Mi Ranchito – This is actually a small chain, possible only regional to the Palmdale area; we know of two, located at 1060 E Palmdale Blvd., and another at 47th St East and Ave. S. In customer reviews, the former is generally frowned upon because of its reputation for unfriendly and slow service. The second location is more often chosen because the staff speaks perfect English, and is friendly, as well as fast. Important qualities, considering that this restaurant, reputed to have a menu that can’t be outdone by anything in L.A., is believe it or not, categorized under ‘Mexican fast food’. Check it out, and see whether or not you consider Mi Ranchito to be great food, or just ‘fast food’.

Los Arcos Mexican Food – This little joint is located in the Rancho Vista Vons shopping center, at 3115 Rancho Vista Blvd. It’s also not to be confused with the other Mexican dining spot, El Pollo Loco. These are two different restaurants, so if you see Pollo Loco, keep going, and try the quaint Mexican Los Arcos instead. It’s a small restaurant, mostly favored by those in the local neighborhood. The best kept secret of Rancho Vista citizens no doubt. It’s received nothing short of shining reviews from customers, as well. When visiting Palmdale, if you’d rather have the quiet atmosphere of a small Mexican restaurant, try Los Arcos.

Our menu features:

* Chili rogo
* Chicken mole
* Pechugas
* Fried ice cream
* Old-fashioned chocolate cake
* Sopapillas

With a wide selection of wine, beer, and liquor, our restaurant is a great place to relax with your friends after work. We provide a children’s menu, so bring your family in for exquisite Mexican cuisine. We also offer full-service catering. Call us when you plan your next party. Reservations are accepted, so give us a call today. For all of your Mexican cuisine desires, come see us!

“Penny-wise and pound foolish” is an English adage. Here it would be more effective as an ad for Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Another truism about money is “A fool and his money are soon parted”. This one must explain Las Vegas.

Then there’s the one about saving for a rainy day. Because I live in Southern California, I wouldn’t save much – certainly not as much as people living in Seattle. Actually, it’s Prince Charles who should be saving for a reigny day.

Not all adages are about money. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” applies to politics. It means you won’t accomplish anything by taking Milk Bones into the United States Senate.

Pig ears are another dog treat. This makes me think the saying “Deaf as a door nail” should be changed to “Deaf as a pig”.

“The grass is always greener in the other fellow’s yard” explains the benefit of fertilizer. “Pretty is as pretty does” is something I was told repeatedly about my behavior as I was growing up. Obviously, Paris Hilton wasn’t told this. I’ve never seen it raining cats and dogs and I don’t know anyone who has. Maybe Noah did.

In the adage “Youth is wasted on the young”, I think the word wasted should be changed to invested. If the investment isn’t profitable, don’t worry. The young outgrow youth quickly.

I have no idea what is meant by “There’s no fool like an old fool”. However, I’m at an age where I’m offended by anything that uses the word old.

I don’t know what “No good deed goes unpunished” means. I don’t think prisons are overflowing with Boy Scouts.

I’m not sure if an apple a day really keeps the doctor away. I know the first apple kept Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden.

“Better than a sharp stick in the eye” is said when something doesn’t turn out well. What could be worse than a sharp stick in the eye unless it was a sharp stick in both eyes?

I think the truest truism is what P.T. Barnum said. “A sucker is born every minute”. If I’d gone to his circus’ sideshow, I would have paid to see the egress.

As we get older, we can find our memory slipping a bit, it’s only natural right? Well, studies have shown that foods rich in choline, vital for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, and foods rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C, D and E, are essential to overall optimal brain function. The antioxidants mop up the free radicals that constantly attack healthy cell walls, serving to aid in cognitive functions. Also, low levels of acetylcholine are also associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and some studies suggest that increasing choline intake through supplements or diet may slow age-related memory loss.

What is an example of a brainy lunch? How about on omelet and a green salad? Eggs are very rich in choline and a green salad is loaded with antioxidants. Better yet, pop open a can of sardines, a super food loaded with protein and crucial Omega 3 fatty acids. Grilled salmon or Ahi tuna are also very high in Omega 3 and probably more palatable than sardines. Finish your lunch with a yogurt dessert, and you should be alert and ready to finish off the day. That’s because yogurt contains the amino acid tyrosine, needed for the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenalin, among others. Studies by military scientists indicate that tyrosine becomes depleted when we are under stress and that supplementing your intake can improve alertness and memory while fighting fatigue.

A mid afternoon snack is a great idea. Try something like a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter with a small cup of yogurt, I love Yoplait blueberry, or a glass of low fat milk. It’ll take the edge off of your hunger and add some quick glucose to the brain. Here is an ultimate brain and energy food; a sliced banana spread with peanut butter. It’s a nearly nutritionally complete food. Try to limit highly processed snack foods which contain trans-fatty acids. These are not only bad for the waistline, but more and more studies are showing that these trans-fatty acids may be involved in a whole large list of serious mental disorders, ADHD and dyslexia among them.

And here’s a suggestion, top off your supper with some strawberries and blueberries, when available. These berries are nutritional powerhouses, filled with antioxidants and essential fruit sugars. Besides, they taste good!