Q: I am a local so keep that in mind. I like the feel of this hotel. If You have traveled you know what I mean. The buffet is great even though I am not a big buffet person. Try the fried oysters. The talapia is awesome. The rooms are clean and large. Yes I stayed here even though I am local. Rates are great!!

A: positive

Q: As a kid growing up in the desert, it represented a few things...an obstacle between me and the carnival to traverse at night with no flashlight and a pant leg full of cholla needles, the place where my dog kept disappearing to, and my single mother's idea of a great family outing consisting of metal detecting and rattlesnake hunting. The desert was the place I would leave and to which I would never return. In a cruel twist of fate, I'm back. But as an adult, I've come to appreciate a lot about the deserts. The best sunsets and lightning shows, plant and wildlife that defies all odds, and relative solitude. My husband and I finally decided a proper desert outing was in order and headed to McDowell Mountain Park for a "hike." Check out Norm R's excellent review with all the details about this park. We opted for the North Trail, an easy 3-mile loop that will not test your endurance and is suitable for all fitness levels. Much to my husband's dismay, there are benches along the loop. If I see a bench, my ass will sit on it, whether I need to or not, under the pretense of taking in the scenery. And there is much to take in here. As we were out fairly early for this time of year, we only saw two other people and their delightful Rhodesian Ridgebacks on the trail as they jaunted past us. Otherwise, it was just us, the desert, the birds, the rabbits, and the deer. Yes, I saw a deer again! Granted it was not grazing outside my office or jumping over my car, but there it was, a deer, in the middle of the desert. I was happy to not see a snake or a scorpion which is why January is the perfect time to visit the park. On the way out, we stopped at the visitor center and purchased an annual pass for $75 which allows access to all Maricopa County Parks except Lake Pleasant. I was hesitant with the summers lasting so long, but with the picnic areas and night programs, I'm thinking we can get our money out of this. I'm just hoping this park stays open!

A: positive

Q: This place is the best kept secret in Scottsdale. Its not just a great bar, its not just a great place to see sports, its got GREAT food, and at a great price. Entrees are less than $15 but they are gourmet quality. The pork is excellent covered with sweet cababage and beautifully crusted. The corn beef was amazingly tender. The $3 beers on Sunday was the icing on the cake, but wait the apple/Blackberry crumb topped with vanila ice cream was a great end to a fantastic meal.

A: positive

Q: My wife and I have been coming for years when we are in town. We look forward for the good food and the service. Unfortunately, we had dinner two nights before New Years Eve, that was very disappointing, The bar was full, but their was only one other couple eating dinner. We noticed right away that the management had changed for the third time since we started coming here. The menu looked different, and I had my heart set on some seafood. Prior to ordering our food, they brought us some thin crisps with one pat of butter, which in the past, would bring some wonderful assortment of breads? I asked about this and the waitress stated they were out of bread? I started to give my order for Sea Bass, but she stated that they did not have any Bass, Salmon or Duck tonight. I jokingly asked her if I should come back tomorrow, she did not respond? I ended up having Chicken Marsala, which I did not really want or care for the taste. Looking back, I should have just excused ourselves and come back when they had the proper amount of food supplies. Reflection on new management?

A:
negative