4.05.2010

elements...

I've got another restaurant for you.  I really do.  You know how much I enjoy food and design, especially when they go together.  This new (to me) place has it in spades.  It was my first visit.

Elements is a restaurant at the luxury hotel/spa, Sanctuary, here in the valley.  It's not just anywhere in the valley, it's actually directly on the other side of the mountain from my house.  Seriously, if I had a bionic arm (I like to play this game), I could probably throw a rock from my front porch and it would land on the roof of Sanctuary (or at least somewhere near it).  Now, not a Jaime Sommers bionic arm, you understand, No.  I'm talking a really good 2010 type of bionic arm. Yep, and hey, if we're playing the game where I have an awesome 2010 bionic arm, then I'm also giving myself mad throwing skills, so that rock is going to land directly on the mat at the door of this restaurant.  Oh yes, restaurant, let's get back to that shall we?

WHY had I not been before?  Well my friend, that's the question isn't it?  What's important is, I have been now, and even better, I will be going back.  Ooh la la, yes I will.  Should we start with food or design?  Design I think, then we'll end with food 'cause, well, that's just better (and I haven't eaten yet today so if we start with food I might not finish).

Walk down the stairs past this fountain...


Look over to right and feel the stress start to melt away...


walk around and take a look a the pool area, this is the view you get from inside the restaurant...




I live on the other side of that part of the mountain.  That rock sticking up to the right is called "praying monk".  He's kind of a local celebrity.  I see him "praying" from the other side.  I like my view of him better I think.  It's good to see both sides of a person (or a rock) before you decide if you love them.  I love all the sides of Andrew Henry.  Whoops, back to the restaurant.  It's Monday, give me a break would ya.  This is a little seating area right as you walk in, the light was lovely...


The menu was exciting for me...


They had GLUTEN-FREE options!  Very exciting and quite surprising.  I didn't order from those options this time because that goat cheese frittata had my name written all over it.  It's just nice to know the options are starting to creep into menus.  Now,  before we get to the food, let's look at a few little designer touches.  Perfectly appointed little touches just tickle me.  S&P in a little ying/yang bowl with a spoon.  A tiny wooden spoon, you know the tiny makes me swoon.




Are you ready to eat?  Silly question no? 





The ONLY criticism I could possibly make is this...


No tiny jam jars to smuggle out this time!  A cute book of matches and adorable teabag/box might have walked out in my purse though.  Fabulous place don't you think?  

Hey, here's a randomy question.  Would you rather have a bionic arm, legs, eyes or ears?  Legs for me I think, and while we're at it, let's make 'em longer too!

13 comments:

Henley said...

You're really making me think I MUST get my butt to Phoenix! This place looks great. Is is really warm enough to SWIM. Love that silverware!! I'll take the bionic ears, without question. I LOVE to eavesdrop.:)

Maria said...

3 in the afternoon and now I am suddenly ready for brunch - or would it now be brinner - because I would want breakfast for dinner! Yumm-o! Just love everything about this place - coming right over as soon as I unpack that, or that, or.......

Anonymous said...

Bionic legs for me too (longer is also good)!

sunshine said...

I have just enjoyed an imaginary walk around that fabulous resort! I think I would like bionic legs and I agree, longer would be great! A close second would be bionic eyes.

KC said...

That last food picture looks like a dessert! I'll take bionic eyes so I wouldn't have to wear glasses anymore.

KR said...

The salt and pepper with spoon is just too cute! Yes, fabulous place!

Andrew H. said...

I'm going to go with a bionic eye. I was going to say bionic arm, but then I couldn't think of anything I need to smash with it...

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Why do boys have to go right to the "smash"? Couldn't you use the arm for lifting or carrying things (like you wife's heavy purse)?

MJM said...

Ears, for sure. I love to eavesdrop as well. Also, that food was SO DELICIOUS. Must attend culinary school and learn how to cook such as this. Or make millions and hire someone to cook for me all the time.

Maria said...

OK - forgot to answer the bionic question. Already have the bionic ears - just ask my husband or the boys. The arms are getting there after all of this lifting. Legs too - and mine are quite long enough - thank you. So, as a forty-something who now needs longer arms to read things - I'm gonna have to go with the bionic eyes!
As for boys and smashing - that goes along with crashing, climbing, and generally crash-test-dummying anything they get their hands on. Goes with the territory J - what makes them boys and why I love them so. Super glue - I shoulda bought stock LONG ago!

lisa said...

I don't want bionic anything, I can barely operate my phone! Wanted to say, that pepper looks like dirt!

MaiPie said...

Eyes for me. Because I've lived with poor vision for most of my life. But legs would be fun too...for hikes!

I really like the fountain at the entrance of Elements. Don't think I saw it when I was there.

Anonymous said...

Now that was just cruel.....after 5 wks over indulgence Down Under and never having really got to grips with the post xmas bulge am on my first week at Weight W so now am off to the kitchen to get a J cloth to wipe the dribble off the keyboard, yummmy yummy Chris