“Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.” – Native American saying
This past summer, we enjoyed a spectacular visit to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass & Spa in Chandler, Arizona. You can click Here to read my article about that visit.
During our visit, we were most fortunate to enjoy a visit to the resort’s famous signature restaurant, Kai. Kai, open since 2002, is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Arizona – with good reason. It is Arizona’s only AAA Five Diamond/Forbes Five Star Restaurant, and recently was selected as the Number 3 Restaurant in the 2015 Top 10 Open Table Restaurants in the entire United States. This is a stunning achievement, and further proof of what I have been saying for years: Kai is one of the best restaurants anywhere.
Kai – A Spiritual Culinary Experience
Kai means “seed” in the language of the Pima Native American Tribe, which culture inspires and influences Kai’s menu, space, and its sense of purpose.
The Dinner Menu is divided into three categories: The Birth / The Beginning / The Journey, which offer a variety of custom-crafted Native American-inspired culinary delights. The “move” as I refer to it, is the 13 course Tasting Menu. It will change your life.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for the Tasting Menu (it can extend to 4 or 5 hours), so we opted to select from the various menu items.
The Menus
It’s important to note that the Kai menus are each handmade by tribal members, and each tell a unique pictorial story. The menus are quite breathtaking. Here are our menus:
Here is a selection of fresh artisan breads, including a delectable Fry Bread, with olive oil sourced locally from Queen Creek Olive Mill. We also received a delightful amuse bouche, which was comforting and velvety.
Whatever you do, make certain that you try the Mesquite Smoked Pumpkin Soup. You’ll thank me. Wow.
Next, my wife enjoyed the Loch Etive Steelhead & Msickquatash, and I adored the Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster & Wamichtha. The flavors and the colors were vibrant, and as throughout the meal, the service was impeccably orchestrated as every guest is served at the precise same time by an individual server.
For entrees, my wife ordered the “From the Garden,” and I felt I had no choice but to enjoy the Bellota Iberico Llomo Wrapped High Country Elk Loin. You read that right, and it’s even more delicious than you can even imagine.
We finished with a rich and decadent Chocolate Souffle with Orange and Vanilla Anglaise. It was so spectacular that I took a short video of the presentation, which you can view by clicking Here.
Closing Thoughts
I’d like to make special note of our server Feliciano, and to thank everyone at Kai for their otherwordly service. It really must be experienced to be believed and appreciated. In particular, Feliciano took great care to explain every menu item and its preparation.
Also, following our meal, we returned to our room to find a couple of very nice touches:
I could go on and on about Kai, its people, and the resort in general, but I think you get the point. If you are anywhere close to Kai Restaurant, do yourself a huge favor and make plans to visit the restaurant – even if you don’t have time to stay on the property. It will be an experience that you will forever cherish, and until then, don’t forget to give thanks for unknown blessings on their way – one of those blessings may be a visit to Kai.
Kai Restaurant – Contact and Social
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa: 5594 West Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, Arizona 85226 (Google Maps)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaiRestaurant/
Twitter: @SheratonGrandAZ
Instagram: @sheratonwildhorsepass
YouTube: www.youtube.com/WildHorsePassAZ
Click Here to read the reviews of Kai on Trip Advisor
