Scottsdale’s Restaurant Insider
Welcome to Forking Scottsdale—your insider's guide to the ever-evolving Scottsdale restaurant scene. We're here to keep you informed about what's happening in one of America's most exciting dining destinations. Every week, we cover the stories that matter most to local food lovers, from restaurant openings and closings to chef news, coming-soon announcements, dining deals, food events, and the hidden gems worth discovering. Our goal isn't to be another review website. Our mission is to help you stay connected to Scottsdale's restaurant community by delivering timely, trustworthy, and engaging restaurant news—all in one place. Whether you're deciding where to celebrate a special occasion, looking for the best new happy hour, or simply want to know what's opening next, Forking Scottsdale helps you stay one step ahead.
Our Philosophy
We believe great restaurants are about more than food. They're where celebrations happen, friendships grow, business deals are made, and memories are created. That's why we focus on the people, places, and stories shaping Scottsdale's dining scene—not just what's on the menu. Our content is designed to be informative, fair, and enjoyable to read. We celebrate the restaurants that make Scottsdale a premier dining destination while providing our readers with useful information they can trust.
Join The Community
Whether you've lived in Scottsdale for decades or just arrived in town, Forking Scottsdale is here to help you discover your next favorite restaurant and stay connected to one of the country's most vibrant dining scenes.
Know about a new restaurant opening, a chef change, a hidden gem, or an upcoming food event?
Email us—we're always looking for the next great Scottsdale restaurant story. We also love hearing from our readers. If you know about a restaurant opening, a hidden gem, a special event, or an exciting story we should cover, we'd love to hear from you.
Welcome to Forking Scottsdale. We'll see you every Thursday.
About the Team
Forking Scottsdale is a passion project created by husband-and-wife team Mychael and Connie Parker. Like many Scottsdale residents, we love discovering new restaurants, revisiting local favorites, and supporting the people who make our dining scene so special. Whether it's a neighborhood hidden gem, a newly opened restaurant, or a chef-driven concept everyone is talking about, we're always looking for the next great dining experience. Forking Scottsdale was created to help local food lovers stay informed about restaurant openings, dining deals, food events, and the stories shaping Scottsdale's restaurant community. You'll often find us exploring restaurants together, taking photos, talking with restaurant owners and staff, and sharing what we discover with our readers every Thursday. Our goal is simple: To become Scottsdale's most trusted insider's guide to the local restaurant scene. Thanks for following along—we're excited to have you join us on the journey.
– Mychael & Connie - The Forking Scottsdale Team
Mychael Parker
Hi, I'm Mychael, and unlike my wife Connie, my journey into the food world didn't begin by traveling the globe. It actually started much closer to home—with a love for simple, comforting food.
For most of my life, I was the definition of a meat-and-potatoes guy. Give me a perfectly cooked steak, a great burger, or a slice of pizza, and I'm happy. While Connie was exploring cuisines from around the world, I was obsessed with one thing: making the perfect pizza. As a passionate pizzaiolo, I spent years studying dough, fermentation, flour, hydration, ovens, and the endless pursuit of creating that perfect bite.
Professionally, I've always been an entrepreneur at heart. As a serial entrepreneur and Chairman of The Citrus Group, Director of Possibilities at PrintOutLoud.com, Arizona Screen Printer, and Creative Right Jabber for Team GaryVee, I've built my career around creativity, innovation, branding, and turning ideas into reality. That same curiosity eventually found its way into food.
Then, about five years ago, everything changed.
During a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Connie and I dined at Sazón, an unforgettable restaurant led by Chef Fernando Olea. That meal completely changed the way I looked at food. I realized that dining wasn't simply about satisfying hunger—it was about storytelling, creativity, emotion, culture, and craftsmanship. Every dish had a purpose. Every ingredient mattered. Every bite told a story.
From that moment on, there was no turning back.
Today, I'm constantly searching for restaurants that inspire me, challenge my palate, and teach me something new. My love for pizza has evolved beyond tradition, pushing me to think differently about flavors, ingredients, and techniques that can elevate a pie into something unforgettable.
Through Forking Scottsdale, I hope to share those discoveries with you—from hidden neighborhood gems to award-winning restaurants, from incredible chefs to unforgettable meals. Whether it's an unforgettable tasting menu, an authentic taco stand, or a life-changing slice of pizza, I'm always looking for the next experience that reminds me why food has become one of my greatest passions.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one incredible meal to change the way you see food forever.
Connie Parker
Hi, I'm Connie, and if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that some of life's best memories are made around the table.
My love for food didn't begin in a restaurant—it began through travel. More than 30 years ago, I started my career in the marketing department at Delta Air Lines before moving to American Express, where I've now spent over 31 years. What began as a career in the travel industry soon became a lifelong passion for discovering new places, cultures, and, of course, unforgettable food.
Travel has given me the opportunity to experience everything from family-owned cafés tucked away on quiet streets in Europe to world-renowned restaurants in some of the world's greatest culinary destinations. Along the way, I discovered that every city tells its story through its food. Every meal has a history, every chef has a passion, and every neighborhood has hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
While I've been fortunate enough to explore incredible dining experiences around the globe, Scottsdale has become one of my favorite food destinations. The city's restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with talented chefs, creative concepts, and exciting new openings appearing throughout the year. Whether it's an elegant fine-dining experience, a neighborhood favorite, or a small local café, I genuinely enjoy discovering places that create memorable meals and exceptional hospitality.
My goal is simple—to share honest experiences that help others find restaurants worth visiting and dishes worth ordering. I believe food is about much more than what's on the plate; it's about the people you share it with, the stories behind it, and the memories that stay with you long after the meal is over.
I'm excited to continue exploring Scottsdale one restaurant at a time, and I hope you'll join me on the journey. After all, the next great meal is always just around the corner.
