First, let me start off by saying this was an absolutely shitty week, honestly. My doctor had ordered a lumbar puncture last week (spinal tap) to check on some ongoing health issues and hopefully get me off some medication – but the hospital didn’t get me in to do it until Tuesday. The Radiologist and staff promised it would be easy, and a quick recovery. I was emphatic about my going on vacation at the end of the week and it would be any impediment, that we should do it when I get back. But they said it would be fine and I would be okay the next day. Yesterday, my regular doc had to prescribe percodan since I STILL had the headache and felt like my head was going to pop off. I am NOT pleased. Neither is my doctor – he didn’t think they were going to wait so long to get it done.
To make my clusterfrack of a week worse, yesterday on my way home, my brakes started squeaking – actually scratching and crunching – and I had just taken it last week for new rear brakes (and had to take it back once already for loose parking brake). So I couldn’t get on the road at 6am like I planned and had to drive back over near my office – way out of the way from where I needed to be headed – to get that problem fixed. At least they did it quickly and got me on the road by 9am (three plus hours late). This meant traffic was awful and there were several accidents on the way out of L.A. ARRRRGGGG
I finally got passed all the crap and out of LA by 11, and got on the 40 east towards AZ. I stopped in Kingman, hoping to figure out exactly where my grandparents had lived, but I wasn’t successful. I did get a brief tour of the historic district though before getting back on the freeway.
I finally arrived in Sedona (my destination) just after dark, almost 6:30 local time. It was a long drive and day. But I think sitting may have helped my back to help seal the puncture that was probably slowly leaking. The drugs helped too (mind you, I didn’t take any before driving…only after arriving).
I just got back from a lovely dinner at a restaurant I have gone to before with my friend Fuzzy, the Silver Saddle (www.cowboyclub.com) – it’s the fine dining side of the Cowboy Club. I started out with a nice glass of an Arizona wine (yes, they do exist) – Arizona Stronghold, a very lovely red blend. I need to hunt down a bottle to take home! The chef sent out an amuse bouche of buffalo (bison) tenderloin with bleu cheese on a crostini. It was very tasty and a nice start.
I then ordered a starter salad, the Silver Spur, which was romaine lettuce with bleu cheese, raspberries, candied pecans, shaved onions and a raspberry vinaigrette. It was quite satisfying.
Before they brought my main course, the waiter brought me a palate cleanser of a lemon-tequila sorbet. It hit the spot!
For my main, I had ordered the buffalo tenderloin (it’s really bison, but who cares). It was so incredibly tender, you really could have cut it with a butter knife. It sat atop a nice helping of pureed sweet potatoes, and topped with asparagus. The sweet potatoes were a nice combo of sweet and savory, and were mixed with a generous seasoning of cinnamon – which made it perfect. There was also an accompanying brandy peppercorn sauce. Of everything on the plate, the sauce was the least memorable. While it was tasty, it just lacked any bite that I expect from a peppercorn sauce. I think they could kick it up a notch and it would be perfect.
The only other complaint (if you could call it that) is one of my biggest pet peeves with restaurants. When they serve the bread, they always bring cold, rock hard butter. Room temp please! I like to spread it on the bread without ripping it apart.
To end my meal, I decided to go whole-hog and have dessert. I figured I needed a nice treat after such an awful week. I ordered the hot fudge sundae, which came with, of course, hot fudge, candied pecans, and lots of fresh whipped cream. It was really more than I needed or could eat, but I did polish off half of it. I accompanied it with a nice 20 year old tawny (or as I like to call it – tawdry) port.
Overall, it was an excellent meal, and the service was friendly and well done. My server Armando made sure I was taken care of throughout the meal.
Tomorrow, I get to go shopping and have signed up for a jeep tour! I should have lots of pictures! Oh, I almost forgot – I am staying at a wonderful hotel that I’ve stayed at several times: the Best Western Arroyo Roble right in uptown. It’s walking distance to all the shops, and they serve a great breakfast. Plus, I have a room on the top floor with great views of the red rocks! I will be sure to share pictures from the balcony.
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