By J.E. Pizarro, Chief Executive Foodie

One of the valley’s most luxurious resorts has a very exclusive and unique culinary adventure waiting for you.

Susie and I have been HUGE fans of the Sanctuary Resort and Spa since it opened years back.  From its unparalleled views to its signature restaurant elements, it’s a place like none other.

Something new that elements has added is a “chef’s table.”  The words “chef’s table” do not do the room or the experience justice.

It is everything you would imagine the experience to be.  Unique, sexy, flavorful, and most important: magnificent.  “Twelve” (name and the number of seats) is the newest dining addition to the elements experience.

Who knew that Executive Chef Beau MacMillan could work miracles?  He has transformed what I thought was a fantastic dining experience into a supreme and unparalleled affair.

Twelve is a complete customized dining experience where Beau himself participates in every aspect of the evening (The man is not only talented, but he’s also hilarious).

Once you enter the room, you notice the dark, flowing drapes that cover the walls, and lighting concepts that immediately highlight the elegantly set table.  A long, wine colored marble table with rough but finished edges patiently awaits the culinary delights that will be served upon it.

The Table Was Set...

I received an exclusive invitation to experience what only a few others have had the privilege to experience.  Nothing could have prepared me for what was about to happen.

Once our group was seated, the south wall, which is covered in long, dark drapes open up which revealed a fish bowl view into the secret world otherwise known as MacMillan’s kitchen.

The glass doors that separate the guests from the kitchen also retract which give the guest complete and total access to the inner workings of the new 3000 square foot kitchen that creates consistent culinary masterpieces.

MacMillan first gave us a tour of the kitchen while we sipped on Vueve Cliquot and noshed on a seafood bar with everything from lobsters to shrimp to delicious oysters.

Most Delicious Cold Bar Anywhere!

After we socialized around the kitchen we were seated at the large table for the rest of our dining experience.

The 8-course menu (which can be expanded to as many courses as you’d like) that MacMillan prepared had what I believe are some of the best things I’ve eaten in recent memory.

The menu of all menus!

Even as I write this a few days later, my vivid memory of the food (the food. the food!)  that will change your life causes my taste buds to relieve the experience.

I’ll talk about a few items, but I’ll leave it up to you to have your own experience at Twelve.

The foie gras & abalone with a pepper caramel, brioche French toast was the best item I’ve ever eaten.  As you can see from the picture, its perfectly stacked foie gras on top of the French toast with the pepper caramel sauce on its sides.  The savory sweet taste prompts an automatic response from your arms to grab the fork to eat every bite and to lick the plate. I didn’t do that because I think the other guests would have been a bit shocked.

The best thing I ever ate. For real.

A light and wonderful item was the tuna tataki with avocado, basil and soy.  The tuna was very fresh and combined with the other ingredients is truly was a summer course to be enjoyed.  Smooth, crunchy, salty and sweet this course had everything I love in a dish.

What can I say about the sweet corn “cappuccino?”  No, its not coffee flavored corn bisque, but a velvety smooth corn “cappuccino” served in a small bowl with a corn and crab fritter on the side.  Amazing… and when you get to the bottom of the “cappuccino” there is a nice little surprise waiting for you at the bottom.  I won’t tell you what it is.  You’ll have to experience this gem yourself.

As you can see from the menu, every course reflects MacMillan’s genius and combined with the fact that he is part of the experience. It’s would be impossible to have a bad time.

Being able to experience Twelve is as unique of an experience at El Bulli in Spain (someone had to literally die to make room for a reservation open for me).

In this case, all that’s required is a call to their reservations area to inquire about availability.  Gather 11 of your closest friends pick and open date and enjoy.  I guarantee it’s a life changing experience!

If you think its time for a “Stay-cation” – Check our their summer rates!  If you participate in their Satuday “Lunch and Learn” sessions you get even better rates + an upgrade (upgrades based on availability).  Click here!