Dream Catcher

Dream Catcher

In Native American culture, a dreamcatcher (or dream catcher; Lakota: iháŋbla gmunka, Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form of the word for "spider"or Ojibwe: bawaajige nagwaagan meaning "dream snare") is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net orweb. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads.

Traditionally, the Ojibwa construct dreamcatchers by tying sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame of willow (in a way roughly similar to their method for making snowshoewebbing). The resulting "dream-catcher", hung above the bed, is used as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. As dreamcatchers are made of willow and sinew, they are not meant to last forever but are intended to dry out and collapse as the child enters the age of wonderment.

The Ojibwa believe that a dreamcatcher changes a person's dreams. According to Konrad J. Kaweczynski, "Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through… Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day." Good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper.

Another version from the same article was, "Nightmares pass through the holes and out of the window. The good dreams are trapped in the web, and then slide down the feathers to the sleeping person."

I had a dream catcher for a number of years...I felt like when I fell asleep all of my worries and stress got caught in the web, so I could drift off into a peaceful rest.  The idea that it keeps one safe and protects you while you sleep is so calming for both children and adults.

These are two examples I found on Ebay:

Click to view larger image Sell one like this

Sundays in Paradise

Sundays in Paradise (The Sanctuary)

music. savor. sunshine.

Savor an afternoon of hip and uniquely soulful music, matched with food & drink selections as spectacular as the surrounding vistas. Relax with a new gourmet picnic experience on the grassy lawn overlooking Paradise Valley and enjoy live music, compliments of Sanctuary.

Take advantage of the optional Gourmet Picnic Package including a choice of appetizers created to suit the music, just the right bottle of wine, a blanket for the afternoon, and cover for two people for only $55. Or choose our VIP Gourmet Picnic Package, which includes premium seating with a couch, cover for two people, choice of appetizer, and choice of bottle of wine or pitcher of sangria, paloma or margarita for $100. (Or bring your own blanket). 

Held from 2-6pm with live music beginning at 3pm.  The spring 2012 line-up:

• March 4 - Sugahbeat
• March 11 - Alice Tatum
• March 18 - Dennis Rowland - Event has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
• March 25 - Walt Richardson
• April 1 - Andre Delano* (special engagement)
• April 15 - Alice Tatum
• April 29 - Sugahbeat
• May 6 - Dennis Rowland

 

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Resort and Spa is located on the north side of Camelback Mountain.  It is located right beneath the Camel's head and has an amazing view of the Praying Monk, (a rock structure on the Camel's nose which looks like a Monk kneeling down and praying) and Paradise Valley.  Having been completely renovated, it hardly resembles the former John Gardner Tennis Ranch.  The ultimate contemporary resort focuses on the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water.  The restaurant, appropriately named "Elements", is sophisticated, healthy and unique...both with the atmosphere, cuisine and cocktails:)


As we say in Arizona, "When the mountains turn pink, it is time to drink!"


http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

Binkley's

Binkleys

Binkley's is by far, in my opinion, the best restaurant in the Valley.  It is located in Cave Creek and you would never know it was there.  Chef Kevin Binkley is brilliant at molecular gastronomy.  His ideas are innovative and imaginative...the food tastes as good as it looks.  The restaurant is intimate with only around eleven tables indoors.  They have a tasting menu which I recommend that can or cannot be paired with wine.  There is a four course, two five courses and a six course option. Throughout the evening you are given around eight amuse bouche.  Below is a sample menu.  Please look up the website to see the experience.

http://binkleysrestaurant.com

Tuesday April 17, 2012

Cold Appetizer*

Spot Prawn Tartare – 21

uni, sea beans, radish, mango, jalapeño, red onion, grapes, cilantro, bonito, yuzu-wasabi

Buffalo Carpaccio – 19

baby turnip, English peas, button mushroom, iitoi onions, red wine gelée, sorrel, crostini

Artichokes – 17

orange, snow peas, rosemary ricotta, sweet potato, cured red cabbage, fiddlehead ferns, chervil

Baby Bitter Greens Salad – 14

blue cheese, spiced walnuts, pumpkin seeds, bacon, golden raisin vinaigrette

Hot Appetizer*

Smoked Oyster Chowder – 17

pancetta, potato, baby zucchini, horseradish

Crispy Seared Foie Gras – 28 (add 15 on tasting)

mulberries, dried apricot, lemon poppy cake croutons, watercress

Soft Shell Crab – 21

spicy slaw, avocado, taro root chips, Serrano chili, daikon, choke cherries

Asparagus – 17

guinea hen egg, wild mushrooms, polenta croutons, parmesan

Frogs Legs – 19

salsify, kumquat, spring onion, blue lake beans, brown butter

Fish*

Halibut – 45

braised lotus root, pineapple, edamame, Fresno chili, longanberries, balsamic

Arctic Char – 42

caramel spring garlic, water chestnuts, pickled ginger, sugar snap peas, roasted garlic quinoa

Seared Scallop “Pot au Feu” – 44

purple potato, kohlrabi, ramps, haricots verts, baby carrots, celery, basil

Meat*

Duck Breast – 41

baby bok choy, pistachios, cranberries, wild rice, passion fruit

Leg of Veal – 40

fried green tomato, dried cherry tomatoes, cucumber, charred sweet onion, rice bean risotto, stinging nettles

Peppered Ribeye Paillard – 45

cipollini onions, fava beans, morel mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, brandy peppercorn sauce.

La Gardenia

La Gardenia

Here are some pictures of my backyard in the spring...My pup is on the hunt for lizards:)

CARTWRIGHT'S SONORAN RANCH

Honoring Arizona’s Ranching History

Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is not only one of the best steakhouses in town, it’s also a tribute to the hard-working ranchers who settled Arizona. It preserves this legacy by offering only the finest all-natural meats as well as sustainable seafood and local, seasonal produce whenever possible. The restaurant was named after the Cartwright family, local ranchers who were integral in improving the quality of beef in Arizona.

“Best of the Valley” Honors Cartwright’s

Yippee ki-yay, and thank you to Phoenix Magazinefor voting Cartwright’s “Best Gussied-Up Cowboy Grub.” We’re darn pleased to be recognized for our mesquite flame-licked steaks and game and our hearty sides of chiles, corn and beans. Shucks, we’re beaming with so much Western pride, we’re afraid we’ll have to buy bigger hats soon!

Awards

Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House is proud to be recognized for our accomplishments.

The DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award uses extensive criteria and an impartial inspection to find restaurants of the highest distinction.

The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is bestowed on restaurants with a well-chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

When you dine at Cartwright’s, you are guaranteed to enjoy a level of service and sophistication rarely equaled in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

http://www.cartwrightssonoranranchhouse.com/

Tonto Bar & Grill and Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House

Tonto and Cartwright's

Two of my favorite local restaurants are The Tonto Bar and Grill located in Ranch Manana Golf Club in Cave Creek and it's higher end sister restaurant, Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House, also located in the town of Cave Creek.

Tonto Bar and Grill

Uniquely Arizona Dining

Tonto Bar & Grill will tempt you with its Native American and Southwestern-inspired eclectic menu featuring salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, mesquite-grilled steaks and chops, and house-made breads and desserts. We offer the freshest, highest-quality food available, including all-natural meats with no hormones or antibiotics; organic, grass-fed Arizona beef; and desert-harvested ingredients.

Top Ten Happy Hour

Tonto has one of the best happy hours in town, says the Arizona Republic. Click here for details.

Have a Happy Easter

Tonto Bar & Grill invites you to have a happy Easter this year with an enticing four-course plated brunch that the whole family will enjoy. View the menu here. Cost is $44; $16 for age 10 and younger, plus 18 percent tax and gratuity. Please call 480-488-0698 to book your table.

Sharing the Love

The media lately has been sharing the love for Tonto, and we love them right back!

Tonto was named one of the Top 5 Southwestern Restaurants in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Experience AZ. It also took the honors for Best Southwestern food in Phoenix Magazine’s Best of the Valley recently, praised for its fusion of American Indian and New West cuisines. We respect our desert surroundings and carry on the culinary traditions of the West, and we’re glad to be appreciated for it.

http://www.tontobarandgrill.com/