East Valley Eateries

I don't generally post on weekends, and you may not generally read on weekends, but I wanted you to know about a couple of grand openings that happened today. As promised, In The RAW opened their doors early this morning at Lakeview Village:



People came with their little dogs...




and with their big dogs...




Instead of the traditional ribbon-cutting, council member Joan Krueger whipped up a dog smoothie and offered it to her pooch:



There were raffles and booths set up by various animal rescue outfits, and a high school jazz band played in the background.

The Mister and I sampled a juice drink and a smoothie drink, along with some muffins, and I can tell you they are spectacular. When they ask if you want orange juice or apple juice as the base for your smoothie, they don't pull out the concentrate. They pull out the apple and juice it right there; and the machine for juicing the oranges is incredible:


They are open every day except Christmas, at 6:30 am on weekdays and 7 am on weekends, and they close at 6 pm. Go check them out, and feel free to bring your dog.

Then for lunch we headed over to Agritopia where The Coffee Shop is now open. Their hours are 6 am to 7 pm Monday through Wednesday, and 6am to 10pm on Thursday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.

This is in what used to be Joe Johnston's tractor shed; that building, now refurbished, of course, is on the right. The white part of the building to the left is new construction, and houses the kitchen area. They have a limited menu for lunch and supper that rotates daily, but it makes you want to go every day to try the different items. Their specialties are breakfast and their pies and tarts. It all tasted just like it came out of my grandma's kitchen, from the homemade soup to the egg salad sandwich. Not to mention the good coffee, of course.


There is also some nostalgia; the sign below (you can click to enlarge) says "scooter parking only" and while we were there Joe and Cindy Johnston motored up on their Vespas:



Very good food in very comfortable surroundings. And might I say, very near Morrison Ranch residents.

And for those who always want more, the Cafe that is being readied next door to The Coffee Shop is scheduled to open October 10.