FINALLY…

Oh boy, this has been a long time coming! The Vic is one of my favorite local spots and always the place I take visiting friends and relatives as it perfectly showcases the beauty of the desert. And, the food is always delicious too!

So delicious, in fact, that I’ve visited several other times but haven’t been able to write about it because I always forget to take pictures before I start eating. That actually happened again this time too, but luckily, I remembered before our meals were gnawed beyond recognition. So, don’t judge the food by my pictures please!

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Once again, my good friend, Kris, accompanied me on this outing. I love how she commented several times during lunch that this was the perfect place for exactly what we were doing—casually conversing, in a beautiful and quiet setting! We wished we could linger there all day and agreed we need to make a point to visit more often.

When my girlfriends or relatives visit, we always visit The Vic and I have pretty much the same selfie with all of them to prove it. Ha!

AL FRESCO

I prefer to eat outside (‘al fresco’) whenever possible! The Vic is the perfect place for that! In fact, for as many times as I’ve been there, I’ve never even eaten inside. I love that the tables outside are spaced so far apart that it really feels like you’re enjoying private dining.

I was worried that I may have missed my chance to share about dining on the patio, because wow, it has been so hot lately! Kris and I strategically chose to visit on Tuesday—supposed to be ‘cooler’ according to the weather chart—and, luckily, we were able to sit outside. The high clouds kept things comfortable, and though it was a tad on the warm side, the misters above the tables near the building made it absolutely lovely!

MEEP, MEEP

If you’re lucky (you know, roadrunners bring good luck!) you might just get a special visit from one while you eat! These aren’t your typical skittish roadrunners either. Oh no, they’ll stare you down until you toss them something—a small fee for the entertainment they provide!

THE FOOD

Kris ordered the Strawberry Salad: baby field greens, goat cheese, pecans, red onion, white balsamic dressing. She loved it and I imagine she’ll be ordering it on repeat. In writing this, I see it’s labeled as ‘Gluten Free’ on the menu. I should have paid closer attention, because…

I ordered the Taco Salad (did somebody say ‘Taco’?!) with 4 oz of blackened Mahi added! It is romaine, roasted corn, black beans, roasted cherry peppers (next time I will order without), avocado, cotija, jalapeño ranch & tortilla chips. I was expecting the tortilla chips to be corn (and thereby gluten free) but they were fried flour and while absolutely delicious, I have a gluten sensitivity and should have abstained. I didn’t realize that until I was over halfway finished eating.

My very favorite thing to eat here is the Blackened Mahi Wrap but because it’s wrapped in a chipotle tortilla (OMG so good, but I have to avoid gluten), I opted for the salad. I did add Mahi to my salad though because this is the only place in our area that I’ve been able to get a great piece of grilled fish! And, it is superb every time!

Because I’m always so excited to eat my meal at The Vic, I didn’t remember to take a picture of our dishes until we had already started eating. Both plates looked a lot better before we got ahold of them.

THE TAB

The Vic is on the spendier side, but it’s worth it for the quality. Kris’s salad was $17. Mine was $17 as well, plus $10 for the Mahi, bringing my total to $27 ($33 with a tip). It’s not my usual style to drop that much dough on a lunch, but because I consider it a whole experience (like a spa day, without the spa), I can justify a visit for special occasions.

NEARBY SIGHTS TO SEE…

The Spa at Victory Club

Speaking of spas, when you’re up there, be sure to visit The Spa at Victory Club. It’s open to the public, but you have to press the intercom for entrance. Definitely check out the spa gift shop. I intended to share pictures of that with you here, but was told by management that was not allowed (“no pictures, no video”) without applying for permission.

They have a wonderful selection of my favorite candles (Voluspa) and other fun things if you’re looking for a gift for a friend (or yourself 😉).

The Cliff House

If you’re in the mood for a quick meal, The Cliff House (‘a charming snack shack’) at The Victory Golf Course is a great place to go for locally-sourced salads and sandwiches. It’s aptly named — located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the course. The views are breathtaking! The Bar is open daily from 6 AM - 4 PM; Kitchen hours are 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM.

Victory Overlook

You absolutely must visit the Victory Overlook which is located on the far east side of the parking lots. There you’ll find a viewfinder and some of the most sweeping views of the entire valley. It’s also a great spot to watch the 4th of July Fireworks—with 10,000 of your friends and neighbors, ha! I often stop by to enjoy the sunrise on the ledge with my morning coffee.

The Victory Stairs at Verrado

If you’re up for the challenge, hike the 340 stairs to the top of the mountain and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley. Even if you’re not up for the climb, it’s definitely a sight to see in person. And, you’ll probably be shocked at how many people are there! It’s Buckeye’s version of Disneyland.

Well that should keep you busy for a bit! If you go, tell them The Buzz sent ya!

Buzz Rating

Food: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5) **Always fresh & healthy!!!

Service: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 (5/5) **Friendly!

Outside Vibe: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝++++ (100/5)

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