Meet Jeff Smedstad | Chef/ Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Smedstad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, how do you think about risk?
I risked leaving a busy restaurant behind in Scottsdale in pursuit of happiness. I moved to a small town that I loved but not many people knew me and I had to prove myself again. I always wanted to do my own thing in my style. I was willing to go for broke and if it did not work out I would have been able to live with it. I have continued to take risks my whole career and they seem to get bigger all the time. I self published a cookbook when the traditional route did not pan out and now have two best selling books. I took risks when doing food and drink that was not the status quo. I risked my retirement savings on a new building during covid when many would have not done that. I risked paying my employees when I had no income because I believe they as a group are a giant part of the success of Elote.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a business owner and Chef I have to balance between business responsibilities and creativity. Elote is about a team and a spirit where we work hard and strive to give our best every night. Along the way and over the years I have overcome challenges and it has not been easy, I have surrounded myself with good people and in turn I do what I can to support their wellbeing and in a sense this becomes a circle that creates more and more good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In and around Sedona, I would take them out for a beer and burger at Sedona Brewing company, always great, off for a pastry at Indian Gardens in the Canyon, head over to a food truck in Uptown MoMo’s kitchen for Korean , Vino de Sedona for some wine and snacks and that should cover it for food. A nice hike at West Fork and a tour of the fish hatchery in Page Springs. and some wine at Page Springs Cellars followed by a visit to Jerome for the views. Also a climb up Cathedral Rock to really take in the spirit of Sedona.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shout out to everyone who has ever worked with me, some nights are crazy and I would not be where I am today without my team past and present. Thanks for sharing in my crazy dreams! In my life nobody has done more for me than my wife Susie. At Elote the team has always been amazing but a special word to my General Manager Juan Rojas and my Co- Chef Elmer Guerra.

Website: www.elotecafe.com

Instagram: @elote_cafe

Facebook: Elote Cafe

Image Credits
Jill Richards Photography