Although I’m currently a food, beverage, and travel writer and member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, I was a picky eater, as my parents like to remind me. My love affair with food began in my teens with joining mom in the kitchen, discovering PBS cooking shows and a gift subscription to Gourmet magazine. Traveling was the next step in expanding my culinary horizons. When I was 22, I spent three months in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Memorable dishes included Moreton Bay Bugs (slipper lobsters) in Sydney, kokoda and kava in Fiji, poisson cru in Tahiti, meat pies and pavlova in New Zealand and kalua pua’a and lomi lomi in Hawaii. Since then, I’ve also traveled to Mexico, France, England, Ireland and Greece, learning about culture and culinary traditions along the way (if anyone can steer me to a Thessaloniki-style bougatsa in Arizona, I’d be forever grateful!).
Christina’s Recent Articles
tacos in phoenix | CRUjiente
Don’t visit CRUjiente Tacos expecting it to be a traditional taqueria. Since 2016, when long-time friends Executive Chef Richard Hinojosa and Beverage Director Jason Morris opened their doors, CRUjiente has drawn crowds with its inventive
bar bambino at élephante in scottsdale
When Élephante, the acclaimed Santa Monica hotspot known for its stylish vibe and coastal Italian fare, extended its brand from California to Scottsdale Fashion Square, it brought more than its celebrated puccia and Prosecco. Tucked
meet james beard award winning chef charleen badman
There are pioneers in Arizona food and wine, and then there is Charleen Badman. In 2024, the award-winning chef and slow food advocate celebrated the 15th anniversary of FnB, an independently owned eatery that has
chef’s picks | matt carter
“It was when I landed at a little French bistro that it all clicked,” explains Arizona restaurateur Chef Matt Carter. As a Scottsdale Culinary Institute graduate, he admits, “Before then, I had bounced around—I worked
vecina
Step through the door of Vecina, a latin inspired restaurant in Phoenix, you’ll find a space that buzzes with energy yet feels as cozy as your favorite corner spot. Your eyes are immediately drawn to
mixologists picks | highball
In this issue, we’re shaking things up by swapping our usual chef’s picks to see where two cocktail pros like to drink and dine. This year, Highball, the chic cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix, added
Christina’s Recent Podcasts
Highball | Podcast #103
Highball is a neighborhood cocktail destination that has become recognized for top notch drinks and atmosphere. Since their recent open, they have already won awards for their creations. Join us on this episode as Eric
Creekside Inn Sedona | Podcast #101
Creekside Inn Sedona is a luxurious bed & breakfast that will make you never want to leave. Just a few minutes walk from shopping, dining, and hiking, this destination is one of our new favorite
Celebration Episode | Podcast #100 Part 1
A little over two years ago, we launched A Taste of AZ Podcast. It was May of 2020 and we launched the show as a way to spread news & info about what was going
Lom Wong | Podcast #76
Lom Wong is at the top of the list for PHX’s most popular new restaurants. This restaurant is becoming renowned for not only their delicious Thai food, but also a long list of spectacular cocktails.
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho | Podcast #73
Chef Russell LaCasce and his crew at ZuZu make food as tasty is it is diverse. Not only can you dine at this iconic spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner, but they also have an
Matt Carter at Fat Ox | Episode #68
Matt Carter is an undeniable legend of Arizona food and beverage. He is not only a driving force behind several local restaurants, but Chef Carter has also championed many up-and-coming chefs, including former podcast guest