Writer Amanda Christmann
Photography by Carl Schultz
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hether you’re in the mood for a mouthwatering dish of linguini vongole with handmade pasta and clams so fresh you’ll think you’re in Italy, or tender, slow-roasted prime rib with horseradish and au jus so rich that you’ll be transported to the Midwest, you don’t need to go far to have a fantastic culinary experience.
In fact, Carefree may have a reputation for being a quiet little corner of the Valley, but it’s also quickly emerging as home to some of the most delectable American and international cuisine in the Valley. Diners have an opportunity to try them all during Carefree Restaurant Week May 5–11.
Prix fixe menus priced at $18 for two-course lunches, $35 for three-course dinners, and $45 for four-course dinners will be showcased at Venues Café, Black Mountain Café, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, Raven’s View Wine Bar, Alberto’s Ristorante, Confluence, English Rose Tea Room, Corrado’s Cucina Italiana and Giordano’s Trattoria Romana.
This third semi-annual Carefree Restaurant Week allows locals and visitors to experience cuisines from Latin America, family-style Italian, modern American, soul food, British afternoon tea, or to simply bite into a good old-fashioned burger. Some restaurants will also be offering samples of new menu items so that even regular diners can discover new favorites.
Held a week away from Arizona Restaurant Week to stand out from the crowd, the event is sponsored by Carefree Restaurant Association. The association is a
collaboration that is allowing local restaurant owners and operators to spread the word that Carefree is not only a beautiful place to visit, but that it’s also a great spot to enjoy high-quality culinary experiences that go beyond fast food and chain restaurant menus.
Founded by English Rose Tea Room owner Jo Gemmill, Carefree Restaurant Association has been hard at work. With three concierge tours and now the third Carefree Restaurant Week in the past two years, Carefree restaurant owners’ combined marketing efforts are beginning to shift the town’s reputation to include being a food destination—for visitors as well as for local residents eager to rediscover what Carefree has to offer.
English Rose Tea Room
201 Easy St., Ste. 103, Carefree
Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Black Mountain Café
7211 E. Ho Rd., # 23, Carefree
Daily 6 a.m.–2 p.m.
blackmountaincafe.com
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse
7212 Ho Hum Dr., Carefree
Sunday–Thursday 3–9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday 3–10 p.m.
Alberto’s Ristorante
7171 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek
Tuesday–Sunday 4 p.m.–midnight
Closed Monday
Giordano’s
Trattoria Romana
7275 Easy St., Carefree
Monday–Saturday 5–9 p.m.
Closed Sunday
giordanositalianrestaurant.com
Venues Café
34 Easy St., Carefree
Monday–Saturday
11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.¬–9 p.m.
Corrado’s Cucina Italiana
100 Easy St., Carefree
Tuesday–Thursday 5–9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday 5–9:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Confluence
36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree
Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; 5–9 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Raven’s View Wine Bar
42016 N. Old Mine Rd., Cave Creek
Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Carefree Restaurant Week
May 5–11 Visit these participating restaurants for special menus and more!
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