About Us

Comal Food Books & Goods is a pop up food book store and cafe with dreams of a brick and mortar in the near future. We are passionate about food. We created Comal out of a deep appreciation for both home cooks and culinary professionals throughout Arizona and beyond. We curate a selection of books, food goods and events that will inspire creativity and connection through cooking and enjoying food together with a deep appreciation for those who are a part of the process—this includes everyone from the farm worker to the renowned chef to the family matriarch who cooks with love for their family.

Read a behind-the-scenes interview on Phoenix Magazine

Jovanna Perez Anzaldua

Jovanna grew up in Phoenix where she learned through example how to express love through preparing and sharing food. She’s found pure joy in food since she can remember- cooking it, savoring it, growing it, learning about it.

She’s worked in social justice nonprofits for most of her career with a focus on reproductive health and sustainability. As a natural connector who thrives on collaboration and projects that allow her to flex her imagination and creative muscles, she’s put care and sweat into many local projects over the years from podcast host to board member and all sorts of things in between.

Comal was dreamed up as an opportunity to combine her appreciation of food, and the folks who make good food happen, with the skills that she’s built over the years.

Dana Arbel

Dana is a first gen locally raised proud Phoenician. She has a love and expertise in weaving together community minded programming centered around food, health, and the arts. 

After studying film and media at The University of Arizona, she began working in film festivals and production. A devoted yoga practitioner, she received her 200-hour certification, and co-founded DiRTYOGA, a community minded yoga and arts organization.  

As a new mom in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Dana realigned with her passion of food and cooking. She began a business selling food from home, and went on to become the founding chef at Cha Cha’s Tea Lounge and Central Records. 

Her love of all things culinary combined with her passion for community minded projects has led her to join in on this exciting new project with longtime friend Jovanna Anzaldua.