The Farm at
South Mountain
in Phoenix
By Maralyn D. Hill and Norman Hill
O
ften, when a destination
includes the word
“mountain,” we think of a
hideaway tucked far and up
into the hills, with a steep
ascending access road. This is not
the case with The Farm at South
Mountain, which hosted a lunch
and tour we recently attended.
Located a little south of Southern
Road and 32nd Street in Phoenix,
the Farm packs fascinating variety
into its ten acres. It includes three
unique restaurants, botanical and
succulent nursery markets, massage
and yoga facilities, farmers market
produce and photographer services.
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Across time, there have been four
owners: Dwight Heard (of the Heard
Museum), Skeeter Coverdale, Wayne
Smith and, most recently, Pat
Christofolo. Whereas Wayne Smith
started envisioning The Farm and
opening a couple of the restaurants,
Christofolo had the vision of its
current status and reputation. As
owner of Santa Barbara Catering,
she could see the potential and
keeps working at enhancing it in
every experience. Its stated aim is
a “farm to table experience.” This
can come about in the simplest or
most elegant form.
Three restaurants on The Farm
premises are Morning Glory, The
Farm Kitchen and Quiessence.
Morning Glory provides a breakfast
and brunch patio menu, including
ho
a
m ffin o a y ma
sausages and other dishes. The
Farm Kitchen, oldest of the three
restaurants, aims at picnic and patio
lunches, with sandwiches, soups and
baked goods served in picnic baskets.
Dogs are welcome in this section.
i
n
ro i
n inin
ith a r n r ti m n
or oth
indoor and outdoor dining, locally
produced meat and wine are available
with uncomplicated American-style
meals. Chef Dustin Christofolo heads
up the Quiessence kitchen.
As stated, the Farm is much
more than a series of restaurants.
Th otani a mar t off r o a
products for gardens and kitchens.
The Succulentia is a greenhouse and
outdoor space that nurtures special
rare, exotic cacti and succulents
for sale. It also has a respectable
collection of staged show specimens
in containers, which have been made
by noted ceramicists. Maya’s Garden
off r a arm r mar t on n ay
rom am to m off rin r h
produce and herbs.
Utopia is a massage and yoga studio