By J.E. Pizarro, Chief Executive Foodie

Something that I’ve always loved about Carefree is the sense of community that this town has.  Considering its adjacent to the larger town of Scottsdale, coming to Carefree has a small town feel.  Almost to the point where you can forget you are next to a metropolitan city.

In my prior life, I used to manage a banking center there for a large financial institution.  I had forgotten the sense of community that exists and I wonder why I don’t go up there more often.

Carefree Station has the unique ability to offer something for everyone.  It is almost like being able to simultaneously order from four different restaurants at once.

It has a nice outdoor patio with additional seating and a nice fireplace for outdoor diners.  I was welcomed through a warm and inviting entryway with views of the entire restaurant.

I had an opportunity to speak with one of the owners, Robert Gabrick, who gave me a great background on the restaurant.  They really have listened to the community and have adjusted the cuisine to match the tastes of its patrons.  Coming up with something called “Carefree Cuisine.”  The restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and has quickly become one of Carefree’s hottest spots.

While I sipped on a Sauvignon Blanc from South America, Kristi (our Vino Foodie) was treated to a Red Velvet Martini (recipe was in last weeks newsletter).  Velvety Chocolate goodness with a white chocolate straw to sip it through.  I would consider this drink a nice after meal drink, as the strong chocolate flavor might overwhelm the palette.

The infamous Red Velvet Martini

After our visit to the bar, the hostess seated us, in one of the cozier (feeling, not size) tables in the restaurant to begin our culinary adventure.  We were pleasantly surprised to see that the restaurant offers 4 different types of cuisine.  American, Asian, Mexican and South American.

Kristi and I took our time pouring over all of the selections on the menu to ensure we ordered a good representation of the culinary talent of the chef.

I started out with an item called “Cowboy Sushi”.  This dish was its not anything like I had pictured.  It’s served with 4 slices of raw or lightly seared beef on top of crispy potato croquettes 4 different ways.  Bacon and Onion, southwest, veggie and blue cheese.  After having tasted all 4 options, I decide that the bacon and onion was my favorite.  The crispy potato croquette offered a “comfort food” component that I really enjoyed especially because the weather outside was a bit chilly.

Kristi indulged in a cheesy fondue made from Asadero, Gruyere and Habañero Jack cheeses blended with white wine and herbs.  “Out of this world” was her ringing endorsement.  It comes with two compliments of cilantro pesto or roasted tomato pesto to accompany the bread slices.  I definitely enjoyed the cilantro pesto over the roasted tomato.

Melty Fondue

After those two unique appetizers, we continued our culinary adventure with a Steak Blue Diablo and Lobster Pasta Provencal.

The Steak Blue Diablo was a flat iron steak that was smothered with chilies, bacon, tomatoes, scallions and blue cheese with a touch of tequila butter.  The flavors combined in a satisfying way.

Kristi’s lobster Provencal had huge pieces of lobster sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil over linguine pasta.  The basil was a bit overpowering, but the succulent pieces of lobster was delicious.

Huge portion of Lobster pasta

Be prepared to eat a lot at Carefree Station as the hearty amount of lobster and pasta were enough for two adults.  It was a dish to share!

A road trip up to Carefree, should include a stop at the Carefree Station.  Especially when weather permits and the upstairs patio is open full time.  Any foodie would enjoy a relaxing sunset and a taste of the unique cuisine Carefree Station offers.

The beautiful Spanish Village in Carefree