38 FEBRUARY 2024 M any people know that Arizona has a great food scene. The annual James Beard Awards, often called the “Oscars of the food world,” has recognized many of our state’s chefs and restaurants for their outstanding food, creativity, and hospitality. Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona and Flagstaff are packed with great restaurants, but if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, you’ll find that Arizona’s small towns also offer outstanding culinary delights. Cottonwood boasts an authentic farm-to-table experience where you can drink the wine right off the vine. Longtime Verde Valley winemaker and resident rock star Maynard James Keenan (of the band Tool) welcomes guests to his hilltop winery and trattoria. The restaurant has a 270-degree view of the Verde Valley, and the chef creates his menu with ingredients harvested from the Merkin gardens, greenhouses and orchards. Signature dishes include lasagna cupcakes, Merkin Mac and Cheese with prickly pear-infused pasta and tagliolini e ragu with Arizona-fed beef. Located at the base of the complex is the Merkin Vineyards Pocket Park Gelateria, where visitors can enjoy freshly made gelato and grab a token for the hilltop tram that will transport you to the top of the development – a nod to the area’s copper mining past. Another mouth-watering haven tucked away amidst a sea of towering pines is the Old Country Inn in the Mogollon Rim town of Pine. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired dishes – everything from wood-fired wings to pies. Enjoy the house-made bread sticks dipped in green chili beer cheese and pizza topped with ingredients like roasted pork and green chili or roast chicken and BBQ sauce. The chocolate macadamia cast iron cookie is a must-have for those with a sweet tooth. For chef and owner Michael Dahling, a New York native who left a corporate job to enjoy the slower pace of Northern Arizona, this is a labor of love. “Our philosophy is simple: great, well-made food doesn’t have to be stuffy or expensive. It should be made for all to enjoy. Head over for a pint of Arizona craft beer and a darn good pizza and enjoy the stunning views our beautiful rim country has to offer,” Dahling said. An Arizona Highways Television favorite is The Turquoise Room in Winslow. Located in the restored 1930 La Posada Hotel, a Fred Harvey hostelry designed by famed architect Mary Colter, the restaurant is steeped in culture and history. The menu is inspired by Native traditions and Four Corners ingredients – such as the Hopi hummus, made with reservation-grown tepary beans – or the signature soup made of half-creamed sweet corn and half-spicy black bean. Other dishes include the free-range bison short ribs, pork carnitas and the Southwest vegetable platter with hemp tamales. The La Posada and the Turquoise Room have built a reputation as the finest hotel and restaurant on Route 66. Chef Sharp was nominated twice for a James Beard award as best chef in the Southwest for his unique interpretation of regional classics. Sharp retired a few years ago, but his crew keeps his traditions and legacy strong. This culinary gem is sparkling for return customers and new guests who make a special stop just off an Arizona Highway. Expand your foodie game at these hidden gems in Arizona Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Restaurants in Cottonwood, Pine and Winslow are full of culinary surprises. 3847 E HIGHLAND AVE | PHOENIX $2,995,000 | 4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,650 SQ. FT. ALI GUELKER | 602-920-8101 7181 E CAMELBACK RD, 703 | SCOTTSDALE $3,750,000 | 2 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 2,922 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 4021 E CLAREMONT AVE | PARADISE VALLEY $7,000,000 | 4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 6,100 SQ. FT. THOMAS SCOTT | 480-482-9260  5112 N 35TH ST | PHOENIX $2,400,000 | 5 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 4,093 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270 5136 N 10TH WAY | PHOENIX $1,795,000 | 4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,525 SQ. FT. KATRINA BARRETT | 520-403-5270