Preslie Hirsch

Jan 7, 2025 | phoenixnewtimes.com | Preslie Hirsch

During the pandemic when many were picking up a sourdough hobby or home improvement projects, Nick Brouwer opted for experimenting with homemade wine, particularly from various fruits rather than traditionally used grapes. After landing on a delightful strawberry-infused recipe, a newfound passion was born. “Nick is a curious person who wants to know how everything works. Once he becomes interested in a topic, he fixates on it until he knows a lot about it,” his wife, Bree Brouwer, explains.

Nov 14, 2024 | phoenixnewtimes.com | Preslie Hirsch

Now, one local chain is offering customers the chance to join in this time-honored tradition. Registration is open for tamale-making classes at Macayo’s Mexican Food locations across the Valley. Workshops run from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21, and each class lasts around two hours. The $60 ticket includes a hands-on workshop plus a three-course meal from the restaurant.

Nov 14, 2024 | phoenixnewtimes.com | Preslie Hirsch

For some, entrepreneurship is a leap on a lightbulb idea, and for others, it’s a calculated decision. Opening Mingle + Graze in January of 2019, nestled in downtown Chandler, was always part of the plan for Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon and husband Cristobal Alarcon, even if the vision for it wasn’t abundantly clear from the beginning. The duo met in the hospitality industry as banquet cooks for the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

Oct 29, 2024 | phoenixnewtimes.com | Preslie Hirsch

At the intersection of Tatum and Shea boulevards, near the PV Mall redevelopment project, where patrons see a convenient shopping center, Neil Moran saw an opportunity. A Phoenician for the last 15 years and full-time commercial real estate developer and manager, Moran has long had an entrepreneurial appetite. With a group of friends and no prior restaurant experience, he opened and ran Draft Sports Grill in Mesa for the last decade.

Oct 14, 2024 | phoenixnewtimes.com | Preslie Hirsch

As the air (slowly) turns crisp and the days grow shorter, coffee lovers across the Valley have plenty to celebrate. This season, local cafes are embracing autumn with creative, comforting and downright delicious seasonal coffee offerings. From rich pumpkin spice lattes to inventive flavors like rhubarb crumble and blueberry maple pancakes, there’s something for every palate.