One of the West’s most spectacular rooftop settings will make its debut atop the ultra-luxurious The Global Ambassador, opening late 2023, as theà Mediterranean Rooftop sets the stage for restaurant innovator Sam Fox’s endeavor into inventive cocktails, shareable plates and exceptional fare inspired by the sun-soaked Mediterranean region.
In the shadow of Arizona’s famed Camelback Mountain, theà, which translates to the goddess of light, serves as a haven where guests will experience simple pleasures and extravagant moments sky high. With a stunning dining room that pours into the outdoors, three opulent bars and a sumptuous fireside lounge, the expansive indoor/outdoor restaurant will be unlike anything in the state.
There will be no better place to soak in a sunset during happy hour, enjoy a dreamy date night or indulge in a night out surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views and a lively vibe, full of wild simplicity, that only intensifies as the sun sets on the horizon.
“Incredible food has always helped define some of my most cherished memories. Italy, France and Greece have served as the settings for some of the best meals of my life and I not only want to capture the bright and bold flavors of the Mediterranean, but also the memories made there, which are almost always accentuated by lively music, communal gatherings with family and friends and being encapsulated in stunning surroundings,” said Fox, founder of Author & Edit Hospitality Group and developer of The Global Ambassador.
The menu explores the vast preparations of mezze, pasta and coastal seafood with dips, flatbreads, perfectly-prepared vegetables and marinated protein skewers. One of Fox’s favorites is sure to be The Spaghetti alla Nerano, inspired by a recent trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Other dishes include Charred Octopus, Shrimp Scorpio, Moroccan Roasted Carrots and Spanakorizo. Building on the hotel’s cheese program, a unique selection features Griddled Halloumi wrapped in grape leaf, Flaming Saganaki and Burrata di Bufala served with caramelized figs, blistered tomatoes and balsamic DOP. A rotating assortment of authentic dips like Hummus, Muhammara and Syros Pesto will be accompanied by warm puffed pitas. For the ultimate shareable moment, the Goddess of All Dips puts all of the delectable dips on display.
Théa’s cocktail program will be equally as rooted in fresh and house-made ingredients that combine the classic with the unexpected – think an olive oil-infused libation and, of course, a stellar Aperol Spritz. But the cocktails are not to be outdone by the state’s largest rosé collection, including Fox’s personal go-to sipper, RUMOR from Provence.
In order to help execute his vision for The Global Ambassador’s culinary offerings, Fox has appointed Eric Kim Haugen to the role of head of culinary creative. Haugen’s training includes the Michelin-starred The French Laundry, Cortez and One Market, along with stints as the opening chef de cuisine at Ocean House in Rhode Island, a triple Forbes Five Star property; executive chef at The Lambs Club in New York City; and culinary director of Zakarian Hospitality, where he oversaw notable projects at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, The MacArthur Palace Hotel in Sonoma County, California and the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. Haugen is also a regular on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” as well as the feature judge on “Big Restaurant Bet.”
“Working alongside Sam is a rare opportunity to collaborate with one of the industry’s most respected hospitality leaders,” said Haugen. “As my first venture in Arizona, I’m inspired by the tight-knit community of chefs and restaurateurs who are supportive of one another, but also have suppliers and craftspeople who are sourcing incredible products and goods. I love how diverse and interesting the food scene is in the Phoenix area and that the community has a very high dining IQ – they understand delicious food.”
Fox is pulling out all the stops as he approaches the opening of his debut hotel that will combine impressive hospitality, culinary and wellness into one perfectly curated destination inspired by his worldly travels. théa is one of five original dining experiences that will be overflowing with vibrant and diverse flavors. It joins the hotel’s signature Parisian brasserie, the casual French market and bistro, the poolside Mexican and Peruvian restaurant and the sophisticated private Members Club dining experience.
The Global Ambassador will combine a refined and elevated hospitality experience that is locally connected yet created through a global lens. Every detail of the well-appointed hotel has been meticulously poured over, studied and designed by Fox himself. The hotel is oriented around its plaza courtyard with a sprawling lawn accented with lush, verdant landscaping and inviting seating that encourages guests to relax and unwind.
The world-class amenity offering includes a Wellness Center complete with an expansive fitness level and luxurious spa where health, beauty and fitness experts will curate treatments and practices designed to put the mind and body in perfect balance. In addition, a private Members Club will take exclusivity to the next level, which will be the first of its kind in Arizona.
Sam Fox is developing The Global Ambassador with his trusted collaborator, business partner and friend Brian Frakes of Common Bond Development Group, a company known for its notable lifestyle development projects.
Author & Edit is the creation of restaurant innovator Sam Fox, who has developed a growing lineup of unique concepts found across the United States. Now, Fox embarks on a journey to design, develop and operate memorable hospitality experiences. The properties are authored with an extraordinary vision and meticulously edited to create offerings that are not only seen, but felt. What sets the company apart is not just in material, but in the culinary expertise, passion for local authenticity and subtle nuances that make up its collective story. Each Author & Edit property is an original; created through a global lens and connected to the diverse communities, cities and neighborhoods in which they reside. The company’s collection includes The Global Ambassador, an iconic hotel in the heart of Arcadia, where Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley converge, as well as the remarkable The Twelve Thirty Club at 5th and Broadway in Nashville.
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