Until Chris Bianco's asthma problems interfered with his day-to-day routine as Arizona's most famous pizzaiolo, the James Beard award-winning chef was a permanent fixture at Pizzeria Bianco's wood-burning oven, where he often watched the Phoenix Suns on a tiny TV next to his workspace.
Former Suns owner Jerry Colangelo has been a long-time patron of Bianco's, and soon, a resort that he and his partners own, the West Valley's Wigwam Resort, will benefit from the chef's passion for working with local food purveyors to serve farm-fresh, seasonal cuisine.
As part of a multimillion dollar renovation of the resort, Bianco will be consulting on two different restaurants on the property -- one a farm-to-table, dinner-only destination, and the other a breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot.
Bianco continues to be a presence at the pizzeria, as well as at Pane Bianco.