It's Sunday. You got the special car out of the garage and need a good destination to take it that'll allow you to open it up on the way. And it's been way too long since the last vacation so that your shoulders seem permanently affixed to your ears. A trip to Tonto Grill left me feeling like some might feel from an afternoon at the spa - if one were into spa treatments. After finally getting around the 40MPH-in-the-50MPH-zone signtseers, we were able to get full throttle for a few miles before reaching that No Car Fun Zone called Carefree. But it was enough. Let's drive over to Cave Creek. Our food was more than enough. Started with a cocktail, which got me a weird look from the waitress but she politely obliged...they must not do much cocktail business at lunch. It wasn't so great, so think I'll stick to iced tea or wine in the future. The food was outstanding. The sesame and poppy seed encrusted bread they left at the table was full of flavor and just the right level of chewy. I got the day's special - lamb chops on cranberry-orange risotto. Though the lamb was a bit pinker than the medium I ordered, it was still excellent; so tender and full of juicy flavor. The risotto was amazing - nuff said. Lunch partner loved the open faced steak sandwich sitting on a pile of mashed potatoes and topped with a tempura battered onion ring. Of course I snarfed the leftovers. The wine based sauce with mushrooms was wonderful. Wait staff was very eager to please and gladly fulfilled every request, but usually they did it before we had to. Creme brulee for dessert was some of the best I've had. So we sat and sat at our patio table on the green tree-lined golf course. After a bit there was a distinct popping sound - ears releasing their grip of shoulders. aaaaahhhhh

positive

I dont like to give out bad reviews, but im coming from the perspective of wanting something thats pretty simple to make. I wanted a protein style burger. I paid over $7 for some beef sitting on lettuce! C'mon guys. In-N-Out makes the damn thing for like $3, and it is at least made with some decency. Step it up

negative

Boo! Yeah I'm definitely not a fan. The casino area seemed nice enough. I don't gamble so I'm going off what I saw while walking by. I ate at two restaurants during my stay, The Cafe and The Market City Caffe, and they were both great. The Cafe is like an upscale 24 hour cafe. I got a chicken burger with a baked potatoe on the side and it was delish. The Market City Caffe is an Italian restaurant. I had the macaroni and cheese with bacon. It was very good and filling. I would recommend both of these places. It's the rooms that kill the Monte Carlo for me. The beds are fine but they give you these two litle pillows with them that are completely flat and maybe just bigger than 11x14. I kid you not. I was like seriously? These are the pillows? Also, the plumbing is really loud. I know that when you stay in Vegas you can sometimes hear people in the room next to yours, but you shouldn't have to hear when they turn on the sink. My ironing board was broken and the iron was so old that it didn't have a steam function on it. Boo! If you want a great, affordable hotel room, stay at the MGM. The pillows were fat and firm and you get 4 per bed. I didn't have to hear anyone flush their toilet, and they actually put thought into the interior design of the room. It's very 1920's Hollywood. And they have Emeril's Seafood Restaurant. Yum!!!!

negative

Nice place, great outdoor space! Sat outside in the sun & had a FEW too many Rum Punches....but thats just a part of the experience, right? The staff wasn't overly friendly, but the drinks were decently priced & it had a great atmosphere. Went again at night & they had a DJ which was pretty cool. I would go again next time I am in Vegas.....but maybe a few less Rum Punches ;)
positive