UPDATED - UPCOMING EVENTS - LOT'S TO DO AROUND THE PARK!
Desertscape Resident Editorials
SUCKING UP
By Pamala Johnson
Sucking up
Learning when to “Suck it UP" and push through can be a huge struggle for many folks. Hey, we ADULTS have had to learn this all our lives. Doing stuff you don't want to do so you can do the stuff you do want to do. Our parents were the best teachers of this. Doing homework = hang out with friends ... chores = getting to watching TV . We was in training for later life.
This method has proven to be successful in obtaining my goals. I do have issues with this method cause sometimes it is a struggle, even as an adult. In fact maybe cause I am an adult. When I am struggling I tend to make a mess. I make more mistakes and piss people off, sometimes. things don't always end well.
I have anxiety, feel frustrated and depressed, when I'm in "the struggle". All I can think about and want to do is "Honor myself". You know, eat when and what I want, wear what and don't want to wear. Work or go back and research on the computer. Take a nap when I feel tired. Turn my phone off when tired of the ringing. Writing this paragraph makes me long for honoring myself this very moment. But I just can't and It makes me feel stuck. I don't trust myself to "honor myself" for today and maybe tomorrow cause I know it could turn into a week or 4. I have history and I know me.
So it's better to stick with what works to reach my goals. I will just have to " suck it up and push through."
WISE WORDS
By Patrick Brewer
On my weekday rides on the recumbent trike, I see changes being made throughout this community. Of course, it is being done in the rec area only right now, but it's being made. In time, we will see all the changes, some good, some not so good. I only say that because it's the way of the world. You can't please everyone, no matter how hard you try and no matter who you are in this world. It can't be done.
But, in my opinion only, it doesn't have to be that way. We could see something that happens and just let it go at that. Sure, it may or may not be something we like or agree with. However, do we HAVE to gripe about it? We are all blessed to have a place to live, have a roof over our heads, friends to meet, functions to attend and get involved in. Life doesn't always pan out the way we want it to, but we learn to adapt.
Think about what our parents and grandparents had to put up with daily. And they didn't have anywhere near the luxuries that we have today. Yes, again, we may not like what we deal with, but we learn to. I used to gripe a LOT about changes and having to do something someone else's way. But, after having three strokes, you learn quickly to make changes. I HAD to adapt to changes, how about you? People who are sick, disabled, or worse, MUST adapt. Be thankful for your health.
I'm speaking from my own experience, not from things that may, or may not, have been said. It's not my place to do that. Period. All I can do is explain how I dealt with it.
All the griping and getting angry about something only made matters worse for myself. IT only prolonged my difficulty in dealing with something. When I FINALLY shut up and just dealt with a situation/problem, in a calm and pleasant way, the problem was taken care of quicker. And, honestly, I truly feel like a better person for it.
Summing up, you don't have to live in frustration, anger or disagreement. Roll with whatever life throws at you. Because, in the end, life IS good.
MOVING TO PHOENIX: YOUR STORIES
MOVING TO PHOENIX: YOUR STORIES
I moved down here from the northern suburbs of Chicago 3 years ago moved into my trailer a little over a one year ago. I can deal with the summers better than the winters in Chicago
I moved here in 2005 from the San Francisco Bay Area for a teaching position. I arrived in my U-Haul truck in July and it took me five days to unload the truck because it was so hot and humid!
Moved here in 1996 from Iowa. Came here to help my first Mother-in-Law. Lived in the East Valley until 2001. The first summer I was here I was sure I had bought property in Hell!! Still do....I hate summer and love my air conditioner.
Moved here August, 2000. That Halloween I was meeting friends at Cliff Castle Casino. Left my apartment, it was Sunny, drove up I17, got to Carefree Highway, it was raining, further up the road it was sleeting, drove through clouds in the mountains. When I arrived at Cliff Castle Casino. It was snowing to beat the band. Where else could you live and have all 4 seasons in under 2 hours?
Moved to Phoenix in 1979 in JULY from Northern Virginia. Left hot humid weather to hot dry weather. Summer heat gets worse to me every year. Moved to the Park in 1992 for four years. Moved out for five years and then back to the Park in 2001. I do have the opportunity to leave the Valley for part of the summer. The rest of the time I am inside with the AC on and projects to keep me busy.
Came here in nineteen forty five right after the war... I can remember where desert scape is now was open desert....
RESIDENT RESTAURANT REVIEWS
BURGERS AND MORE
Several residents have sung the praises of Lenny's Burgers at I-17 and Glendale (several valley locations). "Best bacon cheeseburgers". They also have chicken, fish, hot dogs, veggie burgers ice cream, and $1.49 root beer floats for.
MEXICAN FOOD
CHINO BANDITO
310 W, Bell Road
Open Tues-Sun 11:00-8:00
Chino Bandito is always a unique, great meal and their Snickerdoodle cookies are the best in town. I have not been to their new location yet though.
Mary Clare Kathleen
Resident Comments:
Mary Clare Kathleen "Unique entre combos with free samples."
Steve Bregyán "The food has gone downhill as well as she has started using pre made stuff, the cookies are still ok. "
TACO CHISCO
1820 W Northern Ave Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Closes at 10pm
I have so many. lol I can start with my new summer
find. The new place next to the Albertson's on 19th ave and Northern is really darling, great owner, and really good food. It is called Tacos Chiscos. They have a Glendale location further north west too. They also have a full bar and happy hour. Yummy tacos. Check it out.
Mary Clare Kathleen
VALLEY LUNA
3336 West Bell Road, Phoenix 85053
16048 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix 88
Open 11:00-8:00
I’d like to recommend Valle Luna for Mexican food lovers. Either location on Cave creek Or Bell Rds. Always great food & wonderful service. After 3pm on Tuesday is Sr day & you only have to be 50 !
Leslie Nielsen
LOS GLORIAS GRILL
7835 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Open until 9pm
Las Glorias, just South of northern on 19th Avenue in the strip mall is really good. Mexican food @ a family owned restaurant..
Bob Phillips
Resident Comments:
Mary Clare Kathleen
Yummy that bean dip is so good for someone who dislikes all bean dips. lol Been going for years. I have never had a bad meal.
EL RANCHO MARKET IGA
8901 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix 85021
Open daily from 6am-10pm
https://elrancho.igaarizona.com/
Oh and not a restaurant per say but they do have a food court but the bagged tortilla chips and small tacos at the El Rancho IGA market down the street are shockingly amazing. Better than even Barrio Cafe. And oddly enough, their potato salad at the salsa bar is amazing too.
Mary Clare Kathleen.
MANUEL'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA
1111 West Bell Road, Phoenix 85023
Hours 10am-9pm
For additional locations go to:
http://www.manuelsaz.fiestaconcepts.com/locations/
Manuel's Mexican is great . There are 4 locations. We go to the one on Bell and love it. Great food, friendly staff, clean, nice outside seating available. Our favorite go to place for Mexican and local business
Jim Mowry
VIA DELOSANTOS
9120 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 85020
Open daily from 10:30-9:00 pm
My favorite restaurant is Via Delosantos on Central just north of Dunlap is a great, reasonably priced Mexican Restaurant. Not spicy but they give you hot sauce to add. Very reasonable for luncheon specials. Been at their location since 1986.
Christine E Karoff
Resident Comments:
Patrick McCombs "I second that. Very authentic feel. if you like Tequila, this is the place."
ASIAN SEAFOOD
BLUE PACIFIC SEAFOOD BUFFET
3507 W Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Closes at 9PM
Menu: bluepacificseafoodbuffet.com
Blue Pacific Seafood Buffet is really good. Was an all you can eat and it has so many tasty dishes, including Sushi and crab legs on the day we went. it's on Dunlap Ave south side the road and just West of 35 Avenue. It was a Red Lobster years ago.
Alura Walker
THAI THAI KITCHEN
10639 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix 85029
Closes at 8PM
https://thaithaikitchenaz.kitchen/
Thai Thai Kitchen is located at 19th Avenue & Peoria, at the end of the strip mall behind Church's Chicken.
It is owned by a Thai family and the mom and grandmother do the cooking. The Wait Staff are her children. It's the best authentic Thai food in Phoenix.
Caren Bailis Oliver
HARBOR SEAFOOD SUPER BUFFET
10030 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Closes at 9:30PM
Menu: bluepacificseafoodbuffet.com
Harbor Seafood Super Buffet at metro center blows it away, they have everything even a hibachi grill with fresh meats and veggies.
Alura Walker
(in response to Alura Walker's review of Blue Pacific Seafood Buffet
GRAND DRAGON
4730 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
Hours 12-9pm
http://www.granddragonchina.com/
Grand Dragon on 47th and Dunlap used to be good, but haven't eaten there in years.
Patrick McCombs
Abacus Inn
20329 N 59th Ave Ste 810, Glendale, AZ 85308
https://www.abacusinnarrowhead.com/
Hours Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm
Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm
Abacus Inn on 59th just north of the 101 is good.
Patrick McCombs
Italian Food
Mora Italian
5651 N. 7th Street Phoenix 85013
Menu: moraitalian.com
Closes at 9pm
Mora is a very nice Italian food restaurant in Midtown. More expensive though.
Enjoy.
Mary Clare Kathleen
TUTTI SANTI RISTORANTE BY NINA
7575 N 16th St., Ste 5, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM, daily
https://www.tuttisantiphoenix.com/
Another place just across the street from Veranda Bistro that we like is Tutti Santi Ristorante by Nina. Always great food and really nice ambiance. You may need a reservation.
Nancy Schuling
Romanelli's Italian Deli
3437 West Dunlap Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85051
3437 West Dunlap Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85051. Open Mon-Sat 9-6
https://www.romanellisitaliandeli.com/
Let us not forget our many decades neighbor down the street," Romanellis" Proscuito, Caprese sub, YUMMY!!!!!!! Cannollis, Black and white Cookies, and Tiramusu. Of course all your Italian grocery cooking needs too.
Mary Clare Kathleen
American Fare
As reviewed by Sue Davis
The restaurant is Bobby Q’s
It’s located at 8501 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix the phone number is 602-995-5982.
.
The restaurant has a nice patio with misters and covered very well away from the sun. There are several tables outside for a group or just a couple.You can also sit inside at the bar where it’s always cool. The service is outstanding and friendly and they take good care of you. After you order they start you off with a basket of free corn bread and then after your meal they give you their free famous donuts holes to go.The tropical drink list is phenomenal. I’ve tried several of them and each was different and delicious. I have not been there for dinner but from what I see leaving the kitchen everything looks wonderful. I have ordered several different things from the happy hour menu and everything has been great. Stop in for a cold beer, snacks or a meal, always cool and dark inside-perfect for our hot months.
Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers
7th St south of Bethany Home Rd
5625 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday 11am – 11pm
https://www.coldbeers.com/cheeseburgers/7th-street/
Tried a new restaurant, Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers. It’s on 7th St south of Bethany Home. Might be considered a sports bar, with tv screens all around the outside walls as well as the bar. Beer on tap, in bottles, beer specials and wine and cocktails for those who don’t like beer. Food is kinda pricey; we got a burger and a sandwich and each was $16, but they were great, served with house-made potato chips. Clincher for us was that they have a gluten-free menu. Can’t wait to go there for Sunday football!!!
Daphane Downs
Ronnie's Cafe
4323 W Cactus Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85304
Open 7 days a week 6am-2pm
We love Ronnie's Cafe - Breakfast and lunch only, but their portions are huge for the pricing, and great quality food as well. They're on 43rd Ave and Cactus.
Shannon Clark
The Rokerij
6335 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 287-8900
http://www.richardsonsnm.com/rokerij
A tad further away in Midtown but not that much further away and more expensive ( try happy hour for more cost effective tastes) unique experience try the under ground, cave like setting at the Rokerij. Very cool and Richardson's is next door for sunlight, patio and great New Mexican style food. Both have made best of USA lists and been on national TV spots
Mary Clare Kathleen
Let's Do Lunch
2320 W Peoria Ave Poenix
Open 7:30am-4pm M-Sat.
Menu: letsdolunchaz.com
There is a small simple, corporate style deli place right down the street called, " Let's Do Lunch" when I was still teaching I would go there. Small, very plain, very simple but cute and not a bad lunch with good prices. Good for those on a tight budget.
Mary Clare Kathleen
The Sandwich Spot
1219 E Glendale Avenue
Suite 26
Phoenix, AZ 85020
HOURS:
Monday-Friday 9-7
Saturday 9-7
Sunday 11-4
A new place on 12th St. and Glendale behind Dutch Brothers is my favorite sandwich shop right now in the valley. Local Chef owned and homemade everything. It is called the Sandwich Spot and is wonderful. Great cheesecake too.
True Food Kitchen
2502 East Camelback Rd. Phoenix 8r016
Located in the Biltmore Shopping Center
Open 11am-9pm
https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/phoenix/
True Food Kitchen at the Biltmore Shopping Center for a healthier option. I love their chicken pizza, grass fed hamburger and hummus. Yum!! So many more to choose from!!
Nancy Schuling
Little Miss BBQ
8901 N 7th St Phoenix, AZ 85020
HOURS
Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-3p
Little Miss BBQ best of nation for BBQ lovers. Hatcher 7th St. The Jalapeno grits are too die for.
Mary Clare Kathleen
Cafe Monarch
6939 E 1st Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Sunday - Thursday:5:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Friday - Saturday:5:00 pm - 12:00 a
Menu: cafemonarch.com
PLEASE NOTE RESERVATION AND DRESS CODE POLICY.
Cafe Monarch is the best restaurant we’ve ever been to but you pay for it too. It’s a whole experience. We absolutely loved it. If it wasn’t so expensive we would go again but it was a special occasion so we splurged!!
Nancy Schuling
The not-so Great
A few that our resident foodie didn't love:
Mary Clare Kathleen
So I guess I will be the baddie and notate some places I thought not that great or had just horrible experiences at. Giant Manhatten Pizza, Shang-gri-la on Cactus, and the Del Taco on 19th Ave come to mind right away.
Is there any good places for Chinese food near by us? We don't care for that small place called Mr. Wongs, not good at all. Too small to eat there & take out isn't to swift either.
