I settled in the Sedona/Verde Valley about 12 years ago. My goal became to combine an idea I came across while traveling for work —a painting party venue—with a restaurant that would introduce locals and tourists alike to the culture and culinary arts of the Mediterranean.
I was lucky enough to find a very creative and outgoing Chef. Working together, we created a world-inspired, tapas-style menu. When guests taste the food, savor a Belgian craft beer or a wine from Portugal, they are traveling the world and hopefully becoming friends with that culture. You might say we have created a mini-United Nations of food!
Cottonwood is a small town of about 12,000 people in the heart of Arizona Wine Country and is close to the tourist mecca of Sedona which attracts up to 6,000,000 tourists each year. After searching and sketching out possible designs, I found a mid-century modern church and Sunday school building tucked away off Main across from a beautiful park. Considered a local, historic landmark, this was perfect! I bought both buildings and repurposed them. Now, the painting party venue is in the sanctuary and the restaurant is in the former school. The vision (or epiphany) I saw for the restaurant and expansive patio space was a Mediterranean décor featuring somewhat eclectic nuances. You can see right from the fire pits outside through the open window to the copper bar and lounge seating! Now, 3 Kings Kasbar is a hidden gem with its setting in Old Town Cottonwood.
Denise Kelly
Owner/Operator
