Meet Pierce Azlin | Chef & Owner

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

Hi Pierce, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been in the restaurant business for about 18 years now and i’ve worked for some incredible culinary leaders and amazing restauranteurs and had the privilege to learn everything from all of them. Getting to learn the ins and outs from each and everyone of them was amazing and putting in the long hours was worth it but at a certain point you wonder if putting in all this time and effort for someone else if you should take the leap and try to do it for yourself instead. I can’t even count how many restaurants i’ve worked at and been a part of but being able to walk into this one knowing its mine and as much effort I put into it and everything else that comes with it is 100% on me and I couldn’t be happier and terrified at the same time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I couldn’t be more excited and proud of where I am right now in my career but i am also aware that i still have so much more to learn and grow, professionally and personally and im so excited for that growth. Id say one thing im very proud of is that the wide range of restaurants i’ve worked at and the ability to cook so many different cuisines which allows me to have a very diverse range of dishes at my restaurant where i truly think there’s something for everyone. I am only here because of so many amazing mentors and colleagues through out my career and just like all paths in this industry it wasn’t easy and there was a lot of doubt but im so thankful that i had a strong support group to help push me.

So many times restaurants and other establishments are so stuck on either trying to be unique or being trendy and I just want a place for people to come and create memories while they have some great food and drinks with the company they bring or happen to meet there.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Phoenix has really come along way especially in the culinary world and im so thankful that i’ve got to grow up here and be a part of it as well, its hard to choose but some of my favorite spots that don’t include my own place of course.

For Breakfast one of the best places in the valley is definitely Valentine, the coffee, pastries, and food are unbelievable and you just can’t go wrong but if you’re looking for something quick I love Phoenix Burrito House and Crete for a quick caffeine fix.

For Lunch/Dinner its hard to choose but these are some i frequent Glai Baan is my favorite Thai place hands down its incredible and hard to top honestly. Bacanora or any of the Chiwas group of establishments they have is the best Mexican food in Arizona. Sushi friend is hands down the best sushi I have ever had and the owner and the entire staff there are also just the nicest people ever. Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco, or Tratto are unbelievable and the best Italian food in my opinion and Chef Chris Bianco is the nicest and one of the most talented chefs there is.

For Cocktails after we have so many places but the two that i frequent the most are Highball ran by Mitch Lyons and Libby Lingua, the cocktails are unreal. They put so much thought and attention into each one and on top of that every year they get rid of the entire menu and make a whole new one which is amazing especially and a owner because they could easily stick with the best sellers and continue to add but they challenge themselves and continue to impress everyone.
Sauvage is one of my favorite spots its this beautiful wine shop that has different food pop ups and rotating wines that are just incredible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people I’m so thankful for in this career, Aaron May & Peder Bondhus for giving me my first chance at Sol Y Sombra and giving me the opportunity to learn first hand instead of going the culinary school route. Fox Restaurants (there are way too many people in this amazing company to just pick a few but so many people got me to this point and taught me how a restaurant should be ran), Eric Ramirez for being not only an amazing chef but an even better person and showing me that not everyone has to be the mean chef and can have the respect of everyone while still being such an incredibly talented chef. Of course all my friends and family for being there and supportive and understanding of my crazy work schedule and allowing me to grow in this industry.

Website: https://Azlinattheclarendon.com

Instagram: azlin.at.the.clarendon & pierce_azlin

Image Credits
the portrait of me is from Jacqueline McDonald instagram: fare_expeditionsaz