Cacti and sitting where "W" sat - Day 22

Today is our first day out of snow and cold. It is sunny and in the low 70's in Phoenix.

We visited the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden today. It was fabulous.
Some facts:
Suguaro Cactus: They don't grow arms until they are at least 50 years old. The holes in them are made by nesting birds and do not harm the cactus. Their roots go out as deep as they are tall. And, the roots are only about 4 inches below the surface.
Agave Cactus: They throw out a tall shoot with a flower on it only once in their lives, then die.

Dick's Hideaway Restaurant. This was a real find. It was recommended to us by a fellow guest in the La Quinta where we are staying. We had a memorable, fabulous meal. Mark had smoked pork in a red chile sauce. I had skewers of beef, shrimp, chicken and sausage with 4 different dipping sauces: tomatillo, green chile, cheese and bean. The restaurant is so exclusive that it does not advertise at all- not even a sign outside.

It is not listed in the phone book! We had to ask someone in the parking lot where it was...and, we were right in front of it! It is very small with benches and cushions. After we were seated, we were told that we were sitting at the same table that George W Bush sat at....hmmm....we did consider moving, but thought that would be very petty. So, we have now sat where a president has sat. And, it didn't even smell!

For dinner, we went to Fenix, a French restaurant, which was reviewed as having the very best French onion soup. And, it was good. We didn't know if it was the best ever, but it was very good. We also had a fabulous beet salad with roasted red pepper and some slices of brie on the top.