April 19, 2024 - El Charro - Tucson, Arizona

 

I was in Tucson for a bridge tournament.   I drove to Tucson the day before I played.  My plan was to go visit the Arizona Historical Society Museum - Tucson...and then try to get into El Chorro.]

I spent about 3 hours in the museum...thoroughly enjoying my visit.  If you have never been...stop...and take the kids.

I went after 1:00 p.m.  and I had no problem getting into the restaurant.  They started by serving me chips and salsa…their salsa was very good. I ordered House Margarite and  the Charro Birria Verde Chimichanga – tender shredded brisket, mile green chile and seasonings with a cream green sauce (extra)…served with refired beans (I believe Sonora style), rice with green peas and fresh pico salsa.  It was delicious.  It was also a huge serving.  I had to take half of it to the hotel with me.

 I have always wanted to try this restaurant when in Tucson.  I never could get in because the reservations for the evening were always filled.

 History:

 “Monica Flin started El Charro Café in 1922 and it’s still run by her kin, making it the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.

Legend has it Flin invented the chimichangas after accidentally dropping a burrito into a vat of hot oil.  More El Charros have opened in Tucson but the original is where carne seca,  thin strips of lean spiced beef, are air-dried in cages on the roof.  They taste delicious bursting form a crispy chimichangas.”

El Charro Cafe 
311 N. Court Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 622-1922
 
Other Locations:
7725 N. Oracle
Oro Valley, AZ 85704

(520) 229-1922
 
6910 E. Sunrise
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 514-1922
 

April 6, 2024 - LaFonda - Camp Verde, Arizona

 After a long day of site seeing...and enjoying Camp Verde we decided to have an early dinner and then leave for home.

I ordered the Picaro…it is three taquitos (LA) or rolled tacos (Phoenix) and this is what they call them at La Fonda at Camp Verde…it came with rice and beans…and served with a side of guacamole…and when they asked if we wanted flour or corn tortillas…or sopapilla…we chose the sopapilla…with butter…and I had to have a Diet Coke because I was so thirsty…and wanted something cold and refreshing..

 It was perfect for me because I love picaro…now that I know they have three names so far…and the beans and rice were just as I have always had…loved the sopapilla.

Our waiter was fabulous.

LaFonda
2750 W. Horseshoe Bend Dr.
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(958) 567-3500
Hours:  Tuesday -  Saturday  11:00 a.m. l- 2:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
             Sunday – Monday Closed

April 6, 2024 - Sheila's Kitchen - Camp Verde, Arizona

 

Visited with Sylvia  when we were on a road trip to Camp Verde.

 I ordered the Two Eggs – two eggs over medium with toast, hash browns and crisp bacon.  It was very good.  Glad we chose this restaurant.

 This restaurant is housed in the Montezuma Inn  - 1900.  We were told this has served as a hotel, bar and restaurant over the years.

 The Montezuma Inn building – built in 1900 at 396 S. Main Street. Constructed as the Joe Lane Saloon, the building was also known as the Red Star Saloon due to the colorful stenciled star over the door.

Sheila’s Kitchen
396 S. Main Street
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(928) 862-2095
Hours:  Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Monday – Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Wednesday – Thursday – Closed
             Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
             Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

February 26, 2024 - Paris Cafe - Scottsdale, Arizona

 I had lunch with my two friends Kelli and Carol.  Kelli and I both live in the Phoenix area, but Carol is our friend from Havre, Montana.

We spent the day together where we visited the Museum of Illusion...and then lunch

We each ordered the Paris Combo a cup of tomato basil soup and 1/ 2 sandwich.  Kelli chose the BLT – homemade sauce, bacon, salad, tomato on sourdough.  Carol ordered the Lyonnais – butter, imported salami, Swiss cheese, greens, French pickles on a baguette.  I ordered the French – butter, ham, swiss cheese, greens, French pickles on a baguette.

 Dessert – 2 crepes Belle Helene – pear, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream…forks around…delicious.

 It was a quiet…small café..with red and white checked tablecloth.  We sat in a corner table and had a great visit...and a delicious lunch.

Paris Café
15125 Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 998-4875
Hours:  Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
             Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
             Sunday – Closed

January 4, 2024 - Carbajal's Mexican Food - Mesa, Arizona

 I visited here with Rhona Jenkins.   Rhona ordered the Beef Chimichanga which was served with guacamole and sour cream.

 I ordered the Green Chili Beef Chimichanga plate which included ride and beans and topped with guacamole and sour cream.  I also had a Blue Moon. This was just plain old good fashioned Mexican food…and I loved every bite.

Carbajal’s Mexican Food
7302 E. Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85207
(480) 354-7100
Hours:  Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. -  9:00 p.m.
             Sunday -  Closed