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What's New, What's Now and What's Next According to the Local Trendsetters

Amy Martin

Bill Wyman
Journalist; Former Assistant Managing Editor of National Public Radio, in Washington D.C.; Former Arts Editor of Salon.com
phxated.com
After a successful career working at some of the most celebrated media outlets across the country, journalist Bill Wyman moved back home to Phoenix to utilize his talent in a new way. Enter phxated.com, Wyman's locally focused blog/news site that offers a no-holds-barred look at everything from politics to the arts.

Culture
“The best part about living here is watching the craziness and tracking the potential. I think in a few years, once Arpaio has been removed from office and the state’s national reputation has improved, Arizona will be in a great place to move forward.”
“No one else will say this, so I will: There are a lot of backward folks here; by most social metrics, we live in the deep south. The state has to evolve.”

“For local tastemakers, the folks who put on Design Week Phoenix and CenPhoCamp — Mark Dudlik, Yuri Artibise, Tyler Hurst — architected vibrant, interesting affairs in just a matter of weeks. Nick Martin’s Heat City blog (heatcity.org) is a must-read as well.”

Dining & Nightlife
“Favorite restaurant discovery lately? The St. Francis.”
“I like the new Lola at Gold Spot for a coffee shop.”
“For a low-key night in Phoenix, I head to My Florist Cafe or Cibo, maybe, and head to galleries on Third Friday, when it’s quieter.”

Art & Music & Hotels 
“He’s not cool rock or anything, but Pat James, who plays a pretty persuasive form of classic country up at the Buffalo Chip in Cave Creek, is an under-appreciated serious local artist.”
“Artist Claudio Dicochea, who had an opening in March at Lisa Sette Gallery, should be getting a lot of attention.”

David Tyda
Editor of Eateraz.com, and Co-Producer of The Arizona Barbecue Festival
eateraz.com | azbbqfestival.com
Most people probably knew David Tyda as someone who “spent many years writing fluffy magazine articles that were devoid of opinion or criticism,” (his words, not ours — we have no opinion about it). But he left that all behind to join forces with fellow media mover-and-shaker Rick Phillips to start eateraz.com, a site that tackles local and national food trends.

Dining & Nightlife
“El Gallo Blanco. I appreciate the simple, honest, and affordable quality of the food there.”
“For a culinary treat, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Chef James Porter at Petite Maison serves 'Staff Meals' after 10 p.m. Two items, priced $8 and $10. Some restaurants have copied this concept (come to think of, they tend to copy whatever Porter does), but his is still the best. 

“The Cellar Bar at Rokerij is a hidden gem because it’s underground, literally, sexy as hell and you get a little bottle of tonic with a vodka tonic.”
“Getting back to basic, affordable food is a national trend we’re seeing, case in point: all the burger joints and pizza places that have recently opened. Another one: naming local, sustainable ingredients on menus, which in a lot of cases is just part of some bullshit plan.”

Art & Music & Hotels
“I can tell you that El Chorro Lodge on Saturdays will be great for live music. Elvis Before Noon, that great band that plays on Sundays at The Vig, will be there.”
“After Hours Gallery in Downtown Phoenix is always putting on the most interesting shows. No two are alike.”
“It’s not new, I know, but nothing beats waking up in a suite at The Sanctuary. Everything is so “manicured” around town, so it’s refreshing to stay somewhere that’s aged well. Plus, they now have a swanky, new multi-million-dollar kitchen for superstar chef Beau MacMillan to experiment in.”

Chuckie Duff
Owner, Common Wall Media and Flying Blanket Recording
commonwall.com | flyingblanket.com
As the former bassist of Dear And The Headlights, Chuckie Duff could have hung on to old accomplishments and faded out. Instead, he's become one of the most influential people in the local music scene thanks to the founding of Common Wall Media and becoming co-owner of Flying Blanket Recording studios with local producer du jour Bob Hoag.

Beauty
“I just started going to Rolf’s in Tempe. I never make an appointment, so I get a different stylist every time, but it has worked out so far.”

Dining & Nightlife 
“I like going down to Tucson and staying at Hotel Congress when there is a good show down there that I want to see.”
“You can find me at Cornish Pasty Co. location in Mesa. They're open late and I’m always hungry.”

Art & Culture & Music 
“I’m excited to be working with Joel Marquard (another ex-Dear and the Headlights member) and his new band, Gospel Claws. They’ve got a new record that they are recording with Bob and finishing up, which we will release this fall.”
“I admire Jeremiah Gratza (President Gator), Psyko Steve and any other local promoter who helps get up-and-coming bands to stop in Phoenix before anyone here has heard of them. In the short run, it’s not much of a payoff for them, but it is really hard work and it’s important.”

Josh Parry
Owner | SideBar
sidebarphoenix.com
When Josh Parry opened SideBar back in 2009, it was a breath of fresh air and sophistication in a part of Central Phoenix known mostly for dives. Since then, his intimate lounge has developed a devoted following thanks to its welcoming attitude and weekly music nights (we recommend Sunday's Retro Hi-Fi with WF Rani G, Dr. Drea and dk.strickler).

Trends
“I think that the new trend in Phoenix (and an old one in most other big cities) is the small, one location establishment. SideBar, Parlor, Tuck Shop, AZ88, St. Francis, etc. It is truly a wonderful thing.”
“I love that Phoenix is a place where anyone still has the ability to influence the cultural map.”
“My biggest pet peeve about Phoenix is the inability of its people and government to see long-term — what creates interesting culture and unique neighborhoods.”
“Is Sass Fabric on Indian School a cultural find? That place has every crazy fabric you could ever want.”

Beauty
“My hair hero is Jamie Jipner at Salon Jo-el. You better not start going there and make it hard for her to get me in!”

Dining & Nightlife
“How about a joint that has been around forever but new to me? La Pinata on Osborne and 19th Avenue. I love old-school Mexican restaurants and they are doing everything just about right.”
“Zoe’s. Chicken Plate. Wonderful. I eat it at least twice a week. I just had St. Francis scallops for lunch. Crazy good. Also Gelato Spot holds a firm place in my heart and belly.”
“For a dive bar, I have to go with either the Dilly Dally in Arcadia or Bikini Lounge in downtown. A good dive bar is a rare thing to be treasured.”

Art & Culture & Music JP: “Look for big things from Nick Zink (graphic designer), Ryan Brannen (web designer), Eric Cox (artist), Hollye Schumaker (photography), Amy Martin (Social Media Maven — and trust me, successful social media IS an art!)

Amy Martin
Social Media Expert
thedigitalroyalty.com
Amy Martin says she “works with athletes, celebrities and corporations to build their brands through social media.” However, we tend to be a bit more blunt: She's the person who taught Shaq how to Twitter. Millions of followers later (for both her and the All-Star center), Martin's company, Digital Royalty, has gone on to pull in other high-profile clients such as the UFC and the Chicago White Sox while still keeping her roots here in Phoenix.


Hotels & Fashion & Beauty
“Go to Sanctuary for a staycation. It's secluded and has a great pool with view of the mountain.”
“Bunky Boutique is a great local shop in Downtown Phoenix.”

Art & Culture
“The best place for some local culture is still First Fridays in Downtown Phoenix.”
“Visit the Downtown Phoenix Farmer’s Market for a cultural find.”
“My favorite emerging photographer is Jessie Rieser.”
“My favorite local jewelry designer is… me! I design a line called Sass.”

Dining & Nightlife
“The turkey slider with about 25 gourmet toppings at Stax is my culinary crush.”
“Going to SideBar and hanging out with Josh Parry is a great low-key night.”
“I love finding a new restaurant gem in Downtown Phoenix; they pop up all the time these days.”
“Barrio Café is more on the gem side versus hole-in-the-wall.”

Trends
“Get ready to hear more about geo-tagging, which combines the virtual world with the real physical world.”
“Steve Nash is certainly a trendsetter.”
“I enjoy the weather here and the youth of the city. Phoenix is still finding its identity and I’ve been lucky to be along for the ride for the past 13 years.”

Gelie Akhenblit
Founder/CEO of NetworkingPhoenix.com
networkingphoenix.com
With marketing budgets hit hard during the recession, companies and individuals turned to the tried-and-true world of networking. It turned out to be serendipitous for entrepreneur Gelie Akhenblit, who started networkingphoenix.com. Several events and a few thousand members later, her efforts have made a mark with anyone looking to do a little business.

Hotels & Fashion & Beauty
“I recently discovered Body Beautiful on 24th Street and Campbell. Currently, that’s my ‘it’ spot for some pampering.”

Art & Culture
“I’ve gone to a few museums and galleries when they hosted networking events … does that count for culture?”

Dining & Nightlife
“One of my personal favorites is Chelsea’s Kitchen.”
“I’m in love with Mojo Yogurt. If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out!”
“I can walk to the Merc Bar and walk back home, which makes it that much better!”
“Crush Lounge at Christopher’s is a pretty cool place for a bottle of wine. I love the ambiance and the live DJ.”

Trends
“Networking never goes out of style and the current economy has actually had a very positive effect on this ‘industry.’ This has a big impact on Phoenix because people are meeting face-to-face and doing business with each other here locally.”
“Maryanne Weiss is a trendsetter. She is commissioner of Arizona’s Department of Education at Arizona State University, chairman of Greater Phoenix SCORE, where she is the first woman ever appointed to the position, and is president of Gustare Ltd., a management consulting group. She is also my friend and someone I admire because she clearly follows her passions and is fantastic at what she does!”

The Fresh Fiends
The Fresh Fiends aka Lady La, Miss.Summer and Shew
Lifestyle Bloggers/Tastemakers/Frugal Fashionistas
thefreshfiends.com
From streetwear to makeup to pop culture musings, the three ladies who call themselves The Fresh Fiends have been pointing their fans both here locally as well as across the globe to some of the best products and happenings around through their blog. “Beyond the blog, we help inspire girls to do bigger and better things for themselves and their communities. The greatest reward in what we do is knowing we helped someone.” If all that weren't enough, keep an out as the fiends have accessory collaborations with several designers dropping all the time.

Fashion & Beauty
“We're loyal to Tina Figueroa, the greatest hair stylist ever, at
Salon Tru on Indian School and Marshall Way in Scottsdale.”
“We've got three favorite boutiques: High Point Shoes in Scottsdale, MePhi on Mill Avenue in Tempe, and Phoenicia Association downtown.”
“Yardley December and Tiffe Fermaint are the local designers on our radars. Both are edgy, feminine and the biggest sweethearts!”
“The emerging clothing brand is Dearly Departed, which is available at High Point Shoes in Scottsdale. They're thoughtfully planned with a focus on integrity, much like our own brand.”
“Check out Alyisse Tramel a.k.a. Isse Fresh for his visual artistry, Sean Lyles, Evan Taylor Gunville, and Michael Franco for photography, and Meanmugg Graphics.”
“Our favorite place to shop for home used to be Haus Modern Living (R.I.P.). We love Design Within Reach, Red Modern Furniture, and because our website puts a heavy emphasis on bargain shopping, we're loyal to Target and various dollar stores.”

Trends & Culture
“Boutique shopping is changing the industry. And not just clothing. We've noticed everyone seems to want exclusive everything, even cupcakes and candy.”
“There are more and more people who are willing to embark on new projects to add more culture and life to Phoenix. It's happening slowly but surely.”

Dining & Nightlife
“Fattoush. Go there (fattoushaz.com).”
“Mojo and Yogurtland — because we can't get enough Fro Yo.”
“The Hidden House on Seventh Avenue and Osborn is one of our favorite dive bars. They always play great hip-hop and the drinks are cheap.”
“Go dive bar hunting. We used to be loyal to Chez Nous and Glam, both in Central and Downtown Phoenix. R.I.P. We like to do things that are off the beaten path.”

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