{"id":3403,"date":"2017-05-05T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T16:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/bestof\/?p=3403"},"modified":"2017-05-03T10:56:34","modified_gmt":"2017-05-03T17:56:34","slug":"best-valley-issue-2017-food-restaurants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/bestof\/lifestyle\/best-valley-issue-2017-food-restaurants","title":{"rendered":"Best of Our Valley Issue 2017: Food and Restaurants"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Melissa Larsen<\/em><\/p>\n

BEST TEA SPOT:\u00a0Teaspressa\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Teaspressa, a locally based gourmet beverage\u00a0company that produces the world\u2019s only coffee\u00a0and tea hybrid beverage, will be opening a\u00a0Teaspressa Signature Caf\u00e9 this spring as its\u00a0flagship location. Teapressa recently transitioned\u00a0out of R\u016f\u017ee Cake House in Old Town and can\u00a0still be enjoyed at DeSoto Central Market\u2019s Tea\u00a0& Toast Co. and at Camelback Flower Shop.\u00a0teaspressa.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"teaspressa\"<\/p>\n

BEST FOOD\u00a0PHOTOGRAPHY:\u00a0Diamond Troutman<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diamond Troutman is producer,\u00a0polyglot and editor of Dweller Daily\u00a0who has lived abroad, experiencing\u00a0culture and developing world\u00a0stories in China, Morocco and\u00a0France. Her approach to storytelling\u00a0details personal histories involving\u00a0community and food. The likes of\u00a0The Style Line, Conscious Magazine\u00a0and Original ChopShop Co. have\u00a0all turned to Troutman for their\u00a0photography needs.\u00a0pariselsewhere.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DiamondTroutman-DwellerDaily<\/p>\n

AFM FAVE!\u00a0BEST ASIAN CUISINE:\u00a0Clever Koi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Clever Koi dishes up an Asian-inspired menu at its two locations,\u00a0one in Central Phoenix and a newly\u00a0opened locale in Downtown Gilbert.\u00a0Alongside a stellar cocktail lineup,\u00a0diners can dig into ramen and rice\u00a0dishes, steamed buns, dumplings\u00a0and delicious small plates.\u00a0thecleverkoi.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST CULINARY EVENT:\u00a0Scottsdale Culinary Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scottsdale Culinary Festival is underway April\u00a08 and 9 at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Event-goers can expect eats from 40 local restaurants,\u00a0sips from 30 craft breweries, 20 bands, a teen\u00a0cooking challenge, chef demos, a family zone,\u00a0a beer garden, and vodka lounge. New to the\u00a0festival this year is the Local Lounge, presented\u00a0by Hensley Beverage Co. All net proceeds\u00a0raised will support the nonprofi t Scottsdale\u00a0League for the Arts in its effort to promote the\u00a0arts and arts education organizations in the\u00a0Valley. scottsdalefest.org.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"scottsdale<\/p>\n

BEST ASIAN CUISINE:\u00a0YC\u2019s Mongolian Grill<\/strong><\/p>\n

The family-friendly YC\u2019s specializes in\u00a0Mongolian-style stir fry. Guests get to fill their\u00a0bowls to the brim with a wide variety of veggies\u00a0and protein before the pros stir fry the healthful\u00a0goods to perfection. ycs-mongoliangrill.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

AFM FAVE!\u00a0BEST BAKED GOODS\u00a0OR SWEETS:\u00a0R\u016f\u017ee Cake House<\/strong><\/p>\n

R\u016f\u017ee Cake House, found in the Arts District in\u00a0Old Town, is owned by a mother-daughter team\u00a0who consistently churns out fresh and innovative\u00a0designs and is committed to small-batch, high-quality pastries and desserts (perhaps you have\u00a0seen the bakery\u2019s adorable saguaro cookies).\u00a0R\u016f\u017ee also serves all-natural, house-made boba\u00a0milk teas and coffees. ruzecakehouse.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ruze\"<\/p>\n

BEST BARBECUE: Bobby-Q<\/strong><\/p>\n

At its two Valley locations (the Mesa spot\u00a0just opened in 2016), Bobby-Q dishes out\u00a0finger-lickin\u2019-good barbecue in the form\u00a0of pulled pork, sliced-to-order prime beef\u00a0brisket, a variety of ribs, smoky sausage\u00a0links and much more. For a little after-dinner delight, Bobby-Q even gifts guests\u00a0with a to-go bag of warm mini doughnuts.\u00a0bobbyqphx.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"bobby<\/p>\n

BEST BREAKFAST AND\u00a0BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH:\u00a0The Hash Kitchen Creative\u00a0Breakfast & Bar<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Hash Kitchen Creative Breakfast &\u00a0Bar is a brunch-only, chef-driven concept\u00a0with two Valley locations where guests can\u00a0expect playful brunch fare and a Bloody\u00a0Mary bar to put all Bloody Mary bars to\u00a0shame (there are 50 toppings options,\u00a0after all). Diners can choose from a variety\u00a0of hashes, pancakes, French toasts, eggs\u00a0benedict, scramblers and frittatas and\u00a0unique entrees like breakfast lasagna.\u00a0hashkitchen.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"hash<\/p>\n

BEST BURGER:\u00a0Relish Burger Bistro<\/strong><\/p>\n

The innovative menu at Relish Burger\u00a0Bistro provides a fun twist on the American\u00a0classic, with a selection of premium Kobe-style Wagyu burgers being the centerpiece.\u00a0To wash down the burger, Relish has one\u00a0of the largest tequila collections in the state\u00a0of Arizona and a beer menu offering more\u00a0than 70 selections of premium brews. The\u00a0restaurant provides breathtaking views\u00a0of The Phoenician Golf Course, to boot.\u00a0thephoenician.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Commercial<\/p>\n

BEST COMFORT FOOD\u00a0AND OLD FAVORITE:\u00a0TEXAZ Grill<\/strong><\/p>\n

TEXAZ Grill first stole local meat-loving\u00a0hearts in 1985 when it opened as Lone Star\u00a0Steaks. Since then, diners have flocked to\u00a0the Phoenix restaurant for its chicken-fried\u00a0steak, fried okra, chili, choice-aged steaks\u00a0and other comfort-food classics.\u00a0texazgrill.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST COUNTRY\u00a0CLUB CHEF:\u00a0Marcus de Koning,\u00a0Phoenix Country Club<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chef Marcus de Koning brings a wide array\u00a0of culinary expertise as executive chef of\u00a0the Phoenix Country Club. He got his start\u00a0in the industry at age 12, and his passion\u00a0for fine dining shines through his work at\u00a0Phoenix Country Club, where he says you\u00a0can find \u201ceverything from hamburgers to\u00a0foie gras.\u201d phoenixcountryclub.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"marcus<\/p>\n

BEST CUP OF COFFEE,\u00a0BEST GLUTEN-FREE\u00a0MENU AND BEST\u00a0HEALTH FOOD OR\u00a0VEGETARIAN FOOD:\u00a0Luci\u2019s Healthy Marketplace<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luci\u2019s Healthy Marketplace is a favorite\u00a0go-to spot of hungry locals in search of their\u00a0morning cup of joe or a healthful, satisfying\u00a0meal. At Phoenix\u2019s Luci\u2019s, or at its sister\u00a0restaurant Luci\u2019s at the Orchard, stop in for\u00a0all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches,\u00a0soups, salads and more\u2014with just about all\u00a0categories offering gluten-free or vegetarian\u00a0alternatives. lucishealthymarketplace.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

BEST FROZEN TREAT:\u00a0Snoh Ice Shavery<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cross between traditional shaved ice and\u00a0ice cream, Snoh Ice is a melt-in-your-mouth\u00a0treat available in Uptown Phoenix and a newly\u00a0opened Downtown Phoenix location. Each\u00a0Snoh Ice starts with an ice flavor (ranging\u00a0from milk cream to mango and everything in\u00a0between) and is then crowned with toppings\u00a0(think candies, cookies, fruits and more) and,\u00a0finally, a sweet, gooey glaze. snohice.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST DATE SPOT, BEST\u00a0SEAFOOD AND SPICIEST\u00a0DINING:\u00a0The Breadfruit & Rum Bar<\/strong><\/p>\n

Offering modern Jamaican fare and more than\u00a0150 premium rums and fine cigars, Downtown\u00a0Phoenix\u2019s The Breadfruit & Rum Bar is a one-of-a-kind date night. After a rum cocktail or two,\u00a0tempt taste buds with one of the incredible\u2014and incredibly fresh\u2014seafood dishes, including\u00a0the pimento wood-smoked mussels and Red\u00a0Stripe curried prawns. thebreadfruit.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST DOUGHNUT:\u00a0Fractured Prune<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hot and fresh\u2014that is exactly how you\u2019ll find\u00a0the goodies at Fractured Prune. The made-to-order doughnuts can be dipped in one of the\u00a021 glazes and coated in up to two of the 15\u00a0yummy toppings. For real adventure-seekers,\u00a0order up an Eggnut breakfast sandwich or a\u00a0doughnut ice cream sandwich. There are seven\u00a0locations across the Valley.\u00a0fracturedprune.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"fractured<\/p>\n

AFM FAVE!\u00a0BEST FOOD\u00a0PHOTOGRAPHY:\u00a0Debby Wolvos<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re attending a food-focused event\u00a0in the Valley or see a gorgeous spread\u00a0on a local restaurant, chances are Debby\u00a0Wolvos, of DW Photography, is in\u00a0attendance or in the byline. Her love of\u00a0photography started at the age 8 in her\u00a0father\u2019s darkroom, and this ambitious Valley\u00a0pro has had a lifelong love for travel, food\u00a0and chefs, which shines through in her\u00a0incredible photographic works of art.\u00a0dw-photography.net.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST DINING WITH A\u00a0VIEW, BEST PRIVATE\u00a0DINING ROOM AND\u00a0MOST AMAZING\u00a0RESTAURANT INTERIOR:\u00a0Constantino\u2019s,\u00a0Desert Mountain<\/strong><\/p>\n

Inside Desert Mountain\u2019s Chiricahua\u00a0Clubhouse is Constantino\u2019s, the community\u2019s\u00a0beloved casual Italian restaurant. The terraces\u00a0allow views of stunning desert sunsets and\u00a0the twinkling city lights in the distance. Inside,\u00a0diners can reserve a table in the wine tower\u00a0modeled after a Sardinian olive silo for an\u00a0intimate eating experience, complete with\u00a0hand-troweled Venetian plaster and beautiful,\u00a0ornate iron chandeliers. desertmountain.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"DM<\/p>\n

BEST ITALIAN:\u00a0Marcellino Ristorante<\/strong><\/p>\n

Italian-born Chef Marcellino Verzino has\u00a0impressed Valley palates for years, starting\u00a0with his original Phoenix outpost and now\u00a0in Old Town. His most divine dishes are\u00a0delectable, handmade pastas, Mediterranean\u00a0seafood and imported wild game. For a truly\u00a0remarkable dining experience, reserve a spot\u00a0at the Chef\u2019s Island where diners can view\u00a0Verzino prepare a multi-course menu for a\u00a0party of up to 16. marcellinoristorante.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"marcellino\"<\/p>\n

BEST NEW RESTAURANT:\u00a0Stock & Stable<\/strong><\/p>\n

This summer, Stock & Stable joined Central\u00a0Phoenix\u2019s 7th Street dining district, dishing\u00a0out a menu of hearty, from-scratch eats and\u00a0craft wines, beer and hand-crafted cocktails.\u00a0The restaurant is an American gastropub\u00a0with a dash of Italian trattoria that serves\u00a0up everything from Kung Pao cauliflower\u00a0to linguini with clams and sausage.\u00a0stockandstable.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"stock<\/p>\n

BEST RESORT\u00a0RESTAURANT:\u00a0deseo, The Westin Kierland\u00a0Resort & Spa<\/strong><\/p>\n

Guests at deseo are truly in for a treat as\u00a0they savor Nuevo Latino cuisine in a cool,\u00a0comfortable atmosphere. The menu features\u00a0flavorful dishes including the famous ceviches,\u00a0grilled and roasted fish and shellfish and\u00a0excellently prepped meats. And don\u2019t forget\u00a0to grab a tasty pre-dinner cocktail at The\u00a0Muddle Bar (the Margajito is a favorite) or\u00a0order a glass from the extensive list of South\u00a0American wines. kierlandresort.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST SANDWICH SHOP:\u00a0Leoni\u2019s Focaccia<\/strong><\/p>\n

At Leoni\u2019s Focaccia (brought to us by the\u00a0folks behind The Breadfruit & Rum Bar) in\u00a0Scottsdale, the star of the sandwich is Chef\u00a0Leoni\u2019s fine focaccia bread that is baked all\u00a0day long, so your slices are never more than\u00a0an hour old. The sandwiches feature the\u00a0finest Italian meats and cheeses and, for\u00a0dessert, don\u2019t miss out on the fresh-baked\u00a0cookie selection. leonisfocaccia.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST SPA CUISINE:\u00a0Cafe Verde,\u00a0Desert Mountain<\/strong><\/p>\n

After a hearty workout at Desert\u00a0Mountain\u2019s Sonoran Fitness, Tennis and\u00a0Spa center, the recently opened Cafe\u00a0Verde invites you in to enjoy its fresh and\u00a0healthy menu. We suggest heading to the\u00a0cafe patio to take in views of the Valley\u00a0that surrounds. desertmountain.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST STEAKHOUSE:\u00a0Dominick\u2019s Steakhouse<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the Valley\u2019s most elegant dining\u00a0opportunities awaits at Scottsdale\u00a0Quarter\u2019s Dominick\u2019s Steakhouse. Feast on\u00a0Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab, oysters,\u00a0wet-aged prime steaks and chops, and\u00a0decadent sides and desserts in a glam\u00a0setting that will transport you to Midtown\u00a0Manhattan (with the option of rooftop\u00a0poolside dining).\u00a0dominickssteakhouse.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"dominicks\"<\/p>\n

BEST PIZZA AND MOST\u00a0FUN LUNCH SPOT:\u00a0Venezia\u2019s Pizzeria<\/strong><\/p>\n

At its five Valley locations, Venezia\u2019s\u00a0Pizzeria dishes out New York-style pizza\u00a0that is crafted by hand. For a quick, easy\u00a0and tasty midday meal, Venezia\u2019s has\u00a0Daily Slice Specials\u2014eight options for less\u00a0than $8.50, including drink. Get the most\u00a0out of your free time by taking advantage\u00a0of weekly beer and wine specials, now\u00a0available at all locations. venezias.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Venezia's<\/p>\n

BEST TACO:\u00a0La Santisima Gourmet\u00a0Taco Shop<\/strong><\/p>\n

At its two popular Valley outposts (Phoenix\u00a0and Glendale), the folks at La Santisima\u00a0Gourmet Taco Shop whip out a menu of\u00a0unique and mouthwatering taco options.\u00a0Dogfish shark tacos, anyone? La Santisima\u00a0also specializes in authentic varieties, like\u00a0Oaxaca black mole chicken and carne\u00a0asada, as well as a long list of quesadillas\u00a0and gourmet burritos.\u00a0lasantisimagourmet.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"WS<\/p>\n

BEST OUTDOOR\u00a0DINING (TIE):\u00a0AZ\/88 and Cloth & Flame<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overlooking the Scottsdale Mall and with\u00a0views of Robert Indiana\u2019s famed Love\u00a0sculpture, the patio at AZ\/88 is always\u00a0bustling. Sink into one of the patio\u2019s\u00a0curvy white chairs, order up a cocktail\u00a0and a grilled cheese sandwich and kick\u00a0off the people-watching. For a unique,\u00a0awe-inspiring way to soak up the desert,\u00a0Cloth & Flame (pictured) is a wilderness\u00a0and outdoor dining company that has\u00a0been open since spring of last year. All\u00a0Cloth & Flame dinners\u2014there are up to five\u00a0events per month\u2014feature local producers,\u00a0chefs, cocktail and wine makers, florists\u00a0and more, who collaborate on a multi-course meal served family-style.\u00a0az88.com<\/a>; clothandflame.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"cloth+flame_1031\"<\/p>\n

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD\u00a0BLOG OR WEB SITE:\u00a0Write on Rubee<\/strong><\/p>\n

Christina Barrueta is an award-winning\u00a0freelance food, beverage and travel\u00a0writer (she was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame as Food Writer of\u00a0the Year in 2016) who launched Write\u00a0on Rubee in 2015 to put a spotlight on\u00a0Arizona\u2019s culinary treasures and thriving\u00a0beverage scene via chef interviews,\u00a0recipes, dining news and much more.\u00a0Barrueta also serves as a cocktail\u00a0and food judge for local competitions\u00a0and is currently writing for Experience\u00a0Scottsdale tourism board as a local expert.\u00a0writeonrubee.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!<\/em><\/p>\n

BEST VALLEY FOOD\u00a0TRUCK:\u00a0Saffron JAK Stonebread\u00a0Pizza<\/strong><\/p>\n

The JAK brothers, Jayson and Jaymes,\u00a0use Persian sourdough flatbread called\u00a0Sangak in lieu of traditional pizza dough\u00a0on the Saffron JAK menu. The resulting\u00a0pizza impresses the masses with its smoky\u00a0flavor\u2014and has been since the fall of\u00a02013. Follow @saffronjakpizza on Twitter\u00a0to find out where you can catch the truck\u00a0next. saffronjak.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!<\/p>\n

BEST RESTAURANT GROUP: Riot Hospitality Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

Scottsdale\u2019s Riot Hospitality Group is responsible for the likes of El Hefe, Farm & Craft, Hand\u00a0Cut and Dierks Bentley\u2019s Whiskey Row (which just welcomed a Gilbert location in March). Riot\u00a0Hospitality Group was founded in 2010 and strives to allow each concept to have its own unique\u00a0identity while still being among the Valley\u2019s coolest spots to kick back and dig in. riothg.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"riot<\/p>\n

BEST TEA SPOT:\u00a0Souvia Tea<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tea lovers stop by Souvia in North-Central\u00a0Phoenix for its stellar selection of loose-leaf\u00a0teas, herbals, botanicals and other tisanes\u00a0from the best tea estates in the world. The tea\u00a0wonderland also hosts a variety of classes\u00a0and tastings. souviatea.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST BAKED GOODS OR\u00a0SWEETS, BEST CUPCAKE\u00a0AND BEST MACARON:\u00a0Classic Cakes and\u00a0Confections<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Classic Cakes and Confections\u2019 retail\u00a0location in Scottsdale, locals can pop\u00a0in to sample mouthwatering cupcakes,\u00a0pies, cookies and pastries, all made with\u00a0the finest ingredients and expert skills\u00a0of the bakery\u2019s Ella and Neil Levinson.\u00a0classiccakesandconfections.com.<\/a>\u00a0Also a 2016 winner!\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

BEST MEXICAN\u00a0FOOD:\u00a0Jalapeno Inferno\u00a0Bistro Mexicano<\/strong><\/p>\n

At its two Scottsdale locations\u00a0(Market Street at DC Ranch\u00a0and Pinnacle Peak), Jalapeno\u00a0Inferno Bistro Mexicano has\u00a0long been a Valley favorite due\u00a0to its lively cantina, top-notch\u00a0happy hour, Modern Sonoran\u00a0cuisine, beautiful patios and,\u00a0of course, award-winning\u00a0margaritas. Order up the\u00a0popular green corn tamales and\u00a0a top-shelf margarita for the\u00a0ultimate weekend kick-off.\u00a0jalapenoinferno.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Jalapeno<\/p>\n

BEST GROCERY\u00a0STORE AND BEST\u00a0HEALTH FOOD\u00a0STORE:\u00a0Sprouts Farmers\u00a0Market<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sprouts Farmers Market makes\u00a0\u201chealthy living for less\u201d a cinch\u00a0thanks to its plentiful produce\u00a0bins, meat counter, dairy case\u00a0and those super-popular bulk\u00a0food containers chock-full of\u00a0nutritious eats like granola, dried\u00a0fruit and trail mix (and candy,\u00a0too). Plus, Sprouts\u2019 Vitamin and\u00a0Body Care department features\u00a0more than 7,500 cutting-edge\u00a0vitamin and body care products\u00a0made with sustainable and\u00a0ethically sourced ingredients.\u00a0sprouts.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Sprouts-Produce_2\"<\/p>\n

BEST RESTAURANT\u00a0ARCHITECT:\u00a0ERIK B. PETERSON,\u00a0PHX ARCHITECTURE<\/strong><\/p>\n

The man behind some of the Valley\u2019s\u00a0most majestic homes and clubhouses is\u00a0responsible for leading his award-winning\u00a0team for the designs of Scottsdale\u2019s\u00a0SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen,\u00a0Market Street Kitchen at DC Ranch, Saint\u00a0Marc in Huntington Beach and other stylish\u00a0dining destinations throughout Arizona\u00a0and California. Erik B. Peterson, AIA, of\u00a0Phx Architecture is one of the area\u2019s most\u00a0in-demand pros and requires his restaurant\u00a0clients to come to him with a solid concept\u00a0in mind before taking on their project.\u00a0\u201cFrom what the food is to the atmosphere\u00a0to the location to how they intend to serve\u00a0the food, it isn\u2019t just one thing [that results\u00a0in a great restaurant],\u201d says Peterson. \u201cAll\u00a0of these things are linked together very\u00a0closely.\u201d Peterson says that trends at the\u00a0top of today\u2019s restaurant-design list include\u00a0casualness, open kitchens and a true\u00a0testament to the times, social media impact.\u00a0\u201cPeople want to go out to a restaurant and\u00a0have some sort of an experience that is fun,\u00a0interesting, conversation-building and selfie-worthy. In every restaurant concept, there is\u00a0something that people want to take a picture\u00a0with. [Social media] is becoming a method\u00a0of advertising because now people start\u00a0to hear about [a restaurant] more through\u00a0photos and imagery on social media than\u00a0they might see in another format.\u201d Indoor-outdoor connectivity is another element often\u00a0seen in today\u2019s restaurants and contributes\u00a0one of Peterson\u2019s most innovative design\u00a0elements. Both SumoMaya and Saint\u00a0Marc have a system of glass bi-fold doors\u00a0that completely fold back, and the wall\u00a0between the inside and outside completely\u00a0disappears (pictured on P. 80). Though most\u00a0restaurants might simply have a window\u00a0or garage door to allow the outdoors in,\u00a0Peterson said his system is fairly new and\u00a0groundbreaking\u2014to the point that he guides\u00a0his team by working closely with health and\u00a0building inspectors who have never witnessed\u00a0such technology in restaurant design. As for the\u00a0future of restaurant design, Peterson believes\u00a0that retro or buildings with historic significance\u00a0will continue to be hot properties. \u201cWhere you\u00a0take an historic element and reuse it, whether\u00a0it be brick, an open-truss system or an open\u00a0structural system, all of that is very\u00a0much in favor.\u201d phxarch.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"phx<\/p>\n

FAST FAVORITES:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH SPOT:<\/strong>B\u00a0NM Caf\u00e9, neimanmarcus.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST CHICAGO DEEP\uf6baDISH PIZZA:<\/strong>\u00a0Nello\u2019s Pizza, nellospizzamesa.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST DINING WITH LIVE MUSIC:<\/strong>\u00a0Pita Jungle Chandler, pitajungle.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"pita<\/p>\n

BEST FARMERS MARKET:\u00a0<\/strong>Downtown Chandler Farmers Market,\u00a0downtownchandler.org\/farmersmarket.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"chandler<\/p>\n

BEST HOT DOGS:<\/strong>\u00a0Portillo\u2019s, portillos.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST LOCALLY OWNED DRIVE\uf6ba\u00a0THRU:\u00a0<\/strong>D\u2019Lite Healthy On The Go (formerly\u00a0D\u2019Lish), dlishdrivethru.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"D'Lite<\/p>\n

BEST PET\uf6baFRIENDLY RESTAURAN<\/strong>T:\u00a0Randy\u2019s Restaurant,\u00a0randysrestaurantaz.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST PLACE TO\u00a0WATCH THE BIG GAME:<\/strong>\u00a0Social Tap Eatery, socialtapeatery.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SocialTap_Bar_CloseUp\"<\/p>\n

BEST RESTAURANT TO GET THE\u00a0MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK:<\/strong>\u00a0Pita Jungle, pitajungle.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST SKY HARBOR\u00a0AIRPORT DINING:<\/strong>\u00a0Zinc Brasserie, skyharbor.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

BEST SUSHI:\u00a0<\/strong>Sakana Sushi & Grill,\u00a0sakanasushiandgrill.com.<\/a><\/p>\n

Buy your copy of Arizona Foothills Magazine Best of Our Valley 2017 Collectors Edition issue<\/strong>\u00a0here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Melissa Larsen BEST TEA SPOT:\u00a0Teaspressa\u00a0 Teaspressa, a locally based gourmet beverage\u00a0company that produces the world\u2019s only coffee\u00a0and…\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3403","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle","8":"cs-entry","9":"cs-video-wrap"},"yoast_head":"\nBest of Our Valley Issue 2017: Food and Restaurants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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