96403 Fri May 19 15:56:41 -0700 2006 8 6 Southwest 0 526268 We're planning to spend 2 nights in the area. My husband golfs during the day (I amuse myself), and he repays my patience by taking me to great restaurants. I've been doing my research carefully, was deciding between Los Sombreros, Richardson's, Cowboy Caio but then Seth reviewed Circa 1900 and that sounded wonderful. (I'll hit Ranch Market on my own for lunch). So what should we do (to put another fly in the ointment, my husband got a great golf package, so we're staying at the 4 Seasons -- even so it's a splurge, for us anyway -- and he wonders if we should eat at least one dinner at the hotel)? From there we spend 2 days in Santa Fe and then head home to Philadelphia. Any advice? Fri May 19 15:56:41 -0700 2006 0 Pam 1 526269 I've not been to Circa 1900, but I gotta say stick with one of the original three choices. My own preferences would run to Los Sombreros, but I wouldn't argue with Richardson's (as long as the smoking won't bother you) or Cowboy Ciao. Considering you are from Philly, I'd probably recommend LS or Richardson's - I doubt you'll find food like that in the NE. If you are looking for a second evening, I'd go with Barrio Cafe. Again, nothing like it in Philly - or anywhere else, for that matter. Fri May 19 17:04:25 -0700 2006 526268 0 jkgourmet 1 526271 Los Sombreros and Barrio Cafe are the places to hit. Cowboy Ciao is quite good, too. Whereas Richardson's is very good, if you're going to Santa Fe after Phoenix, you might as well save the New Mexican cuisine for New Mexico. (Although I'll admit, Richardson's and Carlsbad Tavern are as good as restaurants I've been to in Santa Fe.) Enjoy! Fri May 19 17:21:34 -0700 2006 526268 0 dustchick 1 526276 Speaking as one visitor to another, but as one who has dined fairly often in both Phx/Scottsdale and Philly: You will not find *anything* than even remotely approaches the flavors and quality of Los Sombreros in Philly. The margaritas and tequilas are great also! Don't miss Los Sombreros, IMO.... I am a bit of a naysayer on Cowboy Caio (only ate there once, but wasn't that impressed. ) If my experience wasn't an outlyer I'd be willing to guess that the food is just as good or better at the Four Seasons, and the atmosphere would be a lot better. I found Cowboy Ciao to be noisy but not a particularly interesting room, with so-so service. For your secnd night: Circa 1900 sounded good to me too but more similar to food you might find in Philly. I'd say stick with Southwest or regional Mexican since (again, IMO) you can't get it at home. Haven't eaten at the Four Seasons but based on the website I'd say that at any of their choices you will get a great Southwestern ambiance to go with what appears to be a primarily Southwestern focus to the cuisine. If you are going to go that route, I'd pick the signature restaurant (looks to have a fabulous view that is *very* different than Philly, and while I LOVE Los Sombreros and the ambiance there is pleasant, your view will either be of a street or of a parking lot....)(and besides hey, hubby does owe you... :-)) Another spot to consider for a second night, with a lovely ambiance, and probably no pricier than the Four Seasons (besides, you won't go broke at Los Sombreros!) but more Mediteranean than Southwestern, is T. Cook's in the Royal Palms Resort. Fri May 19 18:23:54 -0700 2006 526268 0 susancinsf 1 526279 Pam, I agree with what has been said. Circa 1900 was great, but it is American fare and you would be wasting a meal there when you could have regional favorites. Los Sombreros is great as is Ranch Market and Barrio Cafe. You might also consider Roaring Fork. For the splurge, I don't think you can beat T. Cook's where they are able to marry Southwest and Mediterranean. Have fun and report back! Fri May 19 19:28:31 -0700 2006 526268 0 Seth Chadwick 1 526281 Pam, I have just this minute returned from my happybirthday lunch at T. Cooks (at the Royal Palms). W-O-W! Please understand that I'm slightly prejudiced because I was married here six years ago, BUT no amount of sentiment could color my thoughts of a truly memorable and delicious lunch. I started with lobster bisque, as I usually try to do because it is so special. Last weekend in Las Vegas I was served an ersatz bisque (at a restaurant that ought to know better). T. Cooks' bisque is the real thing. My frito di mare salad w/ Mediterranean salsa was a marvel of contrasts. Scallops, calamari & shrimp were bathed in the lightest possible batter and crisp fried to perfection. Field greens nestled beside the seafood and dressed with the fresh tomato-caper Mediterranean salsa provided a cool contrast. It was a "Do Again" combination. My husband also had the lobster bisque, it is our "must". He opted for pork tenderloin with butternut squash raviolis, roasted Brussel sprouts and Shiitake mushrooms with a ??? (Port?) reduction. There was no improvement possible on this choice as echoed by our two guests who also opted for the pork tenderloin. Plates were wiped clean with T. Cook's crusty bread and nary a smidge remained. We were treated to four desserts, each better than the last. Descriptions will be muddied by my post-meal euphoria but a dark chocolate-rhubarb mousse napoleon vied for top honors with a lemon creme brulee napped with mixed berry coulis. The property that houses T.Cook's contributes to the ambience of this lovely restaurant. It is uniquely Phoenix, both for its location at the base of Camelback mountain and for the property itself. Give yourself ample time to stroll the lovely grounds. I cannot recommend T. Cook's highly enough for a special meal. I also second Los Sombreros and/or Barrio Cafe for your other choices. These places are quintessential Phoenix, AZ. Enjoy your trip! Fri May 19 21:07:45 -0700 2006 526268 0 Sherri 1 526282 If you are staying at the Four Seasons then it is a bit of a hike to get to most of the recommendations. I would go to Mosaic, which is very close to the hotel. The Chef is a Food and Wine Magazine "Best New Chef" of 2002. Link: http://www.foodandwine.com/bestnewchefs/?year=2002&chef=E3018E41-27E6-4A34-BDD6D80BB3BC79F8 Fri May 19 21:16:56 -0700 2006 526268 0 Molto E 1 526283 Take a pass on the Acacia restaurant at the Four Seasons. It is ordinary. I would recommend T. Cooks at the Royal Palms or Binkley's in Cave Creek. These places are outstanding. Binkley's is closer to you and is probably the best high end restaurant in the Phoenix metro area! You may have to call weeks in advance to get a choice time over the weekend. http://www.binkleysrestaurant.com/ Go to both if you can. Fri May 19 21:19:55 -0700 2006 526268 0 ghostwriter 1 526291 I need to add my "second" to several of the restaurants already mentioned: Binkley's (it's closer to you and great), Moasic (also close, very close, and great too), Cowboy Ciao (not so close, but well worth the drive. Their wine-flights are usually excellent and allow on to try a ton of wine, without having six bottles open on the table. We usually do two different ones each, and mix-n-match.), T-Cook's. There have been changes in the kitchen, since I was last there, but I've heard nothing but good. And finally, Vincent's on Camelback (40th St & Camelback). We do French all over the world, and Chef Vincent's take is one of the more exciting that we've encountered. There is a bit of SW influence in much of the fare. Enjoy, and post notes on your dining. Bill Hunt Sat May 20 12:27:11 -0700 2006 526268 0 Bill Hunt