tarragon aioli, Iberico pork with salmon roe beurre blanc and Wagyu ribeye with salsa verde. Like the market and the dishes on the restaurant menu, Gastromé’s cocktail program is carefully curated with selections like the Martini Fino with vodka, Fino sherry and an optional caviar bump, Into Thin Air with rye whiskey, citrus and egg white, and the tropical Globetrotter with mezcal, white rum, coconut and mint. In addition to the restaurant and market, Gastromé offers classes as part of its vision to educate customers. They also offer catering with high-end charcuterie boards and vegetable and seafood platters. Le and Chavez moved from Boston to Phoenix for a job opportunity for Chavez at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Le, who studied business and finance, worked at Formaggio Kitchen in Boston as financial controller for five years, and opened and sold an Asian tapas restaurant in Boston. When they moved to Phoenix, Le opened and sold several restaurants. “We took time to figure out how to become successful in the restaurant business, and how to run a business and make it sustainable,” Le said. The response to Gastromé has been overwhelmingly positive. “People have been wanting a place like this and are excited to support us as we grow,” Le said. “It has unlimited potential.” For more information, go to gastromemarket.com . FAMILY CREATES AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE AT SFIZIO MODERN ITALIAN KITCHEN Father and son join forces to make this Italian restaurant a success In Italian, “sfizio” refers to something you don’t need, but want. After being out of the restaurant business for several years, chef Rocco Pezzano didn’t need to open a restaurant but was convinced by his son Marco to open Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen in north Phoenix in 2021. “After working in restaurants for several years, I stepped away to spend more time with my family and opened a wholesale business,” Pezzano said. “I wasn’t planning to open another restaurant.” Marco, an architecture student at Arizona State University, runs the restaurant’s social media. “There have been a lot of changes since I was in the restaurant business, especially social media, and my son helps with that,” Pezzano said. “I run the restaurant and my son brings new ideas and a younger perspective. We work very well together and complement each other. It’s the first time working with family and we are both enjoying the experience.” Photos courtesy of Sfizio Modern Italian Kitchen KITCHEN DOORS 74 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE

Pezzano was born in Italy and had culinary training there as a young man. He moved to the U.S. in 1986 and opened several restaurants. “I put a lot of passion into what I do. I’m particular about the ingredients I use and making things from scratch in-house, like bread and pasta,” he said. Sfizio features an open kitchen, large bar, extensive wine and cocktail list, and changing menus. Italian favorites on the menu include arancini, lasagna, several varieties of Neapolitan pizza, bruschetta and fresh pasta, including ravioli, rigatoni and gnocchi. Desserts include tiramisu, cannoli and gelato affogato. Pezzano’s wife and daughter also help out in the restaurant. “People like that it’s a family business,” he said. “They also appreciate the authentic Italian food and that we make everything from scratch. I’m in the restaurant every day to make sure everything is consistent and that my customers are happy.” To learn more, visit sfizioitaliano.com . The Joy Bus patient meals are prepared in and funded by proceeds generated by The Joy Bus Diner, located just off the 51 Piestewa Freeway and Shea Boulevard. With a reputation for creative gourmet breakfasts and lunches, the Diner has become a destination for locals and foodies from around the Valley. 3375 E Shea Blvd, Ste C1 Phoenix, AZ 85028 Open Thurs-Sun 7a-2p The Joy Bus is a nonprofit organization that has been delivering more than meals since 2011. Our sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of homebound cancer patients with a fresh and healthy meal delivered by a friendly face. Our service also includes critical home visits and wellness checks. We offer weekly personal support and nutrition for those dealing with perhaps the most difficult time in their lives, and by so doing, let them know that their community loves and cares for them. LEARN MORE AT: www.thejoybus.charity And make sure you visit The Joy Bus Diner! MORE THAN A MEAL