Sep 10 2008
Troia’s Italian Grille and RotisserieJust a short way West down Highway 89A, we found a casually upscale Italian restaurant with a view of the Red Rocks. We were determined to try the pizza in hopes that we would get a taste of “real Italian pizza!” The waitress tempted us with some fantastic sounding entrées but we held to the pizza plan. But first, we enjoyed two appetizers…. the Olive Tapenade on toasted bread and the Organic Melon Wrapped in Prosciutto. The fresh green salad we selected came with a choice of dressings. Again, fresh was a key word at Troia’s. Chef Shawn Murphy and his staff prepare these delicious dishes behind the counter in a beautiful exhibition kitchen.
We watched the sunlight change on the Red Rocks and sipped Chianti as we waited for the Pizza. Once it arrived we were thrilled with the mixture of textures and flavors. We chose the Troia’s Deluxe with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, black olive, mushrooms, onion, mozzarella cheese and Troia’s homemade sauce. No, that doesn’t describe it at all! Let’s say it was an artful mixture of just the right amount of each ingredient on a delicate thin crust. And, it reminded me of pizza in Italy…. real Italian pizza in the heart of Sedona!.
The personable approach of the wait staff and chef, beautiful light wood dining room with upscale touches, and the excellent fresh food certainly stole our culinary hearts. We will be back! Website: Troia’s Italian Grille
The Art of Wine – Tasting the Best Arizona has to Offer
As we wined and dined our way through Sedona, a big surprise was right on Highway 179. While the Art of Wine looks like an upscale wine shop from outside, it is really so much more. We had the great pleasure of meeting the owner, Scott Gisborne, who personally selects the offerings at Art of Wine. A tasting there is not only a wonderful experience in exploring the delights of Arizona wines, it is an educational experience. We were led through a selection of the best Arizona has to offer. Each wine and the winery that it came from was explained to us. While we took delight in many of the offerings, it was the 2004 Estate Cabernet Franc from that remained my favorite. It was light for a Cabernet and lacked the strong oak taste you might expect.
The tasting room was new and beautifully appointed with granite counters and vineyard art on the walls. The gift shop was enticing. Before we parted, we learned about The Art of Wine’s special Wine Club. When you join the club, you explain your preferences in wine. Scott will hand select the wines to send to you… his choices from vineyards across Arizona.
We also heard about plans for a new Wine Festival in the Fall. We certainly found that to be an event to look forward to.
Want to learn about Arizona wine and not go winery-hopping? Head for the Art of Wine in Sedona.
Dahl and DiLuca’s Cucina Rustica
We were in a celebratory mood and headed for the oft recommended Cucina Rustica in the Oak Creek area on Highway 179. It was just a few doors down from The Art of Wine. We had seen the outside of the rustic (although very new) Tuscan style building and were intrigued. We headed inside and found it to be bustling on a week night. Fortunately they had a table for us and we wound back into the dark faux Italian building, through arches, from room to room to our table with a view of the fountain and guitarist. It was truly an enjoyable setting for a fine Italian meal.
Indeed the menu offered a range of specialties… from veal to fresh seafood, all prepared with fantastic Italian herbs and sauces. Our waiter offered two special items for the evening. I chose the veal dish and my friend a fantastic fillet of sole. Both were excellent in their own right. What I remember most about the meal was the sauce on the veal and fresh vegetables. Although the staff was a bit pretentious, unlike staff in most Italian restaurants, I found the cuisine of Cucina Rustica true to the owner’s Italian roots.
Walking It Off
We ended our wining and dining stay in Sedona by enjoying one of the most photographed spots in the area – Cathedral Rock from the Crescent Moon day use area. It’s only a short walk down a meandering trail to see Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing. You can dip your toes in the water or sit on the immense red rocks and watch the creek babble along. Keep hiking up the stream and you will happen on a stacked rock “earth art” phenomenon. Believe me, you will be drawn to express yourself with a stack of rocks too! Ideal for picnicking or a relaxing stroll on sandy trails, the Crescent Moon area is a great way to walk off those extra calories gained from wining and dining your way through Sedona.
