4 minute read
A Little Bit of Heaven at Rafter Eleven
By Angie Johnson-Schmit
Named after and located on property that is part of the historic Rafter Eleven Ranch in Prescott Valley, Arizona, the establishment offers a beautiful venue for guests to gather and relax over an espresso or glass of wine. For owner Dawn Wasowicz, Rafter Eleven is a way to honor her family’s history while also creating a comfortable place for the community to connect.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome and delicious fare when they step through the doors, in line with Wasowicz’s ethos of creating a homey space for her guests. Rafter Eleven offers an eclectic mix of “easy gourmet” items ranging from jams and spices to aiolis and gift baskets available for purchase. Organic coffees and teas, wine, olive oils and infused Italian balsamic vinegars are available as well. These items make up the core of Rafter Eleven’s menu.
The espresso bar serves up fresh organic coffee, while tea drinkers have plenty of organic options to choose from. Customers frequently pair their java with one of Rafter Eleven’s fresh, homemade scones. Wasowicz noted that Rafter Eleven has become a popular stop for informal meetings or to catch your breath in the middle of a busy day. “We have business people from Phoenix who regularly stop here when they come up to Prescott Valley,” said Wasowicz.
The unexpected stars of Rafter Eleven are the extensive selections of olive oils and infused balsamic vinegars. Everything from their kitchen is made with their olive oils and balsamic vinegars, infusing their baked goods and dishes with unexpected, yet delightful flavors.
Rafter Eleven makes their own bread and scones every day, from scratch. For those looking for a savory option, they also serve fresh bread with olive oil and seasonal bruschetta. Paired with a glass of wine from their sizeable collection, it makes for a lovely late afternoon or early evening combination.
Guests passionate about wine won’t be disappointed by the selection of wines from around the world.
Rafter Eleven offers an extensive array of wines from Europe, California, Washington State, South America, Portugal, Austria and Australia. They also carry their own signature wines, Limitless Amazing Blend and Limitless Chardonnay. Guests can enjoy discovering new favorites with wine flights, wine by the glass, or by the bottle. Private wine tasting events are also available.
Infused balsamic vinegars are used to create stunning scone flavor combinations like Persian lime with white chocolate and coconut, strawberry and basil, and blood orange with dark chocolate. Wasowicz loves the infused balsamic vinegars and enjoys introducing guests to the wide range of flavors available. She counts them as staple ingredients and uses them in her own home kitchen as a quick way to add flavor to her meals. “It’s so easy to make life delicious,” said Wasowicz.
She likes adding a splash of an infused balsamic vinegar to water or iced tea for an extra flavor punch. Evidently, water dissipates the vinegar taste, leaving only the infused flavor. Her personal favorites are strawberry, and blackberry/ginger, which she notes is very good in iced tea. “We have small bottles with twist caps,” said Wasowicz. “I like to carry a few with me so I can add it to my water or tea on the go.”
Wasowicz is also a big fan of the health benefits of balsamic vinegars. There are studies that suggest balsamic vinegar can lower cholesterol, promote healthy digestion, and reduce blood sugar. While these vinegars are slightly sweet, they are actually low in calories. At just 10 calories per tablespoon, the infused balsamic vinegars can add a lot of flavor without adding a lot of calories.
Rafter Eleven also hosts regular events, including a monthly “Paint and Sip,” where participants gather to enjoy a glass of wine and paint. The event includes an art instructor, canvas and easel for each attendee. For Wasowicz, it’s another way for her guests to connect in a relaxed yet lively environment.
For visitors who wish to learn more about cooking with olive oils and infused balsamic vinegars, Rafter Eleven offers regular cooking classes. During these classes, participants can watch live cooking demonstrations and enjoy a five-course meal tasting, and each course is paired with a wine. Best of all, students leave with several recipes to try at home. These popular classes sell out quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Wasowicz believes the kitchen is the heart of family and Rafter Eleven is an extension of that idea.
Bringing the community together to reconnect with each other while enjoying great quality drinks and food is something she loves to do. It’s important to Wasowicz that guests savor their time at Rafter Eleven, and she is delighted when they want to take a little bit of that magic back home to their own kitchens.
