Gilbert Sun News; February 2015 - Neighbors

Adora Trails’ Flurry Fest

Valley children and adults had a little flaky fun when piles of snow were dumped in Adora Trails during its Flurry Fest on Saturday, Jan. 24. Not only could kids sled, but they could partake in carnival rides and a petting zoo, and indulge in free food and music. The fun-filled afternoon introduced Taylor Morrison’s new model home park to the community. GSN photos by Tim Sealy

Celebrate Valentine’s Day around Gilbert

BY ALISON STANTON

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In honor of a day that is devoted solely to love, a variety of local restaurants and other businesses are featuring specials for both singles and couples. For example, check out the following events that Cupid would be proud to attend:

Flancer’s

Those who appreciate delicious Valentine’s Day dinners but want to do so from the comfort of home—and without having to actually prepare the food—can order a to-go meal from Flancer’s.

For $30 per person, people may preorder sherry splashed shrimp bisque with a roasted poblano crostini and fresh cilantro, a BLT fresh spinach salad with ancho-avocado dressing, beef tenderloin medallions with a wild mushroom, port wine demi-glace served alongside quinoa

pilaf with toasted almonds and mandarin oranges, seasonal roasted vegetables, and a heart-shaped flourless chocolate torte with a raspberry Grand Marnier butter cream frosting and fresh orange zest.

The food will come cold with heating instructions. To pre-order, call (480) 9269077. For more information, visit www. flancers.com. Flancer’s is located at 610 N. Gilbert Rd. in Gilbert.

Nicantoni’s

On Valentine’s Day, Nicantoni’s is offering a heart-shaped cheese pizza and two glasses of wine for $20. The meal will be available all day at the restaurant, which is located at 1430 W. Warner Rd., Suite 136 in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 892-2234 or visit www. nicantonis.com

see VALENTINE’S DAY page 16

Baby Boot Camp welcomes Gilbert to its family

Baby Boot Camp, the stroller fitness and nutrition program for moms, welcomed its latest bundle of joy, Baby Boot Camp South Chandler and Gilbert, with a grand opening celebration in January.

Delivered by nationally certified fitness professionals, Baby Boot Camp’s strollerfitness classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills in 60-minute sessions. Pilates, yoga and abdominal exercises help improve core strength.

“We are thrilled to help improve the health and wellness of Chandler and Gilbert families,” says Kristen Horler, CEO and founder of Baby Boot Camp.

“Baby Boot Camp is not just about losing weight. We are so excited to help moms seeking to support nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle habits in their

families and their communities.”

Classes are held at Chuparosa Park, 2400 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. In addition to stroller fitness classes, Baby Boot Camp offers a 5K Training Program and Nutrition Solutions, a four-week nutrition program for women, as well as a free club for moms to support healthy families, according to owner and instructor, Meredith Carder.

“Exercise is so important to physical and emotional well-being. Baby Boot Camp allows moms that may not have the opportunity to exercise without their child to enjoy a great workout and connect with like-minded moms” says Carder, a mother of three. “I am very excited to bring the Baby Boot Camp program to my community.”

Visit www.babybootcamp.com for more information.

Couple has ingredients to make Rise Up Bakery a success

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When Jay and Danielle Lunt were at a crossroads in their careers, the couple decided they “kneaded” a change. In December, the Lunts opened Rise Up Bakery in Gilbert Tuscany Village.

More than a decade ago, the Lunts owned a bakery in Las Vegas before moving to Arizona to be closer to family. Instead of delving into their former occupation, Jay went into janitorial sales and Danielle worked from home and as a substitute teacher.

Last February, Jay suggested to Danielle that they get back into baking.

have stone ground wheat from Montana, honey, water, sea salt and yeast.” Jay even uses wheat from a specific Montana farmer. Varieties of bread at Rise Up Bakery include cinnamon raisin, hard crust French country, black Russian rye, jalapeno cheddar swirl, blueberry peach round, nine grain and cinnamon apple swirl.

“We’re open to suggestions, too,” Danielle says. Thanks to customer feedback, Rise Up Bakery introduced bread bowls, which are perfect for soup, chili and salads.

“I said, ‘Remember how much work that was?’” says Danielle with a laugh.

The two then came up with a neighborhood bakery concept that combines country-style warmth but with a simplistic high-tech feel.

“I thought, ‘Let me create my own job,’ and the benefit of that is now I can offer other people jobs,” Jay says.

Rise Up Bakery employs 10 people who help with everything from baking to counter sales.

“I’m working now 12 to 15 hours a day, Monday through Saturday,” Jay adds. “But I haven’t been this happy in a long time. I’m exhausted, but I’m happy.”

One of the biggest draws at Rise Up Bakery is the natural breads.

“We don’t put preservatives in anything, although white flour has its own type of preservative in it,” Jay says.

“Our whole wheat-based breads only

“We even do spelt bread,” Jay adds. “Spelt is a different grain, but it’s not wheat. There are a lot of people who have allergies to wheat or have gluten intolerance that can eat spelt and it doesn’t affect them at all.”

The Lunts utilize their own recipes, including those used for their line of sweet bakery products. Some of the irresistible sweets include Mississippi mud bars, cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, Rise Up Bakery’s signature granola, scones, lemon bars and a variety of cookies. Carmelitas have emerged to become the most popular sweet and are made fresh daily.

“It has a brown sugar cookie oat base and top with chocolate and caramel in between,” Danielle notes.

Rise Up Bakery is located at 861 N. Higley Rd., Suite 109. Visit www. riseupbakery.com or call (480) 264-3026 for additional information. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays.

Civil rights photographer displaying peaceful protest images

With the recent riots in Ferguson and protests in other cities, the release of the valley feature film “Selma,” and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, civil rights is front and center in America again.

Residents can take part in the conversation with “Journey to Freedom,” an art exhibition on display through Saturday, March 7, at Gilbert’s Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Rd.

The exhibit will feature famous civil rights images by documentary photojournalist Dan Budnik. At the exhibit opening, Budnik, 81, shared his insider account of interacting with people like King and Harry Belafonte during the marches.

Photographs captured by the Flagstaff resident highlight some of the most poignant moments of the 1960s civil rights marches. One of his iconic images of King after his “I Have a Dream” speech was featured on the cover of Time magazine’s 50-year special commemorative issue on Aug. 26, 2013. The images from the exhibit are also featured in Budnik’s recently released book, “Marching to the Freedom Dream.” Signed copies will be available during the exhibition. “There are two voices I remember from

King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” Budnik says. “I remember him starting to give a prepared speech, but there weren’t any sparks flying. Then I remember a woman from the crowd—gospel singer Mahalia Jackson—calling out to King, saying ‘Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin.’ He did, and it was a dramatic moment.”

Budnik’s exhibit covers the three pivotal marches of the civil rights movements: the 1958 Youth March for Integrated Schools, organized by Harry Belafonte; the iconic 1963 March on Washington; and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, where thousands of people marched 54 miles through segregated Alabama for voting rights.

Although many of these marches experienced violent opposition, Budnik’s work focuses entirely on nonviolent moments in the marches. He hopes his work reminds people of the good that can be accomplished when people exercise discipline and peaceable protest to affect social and political change.

“We accomplished a lot without violence,” Budnik says. “The kids I photographed in Selma were not loose cannons like the kids in Ferguson. Everyone has forgotten the history.”

Sweet news: Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is back

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has brought back its awardwinning Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. For the second year in a row, chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants—including several in the Southeast Valley—will use their culinary prowess to reimagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scouts’ cookies— Do-Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils and a new flavor, Rah Rah Raisins—into a custom dessert menu item.

Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu through Feb. 28, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the transformation of the local council’s Camp Sombrero into a Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

Among the participating restaurants in the area, and their creative desserts are: Restaurant: Blue Wasabi in Gilbert

Chef/Dessert Designer: Christian Palomares

Dessert: Tempura Thin Mint Ice Cream Restaurant: CHoP in Chandler

Chef/Dessert Designer: Grant Gates

Dessert: Tagalong Shortbread Restaurant: Grimaldi’s in Gilbert and

Chandler

Chef/Dessert Designer: Cory Lattuca

Desserts: Chocolate Thin Mint

Cheesecake and Samoa Cheesecake

Restaurant: Melting Pot in Ahwatukee

Chef/Dessert Designer: Jon Boggs

Dessert: Melting Pot Dark Chocolate

Mojito Fondue

Restaurant: Over Easy in Gilbert and Mesa

Chef/Dessert Designer: Aaron May

Dessert: Chocolate Do-Si-Dos Muffins

Camp Sombrero is a 14.5-acre site that has been owned and used by Girl Scouts for the past 51 years.

“It’s time to better utilize this beautiful property and transform it into an urban program center, with camp appeal, to provide leadership training for girls and

Library events scheduled throughout February

Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library has scheduled a plethora of events throughout February, except for Monday, Feb. 16, which is Presidents Day, and Friday, Feb. 27, when library staff development is scheduled. The library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Rd. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

FOR CHILDREN

“Storytime with AzPac”

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 This fun storytime includes stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities.

Paws 2 Read

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14

Paws 2 Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers.

Family Yoga

11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10

This program is a one-on-one parent and child experience. Learn simple stretching and breathing exercises for enhancing mindfulness, increasing connection between parents and children, and fun activities to promote focus and concentration.

Infant Lap-Sit

10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Tuesdays Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24

Infant Lap-Sit is a special storytime designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays.

Storytime in the Dig

10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Wednesdays Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25

10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Thursdays Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26

For children ages 2 to 5 years with parents/caregivers. Join the group for stories, songs, finger plays and more.

Storytime with Parenting Arizona

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17

This is an interactive storytime with stories, songs and a simple activity for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Family Spot Playground

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24

A free developmental playgroup through Family Spot Resource Center Gilbert. Program includes a storytime and hands-on activities for parents and children.

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ALL AGES

Arizona’s Living History Museum

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14

Celebrate Arizona with the fourth annual interactive “living museum.” Event will include original artifacts, period replicas, artisans, performers and historians.

One-on-One Digital Download Assistance

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays Feb. 2 and Feb. 9

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26

If you need assistance learning how to download digital eBooks or audio books to your reading device, then drop in for one-on-one help with a library professional.

Computer Class: E-Mail

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6

Class will cover setting up an e-mail account, e-mail security and attaching documents. A computer lab will be available for hands-on experience.

Computer Class: File Management

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13

Class will cover saving, naming, deleting and managing files and folders on the PC.

Computer Class: Using Facebook

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20

Join us to learn an overview of how to use Facebook. This class will cover: account set-up, Website features, privacy settings, adding pictures and discerning your wall from your newsfeed.

A Visit from the Musical Instrument Museum

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28

The library welcomes a speaker from the Musical Instrument Museum, the world’s only global musical instrument museum. A docent will be here to share a slideshow about the museum and showcase various musical instruments.

TEENS/TWEEN

Teen Craftacular

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4

This is a teens-only craft club that happens on the first Wednesday of the month where kids are invited to get creative and have fun making a variety of crafts.

Code Club

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 4 and Feb. 18

Fun, self-paced exercises will help you learn Javascript and other computer code. Have fun while you develop awesome skills and learn how to create games, apps and Websites.

Minecraft Monday 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9

Join fellow crafters and exchange tips. Bring yourself. Everything else is provided.

Introduction to Forensic Science for Teens 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11

Explore a variety of crime scene topics and discover the many uses of science. An interactive adventure for the future crime solver

Tinkerlab for Tweens

6 p.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday, Feb. 18

This Tinkerlab program will provide kids with a variety of materials to tinker with in our open “lab.” Bring in your old toys to hack them and make something new or just use the library’s supplies.

Electronic Playground

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25

This informative and hands-on program explores the basics of electronics. Using simple wiring diagrams and the Electronic Playground 130 kit from Elenco, the group will learn about capacitors, resistors, transistors and integrated circuits by completing a number of fun projects.

ADULTS

New Winter Reading Program Through Saturday, Feb. 28. Open to adults ages 18 and older. http://winter.mcldaz.org

Own It! Financial Literacy Classes

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25

Own It! is a four-session program designed to empower yourself financially. Topics covered include: setting SMART goals, overcoming obstacles, finding money to save, budgeting and record keeping and credit. This program is presented by YWCA Maricopa County. Register for this program by contacting financial education coordinator Jennifer Koeller at (602) 258-0990 ext. 15 or Jennifer.koeller@ywcaAZ.org.

Cary Grant Film Series

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 Back by popular demand. Cary Grant was one of Hollywood’s definitive leading men from the 1930s through the 1960s. Join library patrons as they celebrate his career with a series of Thursday night film screenings.

Genealogy: Squeezing the Census for Information

Census class moved from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, to Tuesday, Feb. 10 Due to the huge demand and room availability, this class is rescheduled. Learn to squeeze every bit of clues that may lead to the next family discovery.

Monday Morning Musings

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9

This month the group will discuss “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng.

Mystery Book Discussion Google Hangout

Author Visit

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12

Participate in a live interview with Colorado author Lyn Fraser from your home or library. The group will discuss Fraser’s first mystery book, “Debits and Credits.”

Fraud Watch Network with AARP

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14

Learn how to prevent fraud from an AARP representative.

Healing Humanity Through History: African Origins of the Human Family

2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15

Gershom Williams is a cultural historian, teacher, lecturer, bibliophile and community activist. He is a professor of African American and U.S. history at Mesa Community College.

Bookends: Adult Fiction Discussion Group 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17

Adults of all ages read and discuss fiction titles on the third Tuesday of each month. This month’s title: TBA.

Nonfiction Book Discussion

3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26

“Blackett’s War: The Men Who Defeated The Nazi U-boats” is about the history of a small group of British and American scientists who, during World War II, developed the new field of operational research to turn back the tide of German submarines.

COOKIES from page 13

women, give girls their first camping experience close to home and serve the surrounding community groups, partner organizations and schools,” said Susan de Queljoe of the local council.

“We’re halfway to our fundraising goal for Camp Sombrero and look toward beginning phased construction in early 2015.”

The transformation of Camp Sombrero is one of the local council’s objectives as part of its overarching Campaign for Girls in Arizona.

“Our comprehensive campaign goal is to raise $15 million in philanthropic support. This will enable us to significantly expand and enhance the Girl Scout experience for more girls,” de Queljoe said.

For more information about the challenge, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/ dessertchallenge.

Isabel’s Amor

On Valentine’s Day, Isabel’s Amor is featuring a three-course menu for two for $42 per couple. The meal includes a shared appetizer of Frijoles de Amor or Baja shrimp cocktail, a choice of a carne asada, carnitas or pescado de la Parilla entrée and a shared dessert of either flan or cheesecake in a jar. For more information, call (480) 290-7060. Isabel’s Amor is located at 1490 E. Williams Field Rd. in Gilbert.

MWC Bistro

MWC Bistro is striving to make Valentine’s Day fun, affordable and easy with flights— which are a selection of smaller pours on a theme—of beer or wine with a shared plate pairing. The location is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, with live music starting at 7 p.m. The pairings are available all day along with the full menu, so diners can feel free to stay a while and order more. The cost is $40 per couple, which includes three 3-ounce glasses of wine or four 6-ounce beers per person and a large shared plate of artisan meats or cheeses, a combination meat and cheese plate, or a decadent dessert platter. For more information, call (480) 497-1422 or visit www.mwcbistro.com. MWC Bistro is located at 1422 W. Warner Rd. in Gilbert.

Papa Murphy’s Through Valentine’s Day, Valley Papa Murphy’s locations—including those in

Gilbert—are featuring the Papa Murphy’s HeartBaker Pizza. The HeartBaker Pizza costs $8 and starts with fresh, scratch-made dough in the shape of a heart, which is then topped with traditional red sauce, whole milk mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. The HeartBaker can be taken home, baked at 425 degrees and served fresh out of the oven in 12 to 18 minutes. Visit www. papamurphys.com for locations, phone numbers and hours of operation.

Higley Center

for the Performing Arts

For folks who would like a little music on the day devoted to love, Roger McGuinn is playing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Higley Center for the Performing Arts. As the leader of the 1960s group The Byrds, McGuinn was a leading creator of the “folkrock” genre. Tickets range from $36 to $63; for information, call the box office at (480) 840-0457 or visit www.higleyarts.org. Higley Center for the Performing Arts is located at 4132 E. Pecos Rd. in Gilbert.

Hale Centre Theatre

Theater lovers will enjoy “Lend Me a Tenor” at Hale Centre Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day performance will also feature roses and a dessert bar. Tickets for the comedy are $42; call (480) 4971181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com to reserve seats. Hale Centre Theatre is located at 50 W. Page Ave., in Gilbert.

ENJOY

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Generations at Agritopia, Gilbert’s newest senior living community, offers residents a lifestyle full of possibilities. Enjoy all retirement living has to offer in the heart of Agritopia!

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

Call to schedule your personal tour and complimentary lunch today! 480-822-1400

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. Gilbert, AZ 85296

Red Cross needs donors of all blood types

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February.

Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity.

All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

There are two blood donation opportunities in Gilbert:

• 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Liv Northgate, 455 S. Recker Rd.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Kajukenbo Arizona, 3978 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

• Restaurant-style dining with chef prepared meals

• Restaurant-style dining with chef prepared meals

• Restaurant-style dining with chef prepared meals

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

• Scheduled transportation for errands and appointments

• Weekly housekeeping and linen service

• Scheduled transportation for errands and appointments

• Scheduled transportation for errands and appointments

• Levels of care to meet your personal care needs

• Levels of care to meet your personal care needs

• Levels of care to meet your personal care needs

• Private apartments with modern appliances and washer/dryer

• Private apartments with modern appliances and washer/dryer

• Private apartments with modern appliances and washer/dryer

• A full schedule of events and activities, and more!

• A full schedule of events and activities, and more!

• A full schedule of events and activities, and more!

Food, service at JC’s Steakhouse is impressive

BY KATHY KERBY

Gilbert has a plethora of restaurants, but the town lacked a local, homegrown steakhouse—until December.

After finding success with The Groves Bar and Grill, Dennis Petty and Diana Blewer opened JC’s Steakhouse at 25 E. Ray Rd. They named the restaurant for their fathers—John and Charles— and their influence and legacy are the inspirations for Blewer and Petty, a fourth-generation chef.

Anyone who frequented the former restaurant at this site on Gilbert and Ray roads should prepare to be shocked and amazed. The new owners spent months tearing out the old and building, painting, sanding, staining, sandblasting and upholstering to create a new industrial warehouse look and feel.

The original cement floors, along with the gray slump block walls, dark wood booths, tables and chairs, complement the extensive use of corrugated tin on the walls and window valances. The kitchen area is visible through a large rectangular opening and all the equipment is state of the art. The bar area is divided into two rooms, and one has a cozy fireplace with an intimate seating area which can also be reserved as a private banquet room. Just outside the bar area, an outdoor patio begs for folks to sit and enjoy their favorite beverage, while watching a beautiful Arizona sunset.

My husband and I prefer to eat early so we arrived at about 5 p.m. on a weekday evening and were welcomed by a friendly hostess. We were seated at a high-backed booth, and Blewer was our server. She told us that she and Petty wear lots of different hats (owners, managers, chefs, servers) as they strive to run two successful restaurants.

The menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, sandwiches, specialties, pork, poultry, sides and desserts. Draft beers, bottle beers and other beverages are also offered, while a separate wine

list has an extensive array of reasonably priced yet very flavorful wines. After much thought, we chose the sirloin steak ($16.99 for 8 oz.) and pork chops ($18.99 for two 8 oz. chops). Our salads were served promptly and we enjoyed the mixed greens with grape tomatoes and cucumbers. The blue cheese dressing was especially good, and the rolls were a nice touch.

My sirloin steak was served with a perfectly baked potato and a colorful vegetable medley including red peppers, green peppers, purple onions, zucchini and yellow squash. The steak was lightly seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and I enjoyed each tender bite. My husband’s pork chops arrived stacked like a tower in a very innovative presentation. They were thick and tender, leaving him in “hog heaven” as he ate the chops and the creamy mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables that accompanied them.

We did not order dessert, but we will return to JC’s Steakhouse soon to sample the crème Brule, carrot cake or death by chocolate cake, which all sounded scrumptious. Monthly wine tastings and live music on the weekends add extra flavor and fun to the restaurant’s appeal. You will enjoy the food, be impressed with the service and delighted at the transformation of an old building into a casually elegant, new steakhouse.

Local Businesses Add to the Culture and Flavor of Our Community