Fine Dining With A (Different Pointe Of) View

The Place: Different Pointe of View
The Location: Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix
The Dishes: Shrimp Agnolotti, Seared Diver Scallops
By: Shoshana Leon

While there are always new restaurants opening in the Valley, there are a few classics that stand the test of time. One of those iconic restaurants is Different Pointe of View at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort on 7th Street south of Thunderbird.

Different Pointe of View has been a Phoenix favorite for more than 30 years, garnering numerous awards for its amazing cuisine and fine dining experience. There are many reasons for its success and longevity, including the breathtaking views, the exceptional service, and the sumptuous and thoughtful fare created by Chef Anthony DeMuro.

Like many members of the restaurant staff, Chef DeMuro has been with the resort for several years, joining in 2008. A hands-on chef, he is intimately involved with the creation of the menus, and prepares a tasting menu and a featured dish every night. He changes the menu three times a year to align with the seasons with a fresh Mediterranean flair.

Like many people, I have been to Different Pointe of View for special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Restaurant Week. I recently visited the restaurant on a Monday, but it felt like a Friday night. There was a great crowd, lively conversation and servers bustling around the elegant dining room that looks out on mountain views and the city lights below.

During my recent visit, I was fortunate to experience some dishes from Chef DeMuro’s nightly tasting menu, as well as some items from the regular menu. Every item on every dish is elegantly plated with a wine pairing option. Our server, who has worked at Different Pointe of View for more than 20 years, expressed great knowledge and passion for the restaurant, the cuisine and the wine.

Some of the amazing courses and wine pairings on the menu include: Seared Berkshire Pork Belly, which comes with a fried quail egg atop sweet potato hash, and apple cinnamon puree, paired with a light Pinot Noir; Striped Bass with saffron orzo pasta, paired with a refreshing Chardonnay; and Elk Tenderloin with a ramp emulsion, lentil puree, cauliflower and Cipollini onions, paired with a smooth Red Schooner Malbec. For our meal, we indulged in the delectable Shrimp Agnolotti ($12.95) and perfectly prepared Seared Diver Scallops ($39), paired with a Pinot Grigio.

Upcoming events at Different Pointe of View include Mother’s Day brunch, one of four annual holiday brunches at the restaurant. In addition to a prix-fixe menu for Restaurant Week in May, Different Pointe of View will offer a prix-fixe menu option all summer. Heading into fall and spring, the restaurant will host a series of wine dinners, an intimate experience where dishes are thoughtfully paired with wines, and prepared tableside by Chef DeMuro.

Although people may think of Different Pointe of View as a special occasion dining experience, it deserves to be a regular favorite. Even if it isn’t a special occasion, the food, service and ambiance will make you feel like it is. The restaurant is open various days during the week, with a Dinner menu only, and reservations are recommended: call 602-866-6350.

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