LF Says: ★★★★★
If you see most of the tour itineraries that travel companies sell for US internationally, you’ll see the East Coast and West Coast being described and sold extravagantly. Midwest and Mountain regions are pretty much left to speak for themselves (except for the mighty Grand Canyon and bling-worth Las Vegas). Phoenix, Arizona, though lesser known, does have a reputation of being a must-visit among domestic travellers. Chicagoans have summer homes in Phoenix. New Yorkers traverse there when they need a little respite from the cold months. Californians visit the town for a mix of art, culture and an all-pervading peace which few destinations provide. Surrounded by mighty mountains, the natural beauty of Phoenix is unique. It’s a gem in the desert.
Offering mesmerising views, the lavish restaurant Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort takes advantage of the surrounding valley to present you with an experience which transcends beyond mere food consumption. This AAA Four diamond restaurant will leave you speechless at the ease and deliciousness cultivated throughout the entire experience. Walking through, you will be enticed by the atmosphere created by dim lighting, warm tones and a rustic mountainous feel. This was one of my most interesting restaurant experiences in the fast growing city of Phoenix, highlighted by the gorgeous sunset sights I got while dining there.
Upon arrival at Different Pointe of View, I was greeted by an amiable hostess who seated us by pulling out our large, cream-coloured chairs and placing our crisp black-clothed napkins in our laps. With immediate service of water, I felt right at home in their comfortable and luxurious chairs with delicate table settings. The speed of service and friendliness of staff throughout the entire experience was remarkable. I sat aghast at the beautiful view of Phoenix’s downtown and mountainous areas. The floor-to-ceiling windows for indoor diners made sure I didn’t miss much of the scene outside.
My appetite was first offered the Chopped Romaine & Red Quinoa salad. While missing a few ingredients, the floral presentation of the salad added simple elegance and enjoyment. The ingredients collided for a fresh and robust starter for a vegetarian or someone seeking a healthy option. Although I’m usually not the one to finish my whole salad, I cleaned this one off completely. I almost even licked the leftover dressing on the plate – it was so flamboyant! My guest enjoyed the Lobster Bisque, made with fresh lobster flown all the way from Maine, and served with a corn and piquillo creme. Plated in a large bowl, he finished every last drop as well of the smooth, warm orange bisque.
The beverages were no less creative. I picked out the Desert Oasis cocktail from the menu – a trifecta of refreshing, strong and a slight sour zing. Holding up to its name, it made me forget about the temperature of 105 degrees that evening. Nothing like a bit of bourbon to stir up good feelings. My guest had the Crimson Sun which lit up his face as much as the view. Muddled fresh raspberries called for Snapchat pictures and a freshness unlike many others. With a smooth taste, and strong undertones of rum, we sipped to fully engage ourselves with the mixology at work.
Although we were enjoying the Summer Prix-Fixe menu of the restaurant, Executive Chef Anthony Demuro specially whipped up some vegetarian recipes for me. For the next course, he created an impeccable dish of Leek Risotto with fresh mixed vegetables, adorned with edible decor of squash and carrot puree sauce. Each bite had a zesty burst of flavour for my taste buds, bringing comfort and happiness with each mouthful. The crispiness of the risotto was nicely offset by the vegetables, which melted in my mouth, as much as the dessert to come later.
My friend tried the Achiote Grilled Local Pork Tenderloin, which was grilled to perfection. Accompanied with green chili cheddar crispy polenta, pickled roasted pepper cilantro tapenade, sautéed baby zucchini and prickly pear syrup, the dish offered a balanced juxtaposition between sweet and tangy. The dish looked extremely beautiful as well as it displayed a variety of colors and shapes – much like a Mexican Sombrero hat!
All the food felt like it was cooked with love. The Chef stayed true to his food philosophy of serving colourful, flavorful local dishes. With a whopping 35 years of culinary experience, and 10 in this restaurant, his talent shows.
While the sun sets over the landscape with light pink and blue hues adding an air of wonder and romance, we receive our desserts of Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée and P.B. Mousse with Caramelized Banana Ice Cream. The mousse came carefully cut with a perfectly rounded scoop of ice cream and a large chocolate chip sticking from the top. With chocolate sauce and nuts drizzled across the plate, it made for a delectable and unforgettable dessert. Smooth textures coincided with a resounding crispiness. The Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée also gave us the crunch which is indicative of a good creme brûlée. Mixed with fresh berries, the softness and crunchiness altogether gave a mouthwatering bite every time.
Nothing beats the experience of eating dessert with an unabashed view of the sun setting splayed over Phoenix. It was easy to see how this restaurant was voted highly in many categories. A perfect destination for Instagram worthy pictures, we went back home with our stomachs full and a mental note to come back again.
LF Says: ★★★★★
Coordinates: 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
