Elements is nestled into the north slope of Camelback Mountain with a beautiful view of the iconic Praying Monk rock formation. Elements is one of those places where even if the food was not good, you would want to come back for the view. Fortunately, their food is exceptional so this one is a win! As a matter of fact, their food is so good that Howard Seftel, a well-known Phoenix restaurant critic, recently published an article on Azcentral.com where he commented “Chef Beau MacMillan’s fare is among the Valley’s best”. Seftel added Elements to his personal wish list to participate in Phoenix Devoured 2014. We will have to wait and see if that recommendation gets Executive Chef MacMillan of Elements to highlight his culinary creations at the event next year. He has been featured on the Food Network and is an Iron Chef America winner. This is one successful and busy chef.
Elements graces The Sanctuary, which is a boutique resort with Asian accents and a chic contemporary style. When you dine at Elements. overlooking their vanishing edge pool, palms, and lush gardens, you will leave the bustle of surrounding Phoenix behind. Elements provokes a sense of escape where you will feel as if you flew away to an exclusive resort destination. For those who come to visit Phoenix, that is exactly what the property is.
Chef MacMillan prepares culinary delights with fresh fish, beef, lamb and pork. He also has colorful vegetarian options and gluten-free dishes to accommodate his guests dietary preferences. The chef seeks out the best local ingredients, hormone-free meats, sustainable seafood, and organic produce. Over the years they have improved their menu and remodeled adding a private dining room that seats 12 with a distinguished view into the kitchen. An extension was also added off the main dining room that has floor to ceiling folding glass walls that open for a fresh air dining experience.
Elements is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would vouch they offer the best breakfast in Phoenix. The smoked salmon frittata ($15) is fluffy and served with rich dill crème fraiche. Dining on their patio in the morning, overlooking the pool and mountains is truly an unsurpassable experience. Their breakfast menu and brunch menu is full of delights such as an Asian ratatouille omelet ($14), pumpkin chocolate French toast with cinnamon mascarpone ($14) , and a Belgian waffle with salted caramel, bananas and macadamia nut crunch ($13) These are extraordinary breakfast entrees full of flavor.
Lunches at Elements are light and include salads, wraps, pastas and spa bento boxes. For beef lovers they have a juicy charbroiled Angus beef burger ($15) and a Kobe beef hotdog ($11). It’s not difficult to find a light and healthy entrée and the kitchen is always willing to accommodate special requests. For dinner, try the bacon wrapped filet of beef ($44) or pan seared scallops with minted salad and carrot curry butter ($38). During certain times of the year, an heirloom tomato salad has appeared on the menu that is the best I’ve ever had. A secret I recently stumbled upon was their herb garden. While you pass by the garden at the bottom of the entrance stairs, it’s so easy to miss. Stop and take peek at it. They are growing all sorts of herbs, produce and fresh lettuce. No wonder the flavors of their food are so fresh. They are often picking the herbs just hours before using them.
Last but not least, Elements does a great job on cocktails. They are all made with fresh juices and often incorporate herbs from the garden. You may find a strawberry basil or grapefruit rosemary martini and their cocktails are impeccable. Definitely try the strawberry martini if you are there on a night when it’s on the menu. You will not find an extensive wine list at Elements but you will find the wine list change and there are typically selections from notable wineries.
There really isn’t anything negative to say about Elements. They have consistently delivered heavenly food and attentive service. Whether you are there for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you will always find Elements to be a romantic and private hide-away with a beautiful view of Paradise Valley and fresh food busting with herbs and natural flavors.
