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The Local’s Dish on Sedona, AZ

Richard Melick — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:31:00 +0000

Sitting in the middle of the Arizona desert is a little sliver of paradise. Sedona, a small town filled with resorts, spas, canyons, and mind blowing rock formations, stands out as the place to be to relax in Arizona. The climate is different than the surrounding desert, bringing milder temperatures to the region and opening up outdoor activities to be enjoyed year-round. But what if you only had one day in town? How would you take it all in like a local. Well, reader Nick Roshon gave us the local’s dish on Sedona, AZ.

[nextpage title=”1″ ]Breakfast

The Red Rock Cafe opened on June 11, 2008 in the Village of Oak Creek of Sedona, Arizona. A little hole in the wall known for its Southwest diner fare, the diverse menu combines traditional, home cooked items with a regional flair. Some favorites include the Southwest Chicken Fried Steak and the Huevos Rancheros.

Website: https://theredrockcafe.wordpress.com/

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Morning Adventure

In a town known for its outdoor activities, why not spend all the time you can exploring? Little Horse Trail begins as part of the Bell Rock Pathway. Follow this wide trail southward for ¼ mile. Here, at a signed fork, take the old jeep road branching to the left and marked with basket cairns. The hike can also be extended eastward from the base of Chicken Point into the Wilderness area (no bicycles allowed) on the Jim Bryant Trail. Little Horse Trail is mostly unshaded and hot in summer, so perfect for a morning hike to burn off breakfast.

Website: http://1.usa.gov/1GIoiGt

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Lunch

Time to build that energy back up after the hike, and get some delicious food to relax with. A Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon landmark, Indian Gardens is home to a great selection of local food, irresistible sandwiches, coffee, and more. They serve delicious breakfast and lunch in thecafe, using quality ingredients, organic and locally-sourced when possible. Service is casual and quick, choosing whether to dine in the shaded garden. What better way to relax before the afternoon?

Website: http://indiangardens.com/

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Afternoon Adventure

All filled up and ready to go out again? Why not head out on a small hike that is synonymous with the Sedona area. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. You’ll know some of them once you’ve strolled beside the pleasant little stream that ripples along the canyon floor and looked up, way up, at the dizzying cliffs that tower above it. An easy hike with some of the best views in the area, take a few hours to explore what has made Sedona so picturesque.

Website: http://1.usa.gov/1GIsgz4

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Mid-day Treat

You’ve hiked twice, seen the area and all its beauty, and you deserve a treat. Time to head to the ChocolaTree, a small restauraunt know for their vegetarian and vegan food. 95% of the menu is seasonal, based on what is available locally. If they cant get it within 3 states bordering Arizona, they don’t serve it. With delicious food all around, you might forget that it’s so responsibly sourced, but you will taste the quality.

Website: http://chocolatree.com/

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Evening Cocktails

While Sedona is known as Arizona’s wine country, you might want to check out Barking Frog first for their great happy hour, which includes Prickly Pear Margaritas and Cactus Fries. A Southwester restaurant with moderate pricing and a great location, you will fit right in whether a tourist or a local.

Website: http://www.barkingfroggrille.com/

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Dinner

You’ve been out and about, drank with the locals, enjoyed straightforward meals, and had a great day. Let’s wind down with dinner at Cucina Rustica. The restaurant wraps its arms around you and settles you into dining experience that many foodies seek out but rarely find. The menu is slanted toward it’s Italian roots of Award Winning sister restaurant Dahl & Di Luca. However a healthy Mediterranean theme allows versatility for creativity and remarkable flavors that never fight.

Website: http://cucinarustica.com/

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[nextpage title=”1″ ]Ending the Night

Sedona is kind of a sleepy town, so while there is not a ton of nightlife, there are a few locals spots open late. But it is recommended to take the whole day in, buy a bottle of wine from one of the local wineries, and enjoy it around a campfire or gazing at the stars over trying to find nightlife. This is a place to take in, so why not end the night under the stars. [/nextpage]

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The Definitive Booze Guide for Father’s Day

Richard Melick — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:41:13 +0000

Father’s Day is only a few weeks away, and maybe it’s time to skip the all too typical phone call and cheap card and step up the gift. Thus this booze guide exists. Remember, this is the man that decided to not kill you when you broke his windows with the baseball or borrowed (we are sticking to the story) his prized Corvette that one night for a party. Instead, this year, get dad the exact bottle of liquor he wants and deserves — a gift that will put a smile on his face long after it’s gone. We worked with Caskers co-founder, Steve Abt, to share his top picks to win you favorite son status and quite possibly a place at the carving table this Thanksgiving (i.e., the ultimate nod of approval). As usual, we here at FactoryTwoFour are looking out for your best interests. Dive into our booze guide below:

IF YOUR FATHER IS AN EXPLORER

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

Steve says, “Has your dad traveled around the world and then some? I’m jealous, and he is going to love this single malt. Amrut Fusion is a marriage of whiskies made from peated Scottish barley and unpeated Indian barley making it an incredibly complex whisky. And you can’t go wrong a single malt that scored an incredible 97 points in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, which named it the third best whisky in the world.”

Tasting Notes: Complex and chewy, it has a nose of milk chocolate, oak and almonds. Light on the palate, with notes of coconut and fruit. A medium long finish with hints of vanilla and peat.

Awards & Accolades:

Whisky Bible: 97 Points

IF YOUR FATHER LOVES WINNING

Evan Williams Single Barrel
Bourbon Whiskey

Steve says, “If losing is not in your father’s vocabulary, then this is the bourbon for him. Having won “Whiskey of the Year” five times over and scoring 97 points from Wine Enthusiast, this single barrel isn’t familiar with losing either. Aged for nearly 10 years under the intense Kentucky sun, this bourbon has an aroma of spicy oak, cinnamon and clove that leads into notes of caramel, pecan, and roasted nuts.”

Tasting Notes: Aroma of spicy oak, cinnamon and clove that gives way to notes of caramel, pecan and roasted nuts on the palate. Initial flavors lead to touches of creamy vanilla and honeyed oak, and finish with a hint of cinnamon spice.

Awards & Accolades:

Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points
5x Time “Whiskey of the Year” Winner

IF YOUR FATHER IS A WHISKY CONNOISSEUR

Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt
Scotch Whisky

Steve says, “First, that’s awesome and you should bask in his knowledge. Second, buy him this bottle of Scotch. The Glenmorangie Signet is aged up to 40 years, has full-bodied notes of coffee, almonds, cinnamon and orange and earned the Best Single Malt Scotch Trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2013.”

Tasting Notes: Aroma of mocha, milk chocolate and tiramisu. Chewy, full-bodied notes of coffee, almonds, biscotti, ginger, cinnamon and orange on the palate. Finish ends with waves of creamy vanilla.

Awards & Accolades:

San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2009, 2010 & 2011 Double Gold Medals
International Wine and Spirits Competition: 2013 Best Single Malt Scotch Trophy
Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points

IF YOUR FATHER IS STEALING FROM THE COOKIE JAR

Barr Hill Gin

Steve says, “For the father with the sweet tooth, Barr Hill Gin is the way to go. Made using raw, organic Vermont honey, this gin is a celebration of one farmer’s special connection to his land and earned the Double Gold Medal at the 2012 New York International Spirits Competition.”

Tasting Notes: Round and viscous on the palate with notes of juniper and honey lingering on the finish.

Awards & Accolades:

New York International Spirits Competition: 2012 Double Gold Medal

IF YOUR FATHER IS A PIRATE (OR WISHES HE WAS)

Kirk and Sweeney Rum

Steve says, “One, get him this rum. Two, don’t tell him where you got this rum. Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Kirk and Sweeney earned its name from a wooden schooner best known for smuggling rum from the Caribbean to the United States during Prohibition. While today’s imports are legal, they are no less desirable. This 12 year old spirit is aged in oak casks and scored 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, which also named it a Best Buy.”

Tasting Notes: Aroma of earthy sugar cane and vanilla. The initial flavors of sweet nectar and honey give way to notes of oak and toffee. The finish, which is bold and ripe, ends with a smooth vanilla kick.

Awards & Accolades:

Wine Enthusiast:
95 points
Top 50 Spirits of 2013
Liqour.com:
One of the Best New Rums of 2013

IF YOUR FATHER IS INTENSE

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt
Scotch Whisky

Steve says, “Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky is known as one of the most intense, smoky single malt whiskies ever made. Powerful aromas of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea are signature to this Scotch, which comes from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Aged for a minimum of 16 years, this whisky was named the “Best Single Malt Whisky” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.”

Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of peaty smoke, wood spices and Earl Gray tea. Notes of peat, rich smoke and salty tang, which are balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and honeyed oak. Finish is incredible and intense, with complex notes of sweet caramel and fruits belying bolder notes of peat and smoke.

Awards & Accolades:

Wine Enthusiast:
San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
6 Double Gold Medals
2013 “Best Single Malt Whisky (13 – 19 Years)”

IF YOUR FATHER IS ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION

Spherical Ice Molds

Steve says, “If your pops loves style, class and just a touch of elegance then these spherical ice molds need to be in his spirit repertoire. Not only are they are awesome to look at, but they keep drinks colder, longer. This mold creates the perfect sphere of ice with less surface area than traditional ice cubes, allowing it to melt more slowly while still cooling drinks.” No self-repecting booze guide would be without these.

That’s it for our booze guide. Hopefully you found something that will do your pops proud and you two can share a quality drink together this Father’s Day.

The post The Definitive Booze Guide for Father’s Day appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.