Bon Appetit
Restaurants at The Global Ambassador feature Sam Fox’s magic touch
By Nora Burba Trulsson
Photography courtesy of The Global Ambassador and Michael Baxter
It could be said that the heart of The Global Ambassador is the hotel’s lineup of culinary offerings. Founder and restaurateur Sam Fox was hands-on in the development of the five food and beverage options, from menu development to making sure the back of the house operated efficiently. Working with interior designer Judith Testani, Fox ensured that each restaurant was unique, yet flowed with the hotel’s global concept.
Just inside the entrance, it’s the Lobby Bar and not the front desk that takes center stage. With moody lighting and a low, patterned metal ceiling, the ambiance is warm and relaxing—evocative of grand hotels in New York or Europe. Cushioned armchairs, round cafe tables and curvaceous barstools invite guests to gather and linger over a glass of wine or a basil and ginger cocktail and choose from an all-day menu of bar foods. For those who want a bit of daylight, the bar also opens up onto the landscaped patio, where woven French bistro chairs, cushioned wrought iron furniture and custom benches provide seating.
Adjacent to the Lobby Bar is Le Âme, the hotel’s main restaurant, patterned after a Parisian steakhouse. With energy emanating from the open kitchen set at the back of the room, the restaurant gets its warmth from rich tones, a coffered, patterned ceiling, arched grilles atop mirrors, curving booth seating and a wood floor. To one side, a private dining room is a glassed-in jewel box, overlooking the patio. Serving classic fare like steak au poivre and French onion soup, Le Âme is also open for breakfast, lunch and brunch.
Across from Le Âme on the main level is Le Market, inspired by Left Bank institutions like Café de Flore, where writers and artists gather to discuss culture. With a collection of round bistro tables and rattan chairs, as well as bar seating, the mood is further enhanced with deep green walls and vintage photographs of Parisian street scenes. Outdoor seating allows guests to people-watch the goings on at the hotel’s entrance. The menu transitions from coffee and pastries in the morning to fromage and wine as the afternoon progresses.
Set next to the pool, the indoor-outdoor Pink Dolphin is named for the legendary Amazon River aquatic mammal and features a Latin-inspired menu for breezy lunches and afternoon noshes. Offerings include fresh juice-based cocktails, Peruvian ceviche, tacos and more.
Arguably the most unique restaurant at The Global Ambassador is Théa Mediterranean Rooftop, located (yes) atop the hotel. With dead-on views of landmark Camelback Mountain on one side and downtown Phoenix on the other, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor bars and seating, as well as a private event space. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the views indoors, while outside, casual but elegant seating areas are defined by planters brimming with botanicals, courtesy of Berghoff Design Group. Open for dinner and brunch, the menu travels the Mediterranean with choices like flaming saganaki, charred octopus and Moroccan roasted carrots.