Phoenix-based chef and restauranteur Joey Maggiore had a milestone week in late September with the celebration of his debut cookbook, Brunch King: Eats, Beats, and Boozy Drinks, alongside the grand opening of his latest restaurant, The Italiano, which opened its doors in Scottsdale on September 25. The much-anticipated cookbook is now available on Amazon, in bookstores, and at all seven Hash Kitchen locations.
Brunch King features 70 recipes, each accompanied by extravagant photography. The dishes range from decadent favorites like Bananas Foster Pancakes and Cannoli Donuts to creative takes such as Birria Bao Benedict and Billionaire’s Bacon.
Fans of Hash Kitchen – Maggiore’s popular Arizona brunch chain – will recognize many of the beloved dishes that have helped him discover a unique space in the Valley’s culinary landscape. One of Maggiore’s favorite dishes from the book is the Carnitas Hash.
“I love them all, but that hash is one of my favorites. It has been on the menu since day one, and it brings home the flavors of Mexico with the carnitas and tomatillo sauce,” Maggiore said. “It is also the perfect hangover cure.”
The cookbook’s chapters have playful names like Gangsta Sweets: So Good It’s Almost Criminal, Let’s Get Cracking, and Hash, Hash Baby, encouraging readers to embrace the creative side of brunch. The cookbook also includes cocktail suggestions and curated playlists to keep the energy high while crafting your brunch dishes.
Maggiore’s culinary career began at age 13 when he started working under the guidance of master chef and restaurateur Tomaso Maggiore – also known as Joey’s father. The debut cookbook pays homage to his journey with Hash Kitchen, which was at the heart of the project.
Maggiore is excited about the opening of his sixth restaurant concept. This eatery reflects his Italian heritage and culinary training and offers a menu of homemade pasta dishes and traditional plates inspired by his childhood.
“The Italiano is my legacy restaurant,” Maggiore said. “This restaurant is my childhood and culinary training all in one place. Any of our handmade pastas are nothing less than spectacular.”
Maggiore’s impact on the Arizona food scene grows with these two new ventures. As an author and restauranteur, his influence extends beyond the restaurant table into homes and kitchens everywhere. For more information, visit joeymaggiore.com.
