by Melissa Larsen
His name is practically synonymous with Italian food in the Valley. Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant has been a Phoenix dining fixture for more than 40 years thanks to the talents of owner and executive chef, Tomaso Maggiore. (He also owns Tomaso’s When in Rome.) “When coming to America and the Valley in general, my goal was to bridge the authentic Italian culinary traditions with modern-contemporary cuisine and introduce the Valley to the rich flavors and distinct heritage of my hometown in Sicily.” To illustrate his impact on the local dining scene, Mayor Greg Stanton even named Sept. 29 “Tomaso’s Day.” “Never did I think I would have my own holiday in the city I love and live in.” @tomasophoenix, @tomasoswheninrome.
