Sunday Morning

Jacob and his buddies pre hike and pre rain
(James, Ian, Josh and Jake on the end)



I luv this one, remind you of Mayberry?


Random Water Shot


30 seconds later the heavens opened and we were getting soaked

From the creek looking up to the trail

Morning all!
I'm getting ready to head down to the valley to hang with the kids and Lori by Grandma's pool, but wanted to thank everyone for coming out this weekend!

If you ahve not checked out Happy Hour, which I know alot you have not, it is simply great. It's the first time we have done a traditional happy hour and the selections, quality and price are incredible. So check it out - and remember were having happy hour tonight, Sunday, as well as All Night on Monday - so come on in.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks again. - Barry





Thought I would add some pictures from Wolf Creek off from Ponderosa Drive - just for funnsies.

Great New Fall Happy Hour Menu!!!!! - starts tonight

Fall Happy Hour Menu
Available Monday – Friday 4 – 6 in the lounge & Parlor
Served 4 – Close Monday Evenings in the Lounge

Cashew Chicken Fingers* $4
- with a Spicy Mustard Sauce
Peel & Eat Shrimp* $5 ½ #
- Served with Remoulade or Cocktail Sauce
Buffalo Fried Oysters* $4
- With Remoulade or Cocktail Sauce
Prime Rib Sandwich* $5
- With Horsey Sauce and Bleu Cheese
- Double it up – 9.00
Buffalo Wrap Sandwich* $6
- Chicken Tenders with Greens and Bleu Cheese Dressing
129 ½ Oriental Drummies* 6 for $4
- Available traditional also
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs $1 each
Quarter Ribs* $5
½ Rack Rib Dinner (available Mondays only) $10
- with Slaw and Chips
Apple Fig Bruschetta $4
½ Calamari Plate $4

*Up it to a Basket – add $3
(Sweet Potato Fries or Chips and Slaw)

The Grille Combo
3 Wings, 1/4 # Shrimp, (3) Cashew Strips or Eggs $10

$3 Margaritas
$3 imported and Microbrew Bottled Beer
$2 Domestic Bottled Beer
$4 Happy Hour Wine

In Dining Only, not valid wtih any other prmo, discount or gift certificate

Labor Day Pre Monday Night Football Kick Off

Here it is ...

The best Labor Day / Pre Monday Night Football deal goin' in town! By the way, this is at both places - El Gato and 129 1/2!

$9.95 1/2 Racks of Ribs and a great selection of special appetizers for just $5.00!
Now, don't groan when you read this next part ... I'm having a TV installed in the lounge at 129 1/2, and at El Gato, so those who want .. can watch the games while dining on some great food and beverages.

I'm looking for ideas on what you would like to see on the menu for Monday Nights, and if I use your suggestion ... you get a $25.00 gift certificate!

Not a bad deal for simply sharing your suggestions huh?

So e-mail me, or comment here with your ideas, suggestions and likes, and who knows - your next Monday Night outing might be on me!

Have a great one and I'll fill ya in later.

- Barry

Dinner with Barry - Monday & Tuesday August 25th & 26th

Dinner Features
Monday & Tuesday August 25th & 26th 2008

Appetizers
Steamed Black Mussels
Sweet, Black Mussels, in a light broth of Tomatoes and Fresh herbs
6

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Shrimp
Large Shrimp, wrapped in Bacon with a slice of Jalapeno
chargrilled and served with a Mango Salsa
8

Entrée Selections

Scallops Provencale
Large Sea Scallops, marinated and Chargrilled, served over Creamy Rice, with a Tomato, Basil, Garlic and White Wine Sauce
18

Grilled Hebi
Marinate and Chargrilled with a Spicy Brown Sugar Citrus Glaze
21

Duck and Fig Compote Salad
Our Spinach Salad, paired with Sesame marinated,
Roasted and Chilled Breast of Duck
19

Jam Session

What a great night! The guys from the Prescott Jazz Summit had a great Jam last night

to wrap up their three day festival here in Prescott.

I'm gonna post some pictures tomorrow, but in the mean time,

here is a list of who performed and sat in:

Reggie Thomas

Carl Saunders

Mike Vax

Scott Whitfiled

Judy Roberts

Greg Fishman

Ginger Berglund

Gary Hobbs

Steve Annibale

Larry Kantor

Brian LaChance

Tom Winker

Frankie Chavez

Rosemary Chavez

- Thanks for a great night!

Missed the Market!

Due to staffing situations, this morning, I didn't make it to the farmers market with Jacob to do the cooking demo.

I heard there were a few of you who went looking for us when I went to pick up our produce later in the afternoon - Sorry, but thanks for comin' out. I've got two more days there, Sept 6th I think, and one in October - we'll be there then.

Looking forward to the Summit events tonight at Ruth Street, and tomorrow at the Elks. Serveral of the musicians have been at El Gato for lunch, and were looking forward to the Final Jam tomorrow evening - hope to see ya there!

See ya for soup in the morning at El Gato - take care and have a great weekend!

- Barry

Tonya and wii

Hey -

If you're around a TV this morning around 10:00 - I'll be doing the AM Arizona show with Tonya Mock and Lew Reese. Channel 13.

I'm be making the Eggplant Roulades from last weeks menu, as well as a really simple Fried Green Tomato appetizer with Corn and Chile Relish.

Also - Don't forget, its Wednesday Night Pasta Night!!!!!! Hope to see ya there.

ps - I'll share more about my most recent addiction the wii.

The picture is from Wolf Creek off Ponderosa rd. Took Jacob and three of his buddies on a hike there a couple of weeks ago. Have a great Day!

Mick's Drink of the Week

Tropical Margatini
- From Mick at Action Wine & Spirits

2 oz 30/30 Tequilla Reposado
1 oz Orange Brandy Liquor
Splash Sweet n' Sour
Splash Lime juice

Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice
Add frozen Watermelon & Fresh Orange slices to fill.
Shake vigoursly
Strain into a Sugar Rimmed martini glass,
Garnish with a Watermelon cube In the bottom of the glass.

- OK, the watermelon cubes are nice, but you can skip 'em if you want. If you wanna try to get a bit of the watermelon flavor without the hassle - World Market has a Watermelon Concentrate that is great in warm weather cocktails.

- Try this out at 129 1/2, its similar to our Southern Orange, but with a slight twist.

WEB Conference - Jazzin' for Women at El Gato Azul

Monday, August 23rd we have a wonderfull event at El Gato Azul, it is called Jazzin' For Women, this is a fun event that we sponsor every year to benefit the non-profit organization, Women's Empowerment Breakthrough.

There will be a wide variety of tapas, music on the patio, and Juno Wines,

from Action Wines & Spirits is providing all of the wine.

If you're interested in attending please call 928-350-1007

for reservations or additional information.

Prescott Jazz Summit Jam Session ...

Hey all!

I’m giving you a heads up about one of the my favorite nights

at 129 ½ .
The Prescott Jazz Summit is this weekend,
and Mike Vax and I are hosting the out of town performers at 129 ½
for a wrap jam session at the end of the festival.

It’s next Sunday August 24th, 2008 from about 6 - ? Brian, Tom and Larry at providing back up for everyone
and it was a great time last year – so get your reservations before every one at the summit finds out about it!

For more info on the Summit itself … http://www.prescottjazz.com/
It’s a great weekend – so check it out and show your support!

Have a great week!

- Barry

Dinner Features for Monday & Tuesday, August 18th & 19th

We're goin' Cajun this week! Picked up some great Anduille the other day, and promised Dick I would make his Catfish ... and with Catfish on the menu ...

ya gotta have Pecan Chicken and Etoufee!!

- hope ta see ya in!

Appetizers

Gumbo
Anduille Sausage and Shrimp with Okra and a Spicy Dark Roux
Garnished with White Rice
6

Roasted Garlic & Tomato Crepes
Sweet Roasted Garlic, Fresh Herbs and Tomatoes
In a Creamy Brandy Sauce
7

Entrée Selections

Shrimp Etoufee
Large Prawns, sautéed with Onions, Green Peppers and Celery
Over White Rice
18

Corn breaded Catfish
Fresh Fillets, coated in Cornmeal and deepfried,
topped with Remoulade Sauce
17

Pecan Chicken
Pecan encrusted Chicken Breast, oven roasted and topped
with Sauce Meuniere, a garlic, Worcestershire and butter sauce
16

Simon & Hannah's Farmers Market Photos

A few shots from this weeks Farmers Market.

Guess who was taking the pictures!

Luau For Little Ones

Here are some shots form the Luau for Little Ones which is a fundraiser for Prevent Child Abuse. The event is held every year at Watson Lake, and for the last several years, El Gato has donated the appetizer course.

Kim and Eric Gardner, along with daughters Sarah and Kayla have donated for their time and talents to the task for the last few years, and we definately could not do it with out them!

Thanks Guys!

On the menu this year:

Smoked Calimari with Ocean Salad on Rice Crackers

Chicken and Sunflower Salad W/ Toasted Coconut & Mango Vinaigrette

Polynesian Pork with Cucumber Relish

Farmers Market Vinaigrette

This is one of my favorite salad dressings ever. I was gonna do the Market Martini Recipe, but decided to save that until next week.

This is a great over sliced tomatoes, or most anything you're gonna find at the market today. - Enjoy!

Farmes Market Vinaigrette
3 C Vegetable Oil
1 C Cider Vinegar
2 T Mixed Chopped Herbs
-sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and parsley
½ Finely Diced Red Onion
4 T Dijon & Whole Grain Mustard
¼ C Balsamic Vinegar
1 t Salt
½ C Sugar
Whisk Oil and Vinegar, adding ingredients once emulsified

This is pretty simple, but you need to get the oil and vinegar really emulsified. One of the easiest ways to do this is in a food processor, Vinegar, Herbs, Mustard and Sugar - then add the Vinegar in a slow stream. Finish with all you remaining ingredients.

Great Pasta Batman!

Thanks to everyone for coming out for Pasta Night. Hope to see ya again next week! (The Hot Club will be back too.)

Wednesday Morning

Join us tonight at 129 1/2 for our Wednesday Night Pasta Night, which has been a huge hit!

Bring in your B# card, and receive 25% off our featured wine selections, and 10% of all bottled wine to go along with your Pasta!

We're featuring a Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc this evening, and we're pairing it with The Hot Club - if you haven't heard them .... They are exceptional.

So come on in and keep sending your ideas and suggestions.

Thanks a ton! - Barry

Random shots of the dining room at 129 1/2 and the rooftop garden at El Gato

Farmers Market Finds - Ya gotta luv it!

(Cory from Whipstone, one of the nicest guys you may ever get the chance of meeting.)

Some shots of the farmers market that takes place at Yavapai College every Saturday. The tomatoes from Chino farm are excellent - and Cory with Whipstone always has a nice assortment of stuff. The carrots and beans this week were really sweet, and moist.

Also, Molly Beverly with Prescott College's Crossroads cafe, is now on hand every week with some incredible rustic breads. The Spanikopita (sp?) is great, and makes a great addition to the salads and Market Martinis we make at El Gato.

August Music Calendar for 129 1/2

129 ½ An American Jazz Grille
August Music Calendar

Sundays
3rd Ramon Dana
10th & 17th Brian LaChance
24th Brian LaChance Trio & Jazz Summit Jam
31st Jeff Weissel

Wednesdays
6th Ramon Dana
13, 20, 27 The Hot Club of Prescott

Thursdays
7th & 28th Jeff Weissel
14th & 21st Ramon Dana

Fridays
1st Ed Cornett & Tre3
8th Jeff Weissel Duo
15th Beginners Luck
22nd Gail Kennedy -vocalist
29th Bill West Trio

Saturdays
2nd Brian LaChance Tio
9th Gail Kennedy - vocalist
16th & 23rd Ed Cornett & Tre3
30th The Hot Club of Prescott

Music 6:30 – 9:30 Sundays 6:00 – 9:00

Now Open Seven Days, and kicking it off with Dinner with Barry

Great News!

I think you're really going to enjoy the new Monday Tuesday Format. I'm going back to all the old dishes and recipes that I've been doing since the Bistro Days and before ...

After this week, you'll see that I have a tendancy to lean torwards Southern, Creole and Country French - ya gotta love all of those.

If you've had something in the past that you'd like to be added, just let me know. Have great Week.

- Barry




Dinner Features

Monday & Tuesday August 4th & 5th 2008

Appetizers
Crepes Fromage & Champignon
Delicate Crepes filled with Exotic Mushrooms,
Grilled Tenderloin and Goat Cheese
9

Olives, Prosciutto and Sage
An intense mixture of Olives, Prosciutto, Pickled Onions,
Roasted Garlic and Sage
5

Entrée Selections

Mediterranean Duck
Pan Seared and Roasted Breast of Duck
with a Dried Mission Fig and Mint Sauce
18

Pistachio Encrusted Salmon
Pan Seared Filet of Salmon with a Pistachio Crust
and a Pickled Ginger and Mango Relish
17

Chicken Ragout
Bone in Chicken, Braised and Roasted with Roma Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Fresh Herbs and cream
16


129 ½ An American Jazz Grille 129 ½ N. Cortez 928-443-9292

Pasta Night Wednesdays at 129 1/2

The 129 ½ B# Club
- There’s Nothing Like it!

- Pasta Night -
Wednesdays
Choose your pasta, choose your sauce
$9.95

Traditional Bolognese Basil Pesto White & Red Clam Alfredo …

Summer BBQ Sundays
BBQ Ribs, Chicken, & Smoked Sausage
$14.95

Live music nightly

129 ½ An American Jazz Grille 129 1/2 N. Cortez 443-9292
* Not valid with any other discount,
coupon or gift certificate

Jazz Pics I found online - some of which I've included in the Lounge area at 129 1/2

I found these while looking for some black and white photos to add to the back lounge area at 129 1/2. They turned out great. It's kinda cool to browse these, and think of the amazing stories behind them.

If you have some you wanna share- send 'em on!

August already!!!!!

I can't believe it is August! The summer has just flown by, and the kids are back in school on Monday.

We got a lot going on, and alot has happened this summer. 129 1/2 is on a Seven Day Schedule for the first time ever - and El Gato is just cruising by.

Even though I did basically nothing, I really enjoyed the summer. The Pajama Game wrapped up in mid June- 41st birthday right after that. Did some great changes that I really like at both Gato and 129 1/2 - and looking forward to the fall.

Take a look at all the changes at 129 1/2 and I'll be posting some new interior pics in the next couple days.

Take care and have a great one.

- Barry

By the way -

Some of the best stuff has been the music this summer

Don and Jane Cheek at El Gato and all the new guys at 129 1/2 have been super.