Food + Beverage

Brewing Something Special

How Sunny Brew Coffee grew from a 35-square-foot horse trailer into a community gathering place rooted in family, faith and connection. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Chaz Romero Photography Sunny Brew Coffee may have started inside a 35-square-foot horse trailer, but for Jessika and Jason Landavazo, the dream behind it was always much bigger. Family was at the heart of the idea. Jessika had always loved coffee and wanted an opportunity to get out of the house, meet new...

Food + Beverage

The Sparrow Experience

Where thoughtful cuisine, genuine hospitality and a welcoming neighborhood spirit come together to create memorable moments around every table. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Chaz Romero Photography There is something intentional about Sparrow at Trailhead. From the warmth of the dining room to the dishes arriving at the table, the Peoria restaurant was designed to feel elevated without losing the comfort of a neighborhood favorite. For owner Emily Ganem, that balance was...

Food + Beverage

Handmade Traditions Meet Modern Flavor at North Italia

CChef Chris Curtiss brings heart, seasonality and creativity to Italian cuisine. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger | Photography by Chaz Romero Photography At North Italia, what arrives at the table is only part of the story. Behind every handmade pasta, slowly built sauce and seasonal dish are hours of preparation and a culinary philosophy rooted in the traditions that first made Italian food so beloved. For Chef Chris Curtiss, North Italia’s Senior Director of Culinary Operations and Research...

Food + Beverage

Built From the Neighborhood Up

Joey Lucidi’s Peoria roots shaped Haymaker’s enduring community-focused approach. Article by Kylie Strawn-Badger For Joey Lucidi, restaurants have always been about more than what comes out of the kitchen. They are places where families gather, relationships form and, over time, a restaurant can become part of the rhythm of a community. Lucidi learned that early. Growing up in Poway, California, he worked in his parents’ family restaurant, beginning as a server at 14 and taking on restaurant...