1710 W. SR 89A

Sedona, AZ 86336

928.204.2887

www.Sedonacakes.com

It’s not surprising Sedona cake Couture is a two time winner of the Food Network Challenge, just look at these beautiful cakes. Pretty enough to plan a wedding in Sedona. Or, stop by and pick up a dessert to take home and share with your sweetie.

6500 HWY 179

VOC, Sedona, AZ 86351

928.284.4660

Thank goodness that in addition to their location in Cave Creek,  Firecreek Coffee Roasters has a location in the village of Oak Creek in Sedona. Not only do they serve and sell fabulous coffee and specialty blends for the for the best restaurants up there ie Elote, Cafe Crema and more I’m sure, but they have a delicious bakery of which I can only testify to their peanut butter cookies at this time.

By Aimee Bender

Foodie Book

690 Bell Rock Blvd.

Sedona, AZ 86336

928.284.1820

www.OakcreekCountryClub.com

Being that I am spending more time in Sedona lately, I am exploring off the beaten path, hoping to find the hidden gems and places to enjoy a good meal. My philosophy is that it isn’t only the food that brings me back to a place. Sometimes it’s the worthy views or special pricing or all of the above. Which brings me to the OCCC. When in Sedona, or the Village of Oak Creek in this case, it’s hard to know there are any restaurants off the main drag. Unless you ask the locals. Hence I discovered the beautiful views, nice prices (only eaten in the bar so far) and pretty good food. Honestly-just the views bring me back. Overlooking a golf course with fountains and hills in the near distance, that $3.50 house wine during happy hour tastes really good. Add a club sandwich-big enough to share and I am one happy lady.

3601 N. 7th St.

Phoenix, AZ 85014

602.265.2939

www.schreinerssausage.com

After my son brought over a slab of fresh bacon and breakfast sausage for Christmas brunch from this local landmark, I have been wondering what took me so long to get there myself. Located in central Phoenix, it is worth a trip to go  and stock up on sliced to order bacon and an array of fine sausages for your freezer. It turns any meal into a special occasion.

10637 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 101B

Phoenix, AZ 85028

480.483.0009

It’s nice to have an independently owned restaurant at the N/E cross-roads of Shea and Tatum. Not to mention a chef who has earned his marks under the tutelage of some of the valley’s finest. My first opinion is usually based on the wine list, of  which I ordered a Merlot-yes Merlot, and was extremely satisfied. The price was reasonable too at $8, and next time, I just might go ahead and trust the $5 special they are offering. I have to be honest, the environment was pleasant right off the bat, and I am sure that the few tables out front will be hard to get during spring and fall. The lunch I had was just okay, there really wasn’t enough meat on the short-rib sliders to justify the use of the tasty bun, and I prefer a little more kick to the horseradish sauce-why else eat it? The chocolate mousse with pear topping dessert was to die for. Did I really have to share it? It was delicious! So, for a nice place to sip wine and  devour dessert I’ll go back. My verdict is still not out on the food, so I’ll be happy to give it another try and let you know.

40740 Village Dr.

Big Bear, California 92310

This summer my brother’s award winning high schoolrock bandreconvened after their 40th class reunion. They played their first gig at Chad’s Place during the annual Antique Car Show in Big Bear.  They wowed the place and we all had a great time dancing to the classic 60′s tunes. You can see them and join the fan club of The Bald Eagles-better known as The Flock on Facebook.

943 E. University Blvd. #171

Tucson, AZ (@UA)

www.wilkotucson.com

It’s nice to be able to walk just across the street from campus-especially when it is sooo hot, and duck into a really cozy little spot, with ambiance, good food, and a wine bar. It will be even nicer when my youngest turns 21.

I love to give credit where credit is due, and nothing makes me prouder than to post my relatives or friends tried and true recipes. However, when that relative is one of my own children, I have hit the jackpot. I am proud to have raised little foodies whose eating lifestyles has been transformed by sharing farm fresh, locally grown, organic  food over our table throughout the years. And now, my daughter Lauren has taken it one step further by creating enjoyable beverages and a blog to share with others! Check her thoughts out at: BlueRoseGold, while sipping one of these tasty margaritas!

2/3 c. tequila

1/3 c. Triple Sec

Splash of orange juice

1/4 c. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 1/2 c. of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

Splash of sugar water

2 c. ice

Blend and pour into a sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!