Flo's

Flo’s Asian Kitchen

WHERE:
15027 N. Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
CUISINE:
Asian
PRICE:
Under $20
MORE INFO:
Phone: 480-661-8883

Flo’s I am told by a very good friend who will go nameless (Greggy V) is the best Chinese food in the valley. We have argued time again about this and finally after numerous visits in the past couple of months, I will show to you that Flo’s is not "the best".
The food is good no doubt, fresh, and served hot. The problem is that the portions are small and for an average of 12 bucks a dish that is a big problem for a Chinese’s joint. Then again, it is Scottsdale. After visiting Flo’s your dogs will be upset with you because the doggy bags are very small.
The service was good on all three visits and the place was very busy each time, so they must be doing something right. Or could it be that this town lacks good Asian cuisine? I have yet to find anything remotely close to the quality I was use to living close to Boston.
If you are going to go to Flo’s bring your wallet you are going to need it. Feed the dogs before you leave because they will go hungry otherwise. And try the eggplant, both the better half and that above mentioned friend say it is the best item on the menu. One last bit of advice; don’t try to do any substuting, they will charge you extra as we learned only when getting the check. I would really like to hear any comments from the readers on their favorite Chinese/Asian restaurant so we can give it a try.
I will be reviewing Jade Palace here shortly, and as ways, happy eating Arizona.

A picture perfect evening in Carefree!

Carefree Station Restaurant is a great setting for dinner especially this time of year. Located at the end of Scottsdale Road and Cave Creek Road in Carefree, it is a drive from most places in the Valley. We were dinning in late October and since we chose to eat on the roof-top patio, the ladies need light jackets. The other options were an outside patio on the ground floor or the actual inside dinning room. The ground floor patio was actually very quaint and closed in, and the indoor dining area had a western theme. All areas were clean and inviting.
When we were seated the bartender came up right away and took our drink order and said she would also be taking our order (she was very helpful throughout entire meal). The libations were good, all be it expensive. The better half raved about her margarita and I know what you’re thinking, but she said it was great from the first slip not the last! The guys stuck with beer and it was nice to see Stella a trios on tap.
Getting to the food, the menu was massive and that may lead to some inconsistencies in the qualities of dishes. There are plenty of southwestern favorites and also typical steakhouse fare. I had the three enchilada dish, I was pretty hungry and also ordered a half salad (otherwise know as a dinner salad). Pricy at $3; the dressing was ok but the salad lacked any style. On the other hand Jones’s salad that was billed as half spinach was interesting with candied cashews, goat cheese and red peppers with a good tasting vinaigrette. The better half’s soup was a unique chicken tortilla and very tasty.
Main courses: As I said earlier, I had the enchiladas trio and it was different. As they usually say different is good, well ok, 2 out of 3 in this case. The chicken and pork were great, especially the cream sauce. The beef was super tough and lack flavor. The better half’s chili rellenos was a bit steep at $14 but she raved about it. Jones’s seafood pasta, $22, was plentiful and loaded with shrimp. The seafood lobster sauce was a little too fishy for me but then again I grew back east where the stuff is FRESH. This would also go for the southwestern shrimp and scallop dish. Greggy found the scallops to be a little gritty, but the shrimp where huge and plentiful, cooked just right.
Finally, we ended the meal with a fabulous dessert. The "chocolate eruption" was wonderful. It was layer; macadamia nut vanilla ice cream, chocolate cake, and fudge coated with a hard chocolate crust dusted with coconut. The better half doesn't care for coconut, but enjoyed several bites of the ice cream.
In all I would give Carefree Station 3 out of 4 starsß---------4 people went and ate, and 3 went home happy
:> ). That’s it for this week, stay turned coming up next Flo’s and then Don and Charlie’s. As always happy eating Arizona.

Freddy's

Move over In-and-Out, step a side Wendy’s there is a new leader in the best fast food burger---- Freddy’s Steak burgers. Located at 51st ave and Bell Road, it is first one of the chain in the state. Freddy’s is from Kansas originally with about 20 stores nation wide.
As for the burgers they are great!! Made of chopped steak and no filler like the other chains. The patties are thin so a double is the way to go. The thing that makes it an over all winner is the fries (shoe string and seasoned). On both occasions the food was hot and fresh. We have yet to try the custard which is also what has help make Freddy’s famous. If it is anything like the rest of the food, I am sure it is awesome. Anyone looking to go in partners on a franchise should give the better-half a call (she controls the dough) because once word spreads, Freddy’s is going to be a huge hit anywhere in the valley. As always happy eating Arizona.