The Grill at Hacienda del SolFine Dining in an Authentic Southwestern Setting Makes for a Romantic Evening Go to The Grill at Hacienda del Sol review sections: AboutFor sophisticated dining in a historic Southwestern setting, it’s hard to beat The Grill.
Creative food using the best produce combined with French techniques, a beautiful location and great service, has made this one of the most popular Tucson restaurants. As a matter of fact, The Grill has been continuously voted one of Tucson’s best restaurants by locals for several years running. While this is the kind of restaurant that makes you start planning a romantic dinner or a special celebration, it’s a great place for anyone looking for good food in a great atmosphere. In addition to dinner, treat yourself to tapas and drinks at The Grill’s Terraza del Sol. Here, you can sit out on the patio, next to a wood fire, and watch the chef preparing seared ahi tuna and grilled shrimp on the outdoor grill. If you stop by Thursday through Sunday evenings, you’ll hear live music from local musicians, ranging from jazz to Spanish guitar. The Grill is set on the cactus- and flower-filled grounds of the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Tucked away on 34 acres of scenic desert in Tucson’s Santa Catalina foothills, this historic resort has the air of an old Spanish hacienda with its adobe buildings and wood-beamed ceilings. Before dining, take time to stroll the lovely gardens. The diversity of trees and shrubs attracts a variety of wildlife, so keep an eye out for quail, cottontail rabbits, lizards and even the occasional bobcat. CuisineWhile the atmosphere at The Grill at Hacienda del Sol makes it worth the visit, the food will keep you coming back.
Every dish is expertly prepared and beautifully presented. The menu is a pleasing blend of Southwestern, Mediterranean and California cuisines with classic French influences. Dishes such as…
…show influences from around the globe. The chef changes menu items seasonally to take advantage of the local produce and the vegetables, fruits and herbs from Hacienda del Sol’s own gardens. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is also reputed to have one of the most extensive wine lists in the country, with hundreds of varieties from around the world. Wines include all the popular favorites such as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay and merlot. You’ll also find Italian Barolos, French Côte de Beaune, South American reds, grenache, Spanish whites and, of course, champagne. Many are expensive but you can select from their "wines by the glass menu;" most selling for $8 per glass. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is also famous for its Sunday brunch, which is open to both guests and nonguests. For $32 per person, you get a feast for the eyes and palate. It’s a literal groaning board of food with everything from breakfast classics such as omelets and blintzes to sushi and roasted meats. Specialties include:
The Grill’s brunch is popular, so reservations are a must. AtmosphereThe Grill at Hacienda del Sol is rich with historic character. This is where you go to get a feel for the old Southwest.
Hacienda del Sol was originally a working ranch. In the 1930s, it was converted into an exclusive, private school for privileged girls. Walk the resort’s corridors to see the old photos from when the ranch used to be “out of town”, surrounded by nothing but saguaro cactus and prickly pears. Though it has been a guest ranch for decades, the property hasn’t lost its historic Spanish Colonial ambiance. An old mission arch decorated with luminarias - a Southwestern touch of placing candles in sand-filled paper bags – greets guests as they enter the resort. The path to the Grill, which sits at the back of the property, passes through a garden filled with cactus and leafy mesquite trees. Inside, dark wood furniture, saltillo tile floors, colorful Mexican tile and wrought iron lamps evoke a sense of old Mexico. At night, the rooms are romantically lit – dim enough to feel cozy yet bright enough to see the food’s beautiful presentation.
Huge picture windows give you jaw-dropping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The patio in front of The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is a great spot to sit and watch for the many birds that come to drink in the courtyard fountain. An adobe-walled side patio – the Terraza del Sol – is a great spot to spend a relaxing evening, enjoying tapas and cocktails. Misted in the summer and warmed in winter by an adobe fireplace and ambient heaters, the Terraza is a perfect outdoor gathering spot at any time of the year. Our MealFrom our first bite into the smoked Gouda and roasted poblano tart ($7), we knew our meal at The Grill at Hacienda del Sol would be a delicious one.
This small round of delicate puff pastry filled with a luscious mix of creamed corn, smoked Gouda cheese, caramelized shallots and roasted garlic and poblano chiles had just the right balance of richness and heat. The Hacienda Caesar ($10) was a Southwestern take on this classic salad. Grilled tomatoes, corn, toasted pumpkin seeds and chile-dusted croutons dotted the large, crisp leaves taken from the heart of the romaine. The creamy chipotle-Pommery champagne dressing was a unique Southwestern take on the typical anchovy-based dressing. A baby amaranth and arugula salad ($10) with colorful heirloom tomatoes, candied pecans, Point Reyes blue cheese and a white miso vinaigrette, was a perfect blend of tart and sweet and soft and crunchy. The entrées were just as good. The confit of salmon ($29) was succulent inside and perfectly seared on the outside. Accompanied by delicious celery root mashed potatoes and a shallot jus, this was an entrée worth the visit; elegant in its simplicity and very satisfying. A pan-seared Alaskan halibut ($28) with braised Swiss chard and a black olive and garlic sauce, showed that the kitchen knows how to handle fish, keeping it moist and delicious. The Hacienda free range breast of chicken ($26) showed what a good kitchen can do. Too often, chicken is overcooked to the point of dryness. This chicken, sitting on a bed of toasted pine nut orzo and topped with a roasted tomato-herbed velouté, was incredibly succulent and flavorful. Everyone will appreciate the Butternut Squash Flan ($22), whether you’re a vegetarian or not. Accompanied by sautéed spinach, wild forest nameko mushrooms and drizzled with a caramelized shallot-vegetable demi glace, this rich, tart-like dish took full advantage of the bounty of late summer produce. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol’s desserts are an eclectic mix.
The raspberry lemonade ($8) was a delicate dome of raspberry mousse with a luscious lemon filling, surrounded by a triple berry sauce. It was both sweet and tart and felt like eating a burst of summer sunshine. The pistachio crème cake ($8) was a moist, rich almond jaconde cake filled with mousse and plated with an almond sabayon and fresh berries. It tasted of both pistachios and almonds; a nut lover’s delight. For those who prefer lighter desserts, The Grill offers mango granite ($8) and a plate of imported cheeses ($13) with 4 selections that change daily. The service was just as good as the food. The appetizers and entrées were perfectly timed. The wait staff efficient and friendly without being obtrusive. Restaurant Fast Facts: The Grill at Hacienda del SolLasting Impressions: The Grill’s wonderful ambiance makes for a romantic dinner or a special celebration but the great food and good service is worth a visit by everyone. Ask for a table by the window for gorgeous mountain views.High Points: Exceptionally well prepared food; good, efficient service; mountain views and lovely setting. Low Points: The menu could use more vegetarian items. Location: North Tucson in the Santa Catalina foothills. Address: 5601 North Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson AZ 85718 Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location. Phone: (520) 529-3500 Hours: Reservations: Recommended. Dress: Business attire to dressy Vegetarian Options: A few. Good for Families/Kids: Not really. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol does have a children’s menu, but this is a very adult restaurant. Wine List: Hundreds of wines from all over the world. Most are available by the bottle but there is a “by the glass” menu too. Smoking Policy: No smoking. Parking: Free parking in the lots at the resort’s entrance. Valet parking is available. Credit Cards: Accepted. Prices: $$$$ Pricing Key (based on cost of entrées): Return to Tucson Arizona Vacation Destination Guide from The Grill at Hacienda del Sol review
The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the resort, golf course, restaurant or spa before making reservations and/or travel plans. Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
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