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| - As a rule, I avoid hotel restaurants. However, I am pleased to break my rule for T. Cook's at the Royal Palms Resort.
Look no further than T. Cook's for the best place in Phoenix for a romantic dinner with your sweetie. This place is tops in terms of atmosphere. The grounds of the Royal Palms Resort are impeccable and the whole place has the vibe of a genteel estate you wish was handed down from generation to generation in your own family. This place oozes Old World/Spanish Colonial charm in a good way.
Arrive a few minutes early and stroll the grounds before your dinner. Check out the courtyard and the reflecting pool. It's amazing to think that before this place underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, there was a pink heart-shaped pool on the grounds. The kitsch is gone and this grand dame has been returned to her 1920s grace.
Given the spectacular setting, T. Cook's doesn't have to be as good as it is. The BF and I have enjoyed several fine meals at this restaurant. The decor of the restaurant is lovely, of course. Check out the palm tree that grows up through the roof. The room features colonial Spanish architecture, a vaulted ceiling and ubiquitous Old World elegance. The service is also graceful and relaxed.
As for the food, the real surprise is the seafood is at T. Cook's. In fact, the very best seafood I have eaten in Phoenix has been at T. Cook's. I am always a sucker for lobster bisque and the version at T. Cook's is top notch. It's lush and silky and every bit as indulgent as lobster bisque should be. The scallops are also outstanding and perfectly prepared. I'm not one to order fish as my entree very often, but the BF and I have done that at T. Cook's with wonderful results. Try the seafood here, it's truly spectacular.
T. Cook's is very proud of its fire-roasted specialties and the fireplace is gorgeous and really adds to the atmosphere. One time our waiter suggested we try the Mediterranean paella with the optional lobster tail and claw. This was the one main dish we would not order again. The paella tasted like it sat around partially cooked and then they just warmed it over the fire when we ordered it. I'd never order this dish again, but I would not let this stand in my way of coming back to T. Cook's, either.
One time we tried the Cream Cheese Brulee because it's T. Cook's signature dessert. It's a caramel cheesecake and vanilla creme brulee served with fresh berries and guava sauce. Unfortunately, it was sickly, sickly sweet. I'm not a huge fan of creme brulee in general and this one didn't alter my opinion. However, other desserts were much better.
Stop by the Lounge at T. Cook's for an after-dinner aperitif. The atmosphere is very cozy and this place is hopping many nights.
T. Cook's also has the Delos Room for private dining. This would be a fabulous place for an intimate dinner with up to 12 friends. What a great place for a milestone birthday or anniversary celebration.
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