It should come as no surprise that hospitality innovator and 12-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox has created an ultra-luxurious rooftop dining destination at his new luxury hotel, The Global Ambassador (slated for 2023). The new spot, theà, is one of five signature dining destinations set to open in the new hotel. It will offer its guests a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a curated cocktail menu, shareable plates and exceptional fare.
theà, translating to “the goddess of light,” is set to serve as a haven where guests can enjoy sky-high opulence with a stunning indoor/outdoor dining space, three distinctive bars and a sumptuous fireside lounge—all with the spectacular backdrop of Camelback Mountain.
The dining destination’s menu, curated by Eric Kim Haugen, a culinary veteran most known for his appearances on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and “Big Restaurant Bet,” will explore mezze, pasta and coastal seafood with dips, flatbreads and more.
“Working alongside Sam is a rare opportunity to collaborate with one of the industry’s most respected hospitality leaders,” says Haugen in a press release. “As my first venture in Arizona, I’m inspired by the tight-knit community of chefs and restaurateurs who are supportive of one another, but also have suppliers and craftspeople who are sourcing incredible products and goods. I love how diverse and interesting the food scene is in the Phoenix area and that the community has a very high dining IQ – they understand delicious food.”
Some items guests can anticipate when visiting theà include charred octopus, Shrimp scorpio, Moroccan roasted carrots and spanakorizo. In addition to these opulent plates is a specialty cheese program, offering a unique selection like griddled halloumi wrapped in grape leaf, Flaming Saganaki and burrata di bufala served with caramelized figs, blistered tomatoes and balsamic DOP.
“Incredible food has always helped define some of my most cherished memories. Italy, France and Greece have served as the settings for some of the best meals of my life, and I not only want to capture the bright and bold flavors of the Mediterranean but also the memories made there, which are almost always accentuated by lively music, communal gatherings with family and friends and being encapsulated in stunning surroundings,” says Fox, founder of Author & Edit Hospitality Group and developer of The Global Ambassador, in a press release.
A handcrafted cocktail program is still in the works but will focus on utilizing fresh and house-made ingredients that combine classic sips with unexpected flavors, like an olive oil-based cocktail. The cocktails will rival what will be the most extensive rosé collection in the desert, including Fox’s personal go-to sipper, RUMOR from Provence.
theà is slated to open in late 2023 within The Global Ambassador. To learn more about theà, visit globalambassadorhotel.com.