Features

“Ever since I can remember, I have been passionate about food,” says Paola Embry, sommelier and co-owner of Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge in the Biltmore Fashion Park. Growing up in Chile, she helped at her grandparents’ tiny four-table restaurant as a child, and now after 18 years of her own foodie success, she says, “the restaurant business is in my blood.”

You’re probably familiar with his clean-lined ball gowns and flattering dresses, but we got to know fashion designer Tadashi Shoji a little better after sitting down with him backstage at the Holiday Prelude fashion show at The Phoenician Resort.

"The AZ Insider" with Kathy Shayna Shocket: Get the inside scoop on Arizona's social scene and celebrity news.

When talking to Stephanie Newhouse, one does not feel as if they are speaking to a Conde Nast royal or socialite: They feel like they are conversing with a girl you have known for years, or just catching up with an old friend at market.