Dine Like a Local Winners | Biltmore, Arcadia, & Paradise Valley

June 23, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

Originally published by TEXAZTASTE on June 22, 2022.

This is the second of four posts covering the Dine Like a Local contest hosted by The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. This year you may notice that I am posting the winners on a quarterly basis and have focused each post on a specific area of the Valley. If you missed my first post on Central, Uptown and Downtown Phoenix, you can find it here.

In each category, the winners are listed first, followed by one of my choices from the nominated restaurants as indicated by the stars**. My hope is for you to try some of these spots, and as always, please drop me a line to tell me what you think! If your favorite is not on this list, be sure to nominate and vote in the fall of 2022! In the meantime, eat and drink well locally! xoM

COFFEE & SWEETS

ESSENCE BAKERY & CAFE

3830 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 | www.essencebakery.com | Eugenia Theodosopoulos is an Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame and Pastry Chef Extraordinaire who, along with her French husband Gilles, have operated Essence Bakery Café since 2007. Essence sells outstanding croissants, baguettes, and other baked goods (pick up a palmier!), plus they serve breakfast and lunch during the hours of 6:30 am and 2 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Don’t forget to pre-order her award-winning macarons for gifts or just a special treat for yourself.

CHESTNUT FINE FOODS & PROVISIONS

4418 E Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 | www.chestnutaz.com | Originally opened in 2012 by Kirsten Steele at the northwest corner of 44th St. and Camelback, Chestnut Fine Foods & Provisions has since moved into The Vintage Arcadia at 4418 E Osborn. Breakfast and lunch are served from 8 am to 4 pm daily, and a Bar Menu is available from 4 to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday. Get there early for the Blueberry Pop-Tarts and wash them down with one of their fresh-squeezed juices or coffee concoctions, like the Lavender Honey Latte.

BRUNCH & LUNCH

LA GRANDE ORANGE

4410 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 | www.lagrandeorangegrocery.com | La Grande Orange, or LGO for short, describes itself as a “curated general store”, offering a little bit of everything, from dine-in or to-go breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner, plus wine, dried goods, pastries, and clever gifts. Everything on the menu is great, from the salads—the kale quinoa is a weekly staple for me—to the best pimiento cheese in town, rotisserie chicken, sushi, and pizza (which you can only get after 4 pm). Bob Lynn opened LGO with help from the creative geniuses of Craig and Kris DeMarco and named it for the citrus groves that once graced this part of town.

POSTINO WINE CAFE (ARCADIA)

3939 E Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 | www.postinowinecafe.com | Speaking of Craig and Kris DeMarco, they opened the first Postino WineCafe in the old Arcadia post office next to LGO. After having returned from a vacation to Italy in the late 90’s, they realized Phoenix needed a place where you could get a good, affordable glass of wine and a bite to eat. Postino WineCafe was born, and now there are 17 across the country with plans for more. Brent Karlicek is the beverage director who ingeniously creates a seasonal wine-based cocktail menu to pair with their tasty dishes like their famous bruschetta, panini sandwiches and savory salads.

Source: https://www.texaztaste.com/dine-like-a-loc...

Scouted James Beard Nominated Restaurants & Chefs You Need to Know

June 22, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on June 22nd, 2022.

Those in foodie circles know the annual James Beard Foundation Awards are akin to the Oscars for the Hollywood set. In June, the Foundation, an organization established to celebrate and support the people behind America’s food culture, announced this year’s nominees and winners, and we’re excited to share that there were three scouted businesses among them - including Bianco of Tratto, Pane Bianco and Pizzeria Bianco. Read on to get to know the restaurants and chefs who are receiving nationwide acclaim and get set to make some reservations. To find a scouted restaurant near you, browse The Scout Guide Directory.

RESTAURANT/CHEF: Chris Bianco of Tratto, Pane Bianco and Pizzeria Bianco
ACCOLADE: Outstanding Restaurateur Winner
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona and Los Angeles, California
WHY THEY WON: What began as Pizzeria Bianco in a quaint Phoenix grocery store in 1988, with lines that were known to snake their way around the building hours before service, has expanded into multiple locations, a pasta joint, a sandwich shop, a bar, and a newly opened Los Angeles pizzeria.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Chris, who also won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2003, helped spawn a generation of independent and artisanal pizzerias, lending his advice, wisdom, and food philosophies to dozens of fellow chefs and restaurateurs,” says Sasha Clements, editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale.

2022 Father's Day Gift Guide

June 6, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

shop the guide

TSG's Father's Day Gift Guide

May 17, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

Originally published by The Scout Guide on May 17th, 2022.

On June 19 we will be saluting the dads in our lives. And while we appreciate the men who’ve had a hand in raising us—or are raising our children—all year long, this annual day offers the opportunity to express our gratitude in a particularly meaningful way. We’ve rounded up a variety of Father’s Day gifts from scouted stores across the country, from spot-on cuff links to a perfect bottle of red, that are sure to make dear old dad feel treasured. First on our list? A local find…

Looking for a scouted men’s shop near you? Browse The Scout Guide Directory.

LOCAL FINDS

GOLF COURSES: FAIRWAYS OF THE WORLD, PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID CANNON // Available for purchase online from Urbana in Phoenix, Arizona.

Anatomy of a Guide

April 29, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

THE EDITOR

The primary job of each TSG editor is to produce a guide that distinctively showcases small business owners in their communities. As TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale Editor, Sasha Clements shares, launching your guide is a continual discovery and creative process.

Traditionally, a TSG print guide is scouted, shot, designed, printed, and distributed over one year. In February 2020, Sasha began conversations with clients for the inaugural Phoenix & Scottsdale guide, signing one client by the end of that first month. Then business - and the world - shut down, putting Sasha’s mission and production timeline to the test. In the strange months that followed, TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale focused on supporting the community, building a platform upon which small businesses could rely.

As restrictions eventually loosened and businesses reopened doors, Sasha pivoted once again. “It was the resilience and determination of our community that fueled me to scout, shoot, and design our first guide in four short months.” Volume 1 launched in March of 2021, just one month past her original launch date.

SCOUTING PHOENIX & SCOTTSDALE

“Volume 1 was special because it brought many local businesses together in the face of adversity and celebrated supporting local at a time that carried more significance than ever before.” However, Sasha reflects, “it was when we began scouting for Volume 2 that we truly felt momentum for our mission.”

Sasha credits the confluence of local-centricity, an explosion of growth, and the power of print for that momentum. “With Volume 1 in circulation, business owners could experience TSG and witness its impact on scouted businesses.”

Inaugural members eagerly returned for Volume 2, and additional categories were introduced to welcome new businesses. Most excitingly, the generousity of several members allowed Sasha to feature several non-profit partners, conveying what TSG Editors know to be true: small business has a big impact on communities.

“To me, scouting is about discovery,” explains Sasha. “As an editor, I’m in the unique position to learn the stories behind the businesses that shape our community.” However, Sasha continues, “being scouted is just the beginning of the TSG experience.”

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Integral to being scouted is the opportunity to collaborate with editors on the page or pages within the guide. Throughout the creative process, editors wear the hat of a creative director to distill the story behind each business into a compelling image. “My job is to guide members through the creative process, as well as to produce images that will pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to learn more about the scouted member,” remarks Sasha.

Ultimately, each editor brings a unique skill set and aesthetic to their guide, often choosing to weave a theme throughout the guide to tell a larger story. For Sasha, it was important to echo the natural beauty found in the Phoenix & Scottsdale landscapes. This intentional decision was echoed in the timing and location of spreads and, most notably, her choice of cover colors. Flip through Volume 2 to find that many spreads reflect the saguaro green of the book and sunset orange of its stripe.

THE DESIGN & PLANNING STAGE

An editor's storytelling continues into the design stage, as sharing the story of each business while organizing the guide into an seamless narrative is a delicate dance. “It’s always a thrill to see the pieces start to come together though,” says Sasha.

Spread by spread, editors spend hours designing, paginating, and, well, editing the upcoming guide. Countless edits and proofs later, the guide goes to print and editors shift their focus to launching in style.

Launch parties have become something of a tradition for TSG Editors - not to mention fabulous affairs. Functioning as both a celebration of a year’s worth of Scouting and the unveiling of the market’s best and brightest, TSG launch parties are a special aspect of membership. Planning a launch party is also a welcome distraction as editors eagerly await the delivery of their guide.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Sasha describes the day guides are delivered as nothing short of special. “It’s a year’s worth of effort in tangible form.” The only thing that’s better? Toasting the guide at the launch party.

In the wake of the launch party, distribution of the Guide throughout the community begins. And the magic of the Guide continues as locals discover (or rediscover) businesses that are sure to help them live a beautiful life.

A PSA from TEXAZTASTE + TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale

April 29, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

Social media, notably Instagram, is an important resource for small business. It's a low-cost vehicle to connect with existing customers/readers and reach with new ones. In many cases, it's also a source of profit, directly or indirectly. And while the digital landscape has changed dramatically - often favoring those with greater resources than independent, local businesses - social media has remained a viable marketing + revenue (not to mention creative and collaborative) option for many. So when a small business's platform is violated, the consequences are devastating. Social followings take years to build. And, with little to no recourse through official channels, the consequences are permanent and permeating.

Our dear friend and Volume 2 Member + Contributor, Marci of Texaz Taste, as well as another Volume 2 Member were both hacked using the same scam. Recently, Marci shared about the hacking of her Instagram, and we’ve decided to share her reflections below. Marci's experience underscores so many nuanced, often inconvenient realities of social media, particularly. Never has it been so clear to us - as both small business champions and owners - the importance of owning our own platforms.

To support Marci, head to Texaztaste.com to support her and her product (in this case, content) directly. We hope you'll also join us in taking the time to support small businesses directly through their websites and newsletters. If you’d like to stay up to date with The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale, as well as the small businesses we’re honored to support, sign up for our newsletter here.

TALES FROM TEXAZTASTE - A RANT

Originally published by TEXAZTASTE on April 29th, 2022.

*** Before you read this post, it is very very important you do not respond to any requests from me on Instagram for help. For that is how this whole tale started…***

Watch what you wish for. It is one of my mantras, but one I never seem to heed. I have been wishing for more time to write, take photography lessons, read, and spend time with my family. I have been wishing not to be sidetracked by the petty distractions of my iPhone, those pings that announce text messages, emails, and, that black hole of a time suck they call Instagram.

I got on Instagram as a way to grow my readership for TEXAZTASTE, and really loved exploring my creative side with beautiful food photography and travel inspiration. I attended a conference called Instacamp in Palm Springs with 150 20-somethings to learn a few tricks—who says an old dog can’t learn a few?? I worked hard to build up my followers, delighting in reaching certain milestones, like 500, then 1,000, and finally 10,000 which would allow me to become “Instagram Certified”. Yes, that is hot stuff right there.

And then, on Tuesday morning, my Instagram account got hacked. In a matter of minutes, I lost complete control of my creative content I had been accumulating since 2013. Nefarious? No doubt, and extremely frustrating. Instagram support has been totally useless. I was told to file a complaint and wait for an email return in one business day detailing my next steps (which obviously has not arrived). I panicked at first, then breathed deeply to will myself out of this situation.

As I manage an Instagram account for a property my sister and I co-own in Texas (@morrisranchschoolhouse should anyone be curious), I was able to direct message the perpetrator. “You are such an asshole for hacking my account, “ I wrote. Within minutes, a reply: “lol. Pay me $500 and you can have it back.” Wanting to offend but maintain a shred of dignity, I typed out, “Screw you.” Then he/she/it blocked me.

Since then, I have been able to see from my children’s accounts what has been going on over at @texaztaste while fielding dozens of texts and calls reminding me, quite painfully I might add, that I have been hacked. Many asked, “Is this for real?” as they attached a screen shot the most recent post on “my” Instagram, a pixilated blown-up shot of me advertising Bitcoin mining in very poor English.

Yes, of course that is real. Overnight I went from a 52-year old freelance photographer and writer for two national publications highlighting Arizona’s food and beverage scene – and when I can convince the kids, a shot of my family – to a peddler of Bitcoin. “Congratulations to me I’m trying my best to reach out to as much people i could reach” reads one post with several photos of a white G Wagon with red leather interior. Part of me can’t help but ask, “Have I done such a shoddy job building my brand that you would think that I have honestly stooped to this level?”

This didn’t start out as a rant, but rather as an explanation for what you hopefully deduced by now was quite simply, fraud. I watch sadly as this nincompoop posts more terrible images of the so-called American dream of making it rich on Bitcoin, and watching my followers take flight for greener pastures of the Instagram world. Will this number count be as fun to watch? I doubt it, but I could make it fun by opening a fancy bottle of wine every time the former IG me loses 1,000 followers.

I got what I wished for, in a way. Now I don’t have to spend 30 minutes to an hour a day creating content for Instagram, but can sit down and hash out a humorous rant about my experience on one of the most popular social media platforms of our day. Who knows? Maybe I will even submit this and get published. This is where I would instinctively end with, “one can only wish”. But I am done wishing, and determined to start doing. xoM

How to Use The Scout Guide

April 5, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

This guide is a celebration of the people behind some of the most exceptional local businesses in Phoenix & Scottsdale. The Scout Guide provides inspiration for discovery and information to help you engage with the people and places in the Valley on a deeper level. It is our pleasure to connect you with these experts, artisans and entrepreneurs, as we believe everything you need to live a beautiful life can be found within your own community. SUPPORT these local businesses in person and online. FOLLOW them on social media. DISPLAY the guide in your home. SHARE the guide with family, friends and guests. And when you connect with the business owners please let them know The Scout Guide sent you!

Where to Find Volume 2

April 5, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

Thanks to the generous support of these Scouted Businesses and Organizations, Volume 2 print guides are available as a complimentary resource to help you Live Like a Local and experience our community to the fullest. Here’s where to find a guide and how to use it…

SUPPORT these local businesses in person and online.

FOLLOW them on social media.

DISPLAY the guide in your home.

SHARE the guide with family, friends and guests.

And when you connect with the business owners please let them know The Scout Guide sent you!

FIND A GUIDE

Stop In & Shop, Scottsdale

Amy Atelier · MAN Atelier · Garage Children’s Boutique · Bonner David Galleries · Beauty and Propaganda · Cornelia Park · David Adler Fine Rugs · The Collector’s House · The Space Bazaar · UrbAna at Scottsdale Quarter · Valerianne of Scottsdale

Stop In & Shop,Phoenix

Framed Ewe · Metalmark Fine Jewelry · Camelback Flowershop · Cornelia Park · UrbAna | Arcadia · Tarbell’s

Stop In & Shop, East Valley

Air Guitar · urbAna at Gilbert

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Bronze Buddha Glow Organic Airbrush Tanning · Drybar · Lumen & Bevel Aesthetics · Morph Aesthetics · Olga Brow Studio · The Sparkle Bar · Zensken Medical Aesthetics

Take Care of Yourself

barre3 North Scottsdale · Hydrate IV Bar · In Focus Vision Solutions · Optimyze · Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry

Consult with Experts

artstudio 1.0.1 · Carrie Evans Photography · Scott Foust Studios · Schultz Digital · All Saints' Episcopal Day School · All About People · Denver Agency · Manning Legal Services · O.C.D Organize. Create. Design · Personalized Solutions · The Burgess Law Group · The Good Vibe Media & Studios

Plan Your Next Experience

George Abrams Events · Keystone Aviation · Cloth & Flame · Sahara Scottsdale · Benedict's Catering

In the Community

PANDA/Steele Children’s Research Center · Heart Ball Phoenix · The Baller Dream Foundation · Scottsdale Charros

Tap a Design Expert

Berghoff Design Group · Gros Ventre Designs · Hillis Built Luxury Homes · Lori Clarke Design · PHX Architecture · Stephanie Larsen Interior Design

Tap a Real Estate Expert

Bison Ventures · Kevin Owens · Old Republic Title Company · ROCO Luxury Group · The Brokery

Get it Delivered to Your Door

Order The Scout GuidePhoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2 online and peruse guides to over 70+ cities.

Volume 2 | Member Directory

April 5, 2022 Makenzi Hogan

After over a year of Scouting unique, distinctive, and exceptional local businesses, The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2 is here! First and foremost, it's a celebration of the small, independent business owners who make our community so special.

TAP THE LOCAL EXPERTS

We’ve scouted a bevy of go-to gurus for house, home, networking, health and more. It is our pleasure to connect you with these experts, artisans, and entrepreneurs, as we believe everything you need to live a beautiful life can be found within your own community.

WHERE TO PICK UP A GUIDE

MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS