Dan’s Bistro ~ Sedona, Arizona – Part of the package of our Perfect Pairings Gourmet Getaway Sedona was a chef’s table dining experience.  The chef in line for our particular experience was Chef Dan Martin and his newly opened Dan’s Bistro.

Chef Dan knew he wanted to be a chef when he was eight years old. He started pursuing his career while living in Tehran, Iran in the 1970’s. After living through the fall of the Shah in 1979 Chef Dan returned to the United States and jumped feet first into the food service industry. For the past five years Chef Dan has been the Executive Chef/Food & Beverage director of Seven Canyons Private Golf and Residence Club.

Dan’s Bistro bucks the trend of many new restaurants that fail in their first year by keeping things personal and intimate with only seven tables.

You should also know that Dan’s Bistro is also BYOB with a $4 corkage fee.  Having just come in from a Verde Valley wine tour, we came in with a great bottle of wine from The Pillsbury Wine Company that we wanted to enjoy.

To be completely honest, I was a little apprehensive about our visit to the newly opened Dan’s Bistro because normally we don’t visit a restaurant unless it has been vetted through our selection process.  We were going in blind, completely relying on the selection process by the fine folks at Perfect Pairings Gourmet Getaway Sedona.

Thankfully, our fears were washed away after our first bite, and we then settled back to enjoy a wonderful dining experience.

Our dining experience began with Corn, Green Chile and Zucchini Fritters (cilantro lime aioli).  Wonderful.  Wonderful. Wonderful!

As we were here to let Dan strut his gastronomical feathers, he also brought out Artichoke, Spinach and Green Chili Dip (fresh tostados).  Now, mind me, this was some powerfully good artichoke dip, but while the others weren’t looking, I was sneaking more fritters.  Shhhh.  Don’t tell.

Now.  I just loves me some fine Tortilla Soup, and gleefully that was next on our journey.  Major YUM alert here folks.  Absolutely delish!

Next up was Braised Red Chile Lamb Shank (chipotle cream potatoes, grilled vegetables).  This incredible dish was three parts grandma’s best home cooking combined with two parts world class cuisine.  Comfort food with a gourmet kicker.  Stupendous, I tell you, stupendous!  Here’s where we all stand to shout loud plaudits of praise to the chef.

Well, we didn’t actually scream loud plaudits, there were other guests to take into consideration.  But we should have.  It was that good!

Last, but certainly not least, was Apple Almond Tart (caramel sauce and chantilly cream).  Hmmm.  Break out the espresso!

Now, please understand, Dan’s Bistro is not one of the hoighty-toighty eateries that you will find in Scottsdale with valet dudes rushing around to park the next Bentley, Austin Martin, or Mercedes Benz. Furthermore, you will need to bring your own bottle of bubbly.

Nonetheless, we can heartily recommend Dan’s Bistro.  We greatly enjoyed our meal, and I heard a lot of ooh’s and aah’s from others dining around us.

A spectacular meal in an intimate bistro setting.

Oh, make certain you call for reservations.  There is definitely limited seating.

Disclosure:  this dining experience was provided by Dan’s Bistro as part of our Perfect Pairings Gourmet Getaway Sedona media tour.