Author: sharondashariee

Restaurant Review, Things-to-Do, Wine, Wine Tasting

Copper & Sage – The Restaurant Meal That Defined 2024 and Will Keep Me Coming Back in 2025

sharondashariee

Copper & Sage Goodyear – Dinner

I am about to share the best dining tip you will ever get. Order as many dishes as your budget allows. Share them with your party.  Trust me, you will want to savor as much as possible from Copper & Sage’s incredible menu. Here is what my friends and I ordered during our visit:

Shareables:

  • Bourbon Deviled Eggs – $9
  • Fried Green Tomatoes – $12

Main Dishes:

  • Walleye Fish & Chips – $27
  • 2 Wagyu Short Ribs with Parmesan Risotto – $39 each

Dessert:

  • Beignets – Complimentary

Side:

  • Mac & Cheese – $10

Cocktails:

  • Holy Water – $13
  • Riesling – $9
  • Strawberry Hill – $14

There were three of us in our party, and this was more than enough food for everyone to enjoy.

The Dish That Defined 2024

Hands down, the showstopper was the Wagyu Short Rib with Parmesan Risotto. This dish typically comes with grits. We noticed risotto paired with another dish on the menu. We asked if we could make the switch.  Our request was graciously granted, and it was the best decision we could have made. The tender, flavorful short rib combined with the creamy, cheesy risotto melted in our mouths. It was so good we ordered two plates of it!

Wagyu Short Rib with Parmesan Risotto

But before I get carried away with the main courses, let us talk about the appetizers.

Star-Worthy Appetizers

Fried Green Tomatoes

To date, I have only had one other fried green tomato dish that wowed me as much as this one. That was in Atlanta.  Copper & Sage has officially joined that list. Their perfectly fried green tomatoes are topped with a sprinkle of chevre cheese. A balsamic reduction ties everything together beautifully. Every bite had us saying, “Ohhh, okay! Yum.  This is amazing.”

Fried Green Tomatoes

Bourbon Deviled Eggs

I love it when restaurants elevate classic dishes, and Copper & Sage’s Bourbon Deviled Eggs did not disappoint. Instead of the usual candied bacon topping, they added bacon jam—and wow.  If the phrase “bacon jam” gives you pause, do not hesitate. It is a game-changer.

Bourbon Deviled Eggs

A Second Main Dish Worth Mentioning

The Walleye Fish & Chips was another standout.  Some might find the fish a bit crispier than expected. However, this is exactly how fried fish should be. It should be crispy, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection.  This dish could easily hold its own as a satisfying lunch option.

Walleye Fish & Chips

I almost failed to mention the side of Mac & Cheese. I would not order the mac & cheese again. It was not giving what mac & cheese was supposed to give. Copper & Sage, if you read this: more cheese and cream, and this might make my recommendations list.

Macaroni and Cheese

A Sweet Finale (Almost)

Normally, we do not have room for dessert. However, we were celebrating my friend’s birthday. Copper & Sage generously provided complimentary beignets for the table.  They had great potential, but a few weren’t fully cooked in the center. My tip? Ask for the beignets to be cooked well-done.  I will be giving them another shot on my next visit.

Beignets

Drinks to Celebrate

As part of the birthday festivities, we indulged in some delicious cocktails.  Copper & Sage has an extensive house menu and a full bar to accommodate any request.  The Holy Water and Strawberry Hill cocktails were refreshing. They were perfectly balanced. The Riesling was a light and crisp addition to the meal.

Holy Water
Strawberry Hill
Riesling

Why I Will Be Back in 2025

As soon as I got home, I told my husband that Copper & Sage was the Restaurant Meal That Defined 2024.  I am already planning a return trip.  This might even be our Valentine’s Day outing next month.

If you are in the area, do not miss out on this gem.

Location Visited:
Copper & Sage Goodyear
1975 N Globe Dr, Goodyear, AZ 85338
https://copperandsageaz.com/
#copperandsageaz

Living, Things-to-Do

Bobo’s Restaurant: The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

sharondashariee

The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

Tucson, Arizona is not just a place we drive to for concerts or a quick getaway, it’s also home to one of the best breakfast spots we’ve ever experienced, Bobo’s Restaurant.  During one of our trips, I searched for “the best breakfast in Tucson,” and Yelp led us straight to this charming gem.  With nearly a five-star rating, we knew we had to check it out.  Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The Drive to Tucson

Getting from Phoenix to Tucson is an easy 95-mile drive, taking about an hour and a half.  Whether you are headed there for a specific event or just passing through, you will definitely want to make time for a stop at Bobo’s.

First Impressions

We first visited Bobo’s on a Sunday morning around 11:30 AM. It is a very small, yellow brick building sitting off a main road, that otherwise I would have driven passed.  When we arrived, about 10–15 people were already waiting outside. Pro tip: if you are not a fan of waiting, plan your visit strategically.  The wait for a table can take about an hour during peak times, but we have also visited later in the day, about 40 minutes before closing, and got seated immediately.

What’s On the Menu

Let’s talk about the food, because it’s why you go to Bobo’s, and it’s what makes the wait 100% worth it.  Over a few visits, we have tried several dishes:

  • Apple Upside-Down Pancake:  My husband says this is a breakfast masterpiece that’s equal parts sweet and filling.
  • Buttermilk Pancake: Fluffy perfection every single time. Cutting your pancakes like this makes them taste even better.
  • Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs & Fried Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, with rich gravy. I usually put it on the side, because you cannot trust everyone’s gravy. I eventually put it on my food, since it passed the taste test. The potatoes I can have live without.
  • French Toast with Eggs & Bacon: The French toast is done how we used to make cinnamon toast in the oven as kids.

The consistency of the food is outstanding.  It is clear why Bobo’s has earned its loyal following and stellar Yelp ratings.

Cost & Value

If you do not know by now, I am always about value, and for the quality and portion sizes, Bobo’s offers unbeatable value.  Whether you are craving something hearty or sweet, you will leave both satisfied and full without breaking the bank.

Better Than Mom’s Cooking?

Bobo’s tagline is “Just like mom’s cookin’,” but honestly, they might need to tweak it to “Better than your mom’s cookin,’ at least for breakfast.  Sorry, Mom!”  It is that good.

Plan Your Visit

Location:  Bobo’s Restaurant, 2938 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the wait, aim for non-peak hours (like just before closing or early morning).

Whether you are heading to Tucson for a concert, a day trip, or even just passing through, Bobo’s Restaurant is a must-visit for breakfast lovers.  Trust me, it is worth every mile and every minute of the wait.

Your Favorites & Recommendations

What is your go-to breakfast spot when you are on the road?  Share your favorites in the comments.  I am always looking for my next great meal!

Living, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Tutorials, Wine, Wine Tasting

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

sharondashariee

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

When I signed up for Press Coffee’s 101 class, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I’d walk out a coffee aficionado. But as it turns out, I left with some serious coffee knowledge.  Everything from where coffee originates, to how it’s processed, to what it takes to get it from the farm to your cup.

I stumbled upon this class thanks to Eventbrite’s “events you might like” feature (they know me so well), and seeing Press Coffee’s name didn’t hurt.  Press Coffee is always listed as one of the valley’s premier coffee roasters.  After all, they have 12 locations around Arizona and even supply coffee to multiple retail spots across the valley.

The Scene at Press Coffee

We arrived to find Press buzzing with coffee drinkers in the front, some sipping and socializing, others laser-focused on laptops.  In the back, there’s a spacious second level for more seating, but we stayed downstairs, where three enormous coffee bean roasters sat in all their luxuriousness, along with our cozy 12-person classroom setup.  It was perfect for both tasting and learning.

Our host welcomed us with a steamy cup of Gesha coffee.  This rare, high-end coffee ($50 per cup, just FYI!) has a unique profile that’s more tea-like than coffee-like, and he wasn’t kidding.  It was a delicate, almost floral flavor, unlike anything I’d tasted in coffee form.

The Class Kicks Off

From there, we dove into the rich world of coffee.  We learned about origins, flavors, and roasting techniques.  A cool part of the tasting was letting each blend cool down a bit and then trying it again.  Who knew a little time could bring out so many different notes?

My Favorite Coffee Roast

My favorite roast was Brazil Mogiano for its boldness, but it was also subtle. I like a medium roast. Right up the middle. My husband? He was into them all!

Behind-the-Scenes of Coffee Bean Roasting

We wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes look at the roasters and even learned about the farm Press Coffee owns, which supplies their unique beans.  If you love coffee, want a fun outing with friends, or cool date idea, I can’t recommend this class enough. And yes, you even get a code for a free bag of coffee with a subscription (no pressure to keep it, but why wouldn’t you?!).

Press Coffee 101 Details, Sign-Up, and Cost

So, who’s ready to sip like a pro?

Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Self-Care, TNBC, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Uncategorized

Finding Solace: Breast Cancer Comforts & Necessities

sharondashariee

As I journeyed through breast cancer, I found moments of solace in various practices and resources that helped navigate the challenges I faced.  I began to collect these treasures, soothing tools, and accommodations to share with others who might be facing similar struggles.

Below is a list of items that offered me comfort and strength, not just during my treatment, but even now.

This journey is ever evolving, and I will continue to update this list with new discoveries.  My hope is these suggestions offer support to anyone navigating their own path.

Feel free to share this list with anyone who might find it helpful, and I invite you to contribute your own suggestions in the comments, reminding each other that we are never alone in this journey.

Keep reaching for what soothes your soul!

Baseball Cap Wig Hat

Cable Knit Beanie

NPTressTreats
Satin Scarves

Straw with Lid
Plastic Water Bottle

Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Air Innovations Humidifier

The Handbook of
Bible Application

Tums Chewy Bites

Bamboo
Shower Bench

MiraLAX Mix-In Pax

Biotene Dry Mouth

CeraVe Healing Ointment

Handheld Thermometer

Tucks Pads

PreparationH

Thin Knit Slouchy Caps

Dr. Teal’s Salt Soak

Pepcid AC Complete

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Home Improvement, Living, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Overwhelmed by Paper? Discover How Assured Document Destruction Can Save Your Space and Sanity!

sharondashariee

Assured Document Destruction

Look, Do Not Ask Me How We Got Here

We found ourselves facing an overwhelming paper crisis—an ever-growing mountain of confidential documents dating back seven to eight years.  As I stared at the bags and bags of papers, we always kept what we deemed “important,” but it seemed like we had miscalculated just how much “important” really added up to.

128 Gallons of Papers to Shred

In my quest to find a solution, I finally decided I could trust Assured Document Destruction.  If you, too, are staring at your own growing pile of paperwork and feeling like it is taking over your home, let me introduce you to the solution that saved us—and could save you too!

Why Assured Document Destruction?

Here is why Assured Document Destruction should be your go-to for paper shredding and document destruction:

1. Security First: When my document destruction specialist pulled up to my home in the destruction truck.  Yes, they pull-up in the destruction truck and shred on the premises. More about that in a few.  The specialist explained how our documents are shredded beyond recovery, using state-of-the-art equipment and processes that adhere to the highest security standards.

2. Convenience is Key: One of the best features of their service is how convenient it is. You do not have to drag your piles of paper to a facility.  Instead, they offer on-site shredding, so you can watch your documents be destroyed right at your location.  This eliminates any concerns about data breaches during transport and saves you time and hassle.

3. Eco-Friendly Practices: In today’s world, being environmentally conscious is as important as safeguarding information.  After shredding, the paper is recycled, ensuring that your old documents contribute to a greener planet rather than ending up in a landfill.  How cool is that?

4. Value for Money: They understand that value is about more than just cost. With Assured Document Destruction, you get a combination of secure service and excellent value. Their transparent pricing ensures that you know exactly what you are paying for—no hidden fees or surprises.  Quite honestly, this is what moved Assured Document Destruction to the top of my list very quickly.  The value for the money.

How it Works in 3 easy steps

Using Assured Document Destruction is simple and straightforward.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Get an Instant Quote: Visit their website and get a quote in minutes. This is your first step to a clutter-free space. Visit here: (www.shreddingphx.com)

2. Schedule: Your Service: Once you have your quote, schedule a convenient time for your shredding service. They will collaborate with you to find a slot that fits your schedule.

3. Shredding Day: On the day of your service, their team arrives with high-powered shredding equipment.

Assured Document Destruction High-Powered Shredding Trucks

How much was the service?

Total Cost: The 1st and 2nd 64-gallon bin are $63 each (Minimum Charge: $126.00 + $3.00 Fuel Service Charge) = $129

Assured Document Destruction 64-Gallon Document Shred Bins

Assured Document Destruction also allows you to bring your important papers, and hard drives, to their facility for destruction.

If you choose to not use Assured Document Destruction, find a secured document service in your area for your document destruction needs.

Have you used a shredding service?  Is this a service you can see yourself utilizing for yourself?

Address:

Assured Document Destruction

930 S. 67th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85043

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