For over the past 20 years, we’ve celebrated the Valley’s best. From the top businesses and professionals to the people who make it all happen, Arizona Foothills Magazine’s annual Best of Our Valley contest recognizes Arizona’s crème de la crème across more than 400 categories. From the best doctors and best resort down to the best cup of coffee you can find around town, each Best of titleholder is chosen by those who know the city best – our readers.
Each week, we’ll be highlighting individual winners from Best of Our Valley 2018, who share their advice, insights and thoughts on what it means to be a part of this exclusive list.
The Best of spotlight is on Chef Tomaso Maggiore of Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant and Tomaso’s When in Rome, who claimed the Valley’s Most Influential in Valley Food. Congrats, Tomaso!
AFM: In a brief 2-3 sentences, please tell us a little bit about you!
Tomaso Maggiore (TM): I am a long time Valley restauranteur with a deep love for Italian cuisine which can be attributed to my mother, Sarina, who showed us her love through her food. Although culinary trends come and go, I stay true to the beauty and simplicity of Italian cuisine and I think my customers can taste the authenticity in every bite. I like to think that after every meal my customers have enjoyed, I have paid tribute to my mother, who taught me the art and power in Italian cooking.
AFM: What does it mean to you to be a Best of Our Valley winner?
TM: Having served the Valley since 1977, it is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Best of The Valley winner. This category, is also very exciting to me as I have spent many years putting my spin on authentic Italian and Sicilian cuisine and this hard work has allowed the original Tomaso’s to be a staple in Phoenix for several decades.
AFM: What’s your favorite part about being the Best of Our Valley’s Most Influential in Valley Food?
TM: I put my heart and soul into my restaurant, so to be recognized for a such a prestigious award is truly amazing. The best part about being the Best of Our Valley’s Most Influential is Valley Food is simply knowing that the community enjoys Tomaso’s as much as I love providing authentic Italian cuisine.
AFM: What advice would you give to others to be the “best” in your field?
TM: I would tell those who are striving to be the best in their field to always stay true to their roots. Never stray from your gut feeling because you know your concept better than anyone.
AFM: Have you seen any benefits as a result of being a BOOV winner?
TM: We love seeing new faces in Tomaso’s, so I’ve been thrilled that people who have read the article want to come in and try the food for themselves.
AFM: How do you put your “best” foot forward every day?
TM: It is my passion and adoration for cooking that motivates me to get up every morning and create dishes that put a smile on the faces of my customers.
Be sure to get your copy of the April 2018 ‘Best of Our Valley’ issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine, a tell-all guide to the best people and places in the Valley of the Sun.
Interested in participating or want to recommend a business, professional or individual for Best of Our Valley? Best of Our Valley 2019 is now accepting nominations. Click here to find out more!
