Anhelo owner & chef Ivan Jacobo faces medical emergency

👨‍🍳 Old Town Scottsdale’s Anhelo – one of the Valley’s top fine-dining restaurants – is asking the community to return a little of the generosity its chef has given for years.

Chef Ivan Jacobo (pictured), known for quietly donating dinners, mentoring young chefs, and showing up for local causes, recently suffered an undisclosed serious medical emergency that landed him in the ER.

He’s now facing surgery and a tough recovery – on top of the usual struggles independent restaurants face during the Arizona summer.

To help keep Anhelo’s doors open while its founder heals, the restaurant is offering 25% off every bottle in its wine cellar – Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Cabs, rare Champagne, all of it.

But the team says the real ask is simple: come in for dinner. Bring friends, celebrate a birthday, introduce someone new to Anhelo. Every reservation helps.

New restaurant openings

🥙 Blue Donkey Greek Eats: The family-run Greek eatery has opened near the southwest corner of Gilbert and Queen Creek roads in Chandler. The fast-casual menu leans into Mediterranean staples like gyros and souvlaki off the spit, fresh salads, and rice bowls, giving the intersection a new spot for a quick, flavorful Greek fix.

🍛 Bombay House: The popular Indian restaurant has expanded beyond its original Tempe location with a second spot on the northwest corner of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale. Diners can expect the same beloved curries, naan, and tandoori favorites that have made the original a longtime local staple.

Spirited Awards

🍹 Winners of this year’s Spirited Awards – the top honors in the global drinks industry – will be announced tonight at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. The Valley has three finalists in the mix: Highball‘s Libby Lingua for U.S. Bartender of the Year, and Amanda Gunderson and Travis Nassm of Another Round Another Rally for Best U.S. Bar Mentor.