It’s amazing what the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) have accomplished in the desert just south of Phoenix. The alliance of these two tribes, called Gila River Indian Community, was established in 1939. Their lands cover nearly 600 square miles. Wild Horse Pass Casino is one of three casinos they operate, their biggest and fanciest. Exit 162 off I-10 will take you there. Even if you couldn’t care less about slots and gambling, it’s worth your while to take a look. We occasionally spend a couple of nights (in our motor home) in their big parking lot en route through Phoenix. While here, we explore not only the casino, but beyond along the reborn Gila River to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, Aji Spa, and Whirlwind Golf Club. Wild horses still roam in the hills to the west; the Koli Equestrian Center provides trail rides and riding lessons. Free boats shuttle guests between the casino and resort, a pleasant, leisurely ride accompanied by sounds of river birds on shore and flute music (on the boat tape deck). In back of the resort, the river merges into natural swimming pools, and a down-sized replica of the ancient Casa Grande ruins doubles as a water slide.
As I was helping my son move from California to New Mexico, Bob was by himself on St. Patrick’s Day. Nightly dinners of Campbell’s soups were fast losing their allure. Wind Dance Restaurant’s posted menu for their St. Patrick’s Day Buffet had looked great to both of us before I left. Wind Dance is located in the casino; there are even more enticing restaurants at the resort and golf course. Bob agreed to record what he ate and take pictures for the express purpose of including Wind Dance in this journal. So, in this case, I’m reporting a second-hand account as told to me by my husband.
The buffet hours for St. Patrick’s were from 11am to 3:30pm. As this would be Bob’s big and only meal for the day, he waited until 3pm before arriving and didn’t have to wait in line. The dining room wasn’t even crowded. But there was plenty of good food left. Bob proceeded to load up two plates, one with fresh and simple tossed green salad, the other with entrées and side dishes, some with Irish names and flavors. The seared breast of chicken Dijon with dill was Bob’s favorite, but the carved corn beef, Irish pork loin, and beef medallions with cranberry and port sauce were all good, too. The green bean-and-corn casserole and steamed cabbage were the veggies. Rounding out the meal were steamed red and Boxty potatoes, along with an assortment of Irish soda rolls, cornbread, and muffins. Along with his meal, he was served Pepsi. For dessert, he chose a pretty crème de menthe cheesecake and blueberry pie with whipped cream. Needless to say, he didn’t leave hungry! Cost: $9.