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Camp Verde Savors Old World Flavors

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Astoria International Bistro features authentic Eastern European cuisine.

A new adventure in food has arrived in Camp Verde, and locals from Prescott to Sedona are savoring the flavors.

Featuring Eastern European entrees ranging from Chicken Kiev to Hungarian Goulash, Astoria International Bistro owners Levi and Svetlana Pakanaev say they have found a paradise where they are pleasing palates.

“We owned an Italian bistro in north Scottsdale for 10 years, along with a banquet and catering business,” said Levi. “The area got a little too big for us and after the pandemic, everything changed. Phoenix seems to have grown so fast, and just like any big city, you have good stuff and bad stuff.”

Selecting Camp Verde for their new restaurant was an easy choice for Svetlana. “I really like the cooler temperatures here and the people are all so nice and helpful. It’s clean, comfortable and so pretty.”

The team spends most of the day at their restaurant, from early morning until late evening. “Our restaurant is our life,” said Svetlana. “All our dishes are prepared from scratch. Nothing is prepackaged.”

“Svetlana was very attentive and she and her husband, Levi, have a passion for Old World cuisine. They have such an eclectic mix,” said Laura Gilbert, executive assistant to managing director at Enchantment Resort in Sedona. “I’m a trained Cordon Bleu chef so my palate is very discriminating. I would go back to support a business like that in our neighborhood. I love the fact that they have entertainment once a month, too.”

Levi began his epicurean career at a culinary institute in Russia before moving to Belgium, where he learned to bake chocolate pastries and the art of molding cakes. Svetlana was an emergency room doctor for several years in Russia.

“I had a conversation with myself about leaving my home country and losing my lifetime dream in the medical field or having the opportunity to try something new,” she said. “I decided that trying something new was OK.”

“My partner, George, and I have visited Astoria twice and we were pleasantly surprised by their menu items that are all homemade,” said Dr. Irina Del Genio, Yavapai College Verde Valley Administration Dean. “I was born in Uzbekistan and lived in Russia and Ukraine so I have an international background. The authenticity of this cooking represents the traditions of those regions. There is nothing like Astoria International Bistro in our area, so they fill a much-needed niche in local restaurants. They even handcraft their desserts and they have a nice family-like atmosphere and ambiance.”

“Restaurant owners don’t have a real life,” said Levi. “It seems like we are always working, even when we go home. But we love what we do and really enjoy seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces after a meal.”

The dining room at Astoria International Bistro can support events and small concerts and will be hosting a Diva Dinner with the Cottonwood Hālau Hula Nāpuaokalei ìlima Hula group.

“I had a wonderful dinner at Astoria International Bistro and saw that there was a lot space for events so I asked Svetlana and Levi if they would be willing to let our hula group host an event and she liked the idea,” said Cottonwood hula student Christine Bryson.

“Under the direction of our lead instructor Kehau Chrisman, our event will feature hula dancing and our Diva Dinner, a buffet with delicious entrees, salads and bruschetta board,” said Bryson.

Tommy Kling has worked at Astoria International Bistro since opening day. “I was born and raised in Camp Verde and grew up eating Eastern food, which is why I accepted this position. The food is authentic, and I receive a lot of comments about how it tastes just like their mom or grandmother used to make it. It’s been fun, I like my job a lot and I learn something new every day.”

“We visited with friends from Sedona and we all agreed that the food was excellent,” said Office Manager Patty Jonas, of Old World Guns. “The flavors were very new to us. A nice surprise was their beer-tasting event sponsored by Verde Brewing Company. It was very delightful and fun, and our friends had a blast.” QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Astoria International Bistro is located at 348 S. Main Street in Camp Verde. For more information, call 928-567-6565 or visit www.astoria-international-bistro.com.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Astoria International Bistro owners Levi and Svetlana Pakanaev brought Eastern European flavors to Camp Verde after owning and operating their Italian bistro in Scottsdale. 

Authenticity is Like Matzo Ball Soup for Your Business

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His core belief is that “Every act of business can be an act of love.”

In the heart of the business district of downtown Buffalo, New York, Risa Paonessa serves up all the comfort of her Italian Jewish heritage to professionals and tourists who are lucky enough to find her generously prepared signature corned beef sandwiches stacked between Jewish rye and nestled into the first floor of a modern mid-rise office building that houses bankers and engineers.

Risa’s Deli, Restaurant & Catering has served classic New York deli food for nearly four decades. She carries on the tradition started by her dad, Anthony Gengo. “Stumpy,” as he was known by his loyal customers in his neighborhood restaurant, fed New Yorkers for more than half a century.

Risa’s family recipes include matzo ball soup – a memorable, hearty and delicious chicken soup featuring a large, amazing dumpling – and other Jewish deli favorites that make you feel like you are stopping in to visit your favorite great aunt, who insists you look pale and why don’t you sit down already and have a little something instead of being in such a hurry all the time?

On her feet and in the kitchen five days a week, with all the care and concern of a Jewish grandmother – which she is, by the way – Risa pours love into every Kosher beef salami sandwich, every knish and every matzo ball she serves, which is a lot of love. And you can taste it!

Risa also is likely to come out to check on you with comments like, “You haven’t finished your food!”

And it’s all that steaming hot authenticity right in front of you that makes you believe without a doubt that you are going to love your soup, the same way that New Yorkers love this deli.

Author Mark Silver serves a healthy portion of authenticity advice in his new book, “Heart Centered Business: Healing from Toxic Business Culture so Your Small Business Can Thrive.”

His core belief is that “Every act of business can be an act of love.” He suggests that businesspeople reflect on how they are expressing love and care through their business.

“We can find the nourishment for our businesses and ourselves where we are, right now,” he writes. “We can find the marketing and business practices that feel beautiful and feel nourishing in and of themselves… so we don’t feel we have to sell our soul or do something that feels wrong to deliver a product or service or teaching or content that is quite beautiful and comes from inspiration.”

Silver teaches that serving up authenticity leaves a good taste in the mouths of our customers. Risa demonstrates that serving people, rather than selling people, is the matzo ball of a heart-centered business. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Bonnie Stevens is a public relations consultant. She can be reached at bonnie.stevens@gmail.com.

Photo by Bonnie Stevens: Risa Paonessa is the face, heart and soul of her New York deli, where customers can feel the authenticity behind her small business and taste the love she pours into their soup bowls. 

Purina Donates $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff

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“We appreciate everything the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff does for the youth in our community.”

Nestlé Purina PetCare has announced a donation of $20,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff to fund the renovation of the main gymnasium and school-aged youth health and wellness programs. Each day, the location engages more than 350 youth and teens in a variety of health-promoting activities.

The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff was founded to provide a safe environment for school-aged youth and to help them develop the skills they need to become confident and productive adults. The club serves more than 700 school-aged youth in six locations throughout Northern Arizona, specifically Coconino and Navajo Counties.

“We appreciate everything the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff does for the youth in our community. They are making a difference in the lives of children and preparing them for adulthood,” said Ramon Martinez, factory manager at the Purina manufacturing facility in Flagstaff. “Many of our Nestle Purina PetCare leaders in Flagstaff are active in the community and several have volunteered their time to invest in this organization over the last few years.”

Martinez, who recently became the local factory manager, is a Marine Corps veteran and a native of Flagstaff. He says he looks forward to the factory continuing to contribute to initiatives that not only positively impact pets but the adults and youth who care for them.

The donation is being granted through the Purina Trust Fund, established by Purina founder William H. Danforth to provide critical support to important community causes. The company is investing more than $1 million in its communities this year through several capital and capacity-building grants to support local non-profit organizations. In the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million to organizations that bring and keep people and pets together, as well as those who help communities and environments thrive.

To learn more about causes Purina supports, visit purina.com/supporting-communities. FBN

Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff Purina Training Manager Amanda Steavenson, former Factory Manager Mike Ferritto and Engineering Manager Jonny Schurch (far right) deliver a giant check to Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff CEO Mark Cox (center). 

BBQ Lovers Will Be Back for B Simple

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“We offer high-quality dining in a casual Prescott atmosphere,” he said.

Eating at B Simple BBQ & Steakhouse is more like a historical experience than simply a dining out event, although the food is delicious and high quality.

Jose Sanchez, co-owner along with his wife, Katherine, is glad to give customers the tour. The building was constructed in the 1930s and has had several owners but is best known to Prescott residents as the former Pine Cone Inn.

The major historical points are the speakeasy downstairs and a contour of Jayne Mansfield in one of the walls. A jail-like bar is downstairs, where it was decided whether to let customers into the Speakeasy. One of the walls was under construction when Mansfield died in 1967 and the owner decided to have a contour of her built into the wall with her head and body.

The building was constructed from 1931-36 and was known as the White Mink because it was built by Mr. White and Mr. Mink. Sanchez also has a poster of Louie Armstrong performing in the building.

“It’s a cool old building,” Sanchez said.

Customers can also expect high quality dining, as Sanchez was the chief chef for NASA in New Mexico before COVID-19 hit. He had a friend in Prescott who owned a Texaco station and made half of his profits from the food they sold. During the pandemic, the gas station lost almost all of its food sales.

“That’s when I came to help and never went back,” Sanchez said.

He started cooking high-end food in the gas station, including grilled salmon sandwiches.

Customers would be surprised and wonder where the salmon came from, as they weren’t used to meals like that found at a gas station.

That led to other stores, such as the Country Store in Paulden, ordering his food. Later, he opened B Simple Breakfast on Montezuma St., in downtown Prescott. In June, he opened B Simple BBQ and Steakhouse on White Spar Road.

The White Spar location was a prime spot, he said, because there are no other restaurants serving the nearby neighborhoods. “We offer high-quality dining in a casual Prescott atmosphere,” he said.

Diners have choices for their atmosphere. When you enter the building, the dining room with Mansfield in the wall is to the left and has soft lighting without windows. The dining room to the right has full windows. In the back, there is an enclosed porch with full windows or diners can eat at tables outside.

Be Simple BBQ & Steakhouse also has hamburgers and seafood to go with the full bar. The restaurant has the capacity for 250 people inside and up to 400 with the outside seating, which is why it is also available for weddings or private parties.

Sanchez said they have about 13 employees, but as they get busier, they expect to increase that number to 25 and they are always taking applications.

Eventually, Sanchez wants to add a brewery and catering service. He also wants to add lunch and breakfast. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

B Simple BBQ and Steakhouse operates Thursdays through Sundays. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Photo by Stan Bindel: Jamie Western, Christina McGinty, Jose Sanchez and Aubrea Cole welcome guests in for a unique dining experience.

Catching the Wind

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Nearly half of all energy delivered to SRP customers will come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2025.

Large equipment, including wind turbine blades, are traveling along U.S. Route 180 between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon to the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center. Here, more than 50 wind turbines are being erected on Babbitt Ranches as Coconino County becomes one of the largest concentrations of renewable energy centers in the nation.

The 161-megawatt wind project is being developed by NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy and a world leader in battery storage. Electricity generated by wind energy is expected to power Salt River Project (SRP) households in 2024.

Meanwhile, earlier this summer, SRP and Clēnera, an Enlight Company, announced a power purchase agreement for an additional 394 megawatts (MW) of clean energy at CO Bar Solar outside of Flagstaff. This is the second agreement executed between Clēnera and SRP at the CO Bar Solar complex, and with both agreements, SRP has now procured nearly 1,000 MW, or 1 gigawatt (GW), of power from the project. Once operational in 2025, CO Bar Solar will offset more than 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

“This is not only the largest solar plant in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States, but it will also be the most significant solar resource in SRP’s energy portfolio,” said SRP CEO Jim Pratt. “SRP will be quadrupling the amount of utility-scale solar on our power system in just the next two years, with CO Bar Solar as a key part of this. Nearly half of all energy delivered to SRP customers will come from carbon-free resources by the end of 2025.”

“In our efforts to support the delivery of renewable energy, we acknowledge the terrific and wonderful participation of so many businesses and government entities involved in the process to make this happen,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco, on behalf of the Babbitt Ranches Community. “We appreciate the valuable input from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona State Land Department, Coconino County and everyone involved in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations.”

Benefits from the wind and solar projects include employment opportunities, increased business activity for local businesses and millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to help enhance roads and public services. QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Wind turbine blades like this one are arriving at the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center. 

Ex-Cop Urges All to Act Now on the Life They Want

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She brings her motivational message to the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards this Sunday at Starting Point.

“Someday” is a word we hear a lot — someday I’ll join a gym, someday I’ll get that degree, someday I’ll write that book. As a police officer, Julie Jones saw all too often that “someday” didn’t come for someone.
Julie has transitioned from cop to coach to help people “Stop Waiting Start Living,” which is the name of one of her books. She brings her motivational message to the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards this Sunday at Starting Point. Read about her here:    https://www.quadcitiesbusinessnews.com/ex-cop-urges-all-to-act-now-on-the-life-they-want/.
Hear from Julie now at Zonie Living on Star Worldwide Networks: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/stop-waiting-start-living-with-julie-jones-video

ATHENA Founder Continues to Encourage Women to Step into Their Leadership Potential

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Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Just as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, gave strength and encouragement to ancient Athens, the steadfast support of ATHENA Leadership Program founder Martha Mayhood Mertz continues to be felt around the world. This month her pioneering work as a champion for women will be celebrated at the Fourth Annual Quad Cities ATHENA Leadership Awards, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall.

It will be an event for “the community to celebrate and inspire people,” she says, as the Quad Cities names three recipients: ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional and ATHENA Organization.

Tickets are available at PrescottAthena.com.

Hear more from Mertz on Zonie Living at StarWorldwideNetworks.com

Watch now: https://starworldwidenetworks.com/episodes/encouraging-celebrating-women-in-leadership-with-athena-program-founder-martha-mayhood-mertz-video

Virtual Nurses Working Bedside Day and Night

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YRMC West is the first hospital in the Southwest to offer this service.

Hospital patients in Prescott, along with their families, can now talk to a nurse on demand, virtually, at any time, with the tap of a screen. Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) West is the first hospital in the Southwest to provide this high-tech service. Hospital officials say the new Virtually Integrated Care program (VIC) is designed to improve the patient experience and reduce the workload of bedside nurses.

Through a high-definition camera, video screen and two-way audio, each patient at YRMC West can talk with a live human registered nurse 24/7. Chief Nursing Executive Officer Tracey McCollum says virtual nurses can answer questions, provide information about procedures, follow through on dietary requests and make rounds with physicians.

“The virtual nurses can look into the room and see if everything is in place,” she said, pointing out that this is especially important for patients who are at risk of falling.

The virtual program also helps to address the nursing shortage that is an issue in Arizona and nationwide. March statistics show that nationally, 75% of hospitals have a 15.7% vacancy rate for nurses. Making the shortage worse, in the West, there is a 22.4% annual turnover rate on average. At YRMC, it is reported to be about 18% per year.

By 2027, officials say the U.S. could be short 800,000 nurses. “We need to be creative to stretch our workforce,” said McCollum. “This virtual program expands the ability of the staff to take care of the patient.”

So far, five nurses have been hired for the VIC program. When fully staffed, that number is expected to increase to 11. Those joining the virtual nurse team must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in surgical nursing.

While working to retain current nurses, Dignity Health also encourages people to join the profession. McCollum says those with nursing aspirations can start as nursing assistants, so they are making money while they are going to school. She adds that many nursing students at Yavapai College have their school paid for by grants, and new graduates can start working at $35 per hour.

The VIC program was developed by the Dignity Health/CommonSpirit network. It is expected to be available for patients at YRMC East in Prescott Valley in 2024. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Virtual nurses are registered nurses hired specifically for the new YRMC program, available to talk with patients in real time around the clock.

How Much Wood Would a Woodworker Work?

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BrooxWood Studio finds Prescott space to keep up with global demand.

How much wood would a woodworker work if a woodworker could craft wood? Courtney Wilson wasn’t looking for the answer to that question, but she got it anyway when she asked her husband, Chris, to build a wooden mantel over their fireplace.

The wooden mantel, plus six pieces of heavy, large hand-crafted wooden furniture later, Courtney said, “Stop!”

“We had way too many pieces and nowhere to put them!” she explained.

So, the Wilsons took their furniture to the Phoenix Flea market and sold out within hours.

They also attracted clients, which led them to starting their Live Edge Lust wood furniture shop in Central Phoenix. Six years into their business, a large contract required a larger space for them to store and work with huge slabs of wood. It also provided enough financial security that they realized they could operate anywhere.

They chose Prescott because of the natural beauty and the weather. Also, Chris was born and raised in the area. They found a 1,500-square-foot space with high ceilings to support their woodworking shop and studio at 820 E. Sheldon St., in historic downtown Prescott.

“We build custom furniture for private clients,” said Courtney. “We’ve found love and creativity in every piece.”

They also rebranded the business to BrooxWood Studio and Broox Plants under the company name of Broox Collective.

“Brooks is a family name,” said Courtney. “Chris’s Uncle Brooks had a huge influence on him and we wanted to honor him. We changed the spelling to ‘Broox’ because it has a more modern and artisan feel to it.”

When the couple opened the doors for their grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 12, about 400 people showed up to see their sustainable organic luxury furnishings for the home and office, as well as exotic plants that promote healthier air quality.

Finished hand-crafted pieces such as conference tables, credenzas, headboards, coffee tables and nightstands enticed home and business owners. Unfinished slabs of golden acacia and mango wood from Thailand, known as urban jungle wood, inspired hobbyists and entrepreneurs.

“We are really proud of our high quality, high-grade wood,” said Courtney. “We get it from trees that have been blown down from storms or are left over from new construction.”

Courtney says customers can order what they want. “The woodworking is done on site, including milling and flattening.”

The Wilsons ship their creations to destinations all over the world and are quickly becoming known throughout the Quad Cities area as they have settled into the community, attending and supporting local events. The couple plans to work with Yavapai College woodworking classes and hopes to offer classes on site. They also want to offer BrooxWood Studio as a venue for events. QCBN

By Stan Bindell and Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

To find out more, call BrooxWood Studio at 928-412-5310.

Photo by Kay Lyons: Chris and Courtney Wilson found their future in wood and their home in Prescott. 

Desert Pines Resort Offering Manufactured Housing Community

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“These homes are attainable and in a great price range with great amenities,” he said.

Construction for the Desert Pines Resort project featuring 179 homes in Prescott Valley is underway for the 55+ community that will offer more affordable housing and amenities for seniors.

The manufactured homes will cost $200,000 to $280,000. Homes vary from 780 to 1,600 square feet; most have two bedrooms and two baths. Residents will own the homes, but not the land.

The purchase will also give the homeowners access to the community center, which includes a swimming pool, pickleball courts, a weight room, a dog park and a cornhole area. A public golf course is not part of Desert Pines Resort, but is nearby.

Eric Granillo of Granillo Homes is one of the owners of the project and is in charge of construction. Mike Middleton, another owner, is a real estate agent who is overseeing sales.

One of the manufactured homes is under construction and two homes have been purchased. Desert Pines has also received deposits for several other homes. Phase one of the project will involve 50 lots and take about two years. Middleton says he expects all 179 homes to be full in five to six years.

“These homes are attainable and in a great price range with great amenities,” he said. “It’s resort-style amenities without resort-style prices. This is a beautiful home park.”

Popular amenities in Desert Pines Resort include the professional grade pickleball courts. “It’s one of the nicest outside pickleball courts in the area,” said Granillo.

Middleton said Desert Pines will also be enticing to those who travel a lot because the property from the road to the porch is maintained by the resort. The development owners also are looking into having an RV storage area on site.

Granillo’s father started Granillo Homes 41 years ago. As a kid, he can remember being around the family business since he was 8 years old. He became heavily involved 12 years ago. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Desert Pines Resort is located off State Rt. 69, south of Fain Road.

Photo by Kay Lyons: Sales team Darby and Mark Middleton want to open the door to “attainable” housing in Prescott Valley.