Cracker Barrel

Country Store and Restaurant

 Multiple locations

Valley wide

There can be only one. To borrow a phrase from one of my favorite movies, hahahaha. Yes here it is fellow foodie's. The long awaited but not forgotten Cracker Barrel TDD Down low. It is with great patience and time consuming hours of pain staking research that I have had to perform over and over again with many plates of food from this absolutely Aroma Therapeutic Establishment that has finally brought me to this point of being abled to bring the following informative post to all my FFC's ( Fellow Food Connoisseurs). This place is a step above the rest. Firstly I must add that I love the fact that I live a mere two miles from a Cracker Barrel so I do maintain an on going relationship with this particular branch. So let's begin. Over the year the chain has become a fixed point in the food scene across America. It is as American as they come. It Store front not only represent the The way it was when I grew up, but in my opinion, the way it should be.

Rocking chairs on the front porch where my Grandfather Brown use to sit and smoke his pipe on Sunday evenings and My Mother cooking in the kitchen. With the smells of Cornbread and greens wafting from the back door and fried chicken and brown gravy bubbling hot ready to be poured over the hand whipped mashed potato's and,,,, Oops wait a moment it may seem like I got off track there but actually this is what happens when you visit a Cracker Barrel. From the moment you walk up and sit in a rocker to the second you enter and smell the magic from the kitchen it's will olfactory ( Nose) transport you to some place in your life when you enjoyed a good meal. The front is adorned with old-fashioned décor and gifts of all sorts that commemorate the season we're in. And food's and candies from the day's of youth and time for a moment, stands still. And then we are called back by the sweetest friendly staff, that have somehow managed to smile every single time I go in for a visit. That's when the real magic takes hold and you feel that sense of home. From Grit's to Green's, Chop's to Chicken, Fish to Fries, Casseroles to Cakes, they have it all.

 Well enough to handle the choosiest of the choosy. I have sat and enjoyed the food many times, but I also enjoy watching families come in to eat and they actually sit and talk and soak in each others company. So Cracker Barrel receives The Triple TDD rating for Service, Food, and family fun. The tables are set up in rows with enough space to navigate through and the ample dinning rooms have plenty of seating space for pulling out a chair to accommodate your Power or Wheel Chair. Back up front. The Country Store side is not a place for the novice power or Wheel Chair user. The space between the displays is only just enough to edge through for the most part. Though it's lots of fun to porous the isles. The Restrooms can be a bit tricky as well. The are usually in an alcove towards the back of the Country Store side. And the doors are not the easiest to get through unless your on Crutches or Cane. But I still give a good Rating for the helpful and friendly staff that assist you with even the largest mishaps of knocking something over. It's my Personal Thanksgiving and Christmas hangout.

Meet me for a game of giant checkers on the front porch next time your coming over. I'll have the sweet tea chilled.

Until then,

Markus The Disabled Diner, is going to take a nap now.

AYS       



The Place

Restaurant

American · Diners

 5171 W Bell Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308

(602) 896-9929 

Yea you know that place, Ahhh, I know The place you mean. The Place on Bell Rd., yea but what's the name of it? The Place. Ok, ok. The Name of the Restaurant is "The Place" And though the name is very distinctive and the mainstay of the menu is American standard cuisine, They do it right. Starting with the service which is on point from the host, to the waitresses and waiters. Management seems to have found a winning team. The food is delicious, which  by the way seems to come to your table in Flint Stone size proportions. From the platter size pancakes, to the monster omelets. So make sure you come in hungry and loosen your belt. The Brontosaurus Burgers will test the limits of your waistline. Just kidding. Lol. No such item on the menu, but the burgers that are will bust your belly and with the bucket load of fries that come with it you don't stand a chance. Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you will have a tough time trying to decide what you want to eat but no matter, Whatever you order the food is absolutely yummy. The prices are also on point for what you receive they are very wallet accommodating. Seriously I think the Ham Steak must have been a 2 lb slice of meat. That was for one breakfast plate. There was still Country fried potato's, eggs and toast to handle. Ok Hoss Cartwright would have been right at home at The Place. (Showing my age a bit there I know.) hahahaha.   The Place earns a high TDD Rate for service, food and flavor. The home cookin, really hits the spot. Restrooms are standard but the door's could be tough for some. The Place gets a caution from TDD. The floor is way to slippery. I'm not sure just what the reason is but it is a real challenge to navigate. I even had some difficulty just walking across the floor with my Rollator walker. With the breaks on, would slide away from me and that could be a very dangerous thing if it slides out from under your reach.. Power chair Peel out, and wheel chairs please be careful. 

Please note in the following Photographs, Objects may appear to be smaller than they really are. :-)

Keep Smilin it doesn't hurt.

Find your food passion fellow foodie's.

The Disabled Diner

Markus

AYS

In the drive through

Info spot for TDD

 

 

Today's info combo is that TDD is a proud supporter of the Rachael Ray show and her personal mission to create 9 Million Meals for children. Today she did it. Rachael hit 11 + Million meals Yeah !  for hungry children right here in America. Rachael, Lets make it 20 million. So please, please please, go to

 9MillionMeals.com

or email showcomments@rachaelrayshow.com or

Mailing Address:

 Rachael Ray

 243 5th Avenue #146

 New York, NY 10016

 Call @ 917-332-3100

and donate to the cause. Together we can really change the world of hunger each of us one by one. So join in and contribute to a real cause. And tell-m The Disabled Diner sent you.

Be Blessed

Markus TDD

AYS

 



Garcia's Mexican Restaurant

Latin American Fare

With Multiple locations

Need I say more, If you've lived in Arizona for a time than I am sure you have probably eaten at one of the outlet's that are still around. Started by a local family, the menu hasn't changed much. But sometimes fellow foodies that can be a good thing. Put on your sombrero and poncho and get ready for some great times.You know the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well the consistency in this case is a good thing. The dishes are prepared fresh and they are absolutely delicious. Every aspect of your meal preparation is right on target with some of the original recipes of the first family of Garcia's. Paper thin crispy corn tortillas start you off with the signature picante sauce and creamy refried beans.Try not to fill up on them even though you want to. The flour tortilla's are unlike any you could buy in the stores. How do they make them so thin and light. As in my favorite dish. The massive and delicious Green Chili Chimi and I get the custom model with tender chunks of grilled chicken, beans, cheese. Then they fry it to a light crisp fluffy cloud of seasoned flavors, then smother it in there authentic green chili verde. Pile on a mound of rice and beans on the side and i am transported to Puerto Vallarta taste bud memories that only my nose can take me to. 

They have no problems making subtle changes to your order as I don't get the typical filling. I really have to watch the sodium you know. My brother always gets the Sizzling Fajita's, and I do mean Sizzling. The entire section of patrons where we were sitting stared as the waitress hand delivered them with oven glove and towel. My Sis-in-law gets the Enchiladas and tostadas combo. But make sure you order your Margaritas by the gallon. hahah. Again fresh, fresh, fresh. Yes, Flavors of delightfully delicious delicacies do deliberate devastation to your decision making abilities.  Try saying that three times fast. Hahaha! The double door entrance is wide and the host are usually there to open it for you. The floor lay out is roomy enough for your power chair, wheel chair and  crutches should have no problems. The Peoria branch being one of the older buildings. The Restrooms are to small to manure in. The entrance to the restroom is far to snug for a Power or wheel chair. The stall is in a separated booth type space that you can not possibly bring a chair into. High TDD rating for the service and food, but the chain scores a very, very low rating for restroom accessibility. Even if you have a scoop of their delicious Fried Ice Cream with a sad face :-(  on top.

This is the scoop from

The Disabled Diner.

AYS

Dillion's Bar-B-Que

AT

The Arizona Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium

Okay, okay. I know what your thinking. Does this guy own stock in this place? Is he a secret publicity agent for the chain? Or Does he have an apartment in the back of Dillion's? Hahaha. I know right.?. The truth of the matter is, I was invited to dinner by two of my very sweet friends to share in some really fun festivities with a meet up group. But I have never been to this Dillion's.  Kathy and Cindy, My friends and I were really looking forward to this adventure. :-) So we gathered our supplies and loaded up the Yukon, filled the tank and headed out. With Cindy at the Map's navigation app on her phone we managed to make the trek in about forty minutes. A few desert Sand Dunn's later, Dodging some F-18 Super hornet jet blast from Luke Air force Base and we were at the spot. I know what your thinking... Why would you go and eat at the same restaurant again? Well, This Dillion's is absolutely amazing. You walk in the door and by the way, It is to disability code. And you find a familiar aroma and friendly smiles to greet your senses. Just through the main entrance there is an alcove that's wide enough for a wheel chair or power chair. and the restrooms are at either side. As you enter the main dinning area take a look to your right. The room opens up to an expanse that gives everyone at a table a very personal view of the 66,000. Yes I did say SIXTY SIX THOUSAND GALLON AQUARIUM!

The Gold fish are spectacular to,,, Oh wait I Mean the Shark's and Stingray's are absolutely spectacular to watch. And don't think your in for some tiny little guppy size fish. Six foot Angel shark's five and six foot black tip and white tip's glide through the crystal clear salt water tank right along side six foot long stingray's. And before you even ask, no! They don't have Shark on the menu. Hahaha. Cindy and Kathy both had the Brisket with the perfectly cooked broccoli. I had the Crispy Chicken Club Salad with a mound of blue cheese crumbles. Our waitress Cindy was absolutely on the job. With a table of nearly fifty in our party She and the rest of the staff had the food hot, cold and on the table in great time and with mind bending skills. Like five plates on one arms. I was on the edge of my seat. Haha. Okay wrapping this one up, I had enough food for two days after. There was plenty of room for my friend Cindy to maneuver her power chair through the dinning area and the Albino Alligator in the Bar side of the place was easy for her to go check out. Keep hold of the kids. Just kidding. Of course Dillion's get a great TDD rating for the food, décor and service. But the restaurant and zoo really need to beef up, pardon the pond, lighting in this incredibly huge parking lot. The departure after sundown could be a bit hazardous for both disabled and none disabled alike. It's open out of city limits environment. Desert critters abound. Be careful when leaving. You just may run into some real Java Lina out there not just the fake one's in the front of the entrance. Go check out this one, but if you're taking the kids, just make a day of it. From what I hear the Wild life zoo is amazing to tour.

Tell Cindy the waitress

The Disabled Diner

Markus sent you.

AYS



Shane's Rib Shack

At

Westgate Glendale

9404 West Westgate Blvd

Suite C101

Glendale 85305 623-877-7427

So Succulent, Sweet, Saucy, Sizzlin, Seasoned, SHANE'S Rib SHACK. Are you tongue tied yet? I can only say Shake and Shimmy or Slip/Slide yourSelf on over to Shane's in Westgate Plaza off Glendale. When you don't feel like foolin around with the wait of a full scale restaurant and you have a hunger for Rib's, Chicken, Beef or Pulled Pork. Stop in. You will not be disappointed. The meat is tasty, tender, and served with the sauce on the side so you don't drown out the flavor of the meats. The Shack potatoes are addictive to the human taste bud array. And the Big Mom Salad is a great tasting counter part to the meaty choice's you will have. Myself I'm a Shack Sampler fan. Throw in the Shack Potatoes and a ice cold drink and you're on your way. The front door is to code standard pull open type. Most of the time the staff will see you coming so one of them will grab it for you. The bathrooms are a bit difficult for wheeled patrons and table/chair placement in some area's can be an obstacle course even for large walkers. Crutches will not have a problem and the plus is that the staff really seem to want to help with making room for you to traverse the dinning area. Roll on by when you find yourself near and see if you can keep your chair from snapping into auto-pilot, well I know mine does from time to time Hahaha. See if you can resist the nasal torture they so gladly perfume the air with. Love me some Shane's.

 

The Disabled Diner

Markus AYS  

 

The Hyatt Regency

Compass Room

(Arizona Grill)
Arizona's only revolving restaurant 

At

122 North Second Street Phoenix

Arizona 85004

602-252-1234

This one is on the high end of the spectrum but a pleasure to write about for me. You see I was actually the very first dishwasher this dinning venue ever had. Yes I was in the back scrubbing pots, pans and plates the grand opening. Hahaha! So first thing I want to address on this one is the distance issues though it's worth the traversing of the terrain. I have visited this wonderful place many, many times when I was a walking individual and once sense I have been in my power chair. I have been alone and with company. The dress code is what you would expect. So DON'T plan on showing up in shorts or your favorite jean's (PLEASE)... The parking structure is right next door to the hotel it sits atop of but its really not that bad. or you could use the Valle parking if need be and walk right in the front door. The lobby is absolutely breath taking from the carpet to the chandeliered atrium. So prepare yourself for true Romantic style and views. Elegant glass front elevators will whisk you to the heights of food heaven at nearly twenty miles per hour. and the spectacular third floor breach as you start the rise is a fantastic way to get a great hug, so take your date right to the front of the glass once your inside the lift. Hehehe. Ok now that you're in the high hat you find yourself in a beautifully accented entrance with an open passage on each side. Back wall reflective elevators and low lighting to set the mood. As you pass the Hostess station it opens up into a twin decked revolving round glassed dinning area with the upper deck focused on Cocktails and the lower deck mainly for Dinning. A lushly carpeted sloping ramp with railing will be there to drift you down to the lower deck for widow travel. Your wheelchair, power chair or walker will be taken and stored for you until you are ready to depart. The compass is exactly what the name states. It is a compass of sorts. At the window ledge the entire radius of the seal is marked with marker plates to tell you what is in that particular view and land marks are described. Marker also tell you what direction your view is in. The low lighting accents the ambiance for a sunset view and star eyed evening conversation. The food well I know its absolutely superb, but I will let you experience this one for yourselves. 

Next time I'll smile and wave from the top. Or see you in the clouds.

The Disabled Diner

Markus AYS 

China Panda/Panda Express

Multiple Locations throughout the valley

American Chinese fast food done fresh.

One word, Beijing.... Well okay, 2 words, Beijing Beef. Hahaha. Description: Thin sliced small cuts of beef coated in a crunchy, sweet, spicy, savory fried glaze of delightful flavors smothered in crunchy red peppers and onions that you just can't stop eating. Mmmmmmm! Oh how do I love thee, let me count the way's. I could eat thee alone with nothing on the plate but you oh Beijing Beef, I have tantalized my taste bud's with Piles of you on Keiser rolls with mounds of extra sauce. I have dreamt of heaping hill's of you dripping, sizzling dipped in green goddess ranch dressing. I have rolled you in wheat wraps and blanketed you with rice and Soy Sauce. Oh Beijing Beef you are Delicious. Okay, ok. I never said I was Shakespeare hahahaha Booo! The truth is simple, that's my favorite menu item there but they offer a very broad variety of tasty munchies to enjoy. I've even had them wrapped around the fortune cookies. Lol. The great thing about CP or PE is they are very uniform in their continuity of space and standard design. Doors are to code, Both entrance and Restrooms. The staff are helpful and don't mind fixing fresh if they are running out because the lines are running long. Spaces between the tables are great for maneuvering around in your power chair, walker or crutches to get to the restrooms and the turning radius inside are to disability standard. Flames and Wok's spices and glazes abound. This one go's out to Simmie Sassy-Girl Legear. Thx for makin the run so many times even late night. You are the bomb. :-)

Hey,,,, Do you think this will get me a free large Beijing Beef? LOL

Markus

The Disabled Diner

AYS



It's Me The Disabled Diner

Markus

Back online.

And fresh out of the Operating room Café. LOL! Yes It's true I had heart surgery last Friday. So just a few things to address and I hope not to late. Life is to short so eat your way through it but eat as healthy as you can. But be kind to your craving when it's ok to. In my case it was a birth defect in my heart. But something I really need to address and I apologize for the late acknowledgment. But I first want to give a great thank you from my heart to My Special daughter/friend/and guardian angel Raisins who inspired the entire idea for TDD. Airiqa that gives me unconditional support with all my projects. And a very special thank you I send out to the stars for the awesome kind, loving and gentle guidance and help with navigating my way through the crazy structure and building of this blog and the editing expertise she brings to my readability. Simmy Sassy-girl Legear. You are the bomb. She has had my back through hell and gone. Thank you. Thank you to you all. Keep watching friends. I've got some great post coming on China Panda, Ihop, Village Inn, Kiss the Cook and even our transportation system  in the entire Metro valley. From Bus Lines to Light Rail. We will be testing the boundaries for the disabled and able alike. Stay tuned.

The Diabled Diner

Markus

AYS