Paisley Violin Espressos

Introduced Gwen to the Paisley Violin for espressos. Trying to figure out why they have cups that don't match the type of coffee, but actually nothing in the building matches...so I guess that it matches.

Don McLean - American Pie

Front row!! Yep, one of the first ones in the gate to get seats at an outdoor concert. It was fun listening and it was fun singing along. Bye, Bye Miss American Pie. Drove the chevy to the levy but the levy was dry. You get it!

Victus Personal Chef Service

Notice that I haven't been adding my food stops lately? I haven't stopped eating, just starting eating healthier during the week. I've outsourced my meals and cooking! Every evening my meals for the next day are delivered in a little cooler, right to my door step. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as two snacks, are ready to go for the following day. I've been eating healthy and fresh foods with minimal, if any, additives. This has been a great discovery for me as it has not only provided me with better eating habits, but has freed my time considerably. I dropped six pounds in the first month just by changing my eating habits. I actually lost more in fat, and gained some muscle weight. How do I know this? I also go to have this measured in a "Bod Pod". Very futuristic machine. I'll take a photo the next time that I get my density measured.

Amazing Race @ Saddle Ranch

The calm before the storm. Yes, this is a mechanical bull. It is located at Saddle Ranch on Scottsdale Road south of Camelback. Samantha is hosting her very own "Amazing Race" for the second year and I am the host at this point. One member of the team has to ride the bull before they can get the clue to the next stop. Did I ride the bull? Heck, no!! I did that in my early 20's and swore NEVER to ride again.

I had a root beer float instead. Ahhhh, summer.

Paisley Violin

Talked Nick into driving to Grand Avenue to try a little place recommended by Good Neighbor Shauna. This had been a favorite of hers when they were located closer to her Honeywell office. It was hard to find when the sign was painted with darker paint, but this is nice and bright and much easier to find when you are zipping down Grand Avenue. The owners told me that they have been here for about four years. I had discovered them while attending the First Friday Art Walk in Phoenix in March.

Chez Cook

I enjoyed a home cooked meal at the home of Karen Cook. Her husband, Dan, is the chef who made this fancy meal: Crab cake with a scallop in the center with raspberry chipolte, asperagus and pilaf. I met Karen in my French class. She had invited Coco also, and Coco brought her mother who was visiting from Paris. I sat next to the "French mom" at dinner so that I could practice my French and it turned out to be quite funny. She spoke very slowly and loudly to me so that I could understand. I finally caught on that she was teasing me about learning a new language. I'll teach her to do that! I will go to Paris and room with her for a few weeks. She will need to listen to my ever evolving French.

Chelsea's Kitchen

Kalen and I celebrated my birthday with a wonderful dinner at Chelsea's Kitchen. We chatted the whole time and I forgot to take photos of our food. All is well. He is a great son and a joy to be with.

Croque Madam @ La Grande Orange

It is a little rainy in Phoenix this morning. Perfect time for a cozy and warm breakfast. This is toasted bread with ham, cheese and tomato, topped by an over easy egg. Served with pickles I(great for breakfast!!) and fruit. And of course one must have a latte.

This remains one of my favorite places to eat. It's picking up popularity, so it is always crowded.

Fenix Eatery & Bar

Great French food!

Fenix opened a few years ago, but as it typical of these hidden wonders, it is tucked in a corner strip mall. Janie and Jim recommended trying it and I was finally able to visit. It was very good. And, to my surprise, I saw Janie and Jim eating there also!

We started with a glass of wine (about $9) and decided on the Coq au vin. A dinner salad is included. The rich wine sauce has mushrooms and pearl onions. Also included were haricots vertes (green beans) and mashed potatoes. We were too full for desert, and really enjoyed the meal and the cozy atmosphere. They have an outside small patio which will be perfect for the summer. The entire front wall is actually a garage door, so the restaurant will be open air.

Zpizza

ZPizza - what a surprise. Just when I thought that I was very jaded towards pizza. We shared these two pizzas at a meeting, and it was enough to make you want to stop talking and just eat.

The first one that I tried was "Casablanca" with homemade roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, parmesan. This was very good and I was torn between sharing it with the group, or trying to have it all to myself.

The second pizza was an American with organic tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions. Very good also.

zpizza a franchise, so if you are interested in a new business check them out at http://zpizza.com/. AND if you are interested in just eating good pizza, their menu offers a wide variety of tastes.

My apologies to the loyal fans. I've been sending photos to the blog, but not sending much information. I'll try to get better! Thanks for tuning in.