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!