About This Guide
These listings are a selective, rotating guide to area restaurants. The summaries reflect independent judgments; no fees were paid for inclusion. Price ranges, necessarily somewhat subjective, are: Inexpensive = $ or $20, Moderate = $$ or $21-30, Expensive = $$$ or $31-45, Very Expensive = $$$$ or $45 or up.
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Jerome
The Asylum Restaurant (American/Southwestern) 
Although this restaurant is a short drive from Sedona, The Asylum is such a special restaurant that we had to include it in this restaurant guide. Tucked inside the spooky Jerome Grand Hotel (built in 1926 as the United Verde Hospital), The Asylum Restaurant is more than just a spot to enjoy lunch or dinner – it’s an experience. Start with The Asylum’s sophisticated and award-winning wine list or browse the cheeky cocktail menu. The dinner menu features fish, pork, steaks and pastas with a decidedly Southwestern flair. We ordered the Char-Broiled Boneless Rib Eye Steak and Sonoran Spiced Chicken as our main courses. The 12-ounce steak one was one of the best we’ve ever had and was set on tomatillo salsa and horseradish sour cream sauce and served with steamed veggies, fried leeks and choice of fries or mashers. As for the chicken, it arrived swimming in a cilantro, onions and chili-pepper cream sauce on top of organic brown rice. Both entrées arrived covered in silver domes, which our server removed with a flourish. When was the last time you experienced that at a restaurant? No reservations are needed for lunch. The Asylum accepts dinner reservations via phone only at 928-639-3197. Open Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for lunch and dinner. • 200 Hill St. at the Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome (928-639-3197) ($$ TO $$$)
The Clinkscale Hotel, Bar + Grill (American/French)
The Clinkscale takes its name from the historic building (constructed in 1899) it’s inside of. Upstairs is a six-room boutique hotel. The Clinkscale manages to feel both modern and historic at once. Expect hardwood floors, leather and steel accents and exposed brick. We choose to sit by one of the large windows to watch people stroll by. Brunch here is always a good idea. We immediately devoured our savory and sweet Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with blueberry compote and maple syrup. The Original Egg Sandwich – bacon, avocado, tomato, American cheese, basil aioli – was decadent, flavorful and hearty. Best of all? Before noon from Monday through Friday, mimosas are just one penny with any brunch order. The rest of the menu is packed with sandwiches and salads. We enjoyed the texturerich Cheese Tortellini salad, a mix of greens, tomatoes, bacon, red onion, asiago, roasted pine nuts and creamy pesto dressing that’s a meal in its own right. The Artisan Grilled Cheese & Roasted Tomato Poblano Soup is of note. We loved the colorful presentation. The orange soup was served with a red tortilla chip. The sandwich featured a decadent and delightful mix of American, chevre and gruyere cheeses in between two slices of warm, toasted asiago bread. Cocktails here are creative and fun. We loved the Arizona Mojito, white rum, fresh lime, mint and prickly pear. This refreshing libation was tempered by the sweet prickly pear. We loved the oh-so Arizona ingredient in this mixed drink. It’s tough to find beignets, and that’s why we had to order them. These warm, fluffy doughnuts of sorts were light, dusted in powdered sugar and served with scrumptious vanilla bean custard and chocolate ganache. The beignets were a perfect way to end our meal at this outstanding restaurant. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., for brunch, lunch and dinner. • 309 Main Street in Jerome (928-634-6225) ($$ TO $$$)
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