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A First Taste of Sedona With Chef Lisa Dahl

8/30/2018

2 Comments

 
My Virtual Vacations visits Chef Lisa Dahl's restaurants Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill and Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona. See highlights of the amazing food, decor, and service.
I can easily eat my way through any destination! One of the reasons we chose to visit Arizona was for it's terrific food scene highlighting organic vegetables and meats all with a delicious southwest flair. So as soon as our itinerary was set and flights were booked, I starting researching where we were going to eat.
Right away, I came across Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill and Cucina Rustica as both having fantastic reviews. Each one appealed exactly to our tastes in food and decor.  ​
​It wasn't until after I made the reservations, I surprisingly realized they were both Chef Lisa Dahl restaurants. I had recently been introduced to Chef Dahl by way of Twitter and Beat Bobby Flay, a cooking challenge show on Food Network TV that I regularly watch. She's infamous in Sedona, throughout Arizona, and all over the country as one of the top female chefs. Chef Dahl has lived in Sedona for the past 20 years and has 4 highly successful restaurants. Along with Mariposa and Cucina Rustica, she also owns Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano specializing in authentic Italian food, and Pisa Lisa, which features wood-fire pizza in Sedona. 
​Update! Since writing this original article, Lisa Dahl has added another hit restaurant her list: Butterfly Burger. It will be the first place I go when I visit Sedona next. 

Mariposa and Cucina Rustica for Dining in Sedona, Arizona

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

​Mariposa is a gorgeous combination of rustic and modern, featuring expansive windows for a picturesque view of the red rocks Sedona is known for. The menu offers a unique variety of selections that are traditional to the region but still appealed to our East Coast palates. Since we were reserving one night of our Sedona visit to celebrate our 20th anniversary, I knew immediately Mariposa would be perfect for this occasion. We arrived about a half an hour early so that we could enjoy the brilliant red rocks at sunset and explore the grounds surrounding the restaurant. 
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Designed in the colors of the rocks, the entrance is welcoming as it prepares you for the incredible meal to come.
Bar at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
The rich colors make for a fun atmosphere at the bar.
View inside Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
There is not a bad table in Mariposa! Whether you are facing a mountain view or admiring the fine art on the walls, every seat is perfect.
View of red rocks from Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Could you ask for a more beautiful view while dining?
But the food! The freshness and attention to detail comes through in every bite. We tried numerous appetizers that Chef Dahl had selected for us. We loved sampling new foods that we may not have thought to order for ourselves. Each bite was fantastic and every last crumb disappeared. 
Gazpacho at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Gazpacho
Yucca Fries at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Yuca Fries with Pimentón Aioli
Appetizers at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Corn, Peppers & Queso Empanadas served with Pineapple Criolla
Filet at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Filet Mignon with Signature Mushroom Gorgonzola Chipotle Sauce
Seafood at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Seafood Lovers Trio with Cold Water Lobster Tail, Hokkaido Seared Sea Scallops & Jumbo Grilled Tiger Shrimp
Entrees at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Meat Lovers Trio with Lamb, Filet Mignon & Chorizo
Lobster Mashed Potatoes at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Lisa’s Lovely Lemon Mashed Potatoes with Luscious Lobster Scampi
Desserts at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill in Sedona, Arizona
Chocolate Budino Torte with Dulce de Leche Gelato

Cucina Rustica 

The next night, I had decided on Cucina Rustica in Sedona. It's within walking distance from Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock where we were staying and features traditional Italian cuisine. Yes!  We came all the way to Arizona to visit Italy. And it was well worth it.
​Sit outside in the charming patio reminiscent of the Italian countryside. Or step inside and you'll see that each intimate dining room in Cucina Rustica is filled with their own character and symbols of Sedona. Dine under a dark sky with twinkling stars in one room, or enjoy a dining room with plush chairs and Italian themed decor. 
Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Step into a beautiful, authentic dining experience.
Bar inside Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
This is perfect place to sit while having a drink.
Restaurant Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Such an elegant and fun room. I love the stars and water elements from the outside brought in.
And the variety on the menu is as bold and exciting as the rich decor. Especially the desserts...you won't want to miss them! 
Appetizers at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Affinato - Mozzarella filled radicchio wrapped in prosciutto
Bruschetta at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Bruschetta - Grilled ciabatta bread topped with fresh organic tomatoes, basil, garlic
Meatballs at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Polpette Di Carne - Handmade beef meatballs & Porcini cream sauce (also available with signature marinara sauce)
Fresh pasta at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Aragosta alla Vodka - Gigli pasta tossed with lobster meat and fresh organic tomatoes in vodka sauce
Lasagna at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Lisa's Luscious Lasagna - Classic lasagna layered with homemade Bolognese sauce, Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella
Seafood at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Special of the night featuring fresh linguine with clams, mussels, and shrimp.
Limoncello at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Limoncello Affogato - House-Made Limoncello Over Vanilla Bean Gelato
Desserts at Cucina Rustica in Sedona, Arizona
Boca Negra - Flourless Chocolate Torte with Bourbon and Vanilla Bean Gelato
Chef Lisa Dahl
A big thanks to Chef Lisa Dahl for her wonderful hospitality!
Plus, Chef Lisa Dahl is an amazing person. I admire her perseverance, artistic flair, and culinary skills. She's worked to refine the perfect menus, as well as create an ambiance in each of her restaurants that is beautiful and comfortable. 
She has also compiled a gorgeous cookbook showcasing her delicious "Elixir of Life." I can't wait to start cooking! 
Her restaurants will be no doubt the highlight of your Sedona culinary experience as they were mine. I'm looking forward to when her next restaurants open. Then I'll have six fantastic reasons to come back to Sedona. ​
2 Comments
Cathy link
8/30/2018 10:08:52 pm

Wow, incredible views and everything looked perfect. So many lobster dishes I'd love to try and that Chocolate Budino Tarte has my name on it!!

Reply
Alyson (My Virtual Vacations)
8/31/2018 02:06:46 pm

Honestly, I was surprised that the seafood was so good! I never would have expected that in Arizona but it was some of the best I've had. And that chocolate dessert is worth booking a flight for!!

Reply



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    ​Thanks for cruising by! ​ Along with creating this website and blog, I work in an office full-time and as a mom to two energetic young men. With our family's busy work and school schedule, we look forward to traveling during holidays. Although it seems that our family can never agree on anything, we do when it comes to vacations. We typically travel on cruises or stay at luxury hotels while enjoying upscale dining, beautiful decor, excellent service, and spacious accommodations. However, we still need family friendly and comfortable! When we are not traveling, I enjoy dining out locally, as well as cooking and baking in my own kitchen.
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