Tucson | mermaidcamp

Ermanos for Gourmet Tasting

November 22, 2015 — 2 Comments

: bar

: skylight

: fun space

We tried a new brunch place yesterday and have found a new favorite business in Tucson. Ermanos on 4th Avenue serves brunch on the weekend, which is when we like to go out to eat. We arrived early before the crowds which was lucky because I convinced the chef to make me an off the menu food sampler. She created a wonderful cauliflower creamed soup that had butter but no cream in the ingredients. This rich and luscious starter was accented with an herbal oil, green and brightly basil scented. I was really surprised when she told me there were no potatoes or cream in the smooth rich dish. She happily shared her recipe so I can knock it off at home. This is one main reason I dine in restaurants (finding new recipes to make), so I am especially pleased when there is no resistance to sharing recipes. Chef Claire was gracious s well as creative in her approach. She took very good care of me and my tastebuds.

cauliflower soup

My tasting board included black eyed pea hummus to die for, some perfect home style corn tortilla chips adorned with fresh pico de gallo, a seasoned cubed pear, and some fried avocado with sauce. The flavors were very exciting, each bite a contrasting taste sensation. I enjoyed this flight of food while sipping my flight of wine. It was an explosion of tasty thrills.

vegetarian ceviche

bites with flights

The hip, cool setting and the vast selection of wine, beer and fresh food on the menu attracted us in the first place. They feature local musicians often, and hold special events for beer releases, etc. They run the kind of local business we like to support. The reason we have instantly become loyal customers is the exceptional service. Our server Alberto Noeggerath is knowledgeable and very helpful. Since I rarely drink wine these days I was happy to put myself in his capable hands when selecting three reds to taste in my flight. I also tasted a cava sparkling that rounded out the flavor party at my place setting. All the wines were to my liking, but the zinfandel from Wilcox that came highly recommended was the star of the flight. I would almost order a glass of that next time if it were not for the fun of flighting. The option of tasting and trying new gastronomy with attentive, happy help from the staff makes Ermanos a great dining destination for us. We plan to return often in the future.

Regular customers were arriving as we finished, and we spoke to a couple who were as enthusiastic as we are about the place. We are big fans who recommend Ermanos for party time, gourmet time, or homestyle, homegrown down home downtown Tucson time. This place is perfect for everyone who likes eating and drinking.

: excellent menu

: Bob and the beer menu

: to go

Bob loves beer, and I love dining. We both love fabulous service.

chef Claire Ferguson

server Alberto Noeggerath

Bob ate biscuits and gravy and four beers in a flight.

biscuits and gravy

beer and wine flights

We had to try the beer float for dessert. Loved it!

beer float

Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival

November 15, 2015 — 1 Comment

Today we enjoyed the beautiful weather for family fun at the Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival. This wonderful working and teaching farm regularly hosts kids on field trips and in special camps. Kids as young as toddlers come with parents to learn about gardening through educational programs designed for them. Food to eat from the site is always included and is often a hands on part of the kids’ experience. I have been to the garden when kids were in a class. The reaction of the students was unanimously delighted. The environment is perfectly created to make the educational impact young students need to improve diets and maybe even the health practices of the entire family. Today many families came out to be part of the festivities which were delightfully focused on farming fun.

University of Arizona students on the farm staff were on hand today selling produce, directing traffic, and being helpful and informative. They were clearly enjoying this day of celebration with the public. The ratio of very young children to adults was high, and the youngsters were all having a real blast. Special activities such as popcorn shucking were ongoing during the day to give families a chance to do some farming/playing with the kids. I believe the farm always does a good job of fulfilling the important educational mission they undertake. This party went above and beyond the everyday excellence. Staff and volunteers did an excellent job of planning and executing a wonderful public event.

entrance

pomegranate

queen’s wreath

teaching garden

rose with bee

student volunteer

garden

student volunteers

student farmers

garden

student farmer

popcorn

garden activities

Transformation Time, New Moon

November 11, 2015 — 1 Comment

Tucson Racquet Club

Today there is a new moon. When the moon is obscured each month the heavens create a new canvass on which to paint, a new field in which to plant. I like to notice and honor each new moon because it allows me to recommit to goals on which I have slacked and create new ones. Now I am working on a new routine for my fitness and creative life. I am going to classes at my health club in order to develop a habit for the future. I have found enough excellent classes taught by highly competent teachers to keep me busy, but have to manage to create a new schedule for myself. Although I am a big fan of the classes I am also a bigger fan of a liberated life. There is a little struggle going on between the sensible analysis that clearly appreciates and supports the value of movement classes and the free spirit who is challenged by any organized regime. This is not my inner child per se putting up objections, but my inner slacker. I am reminded of a phrase one of my favorite yoga teachers always used. He says, “Practice is the root of transformation.” I have been freewheeling for years, moving when and where I felt like doing it. I mix weights, yoga, Pilates, walking, dancing, and water work as my heart desires. It is a fine way to be, but now I will shape a new pattern and make it my continuous practice.

Looking back on skills I have learned I see it does take practice to work talents into strengths. I also notice I am drawn to creative and unseen projects and people. Invisible is my favorite way to exist. I like to maintain a certain woman of mystery status. This new moon falls in the sign of Scorpio, a ruler of transformation as well as mystery. I went to postural fitness class this morning and met a new teacher I think is grand. The time of day suits me and her personality is exactly what I like. I plan to harness this intention this month to get completely into the practice of taking at least 4 classes a week in different disciplines. There is no demerit for failure, but I plan to succeed in this effort. Everything is working in my favor, so I need to apply some attention.

Between now and the next new moon I dedicate my concentration to:

Patience- there is no rush
Gratitude- it is fortunate to have so many excellent choices
Beginner’s Mind- I may be jaded from having spent too much time in spa universe

This new habit will serve me well for years to come, and is worth the investment to establish it. Do you have any transformational plans for this special month, gentle reader? It is a most propitious time to go for something new. By the time January rolls around I plan to be firmly established in my new routine.

K-9 Cuties of the Tucson Police Department

November 9, 2015 — 2 Comments

not real dogs

At the Cops and Rodders Car Show citizens have the chance to meet the police force. At the top of the popularity list are the canine cops. They attract everyone’s attention, from small children to senior citizens. I met Officer Evo last year and discovered that K-9 cops can have very sweet and social personalities. I am sure he would prefer to be riding in his car on the way to a case because he loves to do his regular job. But when his work includes posing for the camera or generally charming the crowd he fulfills his duty with personality and style.

strike a pose with Evo

center of attention

Officer Evo himself

charming the crowd

Officer Evo himself

Officer Evo Charms the Crowd

A new dog was making her first appearance at the car show this year. Officer Cookie is a Labrador Retriever who is a specialist working for the bomb squad. She is in training to learn many thousands of different explosive components by scent. She is only two years old, so she exhibits puppy enthusiasm al the time. She had some trouble containing herself during the national anthem to everyone’s delight. Since bomb dogs work in crowds her friendly attitude is essential to her job performance. She has less general and more specific training as a cop. She will not learn to do many of the things Evo does because she is all about explosives.

Officer Cookie makes friends

While Officer Evo handled his adoring fans I had a chance to talk to Officer Rumsley, his trainer and partner, about the work they do. Evo is a Belgian Malinois, also sometimes called a Belgian Shepard. He was born in Czech Republic where the breed is raised for sport. He was trained by Officer Rumsley and goes home at night to live at the Rumsley home. He does not play with other dogs out in the world but he has a canine friend at home. When they go searching together they look for drugs or people, one at a time. When Evo gets as close as he can get to the source of the scent he scratches in the case of drugs or barks when he finds people. He does communicate clearly, but Officer Rumsley always initiates everything they do. Evo does not, like Lassie, ever say to Officer Rumsley “Timmy has fallen in the well. Come quickly!” They work as a team with Officer Rumsley making all the decisions. This seems like the best format because underneath his extensive discipline and training he is still a dog. It is always a treat to get to see him.

Officer Rumsley

Souped Up Law Enforcement Vehicles, 2015

November 8, 2015 — 2 Comments

Maximum Migramobile

The Tucson Police Foundation holds a giant car show every November that is very popular with the public. I enjoy seeing all the well cared for vehicles as well as the cops of various kinds on display. The Border Patrol was on hand with a truly amazing vehicle they souped up as a hyper dune buggy. It has a Corvette engine and looks like Road Warrior. I am sure it scares those it chases. I am scared by the latest intelligence the Border Patrol agent laid on me. The farmers in Sonora are all switching to growing poppies because the weed market is no longer profitable. This is terrible news for the US, now trending heavily into heroin as our current drug darling. He said only two thirds of the drugs that enter the US travel through here. When I asked how he knew that without busting them all he replied that they have their ways of knowing. This is all pretty creepy, but the vehicle is impressive. Tempe Police Department entered for the first time this year with a confiscated very hot car they took form a drug dealer who used it for work. This special police car in use for “crime prevention”. This makes me laugh. Tempe police are saying we will drive your car after we bust you. I bet it does do some crime prevention.

Tempe’s crime prevention car

It is fun to talk to the helicopter pilots who hover over our neighborhood so often in the night. They land the helicopter at the park so they can show it off to the citizens all day. There are many great examples of antique law enforcement vehicles every year too. The show brings together love for cars and history creating a time the public interact with the cops in an informal (not enforcement) atmosphere. It is my favorite thing the cops do in my city. My favorite cop in the city, canine Officer Evo was present, hamming it up for the cameras and winning hearts and minds.

antique cop car

TPD helicopter

The next post here will be devoted to Officer Evo and a new canine officer on the scene this year, Officer Cookie of the bomb squad, a lab who loves to party. The canine cops both fascinate and thrill me. They are very professional, but underneath it all they are dogs. Stay tuned to learn more about dogs in law enforcement and the cops who love them.

Officer Evo, TPD

Nuts for November

November 6, 2015 — 2 Comments

I had a fire in the wood stove last night, officially welcoming the winter to our house. This week we welcomed the nutcracker and some mixed nuts to the kitchen. I am not sure why I feel so much satisfaction in nut cracking, but I do. It slows down the process and makes me appreciate the taste of my nutty prize when I manage to crack the shell and extract it. This time of year we start to eat nuts more often because they are featured in seasonal fall dishes as part of a healthy harvest. Arizona grows wonderful pecans and pistachios, two of my favorite crops. Both are healthy and add rich flavor to all kinds of dishes.

We are big fans of cheese and pear combinations, so this month I will make us a pear pecan roquefort cheesecake. That has to be a winner with those ingredients. Brussels sprouts have arrived on the stalk as a favorite vegetable, so we will try the pistachio cranberry sprouts as a savory treat as well. Nuts always make appearances in cookies and sweets, but this year I want to try the extravagant pumpkin pecan cobbler. This will be right up our alley for dessert, and a new way to use both November favorites, pumpkin and pecans.

This weekend we have a neighborhood potluck party. I plan to take some soup, but this pineapple cream cheese spread covered with pecans is so cute I think I will make one of those for the party too. It is simple, but looks really festive.

Trader Joe’s brings out small cans of exotic nut oils this time of year which I enjoy using to add rich flavor to all kinds of dishes. Using walnut or pistachio oils for roasting vegetables delivers fabulous punch. Gravy based in nut oil is lovely and mysteriously rich. I still like butter, but like to variations that nut oils can bring to the fall table. Evidence keeps piling in about the benefits of including nuts in the diet. While I do believe the research I am nuts for nuts because they taste so great. Do you have a favorite nut, gentle reader?

fall harvest

Thankful This November

November 3, 2015 — 3 Comments

apples and pumpkin

The month of November is a gateway to winter and festivities. In Tucson we have had a very mild warm fall season with generous amounts of rain. It is predicted to be an El Nino winter which will bring additional rain to the dessert. Our desert is green and lush right now and the weather has been superb for a string of lovely outdoor parties and events. We look forward to a neighborhood pot luck gathering this weekend to savor the place and the people where we live. This is the season to be jolly outside in Arizona. It is perfect for bike riding grilling or hiking.

At this time of year we switch wardrobes and perhaps change our activities. I began a tradition of cleaning and clearing for the holiday season last year. The big purge of wardrobe items was by far the best gift I gave myself because it keeps on giving in the form of a happy closet. This year I have fewer things to discard, but am taking a look at using and appreciating absolutely everything I own. There is no reason to store and care for stuff that no longer is useful. I also need to be aware of all the memberships and subscriptions I have that need to be rationalized. I need to evaluate to be sure I am not over cluttering my membership reality. Like clothing in the closet, if subscriptions are crammed in and too crowded they will not be noticed or appreciated.

This Thanksgiving I want to feel grateful for my extreme good fortune without creating too much waste. I want to prepare highly gourmet cuisine for the whole month that thrills, satisfies, and does not end up in the compost bin. I have improved my food prep skills to avoid waste but can still step up my game. I still need to cut down on portion size for the two of us. I believe that pulling off a month of healthy tasty meals we both enjoy will be a better use of my talents than making one big meal with too many leftovers. We like to go to Govinda’s vegetarian buffet for the Thanksgiving meal because it is good and you can usually have a photo shoot with a live turkey on the patio. That sets me free to find ways to make the rest of the month delicious. If you have any seasonal recipes you want to share, please send them this way. I will be cooking up a storm, just not an excess. Stay grateful, gentle reader.

blood oranges

squash and tomatoes

Mission Gardens in Tucson

October 19, 2015 — 1 Comment

Half Moon Beer

Mission Garden

gourd crop

adobe ramada

irrigation system

Regina Romero, City Council

historic crops

A Mountain

Missy the party cow

Bob dining in the garden

sunset dining in the garden

The Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace held a fine dinner party in the garden yesterday. Our historic Mission Garden has been rebuilt in the original site close to the Santa Cruz River. The agricultural heritage of the location is ancient. The garden is being developed as a living museum preserving original species grown by the Spanish colonial conquistadors who built the San Augustin Mission. The orchard of stone fruits, citrus, quince and figs is growing strong and bearing fruit. Gardens of okra, corn, chiles and other native crops thrive within the walls of the preserved site.

Local chefs were invited to create specialties for the Farm to Table event. We were excited to taste the food and also to get to tour the gardens. Musicians were hired to play throughout the space, which added an artistic note to the already splendid surroundings. The city councilwoman from that ward spoke briefly about the importance of agricultural history and her own family’s collection of historic recipes. All the food was over the top creative and fresh. My partner Bob enjoyed the grass fed beef and the buffalo chile, but most of the dishes served were vegetarian. Drinks were served with dinner, but for an extra fee we enjoyed a specialty beer brewed from organic wheat grown from preserved species. The beer tasted fantastic, and sold out quickly.

The event was a success for all involved. The chefs, no doubt, won some new fans with their creative concoctions. The garden certainly is a place we will plan to visit again in the future. In fact we may go to the quince festival next weekend at which we would have chance to win a special antique Spanish heirloom variety quince tree. The quince crop is ripe and abundant in the orchard, looking very pretty. The beauty and history preserved in this spot is a great asset to the city, and will only improve with time.

No Place Like Home Wellness Plan

September 23, 2015 — 2 Comments

pure intention

My recent odyssey was perfect for my taste as well as my health. Winding up the last three days and nights in Desert Hot Springs gave me every chance to relax, release and renew in the water. The drinking water there is also excellent, so I came home hydrated and healthy. Taking a mineral water cure is always my favorite way to retreat to center and focus. Leaving home is a great way to assess which best and healthy practices to nurture, and which habits to eliminate. I was very lenient with my diet on holiday but did not suffer ill effects from a few days of extra alcohol and taste treats. We did not go overboard very much on the trip, and a little splurge is good for the attitude.

The first day of fall beckons to holiday celebrants to begin planning, singing, and collecting recipes. The Pumpkin Spice lifestyle is propagated everywhere, and obligatory holiday consumerism is praised as virtue. I am not opposed to merriment, gifting, or parties, but think it can all be done with less waste, more true spirit of giving, and some refined restraint. I plan to use this season of harvest and thanksgiving to clean up my act, my house, and my lifestyle choices. I am the only one who can give myself these gifts.

Now that I am home I have the chance to create positive new change:

This fall I will limit myself to 3 alcoholic drinks a week
I will go through my books and office to reduce clutter/clear space
I will try at least 3 classes a week at the Racquet Club
I will have acupuncture or body work every week
I will write poetry and mine my dreams for self-expression

When the winter solstice arrives in December I want to feel happier, lighter, and more free. Three months of concentration on my wellbeing is an investment that will pay big dividends long into the future. This holiday present I am giving to myself is more valuable than anything I could be given by another person.

shadow selfie

Legos in the Garden

September 10, 2015 — 4 Comments

: Lego dragonfly

: Lego dragonfly

Tucson Botanical Gardens has been a favorite place close to home where I enjoy nature. A recent building project has enhanced the garden’s entrance and gift shop space significantly. Tomorrow a special exhibit will open called Nature Connects, Art with Lego Bricks. Sculptural designs made completely with Legos are on display in the gardens. The pieces came assembled and will stay in Tucson until Jan. 3. They depict animals and a flower.

Lego spider

To pay for the exhibit the plan is to charge all members $5 every time we visit during the nearly 4 months that the Legos are installed. We have maintained a couple’s membership for many years. If I decide to renew when my membership comes due in February I will only buy a single. I have in the past felt generous toward the gardens, but now that they are throwing the members out for almost a third of the year that feeling has passed. I have started to think about where I will go to take a walk in nature without any membership fees. I can think of plenty. Nature without Legos works best for me, so perhaps our taste in botany has simply diverged. In my opinion the plastic animals are tacky and belong elsewhere. Poetry in the Gardens has moved to the U of A arboretum this year, yet another reason to drop my membership. The garden is an asset to the neighborhood that I will miss…at least for the next four months. I think they could have thought of a more respectful way to treat loyal members.