An Enchanted Arizona Desert Dinner You Won't Forget

Nov 6

What do you get when you combine stunning Arizona wilderness settings, seasonal cuisine expertly prepared by top chefs, cocktails, wine and 130 strangers? One unforgettable meal (and 130 new friends from all over the country).

The September 29th dinner was put on by Cloth & Flame, which is essentially an events company that just happens to specialize in pinpointing amazing locations paired with unique dining experiences. The dinner began at a designated meet-up location and then all guests were bussed 20 minutes on a dirt road out to the Sonoran Desert, where we were greeted with a cocktail and herbed ricotta beet sliders while we mingled around a looooooooong, artfully-set banquet table. The surrounding and aptly named Superstition Mountains provided a majestic, cinnamon-colored backdrop for our 4-course feast.

As the sun set, illuminating the sky in oranges and pinks and yellows, we found our seats at the table and dug in. The first course was a salad of mixed greens, cucumbers and pickled strawberries, perfectly dressed with a tahini vinaigrette. And it just kept getting better from there. Mouthwatering halibut ceviche was followed by a creative take on “surf and turf” featuring sea salt-crusted culotte steak with coral oyster mushrooms. All courses were smartly paired with Spanish wines. The finale was limoncello roulade cake with mousseline cream—divine! (Side note: Given there is no electricity or running water in this particular area of the desert, the food was most impressively prepared.)

We highly recommend this experience for anyone who fancies themselves a foodie, or who is looking for a culinary adventure in the middle of the stunning Arizona desert. It also makes a great experience gift for those friends or family who have it all. Check the Cloth & Flame website for more info on upcoming feasts, to purchase gift cards, and learn about their other equally as exciting ventures.