The Verde Valley has grown into a popular getaway for wine lovers. Boutique vineyards thrive in the fertile volcanic soil and numerous tasting rooms have popped up in Old Town Cottonwood and on the narrow streets of Jerome.
So it’s no surprise that terrific restaurants have opened as well. Good wine and good food just naturally goes together.In addition to the art galleries, antiques shops, historic sites and scenic beauty, the Verde Valley has becomea culinary destination. That’s a big win-win for travelers.
On your next road trip, treat your taste buds to these excellent eateries in Cottonwood and Jerome.
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Pizzeria Bocce
This swank pizzeria in Old Town has helped define Cottonwood’s rising culinary scene, creating a spot that is sophisticated and authentic.
Chef Michelle Jurisin traveled to Italy to become certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana. Pizzas are made the traditional way, using imported Caputo flour to form the hand-stretched crusts. They’re topped with fresh ingredients cooked in the wood-burning oven.
The most popular is Cire’s ($14) with house-made Italian sausage, pepperoni, ricotta, mushrooms, basil and fresh mozzarella. The Meat Pie ($15) comes heaped with pepperoni, prosciutto, sopressata, Italian sausage and mozzarella.
It's hard to believe the stylish space filled with shiny marble tabletops, weathered wood and custom ironwork is a former garage. A beautiful stone patio with benches and comfy couches surrounds a fire pit and bocce court. It’s a great place to relax with one of thespecialty co*cktails.
Details: 1060 N. Main St., Cottonwood.928-202-3597,www.boccecottonwood.com.
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Paradise Point Cafe
Everything about Paradise Point Cafefeels like a blissful little escape. Step off Main Street into a narrow courtyard where you’re greeted by the sound of a splashing fountain. Three tables line one wall in front of a colorful tile mural.
Inside, the small cafeis cool and dark. Soft music plays and water cascades down another fountain. Pleasing aromas snag your attention. The glass display case is filled with pies, cakes, cookies and brownies. When Paradise Point opened in November 2014, it was all about desserts. Walnut pear coffeecake ($4), salted caramel apple pie ($4.75) and the lush gluten-free carrot cake ($5) have consistently been the best sellers.
They recently added a handful of savory items to appease customers who felt a little guilty about just eating dessert. Spoiler alert: They’re just as delicious as the goodies that follow. The spinach leek bell pepper pie ($5.25) and strawberry spinach salad ($6.25) are the top sellers.
Details: 1029 N. Main St., Cottonwood.928-634-5901,www.facebook.com/Paradisepointcafe.
Editor's Note: Click on the arrow next to the title on the top left corner of themap to select Cottonwood or Jeromerestaurants to display.
Cork and Catch
As the name implies, this little restaurant has a way with seafood. Andno matter what your selection, they can pair it with an intriguing wine, one you don’t find at the corner grocery.
Cork and Catch is just enough off the beaten path that it remains a bit of a secret. But with food this good, that won’t last. If you show up for lunch, try the Bourbon Street salad ($12), a fresh medley of romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, sweet onions, mangoand house croutons, topped with blackened salmon. Everything, including salad dressings, is made from scratch.
The dinner menu offers a nice variety of steaks, chicken, pasta and salads but it’s hard to stay out of the sea. The Mediterranean jumbo seared scallops ($20) are sweetly tender and served with sautéed tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese and balsamic reduction. They also dish up a prime rib dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Details: 1750 E. Villa Drive, Cottonwood. 928-649-2675, www.corkandcatch.com.
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Verde Lea Market Deli and Grill
From the outside, Verde Lea looks like an unassuming neighborhood grocery but don’t be fooled. Inside it’s an unassuming neighborhood grocery that serves up a diverse menu of surprisingly delicious food.
Everything is made fresh, from fries to tortillas to salsas. Tacos caramelos ($6.99) are packed with tender carne asada, beans, cabbage, onions, cilantro and melted cheese wrapped in flour tortillas. Vegetarians will enjoy the grilled artichoke and cheese sandwich ($7.99) with bell peppers, mushrooms and grilled onions.
Order at the deli counter, then grab one of the dozen tables. Be sure to take advantage of the fresh salsa bar. The house specialty is the addictive torta ($6.99), a monster sandwich that practically built the business. It starts with telera bread for a hint of sweetness, followed by a layer of beans, a heaping portion of carne asada, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a fistful of jalapeños.
Details: 516 N. Main St., Cottonwood. 928-634-8731, www.verdelea.com.
Haunted Hamburger
Open since 1994, this eatery has been an anchor of Jerome's restaurant scene. The former boardinghouse clings to the side of the mountain, sneering at gravity like so many buildings in the former mining town turned artist colony.
The cozy dining room hasbig picture windows but snag a seat outside if possible, either on the covered deck or the View Bar that was added last year. Vistas roll across the Verde Valley to the red cliffs of Sedona and the San Francisco Peaks beyond.
The menu features chicken, fish, ribs and salads but come on — you’re sitting in a place called the Haunted Hamburger. Treat yourself to a generous pattyof beef cradled on a cushiony bun baked fresh on the premises.
The Haunted Burger ($13) is piled high with an unholy combo of bacon, green chiles, grilled onions, guacamole and Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Or stick with the basic cheeseburger ($10) and drag it through the well-stocked toppings bar.
Details: 410 Clark St., Jerome. 928-634-0554, www.thehauntedhamburger.com.
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3 more Cottonwood restaurants
•Red Rooster Café has been an Old Town favorite for several years, known for delicious and hearty breakfasts and lunches of salads, sandwiches and wraps. 901 Main St.928-649-8100, www.oldtownredroostercafe.com.
•Abbie’s Kitchen, an intimate fine-dining establishment, serves exquisitely prepared dinners in a historic miner’s house. Start with the wild mushroom crepe appetizer. 778 N. Main St.928-634-3300, www.abbieskitchen.com.
•Farside Bistro is an authentic Mediterranean and Persian restaurant with a full slate of kebabs, lamb, chicken and tasty dips. 1075 S. State Route260.928-649-6563, www.farsidebistro.com.
3 more Jerome restaurants
•Mile High Grill & Inn does it all, from breakfast to dinner, and even offers overnight lodging. It's known for hand-pressed half-pound burgers and house-made bread pudding. 309 Main St.928-634-5094, www.milehighgrillandinn.com.
•Grapes Restaurant & Bar specializes in pizzas and heaping pasta combosyou create yourself. There are nightly specials on weekdays. 111 Main St.928-639-8477, www.grapesjerome.com.
•Bobby D’s BBQ proves hard to resist, with the aroma of tender meats being slow-smoked over pecan wood wafting down the street. Sit indoors in the historic English Kitchen building or outside on thespacious deck. 119 Jerome Ave.928-634-6235, www.bobbydsbbqjerome.com.
Dining Around Arizona
Eat your way around Arizona with Roger Naylor as your guide. Every month in 2016, he'll tip you off to top restaurants in a city or region.
Coming in July: Deliciousness in Greer andSpringerville/Eagar.
