The leaves, in shades of red, orange, and gold, whipped along the sides of the car as I made my way up the 179 toward Sedona. November was the perfect time for a vacation getaway to clear my head and enjoy some Arizona wineries and restaurants. It had been far too long since I had taken time for myself, time to unwind and enjoy life.
My flight from Chicago arrived in Phoenix around noon that day, where I picked up my rental car and headed north. After nearly a two-hour drive, I made a quick stop at the vacation home rental to drop off my luggage and make a pit stop before heading into town. The clear blue sky was the perfect backdrop to the red rocks and fall leaves.
It was nearly three as I pulled into town, so I was quite hungry, not having eaten yet. The change in altitude has a nasty habit of upsetting my stomach, so I never attempt to eat anything more than the free peanuts or pretzels on the flight. As I made my way through town, several cute little shops and restaurants lined the two-lane road. In dire need of some food and a glass of wine, I pulled off at a rustic Italian bistro and tasting room, La Cucina di Diego.
Fashioned after a Tuscan-style home, there was only enough room for about eight four-person tables inside. The walls had been decorated with beautiful oil paintings of the old country and family photos from multiple generations, some in worn black and white. I hoped that this was a family-owned restaurant, and so far, it appeared that I would not be disappointed.
Luckily, I had missed the lunch rush, so getting a table was no problem. The hostess was friendly and sat me at a small table near a window. So far, so good. I looked the menu over and had just decided on a glass of 2019 Bayshan from Arizona Stronghold when he appeared out of nowhere.
"Welcome in." There was something rugged yet soothing in his voice and a hint of an old-world Italian accent. "Can I get you a glass of wine?"
"Hello." Looking up from my menu, I discovered he was just as rugged and sexy as his voice. Dark flowing hair, those brown puppy dog eyes, and his chiseled jawline left me struggling to remember my name, let alone what wine I wanted to order. "I...uh... sure. I'll have a glass of the Bayshan."
"Excellent choice. Let me bring that right out for you." There was something about him that immediately set me at ease. The warmth and sincerity of his smile were reminiscent of a family friend welcoming me home after years spent away. Of course, it didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
I watched from my table as he made his way behind the bar. He cleaned my glass before holding it up to the light by the stem to ensure it was free of dust and smudges. Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps he was giving me special treatment, but he opened a fresh bottle before pouring my glass and returning to my table.
"Here we are." He set the glass gingerly on the table, still holding it by the stem so as not to leave his paw prints on the glass. "And will you be having any food with us today?"
"Hmm... This is my first time here. What would you recommend?" I smiled and bit my lip playfully as I looked up from my menu. A little trick I learned from Cosmo.
"That is a difficult question. But, I promise you, there is no wrong choice." He took my menu out of my hands. "Is there anything you don't prefer?"
