Troon Dines
Inspired Pizza
A tasty retreat at Talking Rock Ranch
If your ideal desert oasis had great pizza — handcrafted, wood-fired, and topped with the freshest ingredients — then it’s Talking Rock Ranch you’d be daydreaming about. An exclusive residential community tucked away in the high desert of Arizona just a short journey north of Prescott, with a mild four-season climate, abundant sunshine, and sprawling horizons, Talking Rock’s newest dining destination and social hotspot is The 1800.
Envisioned and developed by Symmetry Companies, Talking Rock Ranch features a Troon Privé golf course, clubhouse, and an array of unique (especially outdoor) experiences. Fittingly named for its menu offerings and the locale’s rich history, The 1800 serves up artisan-round pizzas and a curated selection of local wines, craft beers, and cocktails, a concept developed by Troon company, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design; and designed by SWABACK Architects + Planners.
The concise, yet inspired menu is presented amidst the backdrop of Granite Mountain’s crests and a vast, natural landscape, which was first settled in the late 1800s as Cooper-Morgan Ranch. Jack Cooper and his daughter, Learah Cooper-Morgan, established a family legacy of raising cattle, sheep, and angora goats on the property. Across the community, other venues are named in honor of the land’s heritage, too, like the Ranch House, Coop’s General Store, and Morgan’s Bar & Grill.
The entrance of The 1800, framed by sliding, red barn doors, reveals a rustic, yet modern scene with lantern lighting and natural stone and wood accents. Fire-side tables are surrounded by cushy chairs, and oversize high tops offer comfortable seating for groups. Sky views peek through structural arches, and the fresh, open-air vibe of the mostly-covered space cues a casual, cozy ambiance and relaxed pace.
“As our community continues to grow, we remain focused on elevating our offerings by creating unique and sought-after spaces for our members to enjoy,” explained Jay Frank, general manager of Talking Rock Ranch. “The 1800 seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing members and guests to enjoy spectacular views and sunsets while dining and socializing. This design philosophy mirrors our ownership’s emphasis on living in harmony with the natural environment.”
The smell of wood-fired dough wafts through the air, while spots at the pizza bar provide front-row views of the culinary team’s pizza-making performances behind the glass-encased kitchen, which was also designed by RealFood.
“Being in the small town of Prescott, it’s hard to come by a decent pizza, and as a former East Coast chef, one thing I miss is a good slice,” said Kyle Ross, executive chef at Talking Rock for the last three years. “Pizza is one food that everyone loves, but a good pizza is all about the ingredients — the dough, the sauce, the cheese, and the toppings. We aim to create that perfect balance in every slice.”
For more information:
www.TalkingRockAZ.com