93874 Fri Feb 15 10:01:22 -0800 2002 1 6 Southwest 0 514825 We're returning to Scottsdale next week and are looking for some good, new, and interesting restaurants to try. Our tastes are eclectic and we like variety. We like good food and are willing to pay for it but don't like to be ripped off by over-priced, trendy restaurants. We are staying at the Meridian resort but don't mind driving a bit for a good meal. I am on a gluten-free diet. (No ingredients containing wheat, rye or barley) I usually do pretty well at most restaurants where they cook from scratch and are willing to adapt recipes so this is not really too much of a limitation. Last time there we ate at: Havana Cafe Cafe Terra Cotta Vincent on Camelback Franco's Trattoria Princess La Hacienda and a few others. Thanks in advance. Your suggestions for new places to try will be greatly appreciated. Bon appetit! Joel Fri Feb 15 10:01:22 -0800 2002 0 Joel Elias 1 514826 Here are some other places you might enjoy: La Locanda: A wonderful Italian restaurant on the east side of Scottsdale Road, just south of Shea. Rather expensive, but the sublime food and exceptional service is worth every penny. Flo's: (14580 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.): This is the most interesting Chinese restaurant I've ever been to. It features modern takes on classic dishes -- the food is incredible. Very hip decor without a high price or attitude. El Molino (3554 N. Goldwater Blvd.) & El Guapo's (3015 N. Scottsdale Rd.): If you want to eat where the locals eat, these are the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican dining experiences. El Molino's green corn tamales and El Guapo's tacos are both to die for. And cheap too! Michael's at the Citadel (8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., just west of Pima Rd.): My favorite fine dining in the Valley. Superb in every category. The best part is the "Spoons" appetizer. The chef essentially fits an entire main entree into a one-bite experience. Enjoy your stay! Fri Feb 15 11:28:28 -0800 2002 514825 0 inkling