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Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Phoenix, Arizona
By Norm Goldman
Artist Lily Azerad-Goldman
Can a 585- suite resort create that special weekend
romantic ambiance with a grand finale?
That is what we were determined to find out when my
wife Lily and I stayed at the
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.
Somewhat skeptical initially, we have to admit, that
after our two- day sojourn at the Tapatio Cliffs, many of our doubts were
quickly dispelled.
As we made our way to the front entrance of a resort
that resembles a Spanish-Mediterranean village, we well understood how easy
it is to be seduced by its stunning natural beauty and mind-blowing
location.
The village terraces the slopes of the
Phoenix North Mountain Preserve, and stands watch over the valley below
with its spectacular panoramic views.
It truly is, as it advertises, a resort that overlooks
everything and their people overlook nothing.
Conrad Hilton would have been very proud of the feeling
of ease and welcome that greeted us, as well as the non-intimidating
atmosphere of its lobby.
Considering the close proximity of each of the suites,
we were curious to find out if the resort could pass the necessary privacy
and seclusion test that romantic couples covet.
The first hint that the suites would pass with flying
colors was their cozy and comfy quality creating a strong feeling of
intimacy.
I use the term “suite” purposely, as it was more than
just the usual standard bland rooms found in many hotels and resorts.
Having undergone an extensive renovation in 2000’, each
suite is tastefully decorated in a contemporary south-western décor with a
generous floor plan consisting of a separate bedroom and living area,
refrigerated mini-bars, coffee makers, two remote control/cable TVs and two
dual-line telephones with data ports, ironing boards and hair dryers,
private balcony.
The sumptuous vanity and bathroom areas are
particularly huge, as these were tripled in size when the rooms had been
renovated.
Some suites come with fireplaces and there are even a
few suites with a full kitchen.
In addition, you can be assured of the utmost in
privacy, as all suites are very well constructed keeping out neighboring
sounds.
THE FALLS WATER VILLAGE INSPIRED BY HAVASUPAI FALLS
 Peeling
away the many layers of ingredients that make up the hotel’s romantic
qualities, you have to admit that the resort’s Falls Water Village is an
unbelievable delight or as they say in French, “un vrai délice.”
This is the dream child of local architect Bob Gladwin,
who was inspired by the
Havasupai Falls located in Supai, Havasupai Reservation, Grand Canyon
National Park. The actual falls has been called a paradise on earth, and
although the village’s falls could not possibly be the same, they
nevertheless provide a creative and impressive imitation.
Gladwin designed a forty- foot waterfall that descends
off nearby cliffs feeding into a series of smaller waterfalls and travertine
pools.
You can just imagine how impressive the expansive
outside areas at the fall would be for a wedding ceremony. In fact, as I was
informed, it is one of the most favorite venues for tying the knot.
Other pleasures of the water village are hot tubs,
swimming pools, a 138-foot long enclosed flume waterslide, and its 23
private cabanas, where you can hide while enjoying a refreshing drink or
light meal ordered from the Cascades Café.
THE RESORT’S “ DIFFERENT POINTE OF VIEW RESTAURANT”-
THE GRAND FINALE
 The
resort’s gastronomic gold is their four stars “Different Pointe Of View
Restaurant.”
For those who are hopelessly romantic, the grand finale
to your romantic itinerary would have to be dinner by candlelight at a
restaurant like no other.
How could we resist the tempting restaurant that is
located 1800 feet above the resort atop a mountain with floor-to-ceiling
windows providing you with some of the most exquisite views of the desert
sunset and the lights of Phoenix?
To top it off, the restaurant can boast of having one
of the most creative executive chefs in Arizona, Ivan Flowers, whom you can
truly call a magician. When it comes to culinary artistry, Flowers’
French-Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with an Arizonian twist is difficult to
outdo no matter where you hail from, including Montréal, our home town,
where restaurants rate among the best in the world.
Chef Flowers indicated that there was a time not too
long ago when the idea of Arizonian cuisine evoked images of unimaginative
dishes. His objective is to improve upon the culinary options by offering
innovative choices.
After some tough decision making, we decided to fire up
our taste buds and try the five course-tasting menu personally served to us
by “Monsieur Le Chef” himself. What the hell, you only live once-forget
about dieting!
And to compliment our meal, a fruit rosé wine was
suggested by sommelier Eric Spragett, who, by the way, has the distinction
of being one of only two certified wine educators in the state of Arizona,
as well as being certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Chef Flowers’ is quite an interesting character and his
animating description of each one of his magnificent servings including his
personal chef experiences was a delightful show in itself. As he stated upon
first visiting our table, “we are going to have some great fun tonight,”-and
that we certainly did! It was a feast fit for royalty!
We started off with Mozzarella di Bufala, Confit and
tomatoes with Prosciutto di Parma.
Next was the Lobster Bisque with Black Trumpet Mushroom
Infusion, followed by Potato Gnocchi with Perigord Truffle Brown Chicken Jus
and six year aged Rocca Parmigiano.
Onto the Baby Field Greens, Citrus Stawberry Tomato
Carpaccio, Seared Main Diver Scallop with Pancetta Glazed Chilean Sea Bass,
Roasted Blue Foot Mushrooms, Champagne Grapes, Smokey Lobster Butter, Garlic
Basil Lamb Persillade with Bon Gusto Lacquered Osso Bucco, Creamy Belfian
Salsify and Thyme Braised Artichokes, Natural Jus with Cognac Herb Demi
Glace.
Yes, we did relish every morsel!
No wonder Chef Flowers was the lead chef instructor of
Le Cordon Blue School, L’Ecole, at the highly respected Scottsdale Culinary
Institute.
In the final analysis, does the Tapatio Cliffs Resort
have what it takes to attract romantic-loving travelers? The answer is a
resounding yes!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
11111 North 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona
Tel: 1-800-321-3232
Fax: 602-993-0276
EMAIL CONTACT
Norm's Review of an Excellent Guidebook to Arizona
Norm and Lily Goldman are a unique husband and wife
team, writer and water colorist, who write and paint about romantic
destinations.
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