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| - Outstanding farm-to-table seasonal food served in what looks and feels like a French cottage near the gallery district of Scottsdale. There is ample outdoor seating when the weather is nice (as it is most of the time there) and a charming inside dining area. While the food is well crafted and delicious, this does not seem to be the kind of place that gets many male patrons. I could count on one hand how many men were dining here when I went for lunch. To compound the matter, I had just finished a difficult and sweaty hike up Camelback Mountain prior to coming here. My shabby appearance earned me loads of disdain from the hostess. But, as my friend duly noted, "our money is still good." Indeed.
I started with the soup, a split pea and ham served with a cheesy breadstick, was an excellent rendition of this classic. It had a smokiness that only a good hamhock can lend. My entree choice was the herb roasted chicken sandwich, which was a delicious combination of slow-roasted chicken, oven-cured tomatoes, roasted artichokes, baby spinach and herb goat cheese spread on a warm baguette served with a bacon-spiked potato salad. As good as this was, by friend's meal was even better. She ordered the chicken, wild mushroom, goat cheese and leek crepes with a basil cream sauce. I took a bite and it was literally a flavor explosion. I almost regretted my menu choice after tasting her's.
Arcadia Farms Cafe also specializes in baked goods, including various pastries, cakes, muffins and cookies. We grabbed a few cookies (chocolate toffee and an iced lemon) to go.
I would definitely return, particularly to try breakfast (which is supposed to be quite good). Next time, though, I will be sure to not engage in strenuous exercise right before.
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