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Hiking Piestewa (Squaw) Peak
Recently I went hiking with an old friend of mine by the name of Johnny. We have been friends for many years and thankfully we ended up reconnecting after several years. Actually I ended up reconnecting with a lot of old friends and I am very happy I did, but that is a different story. So on to the actual point of this short story.
Johnny and I were not very experienced hikers so our attire really didn't fit but we were determined and motivated nonetheless. At first I thought I might hike it part way then attempt it again another time but push myself a little further on each attempt. However, when I noticed people were passing me up without any hesitation or heavy breathing I thought to myself, "Oh hell no" as a few 7 or 8 year olds passed me up. Then it hit my pride even more when an elderly couple passed me up jogging no less. Talk about being out of shape.
I mean I didn't straight hike it all in one shot, I did take a few breaks when I was getting really winded or when my legs were tightening up. In the end I am glad Johnny and I pushed ourselves because when I reached the top, the views were stellar, absolutely gorgeous and I felt a great sense of accomplishment which coincidentally turned out to be the jump start I needed.
During my ride home I felt great and proud of myself. I know that this was not a significantly treacherous terrain, but I did it on my first attempt meaning I didn't give up. Now I feel I can get back on the "Healthier Me" track knowing that I can still push myself and still endure a challenge. 2010 is going to be a good year. I know it will!
One more thing: I am definitely taking a better camera so I can get better shots next time. Yeah that is right, I am going again!
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Hong Kong Kitchen II
The first time I visited the HK Kitchen I was not impressed by any means with their food but the dinning area was very clean and the staff were friendly. I even said to myself that I would not return. What a liar I turned out to be. In the mood for soup and house lo mein all while trying to stay within a five mile radius, I decided to return to the HK Kitchen. It is literally two minutes away from my house, walking distance no less.
I walked in and was immediately greeted very warmly. I already a notion of what I wanted so I headed straight for the counter and quickly viewed the menu. Looking for Soup section I did not see westlake so I opted for the bowl war wonton soup and then I confirmed with myself on house lo mein. I must have waited about 15-17 minutes tops before my order was ready. I paid and as I was walking out clients slowly began to pour in. Filling the place to half capacity.
I arrive home and immediately started with the soup naturally. To my surprise the soup was good and loaded meat and veggies. Then I attacked the noodles. Again I was shocked as the noodles were much better than last time. I mean they weren't awesome, but they were good. Seems like something changed at the HK Kitchen. After this experience I am likely to return.
Filed under //
az
chinese
chinese food
food
gilbert
hong kong kitchen
noodles
soup
wonton soup house lo mein
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Joe's Farm Grill
Today I received a call from my sister asking me what were my plans for lunch. Honestly I hadn't thought that far yet. So I acknowledge and ask her to call me when she is on her way or at least close by. I figured by the time she arrived I would have a place selected. Naturally I opt for Joe's Farm Grill for two reasons: 1) she said she was buying and 2) for the fact I had never been there.
We jumped in her new car and speed off like two kids chasing down the neighborhood ice cream man. As we pulled up we noticed the Joe's Farm Grill sign and what appeared to be a combination of a large vertical bush and very large tree that resembled a hand flipping the bird. Well it looked like that from our angle. From the looks of the place they had plenty of outdoor seating in the front and back of the place. However today being as windy and rainy as it was we parked ourselves inside. Inside at the counter there were three windows and each window had flat-screens nested above it. Not sure what they were for because they all were off, but I suspect during their peak times it may display the menu. I walked up to the first available window which was the only one open at the time. With the kitchen noises in the background it made it a little difficult to hear. That was pretty much our only interaction with the staff aside from the brief interaction at the pick up window.
When my sister was handed her cup the teller quickly mentioned that the soda fountain machine was located outside. We both turned and looked at each other and paused for a moment and thought, Outside? We walked towards the seating area and we noticed a door to the outside and just steps passed the doorway reviled the fountain machine and sauce dispensing stations. Groovy. Just slighty beyond that is a unisex bathroom which has dolls in small display cases embedded in the walls. Two by the toilet and one by the sink. Also strategically placed is a flat screen monitor above the urinal (plays movies about dolls from what I saw), which you can also watch while on the commode. The best part was a small sign implying "Use the lock button for privacy" for those not used to having locks for the bathroom.
I have read about Joe's Farm Grill before and every time I review their menu the Fontina Burger always catches my attention for what ever reason. Perhaps because it comes prepared with roasted red peppers, grilled mushrooms, arugula, pesto and fontina cheese. Joe's Farm Grill is known for their use of locally raised and natural beef which is a major plus. Also they have a nice selection of cheeses: American, Cheddar, Swiss, Fontina and Blue of course. For the health conscientious customer they offer any of their 1/2 lb burgers with multi-grain buns upon request. Last but not least all burgers come with a side of fries which can be substituted for an additional fee, but cooked with trans-fat free oil no less.
I decided to follow my instinct and ordered the Fontina Burger, but decided to upgrade my fries to onion rings and opted for a strawberry shake. My sister ordered the Farm Burger with the fries and water. Seeing that the place was not busy we chose to sit in the front dining area.
It wasn't long before our buzzer began to vibrate and like a well trained ninja I spring out of my seat (tip toeing through the air) and within seconds I was at the pickup window. Did I mention I was starving? Both meals were served in black baskets lined with tinfoil. The aroma alone had me hypnotized and the roasted peppers had me salivating.
Typically I reach for the condiments and begin to pour on the ketchup, mustard or what have you. This time something told me to give it a whirl as-is. Just add the lettuce, tomatoes and red onions and try it as-is. So I go with my instinct again and I am glad I did. Wow! Juicy, tender, flavorful and delicious. The combination of the arugula, pesto, red peppers, mushrooms and the fontina cheese hits you all at once like a fierce side kick to your taste buds. I am talking about (Whack! Pow! Bang!) as if I were in an old batman episode.
This was one heavenly treat and I must say that I found a new favorite. The Fontina Burger takes first place knocking the Haunted burger down a notch. The onion rings on the other hand were ridiculously crunchy to the point of over crunchiness. To put it simply I should have stuck with the standard fries because those were awesome. I almost lost a hand as I kept sampling my sisters fries and the shake, oh the shake... wonderful. I love shakes especially when they are made with fresh seasonal fruits. Delicious!
I liked the fact that I did not have to add anything to this masterpiece. It was perfect as it was served, hot, juicy, tender and wonderful. I would definitely order it again.
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Daeji Bulgogi - Hodori Korean Restaurant (Mesa, AZ)
Daeji Bulgogi - Korean BBQ pork marinated in a spicy sauce $15.95 dinner price and $8.95 for lunch. All BBQ dishes are served on a bed of lettuce and includes sliced garlic, sliced jalapenos and ssam jang. Also all meals are accompanied with 6 varying bowls of kimchee and such. All are oh so tasty.
Filed under //
az
bbq pork
food
hodori korean restaurant
korean
korean bbq
korean bbq pork
mesa
spicy bbq pork
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Deep Dish Everything - Maurie's Table (Joliet, IL)
January 13, 2010 - Being in Illinois we had to fest on Deep Dish Pizza. Since we were not from the mid west I decided to contact a local and who better then Adrianne Curry herself via twitter - http://twitter.com/AdrianneCurry. She recommended Maurie's Table which was an excellent choice. We ordered the Deep Dish Everything and of course wings. Good choice!
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Gift from the mother-in-law
My mother in law was generous enough to send home a dinner plate with my wife. I am glad she did. It was very good. Man I love beans!
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Biscuits and Gravy - Westfield Family Restaurant (Joliet, IL)
January 13, 2010 - I must admin these were some of the best biscuits and gravy I ever had.
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