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‘Phoenix Cooks’

Phoenix’s culinary scene comes to life in Christina Barrueta’s book featuring recipes from the Valley’s best restaurants, chefs and mixologists.

The culinary scene in the Valley has certainly come into its own in the past decade. Helping the efforts of everything appetizer, food, cocktail and dessert-related is one of Arizona’s premier foodie writers, Christina “Write On Rubee” Barrueta. In her second published book, “Phoenix Cooks,” the vibrant author and Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame food, beverage and travel writer shares an eclectic and insightful collection of recipes that reflect the incredible diversity that is the Arizona culinary landscape.

“Phoenix Cooks” is Barrueta’s second book. Her first, “Arizona Wine – A History of Perseverance & Passion” was met with enthusiasm for its in-depth historic insight and knowledge of Arizona wines. Her latest book has struck a similar chord with foodies and those wanting to discover new places to dine. “My main goal in all my culinary writing has been to really support the culinary scene and put a spotlight on Arizona,” says Christina Barrueta. “It is an unsung hero. We have two growing seasons and many farmers markets. In the book I mention when I first moved here, I couldn’t believe I was eating Arizona-grown tomatoes in December!”

The book is part of a city-specific series. “The publisher contacted me to see if I was interested in this project, so I said, ‘Of course! It is like a dream come true. I would love to write a book celebrating our chefs.’” The entire process of choosing restaurants and chefs, photographing dishes and writing the content took less than a year.

Perhaps there is no one better than Barrueta who could have written this book. As a multi-year veteran on the Arizona culinary scene, she has become intimately familiar with chefs, season menus and the fans that frequent local restaurants.

The colorful book includes a forward written by chef, instructor, author and TV host, Barbara Fenzi. Adding to the deliciously showcased recipes are the tantalizing food photos that make the reader want to literally dive right into the book. Famed food photographer Joanie Simon brings an extra measure of visual lusting to “Phoenix Cooks.”

“Joanie is such a joy,” says Barrueta. “She is such a positive joyful person and she made the photo shoots so much fun.” The author talked up Simon to the book’s editor saying how wonderful she is to work with, and the editor’s art director had a fabulous experience with the renowned photographer and her team that is reflected in the book’s engaging photos. Beyond the photos are the delicious creations of some of the best Arizona culinary talents.

When you look at these recipes, there is such a range,” explains Barrueta. “There are many ethnicities, there are celebratory menus that require some planning, and weekday dishes that are quick and easy.”

There are a total of 98 recipes in the book. Each restaurant or chef contributed two recipes, or a recipe and a cocktail. Each entry also includes the chef’s portrait and information about the chef and the restaurant. “I did write an intro about each recipe - Whether it’s about an ingredient, where to source it, what the chef’s inspiration was, cooking tips and things like that,” says Barrueta.   

Choosing which chefs and restaurants to include was exciting. “It was easy for me, because we eat out a lot,” explains Barrueta of herself and husband Ernest Barrueta. “There are certain chefs I know, and it was a fun project to think about when considering who represents Arizona well.” Her main goal was to include a wide variety of restaurants ranging from famed resorts to family-owned gems.

The chefs featured in “Phoenix Cooks” receive a portion of the book sales that they sell in their restaurants and Barrueta encourages people to buy the book at one of the establishments featured in her book. “I want this to not just be a book, but a guide of where to dine,” finishes Barrueta.

Some of the outstanding restaurants and resorts that have recipes included in “Phoenix Cooks” are Tarbell’s, Beckett’s Table, The Canal Club at The Scott Resort, Chula Seafood, Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician Resort, Roka Akor, LON’S at The Hermosa Inn and The Market Restaurant and Bar by Jennifer’s. To purchase “Phoenix Cooks,” visit writeonrubee.com or amazon.com.

"My main goal in all my culinary writing has been to really support the culinary scene and put a spotlight on Arizona. It is an unsung hero."  

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