CHEF LISA DAHL

SEDONA, ARIZONA

By Elaine & Scott Harris

The stunning mountains of the esoteric Arizona town of Sedona, Arizona, is where executive Chef Lisa Dahl found her place in becoming the restauranteur and entrepreneur that transformed her life into a culinary empire along the rolling red hills of this popular tourist destination. After the tragic death of her beloved son, Justin, Lisa Dahl found herself bereft of joy and wondering if she could recover from the shock and pain. After spending many years in the fashion industry, she made the leap into a new career and a new location with her son’s legacy in mind. Justin and Lisa had a deep love of the culinary world, cooking and creating together by composing new dishes before his life was cut short as a young adult. It would take many years through courageous perseverance to overcome the difficulties of the culinary world of which she learned day by day. Funneling her grief into hard work, she found success with her first venue Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, in 1995.

“I found my love again—my soul and passion for life and food,” said Lisa in a recent interview. By crafting the food that spoke to her soul, she rediscovered the passion and love that seemed to have evaporated in the aftermath of her tragic loss. With that drive, she has expanded her businesses to form Dahl Restaurant Group that now encompasses five of the most sought-out restaurants in Northern Arizona: Dahl & Di Luca, Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, and the newest addition, Butterfly Burger, A Couture Burger Bar.

It seems appropriate that the theme of transformation runs through her business ethos. Just as the caterpillar is transmuting within the silky cocooned web, Lisa found the intrinsic energy within the red hills of Sedona to emerge sturdier and more competent by expanding her culinary empire. Butterfly Burger, A Couture Burger Bar, opened just prior to the most challenging time in recent history. Dahl’s culinary wings continue to strengthen with innovative dishes such as the marvelous Mowee Bites, lettuce tacos with spicy wasabi sauce that take tacos to a healthier yet almost addicting level. The signature Butterfly Burger composed of a perfectly cooked all-natural Creekstone Farm beef, layered with creamy guacamole, peppered bacon, Manchego Cheese on an Aioli-laden Artisan bun is a must. Vegan and Vegetarian options are available. Boozy Shakes and handcrafted cocktails will quell your desert-induced thirst. With many dining options to choose from, reservations are recommended for most venues, while Butterfly Burger is first-come, first-served. Come early and wing your way into a meal that just might change your life.

To find out more about these fabulous locations visit  www.dahlrestaurantgroup.com

“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.”
– Joseph Campbell