After undergoing a renovation in the fall, we were excited to check out the new-and-improved jade bar at Sanctuary on Camelback resort in Paradise Valley. In October, jade bar debuted a tripled space with expanded seating indoors and out and a stand-up bar of genuine jade (Arizona’s only one). Outdoors, retractable fabric shade coverings to show off the stars, a fireplace and heaters make this one of the most covetable patios in the Valley. Most importantly, the expanded menu–of both eats and drinks–goes far beyond a run-of-the-mill bar food lineup.
Though it might not sound like the most tempting dish, give the chicken liver mason jar a taste; you won’t be disappointed. The chicken liver–which is adorably packaged in a mason jar–features porcini oil, pickled onions and grilled bread. The blistered shisito peppers is another standout. The addictive peppers (once you pop, you can’t stop) are smothered in a sweet and creamy soy caramel sauce. For something a bit heartier–and nice and warm during the cool weather–is the truffle mac ‘n cheese. The decadent dish is rounded out with braised short rib and mushroom hash, resulting in a very, very delicious and filling dish.
The impressive cocktail lineup is chock-full of unique, fresh sips–some even created using herbs from the resort’s on-site garden. Though you’ll pay a pretty penny for these tipples ($14), they are truly among the best cocktails in the Valley. The Caribbean Snowflake (pictured) tastes like wintertime; rum, St. Elizabeth All Spice Dram, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, simple syrup and whipped egg white make this tempting concoction. (Plus, it is topped with super-pretty silver flake.) It offers just-enough sweetness and is utterly velvety.
The end a meal at jade bar, the creme brulee doughnuts (pictured) are an absolute must. Featuring a sweet and creamy center, the doughnut is crowned with a crispy sugar shell and has a side of yummy chocolate sauce. Definitely worth breaking that get-healthy New Year’s resolution for. http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com.
A Taste of jade bar
