Lori Elliot, Owner of the Painted Horse Restaurant in North Scottsdale, Arizona

When Lori and Bryan Elliot dreamed of one day living in the Rio Verde Valley, they didn't realize that dream would come with another; owning their own restaurant.

If there is such a thing as fate, Lori would be the proof. With her first trip to the valley of the sun during a family vacation when she was 17, to the day she first set foot in The Painted Horse Cafe, life was preparing her for life as a restaurateur.

Starting as a waitress paying her way through college while studying pre-med, to managing a restaurant just before becoming partners in the Painted Horse Caf©, located in north Scottsdale, Lori was out learning from the best how to create a successful business. Meanwhile Bryan was teaching classes at Scottsdale Culinary Institute and working as a private chef.

In December 2007 they took the plunge and bought out their partners. Yes, it's been a bumpy road having not predicted the downturn of the economy and how their lives would be dramatically affected by it. But fate is fate.

Ask Lori and she'll tell you that the fact that they are still standing means they are where they are supposed to be. Their restaurant, located on the northern boundaries of the valley has survived the past 2 1/2 years where larger establishments located in areas with more visibility have failed. Yes, they do close down during the long hot summer months, but come September they are ready to go.

Visit the Painted Horse Cafe and you'll usually be greeted by Lori and her wonderful welcoming personality. It doesn't matter if this is your first visit or fiftieth, Lori will make you feel at home. From greeting guests at the door to waiting tables and working the bar, watch her and you will see someone who truly enjoys what she does. Lori will be the first to tell you that if you have to love the restaurant business in order to own one as it is all consuming.

Serving up a great menu created by her husband, the award winning Chef Bryan Elliott, and offering an extensive wine selection, the Painted Horse Cafe is just the place to go for a great meal, be it lunch or dinner. If you're looking for a great Sunday brunch, take the drive out of the valley and into the gently rolling "foothills" just north of Scottsdale. Enjoy a mimosa at The Painted Horse, located on the SW corner of Dynamite and Alma School, then venture over to cave creek to wonder the unique shops of the area.

But if you really want the full experience, go for dinner. Sit out on patio and enjoy these wonderful Arizona fall evenings. Even when it's hot down in the valley, the temperatures up here tend to be anywhere from 3 to 8, sometimes even 10 degrees cooler. Have Lori suggest your menu (personally I love the Brie appetizer and any soup Bryan is cooking) and be sure to have her pick a great wine to go with your meal or make you one of her fantastic martinis.

And at night, you can even see the stars.