When Taryn and I headed up to Sedona a few weeks ago, we were both extremely excited to visit Yavapai at the Enchantment Resort for dinner. We had heard wonderful things about the restaurant, the food and the gorgeous views they have to offer from some of our hardcore food-loving friends. Well, they were certainly right. Read both of our individual comments:
Amy: While we only stepped foot in the restaurant while we were on property, the views are breathtaking. Hands down, I would deem it one of the most romantic spots in Sedona. Too bad it was just the two of us girls! We had the opportunity to choose indoor or outdoor seating, and of course, chose to sit outside on the wrap-around balcony. We were surrounded by gorgeous red rock – right in the middle of Sedona’s vortex. Incredible! The area is somewhat of a drive from the middle of Sedona’s “downtown”, but now we know why. It is so peaceful and quiet out here. The Enchantment Resort definitely deserves a visit, not only for dinner, but for a weekend stay as well.
Taryn: The experience at the Yavapai Restaurant located at Enchantment Resort was nothing short of amazing. Being seated out on the balcony was such a treat for all of our senses. We had a gorgeous 180 degree view of Boynton Canyon and got a brief lesson about the Kachina mountain formation and the folklore of the area. There was a delightful breeze during our dinner which was so welcome after a bit of a scorching day around town. Our sever was warm, informative and very attentive.
Check out our view from our table:
Table View
We decided to let the staff choose our dishes for us and they were happy to do so. Plate after plate arrived at our table, all delectable.
We were treated, as we heard other tables were as well, to a complimentary Buffalo Salad Amuse that was surprisingly tender and very delicious.
As the evening progressed, Taryn and I were served different dishes. Read our comments of each:
Amy: Taryn was presented with the Lobster Tacos (Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Smoked Chiles, Avocado & Ponzu in Warm Sprouted Corn Tortillas | $19) and I was served the Pork Belly Starter. We switched plates because I almost snatched her tacos from her hands, and we both enjoyed our own dishes. The taco shells were very crunchy, and perfectly scooped up any excess sauce I left on my plate. Just the right amount of spice/smokiness.
Lobster Tacos
Taryn: The Kurobota Pork starter (Slow Cooked Heritage Pork Belly with Root Beer Glaze, Sweet Corn Puree with Saffron & Curry | $16) was so tender and flavorful. I loved the Root Beer Glaze and felt that it was a perfect complement to the pork belly which was not too fatty and with just the right amount of bite.
Kurobota Pork Starter
Soon, a gorgeous Beet Salad (Roasted & Pickled Red, Golden & Candy Striped Baby Beets with Shaved Radish and Organic Yogurt Dressing | $14) made its way to our table.
Beet Salad
Amy: Almost too pretty to eat, the Beet Salad was delicious. Not a drop or morsel was left on our plates. The beets were marinated in rice wine vinegar, tangy and tender. Lovely radishes acted as an edible pillow for the beets, dressed with garlic and herb infused yogurt. Fantastic!
Taryn: The Beet Salad was a huge hit. Not only was it presented beautifully but the beets were so tender and sweet – I now have a new favorite salad, though I am sure I will never be able to do it in the same way Yavapai does.
Then came the entrees…
Amy: I received the special of the evening – a beautiful piece of Swordfish atop tomatoes and surrounded by a salad of pineapple, chorizo, apple, grilled grapes, fingerling potatoes, diced carrots and ginger. The dish was finished with a sherry cream sauce that was spectacular. I ate more of this dish than I was hungry for, but I just couldn’t put my fork down – it was fantastic. Not to mention, the plating and use of color was fun and playful. This dish made my night.
Amy’s Swordfish Entree
Taryn: The Rack of Lamb Entrée that I received was massive. I received 4 lamb chops and was only able to make my way through 2.5. The lamb was so succulent and was perfectly seasoned.
Taryn’s Rack of Lamb
To finish off the evening, dessert was next.
Amy: I should mention that the portion size at Yavapai is quite larger than we were used to. We weren’t sure that we could put down another bite, but dessert looked too indulgent to pass up. On my side of the table: a warm, flourless Chocolate Lava Cake that was the BEST I’ve ever tasted, accompanied by a raspberry-juniper sorbet, pumpkin seed brittle and pumpkin caramel sauce. My attention was immediately on the lava cake that didn’t stand a match against me. The sorbet was made in-house and was fabulous. The only component I wasn’t feeling as much as the others was the pumpkin caramel sauce, perhaps because I’m not used to pumpkin at this time of year. Overall, the dessert plate was a winner.
Amy’s Chocolate Lava Cake
Taryn: I was served a “Special Occasion” dessert which was comprised of a Chocolate wafer topped with a chocolate ganache and gold leaf accompanied with a raspberry coulis and passion fruit puree. I have to be upfront and say that I am not the biggest chocolate fan. Every now and then a little bit will do me just fine so this was death by chocolate for me. For a die-hard choc-o-holic this would have taken you to another-worldly place. It was delicious and very, very rich! I loved the coulis and puree as it helped soften the richness of the chocolate.
Taryn’s ‘Special Occasion’ Dessert
Overall thoughts:
Amy: The conclusion? Yavapai at the Enchantment Resort is not to be missed on your next trip to Sedona. Bring a big appetite as the portions are quite hefty! Sit on the patio and enjoy the breeze and jaw-dropping views.
Taryn: Yavapai restaurant would be the ultimate anniversary dining destination. The balcony tables were far enough apart to almost get lost in your own little world. Being so close to the vortex could also help you get in-tune with your partner or companion. I am a believer as there was one point in the night where Amy and I had the same exact random thought! All in all, this is a beautiful resort and you will not be disappointed with the food, service and especially the scenery.
Find more photos from our visit to Yavapai on our Facebook page.
To learn more about Yavapai or the Enchantment Resort, visit enchantmentresort.com. For dinner reservations, follow this link: enchantmentresort.com.
Yavapai at the Enchantment Resort | 525 Boynton Canyon Road | Sedona, AZ | 928-282-2900
Recap by Amy Martin & Taryn Jeffries, PhoenixBites Staff
*This meal was provided to us complimentary as a part of a media invitation. However, this has no effect on our opinions and comments regarding our experience. View our Disclosure Policy for further explanation.