SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, the signature restaurant of Amara Resort and Spa, is unveiling a celestial-inspired seasonal menu crafted by the newly appointed Executive Chef Heather Feher featuring an array of elevated winter dishes, accompanied by a selection of new cocktails.

Since joining the team in August 2023, Chef Heather has been integrating her passions, including zero-waste practices, herbalism and thematic cuisine, into the beloved restaurant’s extensive Southwestern offerings. By pulling from her global experiences and travels, Chef Heather has created a menu that encapsulates Sedona’s restorative essence with ingredients and flavors that draw inspiration from the astrological season.

The new seasonal items include standout dishes such as the Spiced Pumpkin Soup ($14) with ginger and cardamom, hazelnut cream and frizzled leeks; Charred Spanish Octopus ($28) with a kalamata emulsion, fondant potatoes and micro arugula; Maple Farms Duck Breast ($46) with brown butter farro, sherry mushrooms, pomegranate and spiced hibiscus gastrique; and Scallops a la Meuniere ($39) with forbidden rice, fennel and hoja santa.

The fully refreshed dessert menu features decadent treats such as Olive Oil Cake ($13) with agave, orange marmalade, macerated berries and honey vanilla yogurt; Prickly Pear Flan ($13) with pistachio and white chocolate praline, coconut and hibiscus lime gel; and Red Wine Chocolate Spice Cake ($13) with chili chocolate ganache, buttermilk and cream cheese buttercream.

“I approach food with a philosophy that extends beyond simply incorporating seasonal produce to include ingredients that harmonize with the current cosmic energies,” Chef Heather said. “This astrological season is a time for healing and introspection, so I was very intentional to integrate ingredients that can help aid guests on their restorative journey when crafting this winter menu, while still staying true to SaltRock’s Southwestern roots. This can be found in ingredients such as the hoja santa in the Scallops a la Meuniere, which is known for its potent ability to open up the heart chakra and release emotional pains.”

The new dishes are perfectly complemented by the seasonal cocktails created by Lead Bartender Billy Langenbacher. The new libations include the Jackalope Sipper ($17) with Old Forester Bourbon, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice and spiced apple cider syrup; Desert Jewel ($16) with Suncliffe Gin, fresh lemon and pomegranate syrup; Red Rock Flip ($18) with Goslings Rum, Old Forester Bourbon, Mr Black Coffee, coconut cream, cinnamon syrup and egg; and Sedona Spice ($17) with Arizona Stronghold Red Wine Blend, pomegranate juice, apple cider, honey ginger and brandy.

The new dishes and cocktails pair effortlessly with SaltRock’s contemporary, warm and inviting ambiance. Guests can savor a libation at the bar or venture out to the expansive outdoor patio, which features heaters, shade sails and misters, ensuring year-round access and comfort while enjoying the restaurant’s unobstructed views of Snoopy and Cleopatra Rocks.  

For more information about SaltRock Southwest Kitchen or to make a reservation, visit AmaraResort.com/Eat-Drink/SaltRock or call 928-340-8803.

ABOUT SALTROCK SOUTHWEST KITCHEN
Located in the heart of Uptown Sedona within the Amara Resort and Spa, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen showcases a menu of modern, Southwestern cuisine featuring fresh, light and seasonal ingredients inspired by the Verde Valley. Under the direction of Executive Chef Heather Feher, the menu offers upscale, yet approachable favorites that share the spotlight with the unobstructed, picturesque views of Cleopatra Rock and Snoopy Rock. The restaurant’s award-winning craft cocktail program features the best selection of agave spirits in town with innovative libations that complement Sedona’s culture and environment while paying tribute to iconic local landmarks. Amara recently completed a multimillion-dollar, property-wide renovation that included a full refresh of SaltRock’s interior, as well as a revitalization of the expansive patio that provides the perfect destination for year-round alfresco dining. SaltRock is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information about SaltRock Southwest Kitchen or to make a reservation, visit AmaraResort.com/Eat-Drink/SaltRock or call 928-340-8803.