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
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
renata’s hearth | where to eat in phoenix
At the Arizona Biltmore, Renata’s Hearth shares the story of a mythical adventurer who defies expectations and challenges traditions. Renata’s spirit is channeled through the resort’s fine dining restaurant and its hearth, which combines the
pretty penny | cocktails in phoenix
In January, Pretty Penny opened on Roosevelt Row, bringing a more culinary-focused concept to the celebrated Pour Bastards Hospitality team. For this newest destination, founders Sam Olguin and Brenon Stuart, known for their hit cocktail
chef mark tarbell on some of his favorite restaurants
Mark Tarbell’s fascination with cooking began at the age of 14, with Jacques Pepin’s “La Technique.” This book wasn’t just a read. It was a launchpad, propelling him towards the goal of owning his own
latha: african cuisine in downtown phoenix
For Evelia Davis, the encounter that fueled the formation of The Diaspora Collective is a story she loves to tell. Her journey began with a profound experience during her first visit to Africa when a
gallo blanco
“As chefs, we’re a conduit for ideas and culture, and experience and travel are what really shapes us,” Doug Robson tells me. We’re chatting in Otro Cafécito, adjacent to Otro Café, at a table crafted
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