During our first go-around with Scottsdale, we’d pass by this sign that simply said, “El Chorro.” We had no idea what it was – hotel, golf course, brothel, senior living facility, or all of the above. All I knew is that seeing it made me bellow out “El Chorro!!” like I was an announcer for Sabado Gigante –
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Curiosity didn’t exactly get the best of me, as I didn’t Google what it was until a couple weeks later. Imagine my surprise when I found out it not only was it a restaurant, but it was pretty famous one that old school Hollywood types like Clark Gable and John Wayne used to frequent. It was remodeled a couple years ago and the menu got an update.
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The Surroundings
Since it’s been around for ages, it has the luxury of having it’s own gates and entryway – not like other Scottsdale fine dining establishments that are in strip malls and office parks.
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We sat in the courtyard, which was pretty enough. But it paled in comparison to the gorgeous view of Camelback Mountain.
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I normally hate sitting with my back to the dining area, but I moved to the other side of the table to keep looking that view.
Here’s what we had –
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Overall, everything was perfectly executed. The shrimp was nicely spiced, the fries perfectly crisp, and the steak was exactly on the rare side of medium-rare. Just like I ordered it.
So it turns out that El Chorro was the furthest thing from a brothel. But it was pretty close to an old folk’s home. If that represents an updated menu, I can’t imagine what was on the old one – maybe something like this from my blog buddy Yinzerella?
There was another reason why it felt like a total throwback to the 70s. Here is why.
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I’m so hungry after reading this. Dang your awesome review and pics. (shaking fists at my computer right now) Haha.
Isn’t it funny how signs can evoke that kind of thing? There’s a small town that we pass on the way to the cottage, named Chinquapin and every time we pass I say it very fast and loud. Maybe one day the hubs and I will actually stop there and see if it holds any treasures for us, like your El Churro. 🙂
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