NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Come Paint
With Me
Virginia Brooks, eager to share her 45 years of knowledge as a painter, offers private or semiprivate lessons to those interested in art as a hobby or a career. If you are interested in speaking with her to learn more, she can be reached at 480-220-6696.
Appreciators of Fine Art will enjoy visiting Virginia and her three guest artists at her Studio #16 during the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour Nov. 18-20 and 25-27.
bY MARIELLE D. MARNE | NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Duke's Chop House & Saloon aims to be the local hangout
CAREFREE – John Wayne is a legend, and if their gangbusters first month of business is any indication, Duke's Chop House & Saloon will be following in the American icon's footsteps.
Owner Ken Moss explained the restaurant is a tribute to John Wayne. "We looked at it like what would John Wayne want? What would John Wayne eat? It was like restoring the Wild, Wild West to Carefree." The decor, the ambiance, the friendly service – The Duke would be impressed.
Moss is quick to point out, while the food is fine dining, Duke's is a casual place. It's family owned and operated and it exudes a certain warmth diners only find in places with a close-knit staff and in a small community. It's open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The portions are huge. "Entrees are really enough for two, so most people end up taking food with them," he said. It's all "slice and dice" to order. Everything is fresh. The meat is choice grade, grass fed, Angus beef. There's a full bar with "an excellent wine selection."
Food aside, check out singer, song writer, guitar playing, straight from Nashville, John Smith. In one evening, he wrote a John Wayne anthem that's certain to catch on. Be sure to request "Cowboy's Cowboy" when you go to Duke's for dinner. Watch for upcoming events as well: Support Our Troops, John Wayne Night, Street Dance on Saturday. And, there are plenty of TVs to catch up on college and pro sports scores.
So mosey on in to Duke's Chop House & Saloon. Reservations are advised, as last Friday, Moss said, "every table was full." For earlier eats, lunch begins at 11 a.m. Duke's is located at 99 Easy St. Call 480-595-9920 or visit dukeschophouse.com.
