34 DECEMBER 2018 By Michelle Donati-Grayman Justine Dachel is a second-generation Arcadia native who grew up in the kitchen. Coming from a big family who loved to cook, her passion for food was ignited early on by her mother and grandmother. After her younger sister was diagnosed with celiac disease, she and her mother, Julie Moreno, started recreating traditional recipes without gluten, a natural food binder that helps foods such as bread stick together. “Sometimes you can tell the difference between gluten- free and non-gluten-free foods, but that isn’t what we’re about,” Moreno said. “We set out to change the game.” Realizing their efforts could help others, they began selling their gluten-free creations at Valley farmers markets. The popularity of their baked goods led them to open a brick and mortar restaurant, Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe, located at 4041 E. Thomas Road, five years ago this month. Earlier this year, Moreno retired from the restaurant, leaving it in her daughter’s hands. Recognizing that business had plateaued — with the exception of Sunday brunch — Dachel got to work creating a new “instagramable,” all-day brunch-focused menu, which debuted last month. Jewel’s new menu includes more than two dozen brunch options ranging from $4 to $15. Highlights include sugar “sinner” fries, which are described as a hangover cure, and braised chickpea chilaquiles, which were inspired by Sous Chef JD’s Mexico City roots. If you’re a chicken and waffles aficionado, the cafe serves up its “cluckin” best version of the dish, starting with classic crispy fried buttermilk chicken sitting atop a Belgian waffle, then drizzled with honey hot sauce and warm buttermilk syrup. To compliment the new menu, the restaurant serves Press Coffee and offers an assortment of brunch cocktails, including bottomless mimosas for $12 and bloody marys for $13 when you buy an entree. Recognizing that gluten-free products can be expensive, the menu also features a sliding scale breakfast, created for families on a budget. The on-the-go breakfast bag ranges from $4 to $7 and consists of the chef’s choice of four items, including eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and pastries. Dachel is on a mission to change the perception of gluten-free food and create an atmosphere where someone with food allergies can bring their friends to enjoy a great meal. “Sometimes people hear the words gluten-free and just assume it’s going to be bland and flavorless,” Dachel said. “Go ahead, I’ll bet you. You won’t be able to tell the difference.” New all-day brunch menu is a hit at Jewel’s The new menu at Jewel’s Bakery & Cafe features more than two dozen “Just Brunch” items, including the hot fried chicken sandwich, which was the People’s Choice winner at the 2018 Hot Chicken Throw Down. By Megan Forrester Eight days of celebration have finally arrived. With Hanukkah beginning on December 2, it is time to pull out the menorahs, dreidels and latkes. Here are four ways to gather with loved ones, fulfill old traditions and make new ones during this special holiday. COMMUNITY HANUKKAH CANDLE LIGHTING 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, 85256 jewishphoenix.org One of the traditions of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah each night of the holiday. Usually people gather with their loved ones, but why not gather with the entire community? Come to the OdySea in the Desert on Sunday, December 9 for a night filled with holiday-themed activities suitable for the whole family, including a latke making competition and Hanukkah sing- alongs. This event, which is from 3 – 7 p.m., is the perfect way to finish off this year’s Festival of Lights before it ends. MAZELPALOOZA 7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, 85251 mazelpalooza.org The annual traditions of Hanukkah may end on the eighth night of lighting the menorah, but the party itself isn’t over. The 20th anniversary of Mazelpalooza is made for young Jewish adults looking for something to do on Christmas Eve. This party, hosted at Wasted Grain in Old Town Scottsdale, features a live band and DJ, drink specials every hour, a Hanukkah- themed photo booth and a garden party with patio games. This isn’t an average holiday party, but it’s a place for people to gather and develop new memories with others who also share a love for Hanukkah. HA HA HANUKKAH 214 W. Main St., Mesa, 85201 nctphoenix.com The holiday season can get stressful at times, so why not get a few laughs out? Get your giggle on at the National Comedy Theater Phoenix during its Ha Ha Hanukkah: The Festival of Laughs event. Spend the evening of Friday, December 7 with local improv comedy teams while also having the chance to win prizes by spinning the dreidel. HANUKKAH HOT CHOCOLATE RUN 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, 85718 tucsonjcc.org You will need to take a drive for this one. The cold may be starting to fill the air, but that doesn’t mean Hanukkah can’t be celebrated outside — and the Hanukkah Hot Chocolate Run strives for exactly that. This third annual event on Sunday, December 2 features a way to enjoy the crisp morning air by participating in either the timed 5k or non-timed 1k run/walk. The flat race course allows all ages and abilities to participate. The run is followed by a light breakfast with, of course, a fresh batch of hot cocoa. Celebrate Hanukkah at these four Arizona spots Mazelpalooza in Scottsdale.

35 DECEMBER 2018 BUSINESS BRIEFS LOS TAQUITOS NOW OPEN The painter’s tape has been stripped off and a new Mexican restaurant has been revealed on the northwest corner of 32nd Street and Indian School Road. Los Taquitos opened their doors the first weekend in November, the fourth location from a family-owned business that started in 2000. The menu looks pretty straightforward, with tacos, burritos and bowls, etc., and some cerveza and margaritas to boot. The address is 3176 E. Indian School Road. GINO’S EAST OUT, NEW BAR CONCEPT IN After just a year and a half in the Valley, Gino’s East has shuttered their operation near Arcadia. A new bar concept is coming from Barter & Shake, a Phoenix bar group who operate UnderTow in the basement of Sip Coffee next door. The 4400 square-foot building will reportedly house a dual-concept of sorts, split between a neighborhood and high- end cocktail approach. Look for something to be unveiled at 3626 E. Indian School Road in Spring of 2019. JOANN A new JoAnn store has opened in the Arcadia Fiesta shopping center at 3049 E. Indian School Road. JoAnn is known for sewing, fabrics, crafting, art supplies, home decorating and other household concepts. WHO’S NEXT BARBER SHOP Now Open at 4280 E. Indian School Road, in the space formerly occupied by Athleticuts. Who’s Next Barber Shop is open seven days a week. HUBBARD SWIM SCHOOL AWARD One of Hubbard’s long-time swim instructors and Arcadia residents, Ed McHale, recently received the prestigious 2018 “Educator of the Year” award by the United States Swim School Association. This annual honor is only given out to one swim instructor from over 400 member swim schools across the United States and more than 20 countries that belong to the USSSA.