October 28, 2016 - Bodega 13 Tapas Kitchen - Carefree, Arizona

Debby Joy and I drove to Carefree to see the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden at night.  Our plan was to stop in Scottsdale for dinner but neither of us were hungry at that time.  Plus the traffic was beginning to get heavy on the North #101 so we drove straight to Carefree.  I was happy this happened because Debby was able to see the Garden in the daylight as well as the night.  We both agreed we liked it better in the daylight because we could see the carvers' detail on the pumpkins so much better.

Debby Joy ordered the Tomato Basil Soup and the Caprese Salad – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil olive oil – some wonderful grape colored, sweet – heirloom tomatoes.  I ordered the Shrimp Scamp – sautéed white shrimp with white garlic, lemon and basil.

Tomato Basil Soup

We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Adar Benjamin.  We wanted to know what gave the soup the wonderful heat.  He told us it was his recipe – stewed tomatoes, slow braised onions in sherry, white wine, oregano, thyme and basil…and ground peppercorns.  We are sure the peppercorns are what gave the soup the heat.  The soup was garnished with chopped fresh basil…yummy!  We wished there had been more.  The soup’s consistency wasn’t one either of us is used to eating.  It was hearty.   Now add the fresh basil.  Just perfect.

Chef Adar also told us that the Shrimp Scampi was also his recipe.  I really liked the dish.  Six large shrimp  were served on a rectangular plate with two thin crostini.  I especially liked the fact that my dish was simple but filling.  I didn’t leave hungry…and I wasn’t stuffed.

Shrimp Scampi

 Both Debby and I were a little taken back that our food didn’t all arrive at the table at the same time.  Soon the Manager was at our table explaining to us that the food is served tapas style…one item at a time…so we understood.  This was my first experience in a tapas kitchen. All of my tapas experience was in bars while traveling in Spain. In the Spanish bars the counters are lined with pans of tapas.  We would go through and pick out which was we wanted for our plates.  Then take our plates back to our tables to eat while we drank our beverages.

Bodega 13 Tapas Kitchen

7202 E.  Ho  Road

Carefree, Arizona 85377

(480) 575-8272

Hours:  Monday – Friday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

             Saturday-Sunday  12:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.