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Wildflower Bread Company Review
by Cowgirl Connoisseur

 Wildflower Bread Company is a Scottsdale based chain with nine locations. The Valley locations are at Tempe Square (SW Corner of McClintock & Guadalupe), Sonora Village (SW Corner of Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.), Deer Valley Towne Center (SW Intersection of Loop 101 and I-17), Chandler Fashion Center (SW Intersection of Loop 101 and Chandler Blvd.), Wildflower Village (SW Corner of Baseline and Val Vista), Palm Valley Pavilions West (SW Corner of Litchfield and McDowell), Arcadia Commons (Indian School and 44th Street). The locations outside the Valley are Prescott Gateway Mall (Intersection of Highway 69 & Gateway Blvd.), and The Shops at Piñon Pointe (Intersection of Highways 179 and 89A).

 It’s a simple order at the counter and the server brings you your food. You get your own drinks and refills. Sandwiches, pasta, soups and salads, muffins and breads make up most of their menu. Bread is their passion and all of it is baked fresh daily. What a huge difference fresh bread makes in a delicious sandwich!

 They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner; breakfast is served with a wide variety of selections beyond your usual breakfast sandwich. Breakfast is served until 10:30am on weekdays and until 2pm on weekends. How about the Honey-Cured Ham and Brie Frittata with eggs, ham, brie, sautéed apples, sage and leeks, served with Wildflower Home Fries and buttered toast for only $5.99. Or the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes that are Wildflower’s signature pancakes, with ricotta cheese and lemon, served with blueberry compote, sweet creamy butter and hot maple syrup at $5.69. The lemon contrasted with blueberry is a wonderful combination. The Roasted Tomato Feta & Egg Sandwich with scrambled eggs, roma tomato, feta and basil on a buttered Ciabatta Roll at $4.19 is a huge improvement over a McMuffin! This is a much nicer way to start your morning.

 Lunch is priced from $6.49 to $6.99 for sandwiches like the Roast Beef & Gorgonzola with rare roast beef (94% fat-free), gorgonzola, roasted red pepper, red onion, romaine, tomato and herb mayo on Sourdough for $6.79. I really enjoyed their Wildflower Chicken Salad with chicken breast, red and green peppers, green onion, lemon, garlic and mayo with tomato, cucumber, romaine and clover sprouts on Nine-Grain at $6.79. My cowboy friend enjoyed the hot Spicy Meatball sandwich with Swiss, giardinera hot peppers and Wildflower marinara on a grilled Ciabatta Roll for $6.99. The Harvest Apple Pork is slow-roasted pork with apple, leek, sage, arugula and Swiss on grilled Pasilla Chili Rye at $6.79 looked tempting and I will try it when the weather is cooler.

 The salads are wonderful! Oriental Chicken with field greens, grilled chicken breast, red and white cabbage, cucumber, carrot, celery, green onion, jicama, cilantro, sesame seeds, crispy noodles and almonds with Oriental dressing at $6.99. They use a lot of jicama, which you don't find often, but adds a nice crunch!

 They serve up to six varieties of fresh homemade wholesome soup daily that are a wonderful meal in themselves. Made with natural ingredients and they always offer at least one vegetarian selection. You can try soup in their award winning Sourdough bread boule or with your favorite sandwich or salad. By the cup $3.29, bowl $4.29, or soup in a Bread Boule is $5.29. You can even buy Soup by the Quart at $8.99 and feed the whole family. Their website gives the ingredients and complete nutritional breakdown of each soup for those counting calories or carbs.

 Pasta is served from 3pm on and includes a Butternut Squash Ravioli topped with roasted walnut cream sauce and nutmeg sublime for $7.29. My favorite is Smoked Salmon Alfredo with sundried tomato, capers and linguini, topped with parsley and grated parmesan for only $7.29! Or how about the Three Cheese Ravioli topped with Wildflower marinara, parsley and grated Parmesan for only $6.99. Pesto Chicken with Linguini grilled chicken breast, feta, roasted red pepper, spinach and pesto, topped with parsley and grated parmesan $7.29, Linguini with White Clam Sauce tender clams in an herb broth, topped with parsley and grated parmesan $6.99, and many more.

 I go to Wildflower Bakery for meetings often because the atmosphere is usually subdued and quiet enough for comfortable conversation. They also have free wifi and it is relatively fast compared to many places in the valley.   Wildflower Bakery always seems to have a steady crowd. But the service is pretty quick and I’ve never had a problem finding a good table. When the weather is good I like sitting out on the front patio.

 I also like to snag a cranberry muffin ($1.89) from the bakery case with a display so tempting you may have to close your eyes! They also have freshly made breads, cheesecakes, cupcakes and brownies, and cakes. Recently they had a baguette for a dollar you could drop into a box and grab your bread as you left.  

Wildflower Bakery hours are: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, Prices: $5-$7 sandwiches; $4-$7 salads; $7 pastas (after 3 p.m.) For information on the closest location call (480) 838-9773 or www.wildflowerbread.com   

 

The Black Bear Diner

By Cowgirl Connoisseur
 There once was a time when you went to a diner for a meal and found good solid nutritious food in hearty portions and as delicious as Mom’s cooking. Not many of those places survive in the modern fast paced world.  But check out The Black Bear Diner.

If you yearn for a diner of yesteryear, mosey into The Black Bear Diner. They have two locations in north Glendale at 6039 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ 85306, (602) 843-1921 and in Phoenix, at 2410 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602) 298-2671. The franchise, out of Mt. Shasta, California, says they have 35 Diners and are still growing! Other Arizona locations include Bullhead City, Goodyear, and Lake Havasu City.

 Their menu is an old-time newspaper with stories about local events in the past.  On my last visit I enjoyed the California Scramble $7.69 for breakfast. It’s scrambled eggs with avocado, spinach, tomato, onion, and jack cheese. It came with potatoes (your choice of hash browns or diced) and bread (your choice of toast or biscuit). The waitress asked about how you liked everything cooked – regular or crispy. The biscuit was the biggest fluffiest most delicious I’ve ever eaten. And the eggs were fabulous!

 Others in my party had the Ham and Eggs $7.69 with pancakes, Hungry Man Steak and Eggs $9.99 and another had the Pancakes Mama Bear stack $4.69. Everyone had too much to eat and couldn’t finish their plates. Servings are extra generous and delicious.

The menus for lunch and dinner are both so extensive and economically priced, you are sure to find what you like. Lunch menu sandwiches are generally about $7.99 and dinner averages about $11.99. A large Senior Menu is mostly about $7.99 for dinners.

 Their menu notes they have been trans fat free at all locations fo the last 3 years. Their menu says good old fashioned comfort food. And everything on the menu looks very comforting to me!

 The décor includes extra large deep booths and tables where you won’t feel cramped even if your hubby is a double X. And there are stuffed bears everywhere to compliment the pine and rough  wood trim. Two giant sleeping bears in the reception area are said to wake up and hug patrons on occasion. It’s a family friendly very comfortable place. Jason and his staff did a good job to make us all feel welcome and happy to return. They have a website at www.blackbeardiner.com    with a gift shop.  

 

Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon

by Cowgirl Connoisseur
The old time cowboy restaurant is almost a thing of the past with all the modern development taking over much of Arizona’s cowboy country. One of the last remaining cowboy restaurants is Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon located at I-17 Exit #225 West on Pioneer Road. This part of the past can still hold claim to good old-fashioned cowboy food and entertainment. They claim to be “Where Arizona’s Old West is re-discovered and the taste of Arizona’s new West is found”

 Pioneer Restaurant and Saloon sits on the Pioneer Living History Museum Old West town property. You enter the restaurant without going into the museum proper. Many events from weddings, corporate parties to the September Wild Western Festival combine the restaurant and its services with the museum.

 Open Wednesday through Sunday, 6am to 9pm, Pioneer serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable old west style dining room and bar. On Sunday they have an All-U-Can-Eat Buffet Breakfast sure to satisfy any appetite from Hoss to Little Joe. Thursday night is All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti and Meatballs; Friday night is the “Famous” All-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry. Gather up your posse of family and friends for this one! Saturday night is Prime Rib and All the Fixin’s. The food has always been served with generous portions and cooked to your request.  

Friday through Sunday you can enjoy entertainment from honky-tonk piano to cowboy singers. Bring your out-of-town guests in for a taste of the old west. Their website at www.westerndestinations.com  tells you all about a variety of activities available.

Buffalo Chip Saloon And Steakhouse

by Cowgirl Connoisseur

 The Buffalo Chip is a cowboy's standard hang out in downtown Cave Creek. It has a real western, kinda rough and tumble feel and it comes by it naturally. All those cowboy boots kicking up their heels dancing and hootin' and hollarin' can leave a mark! "Live in the now, but play in the 1800's" is their motto. Aside from the televisions, you could be walking into an 1880's style bar.

 The restaurant is open 10am to 10pm with standard cowboy fare. Big Buckin' Burger and Fries at $6.95, 3/4 lb 100% beef chuck, hand ground and pattied, on a toasted bun with cheddar cheese. You can add Bacon, Green Chiles or Red Chili for $1.00 each. On Fridays, it's "All-You-Can-Eat" Cod, Walleye, Lake Perch and Catfish with fries and slaw $9.95 from 5 to 10pm. The fish is hot and delicious and they keep it coming. What a deal! Be sure to get your fill by 10pm, because the tables get pushed back and the dance floor appears and lookout, it gets crazy. They hand cut their own choice steaks and cook the steaks and burgers are on a Mesquite grilled to your likes. Of the hundreds of steaks I've had at the Chip, every single one has been good, tender, juicy and tasty. They are served with cowboy beans, salad, and a honey butter biscuit. It's nothing fancy, just simple straight forward cowboy dinner and uumm ummm good. 

 Not in the burger mood? How about a Mesquite Grilled Chicken Sandwich, for $7.95, it is a large grilled chicken breast, hot melted cheese, green chilies, tomatoes, and lettuce on a toasted bun, served with fries. Or a Pit Smoked Pork Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound of smoked sliced pork topped with melted cheese, coleslaw and served on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. Or the Smoked Brisket Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound beef brisket with melted cheese on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. For the salad lover try the Grilled Chicken Salad, $7.95, Platter of iceberg lettuce, slivered purple cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes with a grilled chicken breast, toasted croutons and side of ranch dressing.

 

The Chet "ATKINS" Platter, is $11.95, it has smoked pork, beef brisket, and grilled chicken breast with dry BBQ rub and a side of low-carb home-style coleslaw. Pit-Smoked Beef Brisket, for $10.95, is one pound of pit-smoked beef brisket with cowboy beans, coleslaw and  honey butter biscuit. Or try the Chicken Saloon, for $10.95, chicken breast, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit.

 But the most popular item is the 12 oz. choice handcut Ribeye Steak, for $16.95, served with cowboy beans, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit. Cooked to your order with these guidelines, Rare = Cool Red Center, Medium Rare = Warm Pink Center, Medium = Thin Pink Line in Center, Medium Well = No Pink, Well = May Still Be on Fire! 

As a center attraction for cowboys in a western town for so many years, the Chip is nothing fancy. But that patina of so many wild nights has a certain attraction. This is where life really happens. It can get wild. Pretty young cowgirls come in their best western ware and dancing boots to two-step with cowboys in Wranglers and fresh Panhandle Slim snap button shirt and of course Stetson hat. They meet on the dance floor and share a few long necks and the next thing you know there are two kids and dog in the back of his Ford F250. Yep, many a romance has begun under that roof.   

 The atmosphere is just what city folk and tourists want to absorb. The Buffalo Chip even caters to tour groups and parties with a little western town out back. You can listen to the live music, shoot pool, or throw horseshoes, sit next to a fire pit and enjoy beautiful Black Mountain with a cold one!

 There's plenty of music and dancing going on with Wednesday Karaoke 8pm to Midnight using one of the best sound system around. Thursday and Sunday you can enjoy free dance lessons (that's cowboy dancing ya'll) from 7 to 8pm, and Live music and dancing with The Pat James Band 8pm till Midnight, every Thursday through Sunday. And check out Mel's Auction out back where you can bring anything in from 7to 9pm to get sold, and of course you're welcome to buy!

 The first Sunday of every month during the Fall and Winter from 7 to 9pm the Chip goes theatre with "Murder at the High Noon Saloon", a Comedy/Interactive Theater and Dinner Show. They serve a Prime Rib, Cowboy Beans, Tossed Salad, Sourdough Biscuit and Dessert for $35.00.

 So the next time your gang of cowboys and cowgirls gets real hungry and has some energy to burn, do what we do. Say,"Meet ya'll at the Chip!" Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, is located at 6811 East Cave Creek Road, in Cave Creek.

El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek

 by Cowgirl Connoisseur
 For years when out of town guests would visit I would take them shopping and out for lunch at the original El Encanto in the heart of Cave Creek. The children especially loved to sit along the water of the picturesque pond with the playful wildlife, including ducks, and turtles. The adults enjoyed dining in a romantic old-world Mission-style restaurant with a great menu and cocktails!

 They say the menu is authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine, with specialties from regions all over Mexico, including daily fresh fish specials. “All of the Mexican Cuisine at El Encanto is authentic and handmade, from the freshest ingredients, and is considered by many to be the best Mexican food in the Valley.”

 They make wonderful Frittatas of Three cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Jalapeno Jack) $6.20 or ham, mushroom, onion and Swiss $7.10. They also have Chicken, Avocado, and Swiss $6.75 or my favorite Avocado, Monterey Jack and roasted green chilies $6.50. The fresh spinach, mushroom, onion and Swiss $6.50 is also great.  

Lunch is served 11 am to 3pm everyday and includes all of your usual Mexican food fare, well made and reasonably priced. You can get combo plates with rice and beans or A la Carte.  

 Some other great choices are the shredded beef taco, cheese Enchilada and beans $7.45, the cheese Enchilada, rice and beans $6.95. Chile Relleno, rice and beans $6.95, Chicken Enchilada with rice, beans and sour cream $7.55, Taco salad, topped with beef or chicken $5.75, or the Folded Quesadilla "El Encanto" with chicken or shredded beef $6.85. There are so many more great selections that you will want to come back time and again. The Seafood Enchilada with green chili sauce and a dollop of fundido sauce and served with rice. $6.95 is especially nice as is the grilled sea bass, served with rice and flour tortilla $6.85.

 El Encanto A la Carte Chimichangas of Chicken, of shredded or Machaca beef, green chili beef or vegetables $7.15 or seafood $7.30 are all wonderful.  Burros, Flautas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Rellenos, Tamales, or Tostadas, offer no better way to warm up on a cold winter day!

 At dinner you may want to try speciales De El Encanto which include the most special Rellenos of Ancho Chile Relleno, fresh roasted Anaheim chile stuffed with mesquite grilled chicken breast and beans, covered with a savory ancho chile sauce and Monterey Jack cheese served with black beans and rice $15.75. If you are daring, you will want to try Carnitas Poblano Relleno, a large fresh roasted Poblano chile stuffed with tender pork carnitas and topped with green chile sauce and Jack cheese served with black beans and corn rice $15.75. Chile Relleno or Chile Relleno Con Carne or Pollo Fundido is great too.

 From The Mesquite Grill try the Sizzling Hot Fajitas marinated strips of chicken, beef, pork or vegetables, mesquite grilled with fresh peppers and onions served sizzling hot at your table with warm tortillas, beans, guacamole and Pico de gallo salsa $14.65 Shrimp $16.95 a bargain when compared to Fujitsu elsewhere. And it creates and exciting atmosphere when that sizzling skillet appears!

 Mole is a blend of red chiles, sweet dark chocolate, a hint of roasted nuts and spices. If you like Mole, you will love El Encanto’s Mole. Along with all the this great food they also have steak, chicken, fresh Sea Bass or Guaymas Shrimp and they are served in several ways and all are delicious. 

 El Encanto has opened its second restaurant, El Encanto Dos, along Carefree Highway in Desert Hills. The new restaurant has the same great food in a different setting. It also has the feel of Mexico with vibrant colors, tile scenes and wrought iron accents. There is plenty of outdoor dining next to a small creek, where guests sit next to a picturesque fireplace and enjoy their meals.

 Both restaurants have uniquely designed indoor/outdoor Cantinas with views of the enchanting setting. Intricate handcrafted details include a bar top made of Swirlstone; inlaid Mexican tile; and handmade wrought iron wine racks and chairs designed by local artists. El Encanto Dos also boasts a sports bar with five large plasma televisions. The cantinas carry more than 40 different tequilas that can be sampled in flights, and a distinctive wine selection from Mexico, Spain, South America, California and Oregon. The Cantina Tapas menu offers a selection of smaller, more specialized items to the bar clientele.  

The owners, Bill Nelson and his daughter Christine, have tried to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere in which to enjoy similarly authentic and in many cases unique to Arizona Mexican specialties. 

 In the many years of dining at El Encanto, I have experienced many varied levels of service. But I must say they have always been warm and friendly and have done their best to make it a good meal. At times it’s crowded and busy and the noise level can get up there on those raucous occasions. But I’ve never been unsatisfied with the food and continue to return frequently. I guess you can say they have earned an endorsement as a favorite place by the Cowgirl Connoisseur and you can tell them so the next time you dine at El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek. If you want more information give them a call at (480) 488-1752 or just stop by the original at 6248 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek. Or the new El Encanto Dos Restaurant in Desert Hills at 1112 E Carefree Hwy Desert Hills, their number is (623) 780-5948. Hours are 11am-10pm weekends 8am-10pm at both locations. You can also checkout their web site at http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/ .

Caffe Boa

By Cowgirl Conniseur

We all end up in Tempe for one reason or another with so many fabulous shows and festivals in the area. So while there, schedule time for a meal at Tempe's Caffe Boa on Mill and 4th Street. The sign is tucked back behind trees, so it might be tough to find, but park near 4th and walk the west side of the street. You will find the darling little patio with a European café air. Inside the décor is modern with clean lines and earthy colors. A mix of photos and art adorn the walls and dining areas are broken up into smaller more intimate areas by ancient red brick arches, ceiling to floor drapes a mix of dark and light wood. It’s all very clean, attractive and comfortable.

 At first look, the menu is very different. There are so many unique combinations of flavors, next to a few old favorites. My advice is jump in and try something new. Everything my party has tried on several visits has been delicious. Rosemary-and-twine tied white linen napkins set a mood and all that follows reminds us this is more than just food, it’s a see-touch-smell and taste experience.

 The “First Bites” or Appetizers we enjoyed included a wonderful “Caprese.”$6.95 Fresh beefsteak tomatoes topped with bufala mozzarella, basil and our reduced balsamic dressing. The balsamic was so great we had our server get the name for us and it is made by the Queen Creek Olive Mill in Queen Creek, Arizona. Online at http://www.queencreekolivemill.com/ they say they are Arizona’s first working olive farm and mill, pressing the finest extra virgin olive oil from nine different varieties of olives hand picked and blended to make one of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oils. They even offer tours to experience a true Tuscan tasting experience. Amazing how one great little first bite can lead to another great discovery! Caffe Boa is famous for their meatballs “Ragusa” $8.25 sliced and served with sautéed red onions, bell peppers, marinara and melted provolone. This could be almost a meal in itself if you are a light eater and love flavor over volume.

 The menu boasts an extensive selection of “Insalata” blending ingredients in such a way as to make it more than just a salad. You can add Cajun or Garlic chicken, Italian sausage or shrimp to any of the salads for an additional $4 making another light eating option. My favorites are “So. Cal Love”, $9.95 a chicken breast, sliced almonds, avocado, alfalfa sprouts with oh so delicate butter-cup lettuce topped with a champagne/lemon Vinaigrette that compliments but does not overpower the ingredients. The “Istria Insalata” $9.95 with organic spring mix with fresh raspberries, candied walnuts, Belgium endive, chevre, and apple slices, tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette is very filling. I added the Cajun chicken for $4.00 extra.

 As for the pasta dishes, “Voodoopenne”$14.95 is a great Cajun spiced chicken breast grilled to perfection and tossed with fresh tomatoes, tri-colored bell peppers, light cream, and penne and it was delicious with a delicate mild Italian sausage. But to die for was the “Ravioli Rakovi” $17.95 the most requested special, now on the menu. Jumbo square ravioli filled with fresh pulled crab, marscarpone, ricotta, and herbs, tossed in a light lemon cream with tarragon. Silly me I took a bite off my date’s plate and fell in love! Entrees we enjoyed included the “Filettomignon” $23.95 of 100% certified Mid-Western grown and fed, top quality, 6oz. fillet mignon, grilled to taste and served with Cabernet/Porcini Mushroom reduction and fresh seasonal vegetables. If you can eat all of this hooray for you because it is a lot of delicious rich meat!  “Lucasmeatballs” $15.95 are their family perfection of a classic! Italian sausage, premium beef, veal, pork meatballs, made daily and simmered in fresh marinara and tossed with spaghetti.

 Mine are all grown, but if you have little ones they also offer a “Luca's Special Kidz Menu” for the under 12-year-old crowd.

 Caffe Boa has been voted Winner of the Phoenix New Times, and Get out Magazine 2006, Best Happy Hour, everyday at the Wine bar 4-7pm with 1/2 off ALL appetizers, 1/2 off ALL wines by the glass, 1/2 off Specialty martini/drink list, and $2 for our premium draft selection. Open 7 days a week Sun-Wed 11am-10pm and Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm (bar open later). 398 S. Mill Avenue in Old Town Tempe. (480) 968-9112. http://www.cafeboa.com/

 

 

           
Alberto's Italian Restaurant

by Cowgirl Connoisseur

 Alberto's Italian Restaurant located at 7171 E Cave Creek Road, in Carefree. This quaint little spot is about to take off to fresh heights with a new wine bar to complement the rich traditional award winning Italian cuisine of Chef/partner Alberto Liani.

 Check out the walls on the way to the immaculate restrooms and you will find a collection of wonderful reviews, that only a lifetime of great cooking can accomplish. And this review might as well join all the others because it contains only glowing words of flattery for Alberto's recipes created with only the finest of fresh ingredients. The food was excellent, the service as good as it gets, and the ambiance was warm and inviting and the people especially gracious.

 Salvatore greeted us as we arrived and made recommendations from the menu and took our orders. A plate of homemade crusty bread and a dish of fresh olive oil with herbs appeared with an excellent Merlot wine.

 Caprese $10.95 for an appetizer satiated our hunger as we awaited spinach ravioli and spaghetti with sausage. The mozzarella was delightfully smokey and fresh, sliced equally to the large vine ripe tomato that seems impossible to find in the produce section these days. Fresh basil must have come from somewhere other than Arizona because mine from the garden has been too bitter when in the hot sun, and this basil was just perfect. And the balsamic had a gentle bite and yummy flavor. The bread, that large holed yeast bread with a hard crust, was delicious too. The menu offers a full array of traditional Italian fare. The Pasta a Fagioli soup $6.95 at the next table looked hearty and the gentleman sipping it says it was delicious.

 A special brick oven brought from Italy bakes at super hot temperatures to make a crisp crust and melt the cheeses to bubbling perfection. Over a dozen pizza combinations with an average price of $14.90 makes me wonder why we would ever order a pizza from anywhere else. Fresh hand tossed, created with the magic only a master chef with over 40 years of experience can attain, means each pizza is a masterpiece.

 Pasta is all fresh homemade. "Nothing frozen!" says Liani. "That's what makes it taste so good." Simple traditional recipes from Rome where he still maintains a home. "I try to get back to Rome for a little time every year."  The Spinach Ravioli (pre-spinach problems) was delicate and flavorful, and only $15.95. For $19.95 the Spaghetti with sausage had a mild spicy flavor and very filling

 A wine list with over 200 wines on hand was impressive. Many are imported from Italy but they also carry many fine domestic wines as well. 

It would take many trips to this marvelous restaurant to try everything on their varied menu. You could tell many patrons are regular customers, which always bodes well for the quality of the food. 

The new wine bar will open this month, and will add yet another dimension to enjoying the ambiance and companionship at Alberto's Italian Restaurant. The restaurant is open 4pm-9pm Tuesday - Sunday, give them a call today at 480-488-5800. Go see Alberto and Sal and say the Cowgirl Connoisseur from Panorama Hills Monthly sent you!

    

Skeptical Chymist 

by the Cowgirl Connoisseur
    Skeptical Chymist, is located on the east side of the Sonoran Village at Frank Lloyd Wright backing to the Pima 101 access road. It's hidden back in a corner of the shopping area and well worth the search once found! Entering you are taken to a turn of the century (early 1900's) Irish pub/apothecary. Dark woods and dim light embrace you; a welcome relief from the summer sun and heat. Cabinets filled with hundreds of little drawers,glassed shelves of antique apothecary jars and interesting artifacts that you can imagine would be found in a chymists shoppe in county Cork Ireland, as many were purchased in Ireland. In times gone by, often a pharmacy or grocery would double as a pub. Customers would tend to take a Guinness or whiskey to relieve their flagging spirits as they came to purchase their provisions. Your apothecarists or "chymists" would fix you up quick as a wink and customers left feeling fine.
    The name, Skeptical Chymist, came from a book written by Robert Boyle, The Sceptical Chymist, published in 1661. Boyle was born at Lismore Castle, Munster, Ireland, the 14th child of the Earl of Cork. He was committed to the "New Philosophy", which valued observation and experiment at least as much as logical thinking in formulating accurate scientific understanding and played a key role in founding the Royal Society to nurture this new view of science. That's pretty much science as we know it today.
    So much for the name. Skeptical Chymist claims to be Arizona's first Irish owned and managed, traditional Irish pub. Owners have operated Fibber Magees in Chandler (Phoenix New Times "Best Irish Pub" 2003, 2004, 2005), for years. Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's as well as an impressive list of Irish whiskeys are on hand.
    As far as filling your belly. Try the "Harp Beer Battered Fish and Chips" our waitress says is their most popular item. It's a 10 oz filet of northern Pacific Cod in homemade Harp batter, served with thick cut chips and mushy peas. Tarter sauce, mild vinegar and ketchup served on the side. $12.95 at lunch or dinner. Delicious and filling. The thick cut chips add up to a whole large potato! The mushy peas had a good flavor and consistency and I was surprised to enjoy. A crisp Pear Guinness was delightful and light to wash it all down!
    My companion tried the Peppercorn crusted 10 oz filet mignon served with a jameson, three peppercorn sauce or cashel blue and horse radish sauce, caramelized onions and mushrooms, served with champ or whiskey scalloped potatoes and fresh vegetables at $21.95. He says it was as good a filet as he has ever had, and I can tell you he's had a lot! All was served hot and timely. Our server was there when needed and very efficient and delightful. Colcannon Cakes are an Irish favorite. Pan fried served with savoury sour cream and tomato compote. Guinness Beef Stew of top sirloin and root vegetable braised Guinness gravy while great on a cold winter day didn't seem appealing while the temps are still triple digit. Neither did the Shephard's Pie (not the traditional lamb of a true Shephard's Pie) of lean minced beef and diced vegetables in a savoury gravy topped with champ and melted cheese. We shall to try these on return once the temps leave us needing a warming up meal.

    Also on the menu Guinness mustard encrusted pork tenderloin stuffed with spinach and Irish bacon rashers, drizzled in Strongbow apple cider reduction for $15.95, Curry brushed grilled Lamb chops, served with an apricot, honey and tarragon sauce $19.95, Grilled Salmon over saiteed spinach, covered with their own Guinness hollandaise sauce $14.95, and Char grilled Tuna steak accompanied by a roast spring onion and tomato relish $18.95 or Seafood pasta medley of cockles, mussels, shrimp and cod simmered in a white wine garlic broth with tomato, served over bow tie pasta $17.95. So many choices to look forward to in a return trip.
    Their website http://www.skepticalchymist.com/  will keep you updated as to the live entertainment onstage and events. So you need only go as far as Scottsdale for a glimpse of old Ireland! Sample the delights of Irish cuisine and sip on many fine Irish beverages. 15688 N. Pima Road Suite #C6 , Scottsdale, AZ. 85260. (480) 609 8677. Cowgirl Connoisseur may be reached at azphm@earthlink.net , P.O. Box 11105 Phoenix AZ 85061.

 

Dining in the North Valley: Bistro 33 at Sonoran Village  

  by the Cowgirl Connoisseur
Check out 33 Bistro & Lounge, located at 15680 N. Pima Road, 200 yards north of the Sonoran Village Theatre at Frank Lloyd Wright and Hayden. It’s a busy shopping area and I have found myself there for other business and in need of refueling on more than one occasion. Several choices are available and all have been delightful in the past, but 33 Bistro has become a favorite. It has one of the most beautifully appointed dining rooms in North Scottsdale and is owned by the same folks who run Foster's, with 33 Bistro & Lounge they focused on “great food at great prices.”.

 Natural earthy tones with a beautiful hard wood floor appointed in a modern style keep lines clean and pleasing at 33 Bistro’s 3,500 square feet of upscale yet casual dining. Oversized booths are comfortable as well as the seating at tables or the sofas in the lounge. I’ve never found it over crowded and service has always been friendly and efficient. You have to love any restaurant with a sparkling clean open kitchen.

 “Our mission was to create an unpretentious neighborhood restaurant that serves simple, home-style food in an elegant atmosphere at reasonable prices,” said 33 Bistro & Lounge co-owner, Bill Deacon. Menu items include grilled chicken, fish, steak, hamburgers, pizza and pasta and more. Most range from $3 to $17, with several daily specials.

 For appetizers I enjoyed the Spinach Dip and homemade Tortilla chips at ($8) fresh spinach and artichoke hearts blended with asiago, parmesan, aged cheddar and onions make this a delight. One of my standards for rating a restaurant is their Calamari ($9) which was excellent. New Zealand calamari rings are lightly battered and deep fried with sundried tomato chipotle aioli and cocktail sauce or you can request them sautéed with homemade marinara. 

 The Classic Burger ($10) is delicious with cheddar cheese and bacon. Everything has a special touch like the Pepperoni Pizza ($12) with a “homemade sauce, aged pepperoni, and mozzarella”. Or try the Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken very reasonably priced ($10), a chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese, topped with a brandy cream sauce and served with asparagus. In the mood for beef? You will not be disappointed with the Tuscan Filet ($19), an 8 oz. filet grilled to order and sliced, served with mashed potatoes, asparagus and a roasted garlic basil demi glace. 

 The “Homemade dessert selections” include a Chocolate Chip Cookie Crock for ($6) with the original toll house recipe baked to order in the pizza oven, served with vanilla bean ice cream (please allow 15 minutes for baking). This is a great pick me up anytime of day!

 The lounge at 33 provides a warm, intimate setting where relaxation is paramount. Guests can enjoy a martini on the leather sofa or have dinner in the oversized booth with six of their friends. The lounge also offers the best place to enjoy fresh appetizers including bruschetta, chicken skewers, shrimp cocktail with several varieties of bottled beer and beers on tap, as well as a wide selection of wines and liquor.

 Hours are Monday through Friday: 11am to 9pm, Saturday: 4pm to 9pm, Sunday: Closed. Late Night Lounge: Friday and Saturday: 10pm to 2am. Reservations can be made by emailing aaron_cordova@fostersseafood.com  or by calling 480.222.3366. To take a 'virtual tour' of 33 Bistro & Lounge go to their website at http://www.fostersseafood.com/33.  The entire menu can be found online.

 33 Bistro & Lounge is owned by Bill Deacon, who also owns Foster’s, a seafood establishment at 10510 North 90th Street, Scottsdale. Foster’s is the Valley's “only traditional New England Seafood House”. They say, “We wanted to be THE place to go for great clam chowder and steamed lobster. We wanted to be the ONLY place to go for fried clams, steamers and broiled haddock.” With family roots in Maine, you can understand while Foster’s has long been a family favorite. 

Cowgirl Connoisseur may be reached at azphm@earthlink.net, P.O. Box 11105 Phoenix AZ 85061.

Dining in the North Valley: Mancuso's at the Summit
By the Cowgirl Connoisseur

    Mancuso's at the Summit is one of several Mancuso family restaurants in the valley. If you know about the excellent long-standing reputation of this family’s treasured recipes for fine Northern Italian cuisine, you won’t be disappointed at Mancuso's at the Summit.
     Mancuso’s at the Summit offers sophisticated casual dining coupled with a well-stocked wine bar. The menu includes pizza, pasta, salads, chicken, duck, veal, lamb, beef, and seafood. Prices range from $18 to $30 for entrees, except for some market priced veal and seafood.
     The entire menu can be found online in a printable pdf format. This is especially nice if you want to peruse the menu and wine list prior to leaving home for the evening.  Their wine list, recently updated, offers a top-notch selection of fine wines. With an emphasis on the California wines, prices range from $24 to $225 a bottle or $6 to $15 a glass. They also carry a nice selection of wines from Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Washington State.
     As for my personal recommendation on the menu, the Duck A L’Orange or L’Raspberry with a special sauce is incredible. Moist and flavorful, a “to die for” experience! And I always love a good Marsala and theirs is delightful. But to capture the full experience of Mama Mancuso’s cooking you must try the pastas. If you can’t decide which to order, get the Combination and find a little bit of Heaven!
     Recent reviews online indicate similar feelings. “Amazing food, I have never been more stuffed in my life...GREAT place to take your loved ones.” Or “This is the place to go for a unique and wonderful evening. The food is great and the staff is great. We had an anniversary dinner there and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!“
     Mancuso's quality, from ingredients, to preparation, to service, will make your dining experience a joyful occasion.  Whether a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day treat, graduation celebration or a romantic evening, Mancuso’s at the Summit is a delightful place to make a lasting impression. 
     Mancuso's at the Summit invites you to come in for appetizers and drinks, pasta or pizza or a dinner of signature Mancuso's classics. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 4 to 6:30 p.m. with $1 off wine by the glass, beer & well drinks in the lounge and $2 off appetizers.
     Mancuso's at the Summit, located at 32527 N. Scottsdale Road, (north of Ashler Hills at Thirsty Cactus Lane south of Carefree Highway) Scottsdale, 480-575-1600 is online, with virtual tours, at www.mancusosrestaurant.com. The other Mancuso establishments in the greater Phoenix area include Frankie’s Little Italy at Scottsdale Road and the 101 at the Cine Capri Complex and Bobby’s a Jazz club and restaurant at Kierland Commons.
     Cowgirl Connoisseur may be reached at azphm@earthlink.net, PO Box 11105, Phoenix, AZ 85061.

 

Panorama Hills Monthly Restaurant Guide Online! *Reviewed above! *Alberto Italian Restaurant      4-10pmTu-Su 7171 E Cave Creek Rd Carefree (480) 488-5800 casual - avg $20 - winebar Barro's Pizza Cave Creek 6450 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-9250   Barro's Pizza Cave Creek 28260 N Tatum Blvd Cave Creek (480) 419-9161   Binkley's Restaurant 6920 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 437-1072   *Black Bear Diner 6039 W. Bell Rd Glendale (602) 843-1921 www.blackbeardiner.com *Buffalo Chip Saloon And Steakhouse 6811 E Cave Creek Road Cave Creek (480) 488-9118 www.buffalochipsaloon.com Cartwrights 6710 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-8031   *Cafe Boa - Su-W 11-10pm Th-Sa11pm (bar open later) 398 S. Mill Avenue in Old Town Tempe Tempe (480) 968-9112 www.cafeboa.com *Carvers 8172 W. Bell Road Glendale  623-412-0787 www.paragonsteak.com Copper Pot Cafe 3655 W Anthem Way Anthem (623) 551-3331   Cracked Crab 6006 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-0800   Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog Restaurant 6245 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-3317   Creeker's Bar & Grill 37645 N Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 575-6653   Desert Swirl Frozen Yogurt 11-9 daily 711 E Carefree Hwy Ste 109 Phoenix (623) 580-7380   *Dillon's Lunch hours Mon - Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm Dinner served Mon - Fri 4:00pm – Close Sat- Sun: 11:00am – Close 8706 W. Thunderbird Road  Just west of I-101 on the north side of Thunderbird.    Peoria, Arizona 85381 (623)979-5353 http://www.dillonsrestaurant.com *El Encanto Mexican Cafe PO Box 1507 -Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-1752 www.elencanto.com/ Famous Ray's Pizza 515 E Carefree Hwy Cave Creek (623) 492-0492   Famous Ray's Pizza 542211 N 41st Dr Anthem (623) 551-3901   Fandango 6032 E Cave Creek Road Cave Creek 480-595-5633 www.restaurant.com/fandango Franco's Ristorante 3655 W Anthem Way C-137 Anthem (623) 465-0900   Garden Angel Tea Room T-S10-5 42211 N 41st Dr Ste161 Anthem (623) 551-9583   *Gordon Biersch 6915 North 95th Avenue Glendale 623-877-4300   Harold's Cave Creek Corral 6895 E Cave Creek Road Cave Creek 480-488-1906 www.haroldscorral.com Hideaway 6746 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 595-0358   *Horny Toad 6738 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (602) 997-9622   J Chen Restaurant 29850 N Tatum Blvd Phoenix (480) 502-8887   Legends Bar & Grill 3655 W Anthem Wy Anthem (623) 551-9525   Le Sans Souci Restaurant 7030 E Bella Vista Dr Cave Creek (480) 488-2856   *Mancuso's at the Summit 32527 N Scottsdale Road Carefree (480) 575-1600 www.mancusosrestaurant.com Oak's Diner & Flapjacks 6219 E Cave Creek Road Cave Creek (480) 488-5704   Pinata Nueva 11-9 daily 3655 W Anthem Way #D105 Anthem (623) 551-8580   Pinata Nueva 11-9 daily 14850 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd #109 Scottsdale (480) 314-0242   *Pioneer Restaurant & Saloon West of I-17on Pioneer Road Exit 225 Phoenix (623)374-5245 www.westerndestinations.com *ROKA AKOR 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  lunch and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily for dinner. 7299 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale (480) 306.8800.   Samurai Sams m-s 10-8:30 sun11-7 4815 E Cave Creek Hwy #112 Cave Creek (480) 595-9982   Sara's Essentials Coffee Bar & Gifts m-f 6-6 sat 8-6 sun closed 711 E Carefree Hwy #107 Phoenix (623) 587-6466 www.sarasessentials.com *Silver Spur Saloon 9-12 daily 6245 E Cave Creek Rd,    Cave Creek 480-488-3317 info@silverspursaloon.com Shanghai Club 11-9:30 daily 3434 W. Anthem Way Anthem (623) 465-3225   *Skeptical Chymist 15688 N Pima Rd Suite #C6 Scottsdale (480) 609 8677 www.skepticalchymist.com Subway 9-9 daily 4815 E Carefree Hwy #110 Cave Creek     Subway 9-9 daily 3655 W Anthem Way Anthem (623) 516-1900   *33 American Bistro 15680 N Pima Rd Scottsdale (480) 222-3366 www.fostersseafood.com/33 *Tonto Bar & Grill 5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd Cave Creek (480) 488-0698 http://www.tontobarandgrill.com Wagon Wheel 36457 N Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek (480) 488-2291    *Wildflower Bread Company various AZ   www.wildflowerbread.com