Meet Christina Barrueta | Author and Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame food, beverage, and travel writer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Barrueta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the talented and hard-working hospitality professionals in Arizona’s thriving culinary and beverage scene. It’s such a dynamic and evolving landscape, and I am so grateful that I can devote time to spreading the word through my work. That inspiration led me to create my website WriteOnRubee.com and accompanying social media channels dedicated to documenting the people and places that make Arizona’s food and drink culture so special. My goal has always been to spotlight our inspiring community, and that mission has extended into my work as an author.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since my professional journey has been shaped by a love for Arizona’s culinary and beverage scene and the people who bring it to life, I’m most excited about that. From 2008 to 2015, I wrote about food and cocktails for AZ Wine Lifestyle magazine. When the magazine was sold, I wanted to continue showcasing the talent in our state, which led me to freelance writing. That in turn led me to write Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion to spotlight our winemakers, and Phoenix Cooks, a celebration of the some of the city’s finest chefs and mixologists. My Phoenix Cooks sequel, Phoenix Eats & Drinks, will release in the fall of 2025.

Although I write about food, I’m not a food critic. My goal is not to critique but to document positive experiences and celebrate the stories behind the community. I write about everything from restaurant openings to media events and travel experiences. I’ve built a brand around celebrating what I love, and that’s what keeps me motivated. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve cultivated with chefs, winemakers, and restaurateurs, and the way they trust me to tell their stories. I’m also excited by how much national attention Arizona’s food and beverage scene is getting—it feels like the rest of the world is finally catching on to what we’ve always known! If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand and story, it’s that I’m here to celebrate Arizona’s vibrant community, and I love being able to share that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s a tough one because Arizona has so much to offer and I dine out so often! In the Phoenix area, I’ll keep it to three per category, though my “top list” is much longer. Cocktails: Century Grand, Little Rituals and Bar 1912. For breakfast/brunch, Hash Kitchen, Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho, and Fame Caffe. For lunch: Glai Baan, Fabio on Fire, and Zinc Bistro. Three high-end spots are Christopher’s at the Wrigley, Sel, and Anhelo while more casual are Lom Wong, Franco’s Italian Caffe, and Vecina. As for where we take out-of-town guests to experience Arizona: Desert Botanical Garden, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West, and the Musical Instrument Museum.

For day trips, I love heading north to the Verde Valley or south to Arizona wine country in Willcox and Sonoita. To avoid writing a novel, I’ll list two of many favorite restaurants. For lunch in Sedona, Pisa Lisa for the Caesar Brutus and Da Dorothy pizza (named after owner Lisa Dahl’s mom) or Mesa Grill with its beautiful views and a great BLT or fish and chips. For dinner, Elote Cafe or Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano. In Cottonwood, I love Merkin and Crema Cafe; in Flagstaff, Shift and Atria; in Cornville, Brew Ha and Up the Creek; and in Prescott, La Planchada and Farm Provisions (and for a splurge-worthy weekend get-away you HAVE to experience Terra Farm and Manor).

Five favorite wine tasting rooms (again, of many) in northern Arizona are The Southwest Wine Center, Vinozona, Cove Mesa, Page Springs, and DA Ranch. In southern Arizona: Callaghan, Los Milics (also great food), Lightning Ridge, Flying Leap, and Elgin Winery (don’t miss the award-winning spirits too).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, winemakers and farmers of Arizona who have fueled my passion and inspired my work. When people thank me for supporting them, I always respond by saying that I should be the one thanking them. Without their incredible talent, dedication, and creativity, I wouldn’t have anything to write about!

Website: https://www.writeonrubee.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeonrubee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-barrueta-6861b234/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriteOnRubee/status/1641195915435479041

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writeonrubee/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaBarrueta

Image Credits
Main photo: Joanie Simon