The Hassayampa Inn -
the most elegant of all the Prescott Hotels

The Historic Hassayampa Inn at the corner of Gurley and Marina in downtown Prescott has held it’s place as the most elegant of Prescott Hotels since 1927.

The beautifully restored art deco “frescos” in the lobby are worth a trip to this historic Inn all by themselves. But that’s not why we are here. We have come for dinner and that means the Peacock Dining Room.

To me the Peacock Dining Room is one of the most elegant places to dine in Arizona.

The tall, beautifully proportioned windows are trimmed in fluted molding. Hanging lamps reminiscent of opal, the elegant period lamps and etched glass screen panels take you back to a more refined period of Prescott’s history. Live plants behind the tapestry covered banquettes, fresh white table cloths and cut flowers on each table complete a truly elegant setting.

Since we were dining early, around 6:00 pm, on a Saturday night there was plenty of room in the dining room when we arrived, but if our experience is any indication, reservations would be advisable after 6:00 pm,.

The dining room was full by 7:00 pm and diners were being seated in the adjoining 1927 room

Our hostess showed us to one of the spacious banquettes where she pulled the table out to allow us to sit without the usual scooting around. Thoughtful, I like it.

Our busperson, Kaillena, showed up immediately and promptly filled our drink orders, pointed out the wine list and left us with menus.

Even though there are significant gaps in the wine list, for example no Oregon Pinots and, given the Spanish heritage of Chef Pedro Sevilla and the Spanish tilt of the menu, not nearly enough Spanish wines. I would still characterize the wine list as good. The selections that are included should satisfy all but the most hardcore oenophile.

There are a couple of wines by the glass in each category, which again was adequate if not awe inspiring. Prices range from $6 to $11.

The Hassayampa Inn recruited Executive Chef Pedro Sevilla early in 2008. Since his arrival he has been busy putting his stamp on the Hassayampa Inn menu and, indirectly, the entire Prescott restaurant scene.

Chef Sevilla and the Peacock Dining Room have raised the bar for fine dining in Prescott.

The menu, now completely owned by the Chef, includes both classic and unusual offerings in every category.

Appetizers range from Jumbo Prawn Cocktail to Clams Catalonian Style which my wife and I shared. $8.50 to $13.50.

The Catalonian Style Clams in lobster, tomato and almond sauce were spectacular and not to be missed. I hate to admit it, but I was spooning up the sauce as if it was soup!

Entrees include standards like prime rib, seafood offerings with a twist – Sea Scallops Saffronette and unique dishes like Broiled Loin of baby Lamb in Eucalyptus Honey Sauce. $15 to $34

I opted for the Pork Tender Calavados $24 and my wife ordered the Cajun Pasta with sautéed chicken, shrimp and Andouille sausage $21.00. Entrees come with fresh bread, soup or salad, potato or rice and a vegetable.

The pork tenderloin was excellent, tender and flavorful. The calavados sauce contributed to the flavor of the pork rather than over whelming it, well done!

The Cajun Pasta was just a bit disjointed. The chicken was served on top of the dish – almost as an after thought. We would have preferred that the chicken be incorporated into the dish. Anyway, the pasta was al dente – just right, the Andouille was delicious and the shrimp – well the shrimp were not as good as they should have been. We couldn’t really put our finger on what was wrong with them – but something. The New Orleans sauce was very good although not quite as spicy as I prefer. I think many others would find the sauce perfect.

All in all the Cajun Pasta was good and would have been excellent if the shrimp had been as good as the rest of the dish. The pork tenderloin was excellent with no reservations at all.

I Highly recommend The Hassayampa Inn, Peacock Dining Room as the perfect place for an elegant, creative and well prepared meal, a romantic evening or the ideal place to show out of town guests a glimpse of Prescott’s more refined past.

• Location: 122 E. Gurley Street, 1 block east of the town square on the corner of Gurley and Marina.
• Parking: There is parking on Gurley and Marina, but it is usually taken. Try the Hassayampa Inn parking lot just across the street form the Hotel on Marina.

• Décor: Elegant art deco.

• Noise Level: Low. Conducive to quiet conversation.

• Serving: Breakfast is 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 7 days a week. Sunday Brunch is 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

• Cost: Expensive by Prescott standards.

• Service: Good, efficient and friendly.

• Rating: Very Good for Dinner

• Phone#: 928.778.9434

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