In the September issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine, we unveiled the top 11 chefs in the Valley based on votes by dozens of most talented local culinary luminaries. Here, we reveal each chef’s complete Q & A. Get to know chef Conor Favre of Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
Has the culinary arts always been your passion?
Food, culinary arts and cooking have always been a passion for me. As long as I can remember, they were something that I loved.
Tell me about your first culinary job.
My first restaurant job was at a placed called Eastside Mario’s at the age of 15. Years later, I went on to work at the Renaissance in Scottsdale were Chef Paul O’Connor gave me a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow. I truly learned a lot from him.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to create, teach, learn and have fun while doing it.
What is your tastiest dish?
That is tough for me. I love so many dishes and consider all of them tasty for different reasons and for their appeal to different palates.
What are your thoughts on the Valley dining scene?
It is an exciting time for the Valley dining scene. It is growing stronger and more inventive/engaging every day.
What inspires your dishes?
Ingredients and the love of food.
How to you keep creative in the kitchen?
There are a few ways that I like to keep creative. I play with food and ingredients all the time. I am inspired by the young chefs that surround me. I also love to peruse cookbooks. And, I value and prioritize travelling to far-flung destinations and investigating cuisine everywhere that I go.
Photo by Cassandra Tomei
To learn about another one of AFM’s Valley’s Top Chef honorees, Anthony DeMuro of Different Pointe of View, click here.
Get to Know Conor Favre of Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
