A vortex is created from spiraling motion of air or liquid around a center of rotation. If you have ever witnessed a “dust devil” kick up in the desert, then you have seen a vortex. In Sedona, folks believe that vortexes are created, not by wind or water, but from spiraling energy. The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate to prayer, mediation and healing. The four “vortexes” of Sedona are said to be found at Red Rock Crossing, Saddle of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Well, can’t say as I know much about the spirituality thing. I keep looking but am just unable to find it. After spending several days on a recent family trip to Sedona, I can say that the place does bring a certain inner comfort and peace. Looking out at the place makes one just kind of feel good. I don’t really know another way to describe it.
With the spirituality thing out of the way, I can tell you that while in Sedona, I was able to find vortex of a different sort, based in the soul of the agave plant. Although the town’s night life seems to live and die with tourism, I was able to find a few vortexes of my own.
At the Cowboy Club in the downtown area, I washed down a nice plate of ribs with an old stand by, Tres Generaciones. Went with the plata, icy cold and backed it with a tall bottle of Bud. The family tried a little snake for an appetizer; personally I stay away from anything reptilian – dead or alive. The TG is nothing fancy – you can get it most anywhere and I am sure the aficionados who read this will call me a “poser”. Screw em. The stuff is sweet, refreshing and tastes pretty damn good.
A strong sense of spirituality was also wafting throughout the “Elote Café”. The Elote was apparently opened recently by a fairly successful LA /Phoenix chef. Don’t know much about him, but can say that the food was fantastic. You could fill a bathtub with the elote’ appetizer, a roasted corn kind of thing. Just great.
The bar at Elote’ was manned by a particularly skilled young woman, Celia. The house specialty, a grapefruit margarita, is hall of fame worthy – fresh juices, Herradura Reposado and Grand Marnier. Nice. Personally, I stuck with what I stick with – a nice tequila neat – in this case, the Partida Plata – and a cold beer – went with a local lager from the Oak Creek brewery. The Partida was just perfect with the beer. So perfect, I had two of each. We may have won that Mexican-American war thing more than a century ago, but I am sure glad those folks left a little to remember them by. And again, I just cant say enough about Celia, the barkeep. She filled every glass in the restaurant, and kept the bar patrons happy to boot. She could wear an apron in my place any time.
Our stay in Sedona was at the Amara Resort. A perfect intersection of spectacular scenery, comfort and Sedona location. The bar flowed nicely from inside to a spectacular outside view. In a seemingly fitting complement to the atmosphere, the bar was frequently manned by a fellow named “Merlin”. You heard me. Anyway, more magic was certainly found in a new tequila try for me, the Republic Anejo. A bit lighter than most anejos, but a real smooth taste that combined flavors of caramel, chocolate and some spice. Backed with another of those Oak Creek lagers, this was “good eats” from a TQB standpoint.
Our trip to Sedona was one all will remember. I did find a certain peace in the place and undoubtedly a great joy in its watering holes. The hunt for spirituality, however, continues.
