Thu - Mar 1/12

After putting the garbage can to the road we were off to Westworld. Westworld is a Mega Venue in Scottsdale, AZ that is probably best know as the site of the Barret-Jackson Auto Auction. It recently hosted the Arabian Horse Show for several days and now it is host to the Fiesta Cluster Dog Show.

Thousands of dogs from all over the country converge here for 5 days at the Southwest's largest dog show on grass! Grass is so much better than in an arena or convention hall. Not only is this a great show in all aspects - it is free. No charge - even for parking!

This is a continuous day long frenzy of grooming under the tents with judging occuring in in several rings simultaneously.

We think we finally figured out the heritage of our grandsons dog "Buddy". He is a mix of Border Collie and English Setter. The English Setter we saw being groomed had the same fine white long haired coat with black spots. We thought his dog might have been part dalmation because of the black skins/coat spots; but now it seems closer to being part English Setter.

Being in the neighbourhood we headed up North Scottsdale Road through Carefreem AZ to Harold's Corral in Cave Creek. AZ for our usual - Loaded Nachos with a Soft Drink chaser.

Next - a tour of The Town Dump!

It is truly an unusual eclectic collection of almost everything and anything and nothing you might ever want!

Don't be "Buffaloed" some folks found something to buy - even at the high asking - no dicker - prices!

Cave Creek is a step back into the "Old West". The surrounding mountains and rocks add to the feeling.

We took time to wander through "Frontier Town". Tempted several times; but only one small purchase.

Our next stop was a surprise for Charlotte. She wasn't sure where I was going until we were withing sight of my next destination "Doll House & Toys". We make at least one stop a year here to get additional items for the dollhouse she may be working on at the time. Today she found some white Victorian "Iron Filigree" style tables, chairs and a Baker's Rack for her recent "Conservatory" addition to her Vermont Farmhouse. We also found a few gift items to give to "family" when we return home.

We wanted to avoid the "Rush Hour Crush" so killing time was on the agenda. We planned on cruising the stores in the mall area before going to Benihana Teppan Steakhouse (as usual when sopping here) for supper. We noticed "Incas" a restaurant featuring Peruvian cuisine and decided to give it a try. Folks leaving the restuarant as we approached eagerly shared their opinion with us - "The food is really tasty - you will enjoy it!"

They were right! This turned out to be a great choice! It was certainly a fun dining experience.

Peruvian cuisine is acclaimed as one of the most diverse in the world, on par with French, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Peru's inca culinary heritage. influenced by the Spanish, Basque, African, Sino-Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, French and British immmigrants over the past few centuries. has evolved into today's offerings which have resulted in Lima, Peru being declared the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas" at the 2006 Summit of Gastronomy.

Rafael made us feel so welcome! He explained the menu. We didn't have a clue - never been to Peru! (It rhymes - grin). 

He helped us choose our beverages (non-alcoholic) and entrees. Charlotte had a "Chica Morada" which is a unique tasting homemade Peruvian drink made from dry (Purple) corn, fresh pineapple, apples and cinnamon. This is not only high in antioxidants - it tastes great! The warm salted roasted Peruvian corn snack was so tasty! My beverage was "Inca Kola" - an authentic Peruvian soda. I was surpised by its golden colour and taste. It was very similar to "Cream Soda" (the pink - not the white) that I enjoyed as a kid. It is still available (in limited supply) back home in Canada.

Our main entrees were Asado de Carne (Charlotte) which was Roasted Angus Beef served with a "Pyramid" of white rice and a neat beet (I'm on a rhyming kick - grin) salad and Seco de Carne con Frijoles (Myself) which was also Angus Beef, braised in a cilantro and Peruvian sauce and served with a "Pyramid" of white jasmine rice, canary beans and marinated onions. We shared both entrees - half and half....mmmmm!

We were also graciously welcomed by the owner (Fatima). After having success with "Incas" in their Tucson, AZ location they opened here, in Scottsdale, AZ, only a few months ago. Even though this was early (for supper) the restaurant filled rapidly. i have no doubt the restaurant will be a great success.

Charlotte went on a quick "scouting mission" for "St. Patrick's Day" items in Michaels then we were on our way back to the RV Park.

A good quick trip on Loop 101 (South) to Loop 202 (East) to US-60 and we were back at the park in less than an hour.

I think we will be resting around the park tomorrow!