rev:text
| - This gem is located in the newly built Mountain Shadows resort, which is a sister property of Sanctuary and shares the same chef as Elements for all you fans out there! The construction is so new you can still smell the new construction. Everything about the hotel is very sleek, clean, and modern so of course the restaurant shares this type of interior design. The restaurant offers normal indoor and outdoor dining, high-tops, bar, and living room seating. Whatever your mood, you have options. We requested the outdoor patio, located by the pool with Camelback Mountain in the backdrop. The whole aesthetic of this place is picturesque!
We came here on a weekend evening and had a reservation, but I suspect I would not need one for the future. There were few dinner parties but most patrons were at the bar. My party was seated immediately by the hostess and our server John followed shortly after. He wasn't the warmest person, but he displayed expert knowledge of the menu items and did his job well. He took time to explain the menu, giving us recommendations and explaining particular items. He was very engaging and even took time to clarify certain flavors with the chef. Everyone else did a great job as well. Our drinks were constantly filled, and our table clean. Service here is superb.
Now for the food. I ordered the duck confit and rack of lamb for myself but was able to try other items. My favorite were the duck confit, lamb, and Vanilla Lavender Panna Cotta. Duck can sometimes taste too boring and bland, but the chef did a great job flavoring the duck. It was essentially shredded and placed over slices of bread with the ratio generously in favor of the duck. The lamb had a preserved lemon and mint puree that was a perfect complement to the lamb. Even without the lemon/mint, the lamb itself was an impressive soft and tender inside, combined with a perfect crunchy exterior. I don't know how to describe it other than the best lamb I've ever eaten. As for the Panna Cotta, it was rich but not overwhelmingly, and its texture with just right. If you're looking to eat some food, I recommend coming here!
|