When Chatty moved to Glendale, AZ two years ago, she already knew she loved Arizona in all of its magnificence, and that Glendale was a wonderful city. But she had NO idea that the Superbowl being held here on Sunday is shaping up to be the most-watched in history. This is very cool!

    Because Chatty is an enthusiast about all things Glendale, she feels compelled to interrupt her blogs about the road-trip to Bisbee and Tombstone with a salute to her new hometown, and a brief guide for any of you who might be coming for the big game - or who might have friends who are coming.

    Let’s get something out of the way right now. Although the state-of-the-art arena in which The Fiesta Bowl is held - and which is the site of Superbowl XLII - is called "The University of Phoenix Stadium" it is NOT in Phoenix. It is in GLENDALE, thank you very much. This seeming misnomer ticks Chatty off, but apparently The University of Phoenix was willing to pay beaucoup bucks to get the stadium named for it, and our mayor - God bless her - is ALL about revenue for Glendale - so University of Phoenix Stadium it is. This is annoying, but Glendale is laughing all the way to the bank.

    A lot of people don’t realize that Glendale is the fourth largest city in Arizona, behind Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson. Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa make up the huge metropolitan area known as "The Valley of the Sun" or, less poetically, "the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area". Glendale itself is a city of 240,000+ residents, and borders Phoenix on the west. End of geography lesson.

    Since inquiring minds are sure to be wondering where the Patriots and Giants are hanging their helmets for the duration of their stay in the Valley of the Sun, Chatty is happy to provide that information.

    The New York Giants have already taken over the entire Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, located in North Chandler on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

    The New England Patriots are across the valley, at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in North Scottsdale.

   There is a HUGE and continuous party called The NFL Experience going on here in Glendale from now through February 3, and Chatty must say it is pretty spectacular.

    There are TONS of parties going on all over the valley, but as Chatty is not invited to any of them, she is channeling her enthusiasm into suggestions as to what to do and where to eat if you are lucky enough to visit Glendale now or in the future.

    Glendale has a wonderful historic downtown area known as Catlin Court. It is consistently mentioned as one of the greatest areas for antiquing in the entire Southwest, and it also abounds with restaurants, tea rooms and truly remarkable gift and craft shops. We also have the world’s largest bead museum, which probably doesn’t sound like much until you actually tour it, but trust Chatty – it’s phenomenal.

    Also, this Friday and Saturday Glendale is hosting its annual Chocolate Affaire in downtown Glendale – and this is a must for any chocolate fanciers. Chocolatiers from all over the country put up booths in downtown’s Murphy Park over these two days, and it’s an amazing experience. Glendale also has its OWN chocolate factory, so if you can’t make it this weekend, don’t worry – we have fabulous chocolate all year long, and the factory provides free tours AND free samples daily. Quite frankly, Chatty wishes she didn’t know this…

    There are so many wonderful places to eat that in the interests of brevity, Chatty feels she must rein herself in and speak only of her beloved A Touch of European Cafe, owned by Margaret and Waldemar Okula. They were both born in Poland, but met and married in New York City. They dreamed of running a small café and chose Glendale as their new home a few years ago. This makes Chatty very happy! Waldemar is one of the most talented chefs Chatty has ever had the pleasure of meeting, and his charming wife Margaret presides over the small café with charm, humor and aplomb. All of Waldemar's creations are to-die-for, but Chatty especially swoons with delight over his soups. She is on the "soup list", in fact, because Margaret is kind enough to give regulars a heads-up when their favorite soups are being served. Chatty cannot choose between the Split Pea, the Black Bean with Sausage, the Clam Chowder, the Red Borscht, the White Borscht, the Cream of Mushroom and Noodle and the Sauerkraut (mind you, these are the only ones Chatty has tasted so far – there are many more), but luckily she doesn’t have to - she just runs over for a to-go order whenever Margaret calls.

    And, since Chatty is nothing if not fair, she must admit that Glendale is not the only fabulous place to visit in the area, so check these out as well.

    Even if you can’t make it to Superbowl XLII, Chatty hopes you will make it to her area one day – and if you do, drop her a line and she’ll take you to Catlin Court and A Touch of European Café so you can judge for yourself.

    Chatty must close, as she is having hors d'oeuvres with Tom Brady this evening.

    OK, OK, she’s just going to munch on some chips and salsa while watching his latest interview…*sigh*