THE REAL OLIVE GARDEN

We had a fun weekend because Jeff was here and he brought a good idea with him. Since we are trying to take advantage of the many cool places to see in "The Valley" while we're here, there was bound to be another adventure this weekend. Jeff somehow found the info and directions to Queen Creek Olive Mill. How, and why would he suggest going to an olive mill? You'll have to ask him. But it WAS a good idea. Our trip and tour to the mill was both educational and DELICIOUS! We learned all about growing and harvesting olives, we learned that there really are no black olives and the process needed to get them black, and we now know what the difference between Extra Virgin olive oil, and all the others is. Did I already mention there are no black olives? And after our visit to Queen Creek Olive Mill, I doubt any of us will be eating black olives anymore. We did eat at the Mill though. The owner, "Perry," is Italian, for real, from Italy and he has a cafe right there at the Mill. We had bruscetta. Yes, Nate, I do know what bruscetta is:).
Classic

Peach


We also had salads and olives that were super-yum. But the best part of our lunch was the gelato! Rich, creamy, straight from Italy gelato.
Kaylee got vanilla bean


Brit got lemon and raspberry... he loves the sour!


Then we spent a crap-load of money on oils and olives.

Olive trees are pretty and smell so good!


Too many choices!


If the chance to tour an olive mill comes your way, I say, DO IT! We had a great time. We filled the rest of the weekend by dining at "Sakana" (our new fave Japanese joint here) with Mr. Woodard and Meggy on Friday night, Wii Fit, a long anticipated daddy/daughter brunch for Jeff and Kaylee, and a movie. We eat out a lot when Jeff is here because he is just not that into tofu and rice (imagine?!) and it's been fun to try new places. I think we found another new favorite this weekend in "Streets of New York" on Signal Booty and Baseline. Pizza, pasta, subs, and salads. We tried a little of each and everything we got was delish. For any locals reading... it's worth the drive all the way out here to East, East, way East Mesa. And since I am doling out advice and suggestions, I'll say this, "Coraline" is cute, but really, maybe not for younger kids. We're still kind of cocking our heads to the side and saying, "Ummmm... Hmmmmm...."