Hitting the bottle??

If the situation in Washington, DC is getting on your nerves, let me suggest a little adult refreshment! And here to celebrate wine in a BIG WAY is one of Tucson's most beloved icons - the Boondocks Chianti Bottle! Did you know that the cork topper is real cork? Boondocks has been a blues music hangout in Tucson for decades. It came under new ownership in 2017. 
 

Even with COVID-19 there can be humor~

A local Tucson Mexican restaurant has made sure their matador and bull sculpture is safe! Ha! 

Same House, Different Chef

Every year the Arizona Inn creates a "Mini Inn" display for the lobby. I don't know if the house is gingerbread (or even if it is edible). Here's a quick review of 6 versions that have been on display in recent years. The top image is this year's house. A little skimpy on embellishments IMHO.

YES, the alarming orange icing is really that color - no trick of the camera! Anyone who has ever seen the Inn will describe it as more of a PINK than an ORANGE color so it is unclear why the pastry chefs went so heavy into the "Hazard Orange" color zone...   Which one do you like the best? And YES some years are definitely better than others (as you can see for yourself). 

It's great to be understood!

YES! Restaurant signage that speaks the truth.  :)

How long for you??

HA! Saw this on a restaurant wall on University. Funny stuff...

Home Grown ~

My grape vine is producing a massive amount of grapes! They are sweet and delicious! Maybe this year I will try to make some wine....  any winemakers out there to offer advice? 

Today's the Last Day!

If you have been meaning to drive down to Tubac for the wonderful annual Festival of the Arts, today is your last chance. From 10am - 5pm enjoy music and art in a quaint village setting.  Drive South on I-10 and take Exit #34 for Tubac. 

Where is this piggy?

Where might I be dining? And no, it is not at "Oink" on Broadway!

2nd Saturday ~ it's happening now!

When is the last time you went to Tucson's 2nd Saturday? It's today and tonight from 2 - 9pm. Food, drinks, music, art, shopping - all downtown! A walk-around fun time for sure!
Here's the link to read more:
http://www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com/

Still cluckin'!

10 JANUARY 2010

Tucson's Favorite Chickens ~

THEN (2010): The wonderful Community Food Bank started a community garden about 5 years ago. The chicken coop houses a few different types of chickens and the only ones I saw today were this pair ~ I think they are Rhode Island Reds but my knowledge of chickens is pretty limited! The eggs are sold at local farmer's markets.

NOW: The Food Bank chickens are now part of a whole program called Nuestra Tierra. Read more about it and how you can volunteer HERE: 

A Sugar Toast? Nope!

Here are some critical items to prepare in advance for a proper New Year's Eve home party - sugar cones. These sugar cones have to dry out completely before they are slipped out of their molds, positioned over a simmering vat of feuerzangenbowle, soaked with overproof rum (or brandy) and set alight. WOW! Delicious & festive!! Cheers! 

Wearable Art ~

This nicely framed black stiletto serves as wall art in one of my favorite restaurant's ladies room. Care to guess where this is? 

Direct Delivery to Santa ~

Looks like the Arizona Inn has established a direct mailbox to Santa. Good to know in case you haven't sent him your wish list yet! 

Tucson's Favorite Christmas Tree ~

This is the time of year to visit the Arizona Inn! The ceiling-scraping tree in the library is always lovely to behold and they do their best to create a wonderful holiday ambiance. 

It's a BIG BARK day! My birthday!

Having a December birthday is really great - everything is decorated and festive everywhere you go. Sparkly lights! Fun! Happy day! 

Bejeweled Steer ~

Have you ever seen a long-horned steer with so much BLING? This fellow is on display at El Corral Restaurant (River Road). Sparkly! 
Photo courtesy of David Aber. 

The Kon Tiki Lounge ~ a Tucson classic

04 OCTOBER 2009

The Kon Tiki Lounge ~ a Tucson classic

THEN & NOW: Some things never change! 

A Tucson watering hole since 1963, the Kon Tiki Lounge serves a drink they call the Scorpion: "the largest drink in the world." It's a mix of rum, brandy, gin, fruit juice, and liqueurs ~ whew! And they serve it in a giant bowl with extra long straws. Quite a cocktail! I've never been brave enough to try it but do tell me if you have!

Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge 
www.kontikitucson.com
(520) 323-7193
Get directions

Dine in a Garden!

When you next visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens try to schedule your visit to include a meal at the charming Cafe Botanica. The menu, the service, and the ambiance will provide you with a wonderful experience!

8 Years Later ~ Still Searching for the Answer!

06 SEPTEMBER 2010

Rolling Burrito Head ~

THEN:

When I passed a warehouse parking lot and spotted Mr. Sombrero, naturally I had to stop! I guess he is a mobile taco stand. And it looks like his eyeballs open to be the service windows - does that seem right?? IF anyone knows where he is usually parked, let me know!

NOW: Here it is, eight years later and I still don't know anything more about this interesting fast food truck. I never saw him again. Well, he will live on as a Random Weird Thing, for sure! 

Close but a World Away ~

Not too far south of Tucson is part of Arizona that is quite beautiful and is a combination of ranch land and vineyards. Yes! Arizona has a thriving wine industry and you can take yourself on a pretty great wine tasting tour through Sonoita and Elgin. This sign post affirms that you are driving in The West!