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Talavera
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
10600 E Crescent Moon DrScottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 513-5086
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Talavera
Review Highlights
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"The veal porterhouse was amazing." In 3 reviews -
"...restaurant week, and they offered a great three course meal." In 3 reviews -
"I had the dry aged filet mignon." In 3 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Poppy C.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
We had a private dinner in what appears to be a wine refrigerator. The sommelier popped in from time to time to retrieve a bottle. He wasn't intrusive and it was actually kind of amusing. Pashminas and blankets are provided for those who felt chilly.
Excellent seafood platter as a starter. I devoured a healthy serving of foie gras and had a fabulous pork chop as my main. We shared all the sides, gruyere potatoes are outstanding. I was too full to sample the gorgeous pie but did partake of a light and tasty frozen lemon meringue strawberry dessert. Oodles of delicious champagne and wine. I was a bit suspect that I would find truly fine dining outside of major metropolitan cities but am happy to report I was wrong. -
Review from Jay R.
Arlington, VA
1/5/2012
My vacation girl and I ate at Talavera for our "last supper", at the end of a very nice week's vacation. As other Yelpers wrote, the view from the balcony seating was spectacular, and the restaurant itself is very nicely appointed. Our waiter and server were both very nice and attentive. We started off with the lobster & corn bisque and the BBQ glazed pork belly. My pork belly was fall apart tender, and tasted really good with the cheddar grits that come with it. My wife said that the bisque was o.k. For the main, I had the hangar steak and my better half had the salmon. This is one of those a la carte places, so if you want anything other than meat on your plate, you have to order it separately; we opted for gruyere mashed potatoes and asparagus with garlic butter. My steak was done perfectly, and the chimichurri sauce on it was yummy. I would've preferred to have the steak come in one piece, rather than pre-sliced, since this caused it to cool down by the time it got to the table. My wife said that the salmon was fine, but didn't knock her out. The potatoes and asparagus were o.k.
We skipped having a bottle of wine. They have an extensive wine list, with various wines/champagnes going for upwards of $5-6K (yes, thousand!), and the cheapest was still about $50. The tab was over $100 for everything, even without wine (no surprise), but we just weren't bowled over with everything we ate. 3.5 stars. -
Review from Chloe C.
Mesa, AZ
4/19/2012
This is an over-due review since we went there for Valentines Day dinner. The ambiance was good, the food delicious, and the service was friendly and attentive. I would say that the food wasn't the best we have had, but it was certainly delicious and the desert was very memorable. Overall, we would go again.
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Review from Renee W.
Phoenix, AZ
10/23/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Went there for my birthday ....
Another quality insured restaurant, it is inside of Four Seasons, it cannot go wrong ....
The restaurant is very classy with a nice and upscale environment .... and most of all with a very nice view to the phoenix area
The service is definitely top-notch and food was excellence as well. Had the sea bass and the filet mignon .... both were yummy .... and customized birthday desert as well ....
Will go back for a visit for sure ...
Also if you are in Talavera, don't forget to grab a drink in the patio as well .... they have live music and watching the birds flying around the mountain (the resort is built into the mountain) was quite a view -
Review from christina p.
Phoenix, AZ
9/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'd been wanting to go to Talavera ever since I fell in love with a scallop they served at West of Western (pre-Devoured) and, finally, seized the opportunity with Restaurant Week.
Most definitely it's a 5 star setting: the view, the decor, the live music on the patio.
I would give the food a solid 3.5 stars. Based on the restaurant week menu, I enjoyed a scallop (that's what I came for, after all!) which was as good as I remembered, complimented by rich, meaty bits of short rib and diced potato.
My main course was the pork tenderloin: a more than generous portion of pork cooked medium. The description said it would be served with acorn squash, fall greens and queen creek fig balsamic. The balsamic was merely a plate garnish and did nothing for the flavor profile (which I found disappointing, as I was really looking forward to it) and the squash sure tasted more like potato than squash.
I finished with the Madagascar vanilla flambrulee. The shallow dish was delivered and the sugar crystals brought to flame right at my place. Very dramatic. The other desserts were only even more amazing! A cheesecake served between two pieces of brioche to look like a slider paired with "fries" made of funnelcake and a raspberry coulis "ketchup," stealing the show.
Hands down, this place hits desserts out of the park!
The idea of coming here for dessert in a romantic setting is easy to conceptualize! I would give 5 stars for dessert alone.
Unfortunately, service, while cheerful and courteous, was slow. Particularly in the beginning when it took at least 15 minutes for menus and water to be brought to the table -- and that was after a request that someone be notified (aka reminded) that we had been seated.
The restaurant week menu looked like an eye exam - confusing and very difficult to read.
The drink prices were probably the biggest deterrent. $16 glasses of wine or margaritas just made me think of other places I could enjoy a meal as good, if not better, and either bring my own or pay less. Not to mention, phenomenal crafted cocktails prepared by "celebrity" mixologists found closer to home! (Don't even get me started on the $6 iced tea!)
We wound up with a $68 bottle with little or no encouragement from our server, despite the fact that they were supposedly offering a summer 'Wine Down' program with 35 wines that are discounted at 35% off. I didn't notice any mention of that at the time.
If I ever give up drinking, maybe I'll come back. Otherwise, my Talavera experience may have been a one night stand... -
Review from S K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/3/2012
Wow! Went to Talavera for my friend's birthday and had a beyond amazing time. Our server, Penny, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. She put the special touch on our evening by bringing over several desserts for the table. We were all so shocked and impressed! All of the food was incredible! I highly recommend this restaurant if you're looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion and want everything to go perfectly. (or even if you're just in the mood for some really awesome food & service!)
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Review from Anne D.
I came here for a work dinner while staying at the resort and had a lovely time. The food was quite good, but I wasn't blown away. Although, this may have been partially attributed to the fact that there was a pre-selected menu for our group dinner and none of the items were things that I would generally order. The rolls that they serve with dinner are delicious and the dessert was my favorite part of the meal. We all had the creme brulee, which was set on fire as it was served to us, creating a mouthwatering aroma of burning sugar. Mmmmm. Oh, and it tasted just as good as it smelled! We were lucky enough to sit on the patio (with the aid of some heat lamps) and were able to enjoy both the fantastic view and the massive fireplace. Overall it was a great experience between the good food, great service, and beautiful patio atmosphere.
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Review from Laura C.
Phoenix, AZ
3/5/2012
Wonderful food and beautiful presentation. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend sitting on the patio - the views are spectacular! Unfortunately, it was a cold night so we opted for a table inside. I rarely find a creative vegetarian dish but they succeeded here - I highly recommend the veggie wellington - portabello and oyster mushrooms - delightful!
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Review from candee s.
Phoenix, AZ
9/19/2011
We went to Talavera for restaurant week and the experience did not inspire me to want go back and pay full price for a meal. The setting is magnificent but it can't make up for uneven service and just okay food. We sat at the table for nearly 15 minutes before ever getting a menu or a glass of water--when we finally did get to order, the bottle of wine took an inordinately long time to come out. The service did get better as the night went on--but the damage had been done.--and the food--it was just okay--not bad but I was expecting knock my socks off from a restaurant at this level. I have no strong interest in driving from central Phoenix for just okay food--when I can get great food in my own neighborhood for a fraction of the proce.
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Review from Taryn J.
Chandler, AZ
1/26/2011
In November, Talavera at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale featured an exquisite menu created by the Long Meadow Ranch. If you are not familiar with the Long Meadow Ranch it is a 650-acre historic ranch nestled high atop the Mayacamas Mountains above the Napa Valley. There they produce award-winning wines and handcrafted extra-virgin olive oils - as well as grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.
Talavera is a gorgeous mountain-top restaurant and we were delighted to be seated on the patio. Even before we were able to be wowed by the food, my dining companion and I were blown away by the dramatic view of Pinnacle Peak. The patio was elegant and warm and was the perfect backdrop to our unforgettable meal.
Andre, our server, was the consummate professional. He was friendly, informative and very available. He explained each of our dishes and the coordinating wines. He had a Caribbean charm and friendly nature that added not only to our meal, but to the whole experience.
We started our meal with an amazing bread that had been topped off with a wonderful Olive Oil created by the Long Meadow Ranch. The olive oil added a slight salt flavor that was understated but amazing. We tried as hard as we could to eat only one piece, so as not to spoil our dinner, but could not resist at least one more piece!
Our 1st course was a Goat Cheese tart with Caramelized Fennel topped with an arugula & radicchio salad dotted with a red wine gastrique. I found the goat cheese to be delectable and the sweetness of the fennel matched with the tartness of the gastrique was phenomenal and amazing way to start the evening. The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc that paired with this course was lush and a nice match to the goat cheese.
Our 2nd course was a Pomegranate Glazed Duck Breast over a Winter Squash Blini and paired with a 2005 Sangiovese. The duck was so tender and rich that I would have been pleased had all the rest of the plates just re-featured this dish. My companion had never tried duck before and she was in love after the first bite. The blini added a nice change of texture and the full body and tinge of sweetness provided by the Sangiovese rounded out the dish quite nicely.
Our Entrée was an All Natural NY Strip medallion served with a Celery Root Gratin and Turnips & Nantes Carrots paired with a 2005 Ranch House Red. The strip was topped with a lovely mushroom sauce and was cooked perfectly, slightly smoky and just the right temperature. The celery root gratin was ridiculous. It was akin to an Alfredo dish - creamy and delicate...absolutely amazing! The turnips and carrots were nice too - but we next to the gratin there isn't much to say. The dark and spicy notes of the Ranch House Red played right into the depth and flavors of the meat.
Dessert was a Molten Chocolate Cake served with a Cranberry Compote and Maple pecan Ice Cream paired with a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Now molten chocolate cake is good, but this was positively sinful. The tart of the cranberry matched with the richness and depth of the chocolate almost made me weep...and I don't really care that much for chocolate. The texture and cold of the maple pecan ice cream alongside the heat of the melted chocolate was simply brilliant.
By this point in the meal we were wishing for larger pants and someone to carry us to our car. I have had some really great meals in my life - but this was one that I could savor and feel good about all at the same time. I knew where each component of my meal came from and was provided with great service and attention all throughout our meal. This was a wonderful experience and I encourage you to visit http://longmeadowranch... to learn more about their services and practices as well as the great items they have for purchase. As always, Talavera is a wonderful place for dinner whether on the intimate terrace or in the rustic and warm dining room, make sure they are on your list of Valley Must Eats! -
Review from Opal D.
11/8/2010
One of the top 10 dining experiences I have had.
Attentive service. Deliciously prepared foods with unique flavours. Everything was spectacular - from the custom prickly pear cocktail I requested, the way the cod was perfectly cooked, to the intriguing foie gras concoction, which had a foie gras ice cream sandwich, strawberry marshmallow, and foie gras on top of finely diced strawberries.
I like this place and would absolutely come back next time I'm in Scottsdale.
Emphatically Recommended! -
Review from Thomas S.
Phoenix, AZ
10/28/2009 ROTD 1/1/2010
Oh Ma Gawd! Samantha needs to get her sweet little ass to Talavera. Then she would have her best meal so far. This certainly ranks as one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. From the lobby of the masculine Four Seasons (like Ralph Lauren masculine, not Martina Navratilova masculine) to the bar to our own private dining room, everything was simply outstanding.
Chef Frank Robertson had prepared a special seven course meal for our party, we just had to select our own entree and the decision was agonizing. I went with lobster served with corn, baby squash and cabbage. Perfection! Preceding my entree we had three amuse bouche; Blue Fin Tuna Poke, Sesame, Avocado ; Heirloom Tomato and Burrata, Basil, Orange Olive Oil, Balsamic and I'll be darned if I don't remember the third.
Did I mention we had predinner cocktails? Belvedere and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for me and a round of Absolut LA drinks for most of the others. And the wine. It was pouring like Morton salt. My favorite was a Carneros Pinot Noir. Like drinking liquid velvet! Other foodies raved about the filet, the scallops and the sea bass. Prices for entrees ran from high 20s to mid 40s. Worth every penny. Dessert for us were several plates of sweets...small pieces of various delights from truffles to cakes and pecan bites. I felt like Lucy on the chocolate factory line. Dare I say I stashed a few in my cleavage for the ride home?
Misc:
Service was five stars all the way. Thanks to all who made our party special.
The long fire "pit" outside is fabulous.
Views of the Valley....uh...maze...ing!
Cloth handtowels in the restrooms. Nice touch. Cotton is afterall the fabric of our lives.
Chocolate does tend to melt when nestled between your shirt and your chest.
Cheers my yelpitas. Here's to a fabulous winter in Arizona! -
Review from Mara T.
San Jose, CA
5/18/2009 1 photo
Yelp has a dearth of Scottsdale reviews on fine dining. So it stands to reason that places with only a small handful of 4 or 5 star reviews are met with a bit of skepticism. I wasn't too sure what to expect as we headed into Talavera. All I knew was that it was at the Four Seasons, so we could expect it to be pretentious and expensive. But would it be good??
A resounding YES. This place was hands down the best dinner we had our entire 4 days there. My monstrous rib-eye was cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor. It did not even need the smattering of gorgonzola butter that came with, I would have easily devoured this beauty all on its natural own. My husband's duo-lamb specialty was eaten with great reverence, and that plate was almost licked clean.
A sweet, electric pink prickly pear blended margarita was a nice surprise in a fancy atmosphere that looked like it was made only for expensive wines. Try the Olive bread with the gorgonzola and red pepper spread. Skip the sides if you don't have the room. The ham mac n' cheese was good but I've had better. The charred corn was good, but again, I've made better. Save your appetite for the main event.
The view here is simply astounding, there is no other way to say it. See my photo. If you are evening dining, you absolutely must sit outside, hopefully along the glass wall to get the best view of the grounds and valley.
My steak was so good that I didn't even save room for dessert, which is virtually unheard of if you know me. Nevertheless, our tireless and friendly waiter presented the check with two little cheesecake bites on a stick covered in a shell of white chocolate. A perfectly sweet end to a fabulous pre-Anniversary dinner.
Oh....and the only thing pretentious was the people sitting next to us demanding their wine, proclaiming their unhappiness, and denouncing our extremely harried (yet competent) server. Seriously, again...what is up with all the bitter people vacationing in AZ?? -
Review from Dan G.
9/15/2009
The Scottsdale dining scene really impressed us during our stay and Talavera was one of the best. The restaurant is beautiful and they have both outdoor patio and indoor seating. They also have a few wine cellar table where they have wine tastings during the week for resort guests, a nice bonus that we made sure to take advantage of.
The menu took advantage of local produce and suppliers and we feasted. We started with a few salads, the heirloom tomato and burrata and the goat cheese, beets and arugula. Our salads were both great and the cheese and produce were fantastic. Great starts, but it was the entrees we were really looking forward to. Typically when we go out, it's surf and turf. Seafood for my wife and nice cut for me. So much to choose from on this menu. Duck breast, lamb chops, bone in ribeye....hmmmm. I ended up having the Buffalo tenderloin with smoked bacon and a cherry sauce. I must have made the right choice as this arrived perfectly bloody and juicy and the bacon was so tasty.(mmm bacon) My wife had the tuna and it was very good too. A la carte sides were interesting and we added the charred corn to our feast.
The view, service and presentations were all impeccable. Seriously, you are at the FS and it is a treat. They really took great care of us and the other diners (like the couple celebrating their anniversary next to us). Talavera was a treat and a perfect start for our culinary tour of your fine city. -
Review from Jessica D.
New York, NY
7/14/2011
My husband and I went to Talavera at the Four Seasons on our honeymoon. We were staying at the hotel and this was the only restaurant in the surrounding area. It was SUPERB. Everything from the bread, to the salad, to the appetizers, entrees down to the dessert was impeccable. When the waitress found out it was our honeymoon, she had the chef make us not one but TWO different personalized desserts to celebrate. It was a beautiful night, we sat outdoors and there was a roaring fire as well as heat lamps (it was November, so a bit chilly but beautiful). The food was outstanding, and the service was great. Can't wait to go back!
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Review from Laura M.
5/17/2008
If you desire a spectacular dining experience a visit to Talavera is a must!
The service is exceptional, the waitstaff very knowledgeable, the food and wine phenomenal and the views are breathtaking. In true Four Season's fashion attention to detail and five star service abound from the moment you set foot onto the resort until you leave. (if you valet park, you will find a box of truffles and a THANK you note in your vehicle!)
The romantic, elegant, rustic ambiance of this fabulous establishment paired with an extensive wine list and delicious menu leaves a persons soul feeling rejuventated. -
Review from Sushi L.
Seattle, WA
11/15/2008
I went there last Wednesday as part of a corporate event, and I loved it!
The food, service, views, and ambience was impeccable. Starting with the views first, we sat inside the restaurant right by the fireplace/window that separated us from the expansive patio that overlooks the city. I can't think of a more romantic setting.
The food really impressed me. I had the dry aged filet mignon. The filet was amazing -- great texture, tender, and savory. And the mustard sauce that accompanied it made a delicious piece of meat even more amazing! I also had the lobster bisque and the rainbow tomato salad with mozarella.
All-in-all, I'm a big fan, and I highly recommend it to anyone. -
Review from Amy E.
Missoula, MT
1/20/2011
What a wonderful patio! The best cocktail I have had in ages, the LA Thymes. And dinner was DELICIOUS! Perfectly cooked filet. The only thing I would say is the atmosphere is a touch stuffy and the wine rec was lack luster. Good food and good service!
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Review from Ed K.
Financial District, NY
4/11/2011
Impressive! Great menu with tantalizing ambiance. Sat by the fire and made for a spectacular evening. My wife had the wedge salad and I had the lobster and corn chowder. Both were regally presented. Nice collection of wines and a great assortment of craft beers. Lobster was mediocre, a bit chewy based on the bite that my wife gave me. Veal porterhouse melt in my mouth. Overall one of the better restaurants I went to on my tour of Scottsdale.
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Review from Amith N.
Franklin, TN
1/22/2011
Great
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Review from Mindi s.
Phoenix, AZ
7/8/2011
The food was amazing and the portions were a nice size. I had the veal porterhouse and my boyfriend had the bone in pork chop. If you sit outside you can look out over the horizon and see the desert fade into the city lights. If you hit it just right you can watch a beautiful sunset as you eat. The restaurant was romantic and interestingly decorated. Once it gets dark you also have an opportunity to see a swarm of bats flying over head, which was cool and frightening at the same time. The only complaint was our server. When we arrived my bf had a bit of an upset stomach and we asked the server for a glass of ginger ale, he made a disgusted face but went to retrieve it. He never told us about any of the specials on the menu and we rarely saw him throughout the meal. He did say he would be assisted by someone and she was lovely. Our server's fingers were chewed to bloody messes and we were the ones making disgusted faces when he pointed to something on the menu.
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Review from Jane A.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/27/2009
I always like to have an experience where I can't find any fault. I came here during restaurant week, and they offered a great three course meal. We sat outside on a perfect evening with a beautiful fire right next to us, but not too hot. I started with an elderflower drink which was wonderful. My steak entree was perfect, as was the coffee after the meal. All in all, this is a great place to dine. The main menu had many other things that I would have ordered, but they had a very interesting 3-course menu offering that I couldn't refuse. I will be back for sure.
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Review from Emily M.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2009
Had a great meal here on 4th of July....could see fireworks all across the Valley from our table, and had a superb meal. I had heirlooms and burrata, to start, the filet mignon, and nice Pinot. Every course was delicious, including the bread, and dessert was quite a pleasant experience. The croquettes were borderline life-changing (in a good way), as were the hazelnut, chocolate creme lollipops that came with the check. Waitstaff was classic 4S in terms of hospitality, and seemed like quite bunch of foodies themselves.
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Review from Sarah M.
Phoenix, AZ
10/25/2010
Simply put, the finest dining experience of my life. We were seated by the window, which had a beautiful wall of fire just outside it. The service was perfect--great timing, attentive without hovering, good suggestions. Everything was perfect, from the wine to the gnocchi. I wish I could afford to eat there more often.
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Review from Dave I.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/30/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We went here for my wife's birthday, and it's a rare 5-star review for me. They scored on food, presentation, service and atmosphere. We sat indoors - it's a bit hot out still - and loved the decor, including the fun pillows on our large booth seat. Service was prompt, friendly, and attentive - but we never felt rushed. They make a killer mango mojito that perfectly balances the mango, lime and rum flavors. The kurobuta pork was perfectly prepared. And after having some disappointing lobster (in Maine of all places) the Maine lobster here was done just right - firm but not tough. They serve it "lazy style" and did a great job with both claw and tail meat coming out perfectly. A special birthday souffle topped the evening off. Expensive but absolutely worth it for a special occasion.
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Review from Joelle L.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/19/2011
I loved this place! Tried pok belly for the first time, I could eat that til the day I die. The veal porterhouse was amazing. I had the pecan crusted venison....loved. However, our server was less than tolerant of my friend who was 84 years old. He normally tips 40 to 50 percent. He got 20 percent and was lucky.
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Review from Tommy T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/17/2008
My Dad and I decided to try Talavera after they extended their Restaurant Week deal through the end of the year. We arrived for a late dinner and were received by the hostess, who was thoroughly un-friendly, especially by Four Seasons standards. Then it took over 5 minutes for our server to come over and tell us she'd be back soon to take our order. We were a little worried that the service would be totally abysmal, but we ended up with a different server after that, but she was terrific. We ordered the 3-course meal for $39 per person, and she nicely agreed to substitute the chocolate dessert, as chocolate keeps me up late at night. Our first course was a salmon pastrami, and I think we were both curious to see what that meant, but it was just like it sounds - smoked salmon, peppered around the edges, and they curled it, stood it up, filled it with fresh crab meat, and drizzled citrus vinaigrette on the plate, with a side of haricots vert. The main course was a lamb chop, with a side of a grain similar to cous-cous, although they called it something else. The lamb was juicy and the sauce complemented it very well. Finally, for dessert, we had the creme brulee with fresh berries and the apple pie. Both were delicious, but my only complaint would be that the creme brulee was a little too sweet, and the dough on the pie a little too salty. All-in-all, it was a very nice meal, in a beautiful setting. The dining room is elegant, with a Southwestern flair, a long outdoor fire, and views overlooking the mountains and the whole city below. It might not be one of the most progressive or acclaimed culinary destinations in the Valley, but this special pricing is a good deal for what you get, and the food is great.
