Friday's rain put me in the mood for a bowl of chili. I scoured the Internet for restaurants where I could get a bowl of vegetarian chili in central Phoenix. The winner was Green New American Vegetarian, which is on my drive home from work.The charming little eatery serves all sorts of vegan dishes. I satisfied my chili craving and got an order of fried noodles. This slightly odd pairing was just ... Read more
First Visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill
Graham and I took our visitors to the Queen Creek Olive Mill for a tour and breakfast on Sunday morning. I didn't realize how far of a drive it is from central Phoenix. It's best to make a day of it by also going to Schnepf Farms across the street. For $5 each we took a tour of the olive mill. We learned so much about the mill's history, how to make olive oil and olive-oil quality. Now I know ... Read more
First taste of Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup
I tried Gadzooks on Friday night to satisfy my perennial craving for enchiladas. Its simple sign, "Gadzooks Enchiladas and Soup," taunts me almost daily on my commute to work. The ordering process seemed similar to Chipotle, and I may have annoyed a person there by comparing it to the chain a few times, but it has its distinctive flavor. He emphasized that all ingredients, including the sauces ... Read more
Relaxing at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
A recent day at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa opened my eyes to the staycation possibilities.My cousin invited me over to her spa suite and to relax at the pool for her birthday. A highlight was the view of Praying Monk on Camelback Mountain. It made me want to spend my own relaxing weekend at a Valley resort. If only my birthday weren't amid the busy (and pricey) tourist ... Read more
Visiting Urban Beans Coffee in Phoenix
I ditched my Sunday morning routine of yoga and brunch for coffee and breakfast at Urban Beans this week. We were set to walk across the street to Starbucks when it occurred to me that we should give a local Phoenix coffee shop a chance. I drive past Urban Beans almost every day en route to work, yet I've never tried their coffee. The inside was small but cozy, with black-and-white photographs of ... Read more
Culinary Dropout at The Yard
My Phoenix neighborhood just got a little more hip.I've been watching construction of the Yard for months. The site was a vacant motorcycle shop, so I am happy to see the building being revived.I love the chandeliers at Culinary Dropout.Culinary Dropout debuted February 11, and cars have been lining Montebello Avenue every day since then. The parking lot has been overflowing, and waits in my ... Read more