ARTS + CULTURE OUR SUMMER BOOK LIST THAT WILL KEEP YOU BUSY ON THE BEACH
FOOD + BEVERAGE FARM TO TABLE RECIPES TO KEEP YOUR GUESTS COMING BACK FOR MORE
BE INSPIRED TO TRAVEL THIS SUMMER WITH OUR LATEST TRAVEL GUIDE
We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. And I admit - I fall into the trap sometimes too. The trap of believing the only things worth doing are those for which I can make an exact calculation of the time, effort and investment it will cost me. The things that result in the highest level of control and least amount of uncertainty.
But the truth is - that is really a sad and unfulfilling way to go through life.
We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, even for getting lost. It is those times that are unstructured and open-ended where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and trust to be built.
There have been several road trips I’ve taken and made a wrong turn, ending in a place left in the past. There’s magic in veering away from the beaten track. These back roads are the pulse of forgotten towns, their names etched in sun-bleached signs the places that time forgot. A weathered gas station with a neon sign flickering like a memory. We meet the locals, the guardians of these fading tales. Their eyes light up as they share stories of these forgotten places.
In the last few months I've really been analyzing my relationship with my kids, how our family operates as a unit and what we love spending our time doing. The way I made this more clear, was to first focus on the things that I don't love spending time on. For yours, it may be too many busy weeknights away from home or not enough dinners around the table together. But I've noticed that "adventures" and “exploration” doesn't even have to be something big and crazy. It can be playing a board game out on the patio, walking a new trail or going out to find a fun cookie place we've never been to before in a different part of town.
Our hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration. To prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. To lose yourself on a trail or in a book. To book that trip you’ve been thinking about, to make time for the things that matter most to you, but often come last on the calendar.
MEL M FONSECA, PUBLISHER
@SONORANFOOTHILLSLIFESTYLE
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Mel Fonseca | mel.fonseca@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Alexandra James | alexandra.james@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Greene, Brook Richardson, Annalise Wilkins
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Hathaway
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
1: Entrepreneurs gather for Anthem’s annual local business exhibition. 2: Club Pilates ribbon cutting with the Anthem Chamber of Commerce. 3: Business fair featured face painting! 4: The Anthem Chamber of Commerce hosts a fair for local business owners and enthusiasts. 5: Community event featuring local business exhibits and networking. 6: Local businesses showcase products and services at community fair. 7: Family-friendly business fair with exhibits, games, and bounce house.
Anthem Law is expanding with the addition of Attorney Dwayne E. Ross, a seasoned personal injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience. Ross’s expertise enhances the firm’s blend of big-firm proficiency and personalized local care. Recognized with the Million Dollar Advocates Forum membership and the 2023 Martindale-Hubbell Award for Excellence, Ross aims to provide top-tier legal representation to the North Valley community. Visit anthemlaw.com
Joining the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce offers numerous benefits for local business owners. It's about more than networking—although the connections are invaluable—but also gaining resources to help your business thrive. With exclusive speakers, small-group masterminds, advocacy efforts, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Chamber provides a platform for growth and camaraderie. Whether you want to expand your reach, stay informed, or connect with peers, the Anthem Area Chamber is for you.
Be sure to make a stop at Williams Coffee Co., one of the best cafes in town. Not only do they serve high quality espresso, and baked goods, they feature a community library that will have you lost in a good story and sipping the afternoon away! Located at 170 W Carefree Hwy #7, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
BY ELIF SHAFAIT
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The
Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS FULCHER
Food has always been at the forefront of humanity; after all, we need it to survive. But as people and trade developed, food has become so much more than survival. It has become an art in itself. Some areas hold onto tradition and nostalgia while incorporating new ideas and other cultural influences. If one truly wishes to experience the culture, there’s no better way to dive right in than over a meal.
Tucked into the rolling hills of Paso Robles, California, sits the Allegretto Winery and Resort. A unique hotel curated to showcase art worldwide and give visitors a relaxing, spiritual stay.
The Cello Restaurant & Bar is open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunch menu highlights were the Muffuletta sandwich, Tuscan style, served with sun-dried tomato hummus, pistachio mortadella, salami Toscana, mozzarella cheese, roasted tomatoes, baby arugula, cello olive tapenade, and a house-made ciabatta roll.
Chris Fulcher and Savannah Woods are travel writers and photographers, having worked all around the world with various hotels in the Americas, Europe, and the Mediterranean. They are based out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
“If one truly wishes to experience the culture, there’s no better way to dive right in than over a meal.”
For dinner, plates of miso-crusted bay salmon served with ginger butter as well as their 8-ounce certified black Angus filet mignon, oak pit grilled, seasonal vegetables, dauphinoise potato, red wine Demiglaze with a horseradish mascarpone.
Ending the night with dessert, a “triple chocolate bomb,” a chocolate soufflé cake, raspberry dark chocolate mousse, framboise scented ganache, toasted almonds, fresh raspberries, and white chocolate curls.
Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, located at Eagle Beach, boasts the biggest private beach on the island. Here, there are four different restaurants on the property, each cultivating unique aspects of Aruba’s culture, encompassed by their famous Aruban hospitality.
Ike’s Bistro, open for breakfast and dinner, is an open-air location boasting a huge Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Menu highlights feature their homemade chia pudding made with coconut milk, chia seeds, agave, homemade granola, and berries, and a variety of smoothie bowls featuring the açaí peanut butter bowl - made with açaí smoothie, freshly sliced banana, granola, seasonal berries, and peanut butter.
For dinner, some of our favorite highlights were the Filet Mignon, 6-ounces of beef served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, porcini mushroom sauce, and homemade chimichurri, and the Vegan Steak and Shrimp, which was made out of lentil steak with grilled New Wave shrimp served with potato wedges, steamed broccoli, and sesame-ginger glaze.
While the atmosphere on Manchebo creates a feel of casual relaxation, for those looking for a more elegant evening, there is The Chophouse.
The star of The Chophouse and our favorite server was Harold Rasmijn, who received the Caribbean Employee of the Year Award in 2018.
“Several restaurants and lounges are available throughout the day for your eating and drinking pleasures.”
Menu highlights were the lamb chops, marinated with garlic and herbs from Manchebo’s herb garden, and the Almond Grouper - a pan-seared grouper served with potato puree, green beans, and coconut white wine sauce.
Harold completes the experience by serving a special dessert of banana foster which he makes table-side for a spectacular end-ofthe-night show.
Venetian cuisine is characterized by its fresh seafood; however, Venetian people take pride in making food with fresh meats, fish, fruit, and locally sourced vegetables.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski, located on a private island, is the perfect getaway experience just off the coast of Venice and minutes from Piazza San Marco. Several restaurants and lounges are available throughout the day for your eating and drinking pleasures. The most important meal of the day is served at the Insieme Restaurant, open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. An open breakfast buffet surrounded by the church courtyard on the island, the buffet offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, bread, cheeses, meats, and fruit; this fresh start to your day will leave you energized as you explore Venezia.
ARTICLE BY MEL FONSECA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY HATHAWAY
Hello, fellow adventurers! I’m Mel Fonseca, a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and the proud publisher of the newly renamed Sonoran Foothills Magazine. Originating from the bustling cityscapes, my heart found solace and freedom on the open roads of Arizona. Motorcycles are not just a mode of transport for me; they are a way of life, a gateway to explore the rugged beauty and hidden gems of this magnificent state. This magazine was born from
my desire to share these adventures and inspire others to uncover the wonders that Arizona has to offer.
My journey to Arizona was one of discovery. Drawn by the call of the wild, I traded city lights for desert sunsets. The vast landscapes and diverse terrains of Arizona offer a playground for any motorcycle enthusiast. Riding through these lands, I found that every twist and turn of the road tells a story, and every stop unveils a piece of history.
Let me take you on a quick tour of my favorite spots. Nestled amidst rolling hills, Prescott exudes a charm that’s hard to resist. One of my favorite stops here is the historic Palace Restaurant & Saloon. Riding through its streets, you can feel the echoes of the Old West, with every corner telling tales of yesteryears.
Perched on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome, a former mining town, is now a haven for artists and adventurers. The winding roads leading to Jerome are a motorcyclist’s dream, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Here, the Spirit Room Bar is a must-visit, where you can soak in the vibrant local culture.
For those seeking tranquility, the serene waters of Lake Pleasant offer a perfect retreat. The ride around the lake, especially during sunrise or sunset, is a spectacle of nature's grandeur, where the reflection of the sky on the water creates a mesmerizing view.
Arizona, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. I invite you, dear reader, to embark on your own journey. Whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car, there’s always a new adventure around the corner in Arizona.
Our new magazine name, Sonoran Foothills Magazine, reflects our commitment to exploring and celebrating the vibrant communities and landscapes of Arizona. Just as we navigate the open roads and forge new paths on our bikes, we are on a mission to build a community of explorers and storytellers. We are creating something special from scratch, a journey of professional exploration that mirrors our personal adventures.
Join us in this journey. Share your stories, engage with our community, and let’s explore Arizona together.
Ride safe and keep exploring!
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive,
“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”
18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-totable dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and CONTINUED >
Restoring Vitality is a naturopathic health clinic. When you step into our office, you will experience a level of care that sets us apart. We take the time to listen and ask the right questions to understand the root of your health concerns. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and that starts with a thorough understanding of your unique situation.
“The views are breathtaking , and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.”
encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms. We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.
JULY 3RD
MIM
4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85050 | 9:30 AM
Introduce your child to the wide and wonderful world of music through MIM’s early childhood music and movement courses. Explore music from around the globe with your children while singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Designed for children and caregivers, each four-week session explores a new musical culture in engaging ways. Motor, pre-language, and musical skills are developed simultaneously, while children actively participate in the music making.
JULY 4TH
WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | 5:00 PM
Enjoy Copper State Rodeo Company's bull-riding and mutton busting for kids, presented by Lerner & Rowe. Cheer on the 2nd Annual Summer Slider Eating Contest and lively games by Right Toyota and Right Honda. Savor M Culinary's BBQ and honor leaders at the 5th Annual Parade of Heroes. Fun, food, and festivities await!
JULY 12TH
Carefree Farmers Market
101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ. | 8:00 AM
Explore fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Meet local farmers and artisans, and support your community. Don't miss the vibrant atmosphere and unique finds every week at the Carefree AZ Farmers Market. Fun for all ages!
JULY 18TH
Camp
37220 Mule Train Road Carefree, AZ 85377 | 7:00 AM
We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. And I admit - I fall into the trap CIVANA Carefree invites you to an unforgettable summer adventure at their Summer Camp Retreat. Enjoy rejuvenating activities like hiking, yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops. Indulge in nutritious meals, luxurious accommodations, and serene surroundings. Join from 7/18/24–7/21/24 for a transformative experience in Carefree, Arizona. Reserve your spot today!
JULY 21ST
6811 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331 | 7:00 PM
Experience free dance lessons every week at The Buffalo Chip. Tuesdays and Sundays feature lively line dance lessons at 7pm, while Thursdays offer free couples dance lessons at the same time. Perfect for beginners or seasoned dancers, come enjoy the fun, music, and vibrant atmosphere at The Buffalo Chip.
JULY 26TH
Lo Moon Live!
130 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 7:00 PM
Join the enchanting journey with Lo Moon as they perform tracks from their latest album, 'I Wish You More Than Luck'. Embark on their extensive tour across North America, the UK, and Europe.
