232 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 black licorice brands to an impressive selection of Jelly Bellys and so much more. Whether you thrill to find Necco wafers and Moon Pies or tins of Hello Kitty candies, it’s all here. And if you want to make sure, you can search the website before you go and even order online. It has a robust selection of Mexican and sugar- free candy, too, and a mind-boggling lineup of sodas. In the back corner, there’s an area of nostalgic toys and games that includes dozens of Pez dispensers — but don’t dawdle too long there because there’s so much to see in the candy aisles. Pro tip: Sweeties puts holiday-themed goods on clearance once the season has passed; check the shelves at the back. Best Chocolate ZAK’S CHOCOLATE 6990 E. Shea Blvd., #116, Scottsdale 480-607-6581 zakschocolate.com Jim and Maureen Elitzak, owners of Zak’s Chocolate, know how to turn a hobby into a successful business. Since 2015, they’ve been making and selling made-to-order chocolate bars, truffles, bonbons, peanut butter cups and caramel turtles. The chocolates are made with locally sourced ingredients and ethically sourced beans. Everything is done by hand, from sorting through the cacao beans to the packaging, which adds that special element to any chocolate that you choose. The products taste distinctly different from each other because the beans come from different regions, but everything is exquisitely delicious. The product line also includes items like drinking chocolate, chocolate whipped honey and cacao nibs. Zak’s ships their goodies nationwide, but if you’re a local customer, you’ll need to put in your order online or over the phone before arriving at the shop; they’re currently only open for pickup. Best Pasta SONORAN PASTA CO. sonoranpasta.com This artisan pasta maker uses high-quality local ingredients to craft its fresh noodles and sauces. The pastas are made from freshly milled heritage grains, imparting a bit of nuttiness and toothsome bite. They come in a variety of shapes not regularly found on grocery store shelves, from seashell-shaped gnocchi sardi to twisty gemelli. And for those who can’t eat gluten, but still want a comforting carby dish, Sonoran Pasta Co. has it covered with chickpea pastas. Pick up a pasta at a farmers or specialty market to make at home — or have a local restaurant do the work. Chefs at spots such as First and Last use Sonoran Pasta noodles for dishes like cacio e pepe. Best Peaches AMADIO RANCH 4701 W. Dobbins Road, Laveen 602-791-9633 amadioranch.com The Valley is no slouch when it comes to fresh produce, as anyone who’s ever shopped at a farmers market can attest to. However, only a few purveyors provide decent peaches, and Amadio Ranch has the sweetest, juiciest fruits in town. These are the kind of peaches that drip down your chin when you bite into them and taste like candy. They seriously make you second- guess what you thought peaches tasted like before this. The donut peaches alone are life-changing, but Amadio also offers yellow, white, semi-cling and cling-free. Once you try them, you’ll dream about these precious little bundles — which are usually sold in May and June — all year. Thankfully, they can be ordered in advance to pick up at the ranch or at local farmers markets (or in the case of Ahwatukee, at Amadio’s own weekly farm stand). And if you want a reminder of the ambrosia they provide when they’re not in season, Amadio Ranch owners Eric and Christina Amadio also run a cafe on-site at the farm called Peach Pit Bistro where you can get peach smoothies, shakes and pie, including peach pie in a jar. Best Local Foodie Gift CUTINO SAUCE CO. cutinosauce.com We’ve loved Cutino Sauce Co. since it debuted as Homeboy’s Hot Sauce in 2015, and we’re not alone. From celebrity chefs like J. Kenji Lopez-Alt to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the fans of Jacob Cutino’s hot sauces are found across the country. And the line of Cutino sauces has grown to include habanero sauces infused with
