Romance Simmers in Phoenix

Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm

Local restaurants and resorts from one end of the Valley to the other are offering special menus to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Here are a few of my favorite places to have a special meal.

Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House & Lounge in Cave Creek honors the spirit of Arizona’s ranching days with rustic yet upscale dining. Overlooking Black Mountain and the Sonoran desert foothills the restaurant’s ambience inside is as captivating as the setting outside with a hacienda style dining room, enclosed patio and private wine room. I’ve experienced all these spots throughout the restaurant and have even found the bar just as welcoming.

On Valentine’s Day, start with a Cranberry Kiss martini with a sugared rim. A special a la carte dinner begins with an appetizer of green chili fondue for two with mesquite-grilled meats and vegetables. For the main course, a duet of 4 ounces of all-natural beef tenderloin and 4 ounces of Chilean sea bass, both grilled over crackling mesquite. For dessert, choose from heart-shaped red velvet cake with strawberry ganache and a trio of truffles or six Grand Marnier-marinated strawberries with warm house-made chocolate fondue dipping sauce.

Enhancing the experience is a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, specialty martinis and a bevy of fine whiskies, bourbons and Scotches. Everything is served in a casual Western atmosphere that retains a feeling of romance.

Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House & Lounge
6710 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek (map)
480-488-8031

The award-winning Prado Restaurant at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa reminds me of a café in Morocco with the Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired tile work, archways and indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of Camelback Mountain..

View of Camelback from Montelucia

Prado features a rustic and authentic Andalusian or Spanish type cooking method where the freshest seafood, meats, and produce are cooked on a grill over a wood-burning fire. Prado is committed to using the freshest locally-grown and seasonal ingredients and offers an extensive wine selection.

A four course dinner includes a choice of Texas Bison, Painted Hills Steak and Orata, a type of Sea Bass and handmade Julia Baker chocolates for desert.  Here is the complete Valentine’s Dinner menu.

$85 per person includes four-course dinner and one box of Julia Baker Chocolates
$185 per person includes four-course dinner, Taittinger champagne rose’ (1 bottle to drink at the table, 1 bottle for the room or to take home) plus one box of Julia Baker Chocolates

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (map)
480-627-3200

I’ve only been to Quiessence at the Farm at South Mountain for Sunday brunch, but it would be easy to imagine it as the perfect romantic spot for Valentine’s Day. With candlelit pathways, twinkling lights and cozy fireplaces, no wonder the AZ Republic named it one of the top 3 romantic restaurants in the Valley.

On Valentine’s Day Quiessence serves a four-course romantic dinner with choices like Chilled Maine Lobster and Crab Salad, Goat Cheese Carmella Pasta, Pan Seared Swordfish and Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Grand Marnier Cocoa Sauce. Here’s the entire menu.

On Sunday, February 14th they are accepting reservations between 5:00-6:30pm and 7:30-9:00pm, $79.00 per person (plus Tax and 18% service charge.)

Quiessence Restaurant
Located on the Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix (map)
602-276-0601

The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale at Troon North offers tasting menus at both of their award-winning restaurants Talavera and Crescent Moon. From Talavera you can enjoy dramatic views of Pinnacle Peak while enjoying a three-course tasting menu with option wine pairings for $48 or $59 per person. Their Valentines Day menu is six-courses with rose champagne and a gift for each guest at $125 per person.

Crescent Moon specializes in the flavors of Mexico and the Arizona Sonoran Desert. A wood-burning Kiva oven takes center stage allowing guests to see the chefs at work. A special three-course menu is available on Valentine’s Day for $55 per person with ladies and gentlemen both receiving a gift.

I suggest you have a drink on the outdoor patio of the hotel to watch the sunset or an after dinner drink on this same patio to see the lights of Phoenix. This is truly one of my favorite spots.

The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale (map)
480 515-5700

Photos courtesy of Montelucia and The Four Seasons