In our first Best Of Issue, Green Living Magazine is proud to acknowledge the individuals and businesses that have made a conscious and sustainable impact on the community — all as voted on by readers. Arizona has experienced substantial growth in recent years, and, as such, the focus on sustainability and living more healthful lives has also been in the spotlight. Here, we invite you to learn more about the movers and shakers in the green living space. Congratulations to our winners!
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen, a family-owned and operated restaurant with locations in Sedona, Scottsdale, Tempe/Chandler, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, and Arrowhead, has a simple mission: to connect guests through food and compassion. “We meet the need for quality, healthy dining options for individuals that may have dietary restrictions (as well as those who do not), and we can truly bring everyone together in the same dining experience,” says Picazzo’s Managing Partner, Chris Disney. “Our menu continues to evolve into a plethora of dishes that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly, as we continue our quest to source the cleanest, healthiest ingredients we can find.”
Picazzo’s takes a dual approach to sourcing ingredients. Not only does the restaurant look for allergens and cleanliness, but it also sources ingredients that are gluten-free and, when possible, also organic or non-GMO. “Our priority is always to provide gluten-free items first and foremost,” Disney says. “We also source 95 percent organic produce to bring the cleanest, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables to each plate. Our sauces and dressings are made from scratch using organic spices and non-GMO sunflower and imported olive oils. We work with local farmers and suppliers to bring fresh and healthy ingredients to our establishment, while trimming the carbon footprint.”
The restaurant also sources NAE (No Antibiotics Ever), hormone-free, and American Humane Certified chicken wings and breasts. “We are proud to serve sustainable and ABF Norwegian Atlantic salmon from the cold, pristine fjords of Norway,” Disney adds. “This salmon is non-GMO and is MSC-certified. Our center-cut salmon filets have great marbling that deliver fantastic flavor, complemented by a baked crust for added texture.”
In addition to the main menu, Picazzo’s offers a 100 percent vegan menu of salads, entrées, pasta, pizza, and dessert.
“We are dedicated to providing an exemplary dining experience to each of our guests—from the service to the food—and making sure that everyone feels comfortable ordering what they want, the way they want it,” Disney says. www.picazzos.com
With this week being Vegan Restaurant Week in Phoenix, give Picazzo’s a try!
Runner up: Pomegranate Cafe, www.pomegranatecafe.com
