Moscato Italian Restaurant - Camp Verde

Got into town at seven or so and by the time we were ready to eat, it was closer to eight, but not quite. The (cough) concierge told us that there were a number of places open on Main street, but this just wasn’t true, and we were on foot, too tired, and it was too cold to spend a lot of time doing reconnaissance, but the town was shut down. A small Mexican restaurant winked down a side street. The only place that was open on Main was Moscato’s, and as we peered through the front windows like peasants in a Russian novel, I was astonished at the high tone and decoration of the place. It appeared out of place in this self-consciously rustic town, the restaurant had stumbled in here on its way to Scottsdale or Palm Springs. And we looked like crusty prospectors. But the staff was incredibly welcoming, and at our table we were flanked by a large vacationing aristocratic family from Mexico City on the one side and a foursome from Sedona on the other, who had driven down specifically for dinner at Moscato’s. And what a meal we had! Excellent service, and the Sicilian style Italian with the freshly made sausage, a real Caesar salad (anchovies and all), and amazing pasta… this place was outstanding. When looking at the menu I thought it would be ridiculous to pay these kind of prices, but when I’d finished, it seemed not only reasonable but a great deal for the quality meal we had. A true find.