Power Lunch: Relish the Moment

by Mike Hunter

What has become a classic and a must for lunch (and dinner, for that matter) is Relish Burger Bistro at The Phoenician Resort. This golf-course-view, second-story casual spot serves up arguably one of the best burgers in town.

With menu offerings that range from the classic American burger to the Kobe beef gourmet burger, Relish is aptly named. The pairings and the inventive burgers, from the True Blue (a gilled Kobe beef burger with cave-aged blue cheese and caramelized onions) to the Turkey Apple (house-ground turkey and apple burger with blue cheese, baby field greens, chopped maple pecans and shaved Wilcox apples), are why this comfy spot is a must. Other choices include The Cowboy, with fried onions, bacon, jalapenos, sharp cheddar and steak sauce, and the Atlantic Salmon, which is a house-ground salmon burger (yes, burger) topped with avocado, red onion, Arizona tomato, arugula and horseradish tartar sauce. Or diners can build their own with a Classic Burger base and their choice of multiple items to place on it. All arrive with tater tots and all are $16.

Sodas, shakes and floats are staples as well. No one can go without at least one ordered for the table (if not one per person). House-made sodas include ginger, orange and prickly pear. The locally sourced and brewed draft root beer is something else, as root beer fans from around the world call this ground zero for a root beer float.

The location itself is so relaxing and comfortable that it has become a destination whether one wants a burger or not. With one of North America’s largest tequila selections, 70 premium beers and the “adult” shakes, there is no reason not to spend some time after lunch enjoying the ambience with good company. The style and view are more “chic” or “high-end” than one may expect given that it’s a burger joint, but it is, after all, part of The Phoenician, and the gourmet angle on the food helps bring it all together for a perfect lunch with a client or an out-of-towner.