7004 East Main Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | 480.947.4214 | scottfouststudios.com | info@scottfoust.com

KITCHEN DOORS { let’s eat } Photos courtesy of the Market by Jennifer’s CARING CHEF: JENNIFER RUSSO Supporting the community for more than 20 years Jennifer Russo has been in kitchens for as long as she can remember. “As a toddler, I watched my great- grandmother cook, and when I was 16, I got a job at Lewis Stevens Catering,” she said. “I continued to work in kitchens from the Scottsdale Princess to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.” Inspired by her Italian grandmother and Julia Child, Russo attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. She returned to Phoenix and started Jennifer’s Catering in 1997. She opened the Market by Jennifer’s in 2013. “I love to push myself,” Russo said. “It’s very important to me to put a fresh twist on the classics with seasonal ingredients and to create dishes that are out of the box.” In her tenure on the Arizona culinary scene, Russo has been involved in several charitable endeavors, including the James Beard Foundation’s AZWomenInFood program, which brings together some of the state’s most celebrated female chefs and restaurateurs. “It is an amazing platform to work with other female chefs and owners to help navigate the changes in our industry and collaborate. To bring awareness and support one another is a gift,” she said. In November, Russo is participating in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, which features top chefs from across the Valley raising funds for the March of Dimes’ mission to support the health of all mothers and babies. “I am honored to be included with such a great group of chefs and raise money for what is most important to me, which is children and families,” she said. Supporting local suppliers has always been important to Russo. In her restaurant and catering business, Russo showcases local vendors and seasonal menus. “I believe we have to support each other,” she said. “This is a hard business, and we do it because we love it. I support the community the best I can by using produce from local farms, as well as products from Noble Bread, Sonoran Pasta Co., Tracy Dempsey Originals, Hayden Flour Mills, Southwest Mushrooms and many more.” Russo is proud to be part of the Valley’s burgeoning culinary community and has witnessed its evolution over the past two decades. “The best thing that is happening is that local small businesses are here and representing,” she said. “Great food is being made by great chefs all over the Valley.” For more information, visit themarketbyjennifer.com . Shoshana Leon | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “ I am honored to be included with such a great group of chefs and raise money for what is most important to me, which is children and families.” FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 73 | NOV/DEC 2021