North Valley Magazine - February/March

A Crystal Ball in Hand

NV real estate market expected to level o

INSTINCT KELLER

Third All-Star appearance will tie Coyotes record

Federal American

& MARCH

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FRESH

6 l Gambling on Talent

North Valley Symphony Orchestra hosts Casino Musicale

10 l Let the ‘Par-Tee’ Begin WM Phoenix Open brings the noise

14 l ‘Dreaming a Little Bit Bigger’

Country’s Lainey Wilson is just getting started

BUSINESS

24 l ‘Doing the Right Thing’

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit expands amid need for a ordable pet care

26 l Unproven Treatment

Questions remain about hyperbaric oxygen therapy

HOME

28 l Extraordinary Rides

The Lexus LX 600 is a versatile option

29 l Coming to a Close

Railroads and the end of the frontier

30 l What Could Go Wrong?

Do I need travel insurance for my 2023 vacation?

TASTE

38 l Baller Bites

NV’s top dining destinations delight with these dishes

41 l Hearts A-Flutter

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with everything from guns to pancakes

Nathalie Chianura

VOLUME XXII / ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER

STEVE T. STRICKBINE Steve@TimesLocalMedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT

MICHAEL HIATT MHiatt@TimesLocalMedia.com

EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Christina@TimesLocalMedia.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Connor Dziawura

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Veronica Thurman

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Shannon Mead

CONTRIBUTORS

Summer Aguirre, Alison Bailin Batz, Christopher Elliott, C.A. Haire, Joe McHugh, Sophie Oppfelt, Josh Ortega

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GAMBLING ON

North Valley Symphony Orchestra hosts Casino Musicale

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its past, present and future with Casino Musicale Gala, this year’s major fundraiser.

The Saturday, February 25, benefit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North will feature a welcome drink, silent auction, dinner, live music performances and casino-style gaming for $100.

“Each year, our major fundraising gala gets more spectacular,” says Kevin Kozacek, North Valley

Symphony Orchestra’s founding music director.

“We’ve had themed galas for quite a few years, including a circus-themed one and a blackand-white ball another year. We had a Roaring ’20s one, which was really a lot of fun.”

Those who wish to donate instead of dinner can spend $35 for a ticket to join later in the evening for gaming and the silent auction.

“They can come for dinner and all of the events or shorten the evening and come for the gaming starting at 7 p.m.,” Kozacek says. “The DJ will spin the later portion of the evening. The string quartet will perform during dinner, providing wonderful background music and great music for dancing.”

Attendees can try their luck at

Continues on page 8

Kevin Kozacek directs the North Valley Symphony Orchestra. (Pete Schulte/Submitted)

FRESH • ARTS

the roulette, blackjack and craps tables, then exchange their winnings (no cash value) for a chance to win raffle prizes. Tickets, as well as individual and corporate sponsorships, are available at northvalleysymphony.org.

Hailing from Colorado, Kozacek was a music teacher until he “felt a calling” to join the Air Force, for which he flew F-16s, having trained at then-Williams Air Force Base in Mesa. He was stationed in England, Thailand and Luke Air Force Base.

“We settled in Arizona in 1986,” he says. “I went to Thailand for a year, but my family stayed here. I retired from Luke and joined Southwest Airlines.”

When he left the military, he became a Southwest Airlines pilot for 24 years. However, music stuck with him.

“I always kept music very high on my list of things to do,” he says. “It was at least a hobby, if not a part-time job. I’ve been a choir director on numerous bases around the world. We put together ensembles and musicals for youth groups at church. I kept music very dear to my heart.”

In 2012, Kozacek founded NVSO, a local symphony dedicated to sharing its love for classical music with the community by keeping tickets affordable at $5.

Additionally, the symphony invests in the next generation of musicians by providing elementary through high school youth with three levels of youth ensembles in which they can learn and grow.

“We started with around 40 musicians and immediately started a youth orchestra to attach to us because we discovered that students really need an opportunity to play strings somewhere,” he says.

“Many schools have a string program, but it’s introductory strings. Those who really want to excel wanted to find another location. We started a youth orchestra and, in 11 years, we’ve grown to three youth ensembles — beginning, intermediate and advanced ensembles. We’ve seen great growth on that.”

Now the adult orchestra boasts 76 “amazing musicians,” he says. “They’re all community members from police and first responders to doctors and financial consultants. We have quite a few retired individuals, teachers, ex-teachers, a real smattering of community musicians who just love to share their talents as musicians.”

North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s next concert is “Across the Universe,” Saturday, March 11, at North Canyon High School auditorium.

“It’s just a fabulous concert,” he says.

It features music inspired by space, including movements from Holst’s “The Planets” and film suites from “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” In Eric

Whitacre’s “Deep Field,” there is an audience participation component. Audience members should download the Deep Field app from the App Store or Google Play on their cellphone before the concert. Kozacek will cue the audience when it is time to hit play on the app during the performance.

“At one point in the piece, I turn around and I queue the audience to start their apps,” he says.

“We get this sound of space coming from all of the phones or devices as we finish the rest of the piece. It’s just a really amazing piece that he’s put together.”

The fundraiser allows for concerts like this. Kozacek attributes their success to his “wonderful gala team.”

“They put together a truly enjoyable evening,” he says. “Not only do they have the ability to have a wonderful meal and all the gaming, but we’ll have a silent auction going on where people can bid on wonderful baskets and gift cards and certificates from around the Valley.

“They do a wonderful job of putting together an event to enjoy themselves and support the symphony in so many different ways.”

Casino Musicale Gala

WHEN: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, February 25

WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix

North, 10220 N. Metro Parkway East, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $25

INFO: northvalleysymphony.org

North Valley Youth Strings performs. (Greg Dalenberg/Submitted)

Kevin Kozacek is the orchestra’s founding music director. (Steve DiBitetto/Submitted)

Let the Begin ‘PAR-TEE’

WM Phoenix Open brings the noise

By Joe McHugh

fter record-breaking attendance in 2022, bringing in over 719,000 fans, the WM Phoenix Open is firing back up at TPC Scottsdale, in what should be its biggest tournament. With the Super Bowl in town the same weekend, all systems will be a go to bring the tournament to new heights.

“We’re going to have probably 90,000 people per day at a minimum,” tournament Chairman Pat Williams says.

“Certainly, on the weekend, we’re going to have more, so with the sheer size and scale of our tournament, we’ll have almost five or six days of people at our tournament that will match the Super Bowl crowd every day, which is really fun and exciting.”

Organized by the Thunderbirds, the 2023 WM Phoenix Open kicks off Monday, February 6, and runs through Sunday, February 13.

It will host free practice rounds, and other peripheral events like Annexus Pro Am, the Special Olympics Putting contest. The “Greatest Show on Grass” starts Thursday, February 9.

The 132-player field is loaded this year, with a commitment from the world’s top golfer, Rory McIlroy, as well as defending champion and No. 2-ranked Scottie Scheffler.

Other top-ranked players in the field are Xander Schauffele (6), Will Zalatoris (7), Justin Thomas (8), Collin Morikawa (9),

FRESH • EVENT

Tony Finau (12), Sam Burns (13), Max Homa (16), Cameron Young (17), Sungjae Im (19), Shane Lowry (20) and Tommy Fleetwood (24). Golfers must commit by 5 p.m. Friday, February 3.

“It’s just going to have a tremendous effect on our tournament overall,” Williams says. “Our fans who are there to see golf are going to see the best players in the world. It’s really exciting for us to have a field that really will rival any major tournament, or one of the majors in golf, so we couldn’t be more excited.”

Another player joining the field is 2022 WM Phoenix Open T14 finisher Chris Kirk, who will be looking to capture the title. Kirk has participated in the WM Phoenix Open 10 times in the last 11 years. Only being cut twice in that span, Kirk knows how to navigate the course.

“I think that the course just sets up really great for me,” Kirk says. “It gets a little bit of a reputation of bombers playing well there, but I feel like you’ve got to drive really good out there, especially the par 5s. It’s really important to hit fairways.

“I don’t know, something about the warm desert air, I kind of tend to like that, too. But it’s just a course where I’ve been comfortable over the years.”

Kirk was on a roll in the 2021-22 season, coming off one of the better years. He’s placed well in big tournaments like the PGA Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Honda Classic and RBC Canadian Open, finishing top 10 in each event.

The WM Phoenix Open is “The Greatest Show on Grass.” (WM Phoenix Open/Submitted)

His momentum has carried into the new season, as he has played in seven events, only missing two cuts. His success continues this season, missing the same number of cuts.

Recently, he shot a -15 at the Sony Open in Hawaii, placing in third for the tournament. He started out hot at Waialae Country Club, going -11 through the leading to being the 36-hole leader.

“It was just a really solid week all around,” Kirk says. “That’s a golf course where you really need to drive the ball well, and I did for the most part. I didn’t make quite as many fairways on Sunday as I would have liked to, but the rest of my game was pretty sharp.”

His road to a top-three finish included a near ace on hole No. 7, a 176-yard par 3. Kirk just carried the front bunker and rolled the ball to 1 foot from the hole.

“With a little bit of hurt, it was a nice number,” Kirk says. “I actually miss hit it a tiny bit, but thankfully, it just covered that bunker and got a nice little hop forward and ended up tight.”

Kirk’s near ace is an encouraging sign.

Coming into the WM Phoenix Open, Kirk said he hopes to put up a similar shot on the 162yard 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, one of the most famous par 3s.

“I’ve always loved 16. It’s really cool, just the crowd, and there’s just such an arena in there,” Kirk says about the party spot. “There’s no other place in golf where you’re going to have the adrenaline going like on the 16th, like you’re going to have there.”

“I’ve had some really good memories on that hole. I’ve hit a lot of really good shots, and I’ve came really close to an ace a few times.”

Kirk’s confidence on the course, and with 16, will be an asset come tournament time as he chases his first WM Phoenix Open title and first PGA Tour victory since 2015.

Expanded purse

The WM Phoenix Open is one of just 17 tournaments this season designated for a bigger purse. The players will compete for a $3.6 million first-place prize, more than double the 2022

purse. This prize is pulled from a $20 million purse in 2023, $11.8 million above the $8.2 million purse last year, as well as 500 FedEx Cup points.

“I’m expecting a great field, maybe the best field we’ve ever had,” Williams says. “At the core, what makes this work is the players, and we need and want a good field every year. It’s very important to the success of the tournament.”

One of the oldest events on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open will be entering its 88th iteration. The structure of the golf tournament has evolved, turning from an ordinary golf event to a spectacle.

The 2023 WM Phoenix Open experience will feature many of the things that were at last year’s event, like the return of the 36,000-square-foot Fairway House, a

The WM Phoenix Open broke records with 719,000 fans last year. (WM Phoenix Open/Submitted)

NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald, left, played in the Waste Management Open Annexus pro-am last year and is slated to participate again this year. (WM Phoenix Open/Submitted)

No. 2-ranked Scottie Scheffler will defend his title against a loaded field at the WM Phoenix Open. (WM Phoenix Open/Submitted)

general admission structure on the highest point of the golf course that offers the best views.

Starting on Monday, the first of two pro-am events, the Carlisle Pro-Am, will be held and has free admission.

The following day is a free practice round, where the pros will be in action, sharpening their game and concocting a winning game plan. Tuesday will also include the Special Olympics putting contest, paving the way for the tournament to thank organizations for supporting the event.

Come Wednesday, the stars are out to shine in the Annexus Pro-Am. Participants include former Arizona Cardinals running back and Super Bowl champion Emmitt Smith, ASU alumni and the most decorated Olympic athlete Michael Phelps, and three-time MVP Albert Pujols.

“Wednesday is maybe my favorite day of the week,” Williams says. “Wednesday is our pro-am day, but it’s also our shot at glory, which, if fans haven’t been to that, shot of glory is a fantastic honor and tribute to our military. And we have a really neat event where we’ll have some

people hit shots at the 16th hole for charity.”

With the combined events of the WM Phoenix Open and the Super Bowl, the world will have its eyes on Arizona for what should be a weekend of quality golf and even better events, all in support of charity.

“As much as I am excited, I’m just proud that myself and the support of 54 other active Thunderbirds, and 200 plus more-like Thunderbirds have all worked very hard this year to make this tournament what it will be,” Williams says. “Of course, I’m excited. We’re going to have an awesome, awesome week. But I’m prouder just to be part of the organization and be part of giving back to the community.”

The WM Phoenix Open

WHEN: Various times Monday, February 6, to Sunday, February 12

Where: TPC Scottsdale-Stadium Course, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale

Cost: Tickets start at $50

Info: wmphoenixopen.com

3/27 Rosanne Cash

3/5 Michael Feinstein & Jean-Yves Thibaudet

4/3 Chris Botti

Sam Ryder celebrates the 12th-ever holein-one on the 16th hole at the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. (WM Phoenix Open/Submitted)

‘Dreaming

A LITTLE BIT BIGGER’

Country’s Lainey Wilson is just getting started

By Josh Ortega

Lainey Wilson released her latest album, “Bell Bottom Country,” last October.

(Lainey Wilson/ Submitted)

fter 12 years of preparation, country star Lainey Wilson says she’s finally entered the race, but the process was all a part of paying her dues.

“They say Nashville is a 10-year town, and I truly believe it,” Wilson says.

The Louisiana native saw the fruits of her labor in 2022, nabbing an armful of accolades including CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, CMA New Artist of the Year, ACM’s New Female Artist of the Year and CMT’s “Breakout Artist of the Year” honors. Wilson is one of Nashville’s hottest and most-buzzedabout new artists who’s just getting started.

But when her team approached her about “this legendary event,” Wilson couldn’t say yes quickly enough to performing at the Coors Light Birds Nest on Wednesday, February 8, with Chris Lane and Dustin Lynch. She hopes fans will “laugh, cry and want to drink a beer all at the same time.”

“I hear that people love to have a good time while they’re there,” Wilson says. “And they know that me and my band are all about going and playing music and having a good time wherever we go.”

Wilson has opened shows for Lane and Lynch and respects and loves their work that she’s long watched from afar, and she says it’ll be great to reconnect with her two friends.

“A lot of times you don’t get to see your artist friends a whole lot because most of the time you’re on opposite ends of the country playing shows,” Wilson says. “But I’m so glad that we’ll be able to see each other that night and catch up and have a good time.”

Wilson says the Grand Canyon State holds “a special spot” in her heart, especially when she attended a writer’s retreat in Wickenburg with friends.

The trail riding on horseback around Wickenburg inspired to write a few songs for her latest album, “Bell Bottom Country,” which debuted in October.

“I just feel really inspired every single time I get an opportunity to go out there and play a show or just be there,” Wilson says.

As she reflects on what the past year has given her, Wilson says 2022 was a year of her “putting those bricks in place” to continue building her house of success that she’s worked on for the past decade.

That’s not to say she didn’t reminisce about special moments along the way, including one special connection for the Baskin, Louisiana, native.

Besides the Birds Nest, Wilson was just as enthusiastic about performing during the January 2 Rose Parade.

FRESH • EVENT

She rode on the Louisiana Offi ce of Tourism “Feed Your Soul” fl oat that depicted a paddlewheel riverboat, and she performed her song “LA” that’s an ode, in part, to her Louisiana roots.

“As soon as I showed up and there was nothing but a bunch of Louisiana folks on the fl oat, I felt right at home,” Wilson says. “I’m proud of where I come from, and I am who I am because of the place that raised me.”

Wilson says she considers 2022 “a big introduction year” for her and she’s in “a unique position” that has her “dreaming a little bigger” this year.

“Everything I put on my goals list for last year, we accomplished that plus then some,” Wilson says.

4 and runs through March 31, marks the fi rst headline tour for the 30-year-old star, who will perform many of the songs off her latest album.

But keeping busy is all in a day’s work for Wilson as she looks to 2023 for more of the same, and that’s a lot considering she spent about 350 nights on the road last year.

Chris Lane, Lainey Wilson and Dustin Lynch

WHEN: Gates open at 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 8

WHERE: Coors Light Birds

Nest, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale

COST: Tickets start at $75

INFO: coorslightbirdsnest.com

After stop at the Birds Nest on February 8, Wilson will jet off to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to continue her Country with a Flare Tour, presented by Stella Rosa Future is Female music series.

Th e 27-city trek, which started on January

“I feel like I need to write 300 songs in order to get the best 12, and so I need to be prepared for that,” Wilson says. Thankfully, this year has her riding on a tour bus that will allow her to get some sleep between shows. Even amid the hustle and bustle of her growing fame, Wilson says she still finds time to stay centered and grounded with meditation, prayer or other simple activities.

“For me, sometimes that just means going to fi nd a patch of grass and putting my feet in the grass and doing that, meditation, prayer, I talk to the Lord,” Wilson says. “So, as long as I’m doing those things, I feel like I’m OK and I can stay above water.”

Lainey Wilson will stop at the Coors Light Birds Nest in the midst of her Country with a Flair Tour. (Lainey Wilson/Submitted)

INSTINCT KELLER

Coyotes leader scores an All-Star hat trick

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

hen Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller fractured his leg in a freak accident on the ice March 30, 2022, he didn’t think he was going to return to the ice anytime soon.

For the last 15 games of the season, the 24-year-old Keller was stuck on his couch, forced to watch his fellow Arizona Coyotes play hockey on television.

“Coming into this (2022-23) season, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Keller says via telephone from his North Valley home.

“I had a super scary injury at the end of last season. I didn’t know how long I was going to be out, or how long to heal and feel like myself again.”

Keller rehabbed all summer and beat the odds, returning for the rst game of the 202223 season. He now leads the team in scoring and is a few points away from the 300 career mark. at would make him the ninth Coyotes player to reach the milestone.

is month, he heads to Sunrise, Florida, for this third appearance in the NHL All-Star

Clayton Keller lives in the North Valley.

(James Patrick/Contributor)

Forward Clayton Keller leads the Arizona Coyotes in scoring.

(James Patrick/Contributor)

Game on Saturday, February 4. e choice ties him with Keith Tkachuk and Teppo Numminen for the most AllStar appearances for a Coyotes player.

“It’s de nitely something that every player wants to achieve,” Keller says about the All-Star Game.

“Not knowing how I was going to feel coming into the season and being selected with other amazing players, I feel super lucky and thankful. I couldn’t have done it without so many people’s sacri ces, teammates and coaches.”

Keller grew up in the St. Louis area and recalls watching the All-Star Games and the skills competition as a kid.

“I would try things I saw in the skills competition in practice when I was young,” he says. “I think it’s de nitely a nice accolade to be chosen for the All-Star Game, but it’s not that important to make it. ere are multiple other guys who could have gone.”

One of his choices is Czechborn Coyotes goalie Karel Vejmelka.

“I think Karel Vejmelka has been unbelievable all year,” he says. “He keeps us in games. We could see it last year. He’s an unbelievable goalie and a great guy. He’s awesome.”

Keller is modest about his accomplishments, as he was unaware he was approaching 300 points. He’s led the team in scoring four out of his six NHL seasons — even last year when he only played 67 games.

Recently, he scored his rst NHL hat trick with the gamewinning goal in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 11.

Keller was bound to succeed. He looked up to Sidney Crosby, Tkachuk and Patrick Kane. Although he played other sports growing up, too, hockey was his favorite. His mentors included Tkachuk, who coached Keller as a youth growing up in the St. Louis area, and former NHL player Je Brown.

“He and Je Brown were two unbelievable coaches,” he says. “ ey really taught us how to play the game. I think a lot of us gained a lot of hockey knowledge at a young age and didn’t realize it. I’m super thankful for everything they did for us.” at inspiration didn’t stop with youth hockey.

“I’ve had great coaches and players around me,” he says. “I’ve been developing and growing into a better player. Every single year you learn so much in this league and how hard it is. I’m super thankful.”

Living in the North Valley has been fun for Keller. He enjoys gol ng with his teammates, and Scottsdale’s Ocean 44, e Montauk and Diego Pops. When he returns home, he’s an avid sherman.

But he’s laser-focused on his career.

“I’m pretty active,” he says. “I like to spend a lot of time in the gym. I like to skate a lot in the summer. Skating is one of the best parts of the summer for me. I work on new things.

“Last summer was pretty challenging, just because I had to go at a slower pace. I couldn’t do a whole lot other than my rehab. I was just sitting around and just letting my leg heal. Sitting on the couch watching was de nitely tough to do but then it was the o season. At least I didn’t miss too many games and didn’t have to su er anymore. I missed the game so much. I had never really been injured before. It was a little eye opening, but I’m super thankful to be back playing.”

A Crystal Ball in Hand

NV real estate market expected to level o

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Speculation abounds about what the North Valley housing market will look like in 2023.

When it comes to North Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree, the real estate landscape is drastically di erent from what was experienced during the pandemic-fueled market when home prices skyrocketed, competition was erce between buyers and demand was sparse.

“ e housing market is nally starting to balance, which is a good thing for buyers and sellers alike,” says Trevor Halpern, chief executive o cer of Halpern Residential at North&Co.

“I de nitely don’t have a crystal ball, but I’ve followed market trends closely over the years and have a good idea of what people can expect this year.”

First, interest rates will continue to drop, creating more competition. At the end of 2022, the average 30-year xed-rate mortgage was 6.31%. Because rates hit historic lows during the pandemic and subsequently shot up, buyers were hesitant to jump into the market at the end of last year.

“Here’s a mortgage rate reality check, though,” Halpern says. “In 1977, rates hovered around 16%. In 1985 they were about 12%, and in 2000 we saw mortgage rates of 8%. Realistically, today’s mortgage rates are much more reasonable than what we’ve seen in the past and they will continue to fall.”

In fact, the interest rate for a 30-year xedrate mortgage is expected to drop to 5.25% by the end of the year, according to a forecast by the nancial services website Bankrate.

at’s 1.49 percentage points lower than the

Continues on page 22

Trevor Halpern is chief executive o cer of Halpern Residential at North&Co. (Halpern Residential/Submitted)

current rate, and nearly two percentage points lower than 2022’s peak rate of 7.12%.

“As those rates drop, more buyers will enter the market, creating more competition and increasing housing prices, giving buyers less bargaining leverage than they have in today’s market,” Halpern says. “I also expect buyers to continue asking for concessions in the rst quarter, until that competition heats up, at which point those will go away. Buyers are going to bene t greatly from a seller’s willingness to negotiate during the rst part of this year.”

Next, sellers will start pricing according to the market as more inventory becomes available. Home price growth in North Valley has decreased signi cantly from double-digit rates in 2022. Data suggests that sellers are adjusting because of their awareness of the shifting real estate market and increased competition. In fact, 1 in 5 sellers have lowered their asking price, and sellers are more likely to nish major modi cations before o ering their homes.

“We typically see increased inventory on the market at the beginning of the year,” Halpern says. “In December 2021, there were almost 40% fewer houses advertised than in January 2022, and in 2023, we can expect similar trends.”

Investment properties are likely to be included in the new inventory as investors will start to re-enter the market once they see prices steadily appreciate. e best combinations for maximizing pro t include growing rental demand and high rental prices, if investors can nd appropriate nancing options. When it comes to this arena in North Valley, though, it is a di erent story.

“Due to the abundance of short-term rental homes in North

Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek, the Airbnb market in those areas will take some time to recover,” Halpern says.

Another trend the North Valley will experience is new multifamily rental construction. e supply chain issues of the past few years are expected to be resolved to stimulate more development in the region at a faster rate. Multi-family permits are rising, and the number of multi-family units beginning construction each month is steadily rising as well, reaching 8% higher than pre-pandemic levels in October 2019.

“One example is a New York-based company that’s investing about $250 million to build luxury rentals in the Valley,” Halpern says. “ ey plan to build 735 units near Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s plant in North Phoenix.”

On the ipside, luxury housing will continue to be in demand, particularly those in a uent Phoenix suburbs. Resort-style residences perched above cli s that o er panoramic views near upscale golf courses, boutiques, and popular tourist destinations should anticipate top dollar sales. is, as remote work continues to become the norm and snowbirds who regularly migrate to the area are staying longer.

“Something else I anticipate this year is the fall of iBuyers because the business model just doesn’t work,” Halpern says. “iBuyers have substantially reduced their purchases, and I think this will be a welcome change for client buyers as well. People are realizing that you need skilled representation in this market in order to get the best deal.”

On that note, Realtors will also be dropping o in droves. e country has more than 1.4 million licensed agents, and 800,000 of them did not sell a single home in 2022.

“Let that sink in for a minute,” Halpern says. “ is is probably a direct consequence of the tumultuous housing market we experienced during the pandemic when the calls were rolling in and bidding wars were common. Last year shaped up to be a completely di erent landscape, and this year will be even tougher for agents to create success for themselves and their clients as the market balances.”

While 2022 may be remembered as a year of housing volatility, 2023 is more likely to be remembered as the year when the market nally returns to “normal.”

at normalcy should be a welcome feeling for consumers and agents alike as everyone has been through the wringer for the past few years when it comes to residential real estate. Although “normal” may be how it is described, Halpern cautions that “there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ real estate sale or purchase. ey are all big deals to those involved, and they all have their pitfalls and major decision points. Just because the market may ‘normalize’ it doesn’t mean that consumers or agents should lower their guards.”

“iBuyers have substantially reduced their purchases, and I think this will be a welcome change for client buyers as well. People are realizing that you need skilled representation in this market in order to get the best deal.”

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a specialized veterinary practice in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. The company operates primarily from mobile units, providing convenient, affordable surgical and dental care for dogs and cats. (Holly Morgan Media/Submitted)

‘Doing the Right Thing’

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit expands amid need for affordable pet care

By Summer Aguirre

Pet owners in North Phoenix now have a reliable, aff ordable pet vet in their backyard, thanks to Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit’s new brick-and-mortar clinic.

Th e specialized veterinary practice’s new clinic is located at 4727 E. Bell Road on

the southwest corner of Tatum Boulevard. Its expansion is due to demand and its success operating primarily from mobile units, through which it pursues its mission to provide convenient, low-cost surgical and dental care for dogs and cats directly in their neighborhoods.

“Th is (expansion) means that we’re doing the right thing. It means we are fi nding people and pet owners who are in desperate need of care at a cost model that makes sense for them,” says Douglas Patriquin, co-owner and CEO of Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit. “It means a lot for us to touch that market, to help those people,

to get those calls that say, ‘Th ank goodness we found you. We really appreciate what you do.’”

Patriquin owns Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit alongside his wife, Dr. Kelly Patriquin, DVM.

Th e practice has fi ve doctors across four locations in Phoenix, which includes the new North Phoenix location, a brickand-mortar building in Peoria and two mobile surgical units. Th ey also have two locations in Tucson, with another clinic slated to open over the summer.

Known for its mobile units, Dr. Kelly’s convenient-access model enables them

to better serve the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, thanks to business partners across the cities.

Patriquin said the addition of the brick-and-mortar practices allows their company even more flexibility and “gross potential.” With the expandability of the new facilities, they will be able to have more doctors to accommodate pet owners across a wider geographic region.

“We’ve located them close to highways and byways so it’s relatively easy regardless of what side of the Valley you’re in,” Patriquin says. “Because we would find people would drive from Surprise all the way out to Apache Junction just to come to see us the next day.”

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit specializes in surgical care, including spays and neuters, dental work, extractions, bladder stones, mass and tumor removals, and surgeries like soft tissue and amputation.

The company’s mobile units provide amenities including an extensive surgical prep area, large surgical areas that accommodate two doctors, a recovery area for post-operative care and a floor plan designed to house specialized services.

In this space, each doctor can perform

over 18 surgeries per day.

Patriquin compares their model to traditional human medical care, like a specialist in comparison to a primary doctor.

“The trade-off is that we’re not your (general) wellness practice, we’re not doing routine six-month bloodwork, urinalysis, ear infections,” he says. “For us, the high-value health intensive services are the trade-off of doing everything.”

Unlike most veterinary practices, Dr. Kelly’s offers surgical care at affordable prices.

The company’s goal is to allow owners to receive the treatments they want without having to make the considerable financial sacrifices requested by many traditional veterinarian offices — which is timely considering pet ownership’s costliness and increasing popularity due to people working from home.

“The vast majority of the clients we see take good care of their animals, but they bristle at big numbers, is what it comes down to,” Patriquin says.

In comparison to a traditional fullservice vet, Dr. Kelly’s offers surgical care at a third to a half of the typical price.

A release stated that ER vet bills ranged from $150 to $1,200 in 2022.

“When you couple the efficiency of just doing surgeries, not adding on all of the fitness and wellness exams, we can be very efficient. So we found that to be fast, we can save our time and effort by the doctor and pass those savings on to clients,” Patriquin says.

“The fact that we’re able to continue to grow, continue to provide a low-cost, affordable model, and still survive and grow as a business is a testament to not only that the clients are there but that it’s possible,” he adds. “Not everything has to be a massive four-digit number just to get routine care.”

The Patriquins founded Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit in 2016.

Kelly, a 1997 Colorado State University graduate, worked for a number of clinics over the years but always had a particular passion for surgery.

The husband and wife team sought to establish a veterinary clinic that could serve more pets, and realized that there was a big market for the affordability model they had created. Quickly, they collected a handful of locations.

Over the past seven years, the clinic has performed over 100,000 pet surgeries, assisted over 150,000 clients and served over 80 different pet rescue organizations.

The clinic saw a 60% expansion in 2022, 50% in 2021 and 160% in the previous three years.

“The industry is growing, expanding, it’s getting expensive, doctors and staff are hard to find. That’s why you can’t get an appointment at a practice,” Patriquin says. “It’s hard — they’re all full, the pet space is growing, and the demand for vets is not really keeping up. But it’s great that we’re able to help as many people as possible get the care that their pets need at the surgical level.”

Unproven Treatment

Questions remain about hyperbaric oxygen therapy

By Sophie Oppfelt Cronkite News

Gordon Brown used to be a licensed psychologist and U.S. Navy petty officer 1st class. But a severe blow to the head caused bleeding on the brain and led to surgery in 2002 that left him struggling to read and speak.

Brown says he’s now mostly recovered, and he credits hyperbaric oxygen therapy, known as HBOT, which most commonly is used in hospitals to treat burn victims and severe skin and bone infections. Patients are placed in pressurized chambers and breathe pure

oxygen.

“I couldn’t have done this interview prior to the dives (therapy sessions),” says Brown, now 68.

HBOT of Arizona uses the therapy to treat thousands of brain injury patients — roughly 2,000 this year — although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved hyperbaric oxygen for that purpose. However, “off-label prescribing” is allowed for all drugs or treatments the FDA has approved for any condition.

“The risks and benefits of HBOT when used for off-label have not been established,” an FDA spokesperson told Cronkite News. “At this time, the FDA has not approved, cleared or authorized the use of HBOT for cognitive improvement.”

The FDA has approved HBOT treatment only for certain conditions, and it notes on its website that “some claims of what it can do are unproven.” Further clinical trials are underway or completed for use of the

Lori Klauber, general manager of HBOT of Arizona, demonstrates an ear massager patients use to unplug their ears when the clinic’s hyperbaric chamber is being pressurized. (Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)

The hyperbaric chamber at HBOT of Arizona is large enough to treat six patients at a time. The chamber is in a shipping container outside the Cave Creek clinic. (Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)

therapy for traumatic brain injury, PTSD and long COVID-19, according to the FDA and clinicaltrials.gov.

But that doesn’t stop patients from trying off-label treatments.

The FDA says hyperbaric chambers vary in size, shape and material, but all are pressurized to an atmospheric pressure below sea level while patients breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen through a mask.

When they’re in the chamber, HBOT of Arizona patients can read books or watch TV through a window of the chamber, but they can’t bring in electronic devices due to the pressure change, which can ruin electronics, the for-profit clinic says on its website.

According to HBOT of Arizona, the oxygen and pressure combined promote faster healing by increasing oxygen in tissue, which leads to the growth of new capillaries. The company has a certified hyperbaric technologist present for all sessions.

Brown says he suffered two grand mal seizures after the surgery in 2002 “and flatlined both times. I died twice.”

In addition to post-operative challenges in reading and speaking, Brown had anger issues, memory loss and trouble with balance after his injury.

The Navy veteran and scuba diver was familiar with HBOT because it’s used to

treat divers with decompression sickness. He started the therapy in 2015 at HBOT of Arizona.

“As I went through the days,” he recalls, “I started noticing that a lot of memories started coming back, and they weren’t coming back in a linear fashion. They were just memories that were popping up, and I didn’t know what they were.”

Toward the end of his 40 treatments, known as dives, over the course of two months, his friends started noticing his speech improving, he could read again and his memory started returning.

A typical regimen at HBOT of Arizona consists of 40 hourlong dives, says general manager Lori Klauber, but it may take more sessions to reach a plateau. Treatments may vary depending on the condition but averages $200 or more per session without insurance, she says.

“We take on-label and off-label (patients),” Klauber says, noting the company uses HBOT to treat conditions hospitals typically don’t, including post-traumatic stress disorder, “TBI, (COVID-19) long-haulers, autism, cerebral palsy.”

When it comes to off-label uses of HBOT,

the risks and benefits are not established. HBOT risks for all uses include ear and sinus pain, middle ear injuries, temporary vision change and lung collapse, according to an FDA spokesperson. Oxygen tank fire is also a potential risk when using the chamber.

Regardless of FDA approval, Brown says, HBOT has worked for him and other brain trauma patients he has sponsored for the therapy.

Before the therapy, Brown spoke haltingly and was embarrassed to talk to people.

“I knew I had a brain at one time. It was very frustrating, but by the time I finished my 40th dive, I felt like I was about 85 to 90% back.”

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

Gordon Brown credits hyperbaric oxygen therapy for his recovery from a traumatic brain injury he suffered two decades ago.

(Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)

Lori Klauber, general manager of HBOT of Arizona in Cave Creek, shows off the most commonly used mask in the hyperbaric chamber. Patients use these masks to breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen while the chamber is pressurized, which stimulates capillary growth.

(Sophie Oppfelt/Cronkite News)

Extraordinary Rides

The Lexus LX 600 is a versatile option

By C.A. Haire

Lexus has redesigned its top model LX for 2022, and will carry over to 2023. The biggest change is under the hood. Gone is the proven 5.7-liter V-8 and its six-speed transmission. It is replaced with a 3.5-liter turbo V-6 and modern 10-speed gearbox. Horsepower has jumped from 383 to 409, and torque from 403 to 479. As a bonus, claimed fuel economy is improved, from 12/16 mpg to 17/22.

Lexus claims this newer model is 400 pounds lighter, but with a mass of almost 3 tons loaded, not too many drivers will notice. They will notice the improved interior design and all of the luxury gadgets. While the base price starts at $87,000, ours is loaded up with all the options, so hits $126,000. This includes a pair of giant second row seats with a complete massage function. In fact, the passenger front seat can be folded, allowing the second-row seat to fully recline for a nice nap while commuting

to the country club. A drive control knob allows eco, comfort, normal, sport, sport+ and custom modes of operation.

Because this Lexus shares most mechanical parts with the Toyota Land Cruiser (no longer sold in USA), it has all the features to allow serious off roading ability. There is hi- or low-range 4x4 gearing, crawl control, locking differentials, and a suspension that can be lowered or raised to clear large rocks on the trail.

We drove this large beast for a week. It is a true do anything vehicle. Drive in comfort on city streets or take it of the roughest dirt trails, it can do it all. The only drawback

is even with improved fuel economy, it is still costly to feed at the pump, with our real-world 14/19 mpg numbers. The motor requires premium blend as well. But those who can afford the admission and upkeep fees of the LX600 will be pleased.

The biggest changes to the redesigned LX are under the hood. (C.A. Haire/Submitted)

Drivers will notice the improved interior design and all of the luxury gadgets the Lexus LX 600 includes. (C.A. Haire/Submitted)

By Kraig Nelson Cave Creek Museum Historian

Scholar Frederick Jackson Turner, Ph.D., in an 1893 essay, said the frontier (lower 48) ended in 1890. His perhaps premature conclusion was based on data from an 1890 U.S. census.

Other historians, including Arizona state historian Marshall Trimble, feel the frontier ended March 13, 1895, when Phoenix was connected to what was called the Santa Fe Railroad (Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) from the north. Phoenix had been connected with the Southern Pacific Railroad, from the south, since July 4, 1887.

The Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific railroads were considered transcontinental mainlines. The Southern Pacific closely followed the Butterfield Overland Mail Route across southern Arizona using established pioneer and Native American trails. The Butterfield was a stagecoach and mail service lasting from 1857 to 1861, its demise, the Civil War. When Phoenix was connected with the rest of the United States via the railroads, the American frontier was over per Trimble.

How was the railroad route established in northern Arizona? How did Manifest Destiny and Mr. Horace Greely affect western expansion? Let’s take a look.

Manifest Destiny was a widely held belief in the 19th century that the United States was to expand, and had the right to expand coast to coast, because of divine providence. Journalist John L. O’Sullivan in 1839, wrote an article about “divine destiny” addressing America’s “moral dignity.”

In 1845, O’Sullivan wrote another essay in which he first used Manifest Destiny. Later that year, December 27, 1845, he used Manifest Destiny again in his newspaper, the New York Morning News, and the phrase became extremely influential nationally.

“Go west, young man, go west, and grow up with the country.”These famous words were written and published in an editorial in the New York Tribune on July 13, 1865, by Horace Greely. The immortal words captured the spirit of returning Civil War veterans who headed west and took advantage of the 1862 Homestead Act. Horace Greely was the founder and editor of the New York Tribune, which was considered one of the great newspapers of the time. Interestingly, Greely did not coin the famous phrase. It was first used by John Babsone Lane Soule in 1851. When the “Go West” phrase became famous, Greely gave credit to Soule.

Congress was aware a northern railroad route was needed in Arizona somewhere along the 35th parallel. Monies were allocated, and expeditions were funded. Lt. Lorenzo Sitgreaves commanded the first expedition along the 35th parallel starting in September 1851.

Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple started his expedition July 1853. His expedition included about 70 men, 240 mules, a flock of sheep for food, and a scientific staff of 17, including geologists, naturalists, botanists,

and surveyors.

In 1857, Edward Fitzgerald Beale was appointed to survey a wagon road near the 35th parallel. Beale used Egyptian camels to transport supplies. These three expeditions (and there were others) were instrumental in establishing the future routes for the Santa Fe Railroad, Route 66 and Interstate 40 in Northern Arizona.

After the Santa Fe route across northern Arizona was completed in 1882/1883, the final route was to bring a spur line to Prescott and finally to Phoenix. This was a job for Frank Murphy. Trimble says in his book, “Arizona, A Cavalcade Of History,” “…Murphy was one of the most energetic and resourceful … entrepreneurial giants. Murphy, more than any other was responsible for attracting eastern capital…” The first leg of the journey to Prescott (from Ash Fork) was a 57-mile line called the Peavine because of all the twists and turns. This line was finished April 24, 1892. The final leg of the journey into Phoenix was completed March 13, 1895. The American frontier came to a close.

Kraig Nelson has been the Cave Creek Museum historian since 2016, when the board of directors voted unanimously hire him. A docent since 2008, he’s a former member of the museum’s board of directors. He hosts townwide history lectures and a YouTube channel with national exposure.

What Could Go Wrong?

Do I need travel insurance for my 2023 vacation?

By Christopher Elliott

Mark Graham is planning a trip to Sicily and France with his wife this summer. He’s still working out some of the details, but one thing he is sure of: getting travel insurance. Graham can’t imagine traveling without it.

“We feel better knowing we have the safety of insurance,” says Graham, a retired telecommunications worker.

And who can blame him? The pandemic made travel insurance a must-have item for many travelers, including people like Graham, who fit the “must be insured” profile (retired, overseas travel, cruising). Others who are planning their 2023 trips may still be on the fence. I can help you decide.

It’s going to be another interesting year for travel, experts say.

“Between flight disruptions, weather issues and unexpected medical emergencies, travel is unpredictable and will continue to be so in 2023,” says Carol Mueller, a vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.

It’s natural for people to think about travel insurance. But what should they do? Graham’s concerns are common. For example, what if there’s another COVID-19 outbreak or the war in Ukraine affects his cruise? He’s also worried about a possible trip disruption or medical emergency. Those are issues that a standard travel insurance policy can address. But there are so many choices.

“Travelers are more interested in purchasing travel insurance than ever,” says Karisa Cernera, a director at Redpoint Travel Protection, a travel insurance company. “But choosing a travel protection

plan can be overwhelming.”

What kind of insurance is available for your 2023 trip?

If you’re planning to spend more than $5,000 on a trip and you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses like airfare and a hotel, you need some kind of insurance.

Here are your options.

Most standard travel insurance policies cover “named” perils such as trip cancellation, delays, medical emergencies, medical evacuation, interruptions and lost luggage. They cost between 5% and 7% of your nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses.

A “cancel for any reason” policy covers all of the above — plus, you can cancel your trip for any reason and get anywhere between 50% and 75% of your money back. A “cancel for any reason” policy costs between 9% and 12% of the cost of your trip.

You may also have coverage through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, auto insurance or credit card. You’re already paying for them, so you may be able to skip a separate policy.

Before you buy anything, you owe it to yourself to check the type of insurance you already have. It may be enough. That’s what Anand Kumar, a program manager, discovered when he booked a Baltic cruise.

“I concluded that my credit card provides reasonable travel insurance as well as other benefits, so long as I booked my trip with the

card,” he says.

Why should you buy travel insurance in 2023?

Do you need a travel insurance policy? That depends on who you are — and your circumstances. Here’s a checklist. If any of these apply, you may need a policy.

Peace of mind. That’s the No. 1 reason people buy insurance. “They want assurances that if the worst happens, they’re covered,” says Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, a company that provides medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. That’s top of mind for 2023, with a war and instability continuing to threaten many vacations.

Medical coverage. That’s a lesson Francesca Owens, a travel coach who moderates Travel the Inside Out Facebook group, learned while traveling internationally. She says she “stupidly” skipped insurance and had to pay cash to settle her hospital bills in Prague. Now she insists that her clients always get insurance. “If they won’t buy insurance,” she says, “I won’t work with them.”

Trip interruption and travel delay benefits. Last summer’s airline disruptions made travelers think about ways of avoiding the chaos. “Travelers want security,” explains

Terry Boynton, president of Yonder Travel

Continues on page 32

IT’S A FOUR-PEAT

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HOME • OPINION

Insurance. “They want to know that if the travel industry is still not fully stable in 2023, travel insurance will help foot the bill for trip interruptions, travel delays, and lost or delayed baggage.”

Cancellation protection. If you can’t afford to lose the money you paid toward your trip, then you might want to splurge for a more expensive “cancel for any reason” policy, say experts like Melissa Beers, co-owner of MyJourneyBeginsTravel.com. Anything else can be a headache when you file a claim, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be covered. “Generally, you have to back it up with medical information and other proof before a travel insurance company will pay the claim,” she says. But do the math before you buy one: You may be spending more than you would get if you file a claim.

How do I know what kind of insurance I need?

Which policy is right for you? That isn’t easy to answer because each traveler is different.

If you’re a 20-something adventure seeker, you’ll need a policy like Redpoint’s Ripcord policies, which include rescue. If you’re retired, you’ll want a comprehensive policy. For example, Graham has decided to buy a policy through Seven Corners, which he found after extensive research. It covers the basics, “and it has a good reputation for claims,” he says.

Consulting with a travel professional can help. But don’t rely on a travel agent. Instead, conduct independent research online. (I publish a free guide on travel insurance that may help.)

Geoffrey Millstone, a travel adviser with Clarksburg Travel, says travel insurance has changed since the pandemic. Regular “named

AVOID THESE MISTAKES

Buying the cheapest policy

Dan Skilken, president of tripinsurance.com, sees this mistake every day. People will go to a travel insurance comparison site and buy the cheapest insurance. “The cheapest plan is not necessarily the best value,” he warns. “Consider the plan with better coverage that addresses the risks that you are the most concerned about.”

Waiting too long

Many insurance policies exclude medical conditions for which you have received treatment or have sought medical advice within six months before your insurance starts, says Neville Mehra, chief marketing officer for Genki, which sells travel health insurance. “If a condition arises before your insurance begins, then it will normally be excluded,” he says. “If you have insurance, it may be covered.”

Failing to consider alternatives

There are less expensive ways to insure your trip, says Laura Heidt, the insurance desk manager at Brownell Travel. “If you don’t care about insuring your trip costs, and are only interested in the medical coverage, good policies can cost as little as $50,” she says. Heidt also recommends an air medical transport membership like Medjet, which evacuates you in case of a medical emergency.

perils” policies have new rules that make claims more tedious, and lately travel insurance companies have been slower because of this summer’s travel disruptions. He warns that you have to read the fine print carefully.

“Cancel-for-any-reason policies work, but they can take between 60 and 90 days to process the claim,” he adds.

Whether or not you buy travel insurance for your 2023 trip, travelers say you should at least consider it. Ross Copas, an industrial electrician from Tweed, Canada, says he had a close call on a recent polar cruise that reminded him of the importance of insurance.

“There were a few anxious days before we were tested for COVID and boarded the ship,” he remembers. “We had not bought cruise cancellation coverage for that cruise and were looking at losing a significant amount of money if we tested positive.”

Most major travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 but require you to be hospitalized. There’s a workaround. You can also buy travel insurance through a company like Covac Global, a membership program that specializes in covering infectious diseases like COVID-19 and medical evacuation without hospitalization requirements.

Fortunately, Copas tested negative. But he learned an important lesson: Always consider your travel insurance options before you book your trip. He says he won’t make that mistake next time.

Christopher Elliott (chriselliots.com) is the founder of Elliott Advocacy (elliott.org), a nonprofit that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can’t.

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An All-American

Matt Brice brings obsessive hospitality to North Phoenix

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Matt Brice didn’t come from money. He worked as a dishwasher at age 12 out of necessity. There, he learned how to cut fish, and about the perils and triumphs of being in the restaurant business.

“School wasn’t really my thing,” Brice says. “It wasn’t working out for me. I love people, and the moment I knew I could touch as many people through the restaurant experience, that was it.”

The Houston-based Brice parlayed that knowledge into Federal American Grill, which has four locations in Texas and a new one on Mayo Boulevard in North Phoenix. Opening its doors on January 20, the Mayo Boulevard store will soon have its anticipated “gorgeous” patio.

The Federal name has been in the family

since the 1960s and stems from the Brice family’s obsession with hospitality, great food, and ensuring a fun environment for guests.

North Phoenix was the ideal location, he says, because his best friend/operating partner, Steve Parker, moved to the Valley from Connecticut.

“We were friends running restaurants together way back in the day at Chili’s and Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse,” he says.

“I’ve been asking him for a long time to do a restaurant with me. I have four, going

on five, restaurants in Houston. When he said he was moving out here, he said, ‘Let’s do this. I’m ready.’ His kids are off to college. This location, it fit exactly.”

He’s impressed with the quality of nearby restaurants, including Trevor’s on Mayo, which features artisan pizza kitchen, golf simulators and a full-service bar, and Buck and Rider.

Brice’s Federal American Grill is notable in its own right. Everything is made from scratch. They make their own fries, cut their

Matt Brice has been learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business since age 12. (Federal American Grill/Submitted)

The Tommy Lyons BBQ bone marrow comes with pickled onions, crostini, garlic confit and red cabbage slaw.

Continues on page 36

TASTE • DINE

own fish, age the steaks, and create every sauce and dressing. “Everything’s made in-house,” he says. “We take pride in it and serve it at a good level. We are known for our whiskies. We’re an old-fashioned bar. When someone orders an old-fashioned, we light them on fire for The Smoking Gun Old Fashioned. It’s awesome.”

Diners who order the flaming oldie, created with Elijah Craig bourbon, house bitters, 151-brûléed orange and cherry, will be delighted by the smoky cocktail prepared tableside. Other notable drinks include the bourbon peach smash, rosemary blush and paper plane.

Brice says the top-selling dish is its two seasoned RC Ranch Craft Wagyu fried cheeseburger eggrolls.

“They’re to die for,” he says. “It comes with spicy ranch and kung

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Federal American Grill will make hearts flutter this Valentine’s Day with a prixfixe, three-course menu for $75 from Saturday, February 11, to Tuesday, February 14.

Chicken federale consists of grilled chicken breasts, couscous with asparagus, feta and pico de gallo, and avocado cilantro cream sauce.

pao sauce.

“People love Janice’s meatloaf, too. It’s my mother’s meatloaf. We’re not a steakhouse, but we sell prime steaks. If you want to come and have an amazing steak, you’re going to have the same quality. It’s wet-aged for a long period of time. You don’t have to buy things a la cart. If you order the filet, you’re getting truffle mac and cheese and spinach on the plate. You pay one price and you’re done.”

The Federal oyster is available on Valentine’s Day weekend at Federal American Grill.

The featured cocktail of the night is the four roses old-fashioned. Guests will have the choice to pick from The Federal oyster, shrimp cocktail, spinach salad, iceberg wedge or butternut squash soup for their first course.

Brice grew up in Massachusetts but has lived in Houston for the last 16 years. Even though he doesn’t live in Phoenix, he’s still a hands-on owner.

“I don’t take a backseat,” he says. “I’ll be at the restaurant every day that I’m here.”

He’s in the restaurant business for the people. Every move he makes regarding Federal American Grill, he knows, affects his 400plus employees.

(Federal American Grill/Submitted)

The second course selection features a shellfish trio, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, surf and turf, or a center cut filet mignon.

The night wraps with the dessert duo, which includes double chocolate brownie and bourbon bread pudding served with vanilla ice cream.

Brice admits that the first two years he struggled with his first restaurant, as he says, “We didn’t know what kind of concept we were.”

“I created the bar menu, which is affordable,” he says. “You can split three different things with friends — sliders, truffle fries — all that stuff you can come in and split. You can spend $10 to $15 per person, or you can come in and spend $70 to $100 a head.”

Federal American Grill is well known throughout Texas. He hopes that reputation carries over to North Phoenix.

“No matter what your request, yes is always our answer,” Brice says.

“We can’t wait to get involved and give back to the community surrounding our new location. We want to make sure that we do everything perfectly. When you’re in Houston, people know us all over Texas. We do a really good job. I know that for a fact.

“Sales and the flow of people have proven that. Here, they don’t know who we are. We just go one handshake at a time. We’re learning everybody’s name. I’m very personalized. We meet as many people as possible. We have texting for the reservations instead of going through a computer program.”

It all comes down to Brice’s personal beliefs.

(Federal American Grill/Submitted)

To start off the weekend, Federal American Grill also offers a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays with dishes like the creme brûlée French toast served with bacon, breakfast potatoes and maple syrup as well as chicken and waffles with homemade waffle, buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, cinnamon icing and breakfast potatoes. For more information, visit thefederalgrill.com.

“This has been such a blessing,” he says. “Like I said, I love people. The only thing I don’t like about it is I don’t know every single one of them.”

Roasted chicken is one of the available selections at Federal American Grill on Valentine’s Day weekend.

BALLER BITES

NV’s top dining destinations delight with these dishes

By Alison Bailin Batz

The North Valley’s finest restaurants are always innovating new ways to tantalize guests’ tastebuds. Here are some of the hottest highend menu items right now across the best menus in town.

Truffle burger at Toca Madera

This decadent take on the classic burger starts with Santa Carota beef, which has been grass-raised and finished with carrots. It is a double patty topped with sharp Tillamook white cheddar and a proprietary blend of shimeji, portobello, cremini, oyster and maitake mushrooms, all cooked in white truffle oil. The

fluffy brioche bun is toasted with truffle butter and then brushed with a truffle sauce. Once constructed, it is finished with fresh Italian truffle slices and served alongside French fries with truffle hot sauce. $48

Hay-smoked tomahawk at Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

This impeccably 32-ounce marbled cut arrives tableside atop a pile of hay. Said hay is set ablaze in front of diners’ eyes so it may lightly smoke the crust of the meat. Once the fire is put out, the meat is butter-bathed with a rosemary sprig, sliced, and served with a variety of grilled vegetable kabobs. $185

Cresto Di Gallo Norcina at The Italian Daughter

This creamy pasta is a love letter to the Umbrian town of Norcia, which is famous for its pork and truffles. Each comes together in perfect harmony here through the sauce, a combination of wild mushrooms, Norcia-style

sausage, tomatoes and truffle cream sauce. Married with the pasta on the plate, additional studded mushrooms and sausage are added on top for good measure. $25

Sashimi chef’s selection at Roka Akor

When guests choose the sashimi chef’s selection, they are treated to a selection of exceptional fish sourced from across the globe, each deboned and fileted by hand. A single order includes two pieces of five types of fish, often yellowtail, tuna, halibut and a selection of whatever is freshest. The fish are arranged atop crushed ice with floral garnishes, resulting in a head-turning presentation. Larger platters, including the addition of nigiri, available for an added charge. $38-$250

Two Wash Ranch chicken roulade at Hearth ‘61

Chicken is the star of this savory dish. It

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Bourbon Steak serves this hay-smoked tomahawk. (Submitted)

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features sausage made from thigh meat and surrounded by chicken breast with the skin still attached. The entire roulade is poached, bathed in ice, deep-fried, and served with leeks, roasted cauliflower and cauliflower sauce. The chicken is sourced locally from Two Wash Ranch in New River, where farmer Dave Jordan raises chickens, ducks, geese and pea fowl in a cage-free environment, free of hormones and antibiotics. He delivers his poultry fresh to local restaurant partners, resulting in a more sustainable operation and better-quality food. $37

Truffle steak and egg at STK Steakhouse

While most extravagant dishes are served at dinner, every weekend STK Steakhouse offers a sophisticated brunch that is self-indulgent in the best way possible. Among its most impressive offerings it this eight-ounce Wagyu cooked over a flat iron grill. It is topped with a fried egg and crispy potatoes before a generous portion of truffles are shaved all over the dish. It is served with brioche bathed in truffleinfused butter as well. $52

Toro carpaccio at Sushi Roku

Only the highest-grade fatty belly of sustainably sourced tuna — a piece called the toro of the tuna — makes it to the plate on this dish. It is served raw, cut ever-sothin, lined up on the plate atop soy sauce infused with truffles and then garnished with rich Oscietra caviar, among the most prized and expensive caviars, second only to Beluga. A pop of color, courtesy of dollops of Kizami wasabi, which may only be made from plants indigenous to Japan, completes the angular dish. $46

Kvarøy Norwegian salmon belly crudo Santé

Offering a “beyond organic” menu is part of Santé’s credo, and not just with the crudo. The restaurant partners with multiple regenerative organic farms around the world and locally, including RhibaFarms and McClendon Farms. The salmon here is sourced from Kvarøy Arctic, a company that champions for sustainable salmon farming in Norway. Meeting official standards and their own stringent ones, the company farms for 16 months then allows the water to be undisturbed for up to eight months, a choice that goes beyond the standards. The gluten-free Kvarøy

Norwegian Salmon Belly Crudo features tropical slaw, citrus ponzu and black sesame seeds. $18

Pan-seared

swordfish at Talavera at Four Seasons Scottsdale

Troon North

The chef hand-selects each cut of the swordfish for this dish daily, simply searing it with herbs and spices and then enhancing it with bilbaina sauce, a classic Spanish salsa made by frying chilies and garlic in olive oil and adding vinegar for balance. Talavera also adds capers for added bite. Piquillo pepper puree, made by sweating onions, peppers and white wine, as well as blanched haricot verte tossed with frisee lettuce, cress leaves and lemon oil complete the dish. $56

Egg in an egg in an egg at Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion

A dish made to honor Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s famous egg caviar (itself an homage to Vongerichten’s mentor Louis Outhier) that has graced New York’s famed Jean-Georges menu since 1978, this dish is meant to delight and surprise. Served as part of Christopher’s award-winning eight-course (plus surprises) tasting menu, the dish comes under a large ceramic egg-shaped cloche and is revealed tableside to be a hollow eggshell filled with creamy scrambled eggs topped with Osetra caviar and an edible golf leaf. $275 (tasting menu cost)

Pluma Iberico de Bellota at Fat Ox

This top-tier cut of pork is sourced from Iberico pigs in Spain that are fed specialty

acorn their entire lives resulting in flawless marbling that naturally tenderizes the meat. Simply seasoned and seared to golden-brown perfection over a wood-fired grill, Fat Ox uses a mix of both pecan and mesquite woods for that perfectly smoky, savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. $70

Veal chop parmigiana at The Americano

This 14-ounce, bone-in cut is thinly pounded and lightly breaded in an herbedParmesan panko crust. The chop is quickly pan-fried and basted with brown butter to give it its beautiful golden color. Over the veal chop is chef Scott Conant’s signature pomodoro sauce, reduced with melted baby tomatoes to give a sweet but tangy note to the dish. To finish, four ounces of burrata and fresh basil are placed atop the chop to add an herbaceous creaminess. $65

Wagyu New York Strip with Foie Gras and Tableside Flambé at Bourbon & Bones

Among the most popular preparations of the 12-ounce strip, this cut is equal parts dinner and a show. Once cooked to order, the Wagyu is rubbed with B&B butter, which is Wagyu beef renderings deglazed with bourbon and herbs. It is paired with rich, creamy foie gras and once tableside topped with the restaurant’s proprietary blend of Knob Creek whiskey, which are individually selected by general manager Christopher Marshburn after aging up to 14 years. The whiskey is lit on fire to enhance the flavor profile and served with a selection of sauces. $133

Toca Madera features this truffle burger. (TJ Perez/Submitted)

Hearts A-Flutter

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with everything from guns to pancakes

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Some say “I love you” with jewelry or flowers on Valentine’s Day. What we really want is food and relaxation.

Restaurants around the North Valley are offering specials around February 14, ranging from “guns and roses” to White Castle swag and pink drinks.

Check out these go-to’s for the loveliest day of the year.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

The resort’s Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen is hosting a curated four-course candlelit dinner on Valentine’s Day.

First course: Char (grilled king prawns, arroz negro, chorizo, garlic, oregano, gremolata) or golden beet carpaccio (petit greens, harrisa, mustard, dried lemon powder, cabecau goat cheese).

Second course: Warm winter salad (organic spinach, roasted parsnip, confit shallots, dates, pine nuts, goat cheese vinaigrette) or zucca

agnolotti (pumpkin puree, Parmigiano-Reggiano, sage).

Third course: Lamb “Tagine” (Colorado lamb spare ribs and chop, apricots, saffron, pomegranate) or Casarecce (house sausage meatballs, forged mushrooms, sage, walnuts, ParmigianoReggiano) or Moroccan spice squash (beluga lentils, butternut squash, herb salad).

Dessert: You are the Snicker to my Doodle (chewy cinnamon caramel, waffle cookie, whipped dulce ganache) or Syrup to my Pancake (crispy “short stack,” salted bourbon crèmeux, cayenne maple syrup) or The Cereal to My Milk…Shake (Cocoa Puff milk shake, cereal cookies).

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, 6114 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480368-1234, andazscottsdale.com

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Chef de cuisine Jesus Figueroa presents a celebratory meal for one night in Talavera on Tuesday, February 14. Begin with an oyster on the half shell, with beet gazpacho, mint, basil

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and fizzy blackberry foam. Then, savor an octopus carpaccio, featuring heart of palm salad, citrus and rose petal-Calabrian chili chimichurri. The main course offers a choice of “fruta” del mar — with diver scallops, Skull Island prawns, king crab, caviar and delicately poached lobster tail — or cocoa-rubbed bison tenderloin with a pomegranate dark chocolate jus.

For the table, enjoy crispy red bliss potatoes and butter-poached white asparagus with Manchego cheese and thyme. For dessert, indulge in executive pastry chef Yudith Bustos’ creation, “Love is in the air,” with raspberry lychee mousse, vanilla cake and Champagne gelée. Cost is $165 per person; reservations required. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, 480-515-5700, fourseasons. com/Scottsdale

White Castle

Every Midwesterner loves White Castle. It’s so beloved that reservations are accepted for Valentine’s Day via OpenTable.

From 4 to 9 p.m. February 14, participating White Castle restaurants will transform their dining rooms into fine dining establishments with hostess seating, tableside service and festive holiday décor.

“Valentine’s Day is the day when White Castle becomes Love Castle, and we can’t wait to celebrate it in person in 2023,” says Jamie Richardson, vice president at White

Castle. “It’s an opportunity to gather with those we love and savor the flavor of all the Castle has to offer, all in a festive atmosphere with affordable prices that won’t bust anyone’s budget. This is what feeding the souls is all about, and we’re excited that the tradition we have loved and missed is back.”

Special menu items available for Valentine’s Day:

The Love Cube meal for two features eight cheese sliders, two sharable sides and two small soft drinks. The Love Cube can be ordered for carry out and for dining in.

Adding to that variety is a new, custom Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage, the Sprite Love Castle Potion. It is the marriage of the cool crispness of lemon-lime, a pop of cherry and a kiss of smooth, creamy vanilla. The oneof-a-kind liquid refreshment is available only on February 14.

Cravers should leave room for a sweet nightcap. The strawberry swirl cheesecake-

on-a-stick features strawberry swirl cheesecake in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. Craver Nation members can get a buy-one, get-one dessert-ona-stick coupon for use only in Castles between February 10 and February 14.

Food isn’t the only thing White Castle will be offering to tempt Cravers. It has a new line of merchandise specifically to celebrate Valentine’s Day — a Love Castle silk robe; Love Castle sunglasses and White Castle T-shirts. White Castle, 9310 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480-291-5700, whitecastle.com

Other options

C2 Tactical

C2 Tactical is offering the creatively titled guns and roses package. Priced at $150 each, with a voucher for a free rose bouquet at Fred’s Flowers, the package includes 100 rounds, handgun rentals, safety office, a bouquet of roses. Additionally, couples can get hitched at the range with an ordained minister. The shotgun wedding package starts at $475. C2 Tactical, 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Suite 1050, Phoenix, 480-588-8802, c2tactical. com

Chompie’s

February 14 is the sweetest day of the year at Chompie’s. It’s not only Valentine’s Day but its 44th anniversary. Beginning Wednesday, February 8, the following sweet treats will be available at all Chompie’s locations: “Conversation heart” iced sugar cookies: $3.99

Valentine’s-themed cupcakes: $4.99

Valentine’s-themed rectangular cakes: $29.99 Chocolate-covered strawberries: $21.99 per pound

Butter cookies with red, pink and white sprinkles: $18 per pound

Red-and-white cookies: $7.99 for a six-pack of minis or $3.99 each for large version. Chompie’s, 9301 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-860-0475, chompies.com

Over Easy

Over Easy will be serving raspberry white chocolate pancakes with its signature pancakes, white chocolate fresh raspberries,

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White Castle

Four Seasons

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powdered sugar and 100% maple syrup. Served as one, two or three cakes. To top it off, sip on a strawberry- and raspberry-flavored very berry mimosa with fresh blueberries. Over Easy, 11162 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480-5976718, eatatovereasy.com

Peter Piper Pizza

Heart-shaped pizzas return to Peter Piper for the season of love with a large, one-topping, heart-shaped pizza and large strawberry crunch dessert for $21. It’s available through February 14.

Each deal can be conveniently ordered online or through the Peter Piper Pizza app for pick-up or delivery.

Peter Piper Pizza, 15745 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480-423-5200, peterpiperpizza. com

Pita Jungle

Local favorite Pita Jungle is offering a special “Sweets on Us,” for couples who dine on Valentine’s Day. Guests can receive their choice of walnut baklawa or chocolate-dipped walnut baklawa for dessert for free with the purchase of two entrees. Offer valid for dinein only at participating locations only. Guests can also sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy half-price bottles of wine.

Pita Jungle, 14858 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-949-7482, pitajungle.com

Postino

Postino has cleverly named packs: Date night to-go packs: Monday, February 6, to Friday, February 17, online at postinowinecafe.com.

Those include: Takeout and Makeout ($55), one “snacky thing,”

one bruschetta, one board and one salad, feeds two; Snacks in the City ($80), three “snacky things,” one bruschetta, one board and one salad, feeds four to six; select bottles of wine to go for $20.

Postino, 7030 E. Greenway Parkway, Kierland Commons, Suite 185, Scottsdale, 602-899-1111, postinowinecafe.com

Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill

Can’t beat this: Valentine’s Day falls on Taco Tuesday. Couples will receive $1.50 off all specialty tacos, including its taco vampiro, pork belly and the beer-battered fried avocado taco.

Salt and Lime Modern Mexican Grill, 9397 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 115, Scottsdale, 480-661-5463, saltandlimeaz.com

Streets of New York

This Valentine’s Day local New York-style pizzeria Streets of New York is celebrating the most romantic day of the year with a dine-in special for two. Guests can choose from one appetizer, two pasta dinners and choice of dessert for $36. Guests can also take advantage of half price bottles of wine. Restrictions do apply.

Streets of New York, 15560 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480-6149480, streetsofnewyork.com

Thirsty Lion Gastropub

Thirsty Lion Gastropub at Desert Ridge is hosting a romantic dining experience from February 9 to February 14. Enjoy cocktails like espresso martini, high west maple old fashioned, and Tito’s winter white cosmopolitan; wines by the glass, including Meiomi Sonoma Pinot Noir; Daou cabernet sauvignon; Sonoma Cutrer chardonnay. Entrees include bacon-wrapped shrimp;

parmesan panko-crusted fresh halibut; grilled ribeye steak; Wagyu beef burger; black cherry barbecue pork tenderloin; grilled filet mignon; whisky bing cherry bread pudding and decadent chocolate cake.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 6, Phoenix, 480-419-5070, thirstyliongastropub.com

Tommy Bahama

Valentine’s Blush at Tommy Bahama combines award-winning Tommy Bahama Gin, elderflower liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice and a splash of soda. Available February 1 to February 14, it’s garnished with a couple of sprigs of fresh tarragon and a grapefruit slice.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, 15205 N. Kierland Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480505-3668, tommybahama.com

Venezia’s New York-Style Pizzeria

Venezia’s Pizzeria is bringing back its 14-inch heart-shaped cheese pizza ($16.75; $1.85 each additional topping; additional charge for premium toppings) for February 14. Available for pick-up or dine-in only, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

New this year: They are also offering a special combo, a heart-shaped pizza and two traditional cannoli for $23.99.

Venezia’s New York-Style Pizzeria, 15620 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 100, Phoenix, 602-787-4444, venezias.com

Wildflower

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Wildflower will be selling hand-decorated heart cookies through February 14.

Wildflower, 15640 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480-991-5180, wildflowerbread. com

Wildflower

Peter Piper Pizza

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