Hassler, who grew up in the Valley, had a similar shift in thinking about food and how to eat it after studying abroad in the 90s.
“In America, life was all about go go go, but in France and Italy, your life is about dinner,” she believes. “What you will eat, who you will eat with, where you will eat, the conversation you have once you get there. That experience changed me.”
“I say it’s country French and American comfort food.”
Lauren Cusimano
A mostly self-taught chef, Hassler worked for a caterer in Italy, settling there and marrying. When she and her husband returned to Phoenix, she brought back memories of dining and cooking abroad.
But Robertson says she is not going away for good.
“I know I will be back cooking and welcoming you again, but in a different, perhaps more simple way,” she says. “Believe me, I know how lucky I have been in this business. I am more great than grateful especially for your support during this last year.”
Till Rancho’s last night, reservations will be accepted via email at ranchopinot@hotmail.com or phone at 480-367-8030. Any unused gift cards will also be refunded.
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“Menus are available for dine-in as well as to-go,” reads a press release. “With take-out dining still a necessary and vital part of how restaurants are surviving in the COVID age, diners are encouraged to participate in any way they feel comfortable enjoying the incredible ARW menus in a restaurant or in the comfort of their own homes.”
A number of restaurants are already on board, including heavy hitters such as Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Citizen Public House and The Gladly, and more. There are also west Valley restaurants, like Litchfield’s and Red’s Bar and Grill at The Wigwam, plus Urban Margarita and Arrowhead Grill. Other participants include Buck &Rider and Pedal Haus Brewery,