From wellness tips to cocktail sips, the newest East Valley hot spots are the perfect places to refresh.
Denise Walsh, CEO of The Beauty Boss Co. and The IVY PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Rejuvenate your body and skin at Gilbert Epicenter’s newest health and wellness centers, The Beauty Boss Co. (thebeautyboss.co) and The IVY (ivylounge.co). “We’ve been serving the Gilbert community for years and were really excited for the opportunity to extend our reach here at the Epicenter,” says CEO and registered nurse Denise Walsh. Made up of a team of skincare professionals to keep you looking and feeling your best, The Beauty Boss Co. specializes in anti-aging by offering chemical peels and facials, plus high-quality aesthetic injectables. For skincare newbies, Walsh says to start with the Diamond Glow facial. “It’s a noninvasive, three-in-one technology that exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates the skin and leaves you with an unforgettable glow,” she says. “Full-face restoration is our most popular service, which often includes cheeks, chin and lips, with Botox being a staple treatment procedure and something we incorporate in all of our treatment plans.” And at The IVY, an IV lounge that will get you feeling your best in no time, Walsh promises a broad spectrum of health benefits. “From feeling under the weather with cold and flu symptoms to supporting high-performing athletes during pre- and post-recovery, IV infusions encourage our bodies to operate and function at optimal levels,” she notes. “It truly is a beacon to overall health and wellness.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Since 1983, Nourish Phoenix (nourishphx.org) has worked to fight poverty and hunger in the Phoenix area, hoping to give dignity and hope back to the working poor. Its new campaign, Think Inside the Box, has gathered chefs from around the area to teach customers how to create meals from their food boxes that are innovative and delicious. “We have the goal to break down the stigma of what’s in a food box,” says Beth Fiorenza, executive director of Nourish Phoenix. “Many individuals and families are needing our support and the food box provides multiple balanced, healthy meals.” Notable chefs, including Nick Gibbs from The Brickyard Downtown in Chandler, have joined the program and created recipes that are now on the Nourish Phoenix website. “Each of the chefs participating in the Inside the Box campaign wanted to give back to the community in some way,” Fiorenza says, “and how better to do it than through their love of food.”
Barre3 owner Andrea Laughlin leads the way. PORTRAIT BY LAUREN SCHUMACHER
Whether you are new to working out or a longtime fitness fanatic, barre3’s (barre3.com) new Gilbert Epicenter facility is the perfect place for East Valley residents to find full-body workouts that will leave them feeling stronger than ever before. “Our mission is to help people feel balanced in body and empowered from within, and how an individual gets there is a journey all their own,” says owner Andrea Laughlin. With combined elements of cardio, strength conditioning and mindfulness, clients are pushed to listen to their body and focus on what they need based on their workout goals. When asked about the benefits of a barre3 workout, Laughlin says that clients have shared stories of “weight loss, better focus, more stamina and energy, less anxiety, toned muscles, and better overall wellness and mood.” And, with a barre3 unlimited membership, clients receive many perks such as unlimited classes, full access to online workouts, discounted childcare at its Play Lounge and more. “[Having an empowered workout] along with the uplifting energy of our staff and community is what truly sets us apart,” she says.
Ron English, “King Combrat” (oil on canvas), 48 inches by 48 inches PHOTO: COURTESY OF MESA ARTS CENTER
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (mesaartscenter.com) has a new lineup of five exhibits that center on the theme Make Your Mark. “From paper to alternative canvases like walls, artists physically make marks to create art,” says Tiffany Fairall, the museum’s chief curator. “The theme plays on a larger call to action to make your mark in society and have a purpose-driven life.” Headlining MCA Museum’s fall season through Jan. 22 is cultural provocateur Ron English with exhibit Living in Delusionville, featuring 37 of the “Godfather of Street Art’s” paintings and sculptures from the last decade. Running through Dec. 4 is The Moleskin Project, a collection of sketchbooks from over 100 emerging and established artists, curated by Harman Projects. Dark Matter (through Jan. 29) and Children of Divorce (Jan. 15), both organized by Thinkspace Projects, are exhibits that are based on childhood and the struggles of society. The final exhibit, by Phoenix father-and-son duo Such and Champ Styles, Like Father, Like Son (through Jan. 1), incorporates pop culture icons into their graphic lettering and motifs painted by this family graffiti team. “From these exhibitions, we hope guests will become reconnected with their inner child and be inspired to make a positive difference in their communities,” says Fairall.
Smokey Toki at Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill BY CHRISTIAN HOUDA/AZ FOOD PHOTO
If you’re looking for a new twist on Asian cuisine, look no further. Staying true to its modern Asian with an American flair roots, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill (lingandlouies.com) in Chandler has added delicious dishes across its entire menu while upgrading its cocktail, beer and wine list. “We can’t wait for our guests to experience the new Ling & Louie’s while celebrating the past. It’s a bold new take on our cocktails and dishes and definitely stays true to our motto: Ling & Louie’s is not for boring people,” says owner John Banquil. With seven new cocktails, guests will find a variety of drinks that will amaze and delight, such as the house-favorite New Wave Piña Colada. “It gives such a unique twist on the classic tropical cocktail that guests find refreshing and delicious,” says Banquil. The Smokey Toki has also become a favorite of cocktail connoisseurs. “It combines Japanese whisky with unique ingredients, plus it’s smoked tableside with cherry wood,” he says. In addition to elevated spirits, a new sushi menu will delight along with new dishes on the menu including the Vietnamese shaking beef—a dish that guests shouldn’t leave without trying. “With unique flavors and delicious ingredients,” Banquil says, “I truly believe it is one of the best dishes we have added to our menu.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Treat yourself to a delectable dining experience at Belly Kitchen & Bar (bellyphx.com), now open at Gilbert’s Epicenter. At Belly, you will find a modern twist on traditional Asian cuisine with fresh, ingredient-focused dishes. “We weave several different cooking styles and traditions across several Asian cuisines culled from years of study and practice,” says Michael Babcock, culinary director. With this vision, the Belly team has crafted an expansive, unique menu full of exotic dishes and cocktails. “I would say my favorite dish is the crispy whitefish,” he says. “It’s very fresh and packed with herbs while also being very bold and rich in umami.” Diners can pair dishes with fresh, curated cocktails or seasonal natural wines from around the globe offered as they enjoy the dining ambiance. “The music is just right; the lighting is moody and vibey,” says Babcock. “It’s just a place you want to hang out and enjoy yourself.”
Crispy whitefish at Belly Kitchen & Bar PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
A new antique furniture store is opening at Gilbert’s Epicenter in spring 2023, inspired by design and friendship. At Vintage Home (vintagehome.store), Agritopia residents Richele Ames and her husband have been buying, restoring and reselling antique furniture for over 30 years. Her pieces are sourced from many different locations including thrift stores, antique swap meets, estate sales and customers who sell pieces to her. “I research the styles of furniture that are popular for home decor. Then, I search for pieces that fit the trend,” she says. “For example, modern farmhouse and midcentury modern furniture is the trend now. So, I look for those styles of furniture to buy, fix up and resale.” You may have seen her and her restored pieces in the Merchant Square Antique Marketplace in Chandler. “On many occasions, while working in the booth, I have met returning customers and built friendships with them. This aspect, coupled with successful sales, inspired me to build a shop of my own.” Ames says her love for restoring antique furniture to its former glory is not the only reason for her new store. The friendships she has created throughout the process have also inspired her to push her dreams forward and make them a reality.
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