CAREFREE TRUTH
Letters from Readers & Events: 10/14/15
Now open!
The redecorated and expanded Carefree Bistro has re-opened. Check out the new lounge.
The new Hibatchibot Korean BBQ Food Truck here. See their ad below for daily locations around Carefree.
The Sundial Cafe is open again for the season.
Coming soon!
New owners Marty and Tami Holmes
Bodega 13
7202 E. Ho Road Suite B
Carefree, Az 85377
480-575-TAPA
Hours will be 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week
Specials
While they last!
Pumpkin Festival Snack!
Homemade Pork Belly Tacos
slow roasted over apples & shallots
AND
Fat Tire Pumpkick Ale
Just $7.50!
See You There!
Guido Garcias
7212 E. Ho Road
Carefree, AZ 85377
480-488-7000
Next to the old Carefree Station.
In Spanish Village
Pumpkin Festival Snack Special at Guido Garcias!
A Glass of fine Old Soul Chardonnay
and
small plate of our Homemade Chicken Gorganzola Salad made with our homemade pesto!
Just $10.
Alberto Ristorante
Photos and videos by Herbert Hitchon
Alberto Ristorante
"This video is about Alberto Ristorante."
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/108431327/c2a6f86b83
Porchetta
"This video is about Porchetta"
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/109418769/0afde399e9
Alberto Ristoranti
"This video is about Alberto Ristoranti"
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/122720658/cf6ac6907c
7171 E. Cave Creek Rd. (in the Mariachi Center, Cave Creek Rd. & Tom Darlington Dr.), Carefree, AZ 85377
(480) 488-5800
/
Tuesday-Sunday, 4 PM-until patrons finish
brix wines
Cafe Bink
Chef Kevin Binkley has a passion for fine food, exceptional talent, incredible energy, and he loves to cook.
CHEF KEVIN BINKLEY NAMED JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALIST
The James Beard Foundation announced its final list of nominees for the 2014 award season. Among the Best Chef of the Southwest finalists was Arizona's Chef Kevin Binkley. Binkley has been a nominee in this category every year since 2005. He was a consecutive semifinalist in 2012 and 2013. 
Cafe Bink is located in the Carefree Marketplace (the Basha's center) 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Hours of operation are Monday thru Sat Lunch 11-2, Midday 2-5, Happy Hour 2-5, Dinner 5-9. Sunday is the same but lunch/brunch 10-2. Come to "Martini Mondays" from 2-closing. The patio is now officially dog friendly!
(480)488-9796 http://www.cafebink.com/
Cater your party in your home, office, or come to our Cafe. At Cafe Bink you can hold your party inside, or outside on our beautiful patio. For more information on catering, call Donna at 480-200-1296.
Cafe Bink has been approved for a dog friendly patio, so bring your best friend along for lunch or dinner!
Carefree Bistro
Photos and videos by Herbert Hitchon
Carefree Bistro
"This video is about Carefree Bistro. 37555 N. Hum Rd., #109 (corner of Cave Creek"
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/104683868/915ddd09af
Meet the Owners of Carefree Bistro
"This video is about George and Eunice Bektas."
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/108082900/de60ecd00e
Owner and Chef Coskun "George" Bektas
"This video is about Owner and Chef Coskun "George" Bektas
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/106717384/90bfed5292
Carefree Bistro Meet the Chefs: Seared Jumbo Scallops by Chef Hakan hak Civelek
"This video is about Carefree Bistro, "Meet the Chefs". Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops by Chef Hakan hak Civelek. Truffle mushrooms, risotto, asparagus, sundried tomatoes, cognac cream sauce."
https://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/104677310/e8a2440b25
Carefree Bistro is modeled around great fresh seasonal American food and complemented by our wine list. This idea offers a sophisticated dining experience in a warm and friendly environment.
Our Chef Team uses the highest quality of ingredients from as many local small farms & ranches as possible.
Our desserts are all made in-house. Our wine list reflects the culture & passion of the vineyard. Smartly priced Domestic and European selections offer a balanced texture & acidity, to complement our classic “home-style” American-influenced menu.
Our Team of Chefs - Hakan Civelek, Coskun “George” Bektas
We Support Local Organic Farmers & We Use Extra Virgin olive oil For Cooking. We Use vegi Oil for All Fried Items. We Serve Only Natural Fed Meats and Free Range Organic Chickens.
Open 7 days a week
Lunch is served 11am-2:30pm
Dinner is served 4pm-9pm
37555 N. Hum Rd., #109 (corner of Cave Creek & Hum Rds.), Carefree, AZ 85377
(602)795-1255
Reservations recommended
Carefree Coffee Roastery Mariachi Plaza, 7171 E. Cave Creek Rd., Carefree
Phone: 480-595-5050
email: info@carefreecoffeeroastery.com
website: www.carefreecoffeeroastery.com
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
37220 N. Mule Train Road, Carefree
480.488.5300
Lariat Restaurant – 480.595.3829
Happy Hour in the lounge, Sunday-Friday, 4-7 PM
Join us in the Lariat Restaurant and add a little sizzle to your Thursday Night!
Join us every Thursday evening in the Lariat Restaurant and enjoy a juicy signature burger* served with french fries and a frosty draft or domestic beer or a glass of house wine.
$12.95* per person
*Chicken/Veggie burger substitution available.
Side dish substitutions available for an additional $2
**Prices exclude tax & gratuity
Prime Rib Special
Saturday evenings enjoy a savory 8 oz. slice of prime rib accompanied by a baked potato and chef’s choice of fresh vegetables.
$16.95** per person
**Prices exclude beverage, tax & gratuity
We’re rolling out our
End of Summer Celebration
at the Carefree Resort
Lariat Restaurant
New Lunch & Dinner Menu Items
And, our Lariat Lounge is a GREAT spot for Happy Hour!
Enjoy the cozy atmosphere, big screens, and Happy Hour Appetizer Selections – 3pm-6pm ~ Cocktail & Drink Specials ~
Jay Steinberg returns with his
popular piano classics on Saturdays
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
Click the link below for the China Joy Menu
http://www.carefreeazbusinesses.com/china-joy-menu.html
English Rose Tea Room
Originally from England, Jo Gemmill established the English Rose TeaRoom in 2001. Located at 201 Easy Street, in Carefree, the Tea Room, was named Best Afternoon Tea by Phoenix Magazine. Relax and indulge yourself in the utterly civilized pleasure of taking time for tea at the English Rose Tea Room at 201 Easy Street, Carefree. Established by Jo Gemmill in 2001, the restaurant offers a menu with an extensive selection of authentic British foods, served with loose-leaf teas. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays. For information or reservations, call 480-488-4812, visit carefreetea.com or write PO Box 5865, Carefree, AZ 85377.
For information, call
480-488-4812 or visit carefreetea.com
We are so excited! During the late Fall/Winter season we will be a proud sponsor of PBS...during the re-airing of Season 5 of Downton Abbey and during the NEW screening of the brand new Season 6. So make sure you are in front of your TVs on Sundays at 8pm from November thru February because as well as seeing your favorite English Drama...you'll also see your favorite Tea Room, twice...before and after the show!
We've been published!
Our Salmon Quiche made the Big Time. Only twelve Tea Rooms were asked to participate in the new 'Tea & Savories" book published by TeaTime Magazine...and we were one of them! We have lots of books available for sale and would be happy to sign one for you :-)
Books available at the English Rose Tea Room, price $24.95
DFYT PRESENTS Royals of the Jungle Tea Party
OCTOBER 4, 12:30PM, Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center
Enjoy music, laughter, stories, character meet ‘n’ greets and traditional English Tea served by the English Rose Tea Room!
This DFT tradition is a unique and fun family-friendly event. Get dressed in your best hats and come on down to be part of our Royals of the Jungle Tea Party. Enjoy a pre-show lunch in the lobby of the fine arts center while you enjoy music from the cast of The Jungle Book and a story read by Mowgli. It is a LOT OF FUN.
Tickets are available at www.dftheater.org or by calling 480-488-1981.
Royals of the Jungle Tea Party
Sund
ay October 4, 2015
Join Mowgli, Baloo and other Jungle creatures for a fun-filled pre-show Tea Party. Enjoy a traditional English tea (provided by the English Rose Tea Room), with finger sandwiches, tea (of course) and delicious desserts--all held in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center!
Actors sing for you and Mowgli and Baloo will read a story. It's a family-friendly event where you get to meet some of the characters up close and personal!
Giordano's Trattoria Romana
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
Giordano's Trattoria Romana, located in downtown Carefree, is the essence of top notch Northern Italian cuisine, charming ambience, and a warm welcome. Giordano's is a family run establishment, and owner Adele meets her many regular customers at the front door with a cheery greeting and a hug.
The delectable aroma of the traditional Italian menu items and the creative nightly "specials", accompanied by a wide variety of wines and cocktails, combine to tempt the palate. Soft lighting and music provide a cozy relaxing atmosphere, and fine art provided by the Wild Holly Gallery in Carefree adorns the walls to please the eye. The beautifully presented meals are served by a friendly and attentive wait staff.
Giordano's provides a dining experience that will make you another of the many loyal customers who consider the restaurant a local favorite.
7275 E. Easy Street, Carefree, AZ
For reservations call 480-595-0233
http://www.giordanositalianrestaurant.com/p1.htm
THERE’S A NEW TORTOISE IN TOWN
AND HE’S COOKING UP GOOD FOOD
Question. Where can you find slow roasted pork belly tacos, porcini mushroom ravioli’s in Marsala cream, homemade Tamale pie, and smoked salmon fettuccini? It’s in the home of a half Mexican, half Italian tortoise mascot named Guido Garcias, the newest food eatery to open up in Carefree.
Cave Creek residents Troy and Christina McDonald owners of Brugos Pizza in North Scottsdale have thrown their hat into the ring once again with this new half Mexican cantina/half Italian ristorante located in historic Spanish Village. “We wanted to give folks a different experience by offering unique homemade food in a laid back outdoor cantina environment with good pricing. We don’t really have that up here and it was needed”, says Christina “Chrissy” McDonald.
The Spanish Village outdoor courtyard, home to Guido Garcias is both magical and stunning. Architecturally interesting, Guido Garcias was originally built by Tom Darlington, founder of Carefree. “Everywhere you look one can see remarkable workmanship and true art that can never be duplicated.” Chrissy says.
However it’s the food that steals the show. “I gotta confess I was terrified to introduce these recipes to the crowd, but they are loving it! And our kitchen is ridiculously tiny so it’s not easy!” laughs Chrissy. Sample the white enchiladas in a rich pasilla chili cream sauce, Mushroom Zucchini Lasagna, or seemingly simple Chrissy’s Angus burger with Smoked Gouda, Applewood smoked bacon, real avocado, green chili and mushrooms.” I think it will be the best burger in town! How can you go wrong when it’s fresh?” says Chrissy. Guido Garcias is located off North Scottsdale/Tom Darlington Drive in Carefree.
The patio is officially dog friendly, so bring your best friend!
Photos by Chrissy McDonald
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
Guido Garcias
Ristorante/Cantina
7212 East Ho Road
Carefree, AZ 85377
phone: 480-488-7000
THE TORTOISE KNOWS HOW TO LIVE LIFE WELL!
Pizzafarro's
36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr.
Carefree, AZ
480-488-0703
The Sundial Cafe
A seasonal family-run cafe serving
delicious homemade food, handcrafted just for you....breakfast and lunch!
In Carefree, Arizona..across from the historic Sundial Monument.
Pet-friendly, sunny patio seating available
Free Internet...compliments ~ Town of Carefree
New Gluten-Free Menu Items ....
Take-out is available !
September Update:
We are now OPEN for business!
480-488-9825
October Brings cooler weather, a great new Menu concept for Fall, the Taste of Cave Creek to open the season and more!
34 Easy Street, Carefree
For Reservations call 480-595-9909 or Visit our Website
Tucked away in Carefree Village; just down from the Sun Dial. The restaurant that
has been called ..."the most beautiful restaurant in Arizona"
It's October in Carefree...what is better than that? We are celebrating the cooler weather with some new concepts...come check it out
Happy Hour
Every Day !!!
3:00 - 6:00 pm
Troy will be in the house tonight...come say hi and welcome him to Venues.
It's official...summer is behind us and we are moving toward more activity in town. We have updated our Happy Hour to include
50% OFF House Wine
25% OFF
All other wines by the glass, all beers and all cocktails
Buy One bottle of wine at full price and get the second bottle of the same wine for $10. Only for purchases during Happy Hour...we can
re-cork it for you
Enjoy Happy Hour Food including
Beef, pulled pork and turkey sliders at just $2.50 each
Saturday Morning is dedicated to our wonderful car guys
Come try Venues Hot Rod Platter includes 2 eggs as you like them, 2 sausage links, 2 pieces of bacon, toast, fruit skewer and crispy hash browns for $10
or
try a one of our Brunch classics
Corned beef hash, Eggs Benedict or Bacon and Chocolate Chip Pancakes
We proudly use Carefree Coffee Roasters for the best coffee in the Valley
Happy Columbus Day...we are celebrating tonight with Monday Burger Night.
Looking forward to seeing everyone for our Monday night offering. 8 oz Angus or 8 oz house made Turkey Burger with fresh herbs and spices, your choice of side and a free house red or white OR a free glass of beer for only $11.95
We have some great new talent at Venues Cafe. Troy Pudney who many of you know from Spotted Donkey and C4 just to mention a few is joining the Venues team. He is working with us to create a great new Venue that will retain some of our best offerings and bring some exciting new items to the menu.
Chef Kyle has joined the team and has been infusing passion into his cooking for over 14 years. He comes to us with an exciting and varied background including fine restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Minnesota, Colorado and Phoenix. He was trained with a classic French background and has varied cultural expertise
We will be kicking off just a hint of what we will be doing for our fall "Venue" at the Taste of Cave Creek this Wednesday and Thursday in Stagecoach Village...come try our offerings and say hi.
Friday is the first day for a new two week event
Ray Villafane will create something that Carefree will enjoy year after year. Bring the family, enjoy various beer offerings and and some by to see us. We are so excited to have this event in Carefree
We have been honored again this month with diner's choice awards in several categories for Open Table...check out what customers have to say.
We so enjoy our customers...thanks for making Venues Cafe your home away from home.
Catherine
The patio is officially dog friendly, so bring your best friend!
"Cruisin' Classic Car Show" every Saturday at Venues, 8AM-10AM 
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
