I had never heard of this restaurant ’til a recent visit to Phoenix.  I had been hearing from a friend about an amazing salmon dish included on their menu.  He couldn’t use enough positive words to describe it. So, when I was in Phoenix, we included dinner at Charleston’s, and being a big fan of salmon, there was no question about what I’d be ordering…

The menu varies a bit based on location and availability of ingredients. Happily, the aforementioned salmon, listed as Short Smoked Salmon under Specialties, is on the menu at every restaurant! The flavor was indeed unbelievable; portion size perfect, and it was perfectly prepared. I’m not usually a very slow diner, but the flavor of this meal just demanded savoring each bite and making it last. The fish came nested on a wonderful cucumber dill salad and included Honey Dijon sauce and a side. When salad is served before the meal — Caesar or House — it includes a hot, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth croissant.

Prices are reasonable (mid-range); ambience comfortable; service exceptional. All in all, a pretty memorable dining experience.

There are only 15 locations (so far) in 5 states. Having been founded in Oklahoma, that state has the most locations at 8. Still, if you find yourself in Arizona, Indiana, Nebraska or Forth Worth, Texas, consider Charleston’s for dinner.

Photo credit: Virtual Ern

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Phoenix. When it comes to food, first thoughts lean toward Tex-Mex or Mexican. Decisions are not easy.  However, having a local help with the picking makes all the difference. My first meal in Phoenix was at Manuel’s on Cave Creek.

Manuel’s is a mid-priced restaurant, has 7 locations in and around Phoenix, and was voted the Best Neighborhood Restaurant in azcentral.com’s 2009 Reader’s Choice.

I was quite hungry having traveled all day. Chips and a very tasty fresh salsa were delivered immediately. Manuel’s doesn’t skimp on the salsa. They keep it coming for chips AND for the meal. For dinner, I enjoyed a Rolled Quesadilla with extremely flavorful beef.  The portion was generous and included sour cream and guacamole. I enjoyed this quesadilla both at dinner and the following day at lunch.

If you’re in Phoenix, know you want local flavor and can’t decide on a restaurant, I can tell you that you won’t be disappointed if you dine at Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina.

Photo credit: naotakem

I personally love, love, love museums of science. The hands-on approach, designed primarily to entice children, is a big draw for me as well!  I always learn something. I’m always in awe of something. I’m always stumped by something. There is no way a visitor can be bored.

The Arizona Science Center in Phoenix is one such venue.  It is a marvelous way to spend a day. Admission for one day is very affordable.  For a knock-out deal for multiple visits, though, consider a membership.  For a family of four, annual membership is $80.  Two visits and your membership is paid for.  One of the basic benefits of membership is really the biggest benefit, in my opinion. Any membership gets you admission not only to the Arizona Science Center, but, with the included ASTC Passport Program, to a total of 250 science and technology centers (give or take) worldwide!  Five of those are in Arizona. To me, that is an amazing perk.  I could make a vacation around that.

Photo credit: Simax