Let's Eat: Kai offers winter menu, fixed prices

Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has unveiled a seasonal menu, as well as a three-course dinner for $59 per person.

The "Kai Cares" menu features lettuce hand picked by local farmers and children of Gila Crossing School, grilled tenderloin of buffalo from the Cheyenne River Tribe and traditional fry bread from the Teachings of the Elders for dessert.

"It's important for us to relate to our local customer base, which has been such a part of our success since we've opened our doors," said Kristen Jarnagin, a spokesperson for the resort. "We can't ignore that people are struggling. We wanted to find a way to make it affordable in case people were taking a break from some of Kai's other options."

Jarnagin said the menu will be offered indefinitely through economic challenging times that everyone is facing.

"It's on there as long as it needs to be," Jarnagin said.

In addition to the "Kai Cares" program, the restaurant has also announced its winter menu with items such as potpourri of ancient Pima tribal herbs and plants dancing with Chippewa walleye, as well as big game loin of Rocky Mountain elk. Also, an overwhelming demand for the Wood Grilled TOCA (Tohono O'odham Community Action) Squash Puree has prompted its return to the menu.

"The buffalo was so popular that our chefs decided to add elk to the menu," Jarnagin said. "It's served up like a fillet and has the rich texture of beef; it's not gamey like most people would expect elk to be."

Jarnagin said the new dishes provide that very earthy flavor Kai is known for.

Day Boat Scallops are now served with Puffed Pillows of Sea Urchin and prepared with piquillo pepper and smoked paprika fondue. Menu staples such as the Bone-In New York Strip and the Pan Seared Colorado Lamb Loin make a popular appearance on the new menu as well.

Kai was recently named the "Valley's Best Restaurant," according to the 2009 Zagat guide and is the only AAA Five Diamond dining experience in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

Kai is open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are strongly encouraged and the dress code discourages denim and prohibits shorts and hats. For reservations, call (602) 385-5726.

For more resort information, visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com or call (602) 225-0100.