Best of Flagstaff 2024 – Gail G. Collins

Matters of Taste: Los Alteños Restaurant

AZ Daily Sun, December 27, 2024

Written by Gail G. Collins

How much do we learn standing by our mother’s side? Plenty, especially in the kitchen. In real time, her actions model what matters. We learn priorities, discipline, skills, techniques, creativity, joy in serving, teamwork, and of course, love.

Beginning on a step stool, even the toddler can participate and appreciate the effort it takes to provide a beautiful meal and its associated tasks, like dishwashing or sweeping up. In time, important elements are passed on—the family recipes and traditions.

So it was for Bertha Lopez, who at 14 years old was her mother’s right hand in cooking for her nine siblings in Mexico. Daughter Brenda Lopez emphasized, “Bertha is the OG—the original gal—the creator of the big idea and the recipes at Los Alteños. Cooking is a big thing in our family. At get-togethers, we are always about the food.”

Los Alteños Restaurant has stood in its present location on Milton Road in Flagstaff since 2000 when Bertha helped her uncle Juan Rodriquez to open it. She worked there for many years until he retired in 2017. Brenda said proudly, “We kept it in the family,” and the business continued with Bertha’s family.

Brenda grew up in the kitchen, learning at her mother’s elbow. “Our food is authentic. Some are family recipes. With 40 years of cooking experience, Bertha can taste a dish and list the ingredients. She does trial and error to reproduce something.”

The seriously family business includes Bertha and husband Juan, Brenda, Ruben and Maria. As for living and working together with the challenges they can present, Brenda said, “We got the hang of it, but bumped heads lot to start. With family, you work things out.” She added, “I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.”

The Jalisco style is simplistic, according to Brenda, with low seasoning—posole, carne asada and birria, beef marinated in red, spicy sauce. The sauces are scratch made and fresh ingredients feature. “It’s not over-seasoned; it’s like you’re at Grandmother’s house.”

Los Alteños is well known for its salsas in mild to hot chili in flavors of avocado, guacamole, green and hot red—the popular pick. Guest mix them, creating personal blends. “We’re working on selling jarred salsa as a personal touch because people are always asking,” Brenda said.

From the specialties list, birria tacos are the top seller. Tortillas are dipped in house enchilada sauce and include cheese, cilantro, onion, salsa verde, guacamole and birria, a rich broth for dipping.

Breakfast is served all day in combo plates with a range of protein choices and as burritos with egg and cheese plus American standard ham or sausage to Mexican chorizo or machaca, plus hash browns. The balance of the menu is vast and happily anticipated. There are six types of tortas, tostados and quesadillas, hard tacos, a dozen burrito and soft taco choices, seafood, such as the ceviche tostado, and soups with menudo offered daily.

From the combination plates, served with rice and beans, the grilled steak fajitas are most popular. The gorditas, with filling choices of carnitas or chicarron to al pastor or tripa to polla or shrimp, utilize house made batter, which is hard to find, Brenda suggested.

Located in a strip mall with easy parking, Los Alteños is a simple dining strategy with ordering at the counter to be served by friendly staff. There is ample seating around taupe wood tables with the dining space divided by a long, elevated bar with chairs. Framed prints in Mexican design line the walls, and outside, patio shade is available.

The crowd is heavily local from NAU students to construction crews and passersby. The business caters weddings and other church or family events. Setting up a taco stand and salsa bar is straightforward and full of choice, while a grill cart for steak fajita platters offers another delicious, desirable option.

With such an array of authentic and fresh menu items, no one ever leaves hungry from Los Alteños Restaurant. But it is more than that. “At Christmas, firefighters and police eat for free as way of saying, ‘Thank you.’” Tamales made in house are available then. And Brenda added, “Anyone in need will be fed. We believe, whatever you give out, you will get back.” AZDailySun

https://azdailysun.com/flaglive/features/chow/matters-of-taste-los-alte-os-restaurant/article_a32183c2-c21e-11ef-8aad-871c1897b351.html

Best of RVs: Woody Mountain wins for RV Park; Wheel Estate for RV Maintenance

Best of Flagstaff 2024

Written by Gail G. Collins

“Route 66 celebrates 100 years in 2025, and weary travelers along the path have always stopped here to rest,” said Tom Boggess, owner of Woody Mountain Campground. The history is long and consistent. The recently dolled up bed and breakfast was an inn over the years and part of the wagon trail from the start.

Woody Mountain Campground began in 1968, and the longtime owners sold to the Boggess family and other partners nearly a decade ago. Their 23 acres lie in the thick of things while offering a respite. “You can camp in the cool pines in the city of Flagstaff, the building is historic—from the 40s—and the road we’re on that turns off the old Route 66 runs to The Edge of the World,” said Tom of the popular off-road scenic encounter that overlooks Sedona.

The campground has undergone renovation and improvements, but original buildings and sites remain, offering vintage appeal with elevated facilities, according to general manager Willow Boggess. That dedication earned them a win as Best Campground. Woody Mountain offers everything from full hook-up RV sites to tent sites under shady pines in clear mountain air with laundry facilities, showers and bathrooms, dump and fill plus more. A bed and breakfast affords the comforts of home with coffee and breakfast in a cozy lounge or patio. Six uniquely appointed rooms also offer Wi-Fi and access to their popular trail.

Updated amenities include the Last Haul Coffee and Wine Lounge, serving chai to espresso to matcha to cover your caffeine needs alongside freshly baked cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones and breakfast bagel sandwiches or sip on some Arizona wines. The General Store has gone from the usual campground shop to full convenience with lots of goodies, said Willow. “We keep it all as local as possible with Single Speed Coffee Roasters, Arizona wines and artists, like Arne ceramics, Sweet Sting Honey and Woof 66 treats.”

People have returned to the campground over the decades, reminiscing of a time just after WWII or a family trip in the 70s. “It’s where everyone turns,” reminded Tom.

What is old is new again with the warmest welcome to Woody Mountain Campground. “Our vision was to create a community and event space,” said Willow. “Come on over and have a cup of coffee.”

When it’s time to winterize your RV, why not call a reputable company instead of hoping to get it right on your own? Or are you about to purchase your dream vacation vehicle and join the ranks of RV’ers? In either case, hire Wheel Estate Mobil RV Services and Inspections. They can crawl over every inch and assure you the vehicle is sound. Such thoroughness has earned them top honors in 2024.

You may be buying new, but even a dealership may miss things, such as dripping hoses, disconnections and a break in a seal. All were found in pre-buy inspection by Wheel Estate. Now, consider the undisclosed issues on a resale unit, such as grounding or other electrical faults, tire wear, doors that won’t close and secure, crushed vent pipes or a spray paint lid used to “replace” a plumbing vent cap. It wouldn’t last a highway mile. Danielle and Scott Sulzer have seen it all. Danielle is a registered RV technician and both are registered RV inspectors, schooled in 2020 by National RV Training Academy.

Hiring a registered inspector offers transparency going into a major decision. Having a full report on the roof and sealants, soft spots, water entry point at antennas, rusted nails around skylights, whether appliances work properly, propane leaks, floor sags and more obviously inform decisions about whether to buy a unit, repair it, ask for a discounted price or be thankful and walk away.

Once Wheel Estate has inspected an RV, they will not work on it for a year to maintain integrity, but if you need your AC or furnace serviced, the fridge is broken or you have a leak, they will come to you or your renter’s site. They believe in continuing education to stay up-to-date and are thankful for vendors with top notch information to provide the best customer care.

Wheel Estate has even been a guest on the podcast and YouTube channel RV Lifestyle with Mike and Jennifer Wendland, where they talked about the secrets of an RV Inspector. When a rigorous inspection, maintenance or repair is required, Wheel Estate assures, “Wheel be there when you need us.” BestofFLG24

https://azdailysun.com/news/bestof/best-of-rvs-woody-mountain-wins-for-rv-park-wheel-estate-for-rv-maintenance/article_cffae5a2-a2dc-11ef-ad81-b71f30bf111c.html

Voted Best Breakfast, Best Mexican & Best Waitstaff: MartAnne’s Burrito Palace celebrates its journey

Best of Flagstaff 2024

Written by Gail G. Collins

When you have been serving breakfast since 2001, you can forget you are also a Mexican restaurant, confessed Tina Martinez, owner of MartAnne’s Burrito Palace. After winning Best Breakfast multiple times, though the humble and happy crew doesn’t tack up their successes on the wall, they claimed the top Mexican spot. “We’re honored. It wasn’t on our radar. It took us 10 years to change our customers’ perspectives to consider us a Mexican restaurant,” she said. So, it feels pretty good.

MartAnne’s, “The House that Chilaquiles Built,” was founded on chips, sauce and eggs—Mexican comfort food leftovers served as breakfast. The institution on Route 66 in downtown flaunts fiesta fun in raspberry, ochre and cotton candy blue walls with whimsical palace décor in a riot of feathers, flowers and Emma Gardner’s skeleton art. Still, behind every institution, there is a history, and Tina reminisced.

The restaurant began in the early 80s under Gloria Martan Korkki, who sold it and bought it back twice before the transfer stuck with Anne Martinez in 2001. It has always been a family endeavor, and Miss Alice always came with the kitchen and a lot of experience. Gloria hatched the chilaquiles idea, but thought the food was too weird, too Mexican or too unknown, but did it anyway. “It was on the menu, and it became the hit,” Tina said with a laugh.

When her mother Anne took over, Tina worked as a server. The awning needed replacement, and the seller wanted a name to put on it. It had been Martan’s, so Tina suggested a tweak, adding “Anne,” so retaining the legacy and personalizing it.

In 2012, Tina, a driving force and visionary, took over MartAnne’s operations. “I moved from the shop around the corner to a new location, obtained a liquor license and expanded the space and menu.” Then, she admitted, “Our menu—we have too much on it, and we think that’s funny—but we want to have specials, even though our dishes are better than any special we could come up with.”

Perhaps, but an example they are equally good is the red chili beef tamale benedict with additional beef filling, topped with hollandaise sauce. “It’s been on our specials menu for five years!”

MartAnne’s isn’t one to follow trends. Mostly, they set them, but when they finally acquiesce, they do it right, like the quesabirria tacos that became a top seller. “They are the best in the state,” Tina said.

Sauces are from scratch, and they go above and beyond to source items they prefer. Many dishes are influenced by customers, even bearing their names. MartAnne’s offers traditional items, like huevos rancheros, but other dishes, like JB’s Volcano—a mini mountain of chilaquiles, covered with pork green chile, chorizo and sour cream, served with an over medium egg—can’t be found on a menu anywhere else. Another example is the Jerry el Mujeriego, a spicy, pork, green chile and cheese enchilada with sour cream and cilantro, topped with two eggs over medium.

Some items are seasonal, like the pumpkin pancakes, topped with a scoop of sweet cream cheese. “It has a following, and in July, people begin asking if we’ll bring it back again.” Of course, they do.

Other places might consider the whacky combinations inauthentic—there is too much sauce or the posole is green—but it’s MartAnne’s version of Mexican food.

“My husband is from Sonora, and he loves it all,” Tina said. “Grandmas cook in their kitchen differently, and we feel no one is right.”

MartAnne’s is known for its music, keeping it lively and atypical during the day with Sinatra, Ozzy Osbourne, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young or Etta James. A different night vibe takes over with Spanish guitar and salsa.

The restaurant is as likely to have local customers ordering as tourists. Regulars eat there two or three times a week, and staff knows their needs.

“MartAnne’s is a combination, a collection of multiple women cooks and races, who for one reason or another cooked or worked here,” Tina explained. “Anne took the original menu, spiced it up and made sure every dish was the best it could be. Emma Gardner is part of that collection, a server, who brought color and her skeleton art. We want to remain MartAnne’s—that melting pot of influences of family and cooks. Our style is Flagstaff style.” BestofFLG24

https://azdailysun.com/news/bestof/voted-best-breakfast-best-mexican-best-waitstaff-martannes-burrito-palace-celebrates-its-journey/article_9f1fe294-a2b8-11ef-8db9-7b009d14c6ad.html

Representing Arizona with compassion: Evans and Garrey win Best Law Firm

Best of Flagstaff 2024

Written by Gail G. Collins

An injury or accident happens without notice. We have no time to prepare. In an instant, our life is changed, and we are simply subject to the consequences. But that doesn’t mean our suffering should have no consequences. There may be costs, resources necessary, lost work, physical impairment, therapies and more. When this happens, we need help, concern and a way forward.

Evan Garrey understands this and offers a compassionate, constructive hand in getting life back on track. “Our goal is to help people, especially in northern Arizona to carry through a difficult time when they or their loves ones are hurting. We’ve seen what a difference it can make in people’s lives,” said Erin Evans.

The attorney has been practicing for 17 years and spent nearly 20 with partner Reid Garrey, mentored as an intern while in she attended law school. The firm serves the entire state of Arizona. While Garrey is located in Phoenix, Evans moved to Flagstaff to extend their reach a few years ago.

The focus is catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death, and while affording a personal touch, they will fight justice deserved. The firm is accessible, providing regular updates throughout the process. The legal team works closely with clients to understand their situation, build a strong case and pursue the responsible parties to ensure those affected receive the compensation they truly deserve. Such individual attention earned the firm notice as top law firm in Flagstaff.

“We focus on providing clients a unique and personal experience that a large law firm doesn’t extend,” explained Evans. “We are involved in every case every step of the way with immense trial experience. We won’t settle unless the sum is equivalent with the loss.”

As Flagstaff sits at the crossroads of Interstates 17 and 40 with enormous trucking traffic, it is understandable that auto accidents construe the largest percentage of cases. Drunk driving, boating injuries, bike and pedestrian accidents, multiple lines of liability, such as premises, product and nursing home negligence and workplace accidents round out the cases handled by the firm. “Negligent hiring and training is a large part of what we pursue, whether it’s corporate cases or accidents caused by semi-trucks,” she said.

Recently, a personal injury case surrounding product liability involving paralysis paid out $3M, and depending on the circumstances, amounts generally range from $250,000 for hit-and-run or premises liability to multi-millions for auto accidents or wrongful death.

Community is central to the firm’s services and extends to professional and personal development. Evans has served as president of Coconino Bar Association, been appointed to the Supreme Court Committee on Examinations, acted as board member of Creative Flagstaff, supported the local chapter of Child Health for 10 years, sponsored Arboretum Garden Parties and more.

When reputation and experience matters, clients look to Evans Garrey. Through integrity, honesty and professionalism, Evans Garrey always represents the client’s best interests during what is often the most difficult time of their lives. “We don’t take only big cases, but want to help people even in the smallest of situations. It’s been a great journey,” Evans said of her law career serving the public. BestofFLG24

https://azdailysun.com/news/bestof/representing-arizona-with-compassion-evans-and-garrey-win-best-law-firm/article_219e1c6a-a2df-11ef-a469-7bdf2111de23.html

Run Flagstaff a community hub for runners of all levels

Best of Flagstaff 2024

Written by Gail G. Collins

Run Flagstaff, winner of the Best Shoe Store, is the resource for all things running. Whether you’re a veteran runner or deciding to tie on some shoes for the first time, there is no better place to go for gear. Of course, you can find specialty shoes, but you can also join a group to run trails or pick up a packet for an event to motivate your training. They have you covered. This is a crafted strategy by owners Vince Sherry, a run specialty guru; Sarah Sherry, who can fit you with shoes or fix you up with apparel from socks to sunglasses; and Nick Arcianiaga, a pro marathoner, whose attention to runners and community has help secure the Top 50 Best Running Store Award four times over.

The aim at Run Flagstaff is to encourage year-round running, channeling the history, the purity and the intricacy of Flagstaff’s foundation in the sport to create an awesome experience. The shop honors this connection to place with indigenous experiences from hand-cut fixtures to inspirational images of recreational and world class caliber athletes. They advocate the area’s hallowed and infamous trails, like Lake Mary Road, which have turned aspiring professionals into champions.

Thoughtfully curated products appeal to a diversity of runner types, including kids, whose footwear is equally important as they consider sports. Shoppers should take advantage Run Flagstaff’s gait analysis to find the right fit for the foot. Specialists can identify foot types, biomechanics and form. Clients are profiled for their experience, injuries and goals. Then, they run unshod on a treadmill for assessment of the foot for flex, roll and transitions to various activities to determine structure and shape. This provides data for shoe products, which can then be tested on the treadmill under conditions.

Run Flagstaff is not just a running store, but promotes community as culture. The goal is to become a better running community. Their website spotlights local runners and building relationship. The shop donates to Kids Run and Team Run Flagstaff, which began in 2010, to organize training and offer expert coaching with educational workshops to cultivate an atmosphere that allows elite runners and beginners to share the same track, pursuing individual goals with a sense of camaraderie. There are also track and trail clubs, local meet-ups and training groups.

In this vein, Run Flagstaff is title sponsor of the Flagstaff Summer Racing Series, while hosting annual spike and flat nights for the high schools, packet pick-ups, speakers and group runs. They can also provide race timing with three packages to optimize event participation and effectiveness, covering management for road racing or cross country, triathlons and mud events.

“Flagstaff is the kind of place, where friends literally run by your house to pick you up, so it makes it hard for your to be lazy,” said Sarah on a Team Run video. The area begs an outdoors existence, where we are inclined to take to the trails and mingle in the mountains. The climate, the technical challenges, and elevation to increase stamina are available right in our backyard. This draws professional athletes to train in Flagstaff, inspiring others, while offering the average Joe or Jane the chance to feel a part of something bigger.

More than anything, Run Flagstaff produces positive results with the best shoes and community. “We support individuals and organizations that are the very pulse of what makes Flagstaff a great place to live and train,” their mission states. BestofFLG24

https://azdailysun.com/news/bestof/run-flagstaff-a-community-hub-for-runners-of-all-levels/article_ee48714a-a2e7-11ef-814c-ebbd3dfc5b6b.html