Back from Tucson

[caption id="attachment_1191" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption=" desert winter flower"][/caption] My annual trip to Tucson was very fruitful, I found lots of great things.  I found tools, stones, beads, more tools, silver, cabachons, and gifts.  Saw old friends and made some new ones.  My budget was bruised by the increasingly high cost of silver this year.  I'll continue to explore other metals.  One great thing is I can find more unique copper, brass, and bronze findings now.  It makes it easier to use alternative materials.  We hit quite a few shows and oh yes-- the weather this year was wonderful, 70 and sunny mostly every day.  I'm adding a culinary tour of Tucson this year.    My travel buddy and I eat Mexican every day.  This little locally owned place, Mariscos Chihuahua, has a dish I've not had other places, Camarones Ciluchi, seafood or shrimp covered in a wonderful creamy poblano sauce.  There is a demo with Jevon on Youtube on how to make it.

[caption id="attachment_1181" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Camarones Chilici"][/caption]

Our next stop, Mi Nidito, a restaurant that President Clinton helped put on the culinary map.  There is often an hour or more wait, so put your name in & have a margarita.  Always authentic Mexican fare and good margs after a tough day of shopping.

[caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Mi Nidito, a must eat each trip"][/caption]

The To Bead True Blue show saw some different vendors this year.  Some of the vendors from the Whole Bead show migrated there.  We found some nice vintage ribbon, similar to what sold at a Denver store years ago.  Great colors and lots of unique ribbon.

[caption id="attachment_1190" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="vintage ribbon, To Bead True Blue Show"][/caption]

Another favorite of ours is Taqueria Pico de Gallo, in South Tucson, serving great Horchata and homemade corn tortillas.  We stopped in for breakfast.  The carrots are the best!

[caption id="attachment_1180" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Huevos Rancheros, Taqueria Pico de Gallo"][/caption]

Another favorite is a small Guatemalan restaurant that we are afraid is struggling to stay open.  Please if you are in Tucson, enjoy a great authentic meal at Maya Quetzal, and tell Sandra the Denver girls sent you, it's near the university.  I love the spinach stuffed chili relleno.

[caption id="attachment_1184" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="chili relleno at Maya Quetzal"][/caption]

This neighborhood is near Reid Park, and the To Bead True Blue show.  I love the colors of the homes, the vegetation.  Some fresh juice anyone?

[caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="fresh oranges, anyone?"][/caption]

Can you find the moon?   Shopping from 10am until 7pm every day with hardly a break works up an appetite.  In-n-out burgers filled that gap.  Try ordering from their secret menu next time-- my favorite the lettuce wrapped burger with the mustard sauce--please open a place in Denver!

[caption id="attachment_1185" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="ok--we strayed from eating Mex--lettuce wrapped burger-find the moon"][/caption]

We made it back for dinner at Taqueria Pico de Gallo and enjoyed fish tacos, another delish dish.  Their version of Pico de Gallo is fresh fruit, in a cup with chili powder sprinkled on it.

[caption id="attachment_1188" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="fish tacos at Taqueira Pico de Gallo"][/caption]

I have an affinity for color and the houses in Tucson are colorful.  Isn't turquoise and purple together great?

[caption id="attachment_1182" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="colorful neighborhood"][/caption]

Last day, lunch with friends who knew they had to take me here--Little Cafe Poca Cosa in downtown Tucson.  Lots of protesters nearby holding signs "We Are the 99%".  The food was fabulous, and the fresh beet & lime-aid--gorgeous!!

[caption id="attachment_1189" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Lunch only at Little Cafe Poca Cosa, no dinners--fresh beet & limeaide"][/caption]

We did try one new restaurant this year, and the photos didn't turn out.  El Minuto near the Convention Center and the AGTA show has really great Carne Seca and the Albonigas soup is wonderful.  We ended up there twice.  And lastly I have to say, Mexican food is very subjective, these are our personal choices!

Home again to a winter wonderland.  Photographing my purchases, getting ready for a trunk show this weekend at Barbara & Company in Boulder.  I'll have new pearls--new things.  And ...........it's snowing again!

[caption id="attachment_1179" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="back home to winter!"][/caption]