Hear Chef Jeff Smedstad’s discuss his new cookbook, Elote Cafe Notebook, plus learn about his history as a chef and author ast the special booksigning, September 11th.
Sedona is one of those places that just fills my heart with joy. The drive alone, rounding around the red rocks immediately blankets me in calm. There’s a slower pace within those city limits; people seem to be kinder and far more relaxed than within the confines of the concrete jungle I call home.
In addition to the woo-sa effect that Sedona has on me, there are a multitude of phenomenal restaurants and resorts in the area, perfect for feeding the soul and your belly. One of my favorite spots is Elote Café; certainly for the phenomenal kitchen creations but also for the passion and excitement that Chef Jeff Smedstad brings to this local hotspot.
When I say hotspot, it’s not an exaggeration. You’ll always find a line in front of the restaurant, but don’t let that discourage you. The lines move relatively quickly and if you remember the orts of wisdom taught by our elders, “good things come to those who wait.”
I was recently invited to a special tasting at Elote to experience the unique dishes held within the pages of Chef Jeff Smedstad’s most recent cookbook, Elote Café Notebook. The recipes feature Chef’s take on Southwestern cuisine, derived from his 20 some years of traveling throughout Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla and the American Southwest. His travels have shaped the way he thinks about food, the way he interprets flavor combinations and his overall approach to his kitchen and the crafting of his menus.
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Goat Cheese Fundido With Peaches Roasted Green Chiles And Sweet And Spicy Pecans
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Queso Fundido
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Agave Apple Salad With Mezcal Pecans
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Roasted Carrot Cumin Barley Salad
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Chipotle Crema
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Chicken Wings Al Ajillo
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Conchita Pibil
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Pork Cheeks With Corn Cake
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Shortribs
The Elote Cafe Notebook | Almendrado Flan
If you want to get a copy of the Elote Café Cookbook, you won’t want to miss the book signing at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix on September 11th. The signing will begin at 7pm and Chef Jeff will speak of his history, inspiration as well as sharing some kitchen tips for home cooks. The major bonus for this event will include small bites from the cookbook. You’ll hear some great stories, meet a super cool guy and walk away with a cookbook that will be treasured for years.