This is what Phoenix is experiencing this weekend, which means by about 2pm, temps are approaching 120. I got the hell out of town and went up to Sedona for some relaxation, good food and great company . It’s still about 102 up here, but that is amazing compared to the Valley—trust me Indiana peeps! The dry heat makes all the difference!

Ali said she wanted to go as well….

I am sitting here on our patio at the Hilton on a huge bag of ice that the lady at the gym hooked me up with after I finished my PT exercises (did you hear that, Nicole!!! ) and my lap swimming (250 yards). I also managed 16 minutes on the elliptical. I felt compelled to get in some extra cardio after the amazing dinner we had last night.

We decided to check out one of the most popular restaurants in Sedona, Elote. This place is known for having 1.5-2 hour waits during peak times. It is Mexican food, but way better and different than your average place. Their website says “Cuisine inspired by the markets of Mexico.”

We lucked out and only had to wait 45 minutes for a table. We got drinks and their seasoned popcorn, and hung around outside in their waiting area. I had a blood orange limeade, and a non-alcoholic sangria, which were both really good! By the time we got called, we already knew exactly what we wanted.

For an appetizer, we got Elote and Blue Crab Flautas. Does anyone know the difference between a flauta and a taquito? Is there really a difference??

Elote

Flautas

They were both very good, but I think I liked the flautas the best, because crab is my favorite seafood. The crab was fresh and delicious! The guacamole served with the dish was great, as well!

This dish was the Buffalo Mole Poblano –which is braised Colorado Buffalo short ribs with classic Mole Poblano sauce. It was fall of the bone amazing! Both entrees were, actually.

This one was the Lamb Adobo – which is braised domestic Lamb shank, sweet and spicy Ancho chile sauce and cilantro crema.

I actually liked the lamb a little bit better than the buffalo. I think the slightly different taste of the sauce and the tenderness of the meat were the reasons why. Honestly, they were very similar, and to die for! If you visit Sedona, you have to try Elote!

This is what we came home to after dinner:

I mean does it get any sweeter than Ali sleeping on Adam’s sandals?? Little did she know what we had in store for her….

Buffalo rib!! She’s definitely getting to enjoy the nice places I have been dining at lately! We brought home 4 bones for her to enjoy this time. Can we say spoiled??

She’s spoiled and is the best photo bomber out there!

Check out the nice little fruit glass I made for breakfast! Ali thinks she needs some….I say, you had your bone, and there are more where that came from! It’s Mommy’s fruit!!

The fruit turned out to be awesome! I had a plum, a peach, and pineapple. I got a Bountiful Basket yesterday, which is a produce co-op that Karen told me about. It had peaches and plums, which I typically never buy at the store-but I think that’s going to change now! I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were!

That’s all for now….I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Stay out of the heat if you can, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!

Happy Trails,

Stacey