Hello! We've launched our monthly e-mail newsletter and we invite you to take a peek at the Dec 2009 issue. Subscribe now to get the January 2010 issue. :)

Joy’s birthday was last week and I wanted to give her something special. Joy got that something special, me. No, not like that, I proposed to her. Ring and all. In typical Gourmeted fashion, I made her a cake [Possibly posted later] with the question written on it. After a long pause and a ‘Are you Serious?,’ She said yes.

The dinner of her birthday was something to be special as well. She had hinted on T Cook’s of the Royal Palms here in Phoenix.  She said she heard about it from a few websites and friends that it is one of the more romantic dining spots in the Valley.  That’s a high standard to hold and I wanted her to remember her birthday forever.

We arrived to the resort half past 8 to a gorgeous driveway to the valet where I escorted Joy to the restaurant.  Taking in all the sights of the classic rustic ambiance that Phoenix was once known for having. The host held the door for us and led us to our table, located in the corner of the restaurant. As we sat down, the soft tones of a Jazz duet playing from the bar on the other side of the restaurant.

After absorbing the intimate appearance of the place, our waiter presented me with the wine list. It was a rather robust list and it contained a brief explaination of each bottle. Most places, I would need to ask about wines I had never heard about but I was able to make the perfect selection for us.

Then there is the meal. For the starter, Joy ordered the foie gras while I ordered a summer salad with watermelon and brie. I loved my little salad, it was light, crisp, and  and Joy savored her duck with a slice of cherry tart.  For the main course, Joy ordered the quail, the daily special, and I ordered the beef brisket with a cheese risotto that made for a flavorful gourmet mac and cheese. We shared off each other and the main courses both melted in your mouth! Definitely one of the greater meals we’ve ever had!

At the end, we put in our dessert order. We got the chocolate cake and when it came to the table, it had a chocolate writing impression of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” on it! It was perfect! Once that was devoured, our waiter gave us a jar of the pesto dipping sauce from the bread plate before the dinner.

We loved our experience at T Cook’s to celebrate Joy’s birthday and we will definately look forward to future celebrations. The restaurant definately keeps up to the claims of one of the most romantic locations of the Valley. Enjoy!