Escaped a cold snap in New Mexico by weekending in the luxurious casita at the Carefree, Arizona home of our hospitable friends, Henry and Judy G. Some of the highlights: Saw a delightful musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.” The venue was the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix, an elegant jewel of a theater with comfortable seats, excellent sight lines and good acoustics. The production was flawless. Perfectly sung, acted, staged, lit and costumed. HG and BSK agreed. Nothing beats good live theater. This experience was preceded by brunch at the nearby Chelsea’s Kitchen. Lots of beautiful people, Pretty room. Dazzling white wine sangria. HG relished hot cakes with real maple syrup, fruit and rashers of bacon. BSK knocked off a substantial platter of huevos rancheros. A sophisticated lineup of food and beverages. HG noted an Aperol Spritz and a bottle of Duvel Ale on the drinks menu. Chelsea’s is run by true professionals. Brunch was reminiscent of the weekend midday feast at Daughter Victoria’s Five Points Restaurant on Great Jones Street in New York.
HG had an Arizona food surprise. HG loves a good hot dog but hasn’t had one in years. HG’s thoughtful hosts transported HG to a very unlikely place. Costco. That’s right. Costco, the mammoth retailer that sells mammoth amounts of food and wine (among many other things). The modest sum of $1.50 buys a foot long Costco tube steak with relish,mustard, chopped onion plus a soft drink. HG managed to get down a pair of dogs. As good as Nathan’s Coney Island. That’s right. Sounds unlikely but so be it. The Costco bow wow is right up there with best of class.
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