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CONTENTS

23 16

Driving Safely Barrett-Jackson is gearing up for its January auction with COVID-19-safe practices in place

FRESH

FEATURES

HOME

6 Rediscovering His Love

16 Full Speed Ahead

28 Trimble's Tales

Gary Spaniola brings '60s-inspired music to Cave Creek and all of Arizona

Barrett-Jackson offers an enhanced and safe live auction

When the cowboys wore black hats

8 Photo Finish

19 Surviving COVID-19

Yasmin Tajik couples her career with educating others

Local restaurants are doing their best during the worst times

10 Oral Health Heroes

21 Saving Amie

Delta Dental Foundation fights more than cavities

North Valley mom thanks Barrow for newfound calm

12 Keeping 'The Nutcracker' Alive

BUSINESS

The English Rose Tea Room serves visions of Sugar Plum Fairies

14 Healing with Grace Michelle Moore says all women can be empowered to help

23 Keeping Watch PacketWatch and Michael McAndrews keep an eye on some of the world's largest firms

26 Looking Up Airpark experts see promise in aviation activity

2 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

30 Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet is Up to the Task This is a car that can be driven gently and is great for daily commuting

TASTE 31 A Birdie Jack's at Desert Highlands spells success

33 Perfect Pairings Bottles made for holiday bounty

35 A Rare Find The Mick prides itself on friendly banter, modern French cuisine

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FRESH • ARTS

Rediscovering

Bitter Sweet Alley was, from left, Dave Gersztyn, Tim Marko, Gary Spaniola, Bill Blake and Rich Nelson. (Photo courtesy Gary Spaniola)

His Love Gary Spaniola brings ’60s-inspired music to Arizona By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

ary Spaniola was in the successful Detroit band Bitter Sweet Alley, when he just decided to call it quits. For 25 years, the new North Scottsdale resident avoided music and instead invented a high-end software system for home automation. “I was in love with that,” he says. “I taught myself computer language and code. That’s how I designed that program.” Now—much like music 25 years ago—he “can’t stand doing that.” “It’s funny because I’ve talked to a couple doctors: Music is your left brain and logic is the right,” Spaniola explains. “They said it’s weird that I did that. Musicians have absolutely no logic. Smarts are not their top priority.” Spaniola returned to music recently, releasing “Beatles in ‘G’,” the 6 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Musician Gary Spaniola recently moved to Arizona to pursue his love of music. All of the money from sales of singles goes to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. (Photo courtesy Gary Spaniola)

first single from the upcoming album that will have a ’60s flair; the instrumental guitar album “Entropia” and the classical collection “Lost in Control.” He says he was hesitant to cover a Beatles song, so he recorded a medley as “Beatles in ‘G’” featuring his wife, Erica. She was formerly signed with Bob Seger’s manager, Punch Andrews.

Learn how better hearing can improve your life. Schedule your appointment and FREE technology demonstration today! Like all of his music, sales benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. “My main goal is whenever anyone buys the music, I double the your hearing treatment Phoenix donation and forward it to St. Jude’s,” Spaniola says. “I’ve been very plan. Expires 1/31/21. 4545 E Shea Blvd, Ste 174 fortunate. It’s my way to give back. “People don’t realize if you get 10,000 people giving a dollar, that’s a lot of money. I’ve been doing that for over a year. This one lady on Georgine Ray, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology Facebook said, ‘Oh, my gosh. I love the classical one.’ I capped the Amanda McInroy, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology match at $10,000, but now I’m at $25,000. I may up it to $50,000 Elaine Slepak, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology and leave it there.” Spaniola was in Bitter Sweet Alley from the early 1980s until he HearPhoenix.com left the band in 1987. When departed, he built a recording studio, where he recorded and mixed groups ranging from the rock band the Romantics to R&B’s Ready for the World. Spaniola had great times playing with Bitter Sweet Alley as well as recording and producing, but it was time for a change. “I worked with, literally, probably, 100 groups,” says Spaniola, who sold his Michigan house to rappers Insane Clown Posse. “It got to the point where I was just bored. I never do anything if I’m bored—even if it means leaving a lot of money behind. Life’s short. At the same time, when I was bored with that, I was teaching myself computer programming. “That’s when I designed software. People were really interested. I was selling it to billionaires who wanted their home controlled.” The Academy of Excellence is a fully When Spaniola moved to Arizona, the specs of his home had to online K-12 school that is a part the The Academy of Excellence is aoffully have a room big enough for a recording studio. He calls his music a Cave Creek Unified School District online K-12 school that is a part of the “gift” or “passion.” It feels good to give back. Cave Creek Unified School District “My father always said, ‘About 98% of the people didn’t enjoy going to work,’” he recalls. “I thought that’s crazy. If you’re forced GREAT FOR STUDENTS WHO: into a situation, what are you going to do? I told my kids, ‘The only GREAT FOR STUDENTS WHO: • Need an alternative to traditional school due to COVID-19 GREAT FOR STUDENTS WHO: time you lose is when you quit.’” • Need an alternative to traditional • Are independently motivated toschool completedue workto COVID-19 • Need an alternative to traditional school due to COVID-19 Spaniola says he’s looking forward to playing his music live when • Are independently • Need more time, pacing or flexibility in completing motivated to complete work work • Are independently motivated to complete work Havemore success withpacing educational technology tools work the COVID-19 restrictions ease. time, or flexibility completing • Need more• •Need time, pacing or flexibility inincompleting work • Have success with educational technology toolsEXCELLENCE “I might get a band together and play two sets—one of some old • Have success INSPIRING with educational technology tools stuff and songs from that era, and another set of my guitar album,” through exceptional online education INSPIRING EXCELLENCE s an s an INSPIRING through exceptionalEXCELLENCE online education he says. “I’ll do two cover songs, ‘Beatles in ‘G,’’ and a medley of Contact Stones songs. The rest we’re writing. We’re ready to go.” us today through exceptional online education Contact ols and Pro ustotoday learn ho g Sc Contacttomore! learn Gary Spaniola us today more! garyspaniola.com to learn 480.575.2301 www.CCUSD93.org facebook.com/garyspaniolamusic 480.575.2301 www.CCUSD93.org

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FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

Photo

Finish Yasmin Tajik couples her career with educating others By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Y Yasmin Tajik handles her prints with care, wearing white gloves when she prepares them to ship. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

8 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

asmin Tajik sits in her Fountain Hills home surrounded by camera equipment. Photo backdrops, prints and white gloves are strategically placed around her dining area. But there is more to Tajik than photography and her business, Yasmin Tajik Fine Art Prints. She took her company and mixed it with her humanitarian spirit to capture stories while giving back through the sale of each print. A first-generation Pakistani American,Tajik gives a portion of her proceeds from her art sold to charities. “When the world looks away, I prefer to pull out my camera,”Tajik says when describing her documentarian-style photography. “I understand the privilege I have as an American woman. I use this privilege to highlight the marginalized in our world and tell their story. It’s through story where we can relate to and see our similarities.These similarities lead to unity.” Prints are all original photographs taken by Tajik and start at $375 for a 16-by-24. The size range goes up to 40 by 60 and can be purchased framed or unframed. All prints can be purchased at yasmintajikprints.com. A former 17-year Las Vegas resident, Tajik is a self-taught photographer who felt a need to shift her photography focus toward highlighting social causes and bringing awareness to humanitarian issues. She began her photography career as a Las

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yasmin Tajik launched her website, yasmintajikprints.com. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Yasmin Tajik’s passion is photography and giving back to charity. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Vegas pet photographer. She loved the work— and it was a true learning experience—but strived for more. “I was learning how to run a high-end boutique photography studio,” she says. “I got to a point where I felt like my skill level was up to par and I decided to open my own studio. That is Shalimar Studios, and that basically focuses on family portraits and events.” Six years ago, inspired by National Geographic, she sat down with her mother and said she needed to do more with her photography. Her parents are Pakistani immigrants. “As you can probably tell from the décor, I’m still very connected to my heritage,”Tajik says. “I was raised with both cultures. I was pointing at things to my mom and telling her this is the type of work I really feel drawn to doing. “It wasn’t long after that I came across this organization that combined travel with giving back for photographers. So, I did a trip to Thailand, and it was an all-women’s trip. I was

one of six who were selected from all around the United States. We went to Northern Thailand, and we taught photography to girls who were being rescued out of sex trafficking.” She says it was great because she and the other photographers empowered the girls and showed them the world matters. “I was blown away by how these girls were photographing just their immediate environment and how they were cropping things in.” Tajik calls it “documentary photography,” and she’s heavily focused on women’s issues like sex trafficking and gender equality. She enjoys blending trips with photography. “Doing the documentary type of work, I could go on a trip with my photography girlfriends and I could create a project out of that at the same time,” she explains. “What was great is we did a trip to Iceland, and it was beautiful. “Our trip happened to fall on a day called Women’s Day Off. It’s this big event that happened in Iceland that stresses equal pay. They actually have a law enacted in Iceland that, for any company that has 25 or more employees, they have to prove they’re paying men and women the same for the same job, which is really fantastic.” On the trip,Tajik interviewed local

women and photographed them, learning their stories and what their thoughts were on equal pay. Nat Geo picked up a story and rare footage of a leopard leaping out of a tree down onto an impala and making a kill. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down that portion of her business—she hopes temporarily. Producing prints of her work has become a COVID-19 project, she says. “This is the perfect opportunity,” she says. “I have the time now to dedicate to getting a whole website set up and researching what type of prints I want to offer. “The most important thing for me was finding charities to partner with, because I wanted to make it an extension of my documentary type of work where I’m advocating for something.” Her charities and associated collections are American Wild Horse Campaign (the equine collection); Great Plains Foundation (wildlife collection) and S.A.F.E. Samburu (Samburu collection). Samburu is a tribe in Kenya with vibrant colors. S.A.F.E. Samburu works to educate women and girls about female genital mutilation, which is common there. “I’m always thinking of different avenues when it comes to photography,”Tajik says. “I feel like the more I can tell stories about people and show the similarities, the more it’ll break down a lot of those barriers.” YasminTajik Prints yasmintajikprints.com

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 9

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

Oral Health

In 2020, Delta Dental of Arizona distributed over $750,000 in grants to support the oral health issues facing high-risk children and families, and pregnant mothers.

Heroes

(Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash)

Delta Dental Foundation fights more than just cavities By Alison Bailin Batz

n 1997, “Titanic” ruled the box office. Hanson had everyone singing “MMMBop.” Delta Dental of Arizona launched one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations in the state. “Delta Dental of Arizona started the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation with the mission to improve oral health across the state, particularly for uninsured and underinsured groups and communities,” says Barb Kozuh, director of community

benefit for Delta Dental of Arizona. “To give perspective, in the past 15 years alone, we’ve provided more than $13 million in community benefit support for oral health promotion and dental disease prevention programs across the state.” According to Kozuh, the foundation provides support through a grant program and extensive community outreach and

education. “In 2020, we’ve distributed more than $750,000 in grants to 34 Arizona community organizations that serve high-risk children and families, and pregnant women,” says Kozuh, noting there are two primary grant programs within foundation—IMPACT and Community grants.

IMPACT Grants

The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation actively works to provide oral health education to children across Arizona. (Special to North Valley Magazine) 10 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Organizations selected by the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation to apply for the first IMPACT Grants in 2020 were chosen based on the oral health program’s demonstrated impact in the community, melding of services and education, plus the number of lives that are touched by the program. In addition, the organizations have proven to be faithful stewards of grant funds from Delta Dental of Arizona for at least three years. Among this year’s IMPACT recipients is Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health, which was awarded a grant of $100,000 over two years for its Smiles for Kids school-based oral health program. In the past, NOAH’s Smiles for Kids program provided in-person oral health education, dental

FRESH • PHILANTHROPY screenings and fluoride varnish services to more than 3,000 children at primarily Title 1 elementary schools in Deer Valley, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. While schools have been unable to provide in-person learning, to continue this important work, NOAH retooled the program to provide the educational component via video utilizing the funds from Delta Dental of Arizona. “Poor oral health can negatively affect how a young mouth develops and leads to more than 50 million school hours being lost each year,” says Dr. Lou Sarrosa, NOAH dental director. “It can also impact a child’s confidence, speech, nutrition, social skills, as well as potential for success later in life. This grant not only allows us to treat thousands of low-income and uninsured children who otherwise may not have access to dental services, it also gives us the opportunity to present dental education in a new and interactive platform for their families and provide them with important resources that can benefit the entire family.” Students watch short videos on six oral health modules, take a quiz and electronically obtain parent permission to receive an oral health screening, fluoride varnish treatment and dental supplies once students return to school. Children can access the materials on a computer, tablet or phone. Fellow IMPACT Grant recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix’s Children’s Dental Clinic, El Rio Community Health Center’s Pediatric Dental Integration Program and Tooth BUDDS, which is a group of affiliated practice dental hygienists who serve the children of Graham and Greenlee counties.

Annual Community Grants

The foundation’s Community Grants support programs and organizations statewide that provide oral health education and services for uninsured and underserved children, pregnant women and seniors. These grants range from $2,500 to $25,000; a sampling of this year’s recipient programs include: • New Leaf ’s Healthy Smiles for Life, which provides dental hygiene education and supplies for preschool to high school-age children from low-income households. • ACCEL’s Dentists are Awesome, which provides hands-on demonstrations and oral

Thanks to a Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation grant, NOAH’s Smiles for Kids was able to develop virtual content amid COVID-19. (Special to North Valley Magazine)

health education to grade K-12 students with special needs. • Give Kids A Smile, which is an American Dental Association initiative designed to reduce school absenteeism by eliminating oral pain and infection in elementary age students. • Dignity Health Chandler Children’s Dental Clinic, which provides children with preventive oral health care services and orofacial myofunctional therapy. • Esperança’s Learning with a Smile, which sends bilingual educators to provide oral health education to low-income Latino children and seniors in metropolitan Phoenix. • Smiles for Veterans, which facilitates critically needed dental care to senior Veterans who do not qualify for coverage under the Veterans Administration.

Outreach services and health center support

Beyond its formal grant program, the foundation has several outreach services, notably one that allows it to provide more than 300,000 free toothbrushes to over 100 nonprofit organizations each year. “An example of this donation in action, and as part of a bigger program, is our partnership with the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

every February in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month,” Kozuh says. “Beyond the donation of toothbrushes for each child who visits that month, we work on an interactive program at the museum with puppet shows, magic shows, story time and presentations by dentists all themed around oral health.” The foundation also supports the efforts of the Delta Dental Oral Health Center at St. Vincent de Paul’s Virginia G. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic. It was renovated in 2019 to allow for roughly 4,000 more patient visits a year on top of the more than 15,000 it did in 2018. It sponsors new parent kits for First Things First, ensuring the estimated 77,000 women who give birth in Arizona each year get an oral health pouch with education cards, resources on infant and baby oral health milestones and development, and toothbrushes for mom and baby. “And finally, during this unusual year, we also supported federally qualified health centers with unrestricted monies to use,” says Kozuh, noting in 2020 they’ve donated more than $500,000 to these health centers across Arizona. Delta Dental deltadentalaz.com

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 11

FRESH • EVENTS

Keeping ‘The Nutcracker’

Alive F The English Rose Tea Room serves visions of Sugar Plum Fairies By Jacqueline Robledo 12 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

or many people, seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet in a theater is a holiday tradition. The COVID-19 pandemic is making that a little difficult this year. But Jo Gemmill is doing something about it. Her English Rose Tea Room in Carefree is once again hosting a Nutcracker Tea Party December 5, December 6, December 12 and December 13. The dates are sold out, but more will be added. Masks will be required. “I think for a lot of people ‘The Nutcracker’ is a Christmas tradition that they have done for years and years,” Gemmill says. “There’s definitely an opportunity for people to still see something of ‘The Nutcracker’ even if they can’t go to the theater and see the whole

Sofia Zapoticzny, Brooke Egli and Brynn Summers are among the ballerinas featured in the Nutcracker tea. (Photos by Chadwick Fowler)

Sofia Zapoticzny will wear a mask during the Nutcracker Tea, which is strictly enforcing the pandemic recommendations.

production. They can come here.” The story is about a young girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. For the last eight years, the tea room dedicates one afternoon in December to host a Nutcracker Tea Party where the English Rose Tea Room’s resident ballerinas come to participate in a small-scale vignette of the traditional “Nutcracker” ballet. “It’s a wonderful opportunity—especially

for the little children—to get up close and personal with a ballerina, rather than watching them from far away in a theater seat,” Gemmill says. Gemmill wanted to extend the opportunity to more people this year due to theater closures. Samantha Gobeille of Arizona Dance Artistry is this year’s dance coordinator. “Jo is really bringing ‘The Nutcracker’ experience to them in this setting because there won’t be many opportunities to watch

the traditional ballet,” Gobeille says. The experience begins with the ballerinas reading the “Nutcracker” story to the children. After, they will perform a small-scale version of the ballet in the tea room. And, of course, the afternoon will be filled with tea and pastries. “It’s really just adding the value of the events for the tea room participants,” Gobeille says. “The little girls who are there get to take pictures with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara, and the other fairies. They will perform and show them their pointe shoes and just give them a general love and interests for dance.” Not only are the customers of the English Rose Tea Room getting their “Nutcracker” fix, so are the ballerinas. Otherwise, the ballerinas wouldn’t have an opportunity to perform with theaters being closed. “Most ballet studios or ballet companies are not doing a ‘Nutcracker’ this year. So, this is the only opportunity for some young children to get a ‘Nutcracker’ experience.” English Rose Tea Room 201 Easy Street, Suite 103, Carefree 480-488-4812, carefreetea.com NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 13

FRESH • BOOKS

Healing with

GR ACE Michelle Moore says all women can be empowered to help By Annika Tomlin

Michelle Moore founded and is president of the nonprofit Mother’s Grace. Moore published her first book, “A Mother’s Grace: Healing the World, One Woman at a Time.” (Special to North Valley Magazine)

14 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

ichelle Moore hasn’t let the hardships of being a mother and cancer survivor get in the way. Founder and president of the Phoenix-based nonprofit organization Mother’s Grace, Moore recently published her first book, “A Mother’s Grace: Healing the World, One Woman at a Time.” With around $2,000, Moore founded Mother’s Grace in 2009 as a nonprofit that provides financial assistance for housing costs, meals, housekeeping and child care to Arizona mothers in the midst of tragic life events. Mother’s Grace is now a multimillion-dollar charity that also provides support and professional guidance for mothers aiming to start their own nonprofit organizations. Working as LabCorp’s senior vice president and a mother of three, Moore wanted to pen a book about her experiences as a mother while also telling stories of other “impactful” women. “I lost my mom when I was 5 years old, and that is in the book,” Moore says. “I was trying to connect with moms, and in the subconscious way I think I was trying to connect with different moms around, saying this is a good role.

FRESH • BOOKS

“As I got older, I really started connecting with moms who had been through hard stuff like me— lost their moms or some tragic event—and they made lemonade out of lemons. They started doing stuff for other people.” As part of helping other mothers, Moore took her oldest son when he was 10 to clean up New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. “We got to know these different moms who were making a difference,” Moore says. One of the mothers who lost everything “turned into a powerhouse,” according to Moore, and helped clean up the city and rebuild close to 30,000 homes. “In 2008, I became one of those moms,” Moore says. “I was diagnosed with a really aggressive form of breast cancer. As I was getting ready to go to my first chemo appointment, my middle son, who was 7 at the time, got rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with terminal diabetes.” After rounds of chemotherapy and five surgeries over a year, Moore survived her battle with breast cancer. But while she was battling cancer, her son had to learn how to be dependent on insulin. Moore says the experience while also raising two other children was “very impactful.” “It was already an interest of mine to connect with these mothers on a subconscious level, and then all of a sudden I became one,” Moore says. “For me it was like this divine journey that God had meant for me.” Her book follows her story from the time she lost her mother to battling cancer and beyond. “Healing the World, One Woman at a Time” also includes

the stories of other women and mothers Moore has connected with over the years. “Someone would call me and say there is this nun that we heard about in India; she has 90 orphan girls and she can’t get them to the hospital when they have some disease,” Moore says. “They had to take a rickshaw, and they are dying on the way there. We got a Jeep to them. “(Hearing other moms’ stories) they intertwined with my story, and it just became a really beautiful piece on moms who have been going through this stuff and how we get together and how everybody is going to exponentially help their communities. (The book) goes from India to New Orleans, to Scottsdale, to the Parkland shootings.”

The foreword of Moore’s book was written by her longtime friend, Mother’s Grace board member and Gov. Doug Ducey’s wife, Angela Ducey. “She’s very impactful with the children of Arizona,” Moore says. “She’s one of the most philanthropic people that I know. “She’s known me for a long time and so I think she saw the development of all of this, and so it was not just the book foreword.” Moore says she has heard readers have cried or were emotional when they perused the book. It becomes inspirational toward the end. “I would say it’s 60% to 70% personal anecdotes with these stories, but the self-help part is definitely there,” Moore says. “At the end, I write a whole chapter about how you can empower yourself to make a difference and really break it down.” Moore says not everyone needs to start their own nonprofit but can make a difference by simply “baking cookies.” “I think the most important thing to take away from the book is really bad stuff happens,” Moore says. “I hope people take away that you don’t have to be the strongest person in the world. You don’t have to be the richest person in the world. There are ways to walk through this journey with grace and to come out the other side better for you and better for others.” “A Mother’s Grace: Healing the World, One Woman at aTime” is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. Info: mothers-grace.org

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Craig Jackson and his staff at BarrettJackson will take the necessary precautions during its January event. (Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson)

Full Speed Ahead Barrett-Jackson offers an enhanced and safe live auction By Kamala Kirk

ne of the world’s leading auction houses for classic and one-of-akind cars, Barrett-Jackson hosts annual auctions and lifestyle events that draw nearly half a million people. Since its founding in 1971, the company has continued to expand and innovate, becoming the first collector car auction to offer live internet and television coverage. The Scottsdale 2021 auction is set for Saturday, January 16, to Saturday, January 23, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Organizers

promise an enhanced and safe experience that is in accordance with CDC guidelines while retaining the excitement and quality of Barrett-Jackson events. One of the elements that hasn’t changed is the extensive selection of rare, unique and high-end cars that will be available on the auction block. “Last year we sold so many of the Ford GTs,” says Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson CEO. “We sold a 2018 Ford GT at the October auction for $1.2 million and hit a world record. We have similar models that will be at our upcoming auction, including a 2018 Heritage Edition with less than 20 miles on it and a 2017 with less than 80 miles. We’re going to have a diverse docket of vehicles, from an LS6 Chevelle to a Ram Air convertible, which is ultra rare. Our October auction was hugely successful, and we sold 100% of the cars, setting more than 20 world

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records. We’ve got a lot of great cars lined up for our January auction as well.”

Pivoting events

When COVID-19 hit, Barrett-Jackson immediately pivoted to online auction formats, which replaced its Palm Beach and Northeast auctions in May and July 2020. This past October, the company celebrated its return to live events by hosting its first fall auction at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Evolving from previous live auctions, the event featured wider spaces that ensured proper social distancing measures were followed, plexiglass dividers to maintain safe barriers between guests, and touchless transactions. Attendance was also limited, temperature checks were conducted, and everyone wore masks in accordance with CDC guidelines. “We’ve never done a fall auction before. We always just did the big annual event in

During its fall auction, BarrettJackson strictly adhered to recommended pandemic guidelines. (Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson)

Scottsdale,” Jackson says. “Our October event was a hybrid between a regular Barrett-Jackson auction combined with enhanced safety protocols. The city also upgraded the venue with ion generators in all the A/C units to pump fresh, clean air throughout the event. We received a lot of

accolades from people who saw how seriously we are taking this. Our goal is to bring back live events in the safest manner possible.” The restaurant and hospitality industries have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, so Barrett-Jackson decided to hold the fall auction in order to help struggling local businesses make up lost revenue. “A lot of these businesses make a large portion of their income during the spring and summer, when there are a lot of visitors to the area,” Jackson says. “We wanted to help them, and we want to do the same thing in January for our next auction. Our goal is to take care of all of our customers and bring business back to the area. We’re one of the signature events in Scottsdale, and we need to set an example for others while entertaining people in a safe manner. Everybody wants to get back to some sort of normalcy, and if you follow all the proper protocols, it can be done.”

Driving history

Barrett-Jackson held its first auction in 1972 next to the Safari Hotel in Downtown Scottsdale. Over the years, it has expanded

and become the company’s signature event. Now, Barrett-Jackson produces auctions in Palm Beach, Connecticut and Las Vegas and has multiple TV partnerships. Jackson is also planning a special celebration in 2022 in honor of the company’s 50-year anniversary. “We were the first car auction company to be on live television,” Jackson says. “When I took over the company 25 years ago, I sent out questionnaires to all my customers to learn more about what they wanted, and some people wrote me long letters. We’ve listened, and as a result, Barrett-Jackson has evolved into a lifestyle. People equate quality and entertainment with Barrett-Jackson. It’s a bucket list event for anybody that loves collector cars.” Another important aspect of BarrettJackson events is the company’s commitment to giving back. To date, it has raised more than $127 million for various charities; and the special vehicles are donated and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to a charity chosen by the donor of the car. Previous recipients include the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Detroit Children’s Fund, MakeA-Wish Foundation of Arizona, Arizona Animal Welfare League, and many others. “I love raising money up on the auction block for the charities,” Jackson says. “It’s also a lot of fun having different celebrities and high-profile individuals participate in our events and support various organizations and causes.” One year, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler donated his 2012 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which sold for $800,000 with all proceeds going to his charity Janie’s Fund, an organization that offers assistance to girls who have been abused and neglected. Previously, Simon Cowell donated his

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For the first time, Barrett-Jackson held an auction in the fall.

(Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson)

Craig Jackson, chief executive officer of Barrett-Jackson, and the organization’s president, Steve Davis, at a recent event. (Photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson) 1977 Ford Bronco Custom SUV and 2009 Bentley Azure, while Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker donated three vehicles from his personal collection, including a custom 1960 Cadillac. Other celebrity vehicles that have also made appearances on the Scottsdale auction block include music legend Johnny Cash’s 2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier L, Dean Martin’s 1980 RollsRoyce Corniche Convertible and Howard Hughes’ 1954 Chrysler New Yorker. Barrett-Jackson’s online auctions have been successful, providing an opportunity for those who are unable to attend in person to be a part of the experience and bid on cars. Jackson says the online format has brought in buyers from around the world, with one of the charity cars purchased by someone in Australia. “We’ve enhanced our new online bidding platform, which is giving more people an

opportunity to participate,” Jackson says. “We plan to offer more in the future, in addition to our live auctions. The other thing we’ve really enhanced is our stream, which is broadcast quality. It’s the same components that make up the television broadcast but are put together a little bit differently for a stream.” After the Scottsdale auction in January, Barrett-Jackson is hosting the Palm Beach Auction from April 8 to April 10 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Also set to debut is Barrett-Jackson Live, special TV programming on FYI and the History Channel, which will be distributed globally by A+E International. Jackson looks forward to providing attendees with the fun and entertainment that they expect from a typical event paired with all required safety protocols. He wants to continue to be a good steward while looking after his employees and customers in the best manner possible, in

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addition to running the business he remains passionate about after all these years. “I’m not the kind of guy who sits in a rocking chair after he retires,” Jackson says. “They said if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life. I love what I do; it’s my hobby and my business. I’m excited for the future of our company. We moved to new headquarters and we’ve built a full studio where we plan on producing more television and web content. What we practice at our corporate facility is what we practice at our live events. I want to keep our team and customers as safe as possible while getting back to business and enjoying a hobby. People need something to look forward to, and they miss their friends. Even if people can’t get close and hug each other for a while, at least with our events they get to be around their friends in a safe manner. At Barrett-Jackson, we’re a family.”

Barrett-Jackson Various times Saturday, January 16, to Saturday, January 23 WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road Tickets start at $12 for children; $18 for seniors, military and students; and $25 adults For more information, visit barrett-jackson.com

Surviving COVID-19

Local restaurants are doing their best during the worst times By Laura Latzko

he COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on the restaurant industry, especially local mom-and-pop restaurants in Cave Creek and Carefree. These local restaurants have needed to adapt to change to be able to survive. Two local restaurants, Giordano’s Trattoria Romana and Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, have done just that.

Giordano’s Trattoria Romana

For Giordano’s Trattoria Romana, surviving during COVID-19 has meant serving customers in different ways, depending on COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. When restaurants were closed for in-house dining from March to May, Giordano’s offered curbside pickup for its customers. It is known for its veal dishes like ossobuco Milanese and house specialties such as eggplant parmigiana and pollo fricassee. Owner Adele Giordano says that throughout this year, local customers have helped her restaurant survive. “I have to say the people in Carefree, my regular customers, were so completely supportive.They were determined that they didn’t want to lose us. We were pretty busy with takeout, and I was able to get the bills paid and pay my staff,” Giordano says. The restaurant reopened for in-house dining in May. Giordano says customers were hesitant to come back at first, but soon they started to show. Her restaurant has closely followed CDC guidelines related to social distancing, including positioning tables 6 feet apart, changing to paper menus, requiring masks for staff, ensuring diners wear masks when first entering the facility, offering patio and indoor seating, and not allowing groups of more than 10 people to sit together. “That’s a little new, when you have friends and family wanting to sit together and they really can’t. I go out of my way to follow the guidelines because I don’t want to have any repercussions,” Giordano says. “I strictly follow social distancing in seating of the tables.” Before reopening in May, the staff rearranged tables and removed bar seating. Giordano says the safety measures have helped diners to feel secure to dine at the restaurant.

The Cave Creek mainstay Harold’s has been able to endure this year. (Photo courtesy Harold’s Cave Creek Corral)

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“As time went on, people started to really trust us and know they could come and feel safe,” Giordano says. Giordano says that while most customers have been understanding, some have had trouble adjusting to the new protocols. “Sometimes people will come in and they will see an empty table and they wouldn’t get that I can’t seat them there because there is someone else that is too close. Sometimes they are not very happy with that, or they don’t like having to wait. Unfortunately, it’s not my law. I’m just following the guidelines,” Giordano says. Along with her duties as owner, Giordano also acts as a server in her restaurant. Her fulltime staff has been with her for a number of years. Her chefs are known for their sauces and ability to cook food in a consistent manner. “You can order something now and come back next year, and it would taste the same,” Giordano says. She has avoided laying off employees during the pandemic. “I’ve been able to maintain my staff, which is really important to me,” Giordano says. Giordano says some days can be more difficult than others, but she has just been pressing on, day by day. “As frustrating as it is having to wear a mask for five hours, six hours and be really uncomfortable, you have to do it. You just have to be persistent and pray that it passes us and we’ll be done with it relatively soon,” Giordano says. Giordano says it hasn’t been easy running a business during COVID-19, but she and her staff are doing everything they can to make sure the restaurant continues on for years to come. “We are just getting the job done and surviving as best as we can,” Giordano says. Giordano’sTrattoria Romana 7275 E. Easy Street, Carefree 480-595-0233, giordanostrattoriaromana.com

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral has a long history in the Cave Creek area that dates back to the 1930s.The jubilant hotspot has been able to endure this year, despite pandemic challenges. The restaurant has had to shut down and offer only to-go orders twice this year. It just reopened for in-house dining in August. Harold’s offers a wide array of different

comfort foods, including spaghetti, fried chicken, tacos, chicken Parmesan, burgers and sandwiches. Co-owner Danny Piacquadio says a small bit of his business comes from takeout orders. Carry-out, however, did increase during the shutdown. Many locals ordered family meals, which come with multiple servings and sides. “That was generated to help feed the families in the school district but also to give people an option who wanted to enjoy Harold’s food as a family, to give them a discounted version. It actually worked out really well for us, and we continue to sell those to go,” Piacquadio says. Although Harold’s menu didn’t change, it was limited for a time to prevent wasting food. The restaurant has been able to go back to its full menu since reopening. Piacquadio’s father purchased Harold’s in 1987. He started working at the restaurant after college and now co-owns it with his wife and Bill and Marie Vale. He has always found Cave Creek to be supportive—especially during COVID-19. “I think Cave Creek is a great community. Harold’s is known for being one of the hallmarks of Cave Creek. We had great community representation from our regulars, from the families in the school district appreciating the stuff we have done in years past.They wanted to try to reciprocate and help us back, especially when we were closed,” Piacquadio says. Over a four-month period, the restaurant had to downsize, laying off over 90 people. Most of the staff were able to return when it reopened. “We were blessed to get 80% to 90% of our staff back. We are very appreciative of that. We are keeping up all of the protocols and safety checks so that we can stay open and keep our employees and customers safe,” Piacquadio says. Piacquadio says it was challenging to have to lay off so many staff members. “The majority of them didn’t have anywhere to go, and they lost that income. Granted, we did have unemployment benefits provided, but it’s still not enough to live off.That was the toughest part,” Piacquadio says. Harold’s received relief in the form of smallbusiness PPP funding through the stimulus package. Even during times when it was closed for dine-in, the restaurant tried to give back by donating food to local school districts and food banks. Known for its live music offerings, Harold’s pivoted its entertainment lineup. Instead of

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plugged-in raucous sets, musicians perform acoustically and as duos from Thursdays to Sundays. “During the pandemic, musicians were hit as hard as anybody.To have full bands at 50% (capacity) doesn’t really make sense for us,” he says. “Our philosophy is you have to coexist with the virus because it’s not going anywhere. As long as you do it safely and responsibly, it makes sense to try to get back to as normal as we can as a society. So, if we have one acoustic guy or a duo play, it helps those musicians that have been part of Harold’s success to keep working.” Although business has been steady since reopening, he expects to see fewer customers than normal during the fall and spring, which are generally busier times of the year for Harold’s. COVID-19 numbers have been rising. “We are blessed because we have a great support system with the community and our regulars but have no doubt that this is a challenging time for all restaurants,” Piacquadio says. From the beginning, Harold’s made sure to abide by CDC safety protocols, including spacing tables 6 feet apart; adopting additional sanitation measures; requiring masks upon entry; and when not seated, operating at 50% capacity and making sure that employees are tested for COVID-19. “We’ve always done everything by the guidelines, for our customers and our employees, and we haven’t had any outbreaks at our restaurant,” Piacquadio says. The restaurant already had an outdoor patio and tall ceilings, but the staff did need to rearrange the space. For excess chairs and tables, the owners rented a trailer. Piacquadio says restaurants like Harold’s were already used to following food safety guidelines, so they were able to adapt quickly to COVID-19 guidelines early on in the process. “I know people are fearful of going out, but we feel we are just as safe, if not safer, than going to the grocery store,” Piacquadio says. “We are going above and beyond the recommendations of the CDC to provide a safe experience, to get people out of the house and get back to some sort of normal lifestyle.” Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com

Saving Amie North Valley mom thanks Barrow for newfound calm

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

mie Miksta relaxes in the shade. The task comes easier to her these days, after a whirlwind, arduous bout with brain cancer. Her Instagram is @aminspirational, a play on her first name and her friends’ description of her. “I’ve been through a lot,” says Miksta, a former teacher who lives near Desert Ridge Marketplace. “A lot of people get very saddened, but I try to inspire. “I’m always very calm. Some people don’t want to do their MRIs. It’s too much for them. The machines are very loud. I just say my prayers to the people who are in heaven. Before this, I wasn’t exactly like this.This has totally changed me.” Eleven weeks pregnant with her second child, Miksta had a seizure—a word she will not and cannot say to this day—on Thanksgiving 2017. “I went to the bathroom, came back to my husband and hopped in bed,” she says. “I started going nonsensical. I don’t say that word.” After she was rushed to the hospital, she was transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute, where, five days later, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “I went through a lot of pain, but I didn’t worry about it. I knew that’s what I had to go through,” she says. “I stayed at my 500% person of happiness. I knew I would see my family. I was just so calm. I’d see my family crying, and I didn’t understand it.” Miksta attributes her successful treatment and her calm nature to Barrow Neurological Institute’s staff. She supports the Barrow Million Dollar Raffle, formerly known as the Barrow Health & Wealth Raffle, which runs

Amie Miksta, 37, of North Phoenix, wants to inspire now that she’s recovered from brain cancer. (Photo courtesy Barrow Neurological Institute)

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SWITCH TO AT&T AND GET A $250 AT&T VISA® REWARD CARD* WHEN YOU BUY A SMARTPHONE ON A QUALIFYING INSTALLMENT PLAN! Must port in new line of elig. postpaid wireless svc (min. $50/mo. after discounts start w/in 2 bills). *Ends 12/31/20. Remain active and in good standing for 30 days. After 30 days, you will be mailed instructions for claiming your card online. Claim w/in 75 days. If svc cancelled, device balance due. $30 Activation, add’l fees, taxes & other charges, & restr’s apply. See Sales Rep for details.

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22 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Amie and Jeff Miksta with their daughter, Ayla. (Photo courtesy Barrow Neurological Institute)

through December 31. This year’s raffle offers $50 tickets, which support the institute’s patient care, research and education. This year’s prizing has 100 $500 winners, five $100,000 winners, and the grand prize of $1 million. Since the raffle began in 2003, it has raised more than $60 million for the institute. “At Barrow, we believe doing good has its rewards,” says Katie Cobb, president of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “Every single ticket is its own microcosm of good—from our patients, to our employees, to our players. Not only can you win up to $1 million cash, but every ticket you buy makes a difference for those affected by the most challenging brain and spine disorders at the Barrow Neurological Institute. If you ask us, that’s a win-win.” To purchase tickets, visit barrowraffle.org. Miksta feels “absolutely, truly saved” by Barrow. “I went in there and I didn’t know what was going on with my body,” she says. “When I got to Barrow, the computers showed my brain, but I didn’t know it was my brain. “I figured out that it was my brain and it was going through something. I immediately gave myself strength and kept being brave and being strong. (The staff ) held my hands and gave me the strength I needed by just holding my hands. I went into MRIs, and that was no big deal for me.” Miksta’s father has purchased tickets for the last three years. “My dad is wonderful and donates and, when they’re having their raffle and doing anything, he makes sure he participates,” says Miksta, who’s now in remission. “They’ve done such great for my body, brain and tumor.” Miksta is now willing to help anyone in any situation that troubles them—especially in the time of COVID-19. “So many people are just going through issues in their lives,” Miksta says. “I know that some are small, some are big. Some are losing family members, whether it be to sickness or anything. I’m ready to help.”

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Former FBI agent Michael McAndrews serves as vice president, network security services for PacketWatch in Scottsdale. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Fighting Cybercrime PacketWatch keeps an eye on some of the world’s largest firms By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

ybersecurity expert and former FBI agent Michael McAndrews has three loves in his life—malware, motorcycles and music. Malware is key to PacketWatch, a 3-year-old Scottsdale-based company for which he serves as vice president, network security services. PacketWatch is the name of the business and the proprietary network monitoring, analysis and investigation platform designed

to help cybersecurity threat hunters quickly and efficiently accomplish their daily tasks. He calls PacketWatch one of the “coolest tools out there.” “Our company provides cybersecurity for corporations and individuals,” he says. “We meet our customers in a couple ways. Obviously, we love referrals. That’s great. “Sometimes we perform what’s called ‘managed detection response,’ which is, essentially, watching your network for you, making sure nothing bad gets in. If something does happen, we identify it very quickly and reduce ‘dwell time’—how long the bad folks are in there—and then we keep your network safe.” The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an uptick in incident responses, McAndrews says. The opportunities are greater for

hackers to access remote gateways to networks because folks are rushing to set up workstations at home. “They’ve expedited getting laptops and things into people’s hands,” he says. “Companies are creating more remote access accounts—and they don’t always put security first. “Now there are more opportunities for these folks who have been out there scanning for these things to find them. We’re seeing a lot more breaches.” Many times, affected companies become long-term, managed detection clients.

Use complex passwords

McAndrews has been in the field for 25 years and has spoken at many events. “Sometimes in my talks, I tell people I

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BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT have found that a large percentage of the population in America has at least three passwords,” he says. “You have one password that you think is just for small sites that you don’t care about, you have one that you think is a little bit more secure, and you have one you might use for your banking. Most people seem to fall into that category.” For example, if the “medium” password is on a website that is breached, the hackers will download the database of usernames and passwords. They then put it into a password spray. “They can blast your email address with that password across the top 1 million websites in a matter of minutes,” he says. “So, just imagine that if I get that one password you’ve used on a few dozen sites and I blast it to the top 1 million sites in the world, how many am I going to get into? What if I do get into that website? Am I going to have your credit card information, your home address, your shipping information, etc.?” McAndrews doesn’t use the same password twice, and he suggests others do the same. Password managers like LastPass come in handy for this. “I couldn’t even tell you my passwords because my password manager changes them,” McAndrews says. “They’re very complex and they’re long. If I need to do a password reset because I don’t have my password manager, I can still do that. But for right now, my passwords are secure.” On the commercial side, McAndrews recommends using multifactor authentication, an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism. “When you sign in, they send you a text or they need to type in a code that protects it,” McAndrews says. “Even if your company’s passwords or emails fall into the wrong hands, if they don’t have the second factor, if they don’t have the text message or the code, they can’t get in, right?” Patch management is important as well. McAndrews and his colleagues are seeing an increase in unauthorized access coming through network devices. Virtual private network gateways and firewalls are vulnerable. If companies haven’t fixed that vulnerability, hackers exploit them. Once hackers sneak into a company network, they start looking around. That’s when

Michael McAndrews taught at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico and has given several talks about the dark web. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

McAndrews and his clients see an increase in ransomware. One of McAndrews’ intelligence analysts said in Q3 2019, the average ransom was $42,000. The same time in 2020, it’s over $233,000. “On average, some companies estimate the actual cost is over a million for the average ransomware incident,” he says. “As for the ransoms, they are reaching almost a quarter million dollars on average and companies are being asked to pay to get their data back.” McAndrews says ransomware is a huge moneymaker for organized crime based in Eastern Bloc countries. Recently, he adds, U.S. Department of the Treasury officials said those who make payments to sanctioned groups can face sanctions. He suggests establishing segregated backup

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routines so they’re not in the same domain. Many ransomware groups immediately look for backups and delete them, which adds more pressure to pay the ransom. Hackers also threaten to publish data on the dark web and, eventually, the internet. “I have numerous clients right now where I found their information on the dark web,” he says. “Unfortunately, it’s already out there. So, they’re having to deal with that as we move forward and clean up the network to keep them out.”

Cybersecurity expert

McAndrews has always been interested in cybercrimes and knew, one day, he’d work for the FBI. After working in sales, McAndrews became an agent and taught at the FBI Training Academy at Quantico and the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest.

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT As an agent, he worked in cyber matters and was on a special team called the Cyber Action Team that was deployed for the highest-profile intrusions. He also fought crimes against children, which he calls some of his best work, as he knew he was saving kids. “I never had a case that I didn’t feel completely 100% about,” he says. “I got confessions out of pretty much all my subjects. Unfortunately, it’s an illness, I believe. We need to protect people, especially children. You get one chance at childhood, and for someone to mess that up for their own benefit is unforgiveable to me.” The FBI was primarily forensic work. Now that he’s returned to the private sector, he feels he can do more to help people. “In the private sector, I can help businesses and individuals prepare,” he says. “It’s a good feeling to say I put a lot of people in jail who needed to be there, but now I can help companies really secure their networks.” McAndrews puts his motivation simply. Most of his friends are musicians, and he admires their creativity. To many of them, their career comes easily. Music isn’t so easy to McAndrews.

“You get one chance at childhood, and for someone to mess that up for their own beneﬁt is unforgiveable to me.” —Michael McAndrews

“I work in networking, and that’s my music. That’s what I do,” he says. “It comes easy to me, and I know that I can help. I inspire others—so I hear—when I’m helping teach.”

Longtime friends

McAndrews helped found PacketWatch with CEO Chuck Matthews. “I met Chuck through the FBI Citizens Academy,” McAndrews says. “He was formerly one of the folks who helped manage that for the country. “Chuck and I became acquainted, and we spoke quite a bit. We were at an FBI charity golf tournament when we first talked, and we kept in touch. Eventually, he convinced

me that I could make a difference, so when I joined them, we fulfilled our vision.” The two have worked with the government, the media, manufacturing and individuals. The biggest compliment he receives is clients love working with him because he has “a personality.” “One of our customers even wrote a review for us one day,” McAndrews says. “She said watching us work was like being in a Jason Bourne movie. She said when she sees us on the phone and computer, it just came to life. We’re not a large shop that just runs you through the mill. We’re honest with you. We want to do what’s right. We’re not going to run up the clock on you.” Back to the three M’s, quite a few of McAndrews’ colleagues are musicians, ranging from Eric Clapton tributes to heavy metal. “We have a rock ’ n’ roll ﬂair, and we love it,” he says. “If you get to know me, I’m all about malware, music and motorcycles. Let’s just do it and have fun.” PacketWatch packetwatch.com

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BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Jim Keeley says, thanks to work-fromhome policies, more sublease space is becoming available in ofﬁces. (North Valley

Magazine ﬁle photo)

Looking Up

he Scottsdale Airport and surrounding area were doing well in the 2019 fiscal year. According to Sarah Ferrara, aviation planning and outreach coordinator for the Scottsdale Airport, aviation activity at the airport and airpark brought in $688 million in economic benefits for the region, supporting 3,979 jobs amounting to $241 million in income. Spin-off airpark activity, unrelated to aviation, added $10 billion in economic benefits. “It really is no joke what an airport can bring to a community, and so a lot of people don’t realize that it impacts some of the industrial area around it. It brings businesses,” Ferrara says. Following such fruitful activity, however, the COVID-19 pandemic hit—which did

bring with it some consequences. Ferrara discussed these topics at the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s Scottsdale Airpark Forum, which was broadcast via Zoom on October 30. In addition to Ferrara, the event featured keynote presenter Jim Keeley, founding partner and designated broker for Colliers International—as both presenters could be considered experts in the area’s business landscape. According to Ferrara’s presentation, in April, early in the pandemic, although local traffic at the airport increased, traffic took a hit in itinerant, instrument ﬂight rules and overall operations. Turning the focus to itinerant operations—or visiting aircraft—Ferrara cites an approximately 20% decrease in visiting corporate and private jets from April to June of this year

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Airpark experts see promise in aviation activity By Connor Dziawura

versus last year, followed by a 25% rebound increase in July through September. “We’re still not where we normally are, but again, very positive numbers for us,” Ferrara says, adding that September’s itinerant operations alone were up approximately 14%. “So, we’re kind of swinging up and hoping that continues to happen.” But she says operations are overall doing well and things are now looking up. While some events have been affected, Ferrara says a busy fall and winter are expected— albeit maybe not as busy as last year. “But all in all, we’re finding that corporate and general aviations are recovering better than our partners at the commercial airports,” she says. Lucky for the airport, projects weren’t impacted, according to Ferrara.

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT With Jet Aviation coming on board as a third fixed-base operator (FBO), a new facility, planned for a winter opening, will have a 30,000-square-foot hangar with a 27-foot door to accommodate larger jets. There will be 850 square feet of leasable office space including five offices with hangar access; and 8,470 square feet of FBO office space will have a pilot’s lounge, conference room and main lobby. Because of Jet Aviation’s arrival, the Scottsdale Airport also got CARES Act funding for a project called Delta Apron Phase 2, a new connector for the third FBO. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had three FBOs,” Ferrara says. “There was a short stint where we actually had three FBOs on the Scottsdale Airport airfield, but what’s encouraging about this is that there’s the feeling that there’s enough business to go around to have a third FBO here.” Portions of the airport are also being redeveloped. That includes the new North General Aviation Box Hangars, of which Ferrara says the first phase was about 60% finished as of the forum. A second phase of construction is planned to be completed in September 2021. Each phase costs about $4.5 million, supported by Scottsdale’s Aviation Fund; however, the airport will recoup the costs with long-term leases already secured for the 14 box hangars. And with only one runway, Ferrara says it’s time that it be rehabilitated. Airport officials are coordinating a 45-day project and resulting full closure (though helicopter operations will remain active) to begin in July. The $12 million project will be funded by FAA and ADOT grants and city funds. Officials plan to work with tenants and surrounding airports to help mitigate any issues and potentially find temporary spaces to base. For more information, use the search bar at scottsdaleairport.com. “We’ve done overlays and we’ve patched it up, but this time we’re really going to dig in there, do the whole runway in one shot,” Ferrara says, acknowledging that no weight capacities or aircraft types will be altered. Taking the helm, Keeley—one of the leading commercial real estate experts in the Scottsdale Airpark and the Deer Valley Loop 101 employment base,

among numerous other professional roles—explored the recent standing of the business landscape. Especially over the last two years, he highlights, more apartments have been going up on the east side of the runway, by the Loop 101. Previously, he says there were a “great number” of apartments going up on the west side of the runway—by developments like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Regarding a common inquiry on which side of the airpark is “better” for businesses, he offered benefits to both—the freeway side could provide quicker access to the region, while Scottsdale Road features more amenities like retail shopping and restaurants. And acknowledging confusion regarding the airpark over the years, he says it’s getting better—citing the planned Raintree Drive Extension, which will connect the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road by simplifying the route between Hayden and Scottsdale roads. But with everything going on in the world, Keeley brought the conversation back to COVID-19 and its effect on the airpark area. Acknowledging an employment base of around 60,000 people in the airpark, Keeley admits office buildings have been “emptied.” “You drive through the airpark now and the office buildings and you’ll see most of the parking lots relatively empty. So, that has impacted a little bit,” he says, quickly turning the subject to a relatively positive note. “However, it has not impacted nearly as bad as some of the mid-rise and highrise buildings in other parts of the city and the country.” But with companies working on solutions to work-from-home policies, Keeley says, more sublease space is becoming available in the office market. “I think that’s still going to be a yo-yo effect for the next probably 12 months,” he suggests. “The landlords so far have not had a big issue, because their tenants are still paying the rent, even though they’re not buying the office space as much as they had previously.” But in contrast, when it comes to buildings with a mix of office and warehouse space, Keeley highlights, “as of last month or so, there’s not any space available.” “I have not seen it so occupied as it

The world is changing. In January, the world was flying high and the access to Uber and all the services were just the greatest thing on earth. And now, I don’t know if any of you try to get Uber as much, but it’s not quite as convenient as it was. And hopefully that gets back to what it was previously.” is now in the last 30 years,” Keeley says matter-of-factly, attributing the boom to a lack of new office warehouse buildings due to high land costs and pointing to the Deer Valley area as an alternative for potential new tenants. Asked later about the long-term impact of ride share operations and COVID-19 on parking spaces and transportation, as well as what the needs will be in five to 10 years, Keeley pointed to several instances of parking areas being replaced with buildings as well as plans for parking structures to be converted to alternate uses. The demand just isn’t there, he says. But, he suggests, it’s likely going to be another decade before the impact of autonomous driving on companies will need to be considered. “The world is changing,” he says. “In January, the world was ﬂying high and the access to Uber and all the services were just the greatest thing on earth. And now, I don’t know if any of you try to get Uber as much, but it’s not quite as convenient as it was. And hopefully that gets back to what it was previously.” As far as the economy at large, Keeley says metro Phoenix has seen a steady climb since the recession over a decade ago—but then COVID-19 hit earlier this year.

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HOME • TRIMBLE’S TALES

When the cowboys wore black hats By Marshall Trimble

n August 10, 1883, the FlorenceGlobe stagecoach was held up at the remote Riverside Station on the Gila River by the Red Jack Almer gang. Wells Fargo messenger Johnny Collins declared the stage wasn’t carrying any gold. But a female passenger clad in a fancy dress, hat and dark veil stepped out of the coach and called him a liar. The “lady” turned out to be Red Jack himself, disguised as a woman. He witnessed the gold being loaded at Florence, and near Riverside he signaled his cohorts at a prearranged spot and they proceeded to stop the stage. Collins resisted and Almer raised his skirt, pulled his pistol and shot him. The gang got away with some $2,000 in silver and $500 in gold. A posse led by Pinal County Sheriff A.J. Doran rode into Len Redfield’s ranch on the San Pedro River, a branch of the Gila, and discovered a Wells Fargo strongbox hidden in a pile of hay. Redfield, known for harboring desperadoes, was a “usual suspect.” Later, they found another box with more loot. They concluded that one had come from a robbery near Bisbee. They wrung a confession out of Joe Tuttle, who was at the ranch and had enough evidence to arrest Redfield, too. Robbery was one thing, and murder was quite another. Smart bandits avoided killing if possible. Redfield and Tuttle were taken to Florence and jailed. A mob of angry citizens came in through the back door and took Tuttle and Redfield out of their cells and hanged them from the rafters. Another posse led by Pima County Sheriff Bob Paul ran down the other robbers one by one, and near Willcox on October 4,1883, he caught up with Red Jack, also known as Jack Averill. The outlaws chose to make a fight of it and, in the ensuing gunfight, Red Jack Almer and Charley Hensley were gunned down. Redfield’s ranch was also where Luther

Red Jack Almer’s gang. (Submitted photo)

28 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Red Jack Almer disguised himself as a woman to hold up a stagecoach. (Submitted photo)

King was arrested by the Earp posse following the attempted Benson stagecoach robbery on March 15,1881. Ironically, Paul was the shotgun messenger on the Benson stage. The attempted train robbery was thwarted when Paul grabbed the reins and left outlaws Jim Crane, Billy Leonard and Harry Head standing by the roadside. Stage driver Bud Philpot and passenger Pete Roerig were killed. Redﬁeld also helped

them evade the pursuing posse. The ruthless murders at the Benson stage robbery quickly turned public opinion against the Cowboys, a looseknit band of more than 200 rustlers who, up to then, were considered “popular, fun-loving, carefree cowboys” by the citizens who spent their ill-gotten money freely in towns like Tombstone. During the next few months, Crane, Leonard and Head were all killed in gunﬁghts. Over the next several months, the leaders of the wild bunch and the ranchers who acted as clearing houses for stolen cattle—including Newman “Old Man” Clanton; his son, Billy; Tom and Frank McLaury; Curly Bill Brocius and Johnny Ringo—all “died with their boots on.” Most of the Cowboys, with their leaders gone, high-tailed it to greener pastures. The long arm of the law eventually caught up with Ike Clanton, the man whose big mouth caused the “Gunﬁght Near the OK Corral.” He managed to avoid being brought to justice until 1887, when was shot and killed by lawmen in eastern Arizona.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 29

WHEELS • HOME

Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet is up to task By C.A. Haire

he Mercedes C-Class is a popular model that sells well due to its German engineering and reasonable price. The four-door sedan version starts at about $42,000, while the soft top we have here begins at $54,000. Naturally, buyers are not going to get off that cheap, as the option list can grow. With our blue metallic paint, leather trim, bigger wheels, memory seats, larger gauge cluster, navigation and AMG sport package, the total tab crept up to a healthy $63,985. But at least they are offering a real German vehicle made in their quality German factory. Under the hood is a small, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine cranking 250 horsepower, hooked to a modern ninespeed automatic gearbox. A computer drive offers eco, comfort, sport, sport-plus and

individual drive modes. Fuel economy is listed at 21 to 29 mpg. The cabin is a nice place to be. Push a button and the soft convertible top raises or lowers in a hurry. It does a great job of keeping wind noise out when raised. The quality of materials and workmanship is outstanding. The climate controls are easy to use. The seats are very comfortable. But some of the other controls are not so simple to operate, so a learning curve must be mastered. This is a car that can be driven gently and is great for daily commuting. It also loves to be driven hard, and the handling, steering and acceleration are up to the task. The best fuel economy was 30 mpg on

30 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

The Mercedes-Benz C300 Cabriolet is a real German vehicle made in a quality German factory. (Photos by C.A. Haire)

highway trips. Our trip odometer showed an average of 23 mpg in 1,400 miles of previous driving. For those who want more, there is a C43 version with a 3.0-liter, 385 hp V-6, the C63 with a 469 hp V-8, or the big kahuna C63S with 503 hp. As you might expect, the price tag of these monsters will be a tad more than the base $42,000 mentioned earlier.

TASTE • DINE The views are breathtaking at Jack’s at Desert Highlands Golf Club. (Photo courtesy Desert Highlands Golf Club)

A Birdie Jack’s at Desert Highlands spells success By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

new addition to North Scottsdale, Jack’s at Desert Highlands has everything going for it—beautiful views, an evolving menu and success despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Named after golf legend and course architect Jack Nicklaus, the gastropub was formerly a private dining room in

the clubhouse. During a COVID-19dictated closure, crews renovated the space, tore down walls and turned it into Jack’s, a casual dining concept for Desert Highlands’ members. “It’s a popular place right now,” says Joan Sykora, director of sales and member relations. “We are busy—as much as you can be with COVID. We have a nice menu and different options for our members to enjoy. Looking out on the patio and over Pinnacle Peak is the natural, organic Sonoran Desert. We have great, organic views outside the windows.” The signature starter on the menu is the fried green olives ($10). They’re stuffed with goat cheese and prosciutto with

garlic aioli. “They are very sought after by the members,” she says. Another top dish is the DH fork and knife burger of the month. In November, it was a burger made with slow-braised short rib, 8-ounce patty, caramelized onion, white cheddar and horseradish mayo ($18). The favorite is the fish and chips ($10), which is breaded walleye pike, tartar sauce and two sides. “We have something for everybody, from chicken wings to sliders to burgers to clean, healthy living eating,” Sykora says. “Our chef makes everything inhouse. His veggie burger is handmade by him. All the ingredients are in-house.

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TASTE • DINE

The large communal table is the centerpiece of Jack’s. (Photo courtesy Desert Highlands Golf Club)

“We have a nice pizza oven, where he can get creative with that side of it as well.” In November, chef Todd Allison offered Buffalo chicken pizza ($18); mushroom and artichoke pizza ($17); prosciutto and arugula pizza ($18) and margherita pizza ($17). Allison was formerly executive chef at T. Cook’s at the Royal Palm Resort and Spa. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas, but before that, Jack’s allows members to pick up meals to go. Sykora says it’s important to serve those who are concerned about COVID-19. “We have an indoor and outdoor patio area,” she adds. “We do some fun drivethru events to help those who are hesitant to come back in the club for COVID reasons. Friday night we have a drive-thru barbecue rib and burger night. Drivers

pull up to the grill, and we can get them ribs and/or a burger or a margarita to go.” The renovation occurred in June, led by award-winning architect Erik B. Peterson of PHX Architecture. A large, custom communal table commands the room and provides a custom bar experience for up to 22 people. Jack’s also features high tops, flat-screen televisions, and images that pay homage to the influence of Nicklaus and other golf legends. The gastropub’s construction coincided with the Desert Highlands’ kitchen renovation, which cost, in total, $2 million. The kitchen renovation included creating an eﬃcient layout that allows the club’s culinary team to be more creative. An additional 16 feet of space allows Allison to oversee the operation and create direct service lines for the gastropub and

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the club’s intimate Ventana Room. “The renovation gave us a blank slate to work with, as opposed to working around people,” Sykora says. “We opened in October, and all of us have learned a lot since March. We’ve been able to react a little bit better. We were fully prepared with social distancing and seating every other table. We managed to make it feel comfortable to come back. It was a warm welcome after being away from the clubhouse for so long.” Jack’s Desert Highlands Golf Club 10040 E. Happy Valley Road, Scottsdale 480-585-7444, deserthighlandsscottsdale.com

TASTE • DINE

Perfect

Pairings Bottles made for holiday bounty By Alison Bailin Batz

t’s been said that drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures. So, let’s get civilized this holiday season. Here are some of the best wines on the market, each a perfect pairing with your favorite culinary creations of the season.

briary red and blackberry fruit that’s spicy and energetic with a structure of ripe tannins and a long, plush finish. Pair it with rich, rare prime rib. $60 2018 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Subtle gold tones shine through in this stunner. On the nose, expect hints of baking spices and warm apple pie followed by a balanced, nuanced combination of toasted hazelnut, vanilla custard and crème brulee that are tailor-made to go with creamy mashed potatoes. $25

2019 Bouchaine Las Brisas Vineyard Riesling Believe it or not, this varietal— which bursts with aromas of white flowers, fresh peach and tangy apple notes—is a match made in heaven with Christmas dinner. White meat brings out really interesting beeswax, lavender and honey notes in the wine, followed by a bit of pear toward the finish. $30 2018 Shafer Vineyards TD-9 This 2018 proprietary blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec is an aromatic feast of berries, rose petal, rhubarb, raspberry and black cherry jam. In the mouth, this racy red blend is all juicy,

ONEHOPE Wine Limited Edition “Thankful for You” The bottle alone—shimmering silver etched with “Thankful for You”—was reason enough to bring it to Thanksgiving dinner. However, the fresh green apple and nectarine with a hint of fresh baked bread and creamy finish is perfect with most appetizers but really shines served with pumpkin pie topped with a mountain of whipped cream. $49

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TASTE • DINE J Cuvee 20 Not everyone feasts on turkey, ham or potatoes around the holidays. For those who tend more toward seafood and shellfish, consider this nuanced sparkler that dazzles with aromas of toasted almond, followed by notes of apple, dried cranberry and ginger snap. Its delicate dance of bubbles on the nose and tongue brings out the delicate flavors in crab and lobster especially well. (Insider tip: It’s also a winner with cheese.) $38

2017 Palmaz Louise Riesling Named to honor cofounder Christian Gastón Palmaz’s wife, Jessica Louise, this white wine managed to strike the tricky balance sweet, fruity and dry, thanks in great part to its low alcohol and high acidity. Start the night right by serving this with appetizers or a salad course. $70

2017 Hamel Family Wines Isthmus A red blend for the ages, this bottle is balanced with a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and just a touch of petit verdot. A soft, inviting entry displays fresh red and black fruits on the mid-palate that carries through to a long finish. Think garlic anything with this one as well as beef tenderloin that’s been cooking in the oven or crockpot developing flavors all day. It’s also a winner with green bean casserole. $85

2017 Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon A densely layered wine showcasing plush notes of cherry cobbler and wild blackberries backed by hints of cedar and fresh herbs, this full-bodied bottle is elegant and polished with a long finish. Consider pairing it with red wine-braised short ribs. $45 34 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

2014 LDV Winery Signature Petite Sirah This vintage is comprised entirely from the Road Block, the Arizona vineyard’s section of oldest vines. Neither filtered nor fined, it is exceptionally full-bodied with dark fruit and both a smokiness and spiciness that is impossible to miss. Consider pairing it with a big, ole ribeye or some melty chocolate (or chocolate pie). $45 2018 Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon This is a special treat from Nickel & Nickel. Deep and texture driven, this Calistoga cabernet commands

attention with its blackberry and floral perfume, dark fruit flavors and savory undertones. Ripe black cherry and blackberry front load the palate, while coating tannins and notes of tobacco, cocoa and spice unfold and continue into the finish. Bold fall and winter vegetables—no matter if in oil, butter or smothered in seasonings—are its perfect pairing. $125

TASTE • DINE

A Rare Find

The Mick prides itself on friendly banter, modern French cuisine By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

artners in The Mick Brasserie, John Krause and Brent Menke feel blessed and lucky to have found success after opening August 5— at the height of a pandemic and Arizona’s hottest summer. “It was not part of the business plan or model, but luckily, the way we designed the place, we were able to get through,” Krause says. “We’ll be able to get through this—not unscathed—but we’re better than a lot of other places.” Dubbed “a modern interpretation of a French brasserie,”The Mick Brasserie is a pleasant surprise to North Scottsdale. Krause and the chef, Menke, treat everyone who walks in the door like a VIP. “We try to give them a personalized experience so they really enjoy the food,” Menke says. “If you want to go to get a burger, taco, pizza, wings, steak, fried calamari, you could go to almost any standard restaurant in Phoenix. “We’re trying to give people something that’s a little bit different, with a quality of service and personalization that a lot of places just don’t want to give these days.” The Mick Brasserie specializes in small plates like tomato and watermelon gazpacho ($6), ratatouille tarte ($13), brisket and potato hash ($14) and pork belly banh mi slider ($8). The sweets are to die for. Samples are vanilla bean gelato with whipped coffee, Averna and chocolate crumble ($8) or champagne sorbet sparkler, lemon or raspberry sorbet served with champagne ($12). “People dining out don’t want the big overflow lasagna dinner or the 22-ounce ribeye or Mexican food with all the rice and beans,” Menke says. “They’d rather explore a menu and have some fun. We think we’ve done that with The Mick.” The Mick Brasserie’s signature dish is the duck confit Moroccan pastilla, a small meat-

Duck confit pastilla is a meat-stuffed pastry served with charred onion agrodolce, julienne salads and pickled pineapple ($17). (Photo by Simona Lauren) stuffed pastry served with charred onion agrodolce, julienne salads and pickled pineapple ($17). “It’s a modernist take on a traditional Moroccan meat pie,” Menke says. “It’s long, slow cooked in its own fat but infused with all kinds of Moroccan spices—you know, coriander, cumin, a bit of cinnamon, salt, pepper, orange zest and orange juice. It’s sweet and sour and then rich, crunchy, hot and then a cold, fresh shaved vegetable salad that’s up on top.” Enjoy the wine ordered with the tapas? Take it home.

“We have a liquor license, so we can also be your bottle shop,” Krause says. “Anything that you drink here, you can also take home. We have more grocery store kind of pricing.The difference is, you can try it before you buy it. So, if you’re out of wine at home, stop by and grab a bottle.” Menke is partial to French food, as his wife, Benedicte, is French and the two have a home in France. “Traditional French dining, I have to admit, is still one of my favorite cuisines,” he says. “My wife is my hardest critic, telling me straight up,

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TASTE • DINE The Mick opened during the pandemic but got off to a steady start. (Photo by Jonathan Hillis)

New Year.” After the festival is over, “they went for it.” “The streets are draped with flowers.The entire island is decorated everywhere you go,” he says. “It’s just part of their culture.”

Meeting of the minds

Menke, a Chaparral High School graduate, and Krause are longtime friends.The two were fraternity brothers at the University of Arizona but born and raised in the Valley. Randomly, they wound up in Rhode Island at different times and traveling the world on yachts. Menke opened The Farm Table in Massachusetts but returned to Phoenix when his father fell ill. “We spent a lot of time putting together all the things we liked and didn’t like about certain restaurants and what we wanted to create,” Krause says. “We eliminated all the things ‘This isn’t right,’ or, ‘You do this or that make a restaurant challenging. this and this.’” What came about were small, shareable plates; the beer and wine; He and Benedicte worked on and the bar being the center focus of luxury motor yachts for 15 years the restaurant. Everything revolves together.They traveled the world around their brand’s experience in catering for “the highest of the the restaurant. high end.” “If you want to have your “To bring aspects of that scrambled eggs and toast and bacon back here was one of the things on the side with a Schlitz, this isn’t I wanted to be able to do,” he Desserts are aplenty at your place. We want to be a little says. “So, you’ll see that in the The Mick. (Photo by Brent Menke) more elevated, but we also want to be presentation.” able to deliver value as well.” As for destinations, he doesn’t would come and make offerings to the different Krause says it was important early “do favorites.” But there are places deities who were there on the property. on to establish The Mick’s vibe. he’d like to return to. “Bali is a little Hindu enclave in their own “I love being in Cannes,” Menke says. “We want to be your neighborhood island. What I was blown away by was the “It’s vibrant, and they have some amazing hangout,” Krause says. “We want everybody to Galungan festival. It’s almost like the Hindu restaurants and great little walking streets you be cool, have a great time and do whatever we version of Passover. can go visit.” can to make you happy. “Basically, for the entire day, everyone— Bali is one of his go-to places because the “We consciously chose to do beer and wine including the tourists—goes dark.There’s no Balinese people are “amazing” and hospitable. only. It’s a very short pour, which allows a He adores the tradition and culture. partying, no going out, no restaurants open, very professional staff to either manage more “There’s a respect for that.There’s a respect for no music, no TV at night. It’s quiet.The entire customers and take better care of customers island goes dark for the day so the evil spirits will who they do have and engage in the customers. others,” he says. “They’re such amazing people. pass over and they’ll have a prosperous coming We had a villa over there, and every day they “The more that we can engage in you and you engage with us, we can hear your stories of your travel to Napa or France or Italy for your wine The Mick is a "short pour," so service at the trip. We can tell stories and Brent can tell stories new restaurant is perfect. (Photo by Jonathan Hillis) about his travels.That builds the bond of our customers, where in two short months, we’ve already developed a nice following.” The Mick Brasserie MountainView Plaza 9719 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale 480-210-5500, themickaz.com 36 DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

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