AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE AT THE LOFT
AZ Foothills Magazine, Lauren Allen Culinary Events And Jorge Rizo
Join Christina Silvestri, editor of Arizona Foothills Magazine, for an intimate afternoon tea at THE LOFT, hosted in collaboration with Lauren Allen Culinary Events.
Guests will enjoy a special selection of teas curated by tea sommelier Jorge Rizo, paired with savory and sweet bites by Lauren Allen Culinary Events, while gathering for an informal conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the editor’s eye.
Christina will share insight into what makes a story worth telling, what catches an editor’s attention, how ideas evolve into editorial features, and how to communicate the story behind your work in a way that feels interesting, relevant, and memorable.
This afternoon is for anyone with a story they’d like to tell, including artists, designers, makers, entrepreneurs, and creatives of every kind, as well as anyone who simply loves tea, good food, great company, and a beautifully styled table.
Set inside LA Loft, expect a relaxed afternoon of conversation, delicious pairings, beautiful details, and connection with other creatives.
Special teacups and plates made by ceramic artist Bettina Chow.
EVENT DETAILS
October 10, 2026
12pm - 2pm
THE LOFT BY LAUREN ALLEN | OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE
Address details will follow with ticket confirmation
Cost: $55
LAUREN ALLEN CULINARY EVENTS
Lauren Allen Culinary Events is a Scottsdale-based culinary experience company dedicated to the art of bringing people together through food. Founded by FERRANDI-trained chef and hospitality professional Lauren Wyckoff, the team crafts elevated private dining and catered events where exceptional cuisine meets stunning visual design - from custom menus built on locally sourced ingredients to artfully styled presentations that are as beautiful as they are delicious. @laculinaryevents
THE LOFT is a private event venue by Lauren Allen Culinary events in Old Town Scottsdale designed for intimate gatherings, events and dinners.
CHRISTINA SILVESTRI
Christina Silvestri is the Editor-in-Chief of Arizona Foothills Magazine and a storyteller passionate about architecture, design, travel and the arts. Through her work, she highlights the creative visionaries and cultural experiences shaping Arizona and destinations around the world. Connect with her on Instagram @cksilves and @azfoothills for more design and lifestyle inspiration.
Jorge Rizo is a Tea Sommelier specializing in the research and cultural diffusion of tea. His work explores the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped tea traditions around the world, as well as pairing, sensory evaluation, and gastronomic events. He advises restaurants and cultural institutions, including museums and private collections, on the development of tea programs. Giving lectures in Tea Festivals about the history of tea in Mexico.
He is certified by the Escuela Mexicana de Té and the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. He has completed a Master Class in Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto, Japan; in harvesting and processing methods in Munnar, India; and in Gongfu Cha preparation in Hangzhou, China.
JORGE RIZO
After many years working in healthcare, leading non-profits, conducting research, and raising a family, she felt the pull toward a creative outlet. The moment she sat at the potter’s wheel, she was hooked. Drawn to the difficulty, subtlety, and nuance of clay, she recognized it as a craft that would take a lifetime to explore.
Her creative process begins with a respect for tradition. She learned from those who studied under masters, carrying their lessons into her own work. As she evolved and committed fully to the craft, she began creating pieces that bring harmony and tranquility into the spaces we live. The world around her spoke to her need to infuse peace into our environments, and she creates to balance chaos with calm.
Ultimately, her work reflects both personal history and collective experience. Each piece is an expression of self, shaped by the interplay between discipline, curiosity, and the beauty of the everyday.
BETTINA CHOW
SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
CULTURAL PARTNER
