60 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Executive chef Gregory James highlights seasonal ingredients and global flavors BY SHOSHANA LEON ORIGINALLY a celebrity-filled tennis club in the 1950s, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain opened as a resort in 2001. Elements restaurant at Sanctuary is known as a place to enjoy incredible views and special occasions and has been home to several prominent Arizona chefs. Executive chef Gregory James, who joined in November 2023, aims to maintain the restaurant’s reputation while infusing it with fresh direction. “Since day one, I was tasked with maintaining our iconic restaurant and elevating it at the same time,” he said. “I want to respect and honor the past while moving the food in a new direction. We have lots of return guests that have been coming for years, so we want to respect them as well.” Culinary Evolution at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain KITCHEN DOORS James wants to ensure Elements continues to exceed diners’ expectations. “The menu has a great balance of items,” he said. “When diners visit Elements, they can expect thoughtfully sourced ingredients, iconic views and personalized service.” Elements’ seasonal menu features globally inspired dishes, including raw bar selections, Hokkaido scallops, Chilean sea bass, Argentinian steaks, Iberico pork loin, and pasta. Next to Elements is Jade Bar, which highlights Sanctuary’s legendary views with floor-to-ceiling windows and regularly offers live entertainment. “Many of our guests visit the bar so they can get the full Sanctuary experience prior to or after their dinner at Elements,” James said. “Jade Bar is an extension of Elements with a more casual vibe.” Menu highlights include crispy rice bites with spicy tuna and miso-ginger dressing, pork belly spring rolls, and signature cocktails showcasing Arizona flavors like the Desert Flower and a jalapeño-spiced margarita. Another dining option at Sanctuary is Table XII, a private dining room that accommodates up to 14 people with customized menus and kitchen views. James is thoughtful about Sanctuary’s culinary legacy and its future. “The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Elements restaurant and Jade Bar have always been known for bold flavors, over-the-top indulgence and world-class service,” he said. “The menu will be evolving as we bring in more local farms and purveyors to bring a piece of Arizona to Sanctuary. We will explore flavors from all over the globe, mostly inspired by my culinary journey.” To learn more, visit gurneysresorts.com/ scottsdale/dining . Photos courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 61 Game On! WHILE many restaurants and bars offer classic games like darts, ping pong and pool, a new trend is making waves — pickleball-themed venues, blending food, fun and sports. Chicken N Pickle , which has several locations across the U.S., opened its first Arizona location at Westgate in Glendale in August 2023, offering 11 pickleball courts, three bars, a variety of menu options and several other games. “Arizona is a natural fit for Chicken N Pickle with its great weather and the popularity of the sport here,” said general manager Jon Stone. Arizona ranks among the top 10 states for pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth. With 36.5 million players nationwide, pickleball has surged in popularity, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals. “Pickleball is very accessible and approachable,” said Stone. “It’s easy and quick to learn. People love coming to Chicken N Pickle because it gives them the opportunity to disconnect from electronics and there are lots of fun ways to be interactive throughout the venue.” Pickleball-themed restaurants redefine dining and entertainment In addition to the pickleball courts, the 2.5-acre facility features three bars and an open game yard with activities like ping pong, bocce ball and life-sized Jenga and Battleship. Menu options include shareable plates like smoked wings, chorizo queso and guacamole, alongside rotisserie chicken with a variety of seasonings, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Guests can enjoy beer, wine, signature cocktails and mocktails, as well as happy hour and weekend specials. Chicken N Pickle supports the local community through fundraising tournaments and offers different ways to give back to local nonprofits. “Supporting the local community is a big part of who we are,” Stone said. “We want to help those around us.” Another venue that combines pickleball, food and fun is Electric Pickle , which opened recently in Tempe. “People that play pickleball like to have fun. The sport has a social, infectious energy. Electric Pickle offers the ultimate entertainment environment with games, live music, TVs and, of course, great food and beverage,” said Paul Frederick, the founder and co- CEO of Electric Pickle. The menu features global comfort food, including pizza, Mexican street tacos and sushi, along with specialty cocktails. Architecture plays a big role in the Electric Pickle experience. “Electric Pickle is designed to feel like a resort and provide an escape,” Frederick said. “It’s nostalgic with bright colors and thoughtful detail throughout, as well as a variety of games that everyone can enjoy.” For more information, visit chickennpickle.com and electricpickle.com . Chicken N Pickle photos by Tim Fuchs