40740 Village Dr.

Big Bear, California 92310

This summer my brother’s award winning high schoolrock bandreconvened after their 40th class reunion. They played their first gig at Chad’s Place during the annual Antique Car Show in Big Bear.  They wowed the place and we all had a great time dancing to the classic 60′s tunes. You can see them and join the fan club of The Bald Eagles-better known as The Flock on Facebook.

943 E. University Blvd. #171

Tucson, AZ (@UA)

www.wilkotucson.com

It’s nice to be able to walk just across the street from campus-especially when it is sooo hot, and duck into a really cozy little spot, with ambiance, good food, and a wine bar. It will be even nicer when my youngest turns 21.

I love to give credit where credit is due, and nothing makes me prouder than to post my relatives or friends tried and true recipes. However, when that relative is one of my own children, I have hit the jackpot. I am proud to have raised little foodies whose eating lifestyles has been transformed by sharing farm fresh, locally grown, organic  food over our table throughout the years. And now, my daughter Lauren has taken it one step further by creating enjoyable beverages and a blog to share with others! Check her thoughts out at: BlueRoseGold, while sipping one of these tasty margaritas!

2/3 c. tequila

1/3 c. Triple Sec

Splash of orange juice

1/4 c. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 c. of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

Splash of sugar water

2 c. ice

Blend and pour into a sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!

6501 E. Cave Creek Rd.

Cave Creek, AZ 85331

www.firecreekcoffee.com

Elote in Sedona serves and sells Firecreek coffee. Come to find, it’s fresh and locally roasted right here in Cave Creek. Along with coffee and tea, it looks like they also serve breakfast and brunch. I haven’t tried it but if it is anything like the coffee, it will be good.

771 Highway 179

Sedona, AZ 86339

928-282-7151

Located at the King’s Ransom Hotel in Sedona, Elote is an amazing Southwest restaurant, featuring dishes made well with local, seasonal, ingredients. I have wanted to come here for sometime and finally did. Better than trying to describe the dishes here, I bought the cookbook and I hope I can replicate them at home. I don’t believe they take reservations, but if you arrive early and there’s a wait, just order a margarita and watch the sunset on the patio. Divine!

1028 N. Main St.

Cottonwood, AZ 86326

928-649-1557

www.orionbread.com

I recently purchased Redrock Sourdough at the Payson farmer’s market and it was delicious. This fine artisan bread is all natural, and no preservatives. It had a wonderful crunchy crust and soft middle when it was heated. What more can I say, besides I wish it was closer to Scottsdale.

The University of Arizona

Meat Science Laboratory

Department of Animal Science

4181 N. Campbell Ave.

Tucson, AZ 85719

520-318-7021

As part of the animal science program at the UA, this is as fresh a local butcher for grass fed meats as it gets.

Utilizing their own free range cattle as well as  some of the local ranchers, you can place an order and shop here for an array of delicious cuts of beef, including ground, steaks, ribs, roasts, as well as lamb, and some pork. Their beef Italian sausage is wonderful and lean. It averages around $3-$4 per pound, so I stock up when I come to visit. This is the same that you will find at some farmer’s markets for half the price! On Friday’s you might find a sale sign indicating the students are selling what they have practiced during “lab”.

7286 N. Oracle Rd.

520-219-1235

www.jaxkitchen.com

A wonderful local restaurant using fresh, organic ingredients, original recipes, set in a strip mall but with a charming atmosphere.

2480 N. Oracle Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85705

520-882-8977

A great quick stop for some authentic Mexican fast food in Tucson.