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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Get Lost
April 2023 PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
I remember when my kids were really young (my oldest just turned 18— happy birthday, B!), my husband and I would make it a point to plan adventures for them on the weekends. Zoo? Of course! Park to play? Yes, please. Lego exhibits and The Wiggles, Live? Yes, that, too. The point is, we would explore. We’d explore everything from the town to culture to experiences; we made the time to try things and make memories. As we’ve all gotten older, those times have been replaced with extracurricular activities, carpools, work commitments, and them wanting to spend more time with their friends. We’ve fallen into a routine that’s more about just getting through each day. This issue—our Explore Issue—reminded me that we all need to make time to explore; to try new places and things, to go on an adventure, and to experience more. I hope this issue sparks that for you, too. Where will you go, and what will you experience? From food and drinks to events to cool places around town, there is so much to see and do. Take a class, hike a trail, take in a show. Make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar. If April showers bring May flowers, make time to play in the rain! Here’s your reminder to—and I say this with warmth in my heart—get lost! Happy exploring! Yours,
Michelle Glicksman michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Alison Bailin Batz, Alison Stanton CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER
Brittany Jean
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @CHANDLERCITYLIFESTYLE
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Proverbs 3:5-6 Chandler City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chandler area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Chandler City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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W TriPointeHomes.com/AZ-homes The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. No information or material herein is to be construed to be an offer or solicitation for sale. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Some amenities may not be constructed. Builder reserves the right to change the size, design, configuration, and location of amenities not yet constructed and does not warrant the suitability thereof for any use or for any person. Builder does not warrant the suitability of any trail for any use or for any person. All sales are conditioned upon buyer’s acceptance of the Final Subdivision Disclosure Report (Public Report) for the Community, which will be posted on the AZ Real Estate Department’s website when issued. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2023 Tri Pointe Homes Arizona, LLC. AZ Broker, Tri Pointe Homes Arizona Realty, LLC (AZ DRE# LC538443000). Arizona Contractor, Tri Pointe Homes Arizona Construction, LLC (ROC No. 172120). All rights reserved.
APRIL 2023
inside the issue The Explore Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
16 Dreams Come True
4
Lifestyle Letter
Melissa Etheridge Reflects on Her Career, Her Stop in Chandler, and Shares
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City Scene
What She’s Up to Next
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Business Monthly
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Artist’s Palette A RTS + C U LT U R E
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Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E
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Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT
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Local Limelight FO O D + B EV E R AG E
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Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E
Torrie Taj Serves the Valley’s Most Vulnerable Through Her CEO Role at Child
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Travel Journal T R AV EL
Crisis Arizona
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Events
32 Meet The Pizza Butcher
The Mobile Pizza Truck, With its Authentic Wood-Fired Pizza, is Available for Private Parties and Events
36 Champion for Children
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Elizabeth Miranda Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge
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APRIL 2023
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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GETTY IMAGES
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POINT IN TIME STUDIOS
1: The PLANTERS brand Legends Party hosted a star-studded event at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. 2: Nikki and Brie Bella hosted an intimate meet-and-greet at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. 3: Tiffany Haddish at the 3rd annual Hall of Fame Party, held at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. 4: At a post-reception event at Chandler Center for the Arts’ Syncopated Ladies Live! 5: Teniqua Broughton and Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq. with the Syncopated Ladies at Chandler Center for the Arts. 6: CCA staff with Steena Murray at the ceremony for the naming of the Steena Murray Mainstage. 7: Councilmember Matt Orlando, Mayor Kevin Hartke, Councilmember OD Harris, and Steena Murray at the naming of the Steena Murray Mainstage.
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8: Chandler Chamber held a ribbon-cutting for The Forum. 9: Attendees at the Chandler Chamber’s Business After Business event. 10: Guests enjoyed the Women in Leadership event through the Chandler Chamber. 11: Attendees at the Chandler Chamber Leadership Institute. 12-13: Guests at the Chandler Men of Action’s Annual African American Banquet.
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14: The Maarg-path to connect event was a celebration of the Sanskaar Nritya Dance Academy’s 10th year. 15: Kids perform at the 2023 Chinese Lantern Festival. 16: Guests at the Chandler State of the City event. 17: The Chandler State of the City event took participants Through the Decades. 18: Employees of BackFit Health+Spine entertain patients with their Hawaiian theme. 19: Mayor Kevin Hartke read to local schools for Read Across America Week. 20: Mayor Kevin Hartke and Rachna Nath enjoying the Chandler Innovation Fair.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @chandlercitylifestyle
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C I T Y SC E N E
2023-2024 Season
Become a Member. Support the arts in your community and get access to the best seats before the general public. Members receive free tickets, invitations to special events, ticket refunds and more. chandlercenter.org/member or call 480-782-2680
On Sale Now!
Old Crow Medicine Show | JULY 22
RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles | AUG 6
DARKSIDE 50 TOUR
George Benson | AUG 12
chandlercenter.org
THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW | AUG 20
MORE GREAT PERFORMERS COMING!
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APRIL 2023
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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Chandler Center for the Arts Renames Main Theatre Chandler Center for the Arts, the City of Chandler, and Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) recently renamed the Arts Center's main theatre for long-time supporter Steena Murray. The Steena Murray Mainstage is the 1,508-seat theatre for Chandler Center for the Arts. Murray is a founding member of both the Chandler Education Foundation Board and the Chandler Cultural Foundation (CCF) board of directors. Her considerable financial contributions to the CCF make up the largest continuous gift from an individual philanthropist in its history.
Chelsie Daniel, BVM&S MRCVS; Laura Diltz, DVM Kristy Sorenson, DVM; Andrea Stickland, DVM
Scan to read more.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
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SMILE AND EAT CONFIDENTLY Lerner & Rowe Gives Back Donates $15,000 to Youth Foundations Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, the nonprofit arm of Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys, which has offices in Chandler, donated to multiple youth sports foundations ahead of the Super Bowl to show its support for youth athletics. During a check presentation caravan, Lerner & Rowe Gives Back founder Kevin Rowe and the team presented checks of $5,000 to three local youth sports organizations: Positive Coaching Alliance, National Quarterback Club and the National Football Foundation. LernerAndRoweGivesBack.com
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IMPLANT S
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Recreo Cantina Celebrates One Year Anniversary With Rebrand In celebration of its one-year anniversary, Recreo Cantina, formerly known as Recreo, re-introduced itself to the community as a new concept with a revamped menu and flavorful specialty cocktails. The new Mexican-themed menu offers an
HOME FOR ALL YOUR
assortment of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and fajitas, as well as the previously popular Hot Hot Burger, Peachy Chicken Sandwich, West to Yuma Chicken Sandwich, and more. The restaurant will continue to offer live entertainment with appearances from various local artists. RecreoAZ.com
HEALTHCARE NEEDS
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BEFORE
Thunderbirds Charities Supports the Expansion of ICAN With a $100,000 Grant Thunderbirds Charities is supporting the continued expansion of ICAN’s out-of-school, year-round program for youth in grades K through 12 with a $100,000 grant. ICAN has five established sites across Chandler and Mesa. More than just childcare, it offers lessons, snacks and meals, homework help, and recreation time. The $100,000 grant received will play a crucial role in being able to offer the program at no cost to more families in areas where the need is the greatest. ICANAZ.org
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dreams
come true Melissa Etheridge Reflects on Her Career, Her Stop in Chandler, and Shares What She’s Up to Next
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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH MIRANDA
My phone rings and when I answer it, I hear Melissa Etheridge’s distinctive voice come on the line. We chat for a few minutes—the Super Bowl just took place and she’s excited that the Kansas City Chiefs won— and I immediately feel like she’s a close friend. She’s warm and friendly, joking around easily. She tells me that she’s always been drawn to singing. “I’ve just always loved music and always felt really drawn to being on a stage and having people share in an energy of something I created,” she says. “And as I got older, I learned to play the guitar, I learned to write, and I just got on this sort of path, this sort of dream, and it kept coming true—and so I just didn’t have any reason to stop.” In fact, Etheridge left college to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dream. “I just wasn’t built for sitting in a class and learning about music when I wanted to get on with my life and play the music,” she says. That leap of faith paid off, and today, the beloved singer and songwriter has two Grammy Awards (from 15 nominations) and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Need to Wake Up” from the film An Inconvenient Truth (2006)—amongst other accolades. She’s released eight albums, and her hit songs have included “Come to
My Window,” “Like the Way I Do/If I Wanted To,” “I’m the Only One,” and “I Will Never Be The Same.” As to what inspires her music, she says, “Life. Over all these years, when I started to dream this dream in the ’70s, I always thought that songwriters were to live life and then write about it … write about what you know. And the best [songs] I have, that’s what I’ve done. You just do what you can, and you write what you know.” From growing up in Kansas to moving to Los Angeles to coming out to batting breast cancer—and everything in-between—Etheridge has had her share of life experiences. “I’ve lived long enough now to know that however things are in the moment, they will always change, so CONTINUED >
“I’ve just always loved music and always felt really drawn to being on a stage and having people share in an energy of something I created.” AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA N D L E R
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no matter how bad it gets, it will always change, and also, no matter how great it gets. There’s this beautiful wave of motion that keeps us moving and moving forward, so every day is a new, different, exciting possibility. So, I don’t get stuck in the past. Everything I want is in the future, so I just keep moving and that’s the fun of it all; that’s the joy. Part of Etheridge’s joy is touring. She appreciates what she does and enjoys being on the road, she says. She’s been to the Valley many times before—“It’s kind of like in the backyard of California, so really close. Everyone out there really loves rock ’n’ roll”—and is looking forward to her stop in Chandler at Chandler Center for the Arts on April 23. Attendees at her show will hear the hits, as well as songs they haven’t heard before, she says. “If you’ve seen me before, you know [my shows] are always different, but always guaranteed to be a great time celebrating music,” she shares. “You’ll probably hear one or two things you haven’t heard before, but the others will be things you know and love.” In addition to touring, Etheridge has been busy with other projects on the horizon. She’s working to get her onewoman Broadway show back for this fall in New York City.
“If you’ve seen me before, you know [my shows] are always different, but always guaranteed to be a great time celebrating music.”
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A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE
She also has a book debuting the end of this year, as well as a film. “It’s a lot of stuff!” she says, laughing. “But right now, I’m just going out and making some music.” I ask what she’d be doing if she wasn’t a musician. She pauses a moment, and then says, “A teacher. My father was a teacher. If music wasn’t in my life—which I cannot imagine—I think I’d still want to be in front of people, and educate and learn and share ideas.” I ask her, if she looks back, is there anything she would have changed about her career? “Well, I’m sure there’s stuff, but no, I’m very, very fortunate. I’m very blessed with how my career has gone, and I still go on the road and people still come to see me, so no, I wouldn’t change a thing.” Melissa Etheridge will perform at Chandler Center for the Arts on April 23. Tickets are available at ChandlerCenter.org.
AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA N D L E R
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Tastthee World Globally Inspired Menus Available Locally
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Some of Arizona’s most talented artists don’t use brushes or paint. Dishes are their canvases, and menus are their art. Of course, we are talking about chefs, many of whom draw upon global inspiration from their childhoods, cooking careers, and particular ingredients when working on their culinary masterpieces. Thanks to them, the Valley has evolved from a mecca for national chain and franchise restaurants into a melting pot of diverse flavors and ingredients around every turn. Certainly, authentic Mexican food tops the list of global cuisines most readily available here, with icons like James Beard-nominated Silvana Salcido Esparza and her Barrio Café, as well as The Original Carolina’s Mexican Food and Los Reyes de la Torta leading the way. New kids on the butcher block, including Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno, who have created a love letter to food from across the Sonoran Desert with their James Beard-nominated Bacanora, also come to mind. Outside of those locations in Phoenix, locally we also have a celebration of epicurean adventures from around the world. Here are some worth a taste.
Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine
WHERE: 3491 W. Frye Road, Chandler WHAT: Feringhee aims to open guests’ eyes to the vivid tapestry of flavors and spices from across India’s many regions. Certainly there are kebobs, but also a seemingly never-ending list of delicacies, including several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free offerings. CONTACT: Feringhee.com | 480.534.7178
Moreno’s Mexican Grill
WHERE: Locations include: 2100 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler; 601 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler; 85 W. Combs Road, San Tan Valley WHAT: Moreno’s was once a simple Sonoran hot dog cart. Word spread quickly about the family-owned business, and within a few years, they had their first brickand-mortar location. Today, they serve their beloved tacos, rellenos, tortas, and of course, the Sonoran dog. CONTACT: MorenosMexicanGrillAZ.com | 480.782.1988
Café Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine
WHERE: 849 W. University Drive, Tempe WHAT: Café Lalibela has been introducing guests to the spicy stews and vegetable-forward dishes of Ethiopia for two decades. Whole Foods Market and Natural Grocers also carry several signature Lalibela dishes to-go. CONTACT: CafeLalibela.com | 480.829.1939
Alison Bailin Batz Best known as @ABSeesItAll online, Bailin Batz is a writer on travel, wine, food, and spirits for media across the Southwest. “AB” truly does want to “see it all,” and then share it all with you.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
T O P : Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine. Photo by Jill McNamara Photography L E F T: Moreno’s Mexican Grill R I G H T: Shimogamo
CONTINUED > AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / C HA N D L E R
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Shimogamo
WHERE: 2051 W. Warner Road, Chandler WHAT: Co-owner and chef Daisuke Itagaki is a native of the Shizuoka Prefecture and a graduate of the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Japan. His deft technique and nods to his heritage make every bite at Shimogamo equal parts authentic and opulent. CONTACT: ShimogamoAZ.com 480.899.7191
Cuisine & Wine Bistro
WHERE: 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler WHAT: Family-owned Cuisine & Wine Bistro, a French bistro, is the brainchild of Mairead and Fabrice Buschtetz. The European couple delight in every element of Old World hospitality, and the menu is a showcase of chef Fabrice’s most popular dishes of the past 30 years, notably escargots, quiche, and nightly inspirations. CONTACT: CuisineAndWineBistro.com 480.275.6700
All Pierogi Kitchen
WHERE: 1245 W. Baseline Road, Mesa WHAT: One of Arizona’s only true Ukrainian kitchens, each recipe pays homage to the owner’s grandmother, Anna, who spent her life in the small village of Kopychyntsi. There are a variety of exquisite Eastern European dishes, but those in the know do not leave without a variety of pierogis. CONTACT: AllPierogi.com | 480.262.3349
T O P : Cuisine & Wine Bistro B O T T O M : All Pierogi Kitchen. Photo by Joyce Selk
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C U LIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
L E F T: Cuisine & Wine Bistro T O P : Moreno’s Mexican Grill B O T T O M : Shimogamo
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Play Tourist UNIQUE SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES IN METRO PHOENIX ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
Welcome to the Valley of the Sun. Yes, you live here, but when did you last explore where you live? Sometimes when you live somewhere, you get caught up in life’s day-to-day. You get set in a routine, visiting favorite locales, eating at the same restaurants, and staying close to your home. So, take a day—or more—and play tourist in your town. There’s so much to see and do—and no airline flight is required.
Courtesy Organ Stop Pizza
ORGAN STOP PIZZA MESA
The state’s oldest pizza restaurant also has another huge claim to fame—it is one of only two remaining pizza and pipes restaurants in the United States. And, its pipes are the massive 1927 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, which is the largest and most valuable theatre organ in the world. The restaurant, which offers pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads, seats 700, and the theatrical performances, performed by professional organists, are complete with a light show, dancing cat puppets, a disco ball, and bubbles. Songs range nightly from classical music and Disney favorites to pop and rock hits. OrganStopPizza.com
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M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT
Courtesy Dolly Steamboat
Courtesy Visit Phoenix
DOLLY STEAMBOAT
ROSSON HOUSE
TORTILLA FLAT
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX
Take a steamboat cruise of the secluded inner waterways of Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. Choose from a scenic tour, a twilight dinner cruise, an astronomy tour, or the Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise (Arizona Game and Fish biologists join guests on this one). The tours range from 1.5 to 3 hours each. Learn the legends and lore of the area as you take in the stunning scenery. DollySteamboat.com
Step back into Victorian times at this home, located on Block 14 of the original townsite of Phoenix. The Rosson House—named for its owners Dr. Roland Lee Rosson (who was the mayor of Phoenix) and his wife, Flora Murray Rosson—was built between 1894 and 1895 by architect A. P. Petit. The fully restored Queen Anne Victorian house is a museum, with tours available Wednesday through Sunday. HeritageSquarePHX.org
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Courtesy Rainbow Ryders
Photo by Jessica Jameson
RAINBOW RYDERS
COSANTI
See the sights from above as you float above Phoenix in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders. Start your day with a sunrise flight (sunset flights are available from November through March only). You’ll launch just after the sun comes up. Upon landing, you’ll celebrate the experience with a celebratory toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate. RainbowRyders.com
Tour this destination, which was the home and studio of architect and urban designer Paolo Soleri (1919-2013). Soleri was known for his concept of “arcology,” a blend of architecture and ecology. View the unique spaces, and watch as artisans still hand-make Soleri’s world-famous Cosanti Originals windbells. Cosanti.com
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Meet The Pizza Butcher THE MOBILE PIZZA TRUCK, WITH ITS AUTHENTIC WOOD-FIRED PIZZA, IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES AND EVENTS
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY JEAN
To say that Mike Butcher is passionate about making pizza is definitely an understatement. Butcher bought his first wood-burning pizza oven almost two decades ago, and began creating pizza pies that smelled so incredible that neighbors would come over to see what he was cooking. “It all started when I was coaching for the Los Angeles Angels and we wanted to do something for our kids during the off-season, where we could all get together and have our kids’ friends and families come over and hang out. It grew from there,” he says. Butcher, along with his wife Tami, and their friends and business partners Tim and Angela Stutz, recently decided to take this love of creating traditional wood-fired pizzas and turn it into a mobile pizza truck. “Angela is the culinary arts teacher at Perry High School, while Tim has been a chef for some top-tier resorts in Arizona and California. Tami has a long history of working in the restaurant business,” Butcher says.
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
The Butchers and the Stutzes launched The Pizza Butcher in January, which specializes in wood-fired pizzas and cheesesteaks prepared in an oven imported from Florence, Italy. As Butcher notes, the secret to the amazing pizza starts with the dough. “We make a 12- to 15-hour ‘poolish,’ and then we make the dough the next day and it cold ferments for an additional 48 hours,” Butcher says, adding that they use an Italian fork mixer, which creates an airy, well-textured dough. The pies are topped with fresh ingredients like Old World pepperoni, house-made sausage, and homemade sauce. In addition to classic pizzas, Butcher says they offer a number of specialty options. These include the Rueben Pizza, which features slowroasted corned beef, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing,
and a blend of Swiss and mozzarella, and a Taco Pizza, topped with seasoned ground beef or carne asada along with lettuce, tomatoes, and Doritos. “Our motto is if you can think of it, we can make it,” Butcher says. The Pizza Butcher is currently available for private events, where Butcher and his team create whole pies or half pies. “We are also looking at working with several breweries, where we will use their brew and make our dough with that, and we’ve also talked to local businesses that have wine bars that want to do pairings with our pizza,” he says. “Also, look for us weekly in front of Bottle & Bean for happy hour at least once a week.” ThePizzaButcher.com
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CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN Torrie Taj Serves the Valley’s Most Vulnerable Through Her CEO Role at Child Crisis Arizona While Torrie A. Taj, a Midwest transplant now living in Chandler, was attending Arizona State University (ASU) in 1990, a college advisor said something that changed her life. “He told me that jobs and money would come and go, so the most important decision is to choose a profession I can be proud of, and that will give my life meaning and purpose,” says Taj.
Torrie A. Taj
Already an avid volunteer throughout her youth, the advice solidified her decision to pursue a career path focused on service above self. Upon graduating from ASU with a degree in psychology in 1991, Taj dove headfirst into service-based leadership, taking on roles—both volunteer and on staff—with the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and A New Leaf, where she spent 23 years, including as chief operating officer and deputy chief executive officer. Taj would also continue her education, both as a student by participating in studies at Harvard Business School and earning numerous certificates in Nonprofit Leadership from ASU Lodestar, and as a teacher through adjunct faculty roles with ASU and Sanford
“Spanning 2.4 acres, the two-story campus will be one of the first for any nonprofit in Arizona to put sustainability at the forefront.” ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE
Institute of Philanthropy at Maricopa Community Colleges. In 2015, Taj took on her biggest role to date. “I was honored to be named the CEO of Child Crisis Arizona, whose mission is to provide Arizona youth a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families,” says Taj. “We do this through offering emergency shelter and residential for youth from birth to 21, foster care and adoption services, early education, communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups, and more.” Over the past seven years, under Taj’s leadership, the organization has grown to serve more than 9,000 individuals annually. The unprecedented growth, especially in its early education programs, meant its staff members and programs outgrew their space, most recently needing to be sprinkled across the Valley. But that is about to change. “Earlier this year, we broke ground on a 38,000-square-foot, net-zero campus in Mesa,” says Taj. “Spanning 2.4 acres, the two-story campus will be one of the first for any nonprofit in Arizona to put sustainability at the forefront.” In addition to bringing all of Child Crisis’ services, programs, and team under one roof, according to Taj, there are several strategic collaborations planned once the campus is completed, with such organizations as Ballet Arizona, United Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. Set to be completed in 2024, the campus will allow Child Crisis and Taj to continue its current programs, and expand to serve others in the community who need it most. ChildCrisisAZ.org
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Sleep Inside, Outside
Photography by Valtteri Hirvonen
3 Incredible places to (literally) sleep under the stars
It’s always magical to spend a night sleeping under the stars. In decades past, adventure seekers have packed the SUV or camper with tents and gear for ‘roughin’ it’ in the great outdoors. But the swanky and exploding category of luxury outdoor hotel is something to investigate for an unforgettable, next-level experience. For those who prefer glamping rather than pitching their own tent fireside, here are a few options that incorporate sweeping views and a unique opportunity for travelers to be more authentically embedded in the landscape of the place they’re visiting. These resorts have bucket list-worthy rooms that capture the best of both the luxury resort experience and the outdoors. Whether you crave the dry heat of the remote Utah desert or the luminous beauty of the Northern Lights, we’ve curated a short list of some places you *must* check out.
Photography by Pacuare Lodge
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland These arctic igloos make Urho Kekkonen National Park look like a dreamy winter wonderland. Snuggle up inside the glassroofed globe and watch the dancing northern lights overhead. Get immersed in the world of northern lights, midnight sun and other miracles of this world-renowned arctic resort. Just bundle up before stepping outside – temperatures can drop to -22 degrees!
Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica This jungle hideaway is so out there, you have to whitewater raft down a river or ride a gondola to get there. A network of hanging bridges connect the villas, which have thatched roofs, plantation teak wood floors, rattan furniture and private plunge pools. In the evening, zip 400 feet down a cable for a meal at the Nest, a platform at the top of a ceiba tree, then take a night-time stroll along romantic pathways lit by candles and lanterns.
Amangiri, Utah In southern Utah, Amangiri is a five star resort perfect for an adventurous weekend in the desert. However, it is the simple rooms built to emphasize the beauty of Canyon Point that truly make it an incredible place to stay. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with private pools or rooftop terraces available too. Don’t miss a dip in the ‘gram-worthy pool, which wraps around the landscape’s curved dunes and arid plateaus.
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T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L
Photography by Amangiri, USA
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APRIL 2023
events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. APR IL 11TH
Prime A Shula's Steak House Wine Dinner
PRIME A SHULA'S STEAK HOUSE This month's dinner focuses on Italy. Enjoy family-style antipasto, pasta, and dolce courses, paired with well-sought-after wines from Barolo, Amarone, and more. Italy comes to life as you are serenaded by Italian music, break bread with friends, and enjoy some of Italy’s best wines. PlayAtGila.com APR IL 14 TH
Jarabe Mexicano
C H A NDL E R C E NT E R F O R T H E A RTS | 7 :30 P M Jarabe Mexicano celebrates Mexican folk, rock & roll, Tex-Mex, Latin rock, and Reggae-Cumbia. Performing on stringed folk instruments and accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English have gained them the admiration of audiences across the country. This musical celebration of eclectic musical genres and diverse communities is accentuated and intensified by the beautiful, colorful Mexican folk dancing of Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ. ChandlerCenter.org APR IL 19 TH-MAY 11TH
CUSD Annual Showcase
V I S I O N GA L L E RY Chandler Unified School District’s most gifted artists put their work on display for the community to experience at this annual showcase. The burgeoning artists from Basha, Hamilton, Perry, Arizona College Prep, Casteel, and Chandler high schools
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G A M E . S E T. A N D TA K E
ADVANTAGE
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EVENTS CONTINUED
display their talents and viewpoints through paintings, ceramics, drawings, sculptures, jewelry, and photographs. More than 100 works will be on display. VisionGallery.org APR IL 23 R D
Melissa Etheridge
ARIZONA’S PREMIER MULTISPECIALTY MEDICAL CENTER
C H A NDL E R C E NT E R F OR T H E A RTS | 7 :0 0 P M Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge has remained one of America’s favorite female singer-songwriters for more than two decades. An impeccable performer and one of rock music’s great female icons, Etheridge returns to Chandler for an evening of unforgettable songs and music from her newest album, One Way Out. ChandlerCenter.org APR IL 28TH
Community Art Night
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS SCHOOL, 400 N. ANDERSEN BLVD. | 5:30 PM This open-house-style event highlights student and community artists. Families can purchase art from students and local artists, watch musical performances, and enjoy food trucks from local restaurants.
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EVE N TS
BBSchl.com MAY 5TH
2nd Annual BackFit Cares Fore The Kids Golf Classic
R AV E N G O L F C LUB | 7 :3 0 A M Get your golf clubs and tee up Fore The Kids at the BackFit charity golf classic. The event will be held in a four-person scramble with a shotgun start, and end with an awards luncheon. Monies raised will be used to host free and natural alternative healthcare workshops and community fairs for kids in underprivileged communities. BackFitClassic.com
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