When I am looking for a great culinary experience, I think about three things, taste, quality and ambiance. Luckily, I happen to live in a city that is becoming a foodie mecca where practically anywhere you go is “Instagrammable” and the food is worth talking about. If you can produce great tasting food and create an environment that captures the essence of the story that you are telling, then you’re doing it right in my book.
There is one hospitality group that fits the bill perfectly and if you know me, you have heard me preaching about it several times already. Fox Restaurant Concepts originated in Arcadia and is now a successful national brand. With many culinary offerings under their belt, they are considered a game-changer in the industry. We got the opportunity to interview the person that is responsible for keeping things fresh, delicious and always making us come back for more.
Christopher Cristiano is the corporate chef and vice president for Fox Restaurant Concepts and has been Sam Fox’s right-hand man for over seventeen years. Having previously worked for world renowned chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Keith Luce, Cristiano has developed his own signature style that is distinguishable at any of the Fox restaurants. Cristiano was the original chef at Fox’s Wildflower American Cuisine in Tucson and over the years has developed True Food, Zinburger, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, NoRTH Italia and the list continues. We got the opportunity to chat with Cristiano himself and find out the backstory behind the hospitality empire.
“Sam originally had a vision of one restaurant and it was to bring a big city feel to a small town, so we started in Tucson. We created that big city atmosphere through our interior design and food development and we have continued to carry that same theory throughout the FRC existence,” said Cristiano.
Photo Courtesy of Figi Water
So what makes Fox Restaurant Concepts such an accomplished business venture? The art of listening. Cristiano keeps up with the latest culinary trends and pays attention to the experience that his customers are seeking. Today, it’s all about the origination of the food you are consuming, “From farm to oven to your plate- I think that’s what people are focused on. How the food is raised on the field and final presentation in the restaurant,” said Cristiano. He also shined light upon an interesting concept that food trends evolve and recycle. What was popular 20 years ago is popular again today but with a modern contemporary twist.
Fox Restaurant Concepts HQ in Arcadia
A relatively new Fox Restaurant concept, Flower Child is currently Cristiano’s favorite dining spot due to the laidback ambiance and the light healthy fare. Just walking into the restaurant is like a breath of fresh air with the hippie influence and decorative flora. You can customize your own plate or choose from a variety of healthy wraps, salads or protein bowls. The branding is charming, fun and memorable, perfect for the age of all things “social.” The second Flower Child location just recently opened up on Shea & 90th St. in North Scottsdale.
Photo Courtesy of Nation’s Restaurant News
Photo Courtesy of Fabulous Arizona
Cristiano will always consider NoRTH Italia his original favorite within restaurant group. Being a true Italian at heart, he has had a huge influence on the menu by sharing and creating some of his favorite entrees. When Cristiano isn’t dining at one of his FRC establishments, you can find him at Roka Akor eating top-notch salmon and sushi, most likely brainstorming his next culinary adventure.
