April, 2007

Rating : 10 out of 10

Tariff : Lunch for 2

• 1 appetizer
• 2 entrees
• 2 margaritas
• 2 beers
• 1 dessert
• tip
• $70

Atmosphere

We could smell the delicious aromas emanating from Oaxaca as we strolled into uptown Sedona from the public parking lot--how could we shop without sustenance? Once inside, one feels as if one has entered a grande ranchero in The Big Valley. This multilevel restaurant has thick walls, done to look like adobe, with arches and alcoves filled by tropical plants. There are multiple dining areas--several inside and several on enclosed porches. The upstairs porch doesn't have much in the way of character as far as decor, but its big windows look out over fabulous red rock outcroppings. Downstairs an inside porch has beautiful floor to ceiling arched windows, also giving a good view of the red rocks off in the distance as well as the shopping across the street. There are brick details set in the adobe walls and rough red clay floor tiles. Ceiling lamps are rustic chandeliers made like wagon wheels with punched tin lamps. The interior rooms are darker and cool; they include a bar area and a dining room with faux stone walls, pillars and wood slat ceilings. Even the bathroom was atmospheric--and believe me that's not always a good thing!--in this case the ladies room was small but decorated with corrugated tin walls and southwestern art.

Service

The hostess was nice and didn't mind us peeking into the various rooms to see where we would like to sit. Then she gave us a great window seat with view. Our waiter was very helpful and gave me a good recommendation as well as making a quick change when we realized we needed an appetizer, too.

Food & Drinks

We shared an appetizer of queso fresco quesadillos, which was traditional Mexican cheese grilled between flour tortillas. It turns out thin and crispy with a salty, mild cheese layer. On the side are two salsas. I think my own homemade salsa fresca is tastier than their version, but their tangy black bean and corn salsa is a winner. Our cervasas (beers) were frio (cold) and the "Carlita" margaritas "de las casa" were really good and strong--no premade sour mixers used here!

Entrees

One entree we tried was the fish tacos--crispy fried pieces of fresh cod, shredded mixed cabbage, salsa fresca, and crema on the side, with rice as a side dish--very tasty indeed. The Huevos Rancheros--eggs fried sunny side up with cheddar and jack cheeses over yellow corn tortillas with a red sauce--was baked in a single casserole and had a bit of everything in it, including mild green peppers and celery. Although the dish turned out to be creamy and good, the finished product wasn't so attractive. It was served with sides of super creamy refried pinto beans topped with melted cheese and rice. I would have liked to try a number of other specialties such as the tamales and the sopas as well.

Dessert

We barely had room but we wanted to try the sopapillas served with mesquite honey and cinnamon--they were freshly fried, warm, and delicious.

Oaxaca Restaurant
321 N. Highway 89A
P.O. Box 00 Sedona, AZ  86339
928- 282-4179