The Black Bear Diner Dining Review

The Black Bear Diner
By Cowgirl Connoisseur Dining Review

There once was a time when you went to a diner for a meal and found good solid nutritious food in hearty portions and as delicious as Mom’s cooking. Not many of those places survive in the modern fast paced world.

If you yearn for a diner of yesteryear, mosey into The Black Bear Diner. They have two locations in north Glendale at 6039 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ 85306, (602) 843-1921 and in Phoenix, at 2410 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602) 298-2671. The franchise, out of Mt. Shasta, California, says they have 35 Diners and are still growing! Other Arizona locations include Bullhead City, Goodyear, and Lake Havasu City.
Their menu is an old-time newspaper with stories about local events in the past. On my last visit I enjoyed the California Scramble $7.69 for breakfast. It’s scrambled eggs with avocado, spinach, tomato, onion, and jack cheese. It came with potatoes (your choice of hash browns or diced) and bread (your choice of toast or biscuit). The waitress asked about how you liked everything cooked – regular or crispy. The biscuit was the biggest fluffiest most delicious I’ve ever eaten. And the eggs were fabulous!
Others in my party had the Ham and Eggs $7.69 with pancakes, Hungry Man Steak and Eggs $9.99 and another had the Pancakes Mama Bear stack $4.69. Everyone had too much to eat and couldn’t finish their plates. Servings are extra generous and delicious.
The menus for lunch and dinner are both so extensive and economically priced, you are sure to find what you like. Lunch menu sandwiches are generally about $7.99 and dinner averages about $11.99. A large Senior Menu is mostly about $7.99 for dinners.
Their menu notes they have been trans fat free at all locations fo the last 3 years. Their menu says good old fashioned comfort food. And everything on the menu looks very comforting to me!
The décor includes extra large deep booths and tables where you won’t feel cramped even if your hubby is a double X. And there are stuffed bears everywhere to compliment the pine and rough wood trim. Two giant sleeping bears in the reception area are said to wake up and hug patrons on occasion. It’s a family friendly very comfortable place. Jason and his staff did a good job to make us all feel welcome and happy to return.
They have a website at www.blackbeardiner.com with a gift shop.

Dillon's Restaurant Review

Dillon's Restaurant Review
By LA Sharpe

Recently two male business associates asked me choose a restaurant to have a business lunch. Dillon's Restaurant was the first place that came to mind knowing these guys would probably love bbq and with Dillon’s you can’t go wrong. And boy was I right!

The soup of the day was a hearty creamy potato and practically a meal in itself. I’ve never seen two guys dig into soup with such intensity. The conversation was at a standstill as they lapped up spoonful after spoonful of the heavenly homemade concoction. Sure it was a cold day and hot soup is nice. But this went into almost hypnotic trance of taste bud delight.

Dillon's claim to fame is their Barbeque and they do it well on everything from ribs and chicken to sausage. The main course today was the Carolina-Style Pork Sandwich, for one of my friends and he was thrilled. I’ve had it before and the sweet sticky sauce is great on the slow cooked bbq pork. Today I choose the Dillon’s Dip, a crunchy French bread roll with perfect beef and creamy cheese and grilled onions along with a full flavored beef au jus sauce for dipping. Delicious! And my other companion tried the Pulled Pork Sandwich which he enjoyed very much. They are both still talking about how much they enjoyed that lunch!

In the past I’ve taken family for dinner and enjoyed the Prime Rib, Slow-Smoked Pork Spare Rib Plate, and BBQ Beef Brisket Platter. All outstanding. Their menu has some interesting different items including Midwestern Hot Beef, Spinach Enchilada Platter, Country Fried Chicken Platter, Country Fried Steak Platter , Lemon Pepper Cod, Catfish Platter, Smoked Salmon Filet.

Event the appetizers include a number of surprises. Appetizers include Onion Rings, Crispy Chicken Wings, Mushroom Bonanza, Sweet & Spicy Wings, Flautas, Fried Pickles!!, Beef or Chicken or Spinach Quesadilla, Nachos, Spinach Artichoke Dip, and Stuffed Portabello Mushroom.

The atmosphere with a nice fire burning at the entry and a community of birdfeeders outside the picture window is as friendly as the people. I felt that the servers were there when you needed them, but knew how to serve without hovering over your table. The food was excellent and each order every time I have been there, which is many, lived up to my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend Dillon's to friends. I'll surely visit Dillon's often in the future.

Dillon’s was created by Rich Dillon and George Valverde. Since Dillon's beginning in 1999, they have expanded to three locations, as well as provide valley-wide catering.

Another friend told me to try the pulled pork with Cajun sauce. Of course, the Chicken-fried Steak was good, too. All the food has a great taste to it. The baked beans are the best I ever had. The appetizers and entrees are huge, but the price is definitely reasonable!

Every weekend there's live entertainment. Check the website at http://www.dillonsrestaurant.com . They are located at 8706 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, Arizona 85381 Just west of I-101 on the north side of Thunderbird. It’s a tough place for parking on occasion but there’s plenty of room inside! 623.979.5353
Llunch hours Mon - Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm Dinner served Mon - Fri 4:00pm – Close Sat- Sun: 11:00am – Close. Dillon's accepts Visa, American Express,
MasterCard, & Discover Card. Sorry, no personal checks.

The Oldest Profession Review Opening Night Jan 5, 2008

The Oldest Profession Review Opening Night Jan 5, 2008
By LeeAnn Sharpe

The Algonquin Theater Company presents “The Oldest Profession”, Paula Vogel’s pert and passionate play, directed by Robert Harper at Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre, January 4-20, 2008, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinees.

First, I must be honest and qualify myself as a lifetime fan of Ms.Gaston. So know I will be biased about anything she does. But from what I hear and see, I’m not the only one. A lifetime of acting, directing and teaching reveal a professional performance, second only to her charisma and beauty, now more pronounced than ever.

Pulitzer Prize winning Playwright Vogel describes “The Oldest Profession” as her only pattern play. She is successful in the overlay of painful experiences with humor. Five acts set in a New York City park in the early 1980’s follows the lives of five over-the-hill hookers sitting on a bench near the Broadway and 72nd Street subway station. Their enterprise not only continues to lose customers, but its own members. And so, the five "blackbirds" become four, then three, then two until only one is left, and the park bench scenes end with a song from the last departed, reminiscent of their New Orleans bordello days long past. Costumes slip back to cinched up bordello bustiers and sexy stockings, a wardrobe that took guts for these actresses to wear, especially in such and intimate theatre setting.

The award winning cast of five thoroughly professional actresses, who manage to be funny and emerge as real people who tug at our heartstrings, include Mae (Sharon Collar), Edna (Jacqueline Gaston), Ursula (Barbara McGrath), Lillian (Judy Rollings), Vera (Jo Ann Yeoman) and Piano Man (Toby Yatso). Director is Robert Kolby Harper.

Scene One: A sunny day in October, one week before the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 features "Love for Sale" by Cole Porter sung by Lillian (Judy Rollings). Scene Two: A week later, a day with a hint of winter and "I Am Built for Comfort, I Am Not Built for Speed" by Chester Burnett sung by Mae (Sharon Collar). After Intermission, Scene Three: Three months later, a chilly winter's day "If I Can't Sell It, I'll Sit on it, 'Cause I'm not Going to Give it Away" by Hill/Razaf sung by Ursula (Barbara McGrath). Scene Four: A crisp day in summer, several months later. And last Scene Five: Many months later with "Come Up and See Me Sometime" by Johnny Mercer and Robert Emmett Dolan sung by Edna (Jacqueline Gaston). And the finale is "On the Sunny Side of the Street" by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields sung by Vera (Jo Ann Yeoman).

Sharon Collar (Mae) has a long and varied career in theatre, film and television. Her professionalism served her well when opening night flubs, she confessed, resulted in “minor on the fly rewrites to the script.” This reviewer never noticed, and the mark of a great actress was it never showed in the performance and her fellow actresses never revealed the rewrites either. Mae is the Madam at the start of the show and manages the finances of all the ladies, who plied their trade above Zabar’s on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Collar portrays her as a caring madam concerned for her ladies long term safety and well being. They live pretty well under her wing, but regret their diminishing clientele, as the old gents die or move to Florida. They consider advertising in The Village Voice or getting the AARP Mailing List. In the end, Mae must cope with Alzheimer’s.

Judy Rollings (Lillian) Judy is a founding member of Actors Theatre of Phoenix and served as its Artistic Director for nine years. She is presently Director of the Lunch Time Theatre at the Herberger Theater Center. Lillian an aspiring actress, is the first to die, surprising the other ladies as they never expected her to be the first to go. She reappears in spirit as the others follow. Rollings has a great voice and kicks off the first musical number in the show "Love for Sale".

Barbara McGrath (Ursula) first acting at age nine, has been acting, teaching, and directing in the Valley for over thirty years, and has received four ariZoni awards. Her character Ursula is Mae’s antagonist, and is thrilled to take over when Mae departs. Her investment scheme has Edna and Vera irate, knowing their retirement is lost. McGrath portrays Ursula’s all business know it all ambition well.

Jacqueline Gaston (Edna) an actress since age three with over 200 shows in the Valley, a Charter Member of the Algonquin Company. She says, “I thought I was auditioning for a different part. When I learned I would be singing and dancing at my age… well I figured it's my last shot.” Gaston’s portrayal of Edna brought balance and stability to the production. Edna played off each character, especially when the cast had been whittled down to just Edna and Vera. Their interaction was truly sad and bittersweet; seeing even McDonald’s had no place for an old hooker when the manager finds her "May I help you?" too seductive.

JoAnn Yeoman (Vera) Yeoman is a Professor of Practice and Musical Theater Specialist at ASU and also works with the Arizona AGMA ensemble, the Sonoran Desert Chorale. and can be heard as co-host of KBAQ's ASU in Concert. Vera is the slower quiet one of the group, but the last to go. Her life reaches the depths of poverty and brings to light the plight of the homeless and unappreciated in society. Yeoman brings a deep and beautiful tenderness to a woman whose life had been hard and desperate in the end. She had chances for stability when she gets a proposal, but makes the mistake of inviting the man’s daughters to the ceremony. They quickly whisk him into a retirement home. Yeoman’s beautiful powerful and sensitive voice was the perfect finale.

Toby Yatso (Piano Man) recently finished graduate work in musical theatre, music theory and bassoon performance at ASU. His piano and few lines carried the production well from scene to scene.

Vogel uses the characters to send a message of elderly prostitutes as a way to talk of the economic situation of women in a male society, the need for security in old age, the fears of death and change, and the age-old notion that a woman's best, and sometimes only, bargaining chip is her body. The characters reminisce about their past in New Orleans’ famed red-light district, Storyville, when courtesy and elegant houses with piano players were the order of the day. They lived well and cared for one another. But now they needed to be responsible for themselves and the result of not doing so was the sad desperation of an elderly homeless woman.

I very much enjoyed this production of The Algonquin Theater Company’s “The Oldest Profession” and encourage all to attend. Rated for “adults” subject matter.
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Alice Cooper’s 7th Annual Christmas Pudding Concert

Alice Cooper’s 7th Annual Christmas Pudding Concert
a fund raiser for the Rock Teen Center
by LeeAnn Sharpe

It’s almost 1am and I just got home from the 7th Annual Christmas Pudding Concert by Alice Cooper. What a show! Alice calls all of his friends and they turn out for what has to be one of the best rock shows in Phoenix this year! Starting at 7:30pm it was over 4 hours of incredible jams. My hands are sore from clapping so much!

The finale with Alice Cooper & Band had the place hopping, but then when he brought out all of the performers to sing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, the crowd went wild.

Jordin Sparks, the 2007 American Idol Winner, and her band (two guitarists and back up singers) shared her hit “Tattoo” and a new song she wrote “Virginia is for Lovers” as well as the duet from her album, “No Air” she says will be her next single release.

CTA with Danny Seraphin & Marc Bonilla belted out all of the top hits from Chicago days. Danny’s drum solos were an example of how years of experience can out perform youthful exuberance. I remember hearing him years ago and he is so much more exciting now!

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers rocked the joint with hit after hit. You can see why this Tempe band is the only independent band to have five consecutive top-10 albums on the Billboard Internet Sales Chart.

Flo & Eddie of The Turtles flooded the audience with memories of “Happy Together” and “She’d Rather Be with Me” and more. The generational gap was evident as the parents all knew the lyrics and the kids giggled at their parent’s enthusiasm. By the end they had the entire audience on their feet singing along.

Whiskey Falls provided al little country. "Proof is in the Pudding" Winners Brewed to Perfection and Shaun Patrick Moe performed with the hope that their future will follow the footsteps of former “Pudding” winner Jordin Sparks.

Rock Demarco "The World's Fastest Painter" demonstrated his talent and creating a work of art in minutes on stage. The painting was latter sold along with an autographed guitar for $13,000. Two other guitars sold for $8,000 each.

Destiny Dancers led by Cheryl Cooper opened the show with a variety of talented dancers showcasing their dance styles.

Videos were shown, as the stage was being reset for each act, highlighted past “Christmas Puddings” with each year raising more and more bucks for the Solid Rock Foundation. Last year Funds are slated for the Rock, a Teen Center. Groundbreaking is anticipated for the coming year at the present rate of fund acquisition. The website www.alicecoopersolidrock.com tells the entire story of how Solid Rock needs to raise 7.3 million for the 29,000 sq ft facility which will be located on the campus of Grand Canyon University at 33rd Avenue and Camelback. It will reach out to youth and teenagers in the surrounding community and throughout the whole valley. Panorama Hills Newspaper will have continuing articles about the Rock’s progress and how you can help with not only donations of cash and equipment, but mentoring skills as well.

Review of Ballet Arizona The Nutcracker

Review of Ballet Arizona The Nutcracker
By LeeAnn Sharpe

It has been a holiday tradition to go see the Nutcracker. So year after year I go and enjoy it immensely. This year was extra special. I was privileged to introduce my niece Stephanie to her first ballet and what is more perfect for a young girl than the Nutcracker.

Opening night was cold and rain made driving treacherous. Downtown traffic was in gridlock as every venue seemed to have major events. Parking seemed impossible and we found what may have been the last parking spot in the city! The downtown was sparkling with colors and lights reflected in the rain, limos and cabs unloaded gloriously garbed men and women along with young boys and girls in party dresses and suits. Umbrellas bumped as the crowds moved briskly to various destinations. Honks and traffic cops whistles above the traffic noise completed the picture of a big city at full throttle. You could as easily been in London or New York. Phoenix has truly become a big city, although perhaps on a smaller scale.

But the scale of this production of the Nutcracker is anything but small. A spectacular world is created with such beauty and imagination it brings tears to the eye. The mastery of design and execution is flawless. From director to dancers this production is the finest that can be found anywhere in the world.

Ib Andersen has once again chosen a team of top designers from throughout the theater world to create a magical, grand-scale Nutcracker exploding with holiday charm and wonder. Choreographed by Ib Andersen , Set Design by Carey Wong and Ib Andersen, Costume Design by Fabio Toblini, and Lighting Design by Michael Korsch, the best found anywhere.

The lavish new sets and magnificent costumes from around the world make this magical holiday event such a joy. And the talent of these dancers is so incredible to watch. The leaps and lifts and twirls make your head spin.

The costumes of Herr and Frau von Stahlbaum and their children, Clara and Fritz and their party guests are more realistic of German families of the era. They provide a stronger contrast with the colorful costumes of Clara’s dreams. There are 260 costumes in The Nutcracker, requiring more than 6,500 yards of fabric. The costumes were created in 17 shops across America, including Ballet Arizona’s, with final assembly by Ballet Arizona’s costume shop personnel. During the run of the show Ballet Arizona dancers will use up to 300 pairs of pointe shoes. Most pairs of shoes last one performance. The budget for pointe shoes for December alone is $45,000.

The set design and transformation as the Christmas tree grows gigantic and the furniture disappears, leaving a huge, empty room that will soon become a battleground for an army of toy soldiers is magical. More than 100,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals were used to create the Snow scene. The production uses 25 different backdrops.
My niece gasped and then giggled as all the mice in the house have grown to enormous size. Costume designer Toblini didn’t want the mice to be too cute, so he modeled them after New York City subway rats. The Mouse King is 9 feet tall without his crown.

When the Nutcracker is revealed to be a prince who gives Clara a crown, the fantasy of every young girl is born. The Snow Queen and King and a magical journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy plant the seed of beautiful dreams. The dancers among the falling snow and twinkling stars transport you to a place where you wonder am I dreaming or is this real?

As always the music of the Phoenix Symphony is perfect. I was shocked to learn my niece’s elementary school’s limited music program does not teach Tchaikovsky, but they do learn rap and hip hop. That’s all the more reason to expose the next generation to as much classical music as possible.

Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker cost $1.8 million to create, involving more than 300
people. The production was made possible with a $1.3 million grant from the
Sybil B. Harrington Trust. Revenue from The Nutcracker accounts for 30 percent of Ballet Arizona’s annual income with ticket sales of more than 50,000 seats.

Once again Ballet Arizona has brought talent and inspiration to create a production of such beauty it will stay in your heart forever. To this day I can recall the Nutcrackers I saw as a child and this one seems to have grown to a much more sophisticated and beautiful place. You really must see this exquisite ballet. It will fill your soul with the magic and beauty that should be Christmas.

Duck and Decanter Dining Review

Dining Review
By Cowgirl Connoisseur
Duck and Decanter

On the way to a movie screening my companion and I stopped by the Duck for a light dinner. My publisher had asked me visit as he had run the notice of their 30th Anniversary Celebration in the last issue of Panorama Hills Monthly. I was curious because I remember years ago my Dad taking clients to “Duck and Decanter” for frequent business lunches. They also catered several office parties and prepared box lunches for business road trips. Yet, I had never been into their establishment.

Duck and Decanter, as it is known today, began in November of 1972 under the new ownership of Dort and Earl Mettler. A specialty food, beverage and retail pioneer, has become a monument in the lives of many valley residents. Providing fresh sandwiches, salads and soups in a unique environment surrounded by specialty foods, cheeses, wine, beer coffee, gift baskets, tea, and giftware.

Was I ever pleasantly surprised to find a shop packed with epicurean delights. Everything from sauces and spreads, dressings and noodles, dinnerware and kitchen tools are packed into shelves and rows of displays too numerous to peruse in one visit. Upstairs there’s more. It goes on and on. Food and shopping combine two of my favorite activities!

Duck and Decanter, affectionately known as "the Duck", was the first to provide central Phoenix with unique epicurean services such as wine tastings, a wine bar, and an espresso bar. Over the years, the Duck has earned over fifty prestigious awards from local and national periodicals and associations such as Mobil Travel Guide and Zagats. The awards certificates are lined up on the walls side to side and run on forever!

No doubt I was in for a treat for the taste buds. You order at the counter and they call your name when your sandwich is freshly made. A case of salads was intriguing with so many from which to choose.

I tried the southwest pasta salad with THE CLASSIC REUBEN $6.25 Choice of Corned beef or Pastrami, I took the Pastrami. Swiss cheese, sauerkraut relish, and thousand island dressing. I had it on an onion roll. Delicious!

My friend had the CHICKEN SALADS $7.25 Your choice between Creamy garlic with herbs, Curry with raisins, or Sonoran with spicy oil & vinegar. She had the Creamy garlic and it had a nice mild pleasant garlic and herb taste. It was nothing that overwhelmed, but gave good flavor. She also had the potato salad and it was nice. Nothing spectacular but very pleasant.

Their website at www.duckanddecanter.com lists a huge selection of cheese and catering options. I can see why the Duck has remained a favorite for so long. The Duck has remained jubilant for over three decades in a unique market because of its strong customer base. Customers who realize it is not only the quality of the goods they purchase, but it is the experience as well. I will be back often!

Author: LeeAnn Sharpe is freelance writer/photographer in Glendale Arizona and can be reached at www.leeannsharpe.com or lasharpe@cox.net.
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Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

by LeeAnn Sharpe

Alice Cooper’s classic image is one of horror and outrageous antics, the macabre perversion beyond anyone else. In fact, next to Halloween masks of Frankenstein, you can find the Alice Cooper mask resplendent with the trademark black eyeliner and wild black hair. None of it would have built a rock and roll dynasty lasting 40 years if there wasn’t a solid base of really good music. Alice Cooper’s music stands the test of time as rock classics as viable to today’s audiences as they were in 1969 when he started out.

At his recent Arizona State Fair Halloween concert a mother and daughter came out to enjoy the night together. “Alice Cooper was the first concert I went to when I was a teenager and now I’m taking my 15-year old daughter to her first concert to see him too,” says Betty excitedly. The crowd was heavily populated with older Alice Cooper fans, many with families in tow.

Alice Cooper’s portfolio of work is pretty remarkable with some 45 albums. The “Poison” video on YouTube has been viewed 836,992 times! “School’s Out” is still an anthem for every kid in the world on the last day of school. “Only Women Bleed”, “Welcome to my Nightmare”, “Love’s a Loaded Gun”, and “Eighteen,” are favorites the audience mentioned.

On stage Alice Cooper is more than just a rock singer. He becomes a total performer using stage props and characters telling a story through the music. His long legs and lean form carry him in costumes as varied as a white tuxedo or a black lycra jumpsuit cut to expose his front down to the nether lands. His most frequent costume in the past has been a red devil jumpsuit. This night he dons black pants decorated with a skeleton theme, trademark black top hat and a walking stick which he throws to the crowds several times to hysterical cheers.

The emotion and torment he performs are themes the audience can relate to and contribute to the cult like following his fans maintain through decades. His voice can be pretty and melodic when necessary, but more often it is jagged and cutting punctuated with screams and howls.

So how does this rocker take his show mainstream? Alice is in commercials for the Arizona Department of Transportation reminding Arizonans to renew their vehicle registration. More humorous was his Staples commercial where he’s buying school supplies for a petulant little girl who says, “I thought you said school’s out forever.” He responds, “No, the song says School’s out for summer”. Or there’s the Marriott commercial where he tells a guy mowing his lawn to take a vacation with his family so they won’t grow up to be weirdos. Hilarious! Calloway has a commercial where Cooper is a machinist. Of course golf is one of Cooper’s favorite pastimes.

You’ve become an American icon when you appear on the Muppets singing “Schools Out” with the Muppet characters in his trademark red devil jump suit.

A frequent participant in charity golf tournaments, Alice has lent his name to a number of charity projects. The biggest commitment is The Rock, a Christian youth center at the Grand Canyon University campus in west Phoenix. Chuck Savale, Executive Director of the Solid Rock Foundation says, “To date he has helped raise $2.5million.” They are working towards a goal of $7.25M. The 29,450-square- foot center would include sports facilities, a concert hall, recording studios and sound room, coffeehouse, computer lab, a rock-climbing wall, game room, dancing space, skateboard area and other amenities. They believe it can be the model for teen centers across the U.S.

He’s often said Alice is a character he plays as far removed from himself as he can get. That separation has allowed him to maintain a stable personal life. Married faithfully for 30 years and raising three kids his life seems pretty grounded. A tour takes him to the UK, Russia, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden in the coming weeks. But he will be home in time for the December 15th Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding, a night of comedy and music to raise money for The Rock Teen Center.

Alice Cooper has taken a path he started at 16-years old, followed the curves and turns, climbed the hills and grown in the process. He allowed his music and audiences to mature right along with him as he approaches 60. His humor and outrageousness along with compassion and brains have kept his fans and built a new younger base who pull out mom and dads vinyl and say, “Can I get this on MP3?”

For more photos and extended story visit www.azphm.com/alice.htm

Author: LeeAnn Sharpe is freelance writer/photographer in Glendale Arizona and can be reached at www.leeannsharpe.com or lasharpe@cox.net

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon
Dining Review
By Cowgirl Connoisseur


The old time cowboy restaurant is almost a thing of the past with all of the modern development taking over much of Arizona’s cowboy country.

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon located at I-17 Exit #225 west on Pioneer Road can still hold claim to good old-fashioned cowboy food and entertainment. They claim to be “Where Arizona’s Old West is re-discovered and the taste of Arizona’s new west is found”

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon sits on the Pioneer Living History Museum old west town property, although you can enter the restaurant without going into the museum proper. Many events combine the restaurants food with everything from weddings, corporate parties to the September Wild Western Festival. www.wildwesternfestival.com

Open Wednesday through Sunday, 6am to 9pm, Pioneer serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable old west style dining room and bar. Sunday they have an All-U-Can-Eat Buffet Breakfast sure to satisfy any appetite from Hoss to Little Joe. Thursday night is All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti & Meatballs, darn near featured in every Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western. Friday night is the “Famous” All-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry. Gather up your posse of family and friends for this one! Saturday night is Prime Rib and All the Fixin’s. The food has always been of generous portions and cooked to your request.

Friday through Sunday you can enjoy entertainment from honkey-tonk piano to cowboy singers. Pioneer can also host your parties for weddings, corporate events or team building. Bring your out-of-town guests in for a taste of the old west. Their website at www.westerndestinations.com tells you all about a variety of activities available.
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Wildflower Bread Company Review

Wildflower Bread Company Review
by Cowgirl Connoisseur


Wildflower Bread Company is a Scottsdale based chain with Arizona locations including Tempe Square (SW Corner of McClintock & Guadalupe), Sonora Village (SW Corner of Loop 101 & Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.), Deer Valley Towne Center ( SW Intersection of Loop 101 & I-17), Chandler Fashion Center (SW Intersection of Loop 101 & Chandler Blvd.), Wildflower Village (SW Corner of Baseline & Val Vista), Palm Valley Pavilions West (SW Corner of Litchfield & McDowell), Arcadia Commons (Indian School & 44th Street), Prescott Gateway Mall (Intersection of Highway 69 & Gateway Blvd.), and The Shops at Piñon Pointe (Intersection of Highways 179 & 89A).

It’s a simple order at the counter and the server brings you your food. You get your own drinks and refills. Sandwiches, pasta, soups and salads, muffins and breads make up most of their menu. Bread is their passion and all of it is baked fresh daily. What a huge difference fresh bread makes in a delicious sandwich!

They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wide variety of selections beyond your usual breakfast sandwich. Breakfast is served until 10:30am on weekdays and until 2pm on weekends. How about the Honey-Cured Ham & Brie Frittata with eggs, ham, brie, sautéed apples, sage and leeks, served with Wildflower Home Fries and buttered toast for only $5.99. Or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which are Wildflower’s signature pancakes, with ricotta cheese and lemon, served with blueberry compote, sweet creamy butter and hot maple syrup at $5.69. The lemon contrasted with blueberry is a wonderful combination. The Roasted Tomato Feta & Egg Sandwich with scrambled eggs, roma tomato, feta and basil on a buttered Ciabatta Roll at $4.19 is a huge improvement over a McMuffin! This is a much nicer way to start your morning.

Lunch is prices from $6.49 to $6.99 for sandwiches like the Roast Beef & Gorgonzola with rare roast beef (94% fat-free), gorgonzola, roasted red pepper, red onion, romaine, tomato and herb mayo on Sourdough for $6.79. I really enjoyed their Wildflower Chicken Salad with chicken breast, red and green peppers, green onion, lemon, garlic and mayo with tomato, cucumber, romaine and clover sprouts on Nine-Grain at $6.79. My gentleman friend enjoyed the hot Spicy Meatball sandwich with swiss, giardinera hot peppers and Wildflower marinara on a grilled Ciabatta Roll for $6.99 The Harvest Apple Pork with slow-roasted pork with apple, leek, sage, arugula and swiss on grilled Pasilla Chili Rye at $6.79 looked tempting and I will try when the weather is cooler.

The salads are wonderful! Oriental Chicken with field greens, grilled chicken breast, red and white cabbage, cucumber, carrot, celery, green onion, jicama, cilantro, sesame seeds, crispy noodles and almonds with Oriental dressing at $6.99. They use a lot of jicama which you don’t find often but adds a nice crunch!

They serve up to six varieties of fresh homemade wholesome soup daily that are a wonderful meal in themselves. Made with natural ingredients and they always offer at least one vegetarian selection. You can try soup in their award-winning Sourdough bread boule or with your favorite sandwich or salad. By the cup $3.29, bowl $4.29, or soup in a Bread Boule is $5.29. You can even buy Soup by the Quart at $8.99 and feed the whole family. Their website gives the ingredients and complete nutritional breakdown of each soup for those counting calories or carbs.

Pasta is served from 3pm on and includes a Butternut Squash Ravioli topped with roasted walnut cream sauce and nutmeg sublime for $7.29. My favorite is Smoked Salmon Alfredo with sundried tomato, capers and linguini, topped with parsley and grated parmesan for only $7.29! Or how about the Three Cheese Ravioli topped with Wildflower marinara, parsley and grated parmesan for only $6.99. Pesto Chicken with Linguini grilled chicken breast, feta, roasted red pepper, spinach and pesto, topped with parsley and grated parmesan $7.29, Linguini with White Clam Sauce tender clams in an herb broth, topped with parsley and grated parmesan $6.99, and many more.

I go to Wildflower Bakery for meetings often because the atmosphere is usually subdued and quiet enough for comfortable conversation. They also have free wifi and it was relatively fast compared to many places in the valley.

It always seems to have a steady crowd. But the service is pretty quick and I’ve never had a problem finding a good table. When the weather is good I like sitting out on the front patio.

I also like to snag a cranberry muffin ($1.89) from the bakery case with a display so tempting you may have to close your eyes! They also have freshly made breads, cheesecakes, cupcakes and brownies, and cakes. Recently they had a baguette for a dollar you could drop into a box and grab your bread as you left.

Their hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays
Prices: $5-$7 sandwiches; $4-$7 salads; $7 pastas (after 3 p.m.) Info: (480) 838-9773 or wildflowerbread.com Locations include:
6428 S. McClintock Road Tempe phone 480-838-9773 fax 480-838-9469
15640 N. Pima Road Scottsdale phone 480-991-5180 fax 480-991-6279
2805 W. Agua Fria Freeway Deer Valley phone 623-879-6819 fax 623-879-6829
3111 W. Chandler Boulevard Chandler phone 480-821-8200 fax 480-821-8211
3425 E. Baseline Road Gilbert phone 480-507-9565 fax 480-507-9566
1360 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear phone 623-935-1131 fax 623-935-5557
4290 East Indian School Road Arcadia phone (602) 850-8585 fax (602) 850-8586
3250 Gateway Boulevard Prescott phone 928-717-1700 fax 928-717-1707
101 N. Highway 89A Sedona phone 928-204-2223 fax 928-204-9449
16059 N. 82nd Street Scottsdale Corporate phone 480-951-9453 fax 480-951-9464


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Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life

Ballet Arizona brings romantic ‘Swan Lake’ to life
The Phoenix Symphony accompanies with Tchaikovsky
by LeeAnn Sharpe

If you were to see only one ballet in your entire life, it would have to be Ballet Arizona’s lavish production of “Swan Lake,” regarded by many as the greatest of all classical ballets. With choreography by Olga Evreinoff and Ib Andersen following Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s classic interpretation, “Swan Lake” will be performed Nov. 3‑5 at Symphony Hall with The Phoenix Symphony conducted by Timothy Russell.

“Swan Lake” is the ultimate fairy tale portraying the tragic romance between the Swan Queen and Prince Siegfried, complete with a moonlit lake, swan maidens, and mystifying wizardry. First performed at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow in 1877 with a specially commissioned score by Tchaikovsky, “Swan Lake” did not open to critical acclaim. However, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov staged a tribute to Tchaikovsky in 1895, which became the definitive version. Since that time, countless choreographers have staged versions of this classic.

“‘Swan Lake’ immediately brings to mind beautiful choreography and the music of Tchaikovsky,” states Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen. “The combination of his score with the work of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov are the reasons why, season after season, ‘Swan Lake’ continues to be one of the most famous and crowd‑pleasing ballets.”



Choreographer Olga Evreinoff, of St. Petersburg’s famed Vaganova Ballet Academy, regularly coached for many of the world’s best companies, including The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, the Royal Swedish, and Royal Danish Ballets. She practices traditional Russian ballet technique with grander, more dramatic moves appropriate to “Swan Lake.”

To grant further insight of the production, Ballet Arizona offers a pre‑performance chat 45 minutes before the show to provide background information and firsthand knowledge of the ballet. Artistic Director Ib Andersen will participate in this part of the ballet’s presentation, which is open to all interested ticket holders. A short question and answer session is included in the discussion.

Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” is one of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences you can share with friends and family, offering riveting entertainment for young and old alike.

As part of Ballet Arizona’s ongoing commitment to education, over 2000 students from schools throughout the Valley are expected to attend the November 2 student matinee, which includes a post‑performance question‑and‑answer session between dancers and the students.

Phoenix is truly blessed with a symphony and conductor who can make the music come to life, with emotion so powerful it can take your breath away. Performing this powerful production of “Swan Lake,” Ballet Arizona, now in its 21st season, unites pure, romantic music with brilliant choreography. “Swan Lake” is about passion and the power of young love, of deceit and treachery.

And much more than the dancing and music put Ballet Arizona’s magnificent production on the stage. Lighting design by Michael Korsch adds immeasurably to the mood, while the scenery, as presented by David Walker, courtesy of the Texas Ballet Theater, assures audiences of the perfect setting. The lavish costumes which bring so much life to the ballet are designed by Peter Cazalet in Act I & II, Scene 1 and Acts I & II, and by Zack Brown in Scene 2, (courtesy of Atlanta Ballet).

Symphony Hall is located in downtown Phoenix at 75 North 2nd Street. Performances are November 3 at 8 p.m., Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets run from $10 to $104, with special reduced pricing for Saturday matinees. Children 12 and under are admitted for 50 percent off for all shows. Discounts are also available for seniors, students, K‑12 teachers, active duty military, and groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call Ballet Arizona at (602) 381‑1096, or Ticketmaster at (480) 784‑4444. The Ballet Arizona box office is located at 3645 East Indian School Road in Phoenix, and is open Mon.‑Fri. 9 a.m.‑4:30 p.m. Tickets are also available at any Ticketmaster Outlet located in Fry’s Marketplace, Wherehouse Music, Tower Records; and online at www.balletaz.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

The 2nd Annual Zoo Walk / 5K Run for Autism at the Phoenix Zoo

The 2nd Annual Zoo Walk / 5K Run for Autism at the Phoenix Zoo is a fundraiser for Autism Research. The event is Saturday October 21, 2006, registration 6:30am or register online at www.zoowalk.org. A $50 tax-deductible donation gets you a t-shirt, a wristband for all day admission to the zoo and participation in the 8am 1.1mile walk on an easy paved path, with shade and places to stop and view the animals. It’s ideal for strollers, wheelchairs and wagons, but no bikes, skateboards, or roller blades.
Runners entry fee is $25 and the run starts at 7am. The 5K run makes 2.5 loops inside the zoo.
Autism now affects 1 in 166 children. Based on government statistics, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10%-17% per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. It’s a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. Research is needed to find effective treatments to help children and adults with Autism/Asperger’s.

Fifty percent of the Zoo Walk funds will go directly to the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at ASU, lead by James B. Adams, Ph.D. Adams is a pioneer in the search for new treatments for children and adults with Autism and Asperger’s. In addition to carrying out important research studies, he has also organized major autism conferences in Arizona to educate families about biomedical, behavioral, and educational therapies.

The other fifty percent will go to Autism Research Institute, directed by Bernard Rimland, PhD, father of a son with autism. In 1964, he wrote the book “Infantile Autism”. In 1967, he founded the Autism Research Institute, which has gathered data on treatments from over 40,000 families, and provided information on effective treatments to over 100,000 families. In 1995, Dr. Rimland founded Defeat Autism Now!, training parents in biomedical treatments based on scientific research, physician experience, and parent input.

Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park in Phoenix.

2nd Annual Wild Western Festival Pioneer Living History Museum

The 2nd Annual Wild Western Festival came to Pioneer Living History Museum in North Phoenix at Pioneer Road and I-17 on Saturday and Sunday, September 23rd-24th. Thousands of western lifestyle enthusiasts came out to enjoy the beautiful fall Arizona weather and plenty of cowboy shootin’, hootin’ and hollarin’, cowboy music and good eats.

DR “Buck” Montgomery bills his event as “Where History meets Hollywood”. Stars of the old westerns including Whitey Hughes, Donna Martell, Peter Brown, Don Collier, Gregg Palmer, Bob Hoy, Marie Harmon, and authors Cheryl Rogers-Barnett and Charlie LeSueur were on hand to sign autographs.

One man from Wittman says he came in to see some of his favorite entertainers from the golden age of the silver screen. “It was a time when the western reigned and the cowboy code was the way we lived.” Donna Martel commented, “It was a simpler time.” Marie Harmon reminisced about all of the stars she had worked with, “So many are gone now.”

From the moment you entered the old west town, musicians greeted you with old west ballads. A mix of modern vendor booths selling everything from resort hotel vacations to guided desert excursions for tourist and beachfront properties in Mexico, stood next to the old west merchants with cowboy hats and sheriff stars for the kids. The big barbeque pit had burgers, dogs, ribs and chicken smelling mighty good. Traditional festival fare like snow cones and kettlekorn were doing a steady business too.

Decked out in classic cowgirl fringed riding skirt and shirt Pistol Packin’ Paula entertained a good-sized audience seated comfortably on the lawn. Her rope tricks, gun spinning and whip cracking had the crowds oohing and aaahing throughout her performance. After, she took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.

Sourdough Slim and Dave Bourne took the stage at noon with a duet of piano and song. Bourne, known as the piano player in the HBO hit series “Deadwood” where his music is used as background in the Gem Saloon, showed his historian expertise as he told stories about each of the songs he played. Some were familiar, but most never made the top 40 list of hits, even back in 1880.

A nice group of award winning traditional cowboy musicians were on hand playing at one of three stages throughout the weekend. Paula Strong and Walt Richards were Western Music Association Best Duo Harmony of the Year in 2005, Tom Hiatt and the Sundown Riders, known as an Arizona Cowboy Balladeer, and Bill Barwick, “voice of the Western Channel” sang and told stories of the old west.

The World Champion Moontee Sinquah Indian Dancers and Flute player added to the traditional western flavor of the event.

Most popular were the gunfights in the old west town with Kowboy Kal, Joey Dillon, Gary “Bad Dog” Bennett, DR “Buck” Montgomery, and Pioneer’s stunt cowboys shooting it out. Crowds gathered early for seats in the grandstand or to stake out a place along the fence to catch the action up close. These gunfighters used more humor than fear in their act and the crowds enjoyed their antics.

All in all, it was a very worthwhile and entertaining festival of old west fun. A bit of advice if you attend next year, wear a hat. Even with the cooler temperatures, the sun was intense with little opportunity for shade. And drink plenty of water.
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