborhoods and will work with your needs in mind.

Plus, she’s a huge supporter of our town, with a portion of every commission going toward to community efforts like education and nonprofits. To put it simply, Bayless is a synonym for real estate when it comes to the northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED Sandy Northcutt 12080 N. Dove Mountain Blvd., suite 100 (520) 409-5301 Sandynorthcutt.com 1st Heritage Realty, Brittany Palma, Broker-Owner 5501 N. Swan Road, suite

Best of the Northwest, March , 

231 (520) 270-7958 thea2bteam.com

BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM Lisa Bayless

8540 N. Oracle Road (520) 665-3004 lisabayless.com Not only did our readers name Lisa Bayless as the top real estate agent—they also picked her crew as the best real estate team. Now that’s a solid reputation. It just goes to show that she excels at real estate herself, as well as excels at fostering a powerful real estate community.

READER RECOMMENDED Golden Girls of Long Realty

7725 N. Wade Road (520) 270-3781 goldengirls.longrealty.com Keller Williams 1745 E. River Road, suite 245 (520) 247-8250 southernazhouses.com

BEST ROOFER Hallmark Roofing 4562 N. First Ave. (520) 297-0995 hallmark-roofing.com

When you’re running around the house with pots and pans to catch all the water leaking through the ceiling, you know it’s time for a new roof.

And given what a huge investment it is, you know you want the best. Hallmark Roofing will come to your rescue and ensure you make it through monsoon season.

microchipping to dentistry and snake bite treatments—and everything in between. They’ll have Fido feeling better in no time.

READER RECOMMENDED Ralph Hays 2550 W. Poppy Ave. (520) 887-3384 ralphhays.com Roofsavers Locke Roofing 3872 E. 34th St. (520) 884-1288 roofsaversaz.com

Dove Mountain Veterinary 12110 N. Dove Mountain

Blvd.

(520) 448-9690 dovemountainvet.com Orange Grove Animal Hospital 3091 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 877-2626 svg-vets.com

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC

EXPLORER The Northwest’s Newspaper

Twin Peaks Vet Clinic

7555 W. Twin Peaks Road (520) 572-8300 twinpeaksvet.com

MARANA NEWS DESERTTIMES

When your beloved pet isn’t feeling well, it’s your job to make them feel better. Twin Peaks Pet Clinic has a team of outstanding vets who can do everything from wellness exams and

FOOTHILLSNEWS

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6918 N Camino Martin, Suite120 (off Ina Rd., just East of I-10) CatalinaBrewingCo.com

Thank you for your support and love throughout the years!

We couldn’t do it without you!

520-744-2002 8330 N. Thornydale Rd. #170 Tucson, AZ 85741

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Best of the Northwest, March , 

FOOD AND DRINK BEST ASIAN FOOD Golden Dragon

Multiple locations goldendragontucson.com A familiar face around town, Golden Dragon has two locations in the northwest, meaning you’ll never have to wait too long for some great takeout. Golden Dragon has all the classics of Chinese cuisine. But what sets them above are their ingredients that they pride themselves on being “fresh from the wok.” Three generations of Tucsonans have been faced with the tough question: chow mein or lo mein?

READER RECOMMENDED Sushi on Oracle 6449 N. Oracle Road (520) 297-3615 sushionoracle.net Noodleholics 7850 N. Oracle Road (520) 268-8662 noodleholics.com

BEST BAKERY Village Bakehouse 7882 N. Oracle Road (520) 531-0977 villagebakehouse.com

Village Bakehouse has been serving up delicious carbs for more than 20 years.

Their sweet cakes, pies and pastries are certainly award-wor-

thy. But we’re particularly passionate about their more savory offerings, including their sandwiches and paninis. That being said, it sure is hard to pass up that orange French toast with real citrus zest.

READER RECOMMENDED Donut Wheel 4524 W. Ina Road (520) 744-2811 Beyond Bread 421 W. Ina Road (multiple locations) (520) 461-1111 beyondbread.com

BEST BARBECUE Bubb’s Grub

16010 N. Oracle Road

Courtesy photo

(520) 825-6510 bubbsgrub.com It can be a bit of a drive out to Bubb’s Grub, but the mouth-watering, falloff-the-bone barbecue is more than worth it.

They do all the usuals—pulled pork, ribs, brisket and chicken— just right and serve up downright delicious side dishes and des-

serts. The atmosphere is casual and fun, but they’ll pack it up to go if you’d surprise the family with takeout instead.

READER RECOMMENDED Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Multiple locations dickeys.com Mama’s Hawaiian 4016 N. First Ave. (520) 792-6290

Mamasbbqtucson.com

BEST BEER ON TAP Noble Hops

1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 noblehops.com It’s no secret Tucson likes its beer, so a gastropub better CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

www.bubbsgrub.com

Thank You To Our Wonderful Clients For Making Us Best Bakery!

CATERING & BULK BBQ AVAILABLE

Tuesday - Thursday: 11:15AM - 8:00PM Friday - Saturday: 11:15AM - 8:30PM Sunday: 11:30AM - 7:15PM (520) 825-6510

10% OFF* ENTREES Sunday & Tuesday 4-6 PM VILLAGE BAKEHOUSE 7882 N. ORACLE RD. TUCSON, AZ 85704

520.531.0977 MON–SAT: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM SUN: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

With this Couplon Expires 5/15/22

*with the Purchase of a Beverage.

Dine-in Only. Does Not Include Specials

Evening Specials: 4:30 pm - 7:00pm Kitchen closes 15 minutes before closing time

Tuesday: Corned Beef & Cabbage Wednesday: ALL You Can Eat BBQ Ribs & Chicken Thursday: Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Dinner 4:30 – 7:00 pm Friday: Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry Cod & Walleye 11:15am- 7:30 pm Saturday: Smoked Choice Prime Rib

16010 N ORACLE RD • CATALINA, AZ 85739

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Two years ago, we CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 didn’t even know curbside pickup at have plenty of choices the grocery store was a thing. Now we can on tap to win Best of barely live without it. the Northwest. Noble Fry’s makes it a breeze Hops fits the bill, with with online ordering plenty of craft beers and easy-to-schedule from Tucson, Phoenix, pickup windows. Even and multiple states. without a pandemic, Relax with a familiar this is a great way to classic, or get a bit shop. more daring.

READER RECOMMENDED

READER RECOMMENDED

Grumpy’s Grill 2690 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com Tap & Bottle 7254 N. Oracle Road (520) 268-8725 thetapandbottle.com

Walmart Multiple locations walmart.com Sprouts Multiple locations sprouts.com

BEST RESTAURANT CURBSIDE PICKUP

BEST GROCERY CURBSIDE PICKUP Grumpy’s Grill Fry’s Food and Drug Multiple locations frysfood.com

2690 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com

Best of the Northwest, March , 

Longtime Best of the Northwest readers no doubt recognize Grumpy’s Grill among these hallowed halls.

Curbside pickup reached new popularity during the pandemic, but even as it recedes, it’s a reliable option. Because, let’s be honest, when it comes to Grumpy’s famous diner burgers, wraps, sandwiches and overflowing baskets, you want as little delay as possible between you and the grub.

READER RECOMMENDED

Texas Roadhouse 8450 N. Cracker Barrel Road (520) 579-3955 texasroadhouse.com Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 11905 N. Oracle Road (520) 544-3690

Don’t’ be Grumpy, Eat out often Dine in, To Go & curbside available.

Open daily 7am–9pm Thank you for another great year, and all the votes for; Best Curbside Pick up / Best Beer on Tap Best Breakfast / Best Local Burger Best Marana Restaurant / Best Margarita / Best Wings!

2960 W. Ina Rd. • 297-5452 • grumpysgrill.com

olivegarden.com

BEST RESTAURANT DELIVERY Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches Multiple locations bagginsgourmet.com

This hometown chain makes delicious sandwiches, salads, soups and more with fresh ingredients and intriguing combinations. Where else are you going to find a Thanksgiving dinner on a sub roll? Best of all, they have quick delivery and include a chocolate chip cookie in the bag.

READER RECOMMENDED Dominick’s Real Italian 8330 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-2002 dominicksrealitalian.com

Rosati’s Pizza Multiple locations myrosatis.com

BEST BREAKFAST SPOT First Watch

Multiple locations firstwatch.com First Watch can deliver the traditional breakfast of pancakes or eggs, bacon, toast and potatoes, but it really shines with all the healthy alternatives and seasonal specials.

Expect to find power bowls packed with energy-generating seeds and juice cocktails that will give you way more than your recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals. Or, if you’re feeling more indulgent, have some chocolate chip pancakes or some donuts.

READER RECOMMENDED Baja Cafe 3930 W. Ina Road (520) 989-9156 facebook.com/ bajacafeonIna Bisbee Breakfast Club Multiple locations Bisbeebreakfastclub.com

BEST BRUNCH Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road (855) 969-3033 haciendadelsol.com

Made-to-order omelets. Eggs benedict.

Prime rib. Shrimp.

Roasted vegetables.

And so much more!

The spread is legendary at Hacienda del CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

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Sol’s weekend brunch, but it’s the gorgeous setting at this one-time girls school that makes this brunch buffet something to remember.

READER RECOMMENDED First Watch Multiple locations firstwatch.com Loew’s Ventana Canyon 7000 N. Resort Drive (520) 299-2020 lcoewshotels.com

BEST BREWERY Catalina Brewing Company 6918 N. Camino Martin (520) 329-3622 catalinabrewingco.com

There are a lot of great craft breweries in Tucson, so there comes a point when a brewery has to do more than serve up good beer. Catalina Brewing sets themselves apart with a focus on the cycling community, serving as a hub for events and entertainment. But don’t get us wrong, Catalina Brewing also has plenty of great beers — their Whiptail Wit wheat beer with a light honey taste is one of our favorites in the Northwest.

READER RECOMMENDED Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 Noblehops.com Firetruck Brewery 9630 N. Oracle Road (multiple locations) (520) 612-7208 firetruckbrewing.com

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

BEST BURGER Zinburger

1865 E. River Road, suite 101 (multiple locations) (520) 299-7799, zinburgeraz.com Restaurateur Sam Fox proved a great restaurant didn’t have to be a budget buster with Zinburger, a sleek and sophisticated spot that serves up quality patties.

Topping range from the traditional lettuce/ tomato/onion to bacon and egg, there are turkey burger and veggie burger options, and the sides and shakes are a delight. It’s everything a burger joint should be.

READER RECOMMENDED Trulands Burgers and Greens 7332 N. Oracle Road (520) 395-2975 trulandburgers.com Grumpy’s Grill 2690 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com

BEST FAST FOOD BURGER In-N-Out Burger 8180 N. Cortaro Road (multiple locations) (800) 786-1000 in-n-out.com

In and Out Burger keeps it simple: They make burgers, fries and shakes. Maybe because they focus on doing just a few things, they do them really well. And they get us in-n-out of the place pretty darn quick, even if you do order off the secret menu.

READER RECOMMENDED

Culver’s 6905 N. Thornydale Road (multiple locations) (520) 797-9277 culvers.com Five Guys 7077 N. Thornydale Road (520) 572-9892 fiveguys.com

BEST CATALINA RESTAURANT Bubb’s Grub

16010 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-6510 bubbsgrub.com Bubb’s Grubb wasn’t just voted the best barbecue in all of the northwest, but also the best restaurant in Catalina, so they must be doing something right. It’s a great spot to take the family on an adventure in search of great barbecue.

READER RECOMMENDED Catalina Craft Pizza 15930 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-0140 catalinacraftpizza.com Sunny Side Up Cafe 15500 N. Oracle Road (520) 818-1083

BEST COFFEE SHOP Dutch Bros. Coffee Multiple locations Dutchbros.com

What more is there to say about THE Dutch Bros.? They’ve earned their success and large fanbase thanks to an extensive selection and reasonable prices. In less than 30 years, they spread across multiple states with more than 500 locations, including a few here in Tucson that won over our readers’ hearts.

READER RECOMMENDED

Starbucks Multiple locations starbucks.com Roadrunner Coffee Co. 9665 N. Thornydale Road (520) 579-7011

BEST DATE NIGHT DINING Bottega Michelangelo

420 W. Magee Road (520) 297-5775 bottegamichelangelo.com If it’s a date night, it’s Italian food. But Bottega Michelangelo is extra special thanks to the romantic atmosphere and sheer selection: appetizers, pizza, pasta, seafood, steak, and plenty more. And since it’s a date night, don’t miss out on their wines, specialty cocktails and delicious desserts.

Bottega Michelangelo: it’s a fresco of flavors!

READER RECOMMENDED Wildflower American Cuisine 7037 N. Oracle Road (520) 219-4230 wildflowertucson.com Wild Garlic Grill 2870 E. Skyline Drive, suite 120 (520) 206-0017 wildgarlicgrill.com

BEST DESSERT Frost Gelato

Casas Adobes Plaza 7131 N. Oracle Road, suite 101 (multiple locations) (520) 797-0188 frostgelato.com Why settle for ice cream when you can get gelato? You can’t go wrong with any of Frost’s gourmet flavors. And if you really want to treat yourself, try one of the frost bites! Whenever we go here, we want a lot

Nothing Bundt Cakes 7278 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-4072 nothingbundtcakes.com Dairy Queen Multiple locations dairyqueen.com

cialty “noshes” and, of course, discounted drinks. Enjoy those Southern accents with hushpuppies and gumbo paired with award-winning house cocktails, beer and wine. Even if it’s not Mardi Gras, it’s a party at The Parish.

BEST FINE DINING

READER RECOMMENDED

o’ gelato.

READER RECOMMENDED

Vivace

6440 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 795-7221 vivacetucson.com For nearly three decades, Vivace has been serving elegant Italian food. Dishes such as stuffed pork chop, veal marsala, eggplant lasagna, and four cheese manicotti are some of the bestt fine dining options you can find in town and the location at the top of Campbell Avenue offers stunning views while you dine.

READER RECOMMENDED Michelangelo’s Bottega 420 W. Magee Road (520) 297-5775 bottegamichelangelo.com The Keg Steakhouse and Bar 12005 N. Oracle Road (520) 219-9500 Kegsteakhouse.com

BEST HAPPY HOUR The Parish

6453 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-1233 theparishtucson.com Inspired by New Orleans and wielding a combination of southern styles, The Parish certainly knows how to party with style. Happy hour, which runs 3 to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays, features spe-

The Keg Steakhouse and Bar 12005 N. Oracle Road (520) 219-9500 Kegsteakhouse.com Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 Noblehops.com

BEST FOOTHILLS RESTAURANT Vivace

6440 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 795-7221 vivacetucson.com Daniel Scordato made something special with Vivace. Just across from La Encantada, it’s a combination of some of the best elements of the foothills.

It has the atmosphere, the style and certainly the views. And that’s not even getting into the food, which is an elegant combination of Italian flavors, plus a wine selection sure to please any aficionado.

READER RECOMMENDED Wild Garlic 2870 E. Skyline Drive, suite 120 (520) 206-0017 wildgarlicgrill.com North Italia 2995 E. Skyline Road (520) 299-1600 northitalia.com

BEST GOURMET FOOD STORE AJ’s

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Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

2805 E. Skyline Drive (520) 232-6340 ajsfinefood.com Treat yourself to a decadent variety of gourmet foods available at AJ’s Fine Foods. The dessert counter is unmatched with its wide range of high-quality pastries and cakes (highly recommended for celebrations to impress friends and family).

Next to that counter is the bistro and cheese section, aka the “upgrade your boring charcuterie board” area. It’s been a tough year and you deserve it!

READER RECOMMENDED Trader Joe’s Multiple locations traderjoes.com Dickman’s

472 N. Oracle Road (520) 229-9777 facebook.com/ dickmansmeat

BEST GREEK FOOD Pappoule’s

7475 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 544-5551 pappoules.com Have you ever seen such a beautiful gyro?

Not unless you have eaten at Pappoule’s.

Have you ever tasted such fluffy and tasty pita? Not unless you have eaten at Pappoule’s. Did you know that the owners of Pappoule’s were originally from Chicago?

You know what that means: delicious and authentic Greek food, baby! OPA! READER RECOMMENDED

It’s Greek to Me 15920 N. Oracle Road, suite 120 (520) 825-4199 itsgreektomecatalina.com Pita Jungle 7090 N. Oracle Road, suite 128 (520) 797-7482 pitajungle.com

BEST INDIAN FOOD Saffron

7607 N. Oracle Road, suite 101 (520) 742-9100 saffronindianbistro.net Whether you’re a meat eater or a vegetarian, you’ll find Saffron’s dishes excite your tastebuds with complex flavors and traditional Indian spices. Baked in a traditional clay tandoor oven, Saffron’s naans can be stuffed with spiced onions, chicken

tikka, paneer, masala, and even a mix of blended coconuts, raisins, and nuts.

READER RECOMMENDED Flavor of India 12112 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 544-3005 flavorofindia-az.com Just Kebab 10420 N. La Cañada Drive, suite 160 (520) 900-7706 Justkababusa.com

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

plate of seafood, Bottega Michelangelo’s will dazzle you with a delicious meal. This is authentic Italian that you’ll love.

READER RECOMMENDED Dominick’s Real Italian 8330 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-2002 dominicksrealitalian.com Vivace 6440 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 795-7221 vivacetucson.com

BEST MARANA RESTAURANT

Bottega Michelangelo’s

Grumpy’s Grill

Whether you want a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, a traditional lasagna or a perfect

Grumpy’s excels at making simple meals great with low prices and friendly service.

420 W. Magee Road (520) 297-5775 bottegamichelangelo.com

2690 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com

The classic diner menu is accompanied by a few standouts.

Fan favorites include the Bavarian pretzel basket, Grumpy’s favorite burger (peanut butter included), the coyote burrito and a spicy in-house bloody Mary. Grumpy’s checks all the boxes for a classic diner with great food.

READER RECOMMENDED Texas Roadhouse 8450 N. Cracker Barrel Road texasroadhouse.com (520) 579-3855 Baja Cafe 3930 W. Ina Road, suite 322 (520) 989-9156 bajacafetucson.com

BEST MARGARITA Guadalajara Grill CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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Best of the Northwest, March , 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Multiple locations guadalaraoriginalgrill.com What isn’t there to like about Guadalajara Grill? It has almost everything we want out of a Mexican restaurant. The margaritas are big, vivid and pack a punch. Our favorite is the refreshing bandera with strawberry and melon.

READER RECOMMENDED El Charro Cafe 7725 N. Oracle Road, suite 101 (multiple locations) (520) 229-1922 elcharrocafe.com La Hacienda 11931 N. First Ave. suite 104 (520) 297-1695 lahaciendaorovalley.com

BEST MEXICAN FOOD El Charro Cafe

7725 N. Oracle Road, suite 101 (multiple locations) (520) 229-1922 elcharrocafe.com For a century now, El Charro has been serving up Mexican food, so they must be doing something right. We love everything here from the spicy salsa to the legendary carne seca. And you have to love the endlessly inventive partnerships that the El Charro family is joining in these days.

(520) 297-1695 lahaciendaorovalley.com

BEST TACOS Street Taco and Beer Co. 10785 N. Oracle Road (520) 269-6266 facebook.com/ streetoncongress

READER RECOMMENDED

When you visit Street Taco, you get to watch as your taco gets made with carne asada, al pastor, chicken or carnitas. Then pile on the extras and the salsa to your liking.

There is nothing better than an icy Modelo Especial paired with four al pastor corn tacos on a hot Arizona day.

Guadalajara Grill Multiple locations guadalaraoriginalgrill.com La Hacienda 11931 N. First Ave., suite 104

READER RECOMMENDED Nico’s Multiple locations Tacos Apson

6741 N. Thornydale Road (520) 395-0871 tacosapson.com

101 (multiple locations) (520) 229-1922 elcharrocafe.com

BEST ORO VALLEY BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT Dominick’s Real

Harvest

10355 N. La Cañada Drive, suite 141 (520) 731-1100 harvestov.com Harvest owners Reza and Lisa Shapouri serve Oro Valley residents seasonally inspired dishes American cuisine. If you love fresh and healthy, you’re gonna love this place.

READER RECOMMENDED Bottega Michelangelo 420 W. Magee Road (520) 297-5775 bottegamichelangelo.com El Charro Cafe 7725 N. Oracle Road, suite

Italian

8330 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-2002 Dominicksrealitalian.com It’s hard to do pizza wrong, but when pizza is done especially right, it’s something to behold. Dominick’s is a local favorite, thanks to their 14-inch house special. But you can blaze your own trail by selecting dozens of toppings, ranging from classics like pepperoni, bell peppers, and red onions to more unique selections like shrimp, clam, chicken breast and specialty salami.

READER RECOMMENDED Rosati’s Multiple locations myrosatistucson.com Mod Pizza Multiple locations modpizza.com

BEST SPORTS BAR Trident Grill

2912 W. Ina Road (multiple locations) (520) 989-3685 tridentgrill.com If you’re looking for a place to watch the game and enjoy a cold beer, Trident is the place for you.

With a solid menu of favorites and plenty of adult beverage options, you’ll be able to celebrate your win or drown the sorrows of your loss here.

READER RECOMMENDED

Thank ThankYou You

forforvoting votingusus Thanks For Making one oneof ofthe the Us Best of the Northwest!

Best BestofofTucson!

Tucson!

• 58 W Congress St Coming Soon!Soon!

Coming 58 W58 Congress St St W Congress • 10785 N Oracle Suite #135 N Oracle SuiteSuite #135 #135 N Oracle Park Park PlacePlace Mall Mall 1078510785 • ParkTucson Place Food Court Foodcourt Mall Food CourtCourt Foodcourt Tucson Mall Food • Tucson Mall Food Court

39

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022

8450 N. Cracker Barrel Road texasroadhouse.com (520) 579-3855

Craft Republic 7625 N. La Cholla Blvd (520) 575-1980 craftrepublic.com Monsoon’s Tap & Grill 6781 N. Thornydale Road (520) 219-0301 monsoonstapandgrill.com

BEST SUSHI Sushi Cortaro

8225 N. Courtney Page Way, suite 141 (520) 572-8668 sushicortaro.com

BEST STEAK HOUSE

Sushi Cortaro offers up a wide range of sushi alongside other Japanese classics, from tappan dishes to tempura dinners.

You’re gonna love your options.

El Corral

2201 E. River Road (520) 299-6092 elcorraltucson.com Originally a nightclub, El Corral has a deeply rooted history with Tucson since the mid 1940s. In 1975, El Corral kept the party going when it became a steakhouse. They’ve got prime rib, baby back ribs, and mesquite-grilled steaks.

In short, they have everything a

READER RECOMMENDED

Courtesy photo

steakhouse should.

READER RECOMMENDED The Keg Steakhouse 12005 N. Oracle Road

HONORABLE MENTIONS

COMMUNITY LEADER Marana Mayor Ed Honea Marana Police Chief Reuben Nunez

Multiple locations Boys and Girls Club Multiple locations

EVENT/FESTIVAL Heirloom Farmers Market at Steam Pump Ranch Marana Festival of Lights

PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME Craft Republic 7625 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 575-1980 craftrepublic.com High 5 Grille 3682 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 877-8100 high5grille.com

FIRST RESPONDER AGENCY Golder Ranch Fire Department Rural Metro Fire District 55+ MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY/RV PARK Acacia Gardens Mobile Home 5505 N. Shannon Road Office (520) 887-1982 A Bar A RV Park 9015 W. Tangerine Farms Road KEPT SECRET Sanctuary Cove 8001 N. Scenic Dr. (520) 744-2375 sanctuarycove.org Circle S Saloon 16021 W. El Tiro Road (520) 682-5377 circlessaloon.com NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Big Brothers Big Sisters

PLACE TO ESCAPE THE HEAT Elevate Trampoline Park 9705 N. Thornydale Road (520) 505-4665 tucsonelevate.com Solid Rock Climbing 3949 W. Costco Dr. (520) 222-6228 rocksolidclimbing.com NEW BUSINESS Rodeo Hard 39995 N. Prince Ave. (800) 884-5008 rodeohard.com PLACE FOR A KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY Board & Brush

7352 N. Oracle Road (520) 638-8062 boardandbrush.com Fiesta Lanes 501 W. River Road (520) 887-2695 Fiestalanesaz.com

PLACE FOR FAMILY FUN Gaslight Music Hall 13005 N. Oracle Road (520) 529-1000 gaslightmusichall.com Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520)299-3000 tucsonjcc.com PLACE TO GRAB A COCKTAIL Tap & Bottle North 7254 N. Oracle Road (520) 268-8725 thetapandbottle.com Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 noblehops.com PLACE TO WORK Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520)299-3000 tucsonjcc.com

(520) 219-9500 Kegsteakhouse.com Texas Road House Tucson Medical Center 5301 E. Grant Road (520) 327-546 tmcaz.com PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS Saguaro National Park (520)733-5153 nps.gov/sagu/index.htm Gaslight Music Hall 13005 N. Oracle Road (520) 529-1000 gaslightmusichall.com RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION/ CONGREGATION Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene 500 W. Calle Concordia (520) 297-8297 ovcn.church Santa Catalina Catholic Church 14380 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-9611 santacatalinaparish.org SCHOOL Catalina Foothills 4300 E. Sunrise Dr. (520) 209-8300 cfhs.cfsd16.org Twin Peaks K-8 School 7995 W. Twin Peaks Road (520) 579-4750 maranausd.org/tpe TEACHER Reva Nickel Twin Peaks Elementary

Mr. An’s 6091 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-0888 mrantucson.com/ Sushi on Oracle 6449 N. Oracle Road (520) 297- 3615 sushionoracle.net Cynthia Cruz Wilson K-8 School CHARTER SCHOOL Kino School 6625 N. 1st Ave. (520) 297-7278 kinoschool.org Mountain Rose Academy 3686 W. Orange Grove Road #180 (520) 797-4884 go2rose.com PRIVATE SCHOOL Redeemer Lutheran School 8845 N. Silverbell Road (520) 572-8136 redeemertucson.com SCHOOL LEADER / PRINCIPAL Beth Csiszer Leman Virtual Academy Dondi Luce Twin Peaks K-8 MASCOT Ironwood Ridge High School Nighthawk Catalina Foothills Peregrine Falcon DANCE STUDIO Centre Stage Dance Studio 10370 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 498-0093 centrestageov.com Music and Dance Academy 4811 E. Sunrise Dr. (520) 327-2303

BEST WINGS Grumpy’s Grill 2690 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com

With wing flavors like raspberry chipotle, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan and honey BBQ, it’s hard to pick just one. You won’t be grumpy when leaving Grumpy’s, but you’re sure to be full!

READER RECOMMENDED Wingstop 3662 W. Ina Road, suite 110 (520) 882- 9464 wingstop.com Native Grill & Wings 8225 N. Courtney Page Way, suite 115 (520) 744-7200 nativegrillandwings.com

musicdancetucson.com SWIM SCHOOL Saguaro Aquatics 5302 E. Pima St. (520) 638-8040 saguaroaquatics.com Dolphins of the Desert Swimming Academy 3666 E. Sunrise Dr. (520) 891-8914 dolphinsofthedesert.com ASIAN FOOD Jade Garden 3720 W. Ina Road (520) 744-2817 jadegardenaz.com Linh Nam 3936 W. Ina Road (520) 744-4480 linhnamllc.com BAKERY La Estrella Bakery 901 N. Grande Ave. (520) 792-6372 Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery 5845 N. Oracle Road (520) 408-9000 gourmetgirlsglutenfree.com BARBECUE Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 noblehops.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

40 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 The Views Restaurant 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3277 theviewsrestaurant.com BEERS ON TAP ZPizza 11165 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 329-8851 zpizza.com Union Public House 4340 N Campbell Ave. (520) 329-8575 uniontucson.com GROCERY CURBSIDE PICKUP Whole Foods Multiple locations Silverbell Multiple locations RESTAURANT CURBSIDE PICKUP La Hacienda 11931 N. 1st Ave. (520) 297-1695 lahaciendaorovalley.com The Views Restaurant 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3277 theviewsrestaurant.com RESTAURANT DELIVERY Domino’s Multiple locations The Views Restaurant

Best of the Northwest, March ,  1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3277 theviewsrestaurant.com

Trident Grill Multiple locations tridentgrill.com

BREAKFAST Grumpy’s Grill 2960 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com Jerry Bob’s 10550 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 797-1106

FAST-FOOD BURGER Smashburger Multiple locations Whataburger Multiple locations

BRUNCH Core at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain 15000 N. Secret Springs Dr. (520) 572-3074 ritzcarlton.com Fiesta Cafe at Omni Tucson National Resort 2727 W. Club Dr. omnihotels.com BREWERY Dove Mountain Brewing 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd.

(520) 579-8999 dovemountainbrew.com Dragoon Brewing Co. 1859 W. Grant Road (520) 329-3606 dragoonbrewing.com LOCAL BURGER The Parish 6453 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-1233 theparishtucson.com

CATALINA RESTAURANT Carlota’s 847 E. 18th St. (520) 903-1922 carlotasrestaurant.com It’s Greek to Me 15920 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-4199 itsgreektomecatalina.com COFFEE SHOP Savaya Coffee Multiple locations savayacoffee.com Dunkin Multiple locations DATE NIGHT DINING The Keg Steakhouse + Bar 12005 N. Oracle Road (520) 219-9500 kegsteakhouse.com El Charro 7725 N. Oracle Road (520) 229-1922 elcharrocafe.com DESSERT Bottega Michelangelo’s

420 W. Magee Road (520) 297-5775 bottegamichelangelo.com Cold Stone Multiple locations FINE DINING Fleming’s 6360 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 529-5017 flemingssteakhouse.com Dominick’s 8330 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-2002 dominicksrealitalian.com HAPPY HOUR The Views 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3277 theviewsrestaurant.com Firetruck Brewing 9630 N. Oracle Road (520) 612-7208 firetruckbrewing.com FOOTHILLS RESTAURANT Sullivan’s Steakhouse 1785 E. River Road (520) 299-4275 sullivanssteakhouse.com Hacienda Del Sol 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road (855) 969-3033 haciendadelsol.com GOURMET FOOD STORE Lee Lee’s International 1990 W. Orange Grove Road

(520) 638-8328 leeleesupermarket.com Whole Foods Multiple locations GREEK FOOD Just Kabab 10420 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 900-7706 justkababusa.com Greek House 1710 E. Speedway Blvd.

(520)323-1446 azgreekhouse.com INDIAN FOOD Spice Garden 5815 N. Arizona Pavilions Dr. (520) 900-7452 spicegardenaz.com Tamarind 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 797-7799 tamarindoftucson.com ITALIAN FOOD Caruso’s 434 N. 4th Ave. (520) 624-5765 carusositalian.com Tavolino Ristorante Italiano 2890 E. Skyline Dr. (520) 531-1913 tavolinoristorante.com MARANA RESTAURANT Dominick’s Real Italian 8330 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-2002

dominicksrealitalian.com Vero Amore 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd. #104 (520) 579-2292 veroamorepizza.com MARGARITA Grumpy’s Grill 2960 W. Ina Road (520) 297-5452 grumpysgrill.com Seis Kitchen 9740 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-5669 seiskitchen.com MEXICAN FOOD Seis Kitchen 9740 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-5669 seiskitchen.com El Molinito 3675 W. Ina Road (520) 744-1188 el-molinito.com TACOS Seis Kitchen 9740 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-5669 seiskitchen.com ORO VALLEY RESTAURANT The Views 1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3277 theviewsrestaurant.com The Keg Steakhouse + Bar 12005 N. Oracle Road

A Big Marana Thank you for voting for us!

Thank you for Making us one of the Best for Catalina Restaurant & Live Venue We are one of the Best in the NW...

Marana Restaurant, Curbside Service, & Best Steakhouse!

8450 N. Cracker Barrel Rd. Marana • 520-579-3855

WE FEATURE LOCAL BEERS ON TAP AND IN CANS/BOTTLES. CATALINA CRAFT PIZZA DELIVERS THE HIGHEST QUALITY CRAFT PIZZAS WITH FRESH AND LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS, AS WELL AS GENERATIONS-OLD PIZZA DOUGH & SAUCE RECIPES.

15930 N ORACLE RD SUITE 178, CATALINA, AZ 85739 520-825-0140 • CATALINACRAFTPIZZA.COM

Best of the Northwest, March ,  (520) 219-9500 kegsteakhouse.com PIZZA Charred Pie 12125 N. Oracle Road (520) 395-2232 charredpie.com ZPizza 11165 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 329-8851 zpizza.com SPORTS BAR Rosati’s 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 229-0083 myrosatis.com The Station Pub & Grill 8235 N. Silverbell Road (520) 789-7040 thestationtucson.com STEAKHOUSE Fleming’s 6360 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 529-5017 flemingssteakhouse.com Lil Abner’s 8501 N. Silverbell Road (520) 744-2800 lilabnerssteakhouse.com SUSHI Ra Sushi 2905 E. Skyline Dr. (520) 615-3970 rasushi.com

Shogun Sushi 5036 N. Oracle Road (520) 888-6646 shoguntucson.com

11143 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 797-7546 skincarebydesign.com SpaWell, Life Well Lived 10000 N. Oracle Road (520) 544-1950 spawellelcon.com

WINGS Trident Multiple locations tridentgrill.com Noble Hops 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 797-4677 noblehops.com ALTERNATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT Pain Institute of Southern Arizona Multiple locations pisapain.com Oro Valley Health & Wellness Center 11115 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 505-0550 orovalleychiro.com BARBERSHOP V’s Barbershop 1805 E. River Road (520) 344-9712 vbarbershop.com CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Emil Tompkins Tompkins Family Chiropractic Dr. Amanda Smicklas Life is Good Chiropractic DAY SPA Skin Care By Design

MASSAGE Oasis Massage 12152 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 219-6868 oasismassagespa.wix.com/85755 Chi Massage 1335 W. Lambert Lane (520) 575-0035 chimassageorovalley.com DENTIST Hohenstein & Schwartz 2512 E. Vistoso Commerce Loop Road (520) 462-7887 hsdentistry.com Northwest Children’s Dentistry 7610 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 544-8522 nwkidsdds.com ORAL SURGEON Arizona Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons 1876 E. Innovation Park Dr. azoms.com DERMATOLOGIST Pima Dermatology

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

TAX DEDUCTIBLE

NO CITY SALES TAX

SERVICE AFTER THE SALE

IT’S TIME TO BUY THAT RV YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED! (I-10, Exit 302)

2095 North Highway 90 Huachuca City, “Over 21 years of A+ BBB Accreditation” AZ 85616

(520) 456-9292 www.rvcity.net

41

42 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 5150 E. Glenn St. (520) 795-7729 pimaderm.com Elka Eisen 1595 E. River Road (520) 293-5757 hsdermatology.com DOCTOR Dr. Christine Sanburn Oro Valley Family Practice - Arizona Community Physicians Dr. Deborah Hanks Northwest Allied Physicians EYE CARE Dr. Ajay Sanan Pima Eye Institute Dr. Michael Zucker Accent On Vision HAIR SALON Circa 79 Salon 5185 N. Genematas Dr. (520) 825-0015 circa79salon.com Havven Beauty Salon 10110 N. Oracle Road (520) 639-8812 havvensalon.com HEALTHCARE HERO Dr. Michael Maricic Catalina Pointe Rheumatology Dr. Sheila Farhang Avant Dermatology HOSPITAL Tucson Medical Center 5301 E. Grant Road (520) 327-5461 tmcaz.com NAIL SALON Gadabout Multiple locations gadabout.com Amy’s Nails 12080 N. Dove Mountain Blvd.

(520) 572-9999 ORTHODONTIST Dr. Anthony F. Delio Delio Orthodontics Dr. Andrew Kassman Kassman Orthodontics PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Zebulon Delp Old Pueblo Pediatrics PHYSICAL THERAPY PROVIDER Athlon Physical Therapy 12460 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 615-6573 athlonpt.com Desert Palms Physical Therapy 7400 N. La Cholla Blvd.

(520) 531-0305 desertpalmspt.com APPLIANCE STORE Lowes Multiple locations Tucson Appliance 4229 E. Speedway Blvd.

Best of the Northwest, March 23, 2022 (520) 881-1207 tacappliance.com ART GALLERY Tucson Jewish Community Center 3800 E. River Road (520)299-3000 tucsonjcc.com Absolutely Art 16701 N. Oracle Road (520) 818-1242 absolutelyartgallery.com ATTORNEY David Hindeman Mesch Clark & Rothschild AUTO REPAIR SHOP Jack Furrier Multiple locations Pusch Ridge Auto 8040 N. Oracle Road (520) 999-8040 puschridgeauto.com BICYCLE STORE Trek Bicycle on Oracle 7645 N. Oracle Road (520) 797-9330 trektucson.com HMS Bikes 8225 N. Courtney Page Way (520) 989-0196 hmsbikes.com BOOKSTORE Treasures 4 Teachers of Tucson 6800 N. Camino Martin (520) 425-3956 t4teachers.org Book Shoppe Too 10355 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 308-5347 orovalleyfriends.org/book-shoppetoo CAR WASH Clean Freak 4300 W. Ina Road (520) 639-6146 cleanfreakcarwash.com Auto Wash Express Multiple locations azautowashexpress.com CLEANING SERVICE Distinctive Cleaning 4249 W. Ina Road (520) 441-9350 dmscleaningservices.com Experience Cleaning (520) 396-8695 CUSTOMER SERVICE Studio Dental 10550 N. La Cañada Dr. (520) 575-5576 studiodentalaz.com Costco Multiple locations DAY CARE Sunshine School 9000 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-6874 sunshineschooltucson.org Light the Way Preschool 8611 N. Silverbell Road (520) 243-3838

ltwmarana.com/preschool DRY CLEANER Sun Cleaners Plus 12995 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-1921 suncleanersplus.com Pusch Ridge Cleaners 10785 N. Oracle Road (520) 219-0886 ELECTRICIAN Trilogy Electric (520) 820-4493 trilogyelectrictucson.com Vargas Electric (520) 437-4011 vargaselectricaz.com FINANCIAL PLANNER The Hopman Group 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite (520) 326-1625 thehopmangroup.com Greenberg Financial 4511 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 544-4909 greenbergfinancial.com FLORIST Trader Joe’s Multiple locations Safeway on Rancho Vistoso 12122 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 297-4344 FUNERAL HOME Desert Sunset Funeral Home 3081 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 200-7010 desertsunsetfuneralhome.com Neptune Society 6781 N. Thornydale Road (520) 369-4070 neptunesociety.com GARAGE DOOR SERVICE Garage Door Repair of Tucson (520)-548-9868 garagedoorrepairtucson.com Discount Door 1330 W. Morning View Dr. (520) 579-9084 discountdoorservice.com HANDYMAN A Plus Handyman (520) 409-1116 aplushandymanservices.net HOME BUILDER Robson Multiple locations robson.com Miramonte Multiple locations miramontehomes.com HOME REMODELING Strongbuilt Enterprise (520) 780-8176 strong-built.com Home Projects 720 W. Linda Vista Blvd.

(520) 609-7136 homeprojectsaz.com HOTEL / RESORT

Hacienda del Sol 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road (855) 969-3033 haciendadelsol.com Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa 245 E. Ina Road (520) 297-1151 wyndhamhotels.com HVAC Russett Southwest 705 E. 17th St. (520) 629-9676 russettsouthwest.com Fairway Cooling & Heating LLC 1171 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 328-8424 fairwaycooling.com INSURANCE Allstate Insurance allstate.com Farmers farmers.com JEWELRY STORE Caldwell Jewelers 7225 N. Oracle Road (520) 742-3687 caldwelljewelers.net La Jolla Diamonds and Jewels 1825 E. River Road (520) 615-0203 lajolladiamonds.com LANDSCAPING SERVICES/ MAINTENANCE Sonoran Dreams 15780 N. Oracle Road (520) 982-9424 sonorandreamscapes.com LIVE VENUE Catalina Craft Pizza 15930 N. Oracle Road (520) 825-0140 catalinacraftpizza.com Desert View Theatre 39900 S. Clubhouse Dr. (520) 818-1000 dvpac.net MOM & POP SHOP Mosaic Cafe 2456 N. Silver Mosaic Dr. (520) 624-4512 teresasmosaic.com Crying Onion 3684 W. Orange Grove Road (520) 742-7278 ordercryingonioncafe.com MOVIE THEATER Roadhouse 4811 E. Grant Road (520) 468-7980 roadhousecinemas.com El Toro Flicks Carpool Cinema 1690 E. Tangerine Road (520) 449-4468 NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER Bach’s Greenhouse Cactus Nursery 8602 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-3333 bachscactus.com Home Depot

Multiple locations PAINTER L&M Painting (520) 991-9933 Stetson Painting LLC 125 E. Flores St. (520) 322-0684 stetsonpainting.com PET GROOMING Teddy’s Doghouse 3906 W. Ina Road (520) 744-1965 teddysdoghouse.com Wags My Tail 2860 W. Ina Road (520) 744-7040 wagsmytail.com PLUMBER Affordable Plumbing (520) 401-8821 Tucson Plumbing 3322 N. Richey Blvd.

(520) 881-6000 tucsonplumbing.com POOL BUILDER Premier Pools and Spa 4420 W. Ina Road (855) 212-2210 premierpoolsandspas.com Ambiance Pool Service & Supplies 1951 W. Grant Road (520) 425-9186 ambiancepoolservice.com POOL CARE Blue Point Pools bluepointpools.com (520) 219-7301 Ambiance Pool Service 1951 W. Grant Road (520) 425-9186 ambiancepoolservice.com REALTOR Lisa Korpi Long Realty Jennifer Schrantz OMNI Homes International REAL ESTATE TEAM Frank and Jan Ramirez Keller Williams Al & Sandy Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker ROOFER Master Roofing, LLC (520) 991-6244 mastertechaz.com Headlee Roofing 2727 N. Flowing Wells Road (520) 882-5757 headleeroofing.com VETERINARY CLINIC Pet Doctor Rx 6464 N. Oracle Road (520) 829-5166 petdoctorrx.com Northwest Pet Clinic 252 W. Ina Road (520) 742-4148 nwpetclinic.com ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY

SaddleBrooke One 64500 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd.

(520) 825-3048 saddlebrooke-one.org Sun City Oro Valley 1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

(520) 825-3711 suncityorovalley.com ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Hacienda at the River 2720 E. River Road (520) 485-1060 haciendariver. watermarkcommunities.com All Seasons 1734 E. Innovation Park Dr. (520) 208-6584 allseasonsorovalley.com MEMORY CARE FACILITY All Seasons 1734 E. Innovation Park Dr. (520) 208-6584 allseasonsorovalley.com Via Elegante 2797 N. Cerrada De Beto (520) 429-8544 viaelegante.com RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Amber Lights 6231 N. Montebella Road (520) 704-6485 srgseniorliving.com Highlands at Dove Mountain 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.

(520) 579-7000 thehighlandsatdovemountain.com GAME AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Polyhedron Gamestore 5825 N. Oracle Road (520) 912-4429 polyhedrongaming.com FITNESS CENTER / GYM Fitness Center / Gym Planet Fitness Multiple locations Northwest YMCA 7770 N. Shannon Road (520) 229-9001 tucsonymca.org GOLF COURSE Oro Valley Country Club Golf 300 W. Greenock Dr. (520) 297-1121 clubcorp.com/clubs/oro-valleycountry-club Crooked Tree Golf Course at Arthur Pack Park 9101 N. Thornydale Road (520) 744-3366 crookedtreegc.com GYMNASTICS STUDIO BC Dance 6330 N. Campbell Ave. (520) 770-7827 bcdancetucson.com HIKING TRAIL Iris Dewhirst Pima Canyon Trailhead 1598 E. Magee Road Phone Line Trail 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road

43

Best of the Northwest, March , 

Sun City Oro Valley thanks you for nominating us for Best of the Northwest Best Active Living Community, Best Retirement Community ▪ 18-Hole Championship Golf Course ▪ Fitness Center ▪ Tennis, Pickleball, POP Tennis Courts ▪ So Much To Do!

▪ Active Adult Community in Oro Valley ▪ 45+ Age Restricted ▪ Fabulous Views

Best Golf Course Take a tour, play golf or enjoy a meal with a view.

It’s More Than Living... It’s a Lifestyle!

1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley

suncityorovalley.com

Best Oro Valley Restaurant, Happy Hour, Live Venue, Curbside Pickup Best of the NW ad_2022_full pg.indd 1

3/11/2022 4:31:07 PM

44

Best of the Northwest, March , 

NORTHWEST TUCSON THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE OF CONFIDENCE THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES # 1 REALTOR THE BEST OF THE NORTHWEST #1 REALTOR TEAM THE BEST OF THE NORTHWEST #1 LONG REALTOR $84,000,000 IN SALES IN 2021 $80,000 INVESTED IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN 2021

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

Tucson Rotary donates more than $450,000 to PimaJTED Jeff Gardner Tucson Local Media

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he Rotary Club of Tucson recently delivered a check that was 100 years in the making. As part of their centennial celebration, Tucson Rotary donated more than $450,000 to the Pima Joint Technical Education District, which educates Southern Arizona students in career and technical skills with no tuition costs.

The donation supports PimaJTED’s new Innovative Learning Center at the University of Arizona’s tech park The Bridges. Additional funds support PimaJTED’s classes that enable high school students to earn industry credentials, such as nursing assistant, HVAC and drone operator licenses.

PimaJTED was named the sole beneficiary of the funds after competing among other local nonprofits. PimaJTED initially applied for the Rotary Club’s Dream Big Centennial Project when it was first announced in 2018.

Rotary’s donation goal was originally set at $250,000, but they far exceeded that number throughout 2021.

“When we found out that we were the recipient, we were ecstatic,” said PimaJTED superintendent Kathy Prather.

Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation president Joni Condit said 37 nonprofits applied for the grant.

“We have a grant committee to identify projects

Courtesy photo

that would be of good value to the community,” Condit said. “And we knew the idea of the centennial project was going to be bigger than previous years’ commitments… We like what JTED does, especially now when so many are reliant on nurses and caregivers.

We also like that they’re working to hopefully keep young people in our community, and training them for important jobs.”

The funds for the donation came from the proceeds of the Tucson Classics Car Show. For more than a decade, the Tucson Classics Car Show has gathered hundreds of classic cars for a single-day event. Although the 14th annual car show was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, sales of raffle tickets continued. In total, Rotary raised nearly $75,000 from raffle ticket sales that year.

“We knew that to reach our full commitment, we had to do some big things in 2021,” Condit said.

Then in 2021, the 15th annual car show continued in person. Rotary reports the show was a huge success, with 38,000 raffle tickets sold. Other funds came from entry tickets and local sponsors like Jim Click. They far exceeded their goal, and raised roughly $382,000 for the 2021 show. Both of these years’ proceeds were donated to PimaJTED, totaling $456,646.56.

“They looked shocked,” Condit said. “We told them that the Car Show had a great outcome and that we’d met the $250,000 goal, but when we told them the total, they were just stunned. We were so happy to help them realize their vision.”

As a result of the donation, PimaJTED’s Innova-

tive Learning Center now sports the Rotary emblem on its facade. The Innovative Learning Center, which opened in 2021, is a two-story, 50,000 squarefoot building that houses a number of medical and technical programs. Classes at the center include cybersecurity, business entrepreneurship, engineering, nursing, pharmacy and virtual reality.

Aside from the building itself, Rotary’s donation also funded specific instructional tools. For instance, PimaJTED is purchasing a state-ofthe-art medical dummy for students, which can be connected with augmented reality for a more realistic medical learning experience.

“We would not be able to afford this kind of educational tool without this support from the Rotary,” Prather said.

PimaJTED works with 14 public school districts throughout Southern Arizona, including TUSD, Amphitheater, Catalina Foothills and Marana. Although it is called PimaJTED, the district also works with students in the Mammoth-San Manuel and Nogales school districts.

While they work with many public school districts, PimaJTED’s educational services are also available to students in private and charter schools, as well as home-schooled students. PimaJTED programs range from aviation technology to cosmetology to construction, graphic design, HVAC, agriscience, music production and more.

Although the pandemic has majorly impacted public schools, PimaJTED has actually expanded over the past two years. In addition to opening the Innovative Learning Center, PimaJTED has also opened new

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educational tracks in the healthcare field.

“We’ve seen increases in enrollment during the pandemic, which is unusual, especially compared to some of our member districts,” Prather said. “The pandemic has shown that students are choosing this type of education, and we are looking to expand to meet that demand.”

Since its creation in 1921, the Rotary Club of Tucson has donated nearly $5,000,000 to Southern Arizona nonprofits. Over its 15-year history, the Tucson Classics Car Show has garnered more than $2,200,000 for the community. The next Tucson Classics Car Show takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, at The Gregory School.

For more information, visit pimajted.org or tucsonrotary.org

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022

Sinema cited in new book, but analysts wonder what impact it will have

Courtesy Photo

Reagan Priest Cronkite News

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olitical analysts say it’s too soon to tell what impact, if any, a new book about the Biden administration’s first year will have on Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, who is reportedly quoted in the book as mocking the president.

The book, “This Will Not Pass,” by New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns, also cites unnamed sources who say Sinema praised Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, the leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus, and suggested that other moderate Senate Democrats privately support her.

Sinema’s office said

Wednesday that it would not comment on what it called the book’s unsourced rumor. But one analyst said the reports, which have already generated buzz in political circles, amount to just another item on “the pile of things that Democrats are mad at Kyrsten Sinema about.”

“It’s a growing pile and the pile as a whole matters, but whether this particular report makes a substantial difference, it’s still very early,” said Jacob Rubashkin, a reporter and analyst for Inside Elections, who noted she is not up for re-election for another two years.

The excerpts in the book were first reported Wednesday by Axios, which got an advance of the book. A review copy of the book was not im-

mediately available, but a spokesperson for the authors said they stand behind their reporting.

The book also claims that Sinema discouraged Biden from coming to Arizona after signing the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package approved last March, and asked why she had to wear a mask to the White House when she had been vaccinated, according to the Axios report. It said the book cites an unnamed source close to the president who said Biden was perplexed

by Sinema, comparing it to “his difficulty grasping his grandchildren’s use of … TikTok. He wanted to relate, but he just didn’t quite get it.”

Continued on P19

Foothills News, March 23, 2022

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Surrender to the inevitable at 4th Ave’s Portal Matt Russell

Special to Tucson Local Media

W

ith mask mandates expiring, and many of us rightfully dragging our Zoom apps into the recycle bin, local businesses across Southern Arizona are celebrating what it means to be social again.

At Portal, an intimate cocktail bar located at 220 N. Fourth Ave., they are taking the idea of social rather seriously and that is a real boon for bar manager Breya Zur. “My team and I are a lot happier now that our guests can see our faces again,” said Zur. “Being social means that we can display our emotions while serving them, like giving vibes out and getting them back, and if our guests can see how proud we are of something that we have created, it gives them a special feeling of what hospitality is all about.”

This concept also extends to Zur’s cocktail menu, with a section devoted to the communal connection. Its occupants are what she calls “social bowls,” with nary a mention of distancing, which are cocktails intended to serve several “participants” that are presented to them in large vessels handmade by a local potter.

I guess it is a mark of maturity when you advance from simple patron to full-on participant in a cocktail encounter.

One expression of Portal’s social story is the Swamp Thing, made with Midori melon liqueur, passionfruit, soda, Prosecco, and a purple Hawaiian yam known as ube that has the flavor profile of sugar cookies.

“This one has a social throwback vibe, especially with the Midori, that will put you right into a Studio 54 kind of mood,” she said.

Another social sipper is the Jupiter Bowl, with gin, coconut rum, Falernum, orgeat, passionfruit, hibiscus, lime, and pineapple.

Before it is presented to participants, the drink is set on fire and sprinkled with cinnamon to produce a finishing spark.

“This is a fruity and floral cocktail that definitely gives off those big tiki and summer fun vibes,” she said.

This sounds great to me.

I will just have to remember to pack the cinnamon on my next trip to Maui.

These social bowls are designed to be enjoyed by three or more, served with individual straws matching the number of participants who will be sharing in their consumption. And to take them to even greater heights, CBD oil can be added, in either 17 mg or 34 mg doses, which Zur says may help to relieve muscle pain, soreness, and headaches.

For those who would rather fly solo, Portal features an impressive lineup of cocktails made and served through more con-

ventional means. Categories include Quickies, Porch Pounders, Nightcaps, Modern Classics, and Portal Cocktails. Select beers, wines, spirits, and snacks are also available.

Guests are reportedly encouraged to “surrender to the inevitable” when they walk through Portal’s doors. So, what does that mean to Breya Zur? “For me, it means go ahead and give in, decide that you are going to have a good night,” she said. “If you are feeling anxious or stressed out about something, let it out and let it Courtesy Photo go.”

The pandemic served Portal’s Jupiter Bowl, which contains gin, coconut rum, Falernum, orgeat, passionfruit, hibiscus, lime, and pineapple. up anxiety and stress in spades, and it is good to know there is a place in town built on the importance of letting it all go. A place where the concept of social is part of its signature, where you can be a true participant in the culture they have created, and where a group of friends can simultaneously plunge their straws into a single cocktail and sip together in the spirit of solidarity.

Contact Matt Russell, whose day job is CEO of Russell Public Communications, at mrussell@ russellpublic.com. Russell is also the publisher of OnTheMenuLive.com as well as the host of the Friday Weekend Watch segment on the “Buckmaster Show” on KVOI 1030 AM.

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ACROSS Weak hit 6 Big hit 11 Speak disrespectfully to 15 Hindi for “palace” 16 Mischievous fairy 17 “___ Homo” (Nietzsche book) 18 Worker designation coined by Upton Sinclair 20 Key that’s never used alone: Abbr.

21 Sign of a packed house 22 “Confound it!”

23 Disney mermaid 24 Traditional folk song played

by British and Australian ice cream trucks 28 Devoid of pleasure 32 French trick-taking game 33 Really bothered 34 Doughnut shapes 35 Get ready 38 Envy source in Genesis 37 that hints at 18-, 24-, 49- and 58-Across 1

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Most likely to preen

49 Upside, when down 52 Characteristic 53 “Understood” 54 “The Problem With ___”

(documentary related to “The Simpsons”) 57 Letter after theta 58 Some sushi menu fish 62 Tech review site 63 Like prunes vis-à-vis plums 64 Nonstudio film 65 Sedgwick of “The Closer” 66 “The Lorax” author 67 Stun gun

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You’ll find yourself on a fact-finding mission. As you gather information this week, do consider the source. Some professions require pessimism from their practitioners. Lawyers, doctors, police officers and more must anticipate what could go wrong in order to do their job well.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Self-control may seem to be a finite and therefore exhaustible resource. You’ll have more of it than you did on other days. Still, you can’t expect yourself to resist temptation forever.

Make adjustments to your environment so you won’t need as much willpower to fulfill your expectations of yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you already own a thing, it’s silly to try to figure out what’s wrong with it. Why look for problems? But when you are still considering a purchase, it makes good sense to kick the tires, slam the doors, test the waters and poke around to see where the holes are.

Anything broken will reveal itself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You show up to life, and you try to surround yourself with people who do the same. It’s a baseline of expected behavior by which the world runs. Even so, don’t take a change of plan personally. It may seem inconvenient in the moment, but the switch-up will be for the better.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You may not be able to actually go on the adventure you’d love to launch right now, but the world of imagination and media will provide much-needed escape from routine pressures. Why should this be a guilty pleasure?

Let it be just a pleasure and leave needless emotions out of it -- no apologies!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There are many ways to think of the situation; it can work beautifully in a number of different iterations. So, when plans change, it’s nothing to worry about. This week presents opportunities to tell yourself it’s all going to be fine -- and probably even better than if it had happened in the original way.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Even in the case of very principled people, loyalty can trump agreement. Therefore, a person who is always on your side may not always think you’re right. Such ideas swirl around this week’s themes. The bottom line: People make mistakes, but you’d rather stand by them if you can find a way to ethically do it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Your dreams are neither unrealistic nor selfish; they are right for you. Your biggest obstacle is a lack of faith. Could you decide to be naive? Stop overthinking and move with your instincts.

Without the extra baggage caused by doubt and worry, you will float with improbable speed toward the fulfillment of a fantasy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There will be a few black holes to navigate around this week. These dangers come in the form of people, ideas or situations too dangerous to approach, lest you get sucked in. Stay on the well-worn path. Follow trusted guides. Your power is substantial enough; you need no other source.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). What’s readily available will be perceived as less valuable -- a complexity of human nature that you can use to your advantage now. You will be the commodity that is less available, more mysterious and therefore an irresistible draw. People will compete for your attention and pay top dollar for what you sell.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

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DOWN X1, M2 and i3 2 Cowardly Lion portrayer 3 Lima’s home 4 Nondairy milk option 5 Promise that one will 6 Mushrooms produce them 7 Children’s author who wrote “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day” 8 Rose of Guns N’ Roses 9 “Cheap Thrills” singer, 2016 10 That ship 11 Scheme 12 Important part 13 Rocky debris 14 What sex does, they say 19 Train units 23 ___ Lingus 25 Highlighter shades 26 Prognosticate with a crystal ball 27 Secular 28 Plug receptacle 29 First Native American tribe to meet with Lewis and Clark 30 After quite some time 31 Verdi opera originally titled “Amore e Morte” (“Love and Death”) 34 Foot bones 36 Cherubic god 37 “You there!”

39 Author Jonathan Safran ___ 40 Rough up 41 Line when you’re late to the punch line 46 Dog doc 47 Features of some bike helmets 48 Freshly 49 Carrot’s counterpart 50 Complaining about social media on Facebook, say 51 Frasier’s brother on “Frasier” 54 Gives a hand 55 Ballet bend 56 Employer 58 R.B.’s stat 59 Before, to Shakespeare 60 Simu ___, star of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” 61 Santa ___, Calif.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You could burn the bridge behind you and there would still be ways to get back -- swim, build a boat, hitch a ride on a plane -- all uncertain and time consuming. When you think about it, it’s smarter to be nice to the bridge. This may be a lot for your ego to take. Get away from the situation to let feelings mellow.

L A T R A V I A T A

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ARIES (March 21-April 19). You gave up what you no longer needed or wanted, leaving room for something new to drop in. Here comes the drop in the form of an interesting connection. It won’t take long for this to turn your life in unexpected directions. You’ll discover capacities you didn’t know you had.

Y E A R S L A T E R

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HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis

I R O N Y

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Foothills News, March , 

Sinema cited in new book Continued from P12

Rubashkin said such depictions would not be unexpected about a senator who has been in hot water with fellow Democrats for months over her support for the filibuster, which Republicans have used to block votes on parts of Biden’s agenda in the evenly divided Senate.

The Arizona Democratic Party in January censured Sinema over her refusal to kill the filibuster, and more than 100 Arizona LGBTQ+ leaders sent an open letter to the Human Rights Campaign Wednesday, urging it to pull its donations to Sinema’s campaign.

Sinema has also angered Democrats by her refusal to approve a federal minimum wage increase and her work with Republicans to stall the administration’s Build Back Better plan.

But Jason Rose, a Re-

publican political consultant in Arizona, noted that Sinema’s warm attitude toward Republicans began during her days as a state legislator.

“When she was in the Arizona legislature (she) forged really interesting relationships with interesting Republicans,” Rose said. “That’s where she started her bipartisanship and the fact that she said nice things about colorful Republicans, isn’t that what we want more of in American politics?”

Neither Rose nor Rubashkin had read the book this week, but had only seen reports on social media and news sites. But Rose said the book’s reported negative comments from White House sources about Sinema could just as likely have been motivated by frustration that the president had been “unable to do what he said he could do … that he could work with the Senate to pass major leg-

islation.”

“In this case, he couldn’t even work with senators of his own party to pass the legislation,” Rose said.

Both Rose and Rubashkin said White House pushback might not be a negative for Sinema, who has carefully cultivated a bipartisan persona. Despite the reported rift with the White House, Sinema was one of more than 30 members of Congress who were there Wednesday to watch Biden sign a bill reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, and she was back Thursday for the swearing-in of Shalanda Young as the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

“I would imagine that there are people around Sinema who think of that as a positive given how closely she has tried to take up the mantle of the late John McCain,” said Rubashkin, citing the former Republican sena-

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tor from Arizona.

They both also noted that Sinema is not up for reelection until 2024, making it hard to determine how the book might affect her political career.

“She’s got two more years before she has to face voters, so I’ll be interested to see how she continues to play her hand,” Rubashkin said.

Rose agreed, noting that if Sinema can make it through the Democratic primary she is likely to survive the general election.

“I think Kyrsten Sinema is getting as close to a bulletproof general election candidate as the Democratic Party, or any party could offer in Arizona,” Rose said. “Her challenge, of course, is now the Democratic primary.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

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Foothills News, March 23, 2022