PRESCOTT, Ariz. - There’s no denying, if you want whiskey, you go to Prescott. However, if you also want top-notch food, you go to Prescott.
Within walking distance from Courthouse Square, you’ll find restaurants like The Raven Café, Prescott Brewing Company, The Lone Spur Café and Rosa’s Pizzeria just to name a few.
On Whiskey Row, dine among history at Bistro St. Michael or inside Arizona’s oldest saloon, The Palace.
Just a short walk across the Granite Creek, you’ll find a restaurant that will wake up your taste buds: El Gato Azul.
The name means "the blue cat."
“His name is Benny, cat of mischief and curiosity," said Barry Barbe, owner of El Gato Azul.
Maybe the name came about because the food, which is a Mediterranean southwest blend, will make your stomach purr.
“Our primary offerings are tapas, we have 60 different tapas which are small plates. Ours are a little larger, they are Prescott-sized we say," said Barbe.
One featured tapa is the Sante Fe Shrimp.
“It’s basically bacon-wrapped shrimp that is char grilled and the secret is the sauce which is garlic, cayenne, chili powder and honey," said Barbe.
Another featured tapa is the Sticky Chicken.
“Tandoori marinated chicken breast that is char grilled and topped with a hoisin sauce, crushed wasabi peas and black sesame seeds," said Barbe.
The menu is full of many other offerings.
“We have paella, BBQ ribs, croissant sandwiches, penne seafood pasta, several salad selections," said Barbe.
It continues with beef and blue tacos, lamb kebobs and fried goat cheese.
“We use a lot of local product, everything is prepared fresh in house every single day," said Barbe.
With a patio along Granite Creek, local artist’s artwork on the walls, and a roof covered in plants, this one-of-a-kind restaurant can be summed up like this:
“Prescott’s quirky cozy friendly place to meet. It’s where the locals come, it’s where the tourists come, it’s a great vibe, live music, a great mixture of southwest Mediterranean food, and we have a great staff," said Barbe.
That should be enough to PURR-suade all of you to check it out the blue cat in Prescott right meow.