AZ CLBBers - restaurant reccomendations for Cave Creek/N Phx

[DanaSD]

DH are actually going out Saturday to celebrate our anniversary (its been awhile since we've even gone on a date night because I've been working weekends for the last few months) and I"m looking for a new restaurant to try. Doesn't need to be fancy, just some great food. I'd prefer Cave Creek, N Phoenix, or N Scottsdale areas. Where we live (NW Phx) there aren't any good restaurants so its time to find some decent food in AZ. Usually we go to one of the fancy upscale chain steak restaurants but I'm up for something new and local.

American, Mexican, Asian, Seafood are all good food types. My husband isn't usually up for CA type and more modern food. There is that Mexican restaurant in Cave Creek thats supposed to be good (its has 2 locations, looks like a casual place) - can't remember the name.

[beckms]

I think you're referring to El Encanto. We eat there all the time for work; it's decent, nothing too exciting in terms of Mexican food.

Cartwright's is supposed to be very good.

Also, Tonto Bar and Grill looks very fancy and has good reviews.

Let us know what you decide!

[KristiB]

You're thinking about El Encanto. It's casual American style Mexican. Every time I've been it's full of tourists and kids. I wouldn't go for an anniversary.

Cartwrights in Cave Creek is great and the atmosphere would be better for an anniversary. I've never had a bad meal there and always take out of town guests. The pics on the website don't do it justice BTW.

But if you want good upscale Mexican and atmosphere The Spotted Donkey is also a fave of mine. I LOVE the chalupas! If you read the menu the food looks like typical Mexican but it isn't there's a twist and great presentation. They have a rooftop patio with views of the mountains. It's on Scottsdale Rd just off Carefree Hwy.

[HARRYET]

Dana,

I don't know if you already decided on a restaurant, but here are a couple of sugguestions;

For Italian: Giordano Trattoria Romano, it's on Easy St. and is very good.

For Mexican: I haven't been yet but, several friends have eaten at Dos Diablos, it's new and located at the Summit on Scottsdale Road

I have eaten at Tonto bar and grill, only for lunch but have been very happy with my meals and service as well.

Hope you and DH have a great anniversary dinner whereever you decide to go.

[DanaSD]

thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep the list because even the ones we don't go to tonight, we'll try in the future. We're really wanting to find some new great local restaurants. We had a few chains that used to be decent and the quality has gone down hill. So we've been trying out some new restaurants - so far no luck with those that we've tried near us besides Corbins. We also love BobbieQs if anyone is looking for great ribs.

I think we're going to Cartwrights - I gave DH a few of the suggestions and he made reservations (but won't tell me where). I'll post a review later...

[KristiB]

Originally Posted by DanaSD

I think we're going to Cartwrights - I gave DH a few of the suggestions and he made reservations (but won't tell me where). I'll post a review later...

YAY I hope you like it!

[DanaSD]

We went to Cartwrights and it was fabulous!!!! Great atmosphere too and decent service (a little slow but that was ok because we weren't in a rush and it was nice to not be hovered over).

Appetizer - bluecrab cakes with sweet pickled peppers. Yummy crabcakes though slightly salty. The peppers were very good but strong so I couldn't eat many but DH, who loves strong flavors, thought they were great.

My dinner - I went with the meat sampler - tenderloins of elk, buffalo and beef with a bernaise sauce. Our waiter said elk is almost always the favorite, then buffalo and then the beef. The elk was my favorite by far. For me I put the buffalo last but it was still good. Sides of mashed potatoes and brocolini, both great.

DH - beef tenderloin and lobster tail. He loved his dinner though he said he's had better lobster tail.

Dessest - we were quite full so we shared a bowl of chocolate icecream. It very a very rich and deep chocolate so perfect for me. A little too chocolately for DH.

Our bill ended up around $200 with tip so it won't be a regular restaurant but for the quality it was worth it. Plus we don't always order appetizers, dessert and wine so that would bring the price down. And both of our meals were the highest price on the menu.

Definately adding this restaurant to our list! And Elk to my list of favorite foods - are there any other restaurants in town that serve it?

[KristiB]

There's a place called Trophy's out in Gilbert/Queen Creek that serves elk and other game.

I've never been but I've seen their ad and they have animal heads on the walls. So while you're eating an elk there could be one hovering over you.

Otherwise I don't know.