Just back from an impromptu drive through Arizona. It was not meant to be a culinary journey,,,

J

joe

Well-known member
(cheap motels, picnics, etc.) but we had wonderful Mexican food throughout.

Two standouts: Pork Belly Carnitas at The Barking Frog in Sedona, with French-fried nopales as an appetizer.

http://www.barkingfroggrille.com/menus.html

The restaurant was a bit touristy but they tried when it came to the food.

On the way home, we stopped in a little Mexican dive in Barstow and I had what were perhaps the best fajitas ever ($6.99). No running through the aisles with a sizzling skillet or other fanfare, just a humble plate of delicious sauteed marinated chicken with onions and peppers, served with rice, beans and tortillas. Very citrusy, but I couldn't place all the flavors. Does anyone have a recipe for non-trendy fajitas?

As for the trip, we started in charming Prescott and we had fantastic weather. We were able to hike in Sedona, Monument Valley and Grand Canyon without me complaining about the heat! Wildflowers were in bloom everywhere;it was just spectacular. (Sorry Michael, maybe we'll do Phoenix next time. jacques and I deliberately left with no set agenda.)

For those who answered my earlier post about our upcoming Grand Canyon helicopter tours, that is not until June, and Jacques still doesn't know we're going back--his friends are flying in to surprise him. By sheer coincidence, they are planning almost the same trip that Jacques and I took just now, and we're invited. I was not in a position to re-plan last week's trip without drawing suspicion. Can you imagine how hard it was to spend a whole week NOT saying "We should eat here when Felix comes next month" or "Paul will love this view!" Sheesh.

Anyway, I can't believe I have lived so close to Arizona my whole life and not seen these beautiful sights. (I looked over the rim of the Grand Canyon once in 1982 but that hardly counts.) They will be worth another look next month.

 
This one is really good Joe:

Fajita Marinade

Great on beef or chicken. This makes enough for two pounds. I've tried a bunch, but this is terrific.

Don't add more than the amt. listed of the soy or worcestershire or they will taste like teriyaki, which is my pet peeve with a lot of fajita marinades.

1/2 cup olive or salad oil
1/4 cup lime juice
2 crushed cloves garlic
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Mix all together and marinate a few hours to overnight. I like to save a few tablespoons of the seasoned oil from the leftover marinade to saute a skillet full of peppers and onions.

 
This sounds like what I'm looking for. Never having made them, do you marinate the meat in strips,

or do you slice it right before cooking? I assume the rest involves a really hot iron skillet.

 
Most often the meat is marinated whole, grilled and then sliced. Glad you enjoyed...

...the sights here. I'm a San Diegan, as you probably remember, but Arizona has its own amazing charm. You just have to *warm up* to it!

Michael

 
It really IS an amazing part of the world. I'm so glad that it was such a

superb experience. I recall all your points of reference and hope to return to them. And now, to try the French-fried nopales. Sounds just way too decadent.

I am stunned that Jacques does not have an inkling..............

 
The nopales were seasoned with salt, pepper and cayenne, dusted in corn meal or flour

not sure which, and fried. I can't say if they were cooked first or not, but a little trial and error should solve it. They were a tad soft compared to potato fries but they had a wonderful flavor. They were served with a cactus pear dipping sauce--sweet and sour. The sauce was runny and I soiled the only nice shirt I brought.

Jacques is totally clueless about his birthday surprise. It helps that he stopped listening to me sometime in the mid-nineties, but everyone else we know knows. This morning our cleaning lady asked him how his friends liked the Grand Canyon and he still didn't catch on.

 
I love San Diego too, but the red rocks and wildflowers were truly magical

If it had been hotter I might have whined the whole time, so I'm glad I experienced things at their best.

 
I see them in supermarkets here, everywhere. Never did in the east. So I have now looked

up some recipes and want to try them. Glad you mentioned it. I have never eaten them fresh.

 
What a fun vacation! I was there a few times on business. I was amazed by the big sky.

This was before iphones; so never got to take photos. But, was amazed about the big sky. (Also the heat!!) I have tried to describe it to dh. It was really spectacular.

Sounds like you had a wonderful time. I am impressed that you did not give anything away about the upcoming party!

Oh, And while I never saw the Grand Canyon, I can't help but think of Alice from the Brady bunch going down on a mule. : )

 
I love that area!

it is absolutely magical. If you're looking for another diversion in the area so that you aren't doing everything over, check out Jerome. It is really fun. An old Ghost town, became a hippie artist commune, and now is all galleries, shops, restaruants, etc. Had the most beautiful moon rising on the way down from the hills and back across the dessert after we left there.

 
We did see Jerome but only briefly, I took pictures of the old copper mines

with all the earth colors. We bought coffees and picnic material (and a really cool refrigerator magnet). It's Definitely worth a return visit.

 
Alice on a mule?! Oh Lordy, my head is spinning. How iconicly American is that

A mule, the Grand Canyon and the Brady Bunch! I wish it were something I could explain to our French visitors next month.

 
The Grand Canyon is so deep that the bottom of the canyon, where the river flows....

...has the same weather as Phoenix. Up on the rim, simultaneously, it is much cooler.

It can be 105 degrees at the bottom of the canyon in the summer, and only 80 at the rim. At the same time!

Amazing place.

Michael

 
I'll second that on Jerome. Fun town--try Belgian Jenny's Bordello Pizza

The food is good, (prepare to wait, long service) the chef comes out to chat, sometimes serves, yada yada yada then some food, but it's all fun if you're with a few people.
Cool shops and galleries.
Have fun!

 
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